AGP Executive Report

Dakota Access Pipeline settlement: North Dakota will recover nearly $38 million from the federal government for 2016-17 DAPL protest costs, including a $27.8 million reimbursement tied to the final settlement, plus a previously secured $10 million payment. Healthcare in the Lake Region: Devils Lake hospital marked its completed transition to Altru Health System with a ribbon-cutting and community celebration, with Sen. John Hoeven praising the region’s push to improve local care. Rural health recognition: Jamestown Regional Medical Center quality and risk manager Jenna Bredahl received the Outstanding Rural Health Professional Award at the 2026 Rural Health Awards banquet. Ag and education updates: Sen. John Hoeven highlighted federal funding for a new Twining Elementary and Middle School at Grand Forks Air Force Base and convened local leaders on Lake Region healthcare access. Community events: The International Peace Garden announced summer plans, including a new café opening June 15 and a major summer celebration Aug. 8. Tourism watch: A new report says North Dakota tourism dipped in 2025, driven by a sharp drop in Canadian travel, though some 2026 gains are showing.

Data Centers & Local Control: A North Dakota Monitor piece argues state officials dismiss data-center concerns as “misinformation,” while critics say locals are being sidelined as tech firms expand. Healthcare in the Lake Region: Devils Lake marked its hospital’s completed transition to Altru Health System with a ribbon-cutting and community celebration. Agriculture Community: North Dakota CattleWomen celebrated 75 years and held its state convention, voting on new bylaws and a refreshed logo plan. Tourism Watch: A new report says fewer Canadian visits are dragging North Dakota tourism, with 2025 total visitors down 2.6% and Canadian border crossings down 24%. Ag Education: NDSU’s Carrington Research Extension Center will host a Crop Management Field School on June 24. Community Events: Valley City’s Bridges Arts Council brings back the Original Buffalo Alice Band for Music in the Park on June 17. Local Politics: North Dakota’s June 9 primary saw GOP and local races, including a high-profile House contest where Julie Fedorchak won. Retirement Trend: A national story highlights older Americans spending more of retirement life online, including in rural North Dakota.

Data Center Pushback: A North Dakota Monitor report says state officials are dismissing local concerns about AI data centers as “misinformation,” arguing county commissioners lack the tools to judge projects. Education Access: The North Dakota Center for Distance Education earned full AccredVEd accreditation for a six-year term, adding another quality check for K–12 virtual and blended learning. Healthcare Transition: Devils Lake marked the completion of its hospital’s transition to Altru Health System, with Sen. John Hoeven and community leaders praising the regional push to unify care. Ag Field School: NDSU’s Carrington Research Extension Center will host a Crop Management Field School June 24, with weed, crop growth, and nutrient sessions aimed at practical farm decisions. Tourism Watch: A new report finds North Dakota tourism dipped in 2025, driven by a sharp drop in Canadian travel, though park visits and some tourism spending rose early in 2026. Community & Culture: Valley City’s Bridges Arts Council will host the Original Buffalo Alice Band June 17, and Devils Lake’s hospital celebration highlights local civic momentum.

Pharmacy Access: A North Dakota reader’s concern echoes in Pennsylvania testimony: local pharmacies are closing, leaving “pharmacy deserts” where distance can become “life-threatening,” as lawmakers weigh a single Pharmacy Benefit Administrator model. Aging & Loneliness: A new look at social connection argues that everyday gatherings and small courtesies keep communities functioning—especially for older residents. Education Quality: The North Dakota Center for Distance Education earned full AccredVEd accreditation for six years, adding another quality stamp for statewide virtual learning. Medicaid Oversight: North Dakota HHS is tightening Medicaid provider revalidation and adding oversight starting this summer to reduce fraud and protect program integrity. DAPL Settlement: North Dakota will receive about $28M from the federal government to cover law enforcement and other protest costs from the Dakota Access Pipeline era, with state leaders calling it overdue. Agriculture & Markets: USDA cattle market updates include North Dakota feeder prices, while an irrigation study highlights potential to expand irrigation acreage and boost economic impact. Animal Health Threat: North Dakota is reminding owners about new World Screwworm requirements after detections in the U.S. Disaster Recovery: FEMA awarded $817,641 for North Dakota storm recovery, including repairs to power infrastructure and a University of Jamestown sports dome.

DAPL Fallout: North Dakota will receive about $28 million from the federal government to cover law enforcement and other protest costs tied to the Dakota Access Pipeline demonstrations in 2016-17, with Gov. Kelly Armstrong and Sen. Kevin Cramer calling it overdue reimbursement. School Meal Ballot: Lawmakers adopted a fiscal estimate for North Dakota’s free school meals ballot measure, projecting $124.3 million to $134.3 million every two years. Animal Health Watch: North Dakota officials reminded owners about new requirements after New World screwworm was confirmed in the U.S., with quarantine and movement rules in affected areas. Water & Irrigation: A new study highlighted potential to expand irrigation by 1.3 million acres, and separate federal action advanced funding changes for the Northwest Area Water Supply project. State Politics: Voters approved a single-subject rule for constitutional measures, limiting future ballot proposals to one subject. Local Health Care: Sanford took over the former CHI St. Alexius Minot Medical Plaza, planning a new Sanford Landmark Clinic opening in fall 2026.

Dakota Access Pipeline settlement: North Dakota will receive about $27.8 million (plus earlier DOJ money) to cover policing and related costs from the 2016-17 DAPL protests, with the federal government also dropping appeals and issuing an acknowledgment tied to the unrest. Water funding push: A Senate committee advanced legislation backed by Sen. John Hoeven to boost federal support for the Northwest Area Water Supply project, aiming to keep drought-resistant water work moving. Ballot rules change: Voters approved a single-subject limit for future North Dakota constitutional measures, giving the Secretary of State authority to judge whether petitions meet the rule. Public health access: North Dakota HHS announced $1.5 million for a mobile mammography unit to expand breast cancer screening in rural and underserved western areas. Animal health alert: After New World screwworm was confirmed in Texas, ND reminded owners about import documentation and extra requirements for animals coming from quarantine states. Rail safety: The NTSB pointed again to the need to replace flawed tank cars after a fiery North Dakota derailment highlighted how hazardous leaks can worsen disasters. Community & culture: Minot’s Vistas split a conference doubleheader with West Fargo, and local groups promoted events from a Discovery Center nostalgia fundraiser to summer programming at the confluence center.

Rail Safety: The NTSB says a fiery 2024 derailment near Bordulac, N.D., shows why railroads must replace flawed DOT-111 tank cars that can rupture and worsen crashes. DAPL Settlement: North Dakota will receive nearly $28 million from the federal government to cover policing costs from the 2016-17 Dakota Access Pipeline protests, with the DOJ acknowledging it “could have done more” to reduce impacts. Ethics Leadership: Acting chair Ron Goodman plans to retire from the North Dakota Ethics Commission, with Gov. Kelly Armstrong and legislative leaders set to interview finalists June 19. SNAP Help After Storms: North Dakota HHS says SNAP recipients who lost food in June power outages lasting more than four hours can apply for replacement benefits within 10 days. Local Government & Community: Minot voters approved a park district sales tax measure in Tuesday’s primary, and the Buffalo Zoo welcomed five black-and-white ruffed lemurs from Minot’s Roosevelt Park Zoo. Agriculture & Youth: NDSU Extension is running its Junior Crop Scout School for ages 12-18 across multiple North Dakota locations this summer.

SNAP Help After Storm Outages: North Dakota HHS says SNAP households that lost power for more than four hours can apply for replacement benefits after June storms, with claims due within 10 days and options to report by email, phone, mail, or local human service offices. Court Case in Minot: A Ward County man, Jarred Mack, faces multiple felony charges tied to an alleged attempt to bring a juvenile onto Minot Air Force Base, with prosecutors seeking to combine related cases. Primary Results and Turnout: Unofficial Ward County numbers show 8,059 voters at the polls Tuesday, and Minot’s park district sales tax measure passed after a near-miss last year. Tobacco Quit Week: North Dakota is promoting quitting this week, highlighting counseling and treatment options and reporting that many participants stay tobacco-free months later. Health Care Update: Essentia in Fargo now offers the Acessa radiofrequency procedure for uterine fibroids as an alternative to hormones or hysterectomy. Teacher Licensing Lawsuit: A Fargo private school and the Institute for Justice sued North Dakota in federal court over the state’s teacher licensing requirements for private school classrooms. Federal Judge Nominee Questioned: A North Dakota judge nominated to the 8th Circuit faced sharp questions from senators about whether judges should speak on political issues.

North Dakota Politics: Six incumbent North Dakota lawmakers lost in Tuesday’s Republican primary, including Rep. Jeff Hoverson and Rep. Bill Tveit, as Gov. Kelly Armstrong’s endorsements helped many backed candidates win. Fargo Leadership: Fargo elected Josh Boschee as mayor, with housing and downtown among his top priorities in the post-election interview. Public Safety/History: Construction crews near the North Dakota governor’s residence in Bismarck found human remains and coffin fragments; archaeologists say they’ve identified nine additional potential grave sites and next steps are expected in weeks. State Services: North Dakota HHS says SNAP replacement benefits are available for households that lost food due to June storm power outages, with reporting deadlines and verification rules. Health/Consumer Protection: Attorney General Brenna Bird announced a $4.87 million multistate settlement with GS Labs over overpriced and delayed COVID-19 tests, including restitution and reimbursements for North Dakotans. Culture/Community: Turtle Mountain’s Sky Chief Park trail bridge linkage project won a national Tom Petri Recreational Trails Program accessibility award.

Maine Senate primary fallout: Graham Platner won the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate with 72% of the vote, setting up a November rematch against Republican Sen. Susan Collins—while Democrats try to move past fresh controversy baggage. North Dakota local elections: Minot voters kept Mayor Mark Jantzer in office and elected Stephan Podrygula, John MacMartin and Eric Locken to the City Council. Grand Forks County Commission: Tony Hodny and Mitch McCoy advanced to November after winning the GOP primary for the unexpired two-year seat. Grand Forks City Council recount: Rebecca Osowski and Ryan King finished a Ward 2 race separated by two votes, triggering a recount. State House primary: Connie Osowski won the GOP primary in House District 42, while incumbent Eric Murphy lost in District 43. U.S. House race: Rep. Julie Fedorchak won North Dakota’s GOP primary and heads to the general election. Community & culture: A new Founders’ Museum exhibit opened at the North Dakota Capitol, and Bismarck’s Capitol “NORTH DAKOTA” flowers are set to be planted later this week. Health alert: A Salmonella outbreak tied to moringa supplements has expanded to 119 cases across 36 states, including North Dakota.

North Dakota Primary Day: Voters in North Dakota head to the polls Tuesday, with Republican U.S. Rep. Julie Fedorchak facing a primary rematch against former foreign service officer Alex Balazs, plus a statewide constitutional “single subject” ballot measure. Election Process Watch: A national look at why some states finish counts fast while others take days, as more Americans vote early or by mail. Rural Connectivity: Integrity Technologies Corp. and World Mobile announced a collaboration aimed at expanding reliable telecom for rural communities and tribal lands, combining fiber backhaul with last-mile wireless. AI Data Center Buildout: Applied Digital is raising $1.59 billion in senior secured notes to expand its Polaris Forge 1 AI campus in Ellendale, adding 150 MW of IT load capacity. Medicaid Enforcement: New York AG Letitia James and partners secured $36.5 million from CVS over Medicaid insulin overbilling—part of a broader crackdown on health-care fraud. Agriculture & Conservation: NFWF announced nearly $18.5 million in Great Plains grassland grants to support ranching communities and wildlife habitat. Local Culture: Dakota Pro Musica will revive “Esther, the Beautiful Queen” with performances in Richardton, Bismarck, and Valley City June 12-14.

North Dakota Primary Day: Voters across the state head to the polls Tuesday, June 9, with a full slate of races including the U.S. House GOP primary between Alex Balazs and Julie Fedorchak, plus contests for attorney general, agriculture commissioner, and the Public Service Commission. Williston Local Elections: Williston’s ballot includes city commission, municipal judge, park board seats, and countywide races that could shape local leadership for the next term. Early Voting Surge: Nearly 50,000 North Dakotans have already submitted ballots, with Cass County driving turnout—Secretary of State Michael Howe points to the Fargo mayoral race as a major factor. SNAP Restrictions: North Dakota is among states moving to limit what SNAP recipients can buy, with new rules targeting items like soda, candy, and certain prepared desserts. Education Leadership: North Dakota Superintendent Levi Bachmeier appointed Amanda Peterson as deputy superintendent at the Department of Public Instruction. Local Government Projects: Grand Forks City Council gave preliminary approval to a consultant for the Alerus Center indoor LED scoreboard project. Community & Culture: Fort Buford State Historic Site marks its 160th anniversary with free hands-on activities and demonstrations. Severe Weather Aftermath: Residents in Garrison surveyed damage after Sunday’s storm, including high wind gusts and property impacts.

AI Power Buildout: Nixxy (NASDAQ: NIXX) says it signed a letter of intent with Tachyon9 to pursue a publicly traded AI infrastructure and power platform anchored by a North Dakota hyperscale campus in Williston, targeting up to 1 gigawatt of generation and a $5B GPU deployment plan. SNAP Rules: A new round of SNAP restrictions on “non-nutritious” items is rolling out in multiple states, including North Dakota, with state-by-state limits on things like soda and candy. Bankruptcy in Fargo: Jade Presents, LLC filed for Chapter 11 in North Dakota after shutting down, listing about $393,000 in assets and nearly $2.9M in liabilities; a court hearing is set for June 12. Education Leadership: North Dakota Superintendent Levi Bachmeier appointed Amanda Peterson deputy superintendent of the Department of Public Instruction. North Dakota Primary Watch: Tuesday’s North Dakota primary includes a race for the U.S. House seat (Julie Fedorchak seeking a second term) and a constitutional amendment proposal; Fargo voters also choose a new mayor. Energy/Utilities Politics: Public Service Commissioner Jill Kringstad is seeking reelection in the June 9 Republican primary, campaigning on utility affordability and data center growth. Community & Culture: The Barnes County Museum opens the North Dakota 33rd Junior Duck Stamp Art Exhibit through June 30.

Redistricting Watch: A new wave of redistricting is moving beyond Congress and could reach statehouses and even city councils, with Georgia’s GOP-led Legislature set to convene June 17 for 2028 redistricting that may also touch state House, Senate, and possibly the utility regulatory commission—after a Supreme Court shift weakened minority voting protections. Coal Funding Push: President Trump is using wartime powers to steer $700 million toward coal-fired plants and related projects, including keeping facilities online in North Dakota and other states, while critics call it a boost for the dirtiest energy. Tribal Legal Fight: Nine Native tribes in South Dakota, North Dakota, and Nebraska are suing to stop exploratory graphite drilling near a sacred Black Hills meadow used for ceremonies and youth camps. Public Safety Training: Mayville Fire and Rescue is raising money for a regional firefighter training facility, aiming to reduce travel costs and bring more hands-on training closer to eastern North Dakota. Veterans Milestone (History): A 1960 report highlighted North Dakota’s veteran population topping 72,000.

Coal Funding Push: The Trump administration is channeling nearly $700 million into the U.S. coal industry using wartime powers, including $425 million for 13 existing coal plants that include North Dakota, plus grants for new builds and a California export terminal. Tribal Legal Fight: Nine Native American tribes, including from North Dakota, are suing to stop exploratory graphite drilling near a sacred Black Hills site, arguing federal agencies violated law and that the project threatens wildlife and ceremonial use. Regional Fire Training: Mayville Fire and Rescue is raising $6 million to build a regional training facility so firefighters can train locally instead of traveling to Minot’s state fire school. Medicaid Billing Spike: In Minot, Medicaid payments under “Temporary National Codes (Non-Medicare)” jumped 54.8% in 2024, reaching about $832,861. Local Politics & Voting: Early voting is up in Stutsman County for the June 9 primary, with Jamestown reporting 671 early voters through Thursday. Agriculture Safety: Western North Dakota youth ages 13–16 wrapped up a 3-day farm safety camp in Dickinson focused on tractor, livestock, emergency response, and first-aid training. Pipeline Hearings: A FERC scoping meeting in Jamestown drew light turnout as the Bakken East Pipeline project gathers public input on route and land-recovery concerns.

Coal Boost in the Bakken and Beyond: The Trump administration is set to push nearly $700M into the U.S. coal industry using Cold War-era Defense Production Act powers, including $425M for 13 existing coal plants that list North Dakota among the beneficiaries, plus $75M aimed at a California export terminal. Pipeline Protest Fallout: A Dutch court ruled Greenpeace can pursue its case in the Netherlands tied to Dakota Access Pipeline protests, keeping a major legal fight alive even after a prior $345M ruling against Greenpeace in North Dakota. Housing Pressure: North Dakota’s homeownership rate keeps sliding, down to 61.2% in 2024, while a separate report highlights affordability concerns as prices and shortages squeeze renters and would-be buyers. Farm Safety for Teens: NDSU Extension and 4-H held a Youth Farm Safety Camp in Dickinson for ages 13–16, teaching tractor, livestock, ATV, first aid, and “Stop the Bleed” skills. Local Election Watch: Early voting is underway in Stutsman County ahead of the June 9 primary, with turnout already higher than prior primary elections. FERC on Bakken East: A FERC scoping meeting in Jamestown drew limited turnout as the agency gathered landowner concerns about the proposed Bakken East Pipeline route through Stutsman County. Agriculture Data Modernization: North Dakota is among the first states to use an upgraded Farm Service Agency system that scans crop acreage maps to speed up reporting for federal programs. AI and Daily Life: A new report says advanced AI is improving facial recognition accuracy, raising fresh concerns as the tech spreads into airports and public venues.