AGP Executive Report

Medicaid spending watch: New federal data show local Medicaid bills rising in North Dakota—Jamestown’s “Surgery” claims hit $6,038 in 2024 (+17.4%), Grand Forks “Temporary Codes” reached $3,051 (+37.9%), Harvey “Medicine Services and Procedures” climbed to $3,140 (+30%), Devils Lake “Temporary Codes” jumped to $5,644 (+394.2%), and Mandan “Medicine Services and Procedures” rose 29.9% to $599,020. Childcare policy: North Dakota’s Working Parents Child Care Relief Program, which helped subsidize childcare costs for working families, is set to end in September. Data centers and AI debate: A legislative committee meets Monday with public comment on AI and data center impacts, while a Harwood forum highlighted calls for transparency and a possible moratorium on new data center permits. Ag economy: Constellation Brands announced a $100 million, five-year investment to support barley farmers across Montana, Idaho, and North Dakota. Fraud tracker: Cando tied for 6th among ND cities in July scam reports, with two BBB Scam Tracker reports. Sports: NDSU’s FBS debut paid off—North Dakota State routed Jacksonville State 33-7 in the Fargodome.

Data Centers & Local Control: Rep. Julie Fedorchak says North Dakota should keep permitting decisions local, pushing for transparency on noise, roads, and energy impacts as data center projects like one near Mandan move forward. AI & Government Scrutiny: A Legislative Research Council brief warns that AI tools can “hallucinate” on legal questions, raising concerns about using AI in government guidance. Legislature Special Session: Lawmakers head back to Bismarck for a special session aimed at restricting kratom and synthetic drugs, with public comment starting Tuesday. Public Health & Rural Access: A new analysis warns rural hospital obstetrics closures could mean much longer drives for Medicaid patients seeking inpatient maternity care. Child Care Funding Ends: A pilot program helping working ND families with childcare costs is set to expire in September, ending subsidies for hundreds of families. Agriculture & Investment: Constellation Brands plans $100M over five years to support U.S. farmers growing barley, hops, and other ingredients, including purchases in North Dakota. Invasive Species: Emerald ash borer has been confirmed in Bismarck, triggering quarantine steps to slow spread. Mobile Health Care: Fargo-area company Bison Imaging is bringing portable X-ray services to patients who can’t easily travel.

NDSU & Rural Health: North Dakota lawmakers head into another special session in Bismarck, with public testimony set and kratom/synthetic drug restrictions on the agenda, alongside a funding fix for a military museum project. Public Safety & Health Care Access: A new Fargo-area company, Bison Imaging, is bringing mobile X-ray services to patients who struggle to travel, aiming to cut down on ER trips for imaging. AI & Data Centers: The Legislature’s AI and Data Center committee meets Monday with public comment, as Harwood-area residents and officials debate impacts from Applied Digital’s planned data center build. Agriculture & Economy: Constellation Brands says it will invest $100M over five years to boost U.S. farmer profitability, including additional purchases from North Dakota growers. Environment: Emerald ash borer has been detected in Bismarck, triggering quarantine steps and renewed warnings about moving ash wood. Civic Life: The Valley Prosperity Partnership, a long-running Red River Valley collaboration, is disbanding after members say it achieved its original goals.

Kratom Crackdown: North Dakota lawmakers are heading back to Bismarck for a second special session this year, starting Wednesday, with public testimony Tuesday and a focus on restricting kratom and synthetic products tied to overdoses and deaths. State Budget Debate: A new “Plain Talk” segment argues North Dakota is running a “structured deficit,” spending more than it collects in the general fund while relying on reserves. Rural Health Access: A new KFF analysis warns that more rural hospital obstetrics closures could mean long drives for Medicaid patients seeking inpatient maternity care. Tech & Education Policy: The North Dakota University System lifted its TikTok ban on university devices after updated cybersecurity and ownership changes. Local Business/Healthcare: Bison Imaging is bringing mobile X-ray services to Fargo-area communities to reduce travel for patients needing diagnostics. Invasive Species: Emerald ash borer has been detected in Bismarck, triggering a quarantine and restrictions on ash wood movement. Meta Settlement Fallout: North Dakota’s higher-profile Meta child-safety settlement news continues to roll out nationwide, with states receiving major payments and requiring platform changes. Agriculture & Labor: A court order forces the U.S. Department of Labor to redo H-2A adverse effect wage rate calculations, creating uncertainty for agricultural employers.

SNAP Rules Roll Out: South Carolina’s SNAP junk-food limits start Aug. 31 and North Dakota’s begin Sept. 1, banning purchases like soda, energy drinks, and candy—though ND’s start was later pushed to Nov. 1 after a federal court fight over similar restrictions. Trade Pressure on ND: With Canada withdrawing from talks and both sides hitting each other with 50% tariffs, North Dakota’s export economy is bracing—Canada takes about 80.6% of ND exports. Defense Tech in ND: U.S. lawmakers and the Pentagon showcased drone and counter-drone testing at GrandSky, with North Dakota positioned as a key proving ground. Higher Ed Policy Shift: North Dakota’s university system rescinded its TikTok ban on campus devices, aligning with state changes after federal and ownership updates. Food Safety Alert: FDA recalled chocolate-dipped mini doughnuts sold in North Dakota due to possible undeclared milk. Local Economy & Fraud: Dickinson tied for top scam reports among ND cities in July, while a new HOA deal links Continental Resources with Mercuria for Argentina’s Vaca Muerta.

Education & Rural Schools: U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon toured Bismarck State College, Sweet Briar School, and the Southwest Area CTE Academy in Dickinson, highlighting local control and career-focused training. Higher Ed Policy: North Dakota’s higher education board rescinded its TikTok ban for university devices after updated federal actions and cybersecurity reviews, aligning with the governor’s earlier move. Defense & Tech in ND: The Army tested drone-killing and counter-drone systems at GrandSky and Camp Grafton as part of T-REX, while the Army also sought vendors for an unmanned ground vehicle demo at Camp Grafton. Trade & Agriculture: North Dakota warned that Canada tariff retaliation could put 80% of state exports at risk, with businesses bracing for fallout. SNAP Rules Delayed: ND postponed the planned ban on buying soda and candy with SNAP benefits to Nov. 1 after a federal court challenge and USDA process concerns. Food Safety: FDA issued a recall for chocolate-dipped mini doughnuts sold in ND stores due to undeclared milk. Local Governance: Rugby’s city council is asking residents to fill out flood damage assessment forms to guide disaster response and possible fee relief. Health Care Model: ND’s Rough Rider High Value Network is being touted as a national model for independent rural hospitals improving care and costs without merging into big systems.

Drought Relief for Livestock: North Dakota’s drought fight got a boost as the State Water Commission approved an extra $2 million for the Disaster Livestock Water Supply Project Assistance Program, after demand surged with more than 220 applications in a week; Gov. Kelly Armstrong also expanded eligibility statewide. Water & Power Costs: The North Dakota Public Service Commission approved a short-term electric rate increase for Montana-Dakota Utilities, with a typical residential bill up about $12.90 per month (12.3%) while a larger request is still under review. Wheat Harvest Update: Northern Plains spring wheat harvest is moving fast, with USDA reporting 62% harvested in major states and early North Dakota quality tests showing strong protein and milling characteristics. Meta Child-Safety Fallout: A sweeping multistate Meta settlement over Instagram/Facebook child safety is driving national policy pressure, with North Dakota regulators and lawmakers watching how reforms and enforcement could ripple into tech oversight. Data Center Debate: North Dakota’s data center tax breaks are under scrutiny as state reports show sales tax exemptions for data center equipment jumping sharply, while residents continue raising concerns at local town halls. Business in the Basin: Callan Power is buying Williston Basin non-operated oil and gas assets, expanding its North Dakota/Montana production footprint. Education & Community: UND held a virtual town hall on campus planning and AI guidance, while Fargo’s Street Light Gallery continues to spotlight NDSU student art in downtown.

Drought Relief for Livestock: The North Dakota Water Commission approved an extra $2 million for the Disaster Livestock Water Supply Project Assistance Program, bringing total state funding to $4 million after more than 220 applications poured in and money was set to run out. Gov. Kelly Armstrong expanded eligibility statewide, not just the most severely drought-hit counties. Utility Rates: The Public Service Commission okayed a short-term electric rate bump for Montana-Dakota Utilities, raising a typical home bill by about $12.90 per month (12.3%) while a bigger case heads toward hearings in 2027. Data Center Scrutiny: A legislative panel heard that ND sales tax breaks for data centers have surged—from $5.4M (2021) to $7.8M (2023), then to $15.3M (2024) and over $65M last year—fueling public concern. Child Safety Lawsuit Fallout: Meta agreed to a multistate $17.1B settlement over alleged teen social media addiction, with sweeping changes for Facebook and Instagram; ND is among the states involved. Invasive Species Update: Emerald ash borer was detected in Bismarck, adding Burleigh County to quarantined counties and raising stakes for the Fargo-Moorhead area.

Big Tech Accountability: Utah and a multistate coalition say Meta must overhaul Instagram and Facebook for kids, with proposed penalties up to $17.1B and strict limits like nighttime blocking and daily time caps. North Dakota Business & Growth: Gevo expanded executive roles tied to commercial execution and its North Dakota expansion, signaling a push to scale projects. Public Safety & Justice: In Minot, a North Dakota couple faces charges after police allege they encased an infant’s remains in concrete and kept them in a closet; Texas authorities are investigating the death. Election Watch: States are preparing legal fights over new mail-ballot restrictions after a Supreme Court move added uncertainty for voters and election officials. Community & Culture: Fargo’s Marge’s Supper Club reopens with a more adult, moodier “supper club” vibe in a new downtown location. State Remembrance: Gov. Armstrong ordered flags at half-staff statewide through Sept. 1 in memory of Dolly Parton.

Business Expansion: North Dakota-born FORTÉ is making a big global move, acquiring Vega Global and adding 750 employees plus offices across APAC and beyond. Agriculture & Food Prices: North Dakota cattle producers say Trump’s tariff-free beef plan is already squeezing local markets and adding uncertainty, even as the administration promises cheaper meat for consumers. Public Safety: Prosecutors say an active Texas investigation is underway into the death of a child allegedly brought to Minot; Craig and Sarah Kerzmann face felony charges tied to failure to report and alleged concealment. State Policy & Energy: The North Dakota Industrial Commission approved $205 million in loans for carbon capture at the Milton R. Young Station, with Bank of North Dakota financing split between Minnkota and Reliant. Local Industry: Wishek Sausage is building a new production facility to expand from local demand to grocery stores statewide, aiming for wider Midwest reach in 2027. Health Care: CMS data shows North Dakota ED wait times averaging about 115 minutes, with national pressure to cut long waits.

NDSU & AI: North Dakota State University unveiled a new $4 million AI supercomputer, “Bison,” plus an AI-focused Honors College and an experimental “Horizon” system for graduate research this fall. Higher Ed & Nuclear Jobs: NDSU also launched a nuclear engineering certificate program to prepare students for growing demand in clean energy, defense, health care, and national security. Public Health: Federal investigators published a distribution map for recalled alfalfa sprouts that lists only two states, even as illnesses tied to the product have been reported in 15 states, including North Dakota—officials say the distribution picture may still be incomplete. Childcare Costs: A federal childcare subsidy program for working North Dakota families is set to expire soon, leaving parents to cover more costs as funding runs out. Agriculture & Fuel Markets: A North Dakota roundtable backed year-round E15, arguing it would strengthen corn demand and add jobs. State Politics & Governance: Grand Forks City Council gave preliminary approval to incentives for a new restaurant venture in the Renaissance Zone, including a state income tax exemption and a liquor license transfer. Trade & Ranching: North Dakota leaders criticized a Trump tariff-free beef import plan, warning it could undercut local ranchers and domestic supply. Cybersecurity: North Dakota HHS reported a phishing-related breach that may have exposed protected health information for people receiving developmental disability services.

Local Economic Development: Grand Forks City Council gave preliminary approval to a new Franklin on Fourth restaurant venture, including a Renaissance Zone lease/leaseholder improvement incentive and a transfer of a Class 4 alcohol license, with construction targeted to start by Oct. 1 and finish by March 1, 2027. Education & Workforce: NDSU is launching a nuclear engineering certificate program this fall to prepare students for growing nuclear energy job demand. Food Safety: Federal health officials say an alfalfa sprouts outbreak tied to Everything Sprouts has sickened people in 15 states, including North Dakota, with cases involving E. coli and salmonella; additional recalls are underway as investigations continue. Cybersecurity & Health Privacy: North Dakota HHS disclosed a phishing-related breach that may have exposed protected health information for people receiving developmental disability services. Energy & Land Rights: Groups and landowners, including in North Dakota, are pushing back on Interior oil and gas rule changes that reduce bonding and shorten notice/comment for split-estate owners. Agriculture & Trade: North Dakota leaders sharply criticized Trump’s tariff-free beef import plan, warning it could undercut ranchers and domestic supply. Public Safety: A crash south of Fargo killed a Christine man after a BMW fleeing law enforcement struck his vehicle.

Farm Bill Watch: North Dakota Sen. John Hoeven says the Senate farm bill is likely to return to the Agriculture Committee in September after a tied committee vote stalled progress, with SNAP policy still the biggest sticking point. Food Safety: Everything Sprouts recalled alfalfa sprouts tied to a multistate E. coli and Salmonella outbreak that has sickened 55 people in 15 states, including North Dakota; officials say four hospitalizations occurred and no deaths so far. Drought & Agriculture: Gov. Kelly Armstrong declared a drought emergency, while Minnesota reports large areas in severe drought—raising concerns for Northern Plains crops and livestock. Childcare Funding: A federal childcare subsidy that helps working North Dakota families is set to expire in September, putting hundreds of families at risk of losing support. Beef Prices & Ranchers: Trump’s plan to temporarily allow large volumes of imported ground beef is drawing pushback from ranching-state Republicans, including North Dakota producers warning it could undercut efforts to rebuild the herd. State Politics: Lawmakers will hold a second special session in a year in Bismarck, expected to cost taxpayers more than $200,000, to consider a small set of bills including kratom regulations.

Food Safety: Federal and state health officials are investigating a multistate outbreak tied to alfalfa sprouts from Everything Sprouts LLC, linked to 55 illnesses across 15 states, including North Dakota. The FDA says the recall covers specific lot numbers and products (including plain sprouts plus Crunchy Protein and Zesty Garlic mix cups) sold from May 27 to Aug. 21; consumers are urged to throw them out and sanitize any surfaces. State Government: North Dakota lawmakers are set for a second special session in a year in Bismarck on Sept. 2, expected to cost taxpayers more than $200,000, to consider five bills including kratom regulations. Agriculture & Prices: Trump’s 90-day plan to allow tariff-free imports of up to 300,000 metric tons of ground beef is drawing pushback from ranchers, including North Dakota producers who warn it could undercut a rebuilding U.S. cattle herd. Public Safety & Health: North Dakota’s drought response is expanding, with livestock water assistance activated as dry conditions worsen. Local Watch: Bismarck reported seven scam reports in July, the most among North Dakota cities tracked by BBB Scam Tracker.

Food Safety: Federal health officials say an alfalfa sprout outbreak linked to Minnesota-based Everything Sprouts LLC has sickened 55 people across 15 states, including North Dakota (2 cases). The FDA reports 46 cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, 7 Salmonella cases, and 2 with both; four people are hospitalized and there are no deaths. Recall Alert: The company has issued a recall for specific Everything Sprouts and Calco alfalfa sprout lots (plus certain Crunchy Protein and Zesty Garlic mix cups). Consumers are urged not to eat the products and to throw them away and sanitize any surfaces they may have touched. State Government: North Dakota lawmakers will return for a second special session on Sept. 2, with costs estimated at more than $200,000, to consider five bills after a January session that already addressed federal Rural Health Transformation Program grant planning and other items. Agriculture & Safety: With drought-stressed crops and dry conditions, North Dakota is seeing heightened combine-fire risk during harvest; NDSU Extension is urging strict equipment maintenance and fire-prevention checks.

Beef Policy Clash: Trump’s 90-day, tariff-free import plan for up to 300,000 metric tons of ground beef is drawing pushback from GOP lawmakers and North Dakota ranchers, who warn the “quick fix” could undercut U.S. producers already squeezed by drought and a tight cowherd. Food Safety Alert: Federal and state health officials are investigating a multistate E. coli and Salmonella outbreak tied to alfalfa sprouts distributed by Minnesota’s Everything Sprouts LLC; 55 people in 15 states are sick, including cases reported in North Dakota, with FDA urging consumers to avoid recalled sprouts. State Sports & Rules: After an executive order from Gov. Kelly Armstrong, NDHSAA has moved to prohibit kratom for students. Energy & Infrastructure: Tallgrass announced an open season for incentive tariff rates on the Pony Express Pipeline for crude oil transportation commitments. Drought Response: North Dakota declared a drought emergency and activated a livestock water assistance program. Local Governance: A Little Falls city council tabled a $50,000 contribution request for more details on a planned public art installation. Public Safety Training: NDSU Extension is rolling out suicide prevention webinars for people in agriculture, plus ongoing rural first-aid and farm safety efforts.