AGP Executive Report

Drought Watch: Gov. Armstrong declared a statewide drought emergency, activating livestock water help and triggering county and tribal orders as dry conditions persist. Local Governance: In Stanley Township, residents voted 89-2 to remove chair Kevin Biffert over alleged conflict-of-interest concerns tied to a zoning change for a concrete plant. Elections & Civic Life: North Dakotans in multiple towns cast write-in votes because no candidates appeared on June ballots, including mayoral races in more than 20 communities. Energy & Industry: Minnkota Power Cooperative is trying to revive its carbon capture effort by partnering with Reliant, with Industrial Commission approval needed; Cirrus also expanded in Grand Forks, adding 30,000+ square feet for aircraft composite production. Agriculture & Markets: Lawmakers and ag leaders are pushing for more certainty in trade policy as Ambassador Julie Callahan and Rep. Julie Fedorchak met with North Dakota producers on tariffs and market access. Public Safety & Health: North Dakota’s kratom crackdown continues as officials warn about risks tied to 7-OH, while a separate national story highlights Ohio tightening gender-marker changes on driver licenses. Workforce & Education: NSF awarded Williston State College $373,701 to build a STEM pipeline for Bakken-region energy and IT jobs.

Drought Response: Gov. Kelly Armstrong declared a statewide drought emergency and activated North Dakota’s Livestock Water Supply Project Assistance Program, making up to $2 million available for new water projects, with cost-share help up to $10,000 per project for producers. Water Fight: In Wahpeton, rural landowners and the Dakota Resource Council are asking the state to reconsider a dismissed challenge tied to a planned 12,500-head dairy and potential impacts on the Wahpeton Buried Valley Aquifer. Workforce & Energy: NSF awarded Williston State College $373,701 to build a STEM pipeline for the Bakken, including training tied to electronic and industrial controls. Ag Trade & Fuel: North Dakota farm leaders pressed for more certainty as U.S. ag negotiators discussed tariffs and market access; separate coverage highlights momentum for year-round E15 to expand ethanol markets. Education & Kids: Armstrong appointed Conner Swanson to lead DHHS; the Children’s Cabinet released its annual report on coordinating services for children and families. Schools & Community: Three ND school districts earned national Cognia accreditation with merit. Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker reported one scam each in Garrison and other small-city reports, underscoring ongoing consumer losses.

Drought Relief for Livestock: Gov. Kelly Armstrong declared a statewide drought disaster and the State Water Commission activated a $2 million cost-share program to help ranchers fund new wells, rural water connections, pipeline extensions and pasture taps (up to 65% reimbursement, max $10,000 per project, three projects per producer). Water Infrastructure Funding: The Water Commission also approved more than $5.9 million for dam support and water projects statewide, including major awards for Pembina City and Northeast Rural Water District expansions. Carbon Capture Partnership: Minnkota Power Cooperative is reviving its Project Tundra carbon capture effort by adding Reliant Carbon Capture & Storage as a partner; the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority recommended $205 million in loans for the new setup. Autonomous Truck Pushback: As states write rules for driverless semis, Teamsters California sued North Dakota’s DMV counterpart in California over new autonomous vehicle regulations, arguing the economic impacts weren’t properly evaluated. Grand Forks Youth Assessment Center Funding: County leaders call the facility a “quasi-state” operation and ask the Legislature for ongoing funding help as property tax caps squeeze budgets. Military Gallery Funding Hopes: The State Historical Society says construction on the Military Gallery in Bismarck paused for lack of funds, and hopes a special session can unlock a path forward. Homelessness Talks in Grand Forks: Local nonprofits continue coordinating around downtown homelessness as the city’s earlier working group winds down but meets as needs arise. Spring Wheat Harvest: USDA data shows spring wheat harvest is moving fast in North Dakota and other major growing states, with ND ahead of last year’s pace. Kratom Special Session Momentum: Lawmakers appear to be converging on banning synthetic kratom while regulating natural products, ahead of upcoming legislative action. Flock License Plate Camera Protests: North Dakota groups joined national concerns about automated license plate readers, citing privacy and accuracy worries.

Drought Response: Gov. Kelly Armstrong declared a statewide drought disaster and activated North Dakota’s Drought Disaster Livestock Water Supply Project Assistance Program, with up to $2 million available for cost-share help on new wells, rural water connections, pipeline extensions, and pasture taps (up to 65% reimbursement, capped at $10,000 per project, and producers can apply for up to three projects). Water Infrastructure Funding: The State Water Commission approved more than $5.9 million for 12 projects statewide, including dam work, Medora’s new water storage reservoir, and Northeast Rural Water District expansion. Legislative Special Session: Lawmakers set the agenda for a Sept. 2 special session, including kratom regulation (age limits and a synthetic ban), a line of credit for the stalled Military Gallery, and a proposal to bar nondisclosure agreements for data centers and other large industrial developments through June 30, 2027. Local Governance & Community Life: Medora held “Newspaper Night” to spotlight local journalism, and a Richardton-area ranch marked 140 years of family farming and ranching. Tech & Public Safety: North Dakota’s first state agency request for TikTok access came after the governor lifted the ban on state-owned devices, aiming to boost tourism.

Special Session Watch: North Dakota lawmakers advanced kratom restrictions for a Sept. 2 special session, unanimously moving a synthetic ban (Schedule I) plus age limits and labeling for natural leaf products, while a data-center moratorium and a Medina shootout clemency push both failed to make the cut. Data Centers & Local Control: Minot’s planning commission cleared an ordinance steering future data centers into a specific industrial area near the airport, requiring conditional use permits for controls like noise and water use. Agriculture Under Drought Pressure: Rep. Julie Fedorchak urged USDA to extend the 15-day CRP haying removal deadline to 30 days, saying federal timelines don’t match conditions on the ground. Health Leadership: Gov. Kelly Armstrong appointed Conner Swanson to lead the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services starting Aug. 29. Housing Affordability: A new report says HUD spending hasn’t improved housing prices, with an “affordability gap” widening across states. STEM Education: Society for Science selected 100 educators for its 2026–2027 Advocate Program, funding $326,000 to expand student access to research and science competitions.

Special Session Watch: North Dakota lawmakers narrowed Sept. 2 special-session plans to just five bills after Legislative Management advanced six of 20 proposals, leaving out a clemency push for the 1983 Medina shootout convicts and other items including prediction-market and e-cigarette measures. Kratom Crackdown: The session will focus on kratom, with lawmakers advancing proposals to ban kratom products and derivatives or regulate natural kratom while blocking synthetics, after Gov. Kelly Armstrong ordered a statewide pull and called legislators back to write it into law. Health & Human Services Leadership: Gov. Armstrong appointed Conner Swanson to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, effective Aug. 29, succeeding interim commissioner Pat Traynor. Data Center Debate: A Fargo senator floated a one-year pause on new data center approvals and a ban on NDAs for public officials, while other coverage argues the industry is needed as AI demand grows. Consumer & Community: Minot ranked No. 2 in the state for scam reports in July, and Dickinson’s 37th annual Catfish Fry drew about 1,000 people despite rain.

Severe Weather Watch: Another round of damaging storms is set to hit the Midwest and Plains, with threats of high winds, hail, isolated tornadoes, and flash flooding risk. UND Hockey Tickets: UND hockey season tickets are sold out again, with a 98% renewal rate for 2026-27; single-game tickets go on sale Sept. 2. AI in Schools: North Dakota’s schools superintendent says lawmakers should regulate AI companies and chatbot access for kids—not ban AI in classrooms—emphasizing safety and company accountability. Clemency Fight: AG Drew Wrigley urged Sen. Jeff Magrum to withdraw a proposed clemency resolution tied to the 1983 Medina shootout. Public Health Leadership: Former Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney is set to return to government as Fargo Cass Public Health’s health officer, pending City Commission approval. Housing/Consumer Relief: North Dakota is getting a share of a $15.5M multistate settlement over improper force-placed insurance charges by mortgage servicer NewRez. Agriculture Safety & Forage: NDSU warns “baler hygiene” to prevent hay fires during dry conditions, and cautions that nitrate levels in drought-stressed forage can spike after rain. Energy/Business: Empire Petroleum reported Q2 2026 results and an operational update, including major gas compression upgrades.

Ag & Rural Life: North Dakota State University warns that after rain, nitrate levels in drought-stressed forage can spike 2–3 days later, and recommends 7–12 days of good growing conditions before grazing or hay harvest to reduce nitrate poisoning risk. State Culture & Events: The North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum hosted its first AgFest, featuring a petting zoo, tractor parade, ag exhibits, live music, and plans for bigger ND250 events including a late-October Halloween program and a January dinosaur event. Local Business: BoxLunch opened this weekend at Dakota Square Mall in Minot, described as the only North Dakota location for the pop-culture retailer and its largest store. Wildlife Management: North Dakota Game and Fish set 2026 small game, waterfowl and furbearer rules, including a new American marten trapping season statewide and updated goose and river otter season dates. Consumer Protection: North Dakota is part of a $15.5M multistate settlement with mortgage servicer NewRez over improper force-placed insurance charges, with ND’s share deposited into the state regulatory fund.

Consumer Protection: North Dakota is set to receive $54,756 from a $15.5 million multistate settlement with mortgage servicer NewRez over “force-placed” insurance charges, with the state citing $4.5 million in consumer harm and requiring enhanced monitoring. Wildlife & Hunting: ND Game and Fish released 2026 small game, waterfowl and furbearer rules, including a new duck/goose opener schedule, expanded marten trapping statewide, and a revised river otter season. State Government Leadership: Gov. Kelly Armstrong appointed Conner Swanson to lead the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, reshuffling top agency leadership. Energy & Infrastructure: Cirrus announced a 30,000-square-foot expansion at its Grand Forks facility, tying the growth to new jobs and manufacturing for future aircraft. Local Services & Safety: Grahams Island State Park ranger Ryan Nelson highlighted the year-round demands of keeping ND parks running. Public Safety Opinion: A Forum editorial pushed harder seat belt enforcement, arguing recent crash deaths show the habit can’t be treated as normal. Agriculture & Economy: A Farm Bill impasse is testing how lawmakers handle food-stamp cost disputes, with Sen. John Boozman’s approach under scrutiny.

North Dakota Game & Fish: The state set 2026 small game, waterfowl and furbearer rules, including duck/geese/coot/merganser opener for residents on Sept. 26 and nonresident waterfowl start Oct. 5, plus new limits for geese shooting hours and a first-time American marten season. Public Safety: A Fargo-area report says North Dakota water systems appear secure after Iranian-linked hacks hit utilities in Minnesota and South Dakota, with officials saying no ND systems were compromised. Local Government Funding: Grand Forks Youth Assessment Center leaders say the state needs to help cover costs, warning the property tax cap could squeeze a facility that serves teens statewide. Child Safety & Tech: North Dakota BCI says AI is worsening child sex exploitation cases, with nearly 3,000 tips last year to its Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Business & Jobs: Cirrus announced a 30,000-square-foot Grand Forks expansion tied to growing demand and new composite work for a flight training aircraft. Agriculture & Community: A Menoken Farm field day on Sept. 30 will focus on soil health and regenerative practices, with NRCS and other partners on hand. Sports: UND football media day updates included coordinator and staff changes ahead of the 2026 season. Road Safety Push: A Forum editorial renewed calls for tougher seat belt enforcement after fatal crashes involving unbuckled drivers and passengers.

Suicide prevention: NDSU Extension is rolling out fall “Question. Persuade. Refer.” suicide prevention webinars in September and October, aiming to connect people with support and reduce risk. Public safety and crime: A North Dakota BCI Internet Crimes Against Children task force says AI is “supercharging” child sex abuse harms, with nearly 3,000 tips last year and a focus on how kids use AI chatbots. Education: Valley City State University’s Dr. Amber Ussatis Aberle was named North Dakota Teacher Educator of the Year. State politics: Attorney General Drew Wrigley is urging Sen. Jeff Magrum to withdraw a clemency resolution tied to the 1983 Medina shootout convictions. Infrastructure and oversight: Lawmakers are drafting a plan for a $35 million Bank of North Dakota line of credit to restart the stalled Military Gallery project, with repayment tied to donations and possible deficiency funding. Local governance: Privacy concerns are growing over Flock cameras in the Fargo-Moorhead area, with a protest planned in Fargo. Aviation/industry: Cirrus opened an expanded Grand Forks manufacturing facility, adding capacity and more than 30,000 square feet. Agriculture: Rugby’s ag education program earned a national honor from the National Association of Agricultural Educators. Community news: A Jamestown woman died in a rollover Aug. 8, according to the Highway Patrol.

Military Training Contract: A Texas aviation-services firm, M1 Support Services, won the Army’s Flight School Next deal worth up to $10 billion to modernize helicopter pilot training, with the team including UND’s aerospace foundation. State Budget Pressure: North Dakota lawmakers are floating a $35 million Bank of North Dakota line of credit to restart the stalled Military Gallery project, with extra oversight and donor-naming control. Kratom vs. Data Centers: Gov. Kelly Armstrong called a special session aimed at kratom, but some lawmakers want the focus shifted toward data-center rules instead. Public Safety & Justice: AG Drew Wrigley is urging a state senator to withdraw a clemency resolution tied to the 1983 Medina shootout. Gun Policy Fight: Jackley joined other states asking the DOJ not to appeal a ruling striking down parts of federal firearm registration requirements. Health Care Leadership: Altru named Heather Strandell its new COO. Local Economy: Cirrus expanded its Grand Forks manufacturing facility, adding production space and new jobs. Agriculture Drought Help: The ND Agriculture Department activated a hay hotline for drought-impacted producers. Business & Growth: Eide Bailly is acquiring MUN, expanding offices across California and Hawaii. Community News: A wasp-safety guide and a job-scam warning roundup highlighted this week’s practical consumer concerns.

Railwatch: Seven Republican state attorneys general, including North Dakota AG Drew Wrigley, urged the Surface Transportation Board to reject Union Pacific’s $85 billion bid for Norfolk Southern, arguing the merger won’t prove public benefits and could reduce competition. Drought & Agriculture: North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring activated a hay hotline so producers can report drought impacts and find nearby forage for sale, rent, or need. Health & Human Services: Gov. Kelly Armstrong appointed Conner Swanson to lead DHHS starting Aug. 29, taking over from interim commissioner Pat Traynor. AI & Child Safety: North Dakota’s AI and Data Center committee heard concerns that AI is “supercharging” child exploitation, with lawmakers and law enforcement discussing classroom and prevention steps. Energy Grid Politics: The U.S. Department of Energy canceled three Biden-era transmission line projects, including one corridor that runs through North Dakota, citing cost and reliability concerns. Local Life: Grand Forks-area golf is getting more accessible with donated adaptive VertaCat carts, and Fargo’s Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home introduced “Betty,” a comfort dog, for visitations. Border Tourism: Manitoba saw a jump in U.S.-to-Manitoba travel as Canadians cross in higher numbers again.

State Tech Policy: Gov. Kelly Armstrong rescinded North Dakota’s TikTok ban on state-owned devices after the app became majority-owned by an American group, with the state IT department saying it’s no longer a cybersecurity threat. Health & Human Services Leadership: Armstrong appointed Conner Swanson to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, effective Aug. 29, taking over from interim commissioner Pat Traynor. Public Safety & Justice: A North Dakota state senator is pushing a clemency resolution for two men convicted in the 1983 Medina shootout, arguing justice isn’t being served after decades in prison. Rural Programs & Agriculture: NRCS is accepting applications for conservation programs, with producers urged to apply by Sept. 18 for fiscal year 2027 funding. Energy & Infrastructure: The U.S. Department of Energy canceled three Biden-era transmission line projects, including a corridor that runs through North Dakota, after local pushback. AI in Government: North Dakota leads the nation in enterprise Microsoft Copilot adoption, with nearly 3,000 state employees using it monthly and reporting major monthly time savings. Aviation Needs: A new state study flags a looming airport funding deficit, projecting $350.7 million short over the next decade. Local Courts & Business: A pipeline parts company sued Summit Carbon Solutions’ affiliate for $6.6 million over alleged contract nonpayment tied to a proposed carbon sequestration pipeline route. Community & Schools: Williston opened Sloulin Elementary with a ribbon cutting and open house, giving families their first look at the new facility.

Drought & Agriculture: North Dakota’s Hay Hotline is now active as dry conditions bite, with ranchers urged to report forage needs and drought impacts so officials can better target assistance. Water Quality Funding: The state opened applications for a Septic Renovation Water Quality Initiative, offering rebates for failing septic systems; applications are due Sept. 30. Local Infrastructure: Minot’s Eastwood Park Bridge (a 1927 historic walking bridge) is headed for preliminary engineering to assess deterioration and estimate rehab costs. Energy & Jobs: A Richardton expansion tied to Gevo’s ethanol and planned sustainable jet fuel output could boost local farm economics and livestock feed value. Policy & Politics: Farm Bill talks stalled again in the Senate Ag Committee, leaving ND farmers frustrated—especially over how states would handle SNAP costs. Data Centers: Lawmakers are pushing for more transparency, including a bill to bar public officials from signing NDAs with data center developers, as the special session nears. Tech & Cybersecurity: Gov. Kelly Armstrong rescinded North Dakota’s TikTok ban on state-owned devices after ownership shifted to a majority-American-led consortium, with access still subject to IT review. Kratom Crackdown: A kratom working group heard hours of testimony as lawmakers shape options for the Sept. 2 special session. Community Spotlight: Grand Forks launches “The Bootlegger’s Bounty,” a statewide treasure hunt starting Aug. 21 with a $25,000 prize.

Kratom Crackdown: North Dakota lawmakers are weighing how to handle kratom ahead of a Sept. 2 special session, after Gov. Kelly Armstrong’s temporary ban and months of debate. A Kratom Working Group heard hours of testimony, with some pushing a full ban while others want to target synthetic products tied to 7-OH and regulate natural kratom instead. Bills are due Friday for the special session. Cyber Policy: Armstrong rescinded North Dakota’s TikTok ban on state-owned devices, saying the app is now majority owned by an American-led consortium; agencies can request access through the state’s security review process. Rural Health & AI Skepticism: A KFF Health News report highlights rural patients’ worries about governments and companies rolling out AI in healthcare before clear proof it improves outcomes. Drought Response: The state’s Hay Hotline is now open for ranchers to request hay or list surplus, and producers are urged to report drought impacts for drought-monitoring and assistance. Digging Safety: The North Dakota Public Service Commission reminded residents to call 811 before excavation, warning of fines for violations. Local Jobs: A Fargo job fair drew hundreds of applicants and featured 30+ employers, with healthcare, education, manufacturing, and retail among the biggest hiring needs.