AGP Executive Report

Coal Funding Push: President Trump announced a $700 million “beautiful, clean coal” package using the Defense Production Act, including $75 million for a new Oakland export terminal and $425 million to upgrade 13 coal plants across multiple states that include North Dakota. Election Safeguards Debate: Rep. Julie Fedorchak is advancing a “SAVE America Through REAL ID Act” plan aimed at getting election rules through reconciliation limits, while a separate GOP-backed ballot measure (“Measure One”) is drawing calls to vote no over North Dakota’s single-subject constitutional amendment rule. Defense Against Drones: North Dakota’s 319th Reconnaissance Wing joined Kansas’s Point Defense Battle Lab for VAPOR 26.1, testing passive defenses against small UAS threats using camouflage, concealment, deception, and hardening. Tribal Sovereignty: Tribal leaders in Bismarck urged greater sovereignty as federal support looks less predictable, citing proposed cuts tied to the Trump administration. Local Economy & Housing: Centerspace says it will sell about $240–$245 million in apartments, including exits tied to Bismarck, as it tries to strengthen its balance sheet. Agriculture & Weather: A new drought snapshot shows dryness still affecting parts of North Dakota’s crops, even as some storms eased conditions elsewhere. Healthcare & Community: North Dakota’s early voting momentum is being driven by Cass County, and nursing home CMS updates highlight ongoing quality and staffing pressures across the state.

Tall-Grass Enforcement: Minot updated its tall-grass nuisance ordinance with new geographic exemptions, keeping the 8-inch rule in most areas but allowing taller growth (up to 24 inches) in certain development and land-use situations, plus a complaint and abatement process through Public Works. Military-Community Planning: A Minot Air Force Base Compatible Use Study is underway, with public meetings and 26 compatibility factors meant to guide how the base and surrounding communities coexist as drones and data centers change the landscape. Nursing Home Watch: CMS data ranks Good Samaritan Society Miller Pointe as Morton County’s No. 2 nursing home in Q1 2026, with Sunset Drive taking the top spot. Border Funding Push: Republican governors urged Congress to pass the Secure America Act to keep CBP and ICE funded, criticizing Senate Democrats for delays. Tribal Sovereignty: Tribal leaders met in Bismarck calling for stronger sovereignty and true government-to-government partnerships as federal support looks uncertain. UND Aerospace Deal: UND and Modern Technology Solutions Inc. celebrated an agreement transferring three RATS aircraft to the university. Human Remains Discovery: Construction near the North Dakota governor’s residence in Bismarck uncovered human remains and coffin fragments, prompting archaeological review and possible additional grave sites. Agriculture Grants: The state’s Ag Products Utilization Commission approved $340,524.50 in awards for projects ranging from corn pit structures to dry bean inoculants and meat processing upgrades. Local Politics: Williston mayoral candidate Shawn Roness highlighted housing accessibility as a top priority ahead of the June 9 election.

Human Remains Discovery: Construction near the North Dakota governor’s residence in Bismarck paused after workers found human remains and coffin fragments; archaeologists with the State Historical Society used ground-penetrating radar and say additional grave sites may be present, with next steps expected in weeks. Energy & Oil Recovery: Sen. John Hoeven and Gov. Kelly Armstrong are pushing enhanced oil recovery as Bakken production declines, arguing North Dakota has a short window to expand recovery before momentum fades. Agriculture Grants: Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring announced $340,524.50 in Agricultural Products Utilization Commission awards for projects ranging from corn pit structures and meat processing to dry bean inoculants and crop inoculation research. Local Government Watch: Ward County commissioners advanced a battery energy storage systems ordinance after debate over industry language and whether to pause for more revisions. Elections & Integrity Claims: A Minot mayoral candidate questioned Ward County election equipment accuracy as early voting began, alleging testing steps were handled incorrectly. UND Update: UND highlighted major 2025-2026 initiatives, including new company “moonshots” and efforts to become an AI-focused university for North Dakota.

Nursing Home Oversight: Sanford-owned Good Samaritan Society–Oakes in Dickey County had a Q1 2026 CMS rating of 1 (below the state average of 3.3), with 43.8 residents on average, 46 beds, and one fine totaling $12,740. Local Government: Grand Forks County commissioners moved toward a ballot measure to consolidate county mills for more budget flexibility, but were more hesitant about dropping minimum mill guarantees for ambulance services and the Senior Citizen Center. Beef Promotion: The North Dakota Beef Commission is extending Beef Month into June with events including a Fargo “Smoke, Sear, & Sip” beef-and-beer pairing on June 11 and a Girls Who Grill series. Public Safety: Triple-A is pushing its E-Ride Ready campaign in North Dakota as e-bikes and scooters grow; riders don’t need licenses or insurance, but under-18 riders must wear helmets. Agriculture & Wildlife: USDA expanded a Farm Bill-funded program to help farmers protect big-game migration corridors on private land, adding North Dakota among 17 states. Energy Infrastructure: Minnkota Power Cooperative joined the North Plains Connector HVDC transmission project consortium, securing interest in 150 MW capacity. Health Alerts: A salmonella outbreak tied to imported moringa supplements has been reopened after additional illnesses, with new brands added to the recall list. Business/Ag Tech: Fargo’s 701x closed an oversubscribed $10M+ Series B funded by ranchers and local investors, aiming to expand internationally.

ND Politics & Campaign Finance: The NDGOP filed corrected campaign finance reports after earlier filings contained major errors, according to a new report, as a populist faction feud continues to roil state party politics. Agriculture & Markets: Northern Plains farmers stepped up grain sales during a spring rally, with analysts noting many producers are 30% to 40% sold on new crop ahead of the usual early-June pace. Farm Policy & Data: USDA is modernizing crop acreage reporting; North Dakota and Maryland are first to use an upgraded system that can scan paper maps into spreadsheets, with a longer-term push toward more real-time precision ag data. Energy & Grid: Minnkota Power Cooperative joined the North Plains Connector HVDC transmission project consortium, adding 150 MW of planned capacity and boosting regional grid flexibility. Wildlife & Ranching: USDA unveiled a migratory big game conservation framework across 17 states, including North Dakota, aiming to protect connected habitat while keeping working lands working. Community Ag: Grand Farm will plant and donate 7,000–10,000 ears of sweet corn to Churches United for the Homeless in Fargo-Moorhead. Workforce Safety: North Dakota’s Get Home Safe Day highlighted workplace safety efforts, with workers’ comp claims trending down.

Energy & Wildlife: A major elk herd habitat area near Dinosaur National Monument in Colorado is set to open for an oil and gas lease sale, raising concerns that drilling lights and traffic could threaten the region’s dark-sky tourism. Outdoor & Community: The National Park Service bought 213 acres along Lake Superior in Wisconsin to move the North Country National Scenic Trail off the road, adding a smoother, more scenic stretch for hikers. Dakotas Agriculture: A look at how crop diversity keeps the Dakotas’ ag economy humming, from corn and soybeans to wheat and beyond. Workplace Safety: North Dakota’s “Get Home Safe” campaign in Bismarck pushed safety as a daily culture, touting three straight years of falling workplace injury claims. Local Government: Grand Forks advanced an annexation tied to industrial plans near 70th Avenue North, but nearby homeowners raised concerns about impacts. Public Safety & Courts: A North Dakota man was sentenced to 30 years for a Fargo-to-Moorhead ransom kidnapping tied to a meth drug debt. Elections: Early voting began in Ward County for the June primary, with turnout steady as ballots are cast ahead of election day.

Autonomous Systems & Trade: North Dakota is turning heads at AUVSI Xponential 2026 with the “North Dakota Row,” a collaborative exhibit featuring nine companies and showcasing unmanned aircraft and autonomous tech to partners, investors, and government stakeholders. Energy Infrastructure: Minnkota Power Cooperative is joining the North Plains Connector utility consortium, seeking 150 MW of capacity on the HVDC line once it starts operating—aimed at boosting grid reliability and flexibility. Oil & Industry: North Dakota leaders are pushing for faster progress on enhanced oil recovery tech for the Bakken, but executives warn there’s no guaranteed “silver bullet.” Agriculture Innovation: The NSF AgTech Engine in North Dakota opened a Request for Proposals for producer-engaged ag tech projects, with up to $100,000 per award and a July 19 deadline. Housing Shortage: McKenzie County is investing more than $11 million in a three-part plan, including modular home construction and senior duplexes, to expand affordable options in the Bakken. Community & Business: Forum Communications has finalized its purchase of the McKenzie County Farmer, expanding its western North Dakota newspaper footprint. Public Safety: Fargo-area rodeo workers were hurt in West Fargo after a bull incident left a veteran handler with life-threatening injuries. Consumer Note: COUNTRY Financial says it’s cutting auto insurance rates in North Dakota and 10 other states after improved driving and claims trends.

Prescribed Burns: A new North Dakota report argues for more proactive fire management, highlighting how planned burns can reduce fuel loads and help communities avoid the “perfect storm” conditions that fueled the 2024 wildfire surge. Pipeline Court Fallout: A commentary piece says Greenpeace’s Dakota Access Pipeline-era tactics have backfired, pointing to a recent court ruling tied to alleged sabotage and defamation claims. Food System Risk: A separate national analysis warns the USDA plans to close the Beltsville bee research lab, raising alarms for disease diagnosis and pollinator support as beekeepers face heavy losses. Freedom 250 Shake-Up: Interior Secretary Doug Burgum defended the “Freedom 250” festival as nonpartisan after multiple performers pulled out, saying artists were misled about political ties. Housing Push in McKenzie County: McKenzie County is investing $11M to tackle shortages with modular home building, senior-friendly duplexes, and a “pathway to purchase” plan. Asian Culture Expo: Bismarck State College hosted a free Cultural Expo celebrating Asian food, music, and hands-on activities, marking the end of AAPI Heritage Month. ND Primary Reminder: With June 9 elections approaching, coverage stresses absentee ballot signature matching and warns voters to cure mismatches quickly. Local Growth & Community: Grand Forks held a park planting event, while Fargo-area families are building a children’s nature park and East Grand Forks opened a public observatory for stargazing nights.

Market Mood Swing: A “beans, beef and Boeing” China trip didn’t land as promised—soybeans, cattle, and Boeing shares slid within days as traders demanded proof. Consumer Scam Alert: The BBB warns of a fake “Bass Farm Equipment” site using a real South Dakota family’s identity to steal $35,000+ from buyers who wire money. Indigenous Health: A proposed Indigenous School of Medicine in Rapid City aims to boost Native physician numbers, blending culture into training and targeting enrollment around 2030. Housing Pressure: Grand Forks Housing Authority leaders say ND needs thousands more units and urge lawmakers to expand Low Income Housing Tax Credit capacity. Election Prep: With ND’s June 9 primary approaching, absentee voters are reminded that matching signatures matter—and early voting starts soon in Stutsman County. Local Growth & Community: A new drive-thru 7Brew Coffee is planned after a $1.7M purchase of a former bank building in Rochester, and Grand Forks Park District kicks off its summer planting events. Energy & Land Use: Townships diverge on Flickertail Wind agreements, showing how local approvals can make or break projects.

Local Business Spotlight: STOP Ice Cream & Snacks opened April 18 in Dickinson and is already drawing steady crowds with homemade waffle cones plus Mexican-inspired favorites like mangonadas, corn in a cup, and corn ramen. Elections & Voting Access: North Dakota’s June 9 primary is shaping up as a low-turnout affair, and Stutsman County is offering early voting June 1-5 (plus June 8) at the courthouse, with absentee requests due June 8—plus a reminder that absentee signatures must match or voters may need to “cure” them. Housing & Community Needs: Grand Forks Housing Authority leaders say the state still faces a 6,000–9,000-unit affordable housing gap and are urging lawmakers to boost Low Income Housing Tax Credit minimums. Education Policy: North Dakota is launching a statewide survey on classroom electronic device use as districts adjust to the “bell to bell” cellphone ban, aiming to shape the 2027 legislative session. Public Safety & Scams: The Better Business Bureau warns of a Facebook Marketplace scam that pushes buyers to wire money upfront for farm equipment that never arrives. STEM & Youth Achievement: Brainerd’s Turner Person earned the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation’s Astronaut Scholar honor and is heading to an Intuitive Machines internship in Houston.

Education Tech Policy: North Dakota launched a statewide survey on classroom device use, running May 28 to Aug. 1, to shape rules for the 2027 legislative session after the “bell to bell” cellphone ban. Rural Health Funding: North Dakota HHS announced a $40 million grant opportunity to help rural hospitals buy clinical equipment and expand emergency and specialty care locally. Agriculture Mental Health: Experts are urging longer-term support for farm stress and mental health in North Dakota, citing high depression and anxiety pressures and pointing people to crisis resources. Fertilizer Pricing Fight: North Dakota Corn Growers Association met with FTC leadership over fertilizer companies it says are manipulating supply and distorting prices; the FTC said it’s investigating. Public Safety Scam Warning: Attorney General Drew Wrigley warned residents about transient asphalt paving scams that pressure quick decisions and demand upfront payments. Small Business Help: The ND Small Business Development Center-Southwest will reopen a Dickinson satellite office in early-to-mid June for more face-to-face support. Elections Watch: Secretary of State Michael Howe urged voters to turn out for the June 9 primary as early in-person voting begins in Fargo and other communities. Remembering Gary Nelson: Former state Sen. Gary Nelson of Casselton, a longtime Republican leader, died at 86.

BVLOS UAS Expansion: North Dakota’s Vantis cut FAA BVLOS waiver timelines from years to about 23 business days as its network grows, highlighted by Frontier Precision joining as a second champion operator with a new aircraft-agnostic waiver covering 5,000+ square miles. Native Voting Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court sent a Native American Voting Rights Act case back to lower court after ruling that weakened enforcement, with North Dakota tribes at the center of the dispute. Elections Watch: Ballotpedia says June 2026 includes thousands of races nationwide, including North Dakota Public Service Commission and Superintendent of Public Instruction special primaries on June 9. Campaign Finance Fight: North Dakota lawmakers accused Gov. Kelly Armstrong of unlawful influence after he donated about $200,000 to primary-challenged Republicans, while Armstrong says the donations are legal and without strings. Agriculture & Markets: A North Dakota State University analysis says China’s retaliatory tariffs wiped out about $14.9B in U.S. ag export sales over a year, with soybeans taking roughly half. Flood & Local Planning: Minot council members and candidates toured flood protection work tied to the Mouse River Enhanced Flood Protection Project and the Maple Diversion. Cattle Health: NDSU Extension warns dusty conditions can raise pneumonia risk in cattle, especially calves. Teacher Shortage Debate: Candidates for North Dakota superintendent of public instruction spar over how to improve teacher recruitment and retention, with pay a central theme. Community & Heritage: Casselton couple secured an $870K grant to turn a historic farmstead into a lodging and Nordic sauna destination. Obituary: Former North Dakota Senate Majority Leader Gary J. Nelson died this week.

Fraud Crackdown: VP JD Vance’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud says taxpayers were hit by “billions” in scams, with tens of billions already clawed back and billions recovered from small business loans and Medicaid reimbursements. State Politics: North Dakota lawmakers and candidates accuse Gov. Kelly Armstrong of improperly steering GOP races with about $200,000 in donations to “handpicked” primary challengers. Legislative Leadership Loss: Former ND Senate Majority Leader Gary J. Nelson has died; the Casselton Republican served from 1977–2001. Agriculture & Livestock: NDSU Extension warns dusty, dry conditions can raise pneumonia risk in cattle, especially calves, and urges producers to watch respiratory signs and manage herds during drought. Local Economy & Community: Fargo-based concert promoter Jade Presents announced it’s shutting down after 30 years, citing rising costs and tougher touring economics. Education & Youth: NDSU Extension sets summer Junior Crop Scout School dates for ages 12–18, plus youth beef and forage learning opportunities. Energy & Growth: Gov. Armstrong says ND should handle data center interest with local input, transparency, and careful planning around power and water capacity.

Education Tech Policy: Sen. Michelle Axtman, Rep. Jim Jonas, and state education leaders launched a statewide survey on responsible technology use in North Dakota classrooms, asking families and educators about device-hour limits, whether phones should be allowed at home, and whether districts should be required to adopt clear rules (survey runs through Aug. 1). Rural Resilience in Action: After farmer Randy Fyllesvold died in a September 2025 crash, neighbors rallied to harvest about 1,400 acres left unharvested—bringing roughly 75 farmers, 12 combines, and dozens of trucks to finish the job. Local Energy Decisions: Deuel County voters will decide Tuesday on zoning for a proposed natural gas power plant, with residents arguing about industrial placement, jobs, and tax impacts. Agriculture Conservation Push: The Governor’s Legacy Soil Health and Habitat Program is expanding faster than expected, with federal interest growing as more acres move into perennial grasses for soil and wildlife benefits. Internet Safety: AG Jay Jones joined a coalition opposing the federal KIDS Act, arguing it would weaken protections for children online. Health & Costs: A new national look shows nursing home costs are soaring, with Alaska topping the list near $334,000 annually.

Education Funding Fight: A Bismarck teacher says Gov. Kelly Armstrong’s push for a freeze on education spending could hurt recruitment and retention as costs keep rising, with North Dakota ranked low on average teacher pay. Data Center Transparency: Reporting says North Dakota and other states aren’t disclosing how much money data centers save through tax breaks, prompting calls for better subsidy transparency. Transit Planning in Minot: Open houses in Minot reviewed a cost-neutral transit study aimed at better on-time service, more frequent routes, and easier fare payment. Soil Health Program Demand: The state’s Legacy Soil Health and Habitat Program is drawing more interest than funding can cover, with thousands of acres and millions in requests submitted for year two planning. Farm Trade Pressure: Sen. John Hoeven met with USDA officials on farm relief options, including sugar trade concerns and tariff impacts. Politics and Campaign Donations: North Dakota GOP lawmakers accuse Armstrong of unlawfully influencing the Legislature through campaign donations. First Amendment/Online Safety: North Dakota News Cooperative CEO warns dissent is being suppressed, while attorneys general—including North Dakota’s—join coalitions opposing the federal KIDS Act. Water Tours: The North Dakota Water Education Foundation scheduled summer tours across Carrington, Watford City, Dickinson, Belcourt and Bismarck.

Local Tax Votes: Two counties and 11 North Dakota cities are asking voters this June to approve sales tax increases for public safety, streets and parks, following the state’s new 3% property tax cap. Affordability & Politics: Minot-area Rep. Dawson Holle says “affordability is hurting everyone” as intra-party GOP rifts shape the June 9 primary. Oil Patch Supply Strain: Falling river levels are cutting barge cargo capacity in Europe, while North Dakota’s energy-linked economy watches crude and fuel price swings. Kids Online Fight: North Dakota is part of a broader attorney general push against the federal KIDS Act, arguing it would weaken state authority to protect children online. Education & Workforce: NDSCS partnered with RDO and Wingtra on FAA-authorized drone mapping and research near Wahpeton; Northland Community and Technical College is launching a composites manufacturing boot camp. Health & Jobs: Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota is cutting 45 jobs in a Cambia integration. Schools: Grand Forks School Board approved new video-capable scoreboards for multiple schools.