AGP Executive Report

Drought Response: North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong declared a statewide drought disaster and activated a $2 million livestock water assistance program, with the Water Commission approving cost-share help for wells, rural water connections, pipeline extensions and pasture taps—up to 65% reimbursement, capped at $10,000 per project and three projects per producer. Local Government: Grand Forks County Commission approved a UNDs PILOT for the Ray Richards Golf Course redevelopment in a 3-2 vote, sending it to the City Council for a Sept. 8 public hearing, with commissioners pushing for more frequent financial “lookbacks.” Public Health: Minot City Council moved forward with a mosquito control plan focused on surveillance and fogging to combat West Nile virus risk, with annual costs estimated around $100,000 plus an optional second fogging round. State Policy Watch: Lawmakers are leaning toward restricting kratom in a Sept. special session, including age limits and a push to ban synthetic derivatives. Food Security: Refugees and other noncitizens in North Dakota are losing SNAP benefits under federal restrictions, leaving some families without food support.

Drought Relief for Livestock: Gov. Kelly Armstrong and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring moved to activate a livestock water supply assistance program after Armstrong declared a drought disaster, with parts of North Dakota now in moderate, severe and even extreme drought. Special Session Watch: North Dakota lawmakers are lining up a Sept. special session agenda that includes possible limits on nondisclosure agreements for data centers and other industrial projects, plus debate on kratom regulation and other measures. Data Center Rules in Minot: Minot’s planning commission cleared an ordinance that would steer data centers into a specific industrial area near the airport and require conditional use permits for future proposals, giving the city more control over noise and water use. TikTok Access Returns: After Armstrong lifted the TikTok ban on state-owned devices, the North Dakota Department of Commerce became the first agency to request access, aiming to boost tourism with short videos. Ethanol Policy Push: U.S. Rep. Julie Fedorchak joined NDSU economists and industry leaders in Fargo to argue that year-round E15 would strengthen North Dakota’s corn and ethanol economy and lower fuel costs. Meta Trial, Child Safety: A major federal trial over Meta’s Facebook and Instagram child-safety practices is set to begin in California, with 29 states backing the lawsuit seeking major damages and operational changes.

North Dakota Special Session Watch: Legislative Management advanced only six of 20 proposals for Gov. Kelly Armstrong’s Sept. 2 special session, leaving out a data-center moratorium and a clemency push tied to the 1983 Medina shootout. Lawmakers are set to debate data-center rules including a temporary ban on non-disclosure agreements, plus kratom legislation—one draft would regulate natural kratom like tobacco with an age limit and labeling rules, while another would ban kratom products and derivatives. State Government Appointments: Gov. Armstrong appointed Conner Swanson to lead the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, effective Aug. 29. Public Safety & Health: A 1-year-old in Mandan is expected to fully recover after surviving an alleged attack by his mother that killed two siblings. Local Governance: In Horace, Stanley Township residents voted 89-2 to remove board chair Kevin Biffert amid conflict-of-interest and wrongdoing allegations. Business & Community: Cirrus expanded in Grand Forks as demand grows, and Minot ranked No. 2 in the state for scam reports in July.

Data Center Debate: A North Dakota editorial argues the data-center fight has been driven by hype, but admits demand for hyperscale facilities is “inevitable” as AI growth pushes more buildout. Energy Policy: The U.S. Department of Energy is dropping plans to move three proposed National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor routes through the federal review process, citing concerns about cost, reliability, and local impacts. State Politics: North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley says he wants State Sen. Jeff Magrum to withdraw a clemency resolution for two men convicted in the 1983 Medina shootout, arguing it ignores the brutality of the crimes. Consumer Watch: A new report finds Aldi is the cheapest major grocery chain in North Dakota, while higher-priced stores can charge shoppers far more for the same basket. Public Safety: The DEA warns parents to check kids’ phones as back-to-school approaches, saying drug dealers increasingly use social media to market fentanyl. Local Business & Growth: Cirrus is expanding in Grand Forks as demand grows, adding capacity for its aircraft manufacturing. Sports: UND hockey season tickets are sold out again, with a 98% renewal rate.

North Dakota Special Session Watch: Lawmakers are weighing a draft to add $9 million to chip away at a growing childcare assistance waitlist, where 1,892 families were still stuck as of Aug. 9 after a projected $35.5 million shortfall led to reduced help for working families. AI in Schools: At a Minot committee meeting, the state superintendent of public instruction urged child-safety guardrails for classroom AI, warning especially about “companion chatbots” and calling for protections that treat them like mandated reporters. State History & ND250: The State Historical Society of North Dakota kicked off its first AgFest at the Heritage Center & State Museum, with a tractor parade, ag exhibits, and plans for bigger ND250 events. Public Safety & Crime: Kentucky’s attorney general joined a coalition pushing Congress to pass the Safe Access to Cash Act, aiming to strengthen federal penalties for ATM thefts nationwide. Sports: Minot won the Class AA amateur baseball title, beating Tolna 3-2, while Marquette topped North Dakota State 2-0 in women’s soccer. Entertainment: Reality TV’s Johnny “Bananas” Devenanzio posted a tribute to fellow “The Challenge” star Tyler Duckworth, who was found dead in North Dakota at 44.

Border Crime: North Dakota State Patrol says a 31-year-old Manitoba man was arrested after a 37-year-old was allegedly abducted in Winnipeg and driven across the U.S.-Canada border into Minnesota; the victim broke free in Alexandria. Childcare Crunch: Nearly 1,900 North Dakota families remain on a waitlist for state childcare assistance, and lawmakers are weighing a special-session draft that would add $9 million to reduce the backlog. Local Economy: A North Dakota border-town parcel business says fewer Canadian shoppers tied to Trump tariffs and rhetoric is cutting package volume and forcing staffing cuts. Politics & Policy: A Farm Bill impasse is testing Sen. John Boozman’s low-key approach as disputes over SNAP cost-sharing stall progress. Community & Culture: The International Peace Garden’s “Gala in the Garden” fundraiser is set for Aug. 22, with proceeds aimed at restoring the historic lodge. Sports: Tolna and Minot advanced to the Class AA state baseball championship game after semifinal wins.

North Dakota Cybersecurity: Fargo and Moorhead officials say local water systems were not hit by the Iranian-linked cyberattacks that targeted utilities in Minnesota and South Dakota, with North Dakota reporting no compromised systems so far. State Government & Services: North Dakota’s Economic Assistance program logged about 13,000 hours of overtime over two months to clear a backlog of applications, with overtime costs totaling roughly $500,000 before the effort ended Aug. 3. Local Sports: Tolna and Minot won their Class AA semifinal games to reach the 2026 North Dakota Amateur Baseball championship game. Business & Growth: Cirrus announced a 30,000-square-foot expansion at its Grand Forks facility, citing new jobs and plans to manufacture composites for its TRAC10 flight training aircraft. Health Care Leadership: Essentia Health named Jason Craig executive vice president of administration and operations, tasking him with overseeing system operations across Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin. Public Safety: A Forum editorial renewed pressure on seat belt use after fatal crashes involving unbuckled drivers and passengers.

North Dakota Special Session Watch: Lawmakers are weighing a Sept. 2 special session agenda that includes kratom restrictions and a fix for the stalled North Dakota Military Gallery, with proposals calling for a $35 million line of credit from the Bank of North Dakota and possible taxpayer backstop if donations fall short. Public Safety: North Dakota’s seat-belt culture is under fire after recent fatal crashes where people weren’t buckled up, with calls for tougher enforcement and stronger public pressure. State Politics: Attorney General Drew Wrigley is urging Sen. Jeff Magrum to withdraw a clemency resolution tied to the 1983 Medina shootout, arguing the proposal ignores the crimes’ brutality. Local Economy & Jobs: Cirrus is expanding its Grand Forks manufacturing footprint by more than 30,000 square feet, citing growing demand and new composite work for future flight training aircraft. Healthcare Leadership: Essentia Health named Jason Craig executive vice president of administration and operations, tasked with supporting system operations across Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin. Community & Services: Grand Forks County leaders say the Youth Assessment Center is effectively a statewide service and are asking the state for funding help as property tax limits squeeze local budgets.

North Dakota Special Session Watch: Lawmakers are weighing a Sept. 2 special session agenda that includes kratom restrictions and a fix for the stalled North Dakota Military Gallery, with a draft proposal floating a $35 million Bank of North Dakota line of credit plus added oversight and naming-rights control. Public Safety & Justice: Attorney General Drew Wrigley is urging a state senator to withdraw a clemency resolution tied to the 1983 Medina shootout, while AG Marty Jackley joins other states urging the DOJ not to appeal a federal ruling striking down parts of firearm registration requirements. Energy & Infrastructure: The U.S. Department of Energy is canceling proposed National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors, and North Dakota’s broader energy debate continues as officials consider special-session items tied to data centers and power impacts. Local Business & Jobs: Cirrus is expanding its Grand Forks manufacturing facility, adding production space and new jobs. Community & Health: Altru names Heather Strandell as COO, and Prairie Public’s new Fargo-built chatbot is helping listeners and members navigate content. Sports & Hometown Pride: Rugby’s agriculture program earned a national honor; Enderlin and Minot advanced in the Class AA amateur baseball tournament.

Health Watch: The CDC says the cyclosporiasis outbreak has reached 13,895 lab-confirmed cases nationwide, with FDA investigators now in Mexico checking the produce processing sites tied to a major iceberg lettuce recall. State Government: Gov. Kelly Armstrong has rescinded North Dakota’s TikTok ban on state-owned devices after an IT review found the app no longer poses a cybersecurity threat. Health & Human Services: Armstrong appointed Conner Swanson as the new commissioner of the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, starting Aug. 29. Legal/Immigration: An attorney for Werner Kunkel is criticizing ICE after Kunkel was taken into custody following a judge’s release order tied to his overturned murder conviction. Local Economy/Finance: North Dakota regulators helped secure a $15.5 million settlement with mortgage servicer NewRez over improperly charging force-placed insurance. Public Safety/Community: A wasp-safety guide urges North Dakotans not to swat or disturb nests and to call professionals when needed.

Health & Human Services Leadership: Gov. Kelly Armstrong appointed Conner Swanson to lead North Dakota’s Department of Health and Human Services, effective Aug. 29, taking over from interim commissioner Pat Traynor as the agency manages a $5.7 billion, two-year budget and major rural health grant work. TikTok Policy: Armstrong rescinded North Dakota’s ban on TikTok for state-owned devices after the state IT department said the app is no longer a cybersecurity threat, citing ownership changes. Flood Control Milestone: All 19 bridges are now completed for the Fargo-Moorhead Area Diversion project, a key step in protecting the metro from extreme Red River flooding. AI in Education: Lawmakers and educators met in Minot to discuss how AI should be used in classrooms and the risks it can pose to children. Energy & Grid Politics: The U.S. Energy Department canceled three Biden-era transmission line projects, including one corridor that runs through North Dakota and nearby states. Public Safety & Courts: A North Dakota senator proposed a clemency resolution for two men serving life sentences for the 1983 Medina shootout that killed two U.S. marshals. National Note: The World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., was vandalized with pink spray paint and bubble soap as federal investigators begin a probe.

TikTok Policy Shift: Gov. Kelly Armstrong rescinded North Dakota’s ban on TikTok for state-owned devices after updated cybersecurity reviews and changes in TikTok’s U.S. ownership, though agencies still must request access through the state’s IT process. Kratom Crackdown Debate: Armstrong defended a special session focused on kratom, saying emergency clauses are needed so any new rules take effect sooner, and he supports banning synthetic kratom, restricting natural kratom for people under 21, and tightening labeling. Rural Health Funding: North Dakota HHS opened applications for about $1 million in federal planning grants to improve care coordination and referrals for rural residents. Water Quality Grants: The state is accepting applications for a Septic Renovation Water Quality Initiative that will fund local projects and rebates to replace failing septic systems, with applications due Sept. 30. Local Events & Culture: Chateau de Mores in Medora marked its 85th anniversary as a State Historic Site, and the Mandan Rough Rider Cup is set for Sept. 18–20.

Kratom Crackdown in Bismarck: North Dakota lawmakers are taking hours of testimony as they shape kratom rules for a Sept. 2 special session, with debate split between a full ban and a narrower approach targeting synthetic products like 7-OH. Data Center Transparency: A Fargo lawmaker is pushing a bill to block public officials from signing nondisclosure agreements with data center developers, aiming to prevent secrecy like what happened around Harwood. TikTok Policy Shift: Gov. Kelly Armstrong rescinded the ban on TikTok for state-owned devices after the app’s U.S. operations moved under a majority-American consortium, though access still requires IT review. Energy & Courts: A coalition led by West Virginia AG McCuskey is urging a federal appeals court to keep the Line 5 gas pipeline open, arguing states can’t unilaterally shut it down. Local Economy & Jobs: A Fargo job fair drew hundreds of applicants and highlighted 12,500 statewide openings, with healthcare, education, manufacturing and retail among the biggest needs. Community Events: Grand Forks launches “The Bootlegger’s Bounty,” a $25,000 treasure hunt starting Aug. 21. Public Health Tech Debate: Rural health leaders and officials are pushing AI tools, but critics say outcomes and access gains aren’t proven yet.

Farm Bill Fight: The Senate Agriculture Committee voted 17-6 to revive mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef, a move led by Sen. John Thune that could reignite a long-running trade dispute with Canada. Energy & Infrastructure: North Dakota PSC reminded residents that calling 811 before digging is required, warning fines can reach $25,000 per violation. Rail Competition: Seven Republican state attorneys general, including North Dakota’s Drew Wrigley, urged the Surface Transportation Board to reject Union Pacific’s Norfolk Southern merger, arguing proposed pricing remedies could raise shipping costs. Local Government & Public Safety: ND DOT will inspect the Memorial Bridge between Bismarck and Mandan Aug. 17-19 with single-lane closures and reduced speeds. Community & Culture: North Dakota Music Hall of Fame announced its 2026 inductees, and the North Dakota Community Foundation reported awarding more than $11 million in grants in 2025. Rural Health Tech Debate: A new review says evidence for AI tools in rural healthcare is thin, even as states plan to spend big on the technology.

Emergency Management: Gov. Kelly Armstrong proclaimed August Emergency Management Awareness Month, highlighting the behind-the-scenes work of local, tribal and state emergency managers who coordinate preparedness and recovery across North Dakota. Public Safety & Health: North Dakota is moving to ban kratom after concerns about unregulated products, especially concentrated 7-OH, with the Board of Pharmacy citing addiction and potency risks. Consumer Protection: North Dakota ranked 50th for BBB Scam Tracker reports in July, with 35 scams reported and online purchase scams the most common; Larimore also logged a home-improvement scam loss. Local Economy & Policy: Sen. John Hoeven outlined priorities tied to the Farm Bill 2.0, additional agriculture assistance, and trade actions aimed at protecting U.S. sugar producers. Infrastructure & Growth: An NDSU researcher released a guide on how AI data centers could affect North Dakota’s water use, electrical costs and noise—aimed at helping policymakers ask better questions before approving projects. Weather & Risk: Drought conditions are cutting mosquito numbers, but West Nile risk remains a concern as fewer mosquitoes can still mean more virus transmission.

Agriculture & Habitat: Gov. Kelly Armstrong’s Legacy Soil Health and Habitat Program is drawing strong early interest, with landowners and officials gathering to tout a simple one-page application and a $6.5 million Outdoor Heritage Fund start. Housing Affordability: Rep. Julie Fedorchak held a roundtable on affordable housing, focusing on removing local building barriers like manufactured-home restrictions to help close North Dakota’s supply gap. Rural Access to Care: North Dakota HHS opened applications for non-emergency medical transportation funding to help rural providers buy accessible vehicles. Kratom Crackdown: North Dakota’s statewide kratom ban is now in effect after an emergency order, with enforcement underway and health concerns raised. Data Centers Debate: A Fargo lawmaker is pushing data center transparency and a temporary moratorium during the governor’s upcoming special session, while leaders question timing. Public Safety & Health: A Salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeños has expanded to 27 states, including North Dakota, prompting downstream recalls. Local Growth: Williston Economic Development says D-BAT is coming to Williston Square, bringing indoor baseball/softball training. Skywatch: Here’s how to safely watch Wednesday’s partial solar eclipse.