AGP Executive Report

Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora: North Dakota’s new Roosevelt Presidential Library is set to open to the public Saturday after a donor soft opening, with a 96,000-square-foot museum on a 93-acre Badlands campus and immersive exhibits aimed at bringing Roosevelt’s story to life. Local Health Care Deal Watch: Altru Health System’s board voted to keep pursuing acquisition of three central North Dakota hospitals, including St. Alexius Health Medical Center in Bismarck, with details still not public. Bismarck Hospital Timeline Unclear: Altru says it’s still in due diligence, and community leaders are pressing for updates on what an affiliation could mean for care in Bismarck, Turtle Lake and Garrison. Bakken East Gas Line Update: Proposed Bakken East natural gas pipeline plans in eastern North Dakota have been revised with larger pipe sizes for more capacity, boosting optimism for long-term growth in the Red River Valley. Jamestown Sales Tax Lift: Jamestown reported a 9% jump in first-quarter taxable sales and purchases versus last year, driven largely by construction activity tied to major projects. SNAP Error-Rate Fix: North Dakota is working to reduce its SNAP payment error rate as new federal cost-share rules take effect for states at or above a 6% error threshold. Heat and July 4 Plans: Record-breaking heat forced some major cities to cancel Fourth of July parades, underscoring safety concerns heading into the holiday weekend.

Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, Medora: Hundreds gathered for a benefactor day ahead of the Saturday public opening of the $450 million TR Presidential Library, with Gov. Kelly Armstrong and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum highlighting exhibits including the 1912 assassination-attempt display. North Dakota politics & unity: Sen. John Hoeven and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand said the library can help “heal grief” and divisions, while multiple governors from across the last 34 years reunited in Medora. Bismarck museum funding snag: Construction on the Military Gallery at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum paused July 3 through at least July 31 as private fundraising falls short of the milestone needed to unlock state funds. Local infrastructure: Pembina residents say a closed Stutsman Street bridge is hurting access to the golf course and recreation, with temporary fixes still being discussed. Health & community: A new mobile pet grooming business, It’s Doggy Time, launched in the Red River Valley, bringing front-door grooming to pet owners. National backdrop: At Mount Rushmore, Trump kicked off America’s 250th with anti-communism rhetoric and a fireworks-and-keynote celebration that also drew attention to wildfire/fire-risk concerns.

Health & Fitness Scrutiny: After Trump’s Medora stop at the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, new viral clips and comments have reignited questions about his mobility and cognition, including a neurologist’s claim that an awkward gait could point to a degenerative brain issue. North Dakota Arts: The North Dakota Council on the Arts launched “Murals Across North Dakota,” a statewide effort to document murals and map community identity through local stories and themes. Local Safety & Environment: The state’s Project Safe Send announced July chemical collection dates across North Dakota, including stops in Casselton, Jamestown, Bismarck, Dickinson, Williston, Rugby, and Devils Lake. Politics & Ethics: Trump’s 250th-week messaging and optics continue to draw backlash, from online mockery over a tarmac video to fresh scrutiny of his finances and foreign-linked perks. Agriculture Funding: The White House is seeking $11.1 billion in supplemental aid for farmers and pushing year-round E15, as crop costs and low prices squeeze producers. Travel & Infrastructure: FAA awards and DOT projects highlight ongoing airport and I-94 improvements tied to North Dakota’s growth and mobility needs.

North Dakota Economy & Tech: Applied Digital says it has finished Phase I of Building 2 at its Ellendale AI and HPC campus, bringing 175MW live capacity and scaling toward a 400MW contracted load. Local Business & Security: Medora-area glass companies helped install bulletproof glass for President Trump’s Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library events, including heavy panes at the amphitheater. Politics & Courts: The Supreme Court wrapped a major run of rulings, including upholding birthright citizenship and striking down Trump’s birthright order, with fallout continuing in both parties. Health Care Fraud: Minnesota charged a North Dakota resident with allegedly defrauding Medical Assistance of more than $156,000 by using identities of licensed providers to bill psychotherapy and substance counseling. Agriculture & Community: NDSU Extension will host dry bean field days in Forest River and Hatton, plus an NDSU North Central Research Extension Center field day July 15. Public Safety: With heavy rain and flooding concerns in the region, local guidance highlights sump pumps and home waterproofing steps. National Watch: Trump’s new Qatar-donated Air Force One sparked fresh controversy, including online scrutiny of “Library” books pictured inside.

Theodore Roosevelt Library in Medora: President Donald Trump dedicated the new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in North Dakota, presenting Roosevelt’s Medal of Honor and praising the former president’s legacy as a “living monument.” North Dakota Health: The state’s Health and Human Services department launched a rural funding opportunity to help providers upgrade electronic medical records to improve care coordination and outcomes. Rural business expansion: The Arthur Companies bought Beach Cooperative Grain Company, keeping Beach locally run while expanding Arthur’s grain and agronomy reach in western North Dakota. Air Force One controversy: Trump took his first operational flight on the Qatar-gifted, retrofitted VC-25B “Bridge” aircraft, a $400 million Boeing 747-8i that’s already drawing scrutiny over security and ethics. Trade uncertainty: A new analysis warns North Dakota and other states could face economic risks if the U.S. moves to end USMCA, with calls for affected governors and lawmakers to push for preserving the deal.

North Dakota Spotlight: President Donald Trump landed in Bismarck and then headed to Medora to dedicate the new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, drawing thousands under tight security and sweltering heat. Air Force One Controversy: Trump took his first flight on a Qatar-donated, retrofitted Boeing 747-8i—painted in his preferred colors—sparking fresh ethical and national-security questions even as he called it a “bridge” aircraft. Roosevelt + Politics: At the library opening, Trump praised “American grit” and Roosevelt’s legacy, while also mixing in sharp political jabs and a bizarre Medal of Honor “threesome” remark that drew ridicule. U.S.-Iran Diplomacy: Separate U.S.-Iran talks in Doha, mediated by Qatar and Pakistan, reportedly showed “positive progress,” with discussions set to continue. Local Tech + Drones: Vantis UAS capabilities were opened to operators at no cost through the Northern Plains UAS Test Site, expanding access to beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations in North Dakota. Heat Safety: Officials warned extreme temperatures could affect July 4 National Mall festivities.

Roosevelt Library Kickoff in Medora: President Donald Trump arrived in North Dakota on the first flight of the new Qatar-gifted Air Force One to tour the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library ahead of its July 4 opening, with a public speech expected in Medora and livestream coverage. Air Force One Ethics & Costs: The refurbished Boeing 747-8i, valued around $400 million, has drawn bipartisan scrutiny over a foreign gift and taxpayer upgrade spending, though Trump says the upgrade cost was “very little” and credits Qatar for “top dollars.” AI “Living Library”: The new Medora museum opens to the public with an AI-powered experience that lets visitors explore Roosevelt’s papers and legacy in interactive ways. Election Rules, Mail Ballots: A U.S. Supreme Court ruling upheld state authority over when ballots must be received, a win for grace periods—though North Dakota previously tightened its rules to require absentee ballots arrive by Election Day. Local Sports Media: Forum Communications renewed its broadcast deal with NDSU’s Bison Sports Properties, keeping WDAY-TV as the local partner for Bison football, basketball, and other Olympic sports. Western Power Grid Push: Montana joined a multi-state transmission expansion effort that includes North Dakota, aiming to streamline permitting as electricity demand rises. Crypto Conflict Questions: Trump again defended his reported crypto earnings, saying he doesn’t manage the finances directly and claiming “everybody’s profiting” as markets rise.

Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library opening: The new TR library in Medora opens July 4, with Fourth of July-style festivities and a focus on citizenship, leadership and conservation—while conservation groups warn the Trump-Burgum era is undercutting Roosevelt’s land-protection legacy. Trump visit and Air Force One: President Trump is set to visit North Dakota Wednesday for the library stop, using the newly modified Qatar-donated Air Force One for the first time, raising fresh ethics and legal questions. State disaster declaration: Gov. Kelly Armstrong declared a statewide disaster for June 7-9 storms, citing about $4.6 million in damage to electrical infrastructure and damage to homes, farms and businesses. Courts and health care: The North Dakota Supreme Court heard arguments in a case challenging the state’s ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth. Local government and growth: Bismarck-area readers also got a look at how cities are responding to data centers, with Broken Bow considering zoning rules to manage power-hungry facilities. Banking and trails: Bank of North Dakota released its 2025 annual report, and ND Parks and Recreation awarded recreational trails funding for projects across the state.

North Dakota Politics & Civic Life: Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health Director Renae Moch was elected vice president of the National Association of County and City Health Officials, starting July 1, marking the first time a ND public health leader has reached NACCHO’s national officer track. Agriculture & Rural Issues: The state’s Project Safe Send pesticide drop-off program returns with eight July collection sites, including Jamestown, offering free disposal of unusable or banned pesticides. Energy & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld Mississippi’s rule allowing mail ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted if they arrive later, a decision that could shape voting deadlines in states that allow late arrivals. Local Infrastructure: ND DOT says construction will begin July 6 on an I-94 Business Loop box culvert replacement east of Valley City, with the loop closed until Aug. 3 and work expected to finish Aug. 5. Sports & Community: Cole Swindell is set for a Sept. 19 postgame concert at Nebraska’s Memorial Stadium after the Nebraska–North Dakota game.

Supreme Court & Voting: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld Mississippi’s rule allowing officials to count mail ballots postmarked by Election Day even if they arrive later, a decision that could shape grace-period practices in multiple states. North Dakota Energy & Business: Enbridge announced a $2.5 million founding gift to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, supporting sustainability and prairie restoration. Local Economy: The North Dakota Department of Commerce awarded $600,000 to 15 Native American-owned businesses through the Native American Small Business Support Program. Road Work: ND DOT plans an I-94 Business Loop structure replacement east of Valley City starting July 6, with the stretch closed until Aug. 3 and work expected to finish Aug. 5. Banking: Bank of North Dakota released its 2025 annual report, citing net income of $231.8 million and continued modernization efforts. Weather & Safety: A tornado watch ended for parts of Southern Manitoba, but rainfall warnings remain as storms move through the region. Holiday & Community: North Dakota communities are gearing up for America’s 250th with events like Bismarck’s Liberty Bell replica ringing and July 4 celebrations across the state.

ND Government Tech: North Dakota launched Dakota BOT, an AI chatbot meant to be a 24/7 “digital front door” for ND.gov and state agency sites, answering 91% of user questions and helping agencies spot where info is missing. Local Transportation: The ND Department of Transportation will replace a concrete box culvert on the I-94 Business Loop east of Valley City, closing the route July 6–Aug. 3 with a signed detour. Air Travel: Delta Connection will end Williston-to-Minneapolis/St. Paul flights Sept. 7, a service that began in 2012. Public Safety & Health: Bismarck Medicaid durable medical equipment payments hit $231,870 in 2024, up 90.4% from 2023. Politics & Voting: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled states can count mailed ballots postmarked by Election Day even if they arrive after Election Day. Energy & Industry: A new report highlights power shortages as a potential drag on the AI boom, while another story points to growing pressure on USPS’s $10B EV overhaul amid delays and cost warnings.

AI & Law: States including North Dakota (2023) have moved to declare AI can’t have consciousness or legal personhood, but critics say the bans are too categorical and lack scientific review or sunset clauses. Energy & Politics: A new opinion argues the U.S. and allies are “turning back” to reliable fossil fuels as geopolitical shocks expose limits of renewables-only energy security. Economy: The U.S. economy grew at a 2.1% annualized rate in Q1 2026, revised up from 1.6%, driven by investment, exports, government spending and consumer spending. North Dakota in the spotlight: Preparations continue for President Trump’s North Dakota visit, including the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library dedication, with military aircraft activity reported at Bismarck’s airport. Travel & Air Service: Western North Dakota’s Williston–Minneapolis Delta route is ending Sept. 7 due to low demand. Community & Local Business: A family-owned Bismarck window and door store is marking 18 years and pushing free in-home estimates. Sports: The 2026 NHL draft delivered a North Dakota tie-in as Keaton Verhoeff was selected, and the Ruck twins were both picked by the Penguins.

Food Assistance & Power Outages: Wisconsin will let SNAP recipients replace spoiled FoodShare groceries after outages, but advocates say the process is hard—especially for people without printers who must hand-sign forms. Ethics Commission Scrutiny: A North Dakota Ethics Commission member says the commission’s “public priorities” survey is non-scientific, raising questions about whether it truly boosts transparency and whether more similar surveys are planned. Local Business Spotlight: Bismarck’s Window & Door Store marks 18 years and is pushing free in-home estimates for homeowners. Trade Uncertainty: Analysts warn the USMCA review starting July 1 could trigger annual renegotiations if not renewed, adding uncertainty for businesses. NHL Draft & UND Ties: The Penguins drafted UND-bound Ruck twins—Liam in Round 1 and Markus in Round 2—fulfilling their goal to stay together. North Dakota Energy & Governance: Gov. Kelly Armstrong declined to remove Eddy County commissioner Dave Gehrtz after conflict-of-interest complaints tied to the Flickertail Wind project; the AG recommended against removal.

NHL Draft (ND ties): The Pittsburgh Penguins made a feel-good story out of the 2026 NHL Draft by selecting UND-bound twin brothers Liam Ruck (No. 22) and Markus Ruck (No. 39), fulfilling their wish to stay together. Local Sports (ND): UND’s Keaton Verhoeff was also a first-round pick in the draft, adding more North Dakota talent to the mix. Health Care (regional): Essentia Health announced four new members to its board of directors, including Marc Adams, Marci Knight, Dr. Josh Honeyman and Sister Jeanne Ann Weber. Banking (ND): Security State Bank in Hibbings named Bernie Knutson as its new president, succeeding Mark Gardeski. Energy/Infrastructure (regional): Minnesota Power is pushing a major $900 million grid upgrade, including a new converter station tied to the HVDC line that brings wind power from central North Dakota. Politics/Policy (ND): North Dakota is among 17 Republican-led states suing California over its plastics packaging law, arguing it violates state sovereignty and could raise costs nationwide. Business/Local growth (ND): Farmers Fuel Coffee Co. is expanding from a family farm in Minnesota, a reminder of how regional agriculture brands keep growing.

NHL Draft (local sports tie-in): UND’s night in Buffalo was historic: Carson Carels went No. 6 to Calgary, Keaton Verhoeff was picked No. 9 by San Jose, and Liam Ruck landed No. 22 with Pittsburgh—three Fighting Hawks taken in the first round. State politics: North Dakota voters rejected measures that would have ended most local property taxes, legalized recreational marijuana, and made it harder to amend the state constitution. Energy & local governance: Gov. Kelly Armstrong declined to remove Eddy County commissioner Dave Gehrtz after a petition alleging conflicts tied to the Flickertail Wind project, citing an Attorney General review and ongoing litigation. Agriculture & outdoors: ND Game and Fish says pheasant numbers look up statewide in its spring crowing count, with the northeast showing a big jump. Business & community: North Dakota Mill and Elevator CEO Vance Taylor announced his retirement, with Cathy Dub named to lead the state-owned operation. Health: Essentia Health CEO Dr. David Herman was appointed to the Joint Commission’s Board of Commissioners.

Rural Health: North Dakota’s Rural Health Transformation Program is funding ambulance upgrades, but delivery delays and federal spending deadlines are slowing replacements—officials say some new rigs can take years to arrive, forcing services to stretch older fleets. State Tech: North Dakota launched Dakota BOT, an AI chatbot meant to be a 24/7 “digital front door” for ND.gov and agency sites, with multilingual help and a reported 91% success rate on user questions. Workforce Development: Cirrus opened a new Talent Center in Hermantown, aiming to recruit and train more than 240 workers for aerospace roles. Public Safety/Health: The CDC says U.S. measles elimination is effectively over, with 2,134 confirmed cases in 2026 and most infections tied to unvaccinated people. Sports (Local angle): UND freshman defenseman Keaton Verhoeff was selected No. 9 in the NHL Draft, joining a young Sharks core. Business/Community: Levo Credit Union opened its first North Dakota location in West Fargo, funding local nonprofits during grand opening week.