AGP Executive Report

Health Costs: North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread released 2027 health-plan rate changes, cutting some insurers’ requested increases but warning families and small businesses still face rising premiums. Fargo Lawsuit: Four former city communications employees sued Fargo, alleging an internal investigation forced their resignations and damaged their reputations; they seek more than $75,000 in damages. Oil Revenue: North Dakota’s stripper-well tax break applies to thousands of wells producing above the 15-barrel threshold used by many other oil states. Separately, the state could forgo $66 million under a permanent oil-tax break questioned by lawmakers. AI and Growth: North Dakota experts say communities need a clearer plan for data centers and artificial intelligence as local governments face decisions about development and its economic, environmental and social effects. Farm Economy: Harvest is accelerating, but farmers are contending with price swings after a surprise federal corn-yield estimate; soybean growers report better prices and some stronger-than-expected yields. Trade Ties: Canada buys about 82% of North Dakota’s exported goods, underscoring the state’s exposure to trade tensions.

Data Center Debate: Geronimo Power’s CEO is urging public engagement as the company seeks approval for a proposed Cass County data center; a community forum is scheduled today at Grand Farm. Agriculture: An opponent says Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring’s calendar showed four farmer meetings and eight with lobbyists over a year. Goehring says the calendar doesn’t capture all his conversations. Health Costs: North Dakotans with ACA individual and small-group plans face higher premiums in 2027 as medical costs rise; Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread says regulators trimmed some requested increases. Harvest: Soybean growers report better-than-expected yields in some areas and prices near $13 a bushel, but remain wary of trade uncertainty. State Finances: North Dakota could miss out on $66 million under a permanent oil tax break questioned by lawmakers. Voting Access: A Native American Rights Fund report says distance and limited internet access continue to make voting harder for tribal communities in North Dakota.

Agriculture: A records request by challenger Vern Thompson found four farmer meetings and eight lobbyist meetings on Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring’s calendar over a year. Goehring said the calendar leaves out many conversations and meetings. Oil Taxes: North Dakota could forgo $66 million this year from more than 700 oil wells that no longer qualify for a tax break but still receive it, a state investigation found. The wider program is projected to cost $260 million. State Finance: The Bank of North Dakota’s dollar-backed Roughrider Coin has launched on a new stablecoin platform, with VersaBank as issuer and Solana as its underlying network. Health Costs: Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread says 2027 premiums will rise for individual and small-group ACA plans as healthcare costs climb; his department reduced several insurers’ requested increases. Fargo Development: A proposed 10-year tax exemption for commercial redevelopment drew a warning from Cass County’s chair, who said it could erode the tax base and spur more applications. Pipeline Dispute: The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe has filed a new lawsuit seeking to shut down the Dakota Access Pipeline, citing concerns about water safety and treaty rights.

2027 Priorities: A majority of North Dakota legislative candidates say education, housing and childcare should top the next session’s agenda, putting affordability issues in focus. Bismarck Discovery: Archaeologists found seven coffins containing human remains near the governor’s residence, at the site of Bismarck’s first cemetery; analysis is expected to continue into next year. Pipeline Fight: The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe has filed a new lawsuit seeking to shut down the Dakota Access Pipeline, while a separate Summit pipeline ruling was described as a win for local control. Economic Growth: A new comparison found North Dakota had the biggest increase in GDP per person among U.S. states and Canadian provinces from 1999 to 2024, ranking sixth overall in 2024. Workforce: An aging skilled-trades workforce and tighter immigration enforcement are worsening labor shortages as construction demand grows, including for data centers. Bison Football: UNLV handed North Dakota State its first loss of the season, winning 13-7 in a defensive battle.

Bison Football: North Dakota State suffered its first loss, falling 13-7 to UNLV. The defeat also dents the Bison’s chances of finishing unbeaten and securing a College Football Playoff spot. Grand Forks Lawsuit: A Colorado man is suing the police department, alleging an officer’s typo led to his wrongful arrest on a felony charge. The case was later dismissed; the allegations have not been tested in court. Health Careers: About 170 high school students explored hands-on health care and related careers at North Dakota State College of Science’s Allied Health Day in Wahpeton. Standing Rock: The tribe has filed a new federal lawsuit seeking to overturn approval for the Dakota Access Pipeline’s Missouri River crossing, renewing its long-running fight over water and treaty rights. Bismarck History: Archaeologists found seven coffins containing human remains near the governor’s residence, at the site of the city’s first cemetery. Analysis is expected to wrap up early next year before the remains are reburied.

Bison Football: North Dakota State’s 13-7 loss to UNLV offered a tough lesson in the speed and physicality of FBS competition; quarterback Nathan Hayes threw three interceptions. Bismarck History: Archaeologists found seven coffins with human remains near the governor’s residence, at the site of Bismarck’s first community cemetery. The remains are expected to be reburied after analysis. Pipeline Fight: The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe has filed a new lawsuit challenging federal approval of the Dakota Access Pipeline’s Missouri River crossing, continuing its decade-long effort to shut down the project. North Dakota Economy: A Fraser Institute study found the state had the largest per-person GDP increase among U.S. states and Canadian provinces from 1999 to 2024, rising to sixth overall. Medora Gathering: Nearly 300 people attended the first TeddyCon at the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, with talks and events exploring Roosevelt’s legacy.

Tribal Affairs: The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe filed a new federal lawsuit challenging the Army Corps’ approval of an easement for the Dakota Access Pipeline’s Missouri River crossing, renewing its effort to stop the project. Biofuels: A bipartisan group of 37 lawmakers urged federal officials to preserve 2026–27 biofuel requirements, warning delays could hurt farm markets, rural jobs and fuel savings. North Dakota History: Nearly 300 historians and Roosevelt enthusiasts gathered in Medora for the first TeddyCon, a three-day convention at the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. 2027 Legislature: Grand Forks-area candidates pointed to housing and childcare costs, education and state spending as priorities for the next session. Rural Business: A new grocery store in Sheyenne is bringing fresh food back to a community that had gone more than 20 years without one.

Pipeline Authority: A North Dakota judge ruled state siting rules do not automatically override local zoning in Summit Carbon Solutions’ pipeline case, affirming counties’ role in setting setbacks. The pipeline permit remains in place. Dakota Access: The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe sued federal agencies to overturn approval of the pipeline’s Missouri River crossing, renewing its effort to protect treaty rights and water. Teacher Pay: Gov. Kelly Armstrong backs a proposed $3,400 bonus for licensed teachers in public and private schools, arguing it is constitutional because it goes to teachers, not schools. Farm Outlook: North Dakota farmers report a difficult, uneven harvest and fuel costs above $6 a gallon. USDA’s larger-than-expected corn estimate—including a two-bushel increase in North Dakota’s projected yield—sent grain futures lower. Health Care: A North Dakota hospital is among the plaintiffs seeking to block a revised federal 340B drug-rebate program, which hospitals say could add major costs and burden safety-net care. Bismarck Discovery: Archaeologists completed work at the governor’s residence, where seven coffins containing human remains were found near the site of the city’s first cemetery.

Bismarck: Archaeologists uncovered seven coffins containing human remains, including a toddler’s, near the governor’s residence during security work. The site was part of Bismarck’s first cemetery, and fieldwork wrapped up Sept. 14. State Government: Gov. Kelly Armstrong and Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden honored state employee teams for public service, selected from more than 200 nominations. Elections: North Dakota voters will decide Measure 1, which would require 60% approval for future constitutional amendments, amid a wider push in some states to tighten rules for citizen-led ballot measures. Agriculture: USDA raised its North Dakota corn yield estimate by 2 bushels to 132 per acre. A larger-than-expected national crop estimate sent corn futures sharply lower as harvest continues. Ag Innovation: Grand Farm broke ground on its Innovation Campus expansion near Casselton and announced a $5 million federal grant for a year-round indoor AgTech testing track. Road Safety: Federal officials are reviewing headlight standards, including glare from LEDs—a concern for North Dakotans driving rural roads at night. The review is aimed at future vehicle designs, not requiring drivers to replace existing lights.

House Race: Three challengers for North Dakota’s U.S. House seat debated data center transparency, AI regulation and local control; Republican incumbent Julie Fedorchak did not attend. Innovation: Applications are open for the state’s LIFT technology loan program, which has backed 76 North Dakota companies with $47.5 million; apply by Nov. 9. Public Safety: A 30-year-old Fargo man was arrested and charged in connection with a September shooting in north Fargo. Education: The State Historical Society is updating fourth-grade North Dakota history books for the first time in about 20 years, aiming for a more manageable, accurate curriculum. Agriculture: North Dakota farmers are expected to receive an estimated $721 million in federal payments this month. Tax Deadline: Residents with extensions must file state income tax returns by Oct. 15; unpaid balances may accrue interest and late filings can trigger penalties.

North Dakota Economy: North Dakota ranked No. 1 in a 2026 state-economy analysis under six different economic frameworks, buoyed by strong state finances, high workforce participation and relatively affordable housing. But inflation-adjusted income fell 2.58%, and the state’s fiscal strength depends heavily on oil and gas revenue. Election 2026: Campaign groups have raised millions around two ballot measures: one would require 60% voter approval to amend the state constitution; the other would provide free school meals to K-12 students. Meanwhile, Rep. Julie Fedorchak is expected to skip Thursday’s U.S. House debate; her campaign and Prairie Public disagree over why she withdrew. Children’s Services: The Children’s Cabinet says North Dakota families face gaps in service access and availability, inconsistent support and a need for earlier intervention, especially for developmental delays. Bismarck Traffic: 18th Avenue access off 3rd Street closes Oct. 12 for up to two weeks as crews install storm sewer. Drivers will detour through Memorial Highway.

Governor’s Residence: Archaeologists have uncovered seven coffins containing human remains on the Bismarck property, once the city cemetery. The remains include two women, two men, two teenage boys and a toddler; analysis is expected to finish in 2027. Campaign Finance: Gov. Kelly Armstrong and his campaign have contributed about $430,000 to Republican candidates this year, including $140,000 since the June primary. Fuel Costs: North Dakota Farmers Union President Matt Perdue says expanding access to tax-free dyed diesel offers little relief as prices soar; diesel averaged $6.30 a gallon nationally. Agriculture: A judge upheld the state permit for the planned 25,000-cow Herberg Dairy near Hillsboro, rejecting a challenge by the Dakota Resource Council. Banking Innovation: The Bank of North Dakota is testing its Roughrider Coin stablecoin with four local financial institutions, exploring how the dollar-pegged digital currency could be used.

Governor’s Residence: Archaeologists found seven coffins containing human remains on the grounds of North Dakota’s governor’s residence, once a Bismarck cemetery. The remains include two adults of each sex, two teenage boys and a toddler; analysis is expected to continue into 2027. Nonprofit Oversight: Becker County is ending its contract with the F5 Project after North Dakota’s attorney general found that loans to the nonprofit’s leaders amounted to self-dealing. Data Center Debate: North Dakota is emerging as an AI data-center hub, but lawmakers are hearing concerns about water use, power and where facilities should go. Schools: State leaders proposed annual teacher bonuses to help recruit and retain educators, as North Dakota’s average teacher pay ranks 41st nationally. Farm Economy: Farmers are set to receive an estimated $721 million in federal payments this month. North Dakota Farmers Union leaders say expanded access to dyed diesel will do little to offset record fuel costs. Finance: The Bank of North Dakota announced a stablecoin pilot with local partners.

Diesel Relief Push: Trump signed an executive order easing rules on dyed diesel, but analysts say the help is modest and prices likely won’t fall much before midterms. Public Health: North Dakota warned Empire Builder riders after a Montana measles case; officials also flagged exposure sites in Malta and Moore, urging people to check MMR status. Local Governance: Fargo voters rejected a switch to ward-based city council, keeping the at-large City Commission structure. State Politics & Policy: North Dakota lawmakers heard testimony on data center water use and resident concerns, with officials saying utilities have so far been able to supply demand. Business & Economy: Employee ownership is being promoted statewide as a way to keep companies local; North Dakota also announced a stablecoin pilot tied to the Roughrider Coin. Energy: Minnkota plans a $1B natural gas-fired power plant in Cass County, aiming for generation in 2031-32. Safety & Crime: A Fargo man pleaded guilty to stealing more than $50,000 in Social Security benefits from a deceased relative. Community & Health Grants: BCBSND Caring Foundation expanded Health Innovation Grants to seven North Dakota organizations.

Diesel Relief Push: President Trump signed an executive order expanding access to tax-free red-dyed diesel, aiming to blunt election-year fuel costs, though analysts warn the help may be modest and prices could keep rising. North Dakota Banking Tech: The Bank of North Dakota launched a pilot for its Roughrider Coin stablecoin with local banks and Fiserv to test benefits and risks in a controlled setting. Local Government Watch: Harmony Township is seeking legal counsel after questions about whether a former chairman’s undisclosed land deal could invalidate zoning changes tied to a proposed 540-megawatt Fargo-area data center. Education & Workforce: North Dakota’s proposed teacher bonus plan would fund retention and recruitment through a stipend backed by the Commons Schools Trust Fund. Health & Safety: VA awarded $698,970 in North Dakota suicide prevention grants under the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox program. Community Events: Fort Buford hosts a free Ghost Walk Oct. 10, and the Missouri–Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center runs a Confluence Fall Festival Oct. 24.

Teacher Pay Push: State Superintendent Levi Bachmeier, Rep. Mike Nathe and Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden unveiled a proposed STAYS stipend that would create a teacher retention fund and offer annual bonuses to licensed North Dakota teachers, with payments capped and designed not to affect contracted pay or retirement. Stablecoin in the Spotlight: The Bank of North Dakota launched a pilot for the state’s dollar-backed Roughrider Coin with local banks and Fiserv, aiming to test a new payments rail in a controlled environment. AgTech Funding: Sen. John Hoeven announced $5 million in federal support for Grand Farm’s Innovation Campus to build an indoor AgTech test track for year-round equipment and autonomous system trials. Historic Remains Update: Archaeologists removed seven coffins with human remains and an additional wooden box from the North Dakota Governor’s Residence property; cataloging and analysis are expected to run into early 2027. Cattle Fraud Case: A North Dakota cattle broker, Taylor Bang, pleaded guilty in a Ponzi-linked beef marketing scheme tied to the Agridime investigation; the state ordered his livestock business to stop and revoked his license. Local Legal Standoff: Grand Forks city leaders took no action on Fufeng USA’s threatened litigation letter after an executive session, leaving the next move to the company. Midterm Voting Guide: A new guide explains how North Dakotans can register and vote ahead of the midterms.