AGP Executive Report

Kratom ban in North Dakota: Gov. Kelly Armstrong’s emergency move is now being framed as a public health crisis, with reporting saying people cut off from kratom could face serious fallout and lawmakers weighing next steps. Local scams: BBB Scam Tracker reports West Fargo led North Dakota cities in June with five scam reports, including online purchase schemes tied to losses over $1,600. Farm policy fight: A debate is resurfacing in the Senate over whether to require a mandatory base acre update in the farm bill, with critics warning it could cut commodity program benefits and disrupt risk management. Education funding flexibility: The U.S. Education Department is granting more states waivers to consolidate federal education dollars, including South Dakota, as the Trump administration pushes more control to states. Immigration advocacy: A Fargo-Moorhead coalition is urging North Dakota Sens. Hoeven and Cramer to support extending Temporary Protected Status for Haitians into early 2029. Capitol event: UND’s Constitution Day Project will hold a reception at the North Dakota State Capitol on Aug. 17, highlighting refugee stories and the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.

US Politics & Funding: The Senate passed a clean continuing resolution to keep the federal government funded through Dec. 11, avoiding a shutdown and extending surface transportation money while adjusting priorities like WIC and disaster relief. North Dakota Agriculture & Policy: Sen. John Hoeven highlighted upcoming Farm Bill markup and recent Senate actions tied to agriculture and voting photo ID. North Dakota Sports: Bismarck High alum Treysen Eaglestaff entered the transfer portal after one year at West Virginia, pursuing a fifth college season. Local Sports (State Tournament): Walsh County’s Wellcats 1 clinched a championship berth in the ND Amateur Baseball Class A tournament, while Tarno Townies pulled off a walk-off win over Tolna. Public Safety & Health: North Dakota’s kratom ban is in effect, with officials and retailers weighing what happens next as regulation discussions continue. Wildfire Watch: Gov. Armstrong declared a statewide fire emergency as drought persists and wildfire risk rises. Food Safety: A Salmonella outbreak linked to Mexican jalapeños has sickened people across 27 states, prompting recalls. Business: Unison Bank announced a leadership transition, naming Christofer Yacoub as the next president and setting up a CEO handoff.

Kratom crackdown: North Dakota’s kratom ban is now in effect, with Gov. Kelly Armstrong’s emergency rule classifying 7-OH as a Schedule 1 drug—leaving Fargo shop owners scrambling over inventory and pushing lawmakers to consider regulation in a special session. Public safety & local rules: New Rockford proposed an ordinance to limit motorized scooter use, including age limits, speed rules, and bans on sidewalks and crosswalks. Health alert: A Salmonella outbreak tied to Mexican jalapeños has sickened 345 people across 27 states, prompting recalls that hit chains including Chipotle and QDOBA. State government & services: DOJ inspectors say some local governments have misused federal crime-victim funds, flagging unsupported and unallowable spending. Community calendar: Red Willow Ministries’ Quilts and More Auction runs Aug. 22, with online bidding Aug. 7-14 and quilt viewing Aug. 17-21. Sports/ND life: UND will show off aerobatics at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, while the Bison football team is leaning on a younger leadership group heading into the 2026 season.

Wildfire Preparedness: Gov. Kelly Armstrong declared a statewide fire emergency and activated North Dakota’s State Emergency Operations Plan as drought expands, with more than half the state in drought (33% moderate, 23% severe) and 36% abnormally dry. The order directs state agencies to stay ready through Dec. 1. Public Safety: Mandan police say a 22-year-old mother, Kailey Erhart, faces nine charges including two counts of murder and attempted murder after an attack on three children; court documents allege she used a knife, injuring one child who remains hospitalized, and police say she chased children out of the home. Ag Funding: Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring announced $1.7 million in grants statewide, including $500,000 for Anchor Ingredients to add processing equipment at its Hatton grain-handling site after a 2025 fire destroyed two elevators. Local Events: The Williston Basin Airshow is set for Aug. 15 at Williston Basin International Airport, with gates opening at 10 a.m. and performances running through mid-afternoon. Workforce Outlook: A new look at labor trends says today’s children could be the first generation in decades to do better than their parents as young-worker shortages loom—though taxes for an aging population remain a concern. Trade & Markets: U.S. soybean growers are pushing deeper cooperation with China as the crop is projected at a record 123 million metric tons.

Disability Care in the Crosshairs: North Dakota advocates are alarmed by a new U.S. Justice Department legal memo that could, over time, weaken protections for Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services—services many residents rely on to avoid institutional care. Citizenship Fight: President Trump issued new executive orders aimed at limiting birthright citizenship after a Supreme Court ruling blocked an earlier attempt, narrowing who could be denied citizenship. Kratom Crackdown: Gov. Kelly Armstrong and Republican lawmakers are weighing a special session to ban kratom in North Dakota, while enforcement steps are already underway. Food Safety Alert: A jalapeño recall tied to Salmonella continues to expand, with new reports that additional products and locations may be involved, including a Costco recall notice in Florida. Local Public Safety: Mandan police say a mother has been arrested after seriously assaulting three children, with two deaths reported. UND Innovation: The University of North Dakota was selected for the DOE Genesis Mission, backing an AI battery security project.

Aviation Disruption: A major ATC outage knocked out radio and radar services from Minneapolis ARTCC for about two hours, triggering ground stops and widespread delays across the Midwest, including North Dakota. Food Safety: A salmonella outbreak tied to recalled Mexican jalapeños has sickened 300+ people across 27 states, with major restaurant chains like Chipotle and Qdoba removing the implicated peppers. North Dakota Policy: North Dakota’s statewide kratom ban is now in effect, with enforcement starting in Fargo and Gov. Kelly Armstrong pushing a Sept. 2 special session to codify it into law. Farm Economy: North Dakota Farmers Union is urging Congress to finish the farm bill after a Senate committee failed to pass one, warning input costs and uncertainty are squeezing producers. Fertilizer Watch: Nutrien executives say Middle East disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz could worsen fertilizer prices and dampen demand. Local Business: Central Dakota Hospital Laundry in Bismarck is expanding with a $17 million modernization to keep hospital linen operations running smoothly. Community & Agriculture: Dakotafest is adding a “2027 Profit Roadmap” seminar aimed at helping farmers navigate tight margins and rising costs.

Childcare Funding: The North Dakota Development Fund approved more than $1.1 million in Q2 loans for two projects in Jamestown and Fargo to expand childcare capacity and support the state workforce. Kratom Ban: North Dakota’s statewide kratom ban took effect Aug. 5, making sales and possession illegal and pointing people to Attorney General drop-off sites for disposal. Food Safety: Federal health officials say a Salmonella Javiana outbreak tied to recalled jalapeños from Sinaloa, Mexico has sickened 345 people across 27 states, with Chipotle and Qdoba removing the ingredient. Ag Policy: Sen. John Hoeven is pushing for fertilizer price transparency in the farm bill, citing industry concentration and the need for better pricing information. Local Planning: Medora City Council delayed adoption of a comprehensive plan, asking for more review and public input before moving forward. Recreation Access: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is exploring two Yellowstone River access sites near Terry as it looks to expand public recreation along the Lower Yellowstone. Community Event: Williston’s Out of the Darkness walk is set for Sept. 13 at Harmon Park, supporting mental health and suicide prevention.

Kratom Ban in North Dakota: Gov. Kelly Armstrong’s executive order is now in effect, making kratom products illegal to sell statewide as of Wednesday, with disposal options listed by the Attorney General and enforcement set for police and prosecutors. Public Safety: North Dakota’s “100 Deadliest Days of Summer” focus continues as officials point to distracted driving, impaired driving, and unbuckled crashes. Local Fraud Watch: Grand Forks tied for second in North Dakota for BBB scam reports in June, with online purchase scams leading the list. Fire Aftermath: Residents are being escorted back into Midvale’s North Union Apartments to salvage belongings after a major fire, though fourth-floor access remains restricted. Courts and Guns: A federal appeals court upheld Florida’s child-protection “drag ban,” while a separate case in Kansas blocks ATF from enforcing suppressor and short-barreled rifle registration rules. Energy and Trade: Canada’s PM Mark Carney warned the U.S. tariff deadline could trigger tougher Canadian responses, while a new Space Force unit was activated at Grand Forks Air Force Base for space-based tracking.

Medicaid Watch: A new Urban Institute projection says California and New York could see the biggest drops in Medicaid expansion enrollment under federal work requirements and more frequent eligibility checks. North Dakota Water Reality: Lake Sakakawea is running low, and officials may need to bring back boat ramps submerged for nearly two decades—meaning more traffic and added costs as maintenance gets assessed. Hemp & Fraud Push: North Dakota Attorney General Jackley joined a national coalition urging Congress to strengthen the STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act, while other AGs also pressed to keep federal hemp reforms in place. Ag Markets: At the Ag Outlook Forum, economists warned that even with strong-looking crops, prices may not rise without fewer acres and lower yields. Manufacturing People: The Greater North Dakota Chamber named 10 “Faces of Manufacturing” for 2026, highlighting local careers and innovation. Local Life: Grand Forks officials defended recycling efforts and said materials don’t end up at the landfill as often as people think.

Data Center Transparency: A new report says North Dakota is among at least 14 states that don’t disclose how much money data centers save through tax breaks, raising calls for more transparency around industry subsidies. State Politics: Fargo Mayor Josh Boschee’s resignation from the North Dakota Senate is being filled by Jamie Selzler, appointed by the District 44 Dem-NPL executive committee to serve the rest of the term through 2028. Public Safety & Budgets: Grand Forks County commissioners approved a preliminary 2027 budget and discussed a possible county sales tax to help fund the sheriff’s office as costs rise. Health Policy: Attorney General Tim Griffin joined a bipartisan push urging Congress to pass the STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act, which would expand Medicaid Fraud Control Units to pursue beneficiary and recipient fraud. Local Business: Bismarck’s Baby Bull earned national recognition on “America’s Best Restaurant” for its Caribbean, Cuban and Puerto Rican menu and community focus. Agriculture & Energy: ADM plans to expand North Dakota soybean crush capacity as biofuel demand keeps growing. Sports & Community: West Fargo Sheyenne’s Kyson Keller committed to UND men’s basketball, and Grand Forks is organizing support after the death of longtime coach Nick Chine.

Kratom crackdown: Gov. Kelly Armstrong has called lawmakers back for a special session to ban kratom in state law after an executive order and emergency rule move to restrict sales and classify 7-OH as a Schedule I drug, citing overdose deaths and a public health emergency. Hemp policy push: North Dakota AG Drew Wrigley joined a coalition of attorneys general urging Congress to preserve 2025 federal hemp reforms and keep intoxicating hemp products out of stores. Cattle theft sentencing: A Colfax man, Daniel Wayne Dockter, was ordered to surrender after a Richland County case where he stole more than 130 head of cattle; he received a 10-year sentence with restitution set at $341,000. Health costs in Grand Forks: County commissioners voted to keep 2027 health insurance spending flat as they brace for rising costs and a property tax cap. Transportation conference: NDDOT extended the deadline for proposals for the 2027 North Dakota Transportation Conference, set for March 9-10 in Bismarck. Local business watch: Minot officials’ development records list Chick-fil-A as “under review” for the former Hardee’s South Broadway address.

Kratom Crackdown: Gov. Kelly Armstrong declared a public health emergency and used executive powers to ban kratom products statewide, citing 50 North Dakota deaths linked to the substance since 2019; he also called a Sept. 2 special legislative session to make the ban permanent, while Attorney General Drew Wrigley said the drug is addictive and deadly and is sold without age limits. Local Politics: Fargo Mayor Josh Boschee resigned from the North Dakota Senate effective Aug. 4 so District 44 can appoint a replacement in time for a newly announced special session tied to the kratom ban. Health Policy: Attorney General Jeff Jackson and a coalition of 43 states reached a $400 million settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic drug price-fixing, with total payments to states of about $469 million and promised internal reforms. Utilities & Costs: Montana-Dakota Utilities asked the North Dakota Public Service Commission for a 14.5% electric rate increase for about 94,700 customers, with an interim proposal that would raise typical residential bills by about $12.90 per month starting Sept. 1. Community & Budget: Grand Forks restored arts funding to its preliminary 2027 budget, but human-needs grant money was left out, drawing pushback from council members. Business: Dorchester Minerals closed an acquisition of mineral and royalty interests totaling about 3,100 net royalty acres in the Williston Basin. Outdoors & Travel: ND Tourism updated its 2026 sunflower-field map with 32 locations and GPS directions, plus tips for respectful viewing.

Kratom Crackdown: Gov. Kelly Armstrong called a special session starting Sept. 2 and issued emergency executive actions banning kratom products for 30 days, citing overdoses and deaths tied to unregulated sales in convenience stores. Public Health & Enforcement: Attorney General Drew Wrigley backed the move, pointing to federal scheduling of a kratom ingredient (7-OH) and calling the situation a “public health crisis.” State Politics: Lawmakers will return to Bismarck to craft longer-term rules, with the regular session still months away. North Dakota Economy & Families: A WalletHub analysis put North Dakota near the top for having a baby in 2026, ranking the state third overall on cost and family-friendliness, while noting weaker health-care access. Local Business: A North Dakota Subway franchisee in Dickinson filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, listing about $1.8 million in debt as revenues fell. Agriculture & Livestock: Farm policy and trade debates continue, with farm-state lawmakers pushing for tariff tools even as the farm bill fight drags on.

B-52 Modernization Watch: The Air Force’s plan to replace B-52 engines before finishing key developmental flight testing could mean higher costs and schedule delays, the GAO warns, as the program targets $21 billion in upgrades to keep the fleet flying into the 2050s. North Dakota Food Costs: A new study finds a $100 grocery budget goes farther in North Dakota than the national average, with shoppers getting about $106 worth of groceries compared with $100 nationally. Grid Reliability in Extreme Heat: The U.S. Department of Energy authorized extra power generation for the Southwest Power Pool, which covers parts of North Dakota, to reduce the risk of outages during peak heat demand. Local Health Recognition: Jamestown Regional Medical Center honored Laura Kulsrud of Grace City with its 2026 SHERO Award for community service and advocacy for her family and others. Medicaid Spending Signals: New data show Minot Medicaid providers billed $15,687 for enteral and parenteral therapy in 2024—more than double the prior year—highlighting rising local demand. North Dakota in the Spotlight: The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library’s Salt + Scoria restaurant is displaying wet-plate portraits by Bismarck photographer Shane Balkowitsch, including an image tied to Sitting Bull’s great-grandson.

Retail Crime: A new local column says Target in North Dakota is cracking down on shoplifting, noting that theft over $1,000 becomes a felony and that stores may watch repeat offenders before calling police. Energy & Land Use: A U.S. Geological Survey report estimates 356 billion tons of coal could be developed in new areas across the lower 48, with some of it under federal land in North Dakota. Grid Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy authorized extra power generation for extreme heat across the Southwest Power Pool, including Minnesota and North Dakota, with backup generation allowed as a last resort. Cost of Living: A study using federal spending data finds a $100 grocery budget goes furthest in Arkansas, Mississippi and North Dakota, while Hawaii is last. Health Care Dollars: Medicaid billing data shows Minot providers billed $15,687 for enteral and parenteral therapy in 2024, more than double the prior year, while Grand Forks saw a big jump in non-oral drug administration claims. Politics Watch: A poll says Trump’s approval is underwater in at least 11 states he won by double digits in 2024, raising questions for midterm turnout. Community Spotlight: Jamestown Regional Medical Center named Laura Kulsrud of Grace City its 2026 SHERO Award recipient.

Disaster Recovery Fatigue: Flash flooding across the U.S. is forcing communities into a cycle of rebuilding and draining savings, with Texas, Missouri and parts of the Midwest and Northeast seeing repeated damage from intense downpours. Local Recognition: Jamestown Regional Medical Center honored Laura Kulsrud of Grace City with its 2026 SHERO Award for her community service and advocacy, including work tied to North Dakota’s Right to Try. North Dakota Politics & Power: A Forum column takes aim at Gov. Doug Burgum’s political legacy, including questions about compromises tied to President Donald Trump’s inner circle. Community Spotlight: Postville’s kosher industry story is in flux after a fire destroyed the Agriprocessors complex that once anchored the town’s Orthodox Jewish community. Health & Prevention: Essentia Health urges parents to schedule well-child and teen visits in summer, including sports physicals before school ramps up. Education & Local Governance: Jamestown Public Schools and the James Valley Career and Technology Center are gearing up for the new year, while Jamestown Parks and Rec and city leaders continue talks over a proposed 1% sales tax amendment. Sports Streaming: The Minnesota Timberwolves announced DAZN will stream local games this season, with 15 free games available. State Rankings: U.S. News placed North Dakota among the top states overall in 2026, while Vermont and New Hampshire also landed in the top 10.