AGP Executive Report

Peace Garden Gala: The International Peace Garden’s signature “Gala in the Garden” is set for Saturday, Aug. 22, with proceeds aimed at restoring the Historic Lodge, the oldest building on site from 1937. Waterfowl Hunting Rules: The North Dakota Game and Fish Department says all waterfowl hunters must carry the state-issued electronic habitat restoration stamp, and hunters age 16+ also need the federal duck stamp starting Sept. 1. Veterans Outreach: Grand Forks hosted “Vets in the Park,” bringing veterans and families together with local agencies offering help on employment, mental health, and housing. Medicare Advantage Shrinkage: A new report highlights that Medicare Advantage plans are cutting or exiting coverage in multiple states, with North Dakota among those seeing high rates of terminated plans. Military Aviation Spending: The U.S. Army selected the Robinson R66 for its next primary helicopter training program under a contract worth up to $10 billion over 26 years. Energy Costs Watch: GasBuddy price reports show North Dakota premium and diesel prices easing in the week ending Aug. 8, with several counties posting single-station “lowest” offers.

Kratom Special Session: North Dakota lawmakers are set to choose which of 20 proposals move forward for a Sept. 2 special session aimed at kratom, after Gov. Kelly Armstrong banned kratom products for 30 days starting Aug. 5 and lawmakers weigh bills targeting both kratom and synthetic 7-OH products. Clemency Fight: Sen. Jeff Magrum is pushing a clemency resolution for men convicted in the 1983 Medina shootout, while AG Drew Wrigley publicly opposes the effort. State Health & Human Services: North Dakota’s Economic Assistance program reportedly logged about 13,000 overtime hours over two months to clear a backlog of applications, with overtime costs around $500,000. Public Safety: North Dakota BCI officials say AI is “supercharging” child sex crime investigations, with nearly 3,000 tips received last year. Military & Aviation: The U.S. Army awarded a up-to-$10 billion, 26-year Flight School Next contract to M1 Support Services to overhaul helicopter pilot training at Fort Rucker, using Robinson R66 aircraft. Local Governance: Grand Forks County leaders are asking the state for funding help for the Youth Assessment Center, warning property-tax caps could squeeze the quasi-state facility that serves many counties.

Special Session Watch: Gov. Kelly Armstrong has called a North Dakota special session starting Sept. 2, with lawmakers weighing a short list of proposals that includes kratom restrictions and a funding fix for the stalled Military Gallery project. Military Gallery Funding: A draft bill would authorize a $35 million line of credit from the Bank of North Dakota to restart the project, with repayment tied to donations and a possible deficiency appropriation if fundraising falls short. Kratom vs. Data Centers: Lawmakers are also debating whether to focus the session on kratom or broaden it—Sen. Tim Mathern is pushing data-center limits and rules on nondisclosure agreements. Clemency Fight in Medina Shootout: Sen. Jeff Magrum is backing a clemency resolution for men convicted in the 1983 Medina shootout, but AG Drew Wrigley is urging him to withdraw it, calling the proposal insensitive to the crimes. AI and Child Safety: North Dakota BCI officials say AI is “supercharging” child sex exploitation, citing an all-time high in tips to the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Firearm Ruling Pushback: AG Marty Jackley joined a multi-state letter urging the DOJ not to appeal a federal court decision striking down certain firearm registration requirements. Energy Policy: The U.S. Energy Department has canceled proposed National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors, including a corridor affecting parts of the region.

Special Session Watch: North Dakota lawmakers are weighing a Sept. 2 special session agenda that includes kratom restrictions and a fix for the stalled Military Gallery, with a draft proposal floating a $35 million Bank of North Dakota line of credit plus tighter oversight and naming-rights control. Budget & Oversight: The Military Gallery plan would let the State Historical Society borrow up to $35M, repay via donations, and—if fundraising falls short—trigger a deficiency appropriation, while also shifting the project’s label from “gallery” to “museum.” Public Safety & SNAP: State officials say federal SNAP changes are hitting refugees and other groups with new work-hour rules for able-bodied adults without dependents, with some county waivers extending benefits through mid-2026. Health & Leadership: Gov. Kelly Armstrong appointed Conner Swanson to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, starting Aug. 29. Law Enforcement: A statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement push begins Friday through Sept. 7 as part of Vision Zero. Energy Policy: The U.S. Department of Energy canceled National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designations, a move tied to landowner and eminent-domain concerns.

Health & Human Services Leadership: Gov. Kelly Armstrong appointed Conner Swanson to lead the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, effective Aug. 29, replacing interim commissioner Pat Traynor. AI in Government: North Dakota is leading the nation in Microsoft Copilot adoption among state governments, with nearly 3,000 employees using it monthly and reported time savings. Child Safety & AI: A North Dakota BCI Internet Crimes Against Children task force commander said AI is “supercharging” child sexual exploitation, with cyber tips hitting an all-time high. Flood Protection Progress: All 19 bridges are now completed on the Fargo-Moorhead Area Diversion project, a major step in routing Red River floodwaters around the metro. Energy & Grid Politics: The U.S. Department of Energy canceled three Biden-era transmission corridor projects, including a Tribal Energy Access corridor affecting North Dakota. Public Safety Campaign: Law enforcement will step up impaired-driving patrols Aug. 14 through Sept. 7 for “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.” Clemency Push: A North Dakota lawmaker proposed a resolution urging Trump to grant clemency to two men convicted in the 1983 Medina shootout that killed two federal marshals. Gun Policy Update: North Dakota joined other states urging DOJ not to appeal a Texas ruling striking down parts of federal firearm registration rules for suppressors and certain weapons.

Health & Human Services Leadership: Gov. Kelly Armstrong appointed longtime aide Conner Swanson to lead the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, effective Aug. 29, replacing interim commissioner Pat Traynor and inheriting a $5.7 billion, two-year DHHS operation. Kratom & Special Session Politics: Armstrong defended a Sept. 2 special session focused on kratom rules, saying enforcement can’t sit in “legal limbo” for a year while regulations catch up. Clemency Push: Sen. Jeff Magrum advanced a resolution seeking President Trump’s clemency for two men convicted in the 1983 Medina shootout, setting up a likely fight over whether the Legislature should weigh in. Firearms Legal Fallout: North Dakota AG Jackley joined a multi-state request urging DOJ not to appeal a federal ruling striking down unconstitutional firearm restrictions tied to the National Firearms Act. Energy & Grid Policy: The U.S. Energy Department canceled three Biden-era transmission corridor efforts, including a Tribal Energy Access Corridor that runs through North Dakota, after local pushback. Public Safety: North Dakota law enforcement will step up impaired-driving patrols for “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” starting Aug. 14. Rural Health Funding: HHS opened applications for a $1 million planning grant to improve care coordination and referrals for rural residents. Gun Policy: A federal court shift means suppressors can be bought more like regular firearms in many states, though federal and state rules still vary.

Data Center Transparency: A North Dakota special session bill would bar public officials from signing nondisclosure agreements with data center developers, aiming to prevent the secrecy seen during the Harwood project near Fargo. Kratom Crackdown: Lawmakers are weighing whether to ban kratom outright or target synthetic derivatives like 7-OH as testimony continues ahead of a Sept. 2 special session; the working group is trying to narrow a path that could become permanent. TikTok Policy Shift: Gov. Kelly Armstrong rescinded the 2022 ban on TikTok for state-owned devices after TikTok’s U.S. operations moved to a majority-American-led consortium, though access still requires IT security review. Public Safety: Grand Forks Police will join the statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign starting Friday, funded by NDDOT. Military & Communities: The Legacy Fund’s earnings are projected to rise about 30% for the 2027 session, with major allocations expected for highways and property tax relief. Energy & Courts: North Dakota is among states backing efforts to keep the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline open, arguing pipeline safety authority is federal.

Kratom Crackdown: North Dakota lawmakers’ Kratom Working Group heard hours of testimony as a Sept. 2 special session nears, with proposals ranging from a full ban to tighter limits on synthetic kratom (especially 7-OH) while regulating natural products. State Tech Policy: Gov. Kelly Armstrong rescinded the TikTok ban on state-owned devices, saying the app is now majority owned by an American-led consortium; access will go through the state IT review process. Public Safety: Grand Forks police will join the statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign starting Friday, funded by NDDOT and running through Sept. 7. Energy & Costs: GasBuddy reports show some of the lowest prices in McLean County (regular at $3.79) and Cass County (midgrade at $3.59) for the week ending Aug. 1, with statewide averages edging up. Infrastructure Reminder: The North Dakota Public Service Commission urged residents to call 811 before digging, warning of fines up to $25,000 per violation. Federal Legal Watch: A coalition led by West Virginia AG J.B. McCuskey urged a court to keep the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline open, arguing federal authority under the Pipeline Safety Act.

Federal Education Flexibility: The Trump administration is granting more waivers letting states consolidate and redirect federal education funds, with North Dakota’s neighbors (including South Dakota) using the flexibility for statewide literacy and math efforts. Rural Health & AI Scrutiny: A major rural health AI rollout is moving forward even as a review finds only a small base of peer-reviewed studies—and few that track real patient outcomes—raising questions about what’s being funded. Housing Affordability Push: Rep. Fedorchak held a housing affordability roundtable in Bismarck, focusing on cutting construction barriers and expanding options like manufactured homes. Impaired Driving Enforcement: North Dakota law enforcement is stepping up patrols for “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” starting Friday through Sept. 7 as part of Vision Zero. Tribal Solar Fight: A dispute over a behind-the-meter solar array at Prairie’s Edge Casino is headed toward a PUC decision after an administrative law judge sided with the Upper Sioux Community on jurisdiction and service protections. SNAP Losses for Refugees: Refugees in North Dakota are among thousands losing SNAP benefits amid federal changes restricting noncitizens’ eligibility. Kratom Crackdown: Gov. Armstrong and state officials are moving to ban kratom products—especially concentrated 7-OH—after concerns about addiction and public health risk. Courtroom Update (Firefighter Case): Prosecutors are urging a judge to reject a motion to suppress evidence in a Minot-area firefighter’s CSAM case tied to a work phone. Public Safety Tragedy: Disturbing 911 audio followed the alleged slaying of three children by their mother, Kailey Erhart, in Mandan. Energy & Infrastructure: A Supreme Court eminent domain fight over a gas pipeline’s compensation is set for Nov. 9, with landowners challenging how state vs. federal law should apply. Crime Case (Fraud): A U.S.-based man in North Dakota faces federal wire and bank fraud charges tied to a business email compromise scheme involving $113,050.

Public Safety: North Dakota law enforcement will step up impaired-driving patrols starting Friday as part of the statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” push through Sept. 7, targeting alcohol and drug-related crashes. Emergency Management: Gov. Kelly Armstrong proclaimed August as Emergency Management Awareness Month, highlighting local, tribal and state emergency managers’ behind-the-scenes work before, during and after disasters. Courts & Property Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court set Nov. 9 arguments in Hoffmann v. WBI Energy Transmission, a pipeline eminent domain fight over whether courts should use federal or state law for landowner compensation. Firearms & Federal Courts: Attorney General Jackley announced a federal court ruling striking down unconstitutional firearm restrictions tied to NFA registration rules, calling it a win for Second Amendment rights. Defense & Technology: Space Systems Command awarded a $423.4M radar digitization contract, with SciTec among the firms, aimed at modernizing missile warning radar performance. Health & Rural Access: North Dakota HHS opened applications for non-emergency medical transportation funding to help rural providers buy accessible vehicles. Public Health Policy: Kratom is now banned in North Dakota after Armstrong declared a public health emergency and ordered products off shelves, citing overdose and death reports. Agriculture & Economy: Farmland values held steady in a mid-year benchmark report, supporting expectations for “sticky” cash rents despite tighter crop margins. Housing: Rep. Julie Fedorchak held a housing affordability roundtable in Bismarck, focusing on reducing local barriers and red tape to expand homeownership options. Energy & Infrastructure: A data center moratorium debate continues, with lawmakers and advocates arguing over local control and property rights. Agriculture Leadership: North Dakota Farm Bureau President Val Wagner was elected to the AFBF Board of Directors, representing the state at the national level.

Data Center Debate in Bismarck: Fargo Sen. Tim Mathern says North Dakota should act on data centers during the upcoming special session, proposing limits on non-disclosure agreements and floating a temporary moratorium while lawmakers weigh public concerns over location, energy, water use, and tax incentives. Kratom Crackdown and Public Health: Health officials warn Narcan may help in kratom-related overdoses as Gov. Kelly Armstrong’s emergency rule places 7-OH (a key kratom ingredient) in Schedule 1 and bans kratom and derivatives for 30 days. Local Tax Incentives: Grand Forks School Board advanced a 5-4 vote on a Ray Richards Golf Course PILOT that would enable 169 apartments and a driving range, with city and county approvals still ahead. School Budgeting: West Fargo Public Schools approved a preliminary 2026-27 budget under the new 3% property tax cap, setting a hearing for September. State Funding for Water Quality: ND DEQ is accepting applications for septic renovation rebates through Sept. 30 to reduce pollution from failing septic systems. Election Security (Regional): Minnesota’s primary Aug. 11 puts election security and DOJ monitors in focus ahead of key races. Federal Legal/Consumer Impact: A coalition led by Nevada AG Ford announced a $400 million settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic drug price and competition conspiracies. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports show localized low points for E85 and diesel across several counties, with statewide averages edging up.

Tribal Voting Rights Fight: North Dakota Secretary of State Michael Howe is asking a court to dismiss two tribal nations’ challenge to the state’s 2021 legislative map after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, arguing the claim is no longer viable. Public Safety Policy: Grand Forks City Council gave preliminary approval to update its no-trespass ordinance to align with state law, making second offenses Class A misdemeanors statewide rather than only at the original location. Fire Emergency Response: Gov. Kelly Armstrong issued a statewide fire emergency as drought worsens, with state agencies told to be ready for wildfire season through at least Dec. 1. Kratom Crackdown: North Dakota’s statewide kratom ban is now in effect, with law enforcement preparing to enforce it and medical experts raising fentanyl-risk concerns. Energy & Infrastructure Politics: A coalition of 21 states, including West Virginia AG J.B. McCuskey, is backing EPA changes to speed NEPA environmental reviews—an issue that could shape how quickly major projects move. Local Legal/Crime Notes: Ramsey County booking reports included drug and warrant-related charges, while a separate case in Sioux City heads to trial decades after a Native American woman’s killing.

Kratom Crackdown: Gov. Kelly Armstrong’s emergency ban and push for a special session over kratom is drawing fast pushback and fast follow-through, with public health and law enforcement warning the state is facing a real crisis as lawful sales are cut off. Election Integrity: U.S. Sen. John Hoeven backed federal photo-ID voting legislation, saying North Dakota’s existing voter ID law protects elections and that Senate Democrats blocked the measure. Federal Farm Bill Fight: Hoeven is touting upcoming Farm Bill markup while national debate heats up over whether to require a mandatory base acre update—critics warn it would slash risk-management support and reduce projected benefits. Public Safety & Crime: Missouri AG Catherine Hanaway joined a coalition backing the Safe Access to Cash Act to strengthen federal prosecution of organized ATM theft networks. State Budget Pressure: A Senate-passed continuing resolution would keep the federal government funded through mid-December, averting a shutdown and buying time for full appropriations. Local Tragedy: A head-on crash in Rolette County killed three and injured one, with the BIA Law Enforcement leading the investigation. Community & Culture: ND250 programming highlights Indigenous culture and tribal sovereignty, including powwow-focused events statewide. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reports show North Dakota fuel prices easing but still volatile, with multiple county-level lows reported for premium and midgrade.

Kratom crackdown in North Dakota: Gov. Kelly Armstrong’s emergency order banning kratom sales is now being treated as a real public health issue, with state hospital officials warning people may feel “miserable” after access is cut off, and lawmakers weighing next steps including a possible special session. Election policy from Washington: Sen. John Hoeven says he voted for federal legislation requiring photo ID to vote, arguing North Dakota already has a voter ID law that protects elections, while the future of the proposal remains uncertain. Farm bill fight: Hoeven highlighted upcoming Senate Agriculture Committee Farm Bill markup, as debate continues over whether to require a mandatory base acre update—critics warn it would reduce commodity program benefits and hurt farmers’ risk management. Federal funding to avoid shutdown: The Senate passed a clean continuing resolution to keep the government funded through Dec. 11, buying time for full appropriations work. Public safety and veterans: A North Dakota Purple Heart Day profile spotlighted Sgt. Cody Mormann’s Afghanistan injuries and long recovery. Local governance and services: A Fargo-area cathedral art renovation project is set to culminate with a public Mass of Thanksgiving and Solemn Blessing on Aug. 21. Energy prices snapshot: GasBuddy reported North Dakota’s average premium price at $4.58 for the week ending Aug. 1, with multiple counties showing single-station “lowest” prices.

Federal Funding Watch: The Senate cleared a clean continuing resolution to keep the government funded through Dec. 11, avoiding a shutdown and extending surface transportation while adjusting priorities like WIC and disaster relief. North Dakota Politics: Sen. John Hoeven highlighted upcoming Farm Bill markup and recent Senate votes, including a push tied to photo ID requirements. Energy & State Budgets: A new report notes oil-price swings are boosting severance-tax collections in states like North Dakota, shaping how lawmakers plan services. Public Safety & Health: North Dakota’s kratom ban is now in effect, with enforcement underway and officials warning about fentanyl risks. Veterans & Community: Purple Heart Day coverage spotlights Sgt. Cody Mormann’s Afghanistan injuries and long recovery. Local Governance: A Grand Forks-area waste task force is debating a regional waste authority to tackle landfill siting, recycling, and collection responsibilities. Education & Tech: UND is expanding aviation training and is also tied to AI-related DOE work on battery security.

Federal Funding: The Senate passed a clean continuing resolution Aug. 8 to keep the government funded through Dec. 11, avoiding a shutdown and buying time for full appropriations work. North Dakota Politics: Sen. John Hoeven highlighted upcoming Farm Bill markup and recent Senate votes, including a photo ID voting requirement. Kratom Crackdown: Gov. Kelly Armstrong’s emergency rule moved 7-OH into Schedule 1, and lawmakers are now weighing how to regulate kratom after a fast-moving ban. Public Safety & Health: A Mandan mother, Kailey Erhart, is accused of killing two children and attempting to kill a third, after police responded to a stabbing report. Veterans: A North Dakota Purple Heart recipient described the Afghanistan IED blast that left him with extensive injuries and long rehabilitation. Energy & Costs: GasBuddy reports show scattered lowest prices across counties for regular, midgrade, premium, and diesel, with statewide averages generally up week over week. Aviation: North Dakota airport passenger boardings for Jan.–June fell 1.8% from 2025, though totals remain among the highest on record. Military Infrastructure: Work began on Sentinel missile communication corridors in Nebraska, part of the broader modernization effort.