AGP Executive Report

Theodore Roosevelt Library & Trump’s North Dakota stop: President Donald Trump toured the new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora and used the dedication to pitch his “American grit” message while also taking shots at rivals and warning communism remains a threat. Air Force One controversy: Trump flew on a refurbished, Qatar-gifted Boeing 747 dubbed a “bridge” aircraft, drawing fresh ethics and national-security criticism over the foreign “gift” and the speed/cost of the retrofit. Crypto earnings pushback: Trump brushed off questions about reported $1.2B crypto earnings, saying “everybody’s profiting” because the stock market is up and claiming his investments are handled through blind trusts. Storm recovery in ND: Gov. Kelly Armstrong declared a statewide disaster for June storms that hit six counties, citing about $4.6M in electrical infrastructure damage plus harm to homes, farms, and businesses. DOJ disability segregation memo: A new DOJ memo has sparked concern in North Dakota disability-rights circles that federal policy could roll back protections tied to the Olmstead integration mandate. Waterfowl warning for hunters and farmers: North Dakota’s spring breeding duck survey fell below the long-term average for the first time in 33 years, with wetland counts also down sharply as habitat shrinks. UAS expansion: The Northern Plains UAS Test Site opened Vantis BVLOS capabilities to operators at no cost starting July 1, aiming to speed up real-world drone missions.

North Dakota Spotlight on Trump’s Visit: President Donald Trump landed in Bismarck and then headed to Medora to dedicate the new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, praising Roosevelt as a “great power and empire” builder and tying the event to America’s 250th anniversary. The library opens July 4, with Trump also set for Mount Rushmore fireworks later this week. Controversial Air Force One: Trump’s first official flight aboard a refurbished, Qatar-gifted Boeing 747-8—now designated the VC-25B Bridge—drew fresh scrutiny over the foreign gift and costs, even as officials say it’s a temporary replacement while new jets are readied. Election Records Declassification: Trump said acting DNI Bill Pulte has broad permission to declassify “almost everything,” including records tied to the 2020 election, raising new questions about transparency and political influence in intelligence. Voter ID Legal Fight: Georgia AG Chris Carr joined a multistate effort backing Indiana’s voter ID law, arguing states can set election rules and that ID requirements don’t block voting. Public Records Pressure in Jamestown: Jamestown police reported an uptick in requests for body-cam and dash-cam video, including from YouTube channels, as local officials continue to refine how open-records requests are handled. Conservation Clash Over TR Legacy: North Dakota conservation groups criticized Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and other leaders, saying policy shifts threaten national monuments and public lands even as they celebrate Roosevelt’s conservation legacy.

Presidential Visit & Library Opening: President Donald Trump is set to visit North Dakota Wednesday to tour the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora ahead of its July 4 grand opening, with the event run by Freedom250 and security preparations already reshaping the small town. Disaster Response: Gov. Kelly Armstrong declared a statewide disaster after June storms (June 7-9) hit six counties, with damage estimated at $4.6 million to electrical infrastructure and homes, farms, and businesses, paving the way for possible FEMA help. Court Watch—Trans Healthcare: The North Dakota Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a case challenging the 2023 ban on gender-affirming care for minors, with attorneys arguing it blocks life- and health-preserving treatment. Court Watch—Sports Policy: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld state bans on transgender women and girls competing in women’s sports, a ruling that will ripple through school athletics nationwide, including states like North Dakota. Elections & Voting Access: North Dakota election officials say the new mail-ballot deadline law for the June primary produced few problems, with late ballots down in multiple counties. Public Safety: The North Dakota Highway Patrol is launching a holiday speed enforcement push as part of the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer,” targeting speeding and aggressive driving. Infrastructure & Power Grid: Western governors backed a multi-state task force to update the region’s transmission lines, reflecting growing electricity demand tied to AI and electrification. National Guard Return: More than 50 North Dakota Guardsmen returned home after a three-month Washington, D.C. mission supporting the District of Columbia National Guard. Local Impact: A bridge closure in Pembina is cutting off access to a golf course, parks, historic sites, and the airport, with residents pressing for answers from the state. Banking & Grants: The Bank of North Dakota released its 2025 annual report, highlighting net income of $231.8 million and record disaster relief programs, while the state’s Recreational Trails Program awarded $3.48 million across trail projects.

Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, Medora: Gov. Kelly Armstrong is set to welcome President Trump on Wednesday for the library dedication, with events culminating in the July 4 grand opening—while conservation groups and tribal leaders are pushing back on how Roosevelt’s legacy is being framed and what they say is a broader rollback of public-lands protections. Bank of North Dakota: BND released its 2025 annual report, highlighting $231.8 million in net income, modernization progress, and a record five disaster relief programs delivered in partnership with local lenders. Outdoor recreation funding: North Dakota Parks and Recreation awarded Recreational Trails Program grants totaling $3.48 million in requests, selecting projects including a Jamestown White Cloud Trail extension to close gaps and expand non-motorized access. Boating safety crackdown: Game and Fish and partners are stepping up enforcement for Operation Dry Water over July 3–5, targeting boating under the influence and speeding. Traffic safety: A statewide “Speeding Slows You Down” campaign runs July 1 through Aug. 9 as part of Vision Zero, with extra patrols and seatbelt reminders. Politics and voting: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld transgender-athlete bans in school sports and also ruled states can count late-arriving mailed ballots, keeping election rules largely in state hands. State politics—candidate: South Sudanese-American Nyamal Dei won the Democratic nomination for North Dakota Senate District 41, setting up a general election bid. Local economy: Panda Express is confirmed for the old Ground Round site in Grand Forks, with demolition and construction planned for a new drive-through location. Public safety—fire: An updated emergency fire closure order restricts certain activities on National Forest System lands when fire danger hits specified levels.

Behavioral Health Conference: North Dakota is opening registration for the sixth annual Behavioral Health & Children and Family Services Conference in Bismarck (Sept. 14-17), bringing together child welfare, suicide prevention, and behavioral health professionals for in-person and livestream sessions. Local Nonprofit Funding: Minot Area Community Foundation awarded Local Motives a $26,930 grant to launch the inaugural Levitt AMP Minot Music Series, bringing free downtown concerts to Citizens Alley. Wildfire Rules: The Dakota Prairie Grasslands updated its emergency fire closure order for National Forest System lands, tightening restrictions when counties hit High/Very High/Extreme fire danger. Election Law: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld Mississippi’s approach allowing mail ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted even if they arrive later, a decision that affects states with “grace periods.” TR Library Push: Enbridge announced a $2.5 million founding gift to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, and a separate federal bill would make the library an official repository for Roosevelt artifacts. America 250 Traffic: ND DOT and State Patrol laid out a temporary Medora traffic plan for June 30-July 5, with added impacts expected July 1 during a Trump visit. Airport Update: Minot International Airport passed its annual FAA Part 139 certification inspection with no letters of correction. Supreme Court, Pipelines: The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear a North Dakota landowners’ eminent domain compensation dispute tied to a WBI Energy Transmission natural gas pipeline. Local Health Policy: Ray is considering an ordinance to ban kratom sales and possession after health concerns and a reported death. Public Safety: Ward County recounted a Surrey Park Board race that ended in a five-way tie, with the final outcome potentially decided at a July 6 city meeting.

North Dakota Supreme Court: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled states can count ballots mailed by Election Day even if they arrive after Election Day, a win for mailed-ballot rules that North Dakota previously tightened for the 2026 primary. Eminent Domain & Pipelines: The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear a North Dakota landowners’ challenge over whether they can recover legal fees tied to eminent-domain takings for a natural gas pipeline. Air Service: Delta Connection flights from Williston to Minneapolis/St. Paul end Sept. 7, after nearly 14 years, despite local efforts including minimum revenue guarantees. America 250 Logistics: NDDOT and the State Patrol laid out a temporary traffic plan for Medora’s America 250 events, with extra impacts expected July 1 during a presidential visit. State Heritage Kickoff: North Dakota’s Liberty Bell replica rang at the Heritage Center to launch America 250 week. Public Safety: Cass County Sheriff’s Office warned residents about bear sightings near Fargo. Digital Government: ND Commerce and NDIT launched Dakota BOT, an AI chatbot for ND.gov and state agency sites, reporting 91% success answering user questions. Tech & Energy Policy: A new study warns permitting delays could derail 92 gigawatts of clean power as AI-driven electricity demand surges.

State Tech & Services: North Dakota launched Dakota BOT, an AI-powered chatbot meant to be a “digital front door” for ND.gov and agency sites, answering 91% of user questions and expanding over time. Aviation & Rural Access: Delta Connection will end its Williston–Minneapolis/St. Paul route Sept. 7, a blow to northwest ND air service that began in 2012. America 250 / Federal-Local Spotlight: Preparations ramp up for President Trump’s July 1 North Dakota visit tied to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library dedication, with military aircraft activity reported in Bismarck. Historic Institution in Medora: The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library opening week is set to feature lecture programming aimed at making western ND a destination for major speakers. Local Weather Impacts: Severe storms damaged parts of western ND, including the Williston area, with evacuations reported after roof damage and fire alarms. Governance & Ethics: A letter urges extra scrutiny of North Dakota Ethics Commission “public priorities” surveys, arguing they lack proper polling methods. Open Meetings / Courts: North Dakota Attorney General findings say the Mercer County Commission violated open meetings laws, adding to the state’s legal pressure on local compliance. Energy & Permitting: Governor Armstrong declined to remove Eddy County commissioner Dave Gehrtz after a petition tied to the Flickertail Wind project, citing AG review and pending litigation.

Mount Rushmore America 250: President Trump is set to visit North Dakota for the July 1 America 250 events, with Marine One and other military aircraft arriving in Bismarck ahead of the trip. State Politics & Ethics: A letter to the editor says the North Dakota Ethics Commission’s public priorities survey needs more scrutiny, arguing it isn’t a true scientific poll. Legal/Policy: North Dakota is among 17 Republican-led states suing California over its plastics packaging law, calling it an overreach that drives up costs. Energy & Local Governance: Governor Kelly Armstrong declined to remove Eddy County commissioner Dave Gehrtz after a petition alleging conflicts tied to the Flickertail Wind project; the AG recommended against removal. Health Care & Community: Essentia Health added four new board members, while a separate report highlights how FoodShare/SNAP outage replacement can be hard to access in other states. Culture & Civic Life: The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora is opening July 4, aiming to be a hub for conservation, leadership, and citizenship programming. Transportation: Delta is ending its Williston–Minneapolis route on Sept. 7, citing low demand.

Presidential Prep in ND: The White House is gearing up for President Trump’s July 1 visit to North Dakota, with Marine One unloaded at Bismarck Municipal Airport ahead of a Medora stop tied to America 250 and the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library dedication. State Politics & 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. Energy & Permitting: PRC Wind has split its Flickertail Wind proposal into two separate permit applications, potentially boosting peak capacity to 584 megawatts, and setting up a fresh round of local scrutiny. Legal Fight Over Plastics: Seventeen Republican attorneys general, including North Dakota’s, sued California over its Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act, arguing it violates state sovereignty and drives up costs. AI + Power Angle: Shark Tank investor Kevin O’Leary is backing Bitzero, a Canadian firm building data-center power capacity tied to AI demand, with long-term electricity contracts including in North Dakota. Health Leadership: Essentia Health added four new board members, including CEO Dr. David Herman’s appointment to the Joint Commission’s Board of Commissioners. Community & Civic Life: North Dakota’s LGBTQ+ suicide prevention advocate highlighted survey results showing many queer adults report high life satisfaction, while stressing prevention needs more than numbers.

Elections & Ballot Measures: North Dakota voters rejected measures to outlaw most local property taxes and to legalize recreational marijuana, signaling limits on major tax and drug-policy overhauls. State Courts & Governance: The North Dakota Supreme Court blocked the Legislature’s attempt to alter term limits, keeping the current framework in place. Attorney General Watch: The ND attorney general issued an opinion on a Veterans’ Affairs records request and found the Mercer County Commission violated open meetings laws. Energy & Infrastructure: The Public Service Commission approved a final route permit for the JETx transmission line, while a separate dispute over a southeast ND transmission project heads to the state Supreme Court. AI & Data Centers: Lawmakers are moving to prepare for the 2027 session with an AI and data center committee/task force approach, as candidates and advocates debate property rights, power costs, and process. Local Politics & Public Safety: Ward County alcohol compliance checks found 11 establishments selling to underage buyers, with referrals to prosecutors and licensing authorities. Community & Civic Life: The Old Church Theatre in New Rockford is raising funds for major renovations, including ADA restroom upgrades.

Alcohol Enforcement: Ward County found 11 establishments in violation after underage compliance checks, referring cases to the state’s attorney and licensing authorities. Marijuana & Taxes: North Dakota voters rejected measures to legalize recreational marijuana and to end most local property taxes, with opponents warning of major state service cuts. Courts & Governance: The North Dakota Supreme Court blocked a term-limits ballot measure, dealing another blow to the Legislature’s attempt to alter the rules. State Tech: ND Commerce and NDIT launched Dakota BOT, an AI chatbot meant to improve 24/7 access to state services and cut repetitive inquiries. Public Safety: A drunk driver hit a North Dakota Highway Patrol trooper’s vehicle during a traffic stop—third such incident in three years in the Bismarck area. Tribal & Agriculture: Tribal groups joined a lawsuit seeking restoration of $127 million in canceled USDA farm grants. Energy Watch: Minnesota lawmakers funded a study on whether future nuclear power should play a role, as demand and data-center growth pressure grids. Community & Integration: Global Neighbors ND plans an International Festival in Mandan at Dykshoorn Park.

DAPL Settlement: North Dakota is set to recover nearly $38 million from the federal government for costs tied to the 2016-17 Dakota Access Pipeline protests, with AG Drew Wrigley announcing a $27.8 million reimbursement plus a prior $10 million payment. State Courts: The North Dakota Supreme Court blocked a Legislature-backed term limits ballot measure and also issued new opinions June 25, keeping the term limits fight front and center. Election Administration: All 2026 North Dakota primary election results were certified, and officials reported a high absentee ballot return rate with few issues tied to the new mail-in deadline. Public Safety: A Maddock-area standoff involving a man accused of stealing a pickup and firing shots ended after hours, with the suspect’s condition still unclear. Energy Infrastructure: The North Dakota Public Service Commission granted final approval for the JETx transmission line, and WMMPA/Otter Tail Power received a Minnesota route permit for the Big Stone South to Alexandria project. Higher Ed Oversight: The state auditor found Williston State College tuition waivers were issued without proper procedures and approvals, raising documentation and accountability concerns. Legacy Fund Tech: RIO selected Tactis to build a new Legacy Fund website aimed at improving transparency and public access, with a planned November launch. Cyber/China Warning: U.S. lawmakers warned about China’s “epic campaign” to influence local governments, citing a recent California mayor conviction as an “alarm bell.” SNAP Policy: North Dakota is taking steps to cut SNAP error rates as other states move to restrict junk-food purchases.

North Dakota Election Watch: The North Dakota Canvassing Board certified all 2026 Primary Election results for state, judicial, and legislative races after all 53 counties submitted their tallies. SNAP Oversight: North Dakota’s SNAP error rate hit 9.89% in 2025, above the federal 6% threshold, raising the prospect of future cost-share if the state’s 2026 rate also stays high. State Ethics Fight: Burleigh County Sheriff Kelly Leben’s appointment to the North Dakota Ethics Commission is being defended as legal, after critics pointed to constitutional limits on who counts as a “public official.” AI & Data Centers: Lawmakers launched an interim committee to study artificial intelligence and data centers ahead of the 2027 Legislative Session, focusing on regulation, child protections, and local impacts like energy and infrastructure. Energy Infrastructure: The North Dakota Public Service Commission approved the JETx transmission line route permit, clearing another step for expanding wind power into northern Minnesota. Federal Courts, Big Ripple Effects: The U.S. Supreme Court sided with Bayer in the Roundup failure-to-warn fight, a ruling expected to block thousands of lawsuits and potentially shape similar pesticide claims. Public Lands Confirmation: Senators questioned Trump’s nominee for wildlife refuges and parks over experience during confirmation hearings, with concerns tied to how the role could affect conservation commitments.

America 250 / Mount Rushmore: President Trump will headline a July 3 pre–Independence Day celebration at Mount Rushmore, with fireworks, military tributes, and a speech tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary—first fireworks at the monument since 2020. North Dakota / Theodore Roosevelt Library: The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora is set to open July 4 as part of North Dakota’s America 250 push, positioning the new site as a major tourism and civic draw. North Dakota / AI & data centers: A new interim Artificial Intelligence and Data Center Committee was created by Sen. David Hogue to help legislators prepare for the 2027 session as AI and data-center growth collide with energy and governance challenges. North Dakota / Legacy Fund website: The Retirement and Investment Office selected Tactis to build and manage a new public Legacy Fund website, with Devii as a subcontractor; the site is expected to launch in November 2026. North Dakota / Ethics Commission: State officials say a no-rule issue allows Burleigh County Sheriff Kelly Leben to serve on the North Dakota Ethics Commission, despite constitutional questions raised by observers. Regional / JETx transmission line: The North Dakota Public Service Commission issued a route permit for the JETx transmission line; landowners have challenged the route and the matter is before the state Supreme Court. Multi-state / California plastics fight: Seventeen Republican attorneys general, including North Dakota’s, sued California to block its single-use plastics and packaging law, arguing it violates constitutional limits and drives up costs nationwide.

Transmission Line Decision: The North Dakota Public Service Commission has granted a final route permit for the $406 million JETx project, clearing the 90-mile Jamestown-to-Ellendale line after more than 20 hours of testimony and thousands of pages of filings, while requiring dust mitigation and road-use agreements. Local Government & Elections: North Dakota county election officials say the new mail-in ballot deadline for the June primary caused few problems, with late ballots down in multiple counties after outreach and reminders. State Politics: In Minot, Agriculture Commissioner candidate Vern Thompson is pushing a data-center slowdown, calling for a one-year moratorium to let communities weigh impacts, and pitching himself to the GOP’s far-right populist wing. Public Safety & Courts: A judge ruled a Fargo wrongful-death case can proceed against Rolette County over a crash where a missing stop sign is alleged to have contributed. National Politics With ND Ties: Montana AG Austin Knudsen led a 23-state push urging the Senate to confirm Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. Community Notes: AARP announced 11 North Dakota Community Challenge grants, and Roosevelt Park Zoo in Minot welcomed a new Amur leopard.

Missing Persons: The North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation is still seeking answers in five “cold” missing-person cases, stressing that “cold” means no current leads—not that the cases are closed. Courts & Accountability: A judge ruled a Fargo-area wrongful death case can move forward, rejecting a county’s attempt to claim immunity after a crash where a missing stop sign was cited. State Government Effectiveness: A new discussion on legislative effectiveness argues training alone may not make lawmakers more productive, since structural factors like party competition and roles drive results. Energy Infrastructure: The Public Service Commission granted final approval for the JETx high-voltage transmission line, even as landowners’ legal challenge remains pending before the North Dakota Supreme Court. Defense & Oversight: Lawmakers pressed the Pentagon on the F-35 after a GAO report raised concerns about readiness and rising sustainment costs. War Powers: President Trump’s meeting with GOP senators turned tense over Iran war powers, with Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy telling reporters he lost his temper. Public Safety & Community: North Dakota’s longest-living World War II veteran, Ray Curtis, died at 109, with state leaders marking his service in recent years. Nonprofit & Housing: A Fuller Center Bicycle Adventure rolled through Minot to raise awareness and funds for housing. Health Policy Watch: A 340B litigation roundup notes filings tied to North Dakota’s contract pharmacy rules as the legal fight continues. Federal Politics: Senate action on Iran war authorization and a push to add farm aid to an Iran war package both signal major Washington negotiations ahead. Multistate Lawsuit: North Dakota is among 17 states suing California over its plastics packaging law, arguing it’s unconstitutional and will raise costs.