AGP Executive Report

AI Data Center Fight: North Dakota officials pushed back on claims that AI data centers will harm the environment, telling lawmakers the public is reacting to inaccurate information. Tribal Sovereignty: Tribal leaders in Bismarck renewed calls for stronger sovereignty as federal support looks less certain, pointing to proposed cuts tied to the Trump administration. Bakken Oil Push: Gov. Kelly Armstrong said North Dakota’s window to expand “enhanced oil recovery” is narrowing, warning the state can’t keep production steady without new techniques. Education Accountability: Superintendent Levi Bachmeier defended North Dakota’s low proficiency rates as a result of higher standards, rejecting calls to lower cut scores. Primary Election Logistics: With the June 9 primary underway via early and mail voting, the state reminded voters about deadlines and signature rules. Capitol Grounds Discovery: Construction near the governor’s residence paused after human remains and coffin fragments were found; officials say more grave sites may be involved. Dakota Access Legal Fallout: A Dutch court allowed Greenpeace International’s lawsuit tied to Dakota Access protest fallout to move forward, keeping the dispute alive across borders. Local Governance: Williston mayoral candidates are campaigning on housing access as the city grows, with Election Day set for June 9.

Enhanced Oil Recovery Push: Gov. Kelly Armstrong and Sen. John Hoeven are urging faster development of “enhanced oil recovery” to slow Bakken decline, with Hoeven warning North Dakota has already dropped about 400,000 barrels a day and needs new techniques. Election Countdown: North Dakota’s June 9 primary is in full swing with early voting and mail ballots; one Minot-area race is also drawing scrutiny after a candidate alleged Ward County election-machine testing was mishandled. Local Energy Policy: Ward County advanced a first reading on battery energy storage siting rules while industry language tweaks remain unresolved, as data-center concerns continue to fuel public debate statewide. Capitol Grounds Remains: Workers discovered human remains and coffin fragments during construction at the North Dakota Capitol Grounds, with the State Historical Society investigating how many burials may be involved. Public Safety & Health: Jamestown approved new police and fire pay/classification scales; Fargo school leaders warned of special-education staffing shortages driving higher contract costs. Court Watch (Pipeline): A Dutch court said it may hear Greenpeace’s case seeking compensation from Energy Transfer tied to Dakota Access Pipeline protest lawsuits.

Early Voting: North Dakota voters can start casting ballots this week in select counties, with Secretary of State Michael Howe listing in-person early voting dates and reminding voters that ND’s voter ID law accepts driver’s licenses, non-drivers IDs, tribal IDs, and long-term care certificates. County Government: Grand Forks County commissioners advanced a proposal to consolidate county mill levies for more budget flexibility, while showing mixed feelings about removing minimum mill guarantees for ambulance services and the Senior Citizen Center. Public Records & Law Enforcement: The ND attorney general issued an opinion saying the Williams County Sheriff’s Office did not violate state open-records law by withholding records deemed exempt or confidential. Local Elections & Campaigns: In McKenzie County, sheriff candidates John Hance and Matthew Johansen are running on transparency, morale, recruitment, and modernization themes, while commission races feature candidates Rex Korslien and Kathy Skarda emphasizing infrastructure, emergency services, and long-term planning amid rapid growth. Education Policy: West Fargo schools report early results from North Dakota’s “bell-to-bell” phone restrictions, saying lunchrooms are calmer and more social, even as behavior violations remain similar. State Politics & Messaging: A Minot-area report highlights corrected NDGOP campaign finance filings and ongoing financial strain tied to a populist faction’s internal fight with Gov. Kelly Armstrong and traditional conservatives. Statewide Governance: Construction crews uncovered human remains near the Governor’s Residence in Bismarck, prompting analysis by the State Historical Society and raising questions about the site’s earlier cemetery history. Health & Safety: AAA is pushing an “E-Ride Ready” campaign as e-bikes and scooters grow in popularity, stressing helmet use and safe sharing of roads.

Federal Funding Fight: Senate Majority Leader John Thune says the Trump administration has rescinded a nearly $1.8B “anti-weaponization” fund tied to claims of wrongful DOJ prosecutions, a move that could break gridlock on a major immigration/deportation funding package. Rail Merger Watch: The Surface Transportation Board paused its review of the Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger and asked for more details as agricultural opposition grows, with attorneys general urging rejection. Permitting vs. Activism: West Virginia AG J.B. McCuskey leads a coalition urging the U.S. Supreme Court to restore state control over federal permitting by limiting activist groups’ ability to sue before state review. Public Health Court Ruling: The Ninth Circuit vacated an order requiring EPA to regulate drinking-water fluoridation under TSCA, sending the case back for further proceedings. North Dakota Politics & Governance: A North Dakota GOP campaign finance correction update says the NDGOP filed amended reports after earlier discrepancies, including changes to large totals. Local Infrastructure: Jamestown City Council approved a pilot for shared vehicle-and-bicycle lanes on 8th Avenue NE, aimed at safer connections to multi-use paths. Veterans & Workforce: UND’s “Vets2Wings” program helps veterans and Guard members cover flight-training gaps, supporting aviation career pipelines. Public Safety: North Dakota Game and Fish is increasing Missouri River patrols for summer boating safety, focusing on life jacket compliance and registration issues. Community Agriculture: Grand Farm will plant and donate 7,000–10,000 ears of sweet corn to Churches United for the Homeless in Fargo-Moorhead.

North Dakota Water Safety: North Dakota Game and Fish is teaming up with local law enforcement for a Missouri River summer patrol, focusing on life jacket compliance and other common boating violations. Local Land-Use Fight: Grand Forks City Council moved forward on a second reading to annex a right of way near proposed industrial sites on 70th Avenue North, but nearby homeowners raised concerns about impacts from the surrounding development. Public Safety—Red River Valley Crime: A Grand Forks man tied to a drug trafficking organization was sentenced to 30 years for a Moorhead ransom kidnapping, prosecutors saying he acted as the “muscle” and helped transport the victim across state lines. Elections—Early Voting: Early voting is underway for the June 9 primary and Fargo city election, with state officials urging absentee voters to return ballots promptly. Economic Development & Defense Tech: North Dakota highlighted its unmanned aircraft and autonomous systems ecosystem at AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2026 through a “North Dakota Row” featuring multiple companies and international outreach. National Politics Watch: Pelosi rejected two GOP picks for the January 6 select committee and McCarthy pulled his remaining selections, escalating the fight over who gets to serve. Health Coverage Trend: A new report finds uninsured rates for children under 6 rose sharply from 2022 to 2024, with North Dakota among the states with the highest rates.

Autonomous Systems Push: North Dakota showcased its unmanned aircraft and autonomous tech ecosystem at AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2026 through the “North Dakota Row,” featuring nine companies and international outreach with Korea and Taiwan. Energy & Jobs: The University of North Dakota’s Energy and Environmental Research Center is recalling furloughed staff as new federal Department of Energy contracts near final terms, including work aimed at boosting Bakken oil recovery. Oil Future Uncertainty: North Dakota leaders and industry are racing to advance enhanced oil recovery, but executives warn there’s no “silver bullet” and outcomes depend on cost and performance. Primary Election Logistics: Early voting is underway for the June 9 primary, with Grand Forks County using the Alerus Center and several other counties offering options; absentee ballots must be returned before polls close. Ballot Measure Rules: North Dakota voters will decide whether future ballot measures must follow a single-subject requirement, a change supporters say improves clarity and opponents say adds bureaucracy. Immigration Debate: North Dakota House candidates largely agree border security is stronger under Trump’s second term, but they diverge on how to respond to recent federal agent killings and what warrants are needed for home entry.

Pipeline Court Fallout: A recent ruling limiting Greenpeace’s bid to challenge its Dakota Access Pipeline case adds to the group’s reputational hit after a Morton County jury found it backed sabotage and damaging claims tied to Energy Transfer. Federal/ND Politics: Former Gov. Doug Burgum defended the “Freedom 250” festival as nonpartisan on CNN after multiple performers pulled out, saying he won’t weigh in on musicians’ personal politics. Election Watch (ND): North Dakota Democrats’ U.S. House challenger Trygve Hammer appears to be losing fundraising momentum versus Rep. Julie Fedorchak, according to fresh FEC filings. Primary Logistics: The ND Secretary of State is urging absentee voters to return ballots before the June 9 deadline, with tracking available and a reminder that late arrivals won’t be counted. Local Governance: Grand Forks Housing Authority leaders say the state needs far more Low Income Housing Tax Credit capacity to close a 6,000–9,000 unit gap. Scam Alert: The BBB warns North Dakota buyers about a fake “Bass Farm Equipment” website that stole $35,000+ by impersonating a real South Dakota family business.

Election Countdown: North Dakota’s June 9 primary is approaching, with Secretary of State Michael Howe urging absentee voters to return ballots quickly and reminding them that late arrivals won’t be counted; early voting starts June 1 in Stutsman County, and signature matching is a key risk point for absentee ballots. State Politics & Campaigns: A new report says Democratic-NPL U.S. House challenger Trygve Hammer is losing fundraising momentum against incumbent Rep. Julie Fedorchak ahead of the primary. Local Governance: Grand Forks Housing Authority leaders say North Dakota needs thousands more affordable units and are pushing for bigger state minimums for Low Income Housing Tax Credits. Education Policy: North Dakota’s first charter schools likely won’t open until 2027-28, and the state is also rolling out an education technology policy survey. Public Safety & Courts: A Ryder man received a suspended sentence and probation after pleading guilty to CSAM possession charges. Consumer Protection: The BBB warns of a fake “Bass Farm Equipment” website impersonating a real South Dakota family business, stealing $35,000+ from buyers.

Primary Election Prep: North Dakota Secretary of State Michael Howe is urging absentee voters to mail or drop ballots quickly, with ballots needing to be received by county auditors by Election Day to count; voters can track status at vote.nd.gov/absenteetracker. Voter Participation Warning: A new look at the June 9 primary highlights how low turnout has been for years, with many local races decided by a small slice of eligible voters. Absentee Signature Rules: Election officials say mismatched signatures can trigger rejection, but voters may “cure” problems by verifying identity with the auditor’s office. Local Governance & Schools: Grand Forks Housing Authority leadership is pushing for more affordable housing units, while a school board public hearing focuses on tightening cellphone policy language and enforcement. Campaign Trail in Minot/Ward County: Early voting starts June 1 in Ward County, with guidance on ID and where to vote. Energy & Land Use: Townships in Eddy County are split on agreements tied to the Flickertail Wind project. Statewide Policy Watch: North Dakota’s first charter schools likely won’t open until 2027-28, even as applications are still pending. Public Safety & Services: Minot Central Dispatch adds a new non-emergency number, and a Burlington water restriction continues through the weekend.

Voting Rights & Election Security: The Trump administration urged the U.S. Supreme Court to let states purge voter rolls for alleged noncitizens close to elections, a move critics say could disenfranchise voters. State Elections: North Dakota’s Secretary of State reminded absentee voters to return ballots by the election-day deadline, and Ward County voters got a practical early-voting guide for the June 9 primary. Campaign Trail: ND GOP incumbents hit the road with U.S. Rep. Julie Fedorchak as part of a statewide tour, while the state’s Republican Party endorsement fight continues to roil. Education Policy: North Dakota launched a statewide survey on classroom device use as districts operate under the “bell to bell” cellphone ban. Rural Health: HHS announced a $40 million grant opportunity to help rural hospitals upgrade equipment and expand emergency and specialty care. Utilities & Regulation: The ND Highway Patrol set a public hearing on proposed CDL minimum-age changes, and Otter Tail’s rate hike hearing is scheduled in Bemidji. Agriculture & Consumer Costs: North Dakota corn growers met with the FTC chair over fertilizer pricing practices, pressing for a formal investigation. Infrastructure: NDOT began replacing Backwater Bridge in Morton County, with work expected to finish in November. Public Safety/Services: Minot rolled out a new non-emergency phone number for Central Dispatch.

Voting Rights, Native Communities: The U.S. Supreme Court sent back a Native American Voting Rights Act case, rejecting an appeals court view that only the federal government can sue—raising fresh uncertainty for tribal voting access and map challenges. Campaign Finance Fight: North Dakota GOP lawmakers and candidates accused Gov. Kelly Armstrong of unlawfully influencing the Legislature through donations to handpicked primary challengers, arguing it violates the state constitution’s bribery/quid pro quo rules. K-12 Policy & Ballot Measure Costs: Grand Forks Public Schools leaders warned that a proposed constitutional free-meals requirement could hit district budgets and per-student funding, even as they support feeding kids. Flood Protection in Minot: Minot city leaders and candidates toured flood protection work, revisiting how the Souris/Mouse River system and Canada dam operations shaped the 2011 flood outcomes. Election Season Logistics: North Dakota Secretary of State outlined election security steps ahead of the June primary, while candidates continued filing for office. Energy & Markets: A North Dakota cattle group asked federal regulators to investigate wild swings in cattle futures and how they ripple into producer insurance and cash prices. Local Spotlight: Casselton couple won an $870K matching grant to convert a historic farmstead into a lodging and wellness destination.

Statehouse Ethics Fight: North Dakota Republicans and legislative candidates are calling on Gov. Kelly Armstrong to face removal over campaign donations they say could violate the state constitution’s bribery/quid-pro-quo rules, after filings showed about $200,000 in donations to roughly 20 handpicked GOP challengers. Education Tech Policy: Sen. Michelle Axtman, Rep. Jim Jonas, and state education leaders launched a statewide survey on “responsible technology-use” in classrooms, asking parents and educators whether to limit device hours, restrict take-home use, and require district policies. School Meals Ballot Cost Concerns: In Grand Forks, district officials and a school board committee warn a proposed constitutional free-meals measure could carry a “heavy price tag,” with federal funding already covering low-income students but state costs estimated at $133 million over the next budget cycle. Federal Internet Safety Pushback: AG Jay Jones joined a coalition opposing the federal KIDS Act, arguing it would weaken state enforcement and shift too much responsibility to tech companies. Energy & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court left open state-law-based tort liability for nuclear licensees, keeping legal risk uneven by circuit. Local Community Spotlight: A Minot car show for Easterseals Goodwill will include a refurbished car giveaway, and Senator Hoeven presented the Rosie the Riveter Congressional Medal to 103-year-old Elsie Reiswig, a WWII shipyard welder from McClusky.

Election Law Fight: The U.S. Justice Department urged the Supreme Court to uphold Arizona’s voter-roll and citizenship proof rules, a move critics warn could enable states to purge alleged noncitizens close to elections. Education Policy: In Bismarck, Sen. Michelle Axtman, Rep. Jim Jonas, and state education leaders launched a statewide survey on “responsible technology-use” in classrooms, asking whether device limits, take-home restrictions, and district tech policies should be tightened. Energy & Local Control: Deuel County voters will decide Tuesday whether to approve zoning for a proposed natural gas power plant, with residents arguing it belongs in an industrial area and that another plant is too much. State Politics & Campaign Finance: North Dakota GOP lawmakers and candidates accused Gov. Kelly Armstrong of unlawfully influencing the Legislature through campaign donations to primary challengers, while Armstrong says the contributions are legal and without strings. Utilities & Energy Oversight: Public Service Commissioner Sheri Haugen-Hoffart seeks reelection, pitching her record on consumer protections, energy development, and landowner concerns. Data Center Transparency: Reporting says North Dakota is among states not disclosing how much money data centers save from tax breaks, prompting calls for more transparency. Agriculture & Conservation: Sen. John Hoeven highlighted federal partnership ideas to help scale North Dakota’s Governor’s Legacy Soil Health and Habitat Program.

Election Administration: Cass County is training more than 300 election workers ahead of the June 9 primary, with hands-on and safety sessions aimed at keeping lines moving. Campaign Finance Clash: North Dakota GOP lawmakers and candidates accuse Gov. Kelly Armstrong of unlawfully influencing the Legislature through campaign donations, while Armstrong says the contributions are legal and without strings. Energy & Land Use: PSC Commissioner Sheri Haugen-Hoffart seeks reelection, emphasizing consumer protections, energy development, and landowner concerns. Local Ballot Politics: Deuel County voters will decide power-plant zoning after a county commission approval, with residents weighing jobs and tax revenue against impacts from another facility. State Policy Demand: The Governor’s Legacy Soil Health and Habitat Program drew far more applications than funding in its first year, with officials looking at how to expand next cycle. Water & Community Outreach: North Dakota Water Education Foundation schedules summer water tours across Carrington, Watford City, Dickinson, Belcourt, and Bismarck. Legal & Voting Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court is being asked to allow states to purge voter rolls for alleged noncitizens close to elections, a move critics say could disenfranchise voters. Internet Safety: ND Attorney General Jay Jones joins a coalition opposing the federal KIDS Act, arguing it would weaken state authority over online child protections. Energy Infrastructure: UND’s rare earth pilot plant visit highlights efforts to extract strategic materials from lignite and move toward commercialization.

ND GOP Endorsement Rift: Rep. Dawson Holle says his District 31 loss of the NDGOP convention endorsement came down to “gamesmanship and geography,” while he keeps his focus on affordability as the core issue heading into the June 9 primary. State Elections & Ballots: Grand Forks districts 42 and 43 each have three Republican House candidates, with the top two advancing in June 9 primaries. Local Governance: Jamestown voters will pick a mayor in the June 9 primary, with Patrick Davis, Dwaine Heinrich, and Katie Hemmer on the ballot. Election Law Fight: A federal appeals court is set to weigh a lawsuit challenging North Dakota’s political ad law, with the Burleigh County State’s Attorney’s Office seeking dismissal. Kids Online Protections: ND Attorney General Anne Lopez leads a coalition opposing the federal KIDS Act, arguing it would preempt state protections and weaken accountability for online harms to children. Rural Health & AI: Essentia Health highlights how it’s putting AI into the hands of rural clinicians to address staffing gaps and care coordination. Tribal Community Effort: MHA Nation has joined Together for School Meals, backing a November 3 ballot measure to provide free breakfast and lunch to ND students. Energy & Economy: Drying rivers are cutting barge cargo loads on Europe’s Rhine, while North Dakota gas prices remain volatile amid broader oil-market pressure. Road Safety: Williams County issued new gravel road weight restrictions after rainfall, limiting vehicles to protect road integrity.

Veterans, housing and healthcare navigation: A North Dakota program run by Community Action Partnership is helping low-income and homeless veterans get connected to clinics, benefits, and even basics like dental and vision—serving 400+ veteran households statewide last year. Rail merger pressure campaign: Six state attorneys general, including North Dakota’s, urged the Surface Transportation Board to reject Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern’s merger filing as incomplete, arguing key market-share and competition details are still missing. Local tax incentives in focus: Grand Forks City Council gave preliminary approval to Beacon development tax breaks for housing, but pulled back on involvement in a public plaza piece. Pipeline fight moves forward: A federal judge tossed North Dakota’s $28M Dakota Access verdict, clearing the way for a deal. Politics and public safety: Fargo swore in new police leadership and officers; Dem-NPL chair Adam Goldwyn was appointed to finish Liz Conmy’s term after her death. Energy costs, again: GasBuddy reports show scattered “cheapest” spots across counties, with prices still volatile statewide.