AGP Executive Report

Trump in North Dakota, America 250 kickoff: Freedom 250 says President Donald Trump will travel to Medora on July 1 to help dedicate the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, with North Dakota’s National Guard set to assist and state agencies authorized to support the July 4 opening. Federal energy policy and tribal concerns: Federal approval clears the way for the Dakota Access pipeline to keep operating at its Missouri River crossing, but the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe says it will continue fighting in court over water, sacred sites, and treaty rights. National foreign policy debate: Commentators argue Trump’s Iran approach echoes a Polk-era pattern—pressing for outcomes without a clear public case—while critics question whether the administration’s Iran diplomacy can hold. Immigration and welfare politics: A national op-ed urges the U.S. to have a serious immigration conversation like Switzerland did, focusing not just on numbers but on who qualifies for entry and how welfare eligibility shapes the debate. North Dakota civic life and community: Fargo’s downtown policing push at bar close time draws attention to alcohol harm and whether costs should be shared more fairly through state policy. Local culture: North Dakota Skateboarding Association marked Go Skateboarding Day with its annual Keg Jump in Fargo. Military homecoming: Ceremonies in Dahlen brought WWII POW Staff Sgt. Irvin C. Ellingson home nearly 81 years after his death.

Presidential Library Spotlight: President Donald Trump is set to visit North Dakota’s Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora on July 1 as the Freedom 250 opening approaches, with Gov. Kelly Armstrong ordering state agencies to help and the National Guard activating 50 troops for the July 4 public debut; no word yet on whether Trump will attend a Mount Rushmore fireworks event two days later. Pipeline Fallout Still Echoes: Federal approval clears the way for the Dakota Access pipeline to keep operating at its Missouri River crossing, but the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe says it will continue fighting in court over water, sacred sites, and treaty rights. Environmental Legal Fight: Greenpeace International’s Netherlands case against Energy Transfer is moving forward after a Dutch court rejected a bid to dismiss it, tied to the Standing Rock-era protests and a massive North Dakota jury verdict last year. Energy & Agriculture Angle: The Strait of Hormuz is reopening after a U.S.-Iran memorandum, raising hopes for fertilizer supply and prices that matter to North Dakota farmers. Local Government Pressure: A guest column warns that North Dakota’s local officials face rising incivility and threats, making it harder to govern and recruit leaders. Statewide Natural Resources Watch: North Dakota’s spring breeding duck survey shows a drop to about a 2.4 million bird index, down 9.5% from 2025, with habitat losses cited—especially in the northeast around Grand Forks. Military Homecoming: Ceremonies in Dahlen brought WWII Staff Sgt. Irvin C. Ellingson home nearly 81 years after his remains were identified, with a B-52 flyover marking the final day of remembrance. Tech, Policy, and Public Debate: A North Dakota Digital Government Summit highlights cybersecurity and emerging tech, while another piece focuses on how local governments are wrestling with data centers and other contentious issues.

WWII Homecoming: Hundreds gathered in Dahlen for the June 20 return of U.S. Army Air Forces Staff Sgt. Irvin C. Ellingson, honored after 81 years—his remains identified through advanced DNA after he was shot down over Tokyo in 1945 and died in a prison fire. Local Governance & Civility: A new commentary warns North Dakota’s local officials are facing rising threats and incivility, arguing that civil discourse is essential as communities wrestle with taxes, schools, infrastructure, pipelines, and data centers. Agriculture & Energy: North Dakota’s agriculture commissioner says reopening the Strait of Hormuz could ease fertilizer pressure, while a separate report notes the state’s spring duck survey shows breeding numbers down 9.5% year over year. Education Policy: A lawsuit challenges North Dakota teacher licensing rules as barriers for private schools, with arguments that licensing limits course offerings. Public Safety & Health: West Fargo’s police chief credits community support for recruitment and retention, and a separate Medicaid spending review shows rising pathology and lab bills in West Fargo and Williston.

North Dakota Ethics Commission: Gov. Kelly Armstrong and legislative leaders appointed Burleigh County Sheriff Kelly Leben to the Ethics Commission, filling the remainder of Cynthia Lindquist’s term after she left earlier this month. Agriculture & energy: North Dakota agriculture officials are watching the Strait of Hormuz reopening after a U.S.-Iran memorandum, hoping it eases fertilizer pressure; the state is also weighing renewed attention on a Grand Forks fertilizer plant proposal. Waterfowl outlook: The ND Game and Fish spring breeding duck survey found the 2026 breeding duck index at about 2.4 million birds, down 9.5% from 2025, with habitat losses cited—especially around Grand Forks. Local government & civility: A new statewide push argues local officials are facing rising incivility, threats, and resignations, warning that governance breaks down when conversations turn hostile. Education policy: A lawsuit challenge continues over North Dakota teacher licensing rules for private schools, with arguments that licensing limits course offerings and teaching approaches. Fargo politics: Commentary on Fargo’s mayoral race says Josh Boschee’s win reflects the city’s long-running “blue” politics, not a sudden ideological shift. Public safety & health: A West Fargo Medicaid spending snapshot shows pathology and lab services billed at $147,117 in 2024, up sharply from 2023. Community events: TEDxFargo announced its 2026 lineup and theme “Charge,” with talks set for July 29–30 in Fargo.

Feedlot Permit Fight: Ward County’s planning commission recommended denying a conditional use permit for a Surrey Township feedlot after uncertainties in the application and the operator’s alleged improper disposal of hundreds of dead cattle. Teacher Licensing Lawsuit: A Fargo private school is challenging North Dakota’s teacher licensing rules, arguing the state’s requirements restrict what private schools can teach and who can teach it. Ethics Commission Appointment: Gov. Kelly Armstrong and legislative leaders appointed Burleigh County Sheriff Kelly Leben to the North Dakota Ethics Commission, with Leben set to retire as sheriff at year’s end. UAW Politics: Regional candidates are set for a pivotal UAW election as the union finalizes leadership nominations ahead of a fall ballot. Public Health: The CDC reported measles spreading across 41 jurisdictions, including North Dakota, with three deaths tied to the ongoing outbreak. Civic Life & Voting: A report warns fewer teens are getting driver’s licenses, which could reduce voter registration opportunities for young people. Military Homecoming: North Dakota WWII radar veteran Irvin Ellingson’s remains returned for a homecoming and memorial events 81 years after his death. Local Government Watch: A Mitchell dog park board discussed whether to allow kiddie pools, with residents pushing back on a social media post calling for removal. Agriculture & Markets: U.S. Wheat Associates is holding its summer board meeting in Fargo, with leadership transition and discussion of export and market challenges.

Ethics & Appointments: Gov. Kelly Armstrong’s team appointed Burleigh County Sheriff Kelly Leben to the North Dakota Ethics Commission, replacing Cynthia Lindquist as Leben prepares to retire as sheriff at year’s end. Labor Politics: The UAW finalized leadership nominations for its fall election after a federal-monitor vetting process, setting up a consequential vote for President Shawn Fain. Public Safety & Courts: A Jamestown man pleaded guilty to fleeing police at high speeds and DUI, with a sentence of one year and one day plus supervised probation. Jail Transparency: A mother’s frantic calls after a jail overdose sparked renewed questions about how a privately run detention facility tracks and reports incidents. Digital Government: North Dakota’s Digital Government Summit drew about 160 people to focus on cybersecurity and better information-sharing across agencies. Data Center Debate: County commissioners heard public comment on a proposed Flint Hills Digital Campus, with residents pressing for more research on health, wildlife, agriculture, and water impacts. Military Homecoming: WWII Staff Sgt. Irvin Ellingson returned to North Dakota after 81-plus years, with ceremonies in Fargo and Grand Forks. Federal Policy Watch: A Supreme Court decision expected in July 2026 could reshape pesticide liability by addressing whether federal law blocks state “failure to warn” lawsuits. Community Support: Williston Basin School District is offering free summer breakfast and lunch at multiple sites for kids 18 and under.

Pesticide Liability Fight: A coordinated push by pesticide makers is aiming for “liability shield” laws to block lawsuits over cancer risks tied to products like Roundup, with Georgia and North Dakota already passing similar measures and the U.S. Supreme Court expected to weigh whether federal law blocks state “failure to warn” claims. Abortion Policy Pressure: New estimates put U.S. abortions in 2025 at about 1.13 million, with telehealth pills driving growth—telehealth now accounts for roughly 28% of abortions, complicating post-Dobbs state restrictions. North Dakota Tech & Governance: State IT leaders met in Bismarck for the Digital Government Summit, stressing that many “tech” problems are really communication failures across agencies. Public Comment on Data Centers: Lyon County commissioners heard residents’ questions about the Flint Hills Digital Campus, especially around noise, health, wildlife, agriculture, and water impacts. Uncrewed Aircraft Training: GA-ASI temporarily moved MQ-9 flight operations to Fargo’s Hector airport due to runway work at Grand Forks Air Force Base. Elections: District 15 GOP voters chose Kristin Kenner to advance to the general election, and statewide primary turnout was reported at 20.84%. Aviation Service Changes: Allegiant is cutting routes that include Grand Forks International Airport, part of broader network reductions.

Property Tax Fight: A CNN report spotlights Florida’s November ballot plan to remove about 60% of residents from the property tax rolls, raising fears local governments could cut services like police and shift costs to renters and businesses—an issue that echoes the broader property-tax revolt now spreading across the country. ND Politics & Elections: North Dakota’s 2026 primary turnout hit 20.84% (125,101 ballots cast), with election results still unofficial pending canvassing later this month. Public Safety in Fargo: Fargo police are boosting downtown visibility on weekend bar-close nights, adding about 300 extra man-hours in the first weeks of the summer push aimed at improving perceived safety. NDGOP Leadership & Money: A Plain Talk segment renews calls for ND Republican Party Chair Matthew Simon to resign, citing alleged financial mismanagement and candidate losses tied to skipping the party’s endorsing process. Agriculture Labor Policy: Federal agencies clarified that dairies can use the H-2A program for seasonal or temporary needs, a change welcomed by the dairy industry. Federal Law Enforcement on Tribal Lands: The FBI and ATF announced Operation Steadfast Promise, including a ballistic testing push on Pine Ridge firearms backlog across North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota. National Guard & July 4: Multiple reports note North Dakota plans to deploy National Guard troops for July 4 celebrations.

National Politics: President Trump again disrupted Senate work by ordering lawmakers to cancel a major confirmation hearing, delaying a key intelligence nomination and complicating renewal of an antiterrorism law. North Dakota Elections: Primary turnout stayed low statewide at about 20.84%, with county-by-county results still being clarified as canvass boards finish work. Ethics & Governance: The North Dakota Ethics Commission unanimously picked Pam Sharp as its new chair after a year of turnover, as outgoing leadership steps down. Public Safety: The FBI and ATF brought a mobile ballistic lab to Rapid City to help clear a firearms evidence backlog tied to Pine Ridge. Military & Federal Oversight: The Air Force identified eight crew members killed in a B-52 crash at Edwards Air Force Base during a test mission. State Policy & Infrastructure: North Dakota is deploying 50 National Guard troops for July 4 and the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library opening, and the state is also weighing future water-project funding options, including possible bonding. Local Government Watch: Mercer County is moving toward a public hearing on a proposed data center ordinance, while Williams County has started a major County Road 1 reconstruction project with detours. Agriculture & Trade: A new NDSU-linked analysis highlights how China’s tariff retaliation hit U.S. farm exports hard, with Indiana among the states most affected. Legal/Health Policy: Pesticide manufacturers are pushing “liability shield” laws as the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to rule on whether federal law blocks state failure-to-warn lawsuits.

Ethics & Accountability: The North Dakota Ethics Commission unanimously named Pam Sharp as its new chair after major turnover, with outgoing leaders citing health and other departures. State Government & Policy: The North Dakota Department of Water Resources is looking at alternative funding for water projects, including possible bonding to cover a projected shortfall tied to oil extraction tax revenue. Public Safety: ND DOT reports 3,604 citations during the May “Click It or Ticket” campaign, with seat belt violations leading and officials warning that unbelted drivers account for half of this year’s crash deaths. Higher Education & Workforce: UND says its new Flight Operations Center is on schedule for early 2027 completion, and it’s also launching a specialized real estate major to meet growing industry demand. Military & Federal Oversight: A Senate Armed Services Committee push is seeking answers on USAF plans to retire E-11 BACN combat communications jets, while a separate national story confirms eight deaths in a B-52 crash at Edwards Air Force Base. Community & Events: North Dakota will deploy 50 National Guard troops to support Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library opening activities tied to the 250th anniversary, and a three-day homecoming honors Staff Sgt. Irvin Ellingson as his remains return after more than 80 years.

U.S. Senate Iran Deal: North Dakota Sen. John Hoeven says lawmakers haven’t seen the text of Trump’s Iran framework yet, even as senators signal any final agreement will need approval. Federal Courts: Senate Republicans confirmed Justin Smith to a lifetime judgeship on the 8th Circuit in a vote that critics say blurs impartiality lines; ND Sen. Kevin Cramer missed the vote. ND Water Planning: The state’s water regulator told legislators the Missouri River is the best source for any future North Dakota nuclear reactor water needs, while noting downstream neighbors’ concerns. Defense & Local Impact: A B-52 crash at Edwards Air Force Base killed all eight aboard; separate coverage highlights the 2027 NDAA’s push for assessments and upgrades tied to Grand Forks AFB nuclear facilities and a new Space Force operations facility. Land & Hunting Rules: ND Game and Fish reminds landowners that electronic posting for 2026 must be registered by July 1 to be legal on official maps. Local Governance: Cass County weighs possible amplified-music standards after complaints tied to a rural festival near Fargo. Public Safety & Tech: An UND law professor warns that AI crime apps can mislabel incidents and create real-world harm before the law catches up. Elections & Civic Life: A new study keeps Juneteenth and patriotism debates in the spotlight as states decide whether to treat the holiday as a paid day off. Community Notes: ND National Guard will activate troops for the 250th anniversary; Hettinger plans July 4 road closures, a temporary noise waiver, and recreation/safety projects.

Pesticide Liability Fight: Pesticide makers are pushing “liability shield” laws to block lawsuits from people harmed by products like glyphosate, as the U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule in July 2026 on whether federal law blocks state “failure to warn” claims. Federal Courts & ND Impact: North Dakota is set to receive $27.8 million from the federal government to cover Dakota Access Pipeline protest costs from 2016-17, with Gov. Kelly Armstrong and AG Drew Wrigley calling it overdue and shifting the bill to Washington. Defense & National Security: A B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base in California, killing all eight crew; officials say the cause is under investigation and could take months. ND Ethics & Trust: A new Ethics Commission survey finds about two-thirds of respondents lack confidence in state officials acting ethically, with conflicts of interest and misuse of office topping concerns. Education Costs: ND lawmakers finalized an estimate that a November ballot measure for free K-12 school meals would cost about $124–$134 million every two years if approved. Local Governance: Williams County begins ditch mowing June 17 and imposed rain-related road restrictions with a 6-ton axle limit in Zones 1 and 2. Public Safety & Accountability: A former Minot police officer is suing the city over alleged discrimination and a hostile work environment tied to incidents in 2023-24. State Government Operations: ND will deploy 50 National Guard troops for July 4 events tied to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library opening.

B-52 Crash: A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base in California’s Mojave Desert, with officials saying initial indications are the crash was not survivable and all eight aboard were presumed dead; the cause remains under investigation and the flight was tied to a radar modernization test mission. North Dakota Politics & Public Life: Former North Dakota House Minority Leader Merle Boucher, a longtime District 9 Democrat-NPL figure, died June 11 at 79; colleagues praised his focus on Native rights, care for vulnerable people, and respectful, bipartisan leadership. Local Government: Minot City Council moved forward on a temporary animal “pound” plan, accepting proposals from Animal Empowerment League and Hairball Haven and approving a warehouse lease to handle dog and cat services as costs come in above the city’s $200,000 budget. Law Enforcement Accountability: McKenzie County Sheriff’s Office fired Deputy Jared Drake after a DUI arrest while attending training in Bismarck, citing violation of agency policy and professional standards. State Policy Watch: North Dakota’s NDHSAA board approved elections of three board members for the 2026-27 school year, including new Class B Northeast and Class A East representatives. Traffic Safety: North Dakota police issued 3,604 citations during the May “Click It or Ticket” seat belt enforcement push, including 2,536 seat belt violations and 7 DUI arrests, as part of Vision Zero efforts to cut traffic deaths.

Supreme Court Watch: Pesticide makers are pushing “liability shield” laws to block lawsuits from people harmed by products like glyphosate, as the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule in July 2026 on whether federal law blocks state failure-to-warn claims. Education Policy: North Dakota’s proposed rules for four-day school weeks are drawing pushback from rural districts, with educators warning the changes could unfairly burden smaller communities even as supporters cite attendance and staffing benefits. Ethics & Trust: A North Dakota Ethics Commission survey found many residents lack confidence that state officials act ethically, with conflicts of interest and misuse of public office topping concerns. Local Governance: Grand Forks School Board veteran Bill Palmiscno urged newly elected members to “listen,” as the board turns over after Tuesday’s elections. Public Safety/Justice: A Fargo woman, Faith Dixon, was found guilty and sentenced to four years for misappropriating North Dakota Department of Public Instruction funds through a nonprofit she founded. State Economy & Trade: The North Dakota Trade Office recognized three companies for international business wins, including Kindred’s ICE Crystal Engineering.

Supreme Court & Pesticides: Pesticide makers are lobbying for “liability shield” laws to block lawsuits from people harmed by products like glyphosate, as the U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule in July 2026 on whether federal law blocks state “failure to warn” claims. DAPL Settlement: The Trump administration agreed to pay North Dakota $27.8 million in a final Dakota Access Pipeline protest settlement, bringing total reimbursement to nearly $38 million for 2016-17 protest costs. Election Data Fight: The DOJ is pressing states to share voter registration data under a “confidential memorandum,” including names, addresses, and partial SSNs, while multiple courts have dismissed the DOJ suits as a “fishing expedition.” ND Politics & Turnout: Grand Forks County reported the state’s lowest primary turnout at 12.3%, while Stutsman County turnout rose to 19.85%. Local Governance: Pembina County’s sheriff race ended with Cory Mortensen beating former deputy chief Marcus Ramsay. Military & Education: Sen. John Hoeven highlighted federal funding for a new school at Grand Forks Air Force Base and community healthcare efforts in the Lake Region. Healthcare Transition: Devils Lake marked its hospital’s completed transition to Altru Health System with a ribbon-cutting and community event.

DAPL Settlement: North Dakota is set to recover $27.8 million from the federal government for 2016-17 Dakota Access Pipeline protest costs, bringing the total to nearly $38 million, with state leaders calling it a long-overdue resolution. Defense Readiness: The U.S. has lost nearly a third of its Reaper drone fleet in Middle East conflicts since the start of the Trump administration, and officials say there’s still no clear, funded plan to replace them. Federal-Local Health: Sen. John Hoeven highlighted federal funding and community healthcare efforts, including a new school groundbreak at Grand Forks Air Force Base and continued work with Altru on Lake Region care access. Primary Turnout Watch: Grand Forks County reported the lowest voter turnout in North Dakota for the primary, at 12.3% of eligible voters, while Stutsman County turnout ran higher than past primaries. Local Governance: In Pembina County, Cory Mortensen won the sheriff’s race, defeating former deputy chief Marcus Ramsay amid allegations that helped fuel the dispute. Education Labor: Minot Public Schools ratified new one-year union contracts, including a 4% wage increase for teachers and administrators and changes to health savings account contributions. Tourism & Travel: A new report says reduced Canadian travel is dragging North Dakota tourism, though Theodore Roosevelt National Park visits are up year to date. Policy Debate: A new push for pesticide “liability shield” laws is gaining traction in state legislatures as the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule this summer on whether federal law blocks some state pesticide lawsuits.