AGP Executive Report

Dakota Access Pipeline settlement: North Dakota will receive $28 million from the federal government to cover law enforcement and other costs tied to the 2016-17 DAPL protests, with the DOJ also agreeing to drop its appeals and issue a statement that its response “fell short” and that protesters engaged in unlawful behavior. Rural health access: North Dakota HHS is launching a $1.5 million funding opportunity to expand breast cancer screenings in rural and underserved western parts of the state via a mobile mammography unit. Education tech modernization: The state’s BRIDGE Project will move North Dakota schools from PowerSchool to Infinite Campus statewide starting July 2026, with an emphasis on student data privacy and standardized data practices. Ethics Commission leadership: Acting chair Ron Goodman will retire from the North Dakota Ethics Commission, with a selection committee set to interview finalists June 19. Election turnout watch: Unofficial results show Tuesday’s North Dakota primary drew about 21% turnout statewide, with Grand Forks County at just 12%. Local politics: Write-in votes are complicating Emerado’s mayor and council results, and Fargo’s mayoral race is settled with Josh Boschee winning over Michelle Turnberg.

DAPL Settlement: North Dakota will receive about $28 million from the federal government to settle a lawsuit over policing costs from the Dakota Access Pipeline protests in 2016-17, with the U.S. also agreeing to dismiss appeals and issue a statement acknowledging federal response shortcomings. Statehouse Fallout: Gov. Kelly Armstrong called the deal “long overdue” and said it shifts the financial burden off taxpayers and onto the federal government. Private School Fight: Capstone Classical Academy and the Institute for Justice filed a federal lawsuit challenging North Dakota’s teacher licensing requirements for private schools, arguing the rules are burdensome and violate constitutional rights. Election Reality Check: Primary turnout stayed low statewide at just under 21%, with Grand Forks County the lowest at about 12%; Fargo’s mayoral race drew higher participation than many other local contests. Public Safety: Mandan bought 24 vehicle barriers to protect crowds for Buggies and Blues, citing durability and Homeland Security backing. Crypto Consumer Alert: The state Department of Financial Institutions released new crypto ATM FAQs aimed at scam prevention and verifying licensed operators. Federal Immigration Funding: South Carolina AG Alan Wilson promoted passage of the Secure America Act, touting new funding for CBP and ICE.

North Dakota Primary Results & Turnout: Ward County reported about 8,059 voters at the polls Tuesday (15.39% turnout), with Minot mayor and council races drawing the biggest interest; statewide turnout for the primary was about 21%, and some Democratic-NPL candidates in Williston failed to meet the minimum vote threshold to advance. Congressional GOP Win: Rep. Julie Fedorchak won North Dakota’s GOP primary and will face Trygve Hammer in November, with Trump’s endorsement highlighted as a key factor. State Politics—Judicial & Party Fight: A North Dakota federal judge nominee, Dan Traynor, faced sharp Senate questioning over whether judges should avoid political issues; meanwhile, Gov. Kelly Armstrong publicly urged populist opponents to stop “making excuses” and go win elections. Education & Lawsuits: Capstone Classical Academy and the Institute for Justice sued North Dakota over private-school teacher licensing requirements, arguing the rules block qualified experts. Federal/Foreign Policy Ripple: Grand Forks officials said a federal “Chinese military companies” list item, Cirrus Design, doesn’t raise immediate local concerns. Public Safety: A Minot Air Force Base case saw a local man charged with multiple felonies for allegedly sneaking a juvenile onto the base. National Parks Controversy: An AP review found many park visitors pushed back on the Trump administration’s request to report “negative” portrayals of Americans. Health Access: North Dakota HHS launched a $1.5 million funding opportunity for mobile mammography to bring screenings to rural and underserved western communities.

North Dakota Primary Fallout: North Dakota’s Tuesday primary drew about 21% turnout, with big county swings from Billings (55%) to Grand Forks (12%); results remain unofficial until canvassing later this month. GOP Incumbents Knocked Off: Six incumbent Republican legislators lost their primaries, including culture-war figures Rep. Jeff Hoverson and Rep. Bill Tveit, as Gov. Kelly Armstrong’s endorsements largely held. Election-Law Quirk: A Fargo-area legal oddity surfaced: unopposed candidates can still fail to advance if they don’t hit a minimum vote threshold tied to petition signatures—an issue now under review. Fargo Leadership Shift: Fargo elected mayor-elect Josh Boschee, focusing his agenda on housing affordability and downtown priorities. Capitol Grounds Discovery: Construction near the North Dakota governor’s residence uncovered human remains and coffin fragments, with archaeologists identifying possible additional grave sites and next steps expected in weeks. Dakota Access Legal Fight: A Dutch court ruled Greenpeace can continue its case against Energy Transfer over Dakota Access Pipeline protest-related lawsuits, escalating the dispute beyond North Dakota. Consumer Protection: ND’s attorney general news cycle echoed nationwide: Brenna Bird announced a multistate GS Labs settlement over overpriced, delayed COVID-19 tests, including restitution for affected consumers.

Crash/Community Safety: North Dakota Highway Patrol identified Clinton Jerkovich, 48, of Mercer as the driver killed in a June 7 one-vehicle rollover near Mercer. Local Elections: Minot voters kept Mayor Mark Jantzer in office and elected Stephan Podrygula, John MacMartin and Eric Locken to the city council. Grand Forks Politics: Ward 2 council race is headed to a recount after Rebecca Osowski edged Ryan King by two votes; Tony Hodny and Mitch McCoy advanced in the County Commission primary. State Ballot Rules: North Dakotans approved Constitutional Measure 1, requiring future constitutional amendments to be limited to a single subject. Public Utilities: Incumbents Sheri Haugen-Hoffart and Jill Kringstad won the GOP primaries for the Public Service Commission, setting up contested general elections. Education Leadership: Levi Bachmeier and Tracy Layne Foss advanced to November in the Superintendent of Public Instruction race. U.S. House: Rep. Julie Fedorchak won the GOP primary for North Dakota’s 1st District, moving to face Trygve Hammer in November. Capitol/History: The Founders’ Museum interactive exhibit opened at the North Dakota Capitol as part of the national 250th anniversary push.

North Dakota Primary Day: Voters across the state headed to the polls Tuesday, with officials urging people to check vote.nd.gov for any polling-place changes as severe weather threats loomed. Election Security & Logistics: North Dakota’s paper-ballot system was highlighted as a safeguard against power outages, and election workers reported steady turnout at Fargo polling sites. U.S. House Race: In a partial rematch of her 2024 nomination fight, Rep. Julie Fedorchak faced former foreign service officer Alex Balazs in North Dakota’s GOP primary, while a constitutional “single-subject” amendment measure also appeared on the ballot. Statewide Ballot Rules: The proposed amendment would limit future constitutional amendments to one subject at a time—an issue that could shape how North Dakota lawmakers and voters package changes. Connectivity & Rural/Tribal Tech: Integrity Technologies Corp. announced a collaboration with World Mobile to expand rural and tribal connectivity using fiber backhaul plus wireless and cellular infrastructure. Medicaid Oversight & Fraud Focus: Coverage also pointed to Governor-led Medicaid strategy updates aimed at tightening oversight and preventing fraud.

North Dakota Primary Countdown: Tuesday’s June 9 primaries will decide party nominees across the state, with Secretary of State Michael Howe urging voters to follow the ballot’s two-column rule so tabulators don’t reject “crossover” votes. Williston Local Races: Williston voters face multiple city and county contests, including City Commission and Park Board seats, plus races for sheriff and county commission. Early Voting Surge: Cass County turnout is driving early voting statewide, with more than 14,000 early votes in Cass and over 36,000 statewide before Election Day, alongside a large absentee/mail-in total. State Education Leadership: State Superintendent Levi Bachmeier appointed Amanda Peterson as deputy superintendent, a key leadership post at the Department of Public Instruction. Fargo Housing Grants: Fargo approved a $1.3M plan for federal CDBG and HOME funds, targeting infrastructure and neighborhood improvements. Public Safety Reminder: Fargo police reminded e-bike and e-scooter riders to know the rules on speed and where devices can be used. Energy + Data Centers Debate: A fresh pushback continues over data center impacts, with officials and critics trading accusations as governors weigh moratoriums and restrictions. Court/Legal Watch: Nevada AG Aaron Ford joined an amicus brief in the Meta antitrust fight, while Bayer faces new legal claims tied to its Roundup settlement.

North Dakota Primary Preview: Voters head to the polls Tuesday, June 9, with North Dakota deciding a U.S. House primary plus a constitutional “single-subject” amendment; Fargo also chooses a new mayor, setting up a rare mix of statewide and local races that could lift turnout. Education Leadership: State Superintendent Levi Bachmeier appointed Amanda Peterson as deputy superintendent of the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction, elevating a long-time NDDPI leader focused on accountability and school improvement. Public Safety & Courts: In federal court in Fargo, “serial bank robber” Jay Barker received just over 14 years after prosecutors said his intimidation tactics and mask-wearing robbery spree warranted a career-offender designation. Energy & Utilities Politics: Public Service Commissioner Jill Kringstad is seeking re-election in the June 9 Republican primary, campaigning on utility affordability, energy development, and PSC oversight as data centers expand. Mail Service Accountability: U.S. Sens. Kevin Cramer and John Hoeven backed a bipartisan bill after USPS performance complaints, pushing for better tracking and delivery accountability in North Dakota and Minnesota. Health Watch: A national measles surge is accelerating toward a new high, with most cases tied to unvaccinated people—an issue that will resonate locally as ND schools and public health leaders plan for outbreaks. Military Readiness: The North Dakota Air National Guard’s 119th Wing will run a readiness exercise in Fargo, bringing increased activity around the base.

North Dakota Air National Guard: The 119th Wing will run a readiness exercise June 8-12 at the Hector base in Fargo, bringing increased activity and emergency response training for residents and businesses. Severe Weather Watch: The National Weather Service warns of scattered to numerous severe storms Sunday into Monday, with damaging winds, large hail, and a tornado possible, plus another round of strong storms expected later in the week. Tribal Legal Fight: Nine Native American tribes in South Dakota, North Dakota and Nebraska sued the federal government to stop exploratory graphite drilling near a sacred Black Hills meadow used for ceremonies and youth camps. Election & Voting Infrastructure: North Dakota is rolling out a new election results website ahead of the June 9 primary, as officials also continue pushing for election workers and safeguards. Energy & Jobs Politics: A national push to expand coal power support using wartime authorities includes keeping plants online in North Dakota, alongside new coal and export projects elsewhere. Local Public Safety: Mayville Fire and Rescue is seeking $6 million for a regional firefighter training facility, aiming to reduce travel costs and expand hands-on training. Everyday Costs: GasBuddy reports weekly lows across parts of North Dakota, including E85 and diesel price dips in multiple counties.

Severe Weather Watch: The National Weather Service warns scattered to numerous severe storms could hit North Dakota starting late Sunday, June 7, with damaging winds up to 70 mph, 2-inch hail, and a tornado possible, then another round expected Monday night into Tuesday and Wednesday. Coal Funding Push: President Trump is using wartime Defense Production Act authority to funnel nearly $700 million into coal power, including keeping plants operating in North Dakota and funding upgrades plus a potential new California export terminal. Election & Voting Rules: The U.S. Senate blocked the SAVE America Act, a major setback for Trump-backed voting restrictions that would have required citizenship documentation and photo ID at the ballot box. Redistricting Fight: A new wave of redistricting is set to expand beyond Congress, with Georgia planning a June 17 special session that could redraw not just congressional seats but state legislative districts and possibly more. Tribal Legal Challenge: Nine Native tribes, including in North Dakota, sued to stop exploratory graphite drilling near a sacred Black Hills site, alleging federal agencies violated law in approving work near Pe’Sla. Local Public Safety: Mayville Fire and Rescue is raising $6 million to build a regional firefighter training facility so departments can train locally instead of traveling to the state fire school in Minot.

Redistricting Fight Spills Downward: After a Supreme Court push, Georgia is set to redraw not just congressional districts but also state House and Senate lines (and possibly a utility commission) in a June 17 special session, with other states watching to see whether mid-decade redistricting spreads to local races like city councils and school boards. Dakota Access Pipeline Legal Fallout: A Dutch court ruled Greenpeace can pursue its case against Energy Transfer over lawsuits tied to Dakota Access Pipeline protests, keeping the fight alive on an international stage. Voting Access Clash: The U.S. Senate blocked the SAVE America Act, a blow to Trump’s push for stricter voting rules like document checks and photo ID requirements. North Dakota Election Operations: Early voting is underway and Stutsman County reports higher early turnout than prior primaries, while Grand Forks County warns election worker shortages could complicate staffing. USPS Mail Delays: Bipartisan senators from North Dakota and Minnesota introduced the Postal Delivery Accountability Act to force better tracking and public reporting after the USPS inspector general flagged both states among the worst for mail performance. Coal Push With ND Ties: Trump’s administration is moving about $700M into coal, including Defense Production Act funding that lists North Dakota among beneficiary states. Housing Pressure: A Federal Reserve official said housing affordability is a major driver of whether communities can attract and keep workers, including across the Fed’s Ninth District that covers North Dakota. Bakken East Pipeline Scrutiny: FERC held a Jamestown scoping meeting for the Bakken East Pipeline, with landowners focused on how property will be restored after construction.

Pipeline & protest legal fight: A Dutch court ruled Greenpeace can pursue its case in the Netherlands tied to lawsuits over Dakota Access Pipeline protests, keeping the dispute international even after a North Dakota ruling required Greenpeace to pay Energy Transfer $345 million. Border enforcement spending: The Trump administration has accelerated border wall contracting, awarding more than $19.4 billion in the past six months, with much of it going to two firms tied to GOP and White House connections. Coal push with federal authority: Trump is set to channel nearly $700 million into coal power using Cold War-era Defense Production Act authority, including $425 million for 13 existing plants that include North Dakota. Immigration enforcement in Congress: The U.S. Senate passed the Secure America Act, a GOP-backed measure that would fully fund DHS border and law enforcement operations for three years, with North Dakota Sen. Kevin Cramer calling it a “rule of law” win. North Dakota primary logistics: Early voting is underway statewide; Stutsman County reported strong early turnout, while Grand Forks County warned election worker shortages remain a challenge. Local governance at the ballot: Fargo voters will decide whether to renew the city’s 1% infrastructure sales tax, with supporters arguing it funds projects and saves residents money. Energy & costs watch: GasBuddy price reports show low points for regular and diesel across multiple counties in the week ending May 30, with volatility tied to global oil and refinery conditions.

Coal Power Push: President Trump says he’ll use the Cold War-era Defense Production Act to send about $700M to coal projects, including upgrades and new plants, with North Dakota listed among the states getting modernization money for coal generation. Energy & Grid Politics: Gov. Kelly Armstrong praised the plan, pointing to proposed Antelope Valley Station upgrades near Beulah and Freedom Mine support tied to reliability and jobs. Election Access in ND: North Dakota’s Secretary of State is rolling out a new election results website for the June 9 primary, while early voting continues with Ward and Burleigh counties reporting steady ballot totals. Ballot Integrity Fight in Minot: A Minot mayoral candidate is challenging Ward County voting equipment test results, arguing races weren’t properly tested; the candidate’s review and responses are now in the spotlight. Campaign Attacks: In Ward County’s GOP primary, incumbents and candidates are distancing themselves from ugly, allegedly inaccurate attack ads tied to an outside political group. Voting Rules Clash: The U.S. Senate blocked Trump’s SAVE America Act, a major setback for efforts to tighten voter ID and limit voter registration drives. Local Governance: Slope County commissioners discussed a regional partnership, tax credit applications, and rural health funding opportunities.

Credit-Rating Clash: California’s controller and other finance officials urged Fitch, Moody’s, and S&P to stick to “sound financial practices,” pushing back on Republican AG pressure that they say politicizes ratings. WWII Remains Returned: A Dahlen, N.D., WWII Army Air Forces radar observer will be laid to rest June 20 after DPAA accounting. Coal Funding in the Spotlight: Gov. Kelly Armstrong praised Trump’s Defense Production Act push—up to $425M for DOE coal projects, including modernization support for North Dakota’s Antelope Valley Station. Border Wall Contracts: DHS has accelerated border wall spending, with billions in recent awards funneled largely to two politically connected firms, raising transparency concerns. Voting Fight: The U.S. Senate blocked Trump’s SAVE America Act, a blow to efforts to impose stricter proof-of-citizenship and ID rules. North Dakota Election Notes: A Fargo-Moorhead “non-partisan” chamber voter site links to a Fargo sales tax extension campaign ahead of June 9. Local Governance: Ward County moved to buy back control of a right-of-way after a reversal request, showing how property rules still shape road decisions. Public Health: CDC reports U.S. measles cases topped 2,000 for the second straight year, with North Dakota among confirmed states. Energy Prices: GasBuddy data shows scattered low-price pockets across counties, with regular and diesel prices generally trending down statewide for the week ending May 30.

Coal & Energy Policy: President Trump announced a $700 million coal initiative, invoking the Defense Production Act to fund upgrades for 13 coal plants and support a new export terminal in Oakland—money that includes North Dakota facilities and is pitched as grid-reliability and lower power costs. North Dakota Courts & Licensing: A Minot attorney running against incumbent Judge Theodore Sandberg faces a Minnesota disciplinary recommendation to indefinitely suspend her law license over alleged professional misconduct. Elections & Voting Rules: Rep. Julie Fedorchak is set to introduce a “SAVE America Through REAL ID Act” aimed at using reconciliation-friendly incentives to push REAL ID requirements for voting. Local Government & Infrastructure: Duncan held public hearings on a proposed TIF district near Plato Road and U.S. 81 to spur retail development, with a second hearing set for June 9. Public Safety & Justice: A Port of Oakland-related coal export plan is paired with a separate North Dakota legal dispute: a port report says a Minnesota official recommended suspending a North Dakota judicial candidate’s law license. Community & Civic Life: Minot’s Disabled American Veterans Chapter 4 held a flag-raising honoring WWII 2nd Lt. Arthur J. Blackwood, and Grand Forks County voters will see eight candidates on the June 9 County Commission primary ballot.

Election Law: Rep. Julie Fedorchak says she’ll introduce a “SAVE America Through REAL ID Act” to use a reconciliation-friendly grant program to push states toward REAL ID voting requirements—an end-run around Senate limits on proof-of-citizenship mandates. Voter Access: North Dakota voters head to the polls June 9 on Constitutional Amendment 1, which would create a single-subject rule for future constitutional amendments and require separate votes for legislatively referred amendments. Early Voting: Early voting is underway, with Cass County driving turnout so far, and multiple counties adding in-person sites this week. Tribal Sovereignty: Tribal leaders in Bismarck are calling for more control over their people and resources as federal support looks less predictable. Defense & Drones: North Dakota’s 319th Reconnaissance Wing joined Kansas airmen in Florida for VAPOR 26.1, testing passive defenses against small drones. Energy Policy: Trump’s planned nearly $700M “beautiful clean coal” push would use the Defense Production Act to fund upgrades and a new export terminal, including support tied to North Dakota. AI Data Centers: A legislative committee heard officials argue public concerns about data centers are fueled by misinformation and point to state agency data. Greenpeace/Dakota Access: A Dutch court kept Greenpeace’s lawsuit against Energy Transfer alive, rejecting jurisdiction arguments tied to the protests’ North Dakota location. Tourism Economy: A new report shows North Dakota tourism dipped in 2025, driven by weaker Canadian travel, with early signs of momentum for 2026.