AGP Executive Report

Local Election: Fargo voters who want to cast ballots before Election Day on Oct. 6 must request an absentee ballot—there are no early voting locations. The special election asks residents to switch Fargo’s form of government from a commission to a council, with six ward council members plus an at-large mayor. Energy Costs: Gas prices are pushing toward record levels for Labor Day as war-related supply concerns keep pressure on fuel, with AAA and analysts warning the national average could top $4 a gallon. Education Data: A new look at Grand Forks County’s six-year bachelor’s completion rate finds 62% for white students in the 2018 entering cohort by 2024, slightly above the statewide figure. State Outdoors: North Dakota Game and Fish says the pheasant forecast looks promising for the upcoming season, with regular season set to open Oct. 10. Sports (ND ties): NDSU’s football payday news and a steady stream of local athletes landing on college rosters round out the week’s North Dakota sports buzz.

North Dakota Politics & Courts: Tribes including the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians and the Spirit Lake Nation asked a federal court to keep alive their challenge to North Dakota’s 2021 legislative map, arguing it dilutes Native voting power. State Policy: The EPA proposed fully approving North Dakota’s regional haze plan, a move that would reverse part of a 2024 rejection and keep baseload power sources operating without extra emissions controls, with a 30-day public comment period next. Public Safety & Health: FirstLink says calls, texts and chats to the 988 suicide crisis line are up this year, with most contacts answered in-state and fewer than 1% involving law enforcement. Weather & Community Impacts: Rugby families rebuilding after earlier flooding say heavy rain hit again, forcing more repairs. Outdoors & Wildlife: Bow hunting season opened statewide, with Game and Fish pointing to slightly improved mule deer numbers in parts of western North Dakota. Local News: A North Dakota Soybean Processors employee died after a work-related medical incident near Casselton.

Kratom crackdown hits a wall in Bismarck: The North Dakota House killed a bill that would have permanently banned all kratom, after the Senate advanced it—leaving lawmakers to sort out a narrower path as the special session continues. Fuel shock for rural drivers: AAA reports diesel has hit an all-time high around $5.85 a gallon, with harvest-season trucking and farming likely to feel the squeeze. Military Gallery restart: The Legislature approved a new $20 million loan and lifted limits on $15 million in allocated funds, clearing the way to restart the stalled Military Gallery project on the Capitol grounds. School meals vote heads to November: A proposed constitutional measure would require state funding for universal daily school breakfast and lunch, with an estimated $133 million price tag for the next biennium. Food safety reminder: UND faced state health scrutiny after reports of food poisoning, with violations cited by the health department. Agriculture and research: NDSU released updated soybean iron deficiency chlorosis scores and a new online soil and fertilizer resource for growers. Community and safety: North Dakota rabies cases are rising as bat season peaks, and officials warn about severe weather risk into Labor Day weekend.

Court Ruling: The U.S. First Circuit overturned a 2025 order tied to Puerto Rico birth certificates, rejecting a requirement to add an “X” gender marker and reaffirming local control over public records. Public Safety: North Dakota officials say fleeing drivers after traffic stops remain a deadly problem, with lawmakers weighing tougher penalties after a Grand Forks-area case allegedly involved speeds near 160 mph. State Policy: North Dakota lawmakers are nearing a decision on kratom, as debate continues between a permanent ban and regulation, with a Friday deadline looming. Health & Environment: State environmental officials issued harmful algae warnings for Lake Darling and Buffalo Lodge Lake, urging residents to avoid contact and keep pets and livestock away. Workforce & Community: North Dakota’s Global Talent Summit highlighted efforts to bring in and integrate global workers to fill job gaps. Sports: NDSU volleyball fell to Boise State 3-0 in the Boise State Classic, while North Dakota State football continues its FBS season opener coverage.

Economic Development: The North Dakota Department of Commerce earned IEDC’s AEDO accreditation, one of only three states to receive the national economic development designation. Energy & Growth: Mortenson is tapped for a $450M HVDC transmission modernization in North Dakota and Minnesota, tied to rising data-center demand. Food Safety: North Dakota health officials are investigating possible food poisoning linked to UND’s Wilkerson Dining Center, where recent inspections found temperature-handling violations. Public Safety: A West Fargo motorcycle crash left a passenger critically injured; the driver faces DUI and felony criminal vehicular injury charges. Legislation Watch: The North Dakota House passed a bill to ban natural kratom sales to people under 21, with licensing/labeling rules and penalties; the measure heads to the Senate. Cybersecurity: A Thomson Reuters C-Track breach exposed court records in North Dakota and other jurisdictions, with the Supreme Court urging people to monitor accounts. Weather: Severe storms are possible today across eastern North Dakota into northwest Minnesota, with hail, damaging winds, and a tornado risk. Road Safety: NDDOT warns harvest season will bring more farm equipment to highways, after last year’s crashes involving farm machinery.

Special Session Watch: North Dakota’s second special session opened Wednesday with Gov. Kelly Armstrong pushing a total kratom ban; lawmakers advanced a full ban bill after a policy committee vote, while Republicans also blocked childcare and data-center bills from moving forward. Public Health: Two rabid bats have tested positive in Bismarck since Aug. 20, and NDHHS urged residents to avoid bat contact and report unusual activity. State Government & Courts: Thomson Reuters says a C-Track breach affected court systems in multiple states, including North Dakota’s Supreme Court; the court system says the scope is unclear and urges users to monitor accounts. Military Gallery Funding: Lawmakers advanced a plan to restart the stalled Military Gallery with a $20 million line of credit and changes to conditions on $15 million already approved. SNAP Update: North Dakota HHS postponed SNAP Healthy Choice Waiver changes from Sept. 1 to Nov. 1. Local Safety: A West Fargo motorcycle crash left the passenger with life-threatening injuries and the driver seriously injured; police say neither wore a helmet. Road Work: Dickinson roundabout projects are nearing completion, with two expected to finish soon and another causing temporary disruption. Sports: NDSU’s FBS debut is drawing national attention after a 33-7 win over Jacksonville State.

Harvest & Road Safety: With harvest underway, Vision Zero is urging North Dakotans to slow down and stay alert around combines and tractors. Farm equipment moves slower, can be wider than lanes, and has limited visibility—plus mud and debris near field entrances. Kratom Crackdown: Gov. Kelly Armstrong used his State of the State to push lawmakers to ban unregulated kratom, after an Aug. 3 emergency order temporarily halted sales and an emergency rule put kratom-related compounds into Schedule 1. Legislative Special Session: Lawmakers are set to tackle kratom and other issues in a short special session, including debate over a military museum line of credit. Local Sports & Schools: Four North Dakota colleges announced women’s flag football additions for fall 2027, and Devils Lake residents want pickleball court upgrades due to dangerous pavement cracks. Public Health Alerts: Bismarck-area health officials reported two rabid bats since Aug. 20, urging precautions and reporting unusual bat activity. Agriculture Uncertainty: North Dakota farmers head into harvest facing higher diesel and input costs and trade-related volatility, making planning harder than usual.

Data Center Transparency: North Dakota lawmakers head into a special session Wednesday as public testimony continues on bills aimed at limiting nondisclosure agreements tied to data centers and other industrial projects, with Gov. Kelly Armstrong arguing NDAs can’t override open-records law. Kratom Crackdown: Residents and health providers urged tighter kratom rules—or full bans—during committee testimony ahead of the special session, as lawmakers debate age limits, penalties, and whether synthetic derivatives should be treated as controlled substances. Public Safety & Health Funding: The U.S. HHS announced $667,064 for North Dakota public health and rural health support, while local officials also weighed in on distracted driving enforcement and back-to-school safety. Storm Recovery: Gov. Armstrong thanked President Trump after a presidential major disaster declaration approved $3.4 million for June severe storms. Sports (Local Interest): NDSU’s FBS debut momentum continues in coverage, plus more North Dakota college sports updates.

Data Centers & Taxes: A Minot report says North Dakota’s sales tax exemptions for data center equipment have grown sharply, from about $5.4M (2021) to $15.3M (2024) and more than $65M last year—fueling debate over whether the state is giving away too much. Local Politics: Fargo-area independent candidate Cara Cody-Braun says she’ll run for a House seat after Rep. Liz Conmy’s death, focusing on education while caucusing with Democrats. Agriculture: Corn yield potential across the Northern Plains is uneven, with dry conditions wiping out some North Dakota fields even as other areas look ahead of normal. Public Safety: Grand Forks is urging drivers to watch for kids and school-bus activity as September enforcement ramps up for distracted driving. Community & Culture: Medora’s Hot Air Balloon Rally is set for Sept. 12-13, with ride contests running now. Sports: Fargo-Moorhead’s José Sermo is chasing a franchise home-run mark as the RedHawks resume play.

Special Session Watch: North Dakota lawmakers are gearing up for a Sept. 2 special session—only the first time the state has held two special sessions in one year—while a Fargo senator argues the issues should be handled in regular sessions. Drought Update: Fargo and much of southeast North Dakota remain in severe drought, with experts warning dry soils can crack and even affect foundations as fall approaches. AI & Data Centers: A public meeting on AI and data centers drew sharp concerns about transparency and rushed timelines, with lawmakers also hearing calls for a temporary pause and limits on nondisclosure agreements. Open Records Ruling: The state AG says the James River Humane Society violated North Dakota open records law by not turning over all requested documents, ordering remaining records to be provided. Road Safety: Vision Zero and law enforcement are pushing slower driving during the “100 Days of Summer,” while ND Sober Ride offers discounted Lyft rides during the Red River Valley Fair. Sports (Local Angle): North Dakota State’s Nathan Hayes and Donovan Woolen earned Mountain West Week 0 player honors after the Bison’s FBS debut win.

North Dakota State FBS milestone: The Bison opened their first FBS season in Fargo with a 33-7 rout of Jacksonville State, sparked by QB Nathan Hayes’ two TD passes and a big defensive effort, drawing 18,573 fans at the Fargodome. Local sports spotlight: East Grand Forks tennis is in a new era with Madi Wallace stepping into the No. 1 singles role after Ruby Leach’s standout run. Roads & safety: NDDOT says fall mowing on state highways starts in early-to-mid September, with rules for hay bales and ditch mowing. Public service in schools: Fillmore Central High School hosted FBI-backed ALERRT active-shooter training to help local law enforcement respond faster. Community support: A Grand Forks nonprofit launched a financial support group for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, aiming to reduce financial abuse barriers. Agriculture & uncertainty: North Dakota farmers are heading into harvest with rising diesel and input costs and added trade-war uncertainty, making planning harder than usual. Health & food recall: A sprouts recall was expanded after salmonella/E. coli concerns, with reported illnesses including in North Dakota. State government: Lawmakers are set for a second special session this year, covering topics including kratom restrictions and a museum funding project.

NDSU FBS milestone: North Dakota State opened its FBS era with a 33-7 win over Jacksonville State, with fans calling it a sign that “energy is back.” College football Week 0 buzz: National takeaways focused on upsets and early-season surprises, including a rough opener for NC State and a strong Virginia showing. Local health costs: Medicaid spending for surgery services in Wahpeton rose 27.7% in 2024, while other North Dakota Medicaid categories showed continued movement across cities. Public safety & weather: A severe thunderstorm watch was issued for Estevan and southeast Saskatchewan, and North Dakota crash reports included a teen identified after a western North Dakota crash. Energy & infrastructure: The U.S. Department of Energy canceled a tribal transmission corridor aimed at bringing reservation power to market, and North Dakota also faced ongoing I-94 construction impacts. Military spotlight: North Dakota Army National Guard soldiers were featured in the Region VI Best Warrior Competition.

NDSU FBS debut: North Dakota State opened its Football Bowl Subdivision era with a 33-7 win over Jacksonville State at the Fargodome, powered by QB Nathan Hayes (14-for-22, 160 yards, two TDs) and a defense that limited the Gamecocks to 170 total yards; the Bison host Fordham next. Public safety: North Dakota Highway Patrol identified Sierra Crook, 30, as the passenger killed in a fiery Fargo crash on University Drive South; driver Victor Fairbanks, 26, was seriously hurt and charges are under investigation. Local health spending: Medicaid billing data show Minot providers billed $1,855 for orthotic procedures in 2024 (up 130.4% from 2023), while Jamestown reported $6,038 for surgery services and Devils Lake $5,644 for temporary codes. Community & fraud watch: BBB scam reports show Cando tied for sixth in North Dakota for July scam activity, and a separate warning highlights unemployment-related phone scams that demand upfront fees. North Dakota civic conversation: NDSU’s Challey Institute announced a fall 2026 public event lineup, including a panel on what AI data centers could mean for the state’s grid, ratepayers, and agriculture.

Bison FBS debut: North Dakota State opened its Football Bowl Subdivision era in the Fargodome with a 33-7 win over Jacksonville State, powered by QB Nathan Hayes (14-of-22, 160 yards, two TDs) and a defense that kept the Gamecocks to 170 total yards. The crowd topped 18,500, and coach Tim Polasek called it “Step No. 1” for a new chapter in Fargo. Key play: Hayes’ 44-yard TD pass to transfer Jordan McCants just before halftime helped flip a tighter first half into a rout. Local sports beyond football: NDSU volleyball also rolled, sweeping Tennessee Tech 3-0 behind Zoe John’s 13 kills. Community & safety: A fiery single-vehicle crash in south Fargo killed 30-year-old Sierra Crook; authorities say charges are under investigation. Statewide watch: Gas prices dipped slightly to a national average of $4.09 as August nears a record at the pump. Health policy: North Dakota’s Working Parents Child Care Relief Program is set to end in September, cutting subsidies for participating families.

FBS Kickoff in Fargo: North Dakota State opens its FBS era Saturday, hosting Jacksonville State at 5:30 p.m. on CBS Sports Network, with NDSU favored around -6.5 to -7 and the total near 46.5. Local Sports Spotlight: The WDAY crew is live at the Fargodome for a Bison GameDay pregame show at 10 a.m. Public Safety Tech: A Northeast Region UAS Drone Team won a $152,000 state grant for a longer-flight search-and-rescue drone, boosting help for missing persons and disaster response. Outdoor Watch: North Dakota’s fall duck flight forecast is expected to be about 9% higher than last year, after improved late-spring and summer habitat. Weather & Water: Jamestown’s city forester says dry conditions are stressing trees and lawns, with Stutsman County seeing drought worsen. Ag & Economy: Farmers are still dealing with drought impacts and volatile costs, including discussion of farmland “financialization” as crop prices lag. Community Notes: Kid Scoop News returns to North Dakota classrooms to boost reading and media literacy.

FBS Football Buzz: North Dakota State fans are already tailgating for the Bison’s new era, with sold-out digs at the Fargodome ahead of Saturday’s opener vs. Jacksonville State. Public Safety & Trust: A new push for AI-powered policing is raising alarms about public trust and the fairness of the justice system. Local Governance & Data Centers: A Harwood public forum put data centers front and center, with calls for a temporary pause while communities sort out ordinances and community benefit agreements. Energy Costs: The PSC approved a temporary electric rate increase for MDU customers starting Sept. 1, adding about $13 a month for the average residential customer. Weather Watch: Storm impacts are being tallied after a flash-flood and wind threat moved through, leaving damage and flooding behind. Environment: Emerald Ash Borer has been detected in Bismarck, triggering a quarantine on ash wood movement out of Burleigh County. Health & Community Care: HIA Heather’s House marked its one-year milestone in Fargo, nearing 400 patients and highlighting hospice support across North Dakota and Minnesota.