AGP Executive Report

Education Leadership: North Dakota Superintendent Levi Bachmeier appointed Amanda Peterson as deputy superintendent of the Department of Public Instruction, elevating a long-time NDDPI leader who has overseen federal education programs, school improvement, and statewide accountability efforts. Primary Election Watch: On Tuesday, June 9, North Dakota voters head to the polls for a state primary that includes a U.S. House race plus a constitutional amendment proposal, with turnout expected to hinge on local contests like Fargo’s mayoral race. Public Service & Utilities: Public Service Commissioner Jill Kringstad is seeking re-election in the June 9 Republican primary, laying out her views on energy development, affordability, and the PSC’s role in major infrastructure. Local Sports Leadership: University of Jamestown named Brian Mistro athletic director, with Tom Dosch stepping in as head football coach. Community Health Awards: Trinity Homes (Minot) and Trinity Health Kenmare Hospital received quality recognition tied to long-term care and rural hospital reporting. Youth Conservation Art: The North Dakota 33rd Junior Duck Stamp Art Exhibit opened at the Barnes County Museum, featuring student work on wetlands and waterfowl conservation. Culture & Arts: Thief River Falls Area Community Theater’s “Sound of Music” gained a “full-circle” family connection between a young performer and the original film’s actress.

Immigration & voting fights: A U.S. judge vacated Trump administration immigration policies that paused asylum processing and froze benefits by nationality, while the Senate rejected the SAVE America Act that would have required document and photo ID checks and tightened voter registration rules. Native rights & land defense: Nine tribes in South Dakota, North Dakota and Nebraska sued to stop exploratory graphite drilling near a sacred Black Hills meadow used for ceremonies and youth camps. Local public safety training: Mayville Fire and Rescue is fundraising for a regional training facility, aiming to cut costs for firefighters by keeping training local. Community culture: Project Constellation brings original folk/pop/punk and Scandinavian songs to Music in the Park in Valley City. Sports & identity policy: Kansas is among states banning boys from playing girls’ high school sports, following federal Title IX enforcement changes. Outdoor lifestyle: Turtle River State Park in Grand Forks County highlights year-round trails, fishing, and winter recreation. Tech & privacy debate: Facial recognition is spreading at major venues and airports, with new concerns about accuracy and bias.

Border & voting fights: The U.S. Senate blocked Trump’s SAVE America Act, a major setback for efforts to tighten voting rules, while a separate Secure America Act moved forward to fund DHS border enforcement and ICE/CBP operations for three years—North Dakota Sen. John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer backed it. Immigration court shake-up: An Obama-appointed federal judge overturned Trump immigration rules that paused asylum processing and froze benefits by nationality. Indigenous land defense: Tribes in South Dakota, North Dakota and Nebraska sued to halt exploratory graphite drilling near a sacred Black Hills site tied to ceremonies and youth camps. Local public safety & training: Mayville Fire and Rescue is raising money for a regional firefighter training facility, aiming to cut travel costs and add hands-on equipment like a burn tower. Community culture: Project Constellation brings an outdoor performance to Music in the Park in Valley City. Youth ag education: A Dickinson-area farm safety camp taught tractor, livestock, ATV, and first-aid skills for teens. Housing spotlight: A Fed official says housing affordability is central to keeping communities thriving in North Dakota.

Coal & Energy Push: The Trump administration is channeling about $700M to coal power using the Defense Production Act, including $425M for 13 existing plants that stretch into North Dakota, plus grants for new builds and a restart. Voting Rights Fight: The U.S. Senate rejected the SAVE America Act, a blow to Trump-backed voting restrictions that would require citizenship documents and photo ID. Immigration Court Ruling: An Obama-appointed federal judge vacated Trump immigration rules that paused asylum processing and froze benefits by nationality. Border Wall Spending: A surge in border wall contracts—$19.4B in six months—has gone mostly to two firms tied to GOP and White House connections. Local Culture & Community: Valley City’s Music in the Park brings Project Constellation to the bandshell, with lawn chairs and a freewill offering. North Dakota Education & Safety: Dickinson’s Youth Farm Safety Camp taught tractor, livestock, ATV, and first-aid skills for ages 13–16. Housing Watch: North Dakota housing availability concerns grow as population and workforce needs rise. Tech & Privacy: Facial recognition is improving with AI, raising accuracy and bias concerns as more venues and airports adopt it.

Pipeline Protest Fallout: A Dutch court ruled Greenpeace International can pursue its case in the Netherlands tied to protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline, keeping the long-running fight with Energy Transfer alive on an international stage. Local Outdoor Life: Turtle River State Park in Grand Forks County spotlights year-round trails, fishing, and winter fun—plus the work of its ranger and the park’s CCC-era roots. Ag Safety for Teens: Western North Dakota youth ages 13–16 wrapped up a Youth Farm Safety Camp in Dickinson, training on tractors, livestock handling, ATV safety, first aid, and “Stop the Bleed.” Housing Pressure: With population growth and workforce shortages, North Dakota housing availability is raising fresh concerns for residents and employers. Community Arts: Project Constellation brings folk-pop-punk and Scandinavian songs to Music in the Park in Valley City. Energy & Cost Watch: A new look at electricity prices shows rising household costs nationwide, with North Dakota also climbing year over year. Politics & Voting: The Senate blocked the SAVE America Act, while North Dakota election testing and campaign attack ads remain hot topics in local races.

Energy & Cost of Living: President Trump says the federal government will spend $700M to build or refurbish coal power, with North Dakota listed among states receiving Defense Production Act support—while a separate national look shows residential electricity prices rising fast in many places, including North Dakota (up about 7.6% year over year). Local Education & Workforce: North Dakota’s graduation report highlights growth in early college credit and completion rates, and NDUS leaders say spring 2026 graduates reflect a shift toward dual credit and structured pathways. Community Health: A new Grand Forks postpartum support group is creating a safe, educational space for new moms, pairing learning sessions with community connection. Rural Governance: Slope County commissioners discussed regional partnerships, tax credit applications, and rural health funding. Higher Ed Leadership: NDSCS President Rod Flanigan announced retirement plans, with succession planning set to begin. Politics & Voting Integrity: A Fargo activist’s trial over alleged misuse of state grant funds is set to begin next week, and Minot’s mayoral race continues to heat up with election testing disputes. Culture & Sports: NLS track and field wrapped up with a state title, and a local grant in New Ulm supports student river water-quality testing. Environment & Heritage: On the 10th anniversary of #noDAPL, a summit in Cannon Ball aims to address renewable energy funding gaps for tribal nations.

Border Wall Watch: DHS has surged border wall spending, awarding more than $19.4B in contracts in six months—most going to two firms tied to the White House and GOP, raising transparency and cost concerns. Voting Rights & Elections: The U.S. Senate blocked the SAVE America Act, a major GOP push that would require proof of citizenship and photo ID while tightening voter registration. Local Politics: A Fargo-Moorhead West Fargo Chamber “non-partisan” election site links directly to a Fargo penny sales tax extension campaign ahead of a June 9 vote. Community & Care: A new Grand Forks postpartum moms support group is creating a safe, educational space with guest speakers and mental health resources. Nonprofits in the Spotlight: North Dakota nonprofit leaders gathered in Minot to advocate, educate, and connect—highlighting thousands of nonprofits and their statewide impact. Education Tech & Classroom Life: BRIDGE updates focus on migrating school data to Infinite Campus, while North Dakota launches a statewide survey on responsible technology use in classrooms.

Education & Tech: North Dakota launched a statewide survey on responsible technology use in classrooms, running through Aug. 1, as leaders push for clearer guidance on how devices fit learning. Local Governance: West Fargo Public Schools hired two assistant principals for Heritage Middle School, adding leadership with deep ELA and classroom experience. Culture & Community: Elders’ Week powwow in Pablo celebrated elders, language, and community with student-led events and dance specials. Health & Family Support: Central Valley Health District expanded maternal health help in Jamestown, adding more private breastfeeding spaces via lactation pods and local partnerships. Civic Life & History: Bonanzaville USA and Fargo-area partners are gearing up for America’s 250th Birthday celebrations, including a traveling American Revolution exhibit. Public Safety & Justice: A Minot-area legal dispute surfaced after a referee recommended indefinite suspension of an attorney’s license for alleged professional misconduct. Sports: Brainerd’s Cora Clough won the Class 3A state high jump title, and Dickinson State University welcomed a new track-and-field commitment. Money-Saving Tips: A Costco shopping guide shared “price ending” secrets North Dakotans can use to spot deals.

Election & Voting Rules: Rep. Julie Fedorchak is set to introduce a “SAVE America Through REAL ID Act” plan that uses a new grant program to push states toward REAL ID requirements as a potential backdoor to citizenship-style voting rules. Tribal Sovereignty: North Dakota tribal leaders are calling for greater sovereignty as federal support looks less certain, pointing to proposed cuts to the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education. Maternal Health in Jamestown: Central Valley Health District is expanding pregnancy and postpartum support, including lactation pods in public spaces, backed by a BCBSND Caring Foundation grant. Education Tech: The state Department of Public Instruction released an Identity and Authentication Playbook to help districts set up access to education systems. Community & Water: Crystal Springs watershed officials will present plans in Bismarck on moving excess water from western basins. Public Safety & Lifestyle: Williston Police’s “Scoops for Safety” rewards kids who wear helmets with free ice cream coupons. Culture & Family Fun: Fort Union Rendezvous returns June 18–21 with frontier reenactments and a Kids Day kickoff. Local Governance: Bismarck-Mandan leaders discuss how a 3% property tax cap is squeezing budgets and shaping major projects.

Supreme Court Fight Over Maps: Washington state asked the U.S. Supreme Court to take up a redistricting challenge tied to claims of racial gerrymandering, with possible boundary changes before the next redraw. Medical Education in Motion: USD’s Sanford School of Medicine says its Sioux Falls move won’t hurt its Yankton campus, aiming to strengthen statewide training and care. AI Data Center Backlash: North Dakota officials pushed back on claims that data centers will cause major environmental harm, arguing residents are being misinformed. Tribal Sovereignty: Standing Rock and other tribal leaders urged stronger sovereignty as federal support wavers amid proposed cuts. Local Safety & Community: Williston Police relaunched “Scoops for Safety,” rewarding kids who wear helmets with free ice cream. Sports Spotlight: Fargo Oak Grove’s Grovers won a third straight ND Class B boys golf title. Education Staffing Strain: Fargo Public Schools warned that special education and speech-language vacancies may force more costly contracted staffing. Greenpeace vs. Energy Transfer: A Dutch court allowed Greenpeace International’s anti-SLAPP case to proceed in its fight over Dakota Access pipeline-era lawsuits. Health Policy Watch: Lawmakers drafted limits on DoD plans to restructure military health facilities, aiming to prevent closures and service cuts. School Tech Debate: New research and state actions keep fueling the push and pull over cellphone use in classrooms. Obituaries & Community Notes: Local remembrances and community initiatives highlighted across the week, from scholarships to student support efforts.

Energy & Industry: Gov. Kelly Armstrong says North Dakota has a narrow window to speed up enhanced oil recovery in the Bakken, arguing the next administration could change momentum. Outdoor & Culture Clash: Oregon’s ballot push would expand animal-cruelty rules to potentially outlaw hunting, fishing, rodeos, and more—sparking a “could this happen here?” debate. Local Politics: A Jefferson County sheriff race pits incumbent Tom Grimsrud against his deputy and a longtime outsider, turning the campaign into a fight over transparency and direction. Community & Education: Jamestown alumni launched “Beyond the First Day” to stock local students with backpacks, books, and supply closets. Arts & Events: West Fargo is building a permanent stage at the Red River Valley Fair, funded by a state commerce grant, to attract bigger acts. Health & Aging: New CMS data spotlights nursing home ownership and ratings across North Dakota counties, with several facilities scoring below the state average. Faith & Growth: Hope Lutheran Church breaks ground on a west campus in West Fargo, with zoning and traffic changes following community concerns. Science & Food: NDSU-linked research finds specialized worker honeybees help build queen cells, with royal-jelly queens affected by the wax they’re raised in. School Life: Fargo Public Schools weighs special education and speech-language staffing shortages, relying on costly contracts as vacancies loom.

Local Faith & Growth: Hope Lutheran Church breaks ground on its 4th campus in West Fargo, with zoning and traffic changes planned for the surrounding area as construction targets a 1.5–2 year timeline. Food & Community: The North Dakota Beef Commission extends Beef Month into June with events like “Smoke, Sear, & Sip” in Fargo and a Girls Who Grill-style gathering at Cows and Co Creamery. Education Tech: North Dakota schools are rolling out the BRIDGE Project, moving from PowerSchool to Infinite Campus statewide starting July 2026, with changes ahead for State Student ID setup. Health Access: Georgia joins the Counseling Compact, letting licensed counselors practice across state lines—an effort aimed at easing mental health provider shortages. Sports & Pride: Fargo Oak Grove leads the ND Class B boys golf state tournament after Day 1, while NDSU football buzz continues as the Bison settle into Mountain West expectations. Rural Life: NDSU Extension warns ranchers to plan for forage shortfalls after below-average spring precipitation. Civic & Public Safety: Two McKenzie County sheriff races spotlight transparency, morale, recruitment, and modernization as voters weigh leadership choices.

Federal Politics & Immigration Funding: U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune says the Trump administration has withdrawn a nearly $1.8B “anti-weaponization” fund, potentially easing gridlock over a larger roughly $70B immigration and deportation funding package. Cost of Living & Transportation: A new analysis finds EVs cost about 42% more to insure than gas cars, though the gap is shrinking for newer models—coming as gas prices stay high. North Dakota Education Tech: The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction rolls out the BRIDGE Project, moving public schools from PowerSchool to Infinite Campus starting July 2026, with changes to how nonpublic schools get state student IDs. Rural Health & Community: North Dakota is launching rural programs to get people moving and eating healthier, funded through Rural Health Transformation grants. Energy & Infrastructure: Minnkota Power Cooperative joins the $3.2B North Plains Connector HVDC transmission project consortium, aiming to boost grid reliability and flexibility. Local Food Fun: The North Dakota Beef Commission extends Beef Month with summer events, including a Fargo chef-led beef-and-beer pairing experience. Safety Culture: North Dakota’s “Get Home Safe” workforce safety push reports falling injury claims and expanding statewide participation. Outdoors & Community Events: World of Outlaws’ Nodak Speedway show is postponed to Aug. 30, with the track set for its next June 7 event.

Workplace Safety: North Dakota’s “Get Home Safe Day” in Bismarck pushed safety as a daily mindset, with WSI reporting claims down for the third straight year. Outdoor Family Fun: Rope and Oak Children’s Nature Park opened near Hickson with a half-mile trail built for kids to learn ND wildlife and agriculture. Local Culture & History: Chateau de Mores in Medora is hosting free Victorian-era themed activities every Friday in June as part of North Dakota’s 250th anniversary celebration. Community Education: Minot Area Community Foundation awarded $15,000 in scholarships to six rural MLS graduates, backing careers meant to benefit North Dakota. Sports & Hometown Pride: NDSU added two wide receiver commitments after official visits, while a Fargo Marathon expo drew thousands ahead of races. North Dakota Identity: A spotlight on Garrison celebrates its “Christmas Capital” charm and quirky prairie traditions. Politics & Rights: California expanded its travel ban list to include North Dakota, citing LGBTQ+ discrimination concerns. Tech & Industry: North Dakota showcased unmanned aircraft systems leadership at AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2026 through the “North Dakota Row.”

Autonomous Tech & Aerospace: North Dakota’s “North Dakota Row” made a big splash at AUVSI Xponential 2026, spotlighting nine companies and the state’s growing unmanned aircraft and autonomous systems ecosystem. Education & Community Support: The Minot Area Community Foundation invested $15,000 in scholarships for six Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood graduates, backing rural-focused careers. Culture & Belonging: Bismarck’s Asian American Arts and Cultural Expo brought food, music, and hands-on activities to bridge communities and celebrate AAPI heritage. Lifestyle & Local Flavor: Dickinson’s new STOP Ice Cream & Snacks is winning fans with Mexican-inspired treats and creative ice cream options. Sports & Pride: Cle Elum’s Glondo, Wallick, and Nicholls capped a standout season with a 2B state track and field runner-up finish, adding multiple medals. Public Life & Values: A North Dakota House candidate forum highlights immigration policy differences, while a separate story spotlights how border security and enforcement debates are shaping campaigns. Faith & Reflection: A domestic war correspondent’s book looks at recovery of both a nation and the self.

Greenpeace in the spotlight: A new court ruling adds to the backlash over Greenpeace’s Dakota Access Pipeline actions, shifting the conversation from environmental activism to alleged sabotage and legal fallout. Asian culture in Bismarck: The North Dakota Asian American Arts and Cultural Initiative wrapped up AAPI Heritage Month with a free Cultural Expo featuring food, music, and hands-on activities at Bismarck State College. Minot racing rescheduled: Rain forced World of Outlaws to postpone the Magic City Showdown to Aug. 30, with tickets honored and a tripleheader set for the same weekend. Indigenous health push: A proposed Indigenous School of Medicine in Rapid City aims to boost Native physician numbers by weaving culture and wellbeing into training. Education tech debate: North Dakota’s Department of Public Instruction is surveying families and educators on how students use classroom devices, including whether devices should be restricted at home and how districts should monitor use. Local community life: Dickinson’s new STOP Ice Cream & Snacks is drawing crowds with Mexican-inspired treats, while the Northern Sky Astronomical Society debuted a public observatory in East Grand Forks for family stargazing. Sports with heart: Fargo Marathon winners included a first-time women’s champion who credited her students for motivation, plus an international runner’s “redemption” finish.