AGP Executive Report

Arts in Schools: The North Dakota Council on the Arts’ FY26 Artist in Residence program is bringing hands-on visual art, music, filmmaking, poetry, and theatre to students statewide, with community exhibitions and new creative skills reaching rural classrooms. Road Safety for Teens: Vision Zero’s Driving Skills for Success event in Minot drew 177 pre-registered teens to practice real-world driving scenarios, including learning about blind spots around semis, plus an optional Alive at 25 course. Local Government & Growth: Medora City Council delayed adoption of a comprehensive plan, asking for more review and public input before the city’s decade-long growth “playbook” moves forward. Community & Culture: TonDak Heritage Center will host a closing reception for artist Doug Pfliger’s “Fowl Play” exhibition on Aug. 15, with a chance to hear the stories behind the work. Health & Safety Watch: North Dakota’s missing persons registry lists four children reported missing since July 2026, with investigations ongoing as of Aug. 6. Workforce & Food Systems: Coverage highlights how seasonal H-2A/H-2B visa workers support U.S. agriculture and other seasonal industries when local labor shortages hit peak demand. Public Health Alert: A multistate Salmonella Javiana outbreak linked to fresh jalapeños has sickened 345 people across 27 states, with some cases showing antibiotic resistance.

STEM & Education: Dickinson State University is rolling out 21 new academic programs for fall 2026, aiming to meet regional workforce needs in tech, business, health care, communications, and public safety. Career Pathways: Valley City State University and NDSCS signed an articulation agreement that lets CTE students move from an AAS at NDSCS straight into VCSU’s B.S.Ed. with less repeat coursework. Community & Pride: Fargo-Moorhead Pride packed the Hjemkomst Center for a look back at 25 years of LGBTQ community history, from early organizing to campus growth and pushback. Local Government: Grand Forks County commissioners discussed 2027 budget options, including a possible 3% raise and questions about freezing step increases. Culture & Faith: Jamestown Regional Medical Center’s Apple-ooza celebrates staff achievements and workplace culture, while an online compline tradition keeps a steady rhythm of prayer for many. North Dakota Lifestyle Watch: A new North Dakota kratom ban is now in effect, with officials outlining what it means and how enforcement will work.

LGBTQ Rights: A federal appeals court upheld Florida’s child-protection law targeting “lewd” drag performances, a ruling that keeps the national debate over censorship and kids’ exposure front and center. Public Health & Safety: North Dakota’s kratom ban is now in effect, with officials pointing to overdose and death concerns and outlining how products will be handled as enforcement ramps up. Local Pride & Community History: Fargo-Moorhead Pride marked its 25-year milestone with a packed history talk at the Hjemkomst Center, tracing early activism, campus shifts, and pushback over the decades. Education & Workforce: Dickinson State University is rolling out 21 new academic programs for fall 2026, aiming to match regional job needs in tech, business, health care, communications, and public safety. Campus & Community Updates: Valley City State University and NDSCS signed a career-and-technical education transfer pathway, while UND named nearly 1,800 students to its 2026 spring dean’s list. Culture & Travel: The Theodore Roosevelt Library’s opening is getting a fresh look, plus a reminder of weekend-friendly local outings like the Theodore Roosevelt Library and community events. Agriculture & Risk: Forage producers are getting details on a new revenue protection insurance option, with key enrollment dates and a free webinar coming up.

Community & Culture: Bramble Park Zoo in Watertown is offering free admission this Thursday (Aug. 6), with Midco on-site for family activities and new wolf pups recently welcomed. Rural Health & Training: Simulation in Motion-North Dakota brought high-fidelity emergency training to St. Luke’s Medical Center in Crosby, helping rural teams practice real-life trauma responses. Agriculture & Risk Management: Forage producers have key deadlines for the Forage Production Revenue Protection insurance program—enrollment closes Aug. 11, with sales closing Sept. 30 for many ND counties. Education & Opportunity: A local program spotlighted the challenges facing single moms, highlighting support that helps students finish college. Civic Life: North Dakota DEQ is accepting proposals for FY 2027 water quality improvement grants aimed at reducing nonpoint source pollution. Sports & Local Pride: The Maah Daah Hey 100 returned to the Badlands, drawing nearly 400 cyclists and finishing at the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. Arts: Lake Metigoshe State Park hosts a free, all-ages weekend workshop series with artist Lillian Stegman (photo, watercolor, and sketching).

Community & Culture: Lillian Stegman is bringing free, hands-on art workshops to Lake Metigoshe State Park—nature photography, watercolor painting, meet-the-artist time, and a hike-and-sketch session—supported by the North Dakota Council on the Arts. Outdoor Adventure: The Maah Daah Hey 100 returned to the Badlands with nearly 400 cyclists tackling 13-, 25-, 50-, 75-, and 100-mile routes, finishing at the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. Civic Life: North Dakota’s secretary of state is encouraging “dinner table” civic engagement—talking policy with neighbors and turning that into community action. Education & Rights: A coalition of 12 states, including North Dakota, urged the U.S. Supreme Court to hear a teacher free-speech and religious accommodation case tied to school gender identity guidelines. Family & Mental Health: The Lake Region Out of the Darkness Walk comes back to Ruger Park in September to support suicide prevention, with registration opening at 9:15 a.m. Sports & Local Pride: Grand Forks Central head hockey coach Grant Paranica resigned after 13 seasons and six state titles. Politics & Youth: A national look at school choice shows more states opting in, while early education rankings put New Hampshire near the bottom—an ongoing reminder of how policy shapes everyday life.

School Choice Watch: 31 states, including West Virginia and Ohio, have opted into the federal Education Freedom Scholarship Program, with 19 states plus D.C. still holding out as the January 2027 deadline nears. North Dakota Early Intervention Growth: The KIDS Program and HIT Inc. are breaking ground on a bigger Dickinson facility, aiming to open in early summer 2027 to expand services for about 270 children across Region 8. Local Politics: Fargo Mayor Josh Boschee resigned from the North Dakota Senate to make room for a replacement ahead of a special session. Public Health & Safety: Gov. Kelly Armstrong and AG Drew Wrigley announced executive actions targeting kratom access in North Dakota amid overdose concerns. Community & Culture: FM Pride marks 25 years with events culminating in a downtown Fargo parade, including a history presentation focused on LGBTQ stories in the Northern Plains. Sports: Grand Forks Central head coach Grant Paranica resigned after winning six state boys hockey titles in 13 years. Tech & Kids Online: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle criticized “nudification” app harms and pointed to new state laws, including North Dakota’s. Arts & Learning: Project: Constellation, a Scandinavian-influenced duo from Grand Forks, is set for a library performance in Yankton.

Early Intervention Expansion: The KIDS Program and HIT Inc. are breaking ground on a bigger Dickinson facility at 1729 State Ave. N., aiming to open in early summer 2027 as demand for early intervention climbs (about 270 children served across Region 8). Public Health & Safety: Gov. Kelly Armstrong and AG Drew Wrigley announced executive actions to curb access to unregulated kratom in North Dakota, citing overdoses and deaths and pushing for faster education and tighter response. Healthcare Oversight: Noridian welcomed Susan J. Anderson as vice president of compliance, bringing deep experience leading Medicaid/Medicare compliance and privacy programs. Community & Culture: A new wet-plate photo display at Salt + Scoria in the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library spotlights Native American portraits, including work by Bismarck photographer Shane Balkowitsch. Local Politics: Fargo Mayor Josh Boschee resigned from the state Senate, citing a newly announced special session and timing for a replacement. Legal/Consumer Impact: AG Hilgers joined a coalition announcing a $400 million settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic drug price-inflation and reduced competition. Sports & Family Fun: The Wissota Late Models return to Rice Lake Speedway this Saturday after a long break, with a reshaped track and a stacked field chasing the $4,000 top prize.

Energy & Infrastructure: Basin Electric and Burns & McDonnell are pushing a faster build of a new natural gas–fired power station to keep up with rapid load growth in the Bakken and meet regional reliability needs. Workforce & Housing: A new look at the U.S. labor picture says today’s kids may be the first generation in decades to do better than their parents, as young-worker shortages ease and housing supply could improve. Local Water Culture: Voices for Lake Oahe is working on boat ramp expansions, fish cleaning stations, and public education to help people access Lake Oahe while tackling invasive aquatic nuisance species. Health Policy: North Dakota HHS is preparing for federally required Medicaid changes starting in 2027, including new work requirements for some Medicaid Expansion members with key exclusions. Rural & Tribal Youth Support: ND Thrives is seeking to embed suicide prevention efforts into everyday community life for rural and tribal youth as its funding cycle approaches a new phase. Back-to-School Learning: Jamestown Public Schools updates and policies are in focus as the district gears up for the new year. Native Arts & Representation: At the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library’s Salt + Scoria, wet-plate portraits by Bismarck photographer Shane Balkowitsch are on display to spotlight Native faces and stories. Community Notes: The Forum’s Readers Board adds seven new members, including West Fargo, Fargo, and area residents tied to education, health, and local business.

Medicaid & Work Requirements: North Dakota HHS is gearing up for federally required Medicaid changes, including new work requirements for many Medicaid Expansion adults starting Jan. 1, 2027, with exclusions for groups like Native Americans, caregivers, people with disabilities, and pregnant or recently pregnant members. Native Culture in Public Spaces: At the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library’s restaurant Salt + Scoria, wet-plate portraits by Bismarck photographer Shane Balkowitsch are on display, including images meant to put Native faces front and center for visitors. Health Workforce & Community Care: Sanford Health of northern Minnesota added three new board members, including a Bemidji business owner, a long-time Sanford physician assistant, and a family medicine doctor with emergency and trauma experience. Rural & Tribal Youth Suicide Prevention: ND Thrives is pushing to embed suicide prevention into everyday life for rural and tribal youth, aiming to integrate programs across schools and communities as its funding cycle continues. Local Education & Training: Lake Region State College celebrated the first surgical technology cohort, with graduates moving into roles through an apprenticeship model with Altru. Community Sports Access: Grand Forks Public Schools is considering a girls JV hockey team to expand opportunities, aiming for a cost-neutral setup. Lifestyle & Travel: A Devils Lake RV camping story highlights how North Dakota families are leaning into comfort-focused “glamping” for outdoor weekends.

Rural & Tribal Youth Suicide Prevention: ND Thrives is pushing to weave suicide prevention into everyday life for rural and tribal youth, partnering with NORC and Northland Health Centers as it heads into its next funding cycle. Local Education & Sports: Grand Forks Public Schools is weighing a cost-neutral girls JV hockey team to expand opportunities and reduce the “cultural divide” between varsity and Parks District 15U players. Healthcare Training in North Dakota: Lake Region State College’s first surgical technology cohort has graduated after passing certification exams, with an apprenticeship model through Altru. Community Arts Loss: Fargo-area artist and educator Catherine Esmond Mulligan has died at 92, with local artists and former students reflecting on her lasting impact. Public Health Watch: North Dakota officials are moving to address kratom concerns after 23 deaths linked to kratom-related compounds since 2019, with a potential special session on the table. Culture & Travel: A North Dakota RV/camping feature spotlights Devils Lake and Grahams Island State Park as a comfort-first way to enjoy the outdoors. Statewide Lifestyle Context: U.S. News ranks North Dakota among the top states overall for 2026, placing it in the top five.

Mental Health Watch: A new national look at depression rates highlights how symptoms have surged in recent years and how few people seek treatment, with economic stress tied to higher risk. Suicide Prevention (ND): ND Thrives is moving to embed rural and tribal youth suicide prevention into everyday community life, with a new push starting Sept. 30 through a federal state/tribal grant. Local Health & Training: Lake Region State College’s surgical technology program graduated its first cohort, pairing online coursework with paid apprenticeship work at Altru. Community & Culture: Beloved “Rosie” Jeanne Gibson, born in Grand Forks, died at 100, leaving a legacy of women’s wartime contributions and encouragement for girls. Sports for Girls (GF): Grand Forks Public Schools is weighing a cost-neutral girls JV hockey team to expand opportunities. Public Safety & Health (ND): North Dakota officials are weighing actions as kratom-related deaths and overdoses raise public health concerns. Healthcare Staffing (ND): Sanford Health in Bismarck is recruiting nurses internationally to help close staffing gaps. Back to School (Jamestown): Jamestown Public Schools shared updated start-of-year info, including Title VI/Title IX/Section 504 grievance procedures. Arts (Fargo/Moorhead): Catherine Esmond Mulligan, an iconic Fargo-area artist and educator, has died at 92. Lifestyle & Outdoors: A North Dakota RV camping feature spotlights Devils Lake and Grahams Island State Park as a family-friendly escape.

North Dakota Energy & Environment: Tom Erickson retired after 38 years, including leading growth at UND’s Energy and Environmental Research Center—highlighting cleaner-air work, energy security, and projects that helped shape wind and renewable jet fuel. Back to School (Jamestown): Jamestown Public Schools welcomed students and families as the district reviews its strategic plan, with priorities centered on safety, strong teaching, and community partnerships. Career & Tech Education (James Valley CTC): JVCTC is kicking off the 2026–27 year with hands-on programs, including a new Building Trades teacher and expanded training in trades like HVAC, electrical, and plumbing. Local Governance (Jamestown taxes): Jamestown Parks and Recreation and the City Council are hashing out how a proposed 1% sales tax amendment could be used for the Two Rivers Activity Center, with public input and no vote taken yet. Public Health & Safety (kratom): North Dakota officials are moving toward action after 23 deaths since 2019 were linked to kratom-related compounds, with a Monday press conference planned. Healthcare Workforce (Sanford): Sanford Health in Bismarck is recruiting nurses from overseas to ease staffing shortages, including support for international hires as they integrate into the community. Community & Culture (swim): Foss Swim School held a groundbreaking in Otsego, signaling more swim lessons and water-safety education across the region. Education Policy (higher ed): A national push for reduced-credit bachelor’s degrees is expanding, with North Dakota among states testing “College in 3” options. Sports Spotlight (ND athletes): West Fargo’s Brody Engelstad heads to the Toyota National Championships in Irvine, aiming to compete against top U.S. swimmers.

Farm & Food Policy: R-CALF USA and North Dakota’s Independent Beef Association are pushing senators to back mandatory country-of-origin labeling (MCOOL) as Senate Ag Farm Bill markup nears, arguing consumers deserve clear info on where beef is born, raised, and harvested. Public Health: Gov. Kelly Armstrong and AG Drew Wrigley are set to announce actions targeting kratom after North Dakota-linked deaths and overdose concerns have prompted calls for stronger state steps. Education & Beliefs: West Virginia AG J.B. McCuskey leads a 12-state effort defending a Maryland teacher’s First Amendment rights in a case over school rules on pronouns and notifying parents about student “transitioning.” Ballot Politics: Missouri voters will decide on a proposal that would make citizen-led constitutional amendments far harder by requiring approval across all eight congressional districts. Healthcare Staffing: Sanford Health in Bismarck is recruiting nurses from overseas to help ease staffing shortages, including hires from the Philippines supported by training and community integration. Culture & Community: A free Cambridge Natural History Museum anniversary celebration is set for Aug. 8 with fossils, games, and family activities. Local Sports: West Fargo’s Brody Engelstad heads to USA Swimming’s Toyota National Championships in Irvine, Calif., for the 50-meter freestyle. Indigenous Energy: The Menominee Indian Tribe is named the inaugural Energy Sovereignty Champion Award recipient, with the award ceremony planned at Standing Rock in North Dakota.

North Dakota in the spotlight: U.S. News & World Report moved North Dakota up to No. 4 in its 2026 Best States ranking, citing strength in employment, fiscal stability, energy, and infrastructure—while healthcare still lags. Local education & accountability: A State Auditor review found Valley City State University didn’t consistently document and approve tuition waivers, raising questions about eligibility and oversight. Community culture: Medora’s Teddy Roosevelt Show keeps drawing crowds with brunch, comedy, and history in a first-person format. Aging well resources: SDSU and NDSU Extension made “Aging Well” recordings available online for a limited time, covering family relationships and safe medication use. Health care recognition: Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center’s Burn & Reconstructive Center earned American Burn Association verification as a top-performing burn facility. Workforce & veterans: A new federal initiative aims to speed commercial driver’s licenses for military veterans, expanding waiver eligibility and adding fast-track training. Native education support: Oklahoma Native students are highlighted for strong reading and math results tied to Title VI and Johnson-O’Malley funding. Agriculture innovation: NDSU Extension announced a Sept. 17-18 Controlled Environment Agriculture conference in Fargo, focusing on precision tech for year-round growing.

Controlled Environment Agriculture: NDSU Extension is gearing up for the 3rd annual North Dakota Controlled Environment Agriculture Conference on Sept. 17–18 in Fargo, spotlighting year-round growing tech like greenhouses, hydroponics, and smart monitoring, plus tours of NDSU’s CEA facilities. Local Accountability: The State Auditor’s Office found Valley City State University didn’t consistently follow its own rules for documenting and approving tuition waivers, raising questions about whether some students met eligibility requirements. Community & Culture: East Grand Forks welcomed a new Campbell Library director, Lacey Anderson, who’s already focused on building connections and bringing fresh energy to the role. North Dakota Spotlight: Cara Mund, North Dakota’s Miss America (2017), announced her engagement in Hawaii. Justice & Recovery: North Dakota Treatment Court team members attended the RISE26 conference in Nashville to learn new approaches for recovery-focused court programs. Education & Health Care Pipeline: A national nonprofit, We Are Healers, is expanding Indigenous storytelling, mentorship, and support to help Native students enter healthcare careers. State Rankings Buzz: U.S. News’ 2026 “Best States” list keeps North Dakota near the top (No. 4), while Louisiana lands last.

North Dakota in the spotlight: U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best States list puts Utah No. 1 again, with South Dakota and Minnesota close behind—and North Dakota jumps to No. 4 overall, a big win for the region’s education, opportunity, and quality-of-life story. Local education updates: Williston is celebrating the ribbon-cutting for new Sloulin Elementary School on Aug. 12, with an open house right after, while Grand Forks School Board delays a PILOT vote tied to a proposed Ray Richards Golf Course development to allow more public input. Higher-ed accountability: North Dakota University System is drafting a policy to review “low-completion” programs, aiming to make sure offerings match workforce and regional needs. Community & culture: Elizabeth Smart will headline the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber’s Women Connect Celebration Sept. 22, bringing a message focused on healing and purpose after adversity. Parks & heritage: Jefferson National Parks Association expands its partnership with the National Park Service to support education and projects at Theodore Roosevelt National Park and Knife River Indian Villages. Money pressures everywhere: A new analysis on Social Security warns a trust-fund shortfall could mean retirees needing about $130,000 more in savings if Congress doesn’t act.