AGP Executive Report

Child Poverty Watch: A new Kids Count report says 13% of North Dakota children live in poverty, with higher rates for kids of color, and advocates point to policy fixes like child tax credits and free school meals. Local Labor & Schools: Minot Public School Board ratified new one-year union contracts, including a 4% base wage bump for teachers and changes to health savings contributions. Loneliness & Community: A North Dakota-linked look at longevity argues social connection matters—regular gatherings can be as important as medical care. Education Quality Online: The North Dakota Center for Distance Education earned AccredVEd accreditation for a six-year term, adding another quality check for virtual learning. Culture & Pride: A queer collecting feature explores how people build identity through everyday objects and shared histories. Fargo Community: Bosnian residents in Fargo-Moorhead gathered for a World Cup watch party, keeping ties to home alive. Justice in Fargo: Faith Shields-Dixon was sentenced to four years in prison for grant theft tied to state education funds. Health Care Access: Sanford Health is taking over the former CHI St. Alexius Minot Medical Plaza to expand services under a new Sanford Landmark Clinic opening in fall 2026.

Freedom 250 / Great American State Fair: Some states are skipping pavilion planning for the June 25–July 10 fair on the National Mall, after concert setbacks and a shift toward a June 24 rally, but organizers say all states will still be represented. Education Tech (BRIDGE): North Dakota’s BRIDGE project is holding weekly open office hours and data migration support as districts prepare to transition to Infinite Campus, with sessions set for June 17 and next week. Local Healthcare: Sanford is taking over the former CHI St. Alexius Minot Medical Plaza to become the future Sanford Landmark Clinic, aiming for an Aug./fall 2026 opening with expanded services. Faith & Community Schools: Stanley-area residents are set to get Crossroads Christian Academy, opening Aug. 19 for K–8 at U.S. 2 and N.D. 8. Public Safety: Bismarck police are running free e-bike safety education checks, clarifying where riders can go and how faster “class” bikes may fall outside e-bike rules. Culture & Pride: Dakota OutRight is spotlighting inclusion ahead of Capital City Pride in Bismarck (June 12–14). Sports Spotlight: UND’s Louis-Lys Fanucchi advanced to NCAA steeplechase finals after a strong qualifying run. Arts & Fundraising: The Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center is rolling out free summer programs, and the Magic City Discovery Center is planning an adults-only “Night of Nostalgia” fundraiser.

LGBTQ+ Community: Dakota OutRight is gearing up for Capital City Pride in Bismarck (June 12-14), with organizers talking inclusion and support for LGBTQ people—especially those from rural North Dakota. Education & Tech: North Dakota’s BRIDGE Project is rolling out statewide to modernize the student information system, moving districts from PowerSchool to Infinite Campus starting July 2026. Local Governance: Emerado’s mayor race is up in the air after write-in votes decided the outcome, with Terry Kramer leading but still unclear on whether he’ll accept the role. Public Safety & Justice: A Fargo woman is on trial in Burleigh County accused of stealing more than $100,000 from the state education department through a nonprofit after-school grant. Culture & Sports: UND’s Louis-Lys Fanucchi punched a ticket to the NCAA steeplechase finals, while Jadyn Keeler’s UND career heads into its final NCAA outdoor races. Community Health & Longevity: Froma Harrop spotlights how social connection in small-town North Dakota can help people live longer. Agriculture & Youth: NDSU Extension set dates for 2026 Research Extension Center Field Days, plus a Junior Crop Scout School for ages 12-18. Nature & Travel: The North Country National Scenic Trail gets closer to being fully off-road after the National Park Service acquired land in Wisconsin.

Immigration & Border Funding: The Trump administration signed a $70B “Secure America Act,” with South Carolina AG Alan Wilson praising new money for ICE and CBP and pointing to 287(g) partnerships. North Dakota Settlement: North Dakota will receive $28M from the federal government tied to Dakota Access Pipeline protest costs, with officials saying the settlement avoids more years of litigation. Education & School Choice: Fargo’s Capstone Classical Academy sued North Dakota over teacher licensing rules, arguing they block qualified experts and raise costs for private schools. Local Education Innovation: The North Dakota Center for Distance Education says its Innovation Waiver push is now in full practice, reporting a 97% course completion rate and an 85% pass rate. Culture & Community: Buffalo Zoo welcomed five black-and-white ruffed lemurs from Minot’s Roosevelt Park Zoo, highlighting conservation for a critically endangered species. Outdoors & Family Fun: Camping season is here, with a roundup of nearby North Dakota campgrounds for summer trips. Sports Spotlight: UND distance runner Jadyn Keeler’s decorated career ends this week at the NCAA Outdoor Championships. Civic Life: Primary turnout in North Dakota was just under 21%, with Fargo mayoral voting drawing about 34% of eligible voters.

North Dakota Elections & Civic Life: North Dakota’s primary drew about 21% turnout statewide, with big gaps between counties (Grand Forks at 12%, Williams at 15%, while Billings hit 55%), and early/absentee voting made up roughly 41% of ballots. Local Governance: Fargo voters chose Josh Boschee as mayor, and he celebrated with karaoke—plus a reminder that housing and downtown priorities are front and center. State Politics: U.S. Rep. Julie Fedorchak won North Dakota’s GOP primary and will face Trygve Hammer in November; meanwhile, six GOP incumbents lost their primaries, including culture-war figures Rep. Jeff Hoverson and Rep. Bill Tveit. Education & Rights: Capstone Classical Academy and a civil liberties group sued North Dakota over private-school teacher licensing rules, arguing the state’s requirements block qualified educators. Community & Culture: Medora is recruiting up to 350 Scouts and adult volunteers for the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library opening week, and a Grue Church fundraiser in Buxton spotlights Norwegian lefse, lemonade, and Hardanger fiddle music. Indigenous Leadership: Two Lakota leaders were named Bush Foundation Fellows, backing community emergency preparedness rooted in Lakota traditions. Lifestyle & Health: A Bismarck “Ladies’ Night” event aims to help women understand heavy and painful periods and learn treatment options.

Local Politics: Fargo voters elected state Sen. Josh Boschee as mayor, with housing affordability and downtown on his agenda. North Dakota Primaries: GOP incumbents fell in Tuesday’s primary, including Rep. Jeff Hoverson and Rep. Bill Tveit; statewide turnout was about 21% of eligible voters. Community & Health: Bismarck hosts a free “Ladies’ Night” event on heavy, painful periods, aimed at helping women know what’s normal and what options exist. Culture & Outdoors: The Turtle Mountain Sky Chief Park trail bridge linkage project earned a national Tom Petri accessibility award, highlighting safer, more connected recreation and cultural education. Civic Life: A Dutch court cleared Greenpeace to continue its case against Energy Transfer tied to Dakota Access Pipeline protest lawsuits. Tech & Innovation: Williston’s Tech & UAS Summit spotlights drones, AI, and virtual reality for healthcare, agriculture, and public safety. Everyday Life: Minot voters approved a half-cent sales tax for the Park District, backing operations and future capital projects. National Context: U.S.-Iran tensions escalated with new strikes and a $70B immigration enforcement bill signed into law.

North Dakota Capitol Culture: The Founders’ Museum interactive exhibit opened at the ND State Capitol in Bismarck, bringing Revolutionary-era stories to life with portraits, short videos, and details like the Declaration signers, the Boston Massacre, and Paul Revere’s midnight ride. Minot Local Politics: Minot voters kept Mayor Mark Jantzer in office and elected Stephan Podrygula, John MacMartin, and Eric Locken to the city council, with Jantzer winning by a wide margin. Grand Forks City Power Shift: In tight Ward 2 council voting, Rebecca Osowski edged Ryan King by just two votes, triggering a recount; Angela Salentiny won Ward 4, and several school board and state legislative races advanced. Statewide Education Leadership: Levi Bachmeier and Tracy Layne Foss advanced to November in the nonpartisan race for North Dakota Superintendent of Public Instruction. Community & Conservation: Michael Forsberg and Andy Caven biked along the “Whooper Highway” to spotlight whooping crane migration and habitat loss across the Great Plains. Kids’ Well-Being Watch: A national Kids Count report found children’s well-being fell in North Dakota and other states, underscoring ongoing pressure on families. Outdoor Accessibility Win: Turtle Mountain Band’s Sky Chief Park trail bridge linkage project earned a national Tom Petri Recreational Trails award for accessibility enhancements. Election Night Reality Check: Julie Fedorchak won North Dakota’s GOP primary for U.S. House, setting up a November matchup with Trygve Hammer.

North Dakota Primary Day Buzz: Polls opened across the state Tuesday, with Fargo voters pointing to the mayoral race as the big draw; election workers say turnout is stronger than expected, and machines are not connected to the internet. Maine Senate Spotlight: While North Dakota votes, the national spotlight is on Maine’s Democratic Senate primary, where oyster farmer Graham Platner is expected to win the nomination despite fresh scrutiny over past online posts, a Nazi-linked tattoo, and allegations involving explicit texts and troubling behavior. Border Wall Contract Fallout: A new look at border wall spending says billions are flowing to a Montana firm tied to a Trump donor, keeping the culture-and-politics conversation front and center. Volunteer Fire Recruitment: Fire chiefs are pushing Gen Z-focused social media campaigns to bring new recruits into volunteer departments. Arts & Community: Dakota Pro Musica revives “Esther, the Beautiful Queen” in Richardton, Bismarck, and Valley City, and Nexstar’s giving program awarded $5,000 to Bismarck’s Capital Gallery. Everyday Life: A drought update warns Midwest farmers still need timely rains, while a North Dakota education item highlights ongoing childcare challenges.

North Dakota Primary Pulse: Voters head to the polls Tuesday, June 9, with early turnout already strong—nearly 50,000 ballots submitted statewide, and Cass County driving the surge, largely tied to the Fargo mayoral race. Local Elections Watch: Williston’s ballot includes city commission, park board, and key county races, while Fargo voters choose a new mayor in a crowded field. Education & Youth: West Fargo Public Schools earned accreditation “with merit,” and the state superintendent appointed Amanda Peterson as deputy superintendent. Community & Learning: Marketplace for Kids has moved into a new Dickinson office, keeping its free Education Days program focused on entrepreneurship for students. Everyday Life & Safety: Fargo police reminded e-bike and e-scooter riders to know the rules—where slower vs. faster models can legally operate. Health & Hard Numbers: A Kids Count report says child poverty in North Dakota rose, with 23,000 children below the poverty line in 2024. Culture & Outdoors: A new naturalist is bringing prairie ecology to Clay County, and the Barnes County Museum opened the North Dakota Junior Duck Stamp Art Exhibit. Sports & Local Pride: UND’s Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation highlights university planning, while Jamestown named Brian Mistro athletic director and Tom Dosch head football coach.

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.