AGP Executive Report

Political Violence Warning: A judge’s ruling in the Luigi Mangione case highlights how courtroom procedure can still leave the public feeling the system is “lost its mind,” as debate over violence-as-justification keeps heating up. Space & Local Pride: Williston alumnus Austin Decker is helping lead engineering work tied to Artemis missions—proof that North Dakota roots can reach the moon. School & Community Buzz: Niche’s “top districts” list puts graduation-season excitement on full display, while Minot High’s Sophia Bell earns a rare associate degree alongside her diploma. State Watch: Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus reports Q1 2026 taxable sales up 4.24% year-over-year, with retail leading gains. Arts in Fargo: The Plains Art Museum lands a Smithsonian affiliation, opening doors for loans, touring shows, and education. Big Picture Policy: The Voting Rights Act fight keeps moving after a Supreme Court decision sends new questions back to lower courts. Local Outdoors & Fun: Willmar Stingers baseball ramps up with a packed 2026 home schedule starting May 27.

Dakota Access Pipeline: The U.S. Army Corps has given final approval for Dakota Access to keep operating its Missouri River crossing under Lake Oahe in North Dakota, adding conditions for leak detection and groundwater monitoring—ending years of delays tied to the 2016–17 Standing Rock-era protests, though more legal fights are expected. Voting Rights Act: The Supreme Court is again reshaping the rules around who can bring election-district discrimination claims, sending cases back for reconsideration after recent limits on how race can be used in redistricting. Local Energy & Industry: North Dakota’s oil world is still buzzing with debate over pipeline policy and broader infrastructure fights, including renewed attention to data-center growth and land-use concerns. Community & Culture: Jamestown celebrated the renovated Nickeus Park and an all-abilities playground, while Norsk Hostfest continues to spotlight Scandinavian heritage. Sports & Schools: North Dakota athletes kept rolling—Luka Rout won the Class A 3,200 title at state track, and 10 students earned U.S. Presidential Scholars semifinalist spots.

Dakota Access Pipeline: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approved a final easement for the Dakota Access Pipeline to cross under Lake Oahe near North Dakota’s Missouri River—nearly a decade after the line began moving oil, reigniting the long-running debate over tribal land and water impacts. Politics & energy: A New Mexico oil-and-gas leader urged North Dakota conference-goers to oppose Deb Haaland’s bid for governor, pointing to her role in the DAPL fight. Local government watch: Minot’s mayoral and council races are turning on budgets—candidates spar over staffing, property taxes, flood protection, housing, and childcare. Education & opportunity: State School Superintendent Levi Bachmeier is seeking applicants for a Student Cabinet for grades 6–12, with a July 24 deadline. Sports spotlight: Valley City Hi-Liners are headed to the state track meet after regional wins, while Jamestown’s Blue Jays are set for the final stretch despite weather challenges. Food safety win: Kwik Trip earned the 2026 Black Pearl Award for corporate excellence in food protection.

Minot Leadership Moves: Minot Public Schools named James Swegarden as principal of McKinley Alternative Learning Center and Brian Aufforth as 10-month assistant principal at Minot North High School, with both roles set to start after board approval. Local Elections, Real Money: At Minot forums, mayoral and council candidates sparred over staffing, property taxes, and how to fund priorities like flood protection, water projects, housing, and public safety. Community Input on Parks: Hollidaysburg Borough held a parks open house to shape long-term upgrades for Mattern Orchard Park and Sweet Cherry Court Park, with residents weighing what’s worth the cost. Food Safety Win: Kwik Trip earned the 2026 Black Pearl Award for corporate excellence in food protection. Gas Watch for Memorial Day: AAA reports North Dakota gas averaging about $4.23/gal, and experts say some travelers may delay or combine trips. Statewide Education Highlights: Ten ND students were named U.S. Presidential Scholars semifinalists, and UND planted four new trees for Arbor Day near Merrifield Hall. Voting Rights Legal Twist: The U.S. Supreme Court sent a Native American Voting Rights Act case back for reconsideration, reshaping how lower courts handle enforcement.

Politics, Washington: The GOP’s “YOLO caucus” is quietly growing, with Sen. Bill Cassidy joining a small group willing to break with President Trump—raising fresh friction over issues like Iran and immigration funding. National polling: New numbers show Trump underwater nationwide (38% approval vs. 58% disapproval) and in every swing state, keeping midterm stakes razor-thin. Supreme Court: The court sent two Voting Rights Act map cases back for reconsideration, including one tied to North Dakota, after its recent redistricting limits. North Dakota community: Casselton’s “Boys in Khaki” World War I scrapbook is drawing attention at the Casselton Heritage Center. Local governance: Grand Forks legislative candidates largely agree on using the Legacy Fund as a long-term investment tool. Food & health: Kwik Trip won an international food-safety award, while a Wisconsin study found over half of tested deer ticks carry Lyme bacteria. Sports & culture: Phoenix’s Rising FC adds veteran Dominique Badji; Plains Art Museum plans major renovation and expansion.

Supreme Court Voting Rights Shake-Up: The U.S. Supreme Court sent two Voting Rights Act cases back for fresh review, including a North Dakota tribal redistricting fight—raising fresh uncertainty about who can challenge discriminatory maps after its recent Callais decision. Local Politics & Voting: West Fargo voters get a June 9 guide for mayor and school board races, plus early voting details. Tribal Representation: The Turtle Mountain Band and Spirit Lake Nation case is now back in the spotlight, with lower courts told to reconsider under the new standards. Ranching Watch: North Dakota ranchers are bracing for a possible forage shortage as spring precipitation lagged, with most grass growth tied to April–June rains. Health & Aging: Aging Well recordings are available online for a limited time, and CMS updates show nursing home rankings across the state. Arts & Community: Plains Art Museum is gearing up for a major renovation and expansion. Sports: UND adds A.J. Holland as assistant coach, while local athletes and teams keep pushing toward state and postseason moments.

Bakken Growth & Housing: Watford City Basin RV Resort is back in business after buying the former Prairie View RV Park, keeping pricing steady while rolling out upgrades like better grounds, simpler online reservations, and smoother late-arrival check-ins. Nursing Home Watch: In Mcintosh County, Ashley Medical Center Nursing Home ranked second-largest in Q1 2026 (31 beds) with a top CMS score of 5/5 and no fines/penalties; Wishek Living Center led with 43 beds. Voting Rights in the Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court ordered lower courts to revisit Voting Rights Act rulings tied to Native American redistricting, after recent decisions tightened how discrimination claims are enforced. Connectivity Investment: DCN, Range and WIN Technology launched the $700M Heartland Fiber Project—an expanded Denver-to-Chicago high-capacity route across seven states. Education & Community: A BYU advertising student created the “Cougar Cupboard” to fight campus food insecurity, while North Dakota Superintendent Levi Bachmeier opened applications for a Student Cabinet. Sports & Local Pride: UND hired A.J. Holland as men’s assistant coach, and Dickey County’s women’s hoops budget rose 9.8% in 2024.

Courts & Voting Rights: A federal judge rejected a bid to undo Washington’s legislative maps, but opponents are now watching the U.S. Supreme Court after the high court’s April decision tightened limits on race in districting—while a separate Native American voting rights case was sent back for reconsideration, raising fresh questions about who can sue under the Voting Rights Act. North Dakota Sports: UND men’s basketball hired A.J. Holland as an assistant coach; UND also landed WHL defenseman Carson Carels for the 2026-27 season, and North Dakota’s Molly Griep-Popowski was named Northeast Region Girls’ Track & Field Coach of the Year. Education & Community: State Superintendent Levi Bachmeier is recruiting students for a Superintendent’s Student Cabinet, and Barnes County named Nicole Powers County Teacher of the Year. Local Life: NRCS staff supported students at the 2026 North Dakota Envirothon, and Wishek Living Center topped Mcintosh County nursing home rankings in Q1 with a 5-star CMS rating.

Supreme Court Voting Rights Shake-Up: Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented as the U.S. Supreme Court sent a Native American Voting Rights Act case back to lower courts, after recent rulings narrowed protections and raised the bar for proving discrimination—potentially changing how election-map fights move forward. Student Leadership in Bismarck: State Superintendent Levi Bachmeier is recruiting students for his Superintendent’s Student Cabinet (grades 6–12, plus first-year college students in ND), with applications due July 24. UND on the Move: UND is pursuing new construction approvals, including replacing a damaged fiber optic cable at the Grand Forks Airport and upgrading a national security corridor lab space. Hockey Commit: Carson Carels has committed to UND for 2026–27 after a standout WHL season. Northern Lights Watch: Multiple solar storms could bring auroras to parts of the northern U.S., including North Dakota, tonight. Local Sports: Minot High’s Blake Anderson won WDA shot put; regional track meets crowned more qualifiers for state. Culture Calendar: Syttende Mai celebrations marked Norway’s Constitution Day at the North Dakota Heritage Center.

Voter Roll Shake-Up Fears: The Trump administration’s DHS SAVE program has run at least 67 million voter registrations through federal databases, flagging tens of thousands as possible noncitizens or deceased—critics warn it could wrongly purge eligible voters before November, while Democrats fight the effort in court. Heartland Fiber Push: DCN, Range & WIN Technology just announced a $700M Heartland Fiber Project to build a 2,000-mile high-capacity route across seven states, aiming to support AI-driven data center demand between Denver and Chicago. Norwegian Heritage Day: Families packed the North Dakota Heritage Center for Syttende Mai celebrations—music, crafts, and treats like kransekake—while Minot’s Scandinavian Heritage Park hosts its own Sunday festivities. Local Schools Leadership: West Fargo Public Schools hired Jamestown superintendent Robert Lech as a secondary assistant superintendent, starting July 1. UND Commencement: UND spring ceremonies highlighted community and new graduates, including a posthumous degree awarded after a student’s fatal accident.

Election Integrity: The Trump administration is pushing voter-eligibility checks using a DHS verification system, and critics warn it could wrongly flag and remove eligible voters ahead of November. Study Abroad Push: U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin and Sen. Roger Wicker reintroduced the Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program Act to expand study abroad for underserved students. UND & NDSU Sports: Fargo’s track spotlight went to UND and NDSU at the Summit League meet—NDSU’s depth powered team titles while UND’s Jadyn Keeler and others grabbed MVP honors. Local Education & Community: UND spring commencement ceremonies highlighted community support, and West Fargo Public Schools named a new secondary assistant superintendent. North Dakota Culture: Minot’s Syttende Mai celebration returns Sunday to honor Norway’s Constitution Day. Accountability Watch: A state audit says North Dakota’s horse racing program mismanaged grants and spending, raising questions about how taxpayer money is handled.

Sports & Community: NDSU’s Paige Renschler helped spark a Bison rally as the team won the Summit League Outdoor Track & Field Championships, while UND’s women also pushed hard into the final day. Local Culture: Minot’s Syttende Mai celebration returns Sunday at Scandinavian Heritage Park, with a flag parade, Norwegian food, and a big nod to Norway’s 1814 constitution. State Watch: A new state audit says North Dakota’s horse racing grants and commission spending were mismanaged—grants went to places that didn’t apply, and some recipients didn’t properly report how funds were used. Education & Training: UND’s aircraft dispatcher course is certifying its first cohort, and West Fargo Public Schools hired a new secondary assistant superintendent. Public Safety: Game and Fish is urging safe boating during National Safe Boating Week. Remembering: Obituaries include Sharon Tollefson, plus multiple local memorial notices.

Bison Football Recruiting: Carter Temple, a 6-foot-3 left-handed dual-threat QB, verbally commits to NDSU, drawn by the program’s “five guys” NFL quarterback pipeline and his Kearney High state-title run. Defense & Diplomacy: Sen. Kevin Cramer highlights the North Dakota–Norway security partnership at the Norwegian-American Defense Conference, tying shared roots to shared strategy. Aviation & Training: UND’s first aircraft dispatcher course cohort earns FAA certifications, while Civil Air Patrol cadets receive the Brigadier General Billy Mitchell Award. Schools & Community: West Fargo Public Schools hires Robert Lech as secondary assistant superintendent; Grand Forks School Board candidates spar over a $4.4M shortfall; Jamestown voters weigh Parks and Rec Commission choices. Local Safety & Lifestyle: North Dakota Game and Fish marks Safe Boating Week with life-jacket reminders. Big Money Spotlight: NDSU football coach Tim Polasek’s new contract could make him North Dakota’s highest-paid public employee by 2027. Data Center Debate: Candidates and residents keep pushing back on data centers, energy, and property-rights impacts.

Aviation Pathways: Fairmont High School seniors are turning a Principles of Flight class into real next steps, meeting with the Fairmont Airport Advisory Board and mapping aviation plans after years of simulator time, drones, and even hands-on flying. Public Safety & Community: The Turtle Mountain Tribe held a candlelight vigil for 12-year-old Abrium Swain after the FBI confirmed a body identified this week, with counselors set to support students and questions still lingering about how the search was handled. Tech & Justice: A North Dakota case story spotlights how facial recognition can go badly—an accused woman was arrested in Fargo based on a match despite never being in North Dakota, and charges were dismissed after her records showed she was in Tennessee the whole time. Local Economy & Connectivity: The Heartland Fiber Project is set to expand a Denver-to-Chicago network with about 2,000 miles of new fiber across seven states, including North Dakota, aiming to meet growing AI data-center demand. Politics & Utilities: PSC candidates Deven Styczynski and Chris Olson are both pressing on utility costs, landowner rights, transparency, and the data center debate.

Local Politics & Money: Fargo mayoral candidate Josh Boschee reports $128K raised, more than his opponents combined, with a big boost from a national Democratic PAC. Tribal Education: Proposed federal cuts to tribal colleges are hitting hard at Sitting Bull College, where graduates warn funding threats could mean losing schools that keep culture and community intact. State Schools: North Dakota’s school-meals ballot measure cleared the signature hurdle for a November vote, aiming to use Legacy Fund earnings to cover free breakfast and lunch for all K-12 students. Community & Inclusion: Law enforcement across North Dakota is carrying the Flame of Hope for Special Olympics in the 2026 Torch Run. Sports: UND women’s track and field opened strong at the Summit League meet, while local athletes and schools also posted district/state-qualifying results. Everyday Life: A new native-woman-owned cafe opened in Dunseith, and a Carson-area greenhouse is bringing more native plants and locally sourced seeds to growers.

Summit League Track & Field: UND’s women jumped out to an early lead on Day 1 in Fargo, led by Jadyn Keeler’s record 10,000-meter run and strong throws and jumps, while South Dakota grabbed key wins on the men’s side. Class C Showdown Prep: Thayer Central senior Cole Vorderstrasse cruised through the C-7 district in both throws to qualify for state again, setting up a big next-week matchup with Nebraska’s all-class discus leader. Local Business & Community: Heart River Garden Co opened its first greenhouse north of Carson with native plants and locally sourced seeds, and Dunseith’s Bully Brew Coffee is giving the Turtle Mountains a new gathering spot—indigenous-woman-owned and already creating jobs. Special Olympics Spotlight: North Dakota law enforcement is carrying the Flame of Hope across multiple cities this week for the LETR fundraiser. Education & Policy: The state dismissed a complaint against a Grand Forks assistant superintendent hire, and North Dakota’s school-meals ballot measure cleared the signature hurdle for a November vote. Public Lands & Rules: The federal government is moving to rescind a BLM conservation rule, shifting how public land will be managed.