AGP Executive Report

Data Center Debate: North Dakota agriculture commissioner candidates Doug Goehring and Vern Thompson clashed over the state’s data center boom. Thompson called for community benefit agreements and decommissioning bonds, while Goehring said projects must communicate better with local residents. Campaign 2026: Grand Forks legislative hopefuls discussed property taxes and school funding at candidate forums ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Tourism: Nearly 120 industry partners met in Medora to review marketing plans for 2027, with state officials pointing to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library’s boost to visitation. Bismarck Recreation: Residents can weigh in Oct. 28 on a proposed indoor recreation and sports facility as the city and Parks and Recreation assess future options. Rural Power: North Dakota electric cooperative linemen are heading to Guatemala to build lines that will bring electricity to more than 50 homes and a school. College Sports: No. 1 South Dakota State visits No. 15 North Dakota on Saturday, with both teams looking to strengthen their FCS playoff position.

Fargo Incentives: City leaders are drafting rules to track whether businesses receiving tax breaks deliver promised jobs and wages. A proposal would allow the commission to cut or reclaim incentives when targets are missed; no decision has been made. Election: North Dakota voters will decide two constitutional amendments in November. Gov. Kelly Armstrong has also donated about $430,000 to Republican candidates during the midterm cycle, including $200,000 in the primaries. Oil and Energy: North Dakota’s Bakken outlook points to fewer rigs but more oil, while a separate report says the state could miss out on $66 million because of a permanent oil tax break questioned by lawmakers. Tribal Affairs: The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe has renewed its legal fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline following federal approval. Bison Volleyball: NDSU fell to South Dakota State in five sets in Fargo, losing the season-series opener 3-2.

Fargo Incentives: City leaders are weighing annual reviews of companies receiving tax breaks, with possible cuts or clawbacks if promised jobs and wages fall short. No policy decisions have been made. November Ballot: North Dakotans will vote on two constitutional amendments: one would require 60% approval for future amendments; the other would fund free public-school breakfasts and lunches. Oil Outlook: Chevron plans to cut its Bakken rigs from three to two in December, but state officials say longer wells and increased activity by other operators could keep production growing. Data Centers: An NDSU researcher says data centers are coming, making sound policy essential as Cass County residents weigh a proposed energy park and moratorium. Standing Rock: The tribe has renewed its legal fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline following federal approval. State Finances: Strong investment markets have bolstered North Dakota’s finances, while pension debt remains a concern. Public Safety: Two hunters found a severely injured woman near the Wild Rice River and called for help; the sheriff said she had been left to die.

Energy Costs: President Donald Trump said high oil prices mean North Dakota and other producing states are “making a fortune,” even as fuel costs strain households and businesses. Grand Forks: Fufeng USA is seeking $8 million from the city, arguing officials had no legal basis to end a development agreement for its proposed corn-milling plant, rejected over national security concerns. Congressional Race: Rep. Julie Fedorchak and challenger Trygve Hammer clashed in a debate over the $40 trillion national debt, health costs, tariffs, farming and the Iran war. Rural Investment: More than $65 million in USDA grants is going to North Dakota projects, including a Spirit Lake Tribe fish farm expected to create seven jobs and small-business support in Rolla. College Football: UND hosts top-ranked South Dakota State on Saturday in a key Missouri Valley matchup.

Grand Forks: Fufeng USA is seeking $8 million from the city, arguing officials had no legal basis to end a deal for its proposed corn mill after national-security concerns were raised. House Race: Rep. Julie Fedorchak and challenger Trygve Hammer clashed in a Bismarck debate over whether North Dakotans are better off, with Hammer stressing rising costs and Fedorchak pointing to tax relief and border security. Data Centers: Ellendale Mayor Don Flaherty discussed the community’s experience with Applied Digital’s facility as Cass County residents weighed another proposed project and a possible moratorium. UAS Innovation: GrandSKY founder Tom Swoyer received the new Senator John Hoeven UAS Sky Pioneer Award in Grand Forks, where Hoeven also announced Project ATLAS, an unmanned-aircraft research initiative. Costs: North Dakota health insurance premiums are set to rise in 2027, adding pressure on households.

Data Centers: Geronimo Power urged Cass County residents to oppose a proposed Harmony Township moratorium as it promoted a 640-acre data center project near Casselton. A township vote is expected soon. Pipeline Fight: The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe sued to overturn federal approvals for Dakota Access Pipeline’s Missouri River crossing, citing safety, spill-response, treaty and drinking-water concerns. Defense and Research: Sen. John Hoeven announced Project ATLAS, a UND-NASA unmanned-systems initiative with North Dakota National Guard support and nearly $2 million in federal funding. Health Costs: Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread approved 2027 ACA premium changes, trimming some insurers’ requested increases as families and small businesses face higher costs. Fargo Government: Four former city communications leaders sued Fargo and officials, alleging a hostile workplace and a flawed investigation forced their resignations; the city declined to comment on active litigation. Trade and Infrastructure: Canada buys about 82% of North Dakota’s exports, leaving the state exposed to the escalating trade dispute. State officials also approved more than $1.7 million for water projects, including $1 million for McVille.

Health Costs: North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread released 2027 health-plan rate changes, cutting some insurers’ requested increases but warning families and small businesses still face rising premiums. Fargo Lawsuit: Four former city communications employees sued Fargo, alleging an internal investigation forced their resignations and damaged their reputations; they seek more than $75,000 in damages. Oil Revenue: North Dakota’s stripper-well tax break applies to thousands of wells producing above the 15-barrel threshold used by many other oil states. Separately, the state could forgo $66 million under a permanent oil-tax break questioned by lawmakers. AI and Growth: North Dakota experts say communities need a clearer plan for data centers and artificial intelligence as local governments face decisions about development and its economic, environmental and social effects. Farm Economy: Harvest is accelerating, but farmers are contending with price swings after a surprise federal corn-yield estimate; soybean growers report better prices and some stronger-than-expected yields. Trade Ties: Canada buys about 82% of North Dakota’s exported goods, underscoring the state’s exposure to trade tensions.

Data Center Debate: Geronimo Power’s CEO is urging public engagement as the company seeks approval for a proposed Cass County data center; a community forum is scheduled today at Grand Farm. Agriculture: An opponent says Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring’s calendar showed four farmer meetings and eight with lobbyists over a year. Goehring says the calendar doesn’t capture all his conversations. Health Costs: North Dakotans with ACA individual and small-group plans face higher premiums in 2027 as medical costs rise; Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread says regulators trimmed some requested increases. Harvest: Soybean growers report better-than-expected yields in some areas and prices near $13 a bushel, but remain wary of trade uncertainty. State Finances: North Dakota could miss out on $66 million under a permanent oil tax break questioned by lawmakers. Voting Access: A Native American Rights Fund report says distance and limited internet access continue to make voting harder for tribal communities in North Dakota.

Agriculture: A records request by challenger Vern Thompson found four farmer meetings and eight lobbyist meetings on Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring’s calendar over a year. Goehring said the calendar leaves out many conversations and meetings. Oil Taxes: North Dakota could forgo $66 million this year from more than 700 oil wells that no longer qualify for a tax break but still receive it, a state investigation found. The wider program is projected to cost $260 million. State Finance: The Bank of North Dakota’s dollar-backed Roughrider Coin has launched on a new stablecoin platform, with VersaBank as issuer and Solana as its underlying network. Health Costs: Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread says 2027 premiums will rise for individual and small-group ACA plans as healthcare costs climb; his department reduced several insurers’ requested increases. Fargo Development: A proposed 10-year tax exemption for commercial redevelopment drew a warning from Cass County’s chair, who said it could erode the tax base and spur more applications. Pipeline Dispute: The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe has filed a new lawsuit seeking to shut down the Dakota Access Pipeline, citing concerns about water safety and treaty rights.

2027 Priorities: A majority of North Dakota legislative candidates say education, housing and childcare should top the next session’s agenda, putting affordability issues in focus. Bismarck Discovery: Archaeologists found seven coffins containing human remains near the governor’s residence, at the site of Bismarck’s first cemetery; analysis is expected to continue into next year. Pipeline Fight: The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe has filed a new lawsuit seeking to shut down the Dakota Access Pipeline, while a separate Summit pipeline ruling was described as a win for local control. Economic Growth: A new comparison found North Dakota had the biggest increase in GDP per person among U.S. states and Canadian provinces from 1999 to 2024, ranking sixth overall in 2024. Workforce: An aging skilled-trades workforce and tighter immigration enforcement are worsening labor shortages as construction demand grows, including for data centers. Bison Football: UNLV handed North Dakota State its first loss of the season, winning 13-7 in a defensive battle.

Bison Football: North Dakota State suffered its first loss, falling 13-7 to UNLV. The defeat also dents the Bison’s chances of finishing unbeaten and securing a College Football Playoff spot. Grand Forks Lawsuit: A Colorado man is suing the police department, alleging an officer’s typo led to his wrongful arrest on a felony charge. The case was later dismissed; the allegations have not been tested in court. Health Careers: About 170 high school students explored hands-on health care and related careers at North Dakota State College of Science’s Allied Health Day in Wahpeton. Standing Rock: The tribe has filed a new federal lawsuit seeking to overturn approval for the Dakota Access Pipeline’s Missouri River crossing, renewing its long-running fight over water and treaty rights. Bismarck History: Archaeologists found seven coffins containing human remains near the governor’s residence, at the site of the city’s first cemetery. Analysis is expected to wrap up early next year before the remains are reburied.

Bison Football: North Dakota State’s 13-7 loss to UNLV offered a tough lesson in the speed and physicality of FBS competition; quarterback Nathan Hayes threw three interceptions. Bismarck History: Archaeologists found seven coffins with human remains near the governor’s residence, at the site of Bismarck’s first community cemetery. The remains are expected to be reburied after analysis. Pipeline Fight: The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe has filed a new lawsuit challenging federal approval of the Dakota Access Pipeline’s Missouri River crossing, continuing its decade-long effort to shut down the project. North Dakota Economy: A Fraser Institute study found the state had the largest per-person GDP increase among U.S. states and Canadian provinces from 1999 to 2024, rising to sixth overall. Medora Gathering: Nearly 300 people attended the first TeddyCon at the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, with talks and events exploring Roosevelt’s legacy.

Tribal Affairs: The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe filed a new federal lawsuit challenging the Army Corps’ approval of an easement for the Dakota Access Pipeline’s Missouri River crossing, renewing its effort to stop the project. Biofuels: A bipartisan group of 37 lawmakers urged federal officials to preserve 2026–27 biofuel requirements, warning delays could hurt farm markets, rural jobs and fuel savings. North Dakota History: Nearly 300 historians and Roosevelt enthusiasts gathered in Medora for the first TeddyCon, a three-day convention at the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. 2027 Legislature: Grand Forks-area candidates pointed to housing and childcare costs, education and state spending as priorities for the next session. Rural Business: A new grocery store in Sheyenne is bringing fresh food back to a community that had gone more than 20 years without one.

Pipeline Authority: A North Dakota judge ruled state siting rules do not automatically override local zoning in Summit Carbon Solutions’ pipeline case, affirming counties’ role in setting setbacks. The pipeline permit remains in place. Dakota Access: The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe sued federal agencies to overturn approval of the pipeline’s Missouri River crossing, renewing its effort to protect treaty rights and water. Teacher Pay: Gov. Kelly Armstrong backs a proposed $3,400 bonus for licensed teachers in public and private schools, arguing it is constitutional because it goes to teachers, not schools. Farm Outlook: North Dakota farmers report a difficult, uneven harvest and fuel costs above $6 a gallon. USDA’s larger-than-expected corn estimate—including a two-bushel increase in North Dakota’s projected yield—sent grain futures lower. Health Care: A North Dakota hospital is among the plaintiffs seeking to block a revised federal 340B drug-rebate program, which hospitals say could add major costs and burden safety-net care. Bismarck Discovery: Archaeologists completed work at the governor’s residence, where seven coffins containing human remains were found near the site of the city’s first cemetery.

Bismarck: Archaeologists uncovered seven coffins containing human remains, including a toddler’s, near the governor’s residence during security work. The site was part of Bismarck’s first cemetery, and fieldwork wrapped up Sept. 14. State Government: Gov. Kelly Armstrong and Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden honored state employee teams for public service, selected from more than 200 nominations. Elections: North Dakota voters will decide Measure 1, which would require 60% approval for future constitutional amendments, amid a wider push in some states to tighten rules for citizen-led ballot measures. Agriculture: USDA raised its North Dakota corn yield estimate by 2 bushels to 132 per acre. A larger-than-expected national crop estimate sent corn futures sharply lower as harvest continues. Ag Innovation: Grand Farm broke ground on its Innovation Campus expansion near Casselton and announced a $5 million federal grant for a year-round indoor AgTech testing track. Road Safety: Federal officials are reviewing headlight standards, including glare from LEDs—a concern for North Dakotans driving rural roads at night. The review is aimed at future vehicle designs, not requiring drivers to replace existing lights.

House Race: Three challengers for North Dakota’s U.S. House seat debated data center transparency, AI regulation and local control; Republican incumbent Julie Fedorchak did not attend. Innovation: Applications are open for the state’s LIFT technology loan program, which has backed 76 North Dakota companies with $47.5 million; apply by Nov. 9. Public Safety: A 30-year-old Fargo man was arrested and charged in connection with a September shooting in north Fargo. Education: The State Historical Society is updating fourth-grade North Dakota history books for the first time in about 20 years, aiming for a more manageable, accurate curriculum. Agriculture: North Dakota farmers are expected to receive an estimated $721 million in federal payments this month. Tax Deadline: Residents with extensions must file state income tax returns by Oct. 15; unpaid balances may accrue interest and late filings can trigger penalties.