AGP Executive Report

Energy & Research Funding: More than half of the employees furloughed at UND’s Energy and Environmental Research Center have returned as the EERC negotiates new U.S. Department of Energy funding awards, with nine already back at work and more expected as projects restart. Public Health & Water Safety: The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality issued a harmful algae bloom advisory for Devils Lake, warning people and pets to avoid the water if it looks discolored, has scum, or smells bad. Agriculture Under Pressure: North Dakota wheat growers are facing triple-digit heat stress as harvest nears, while global market shocks tied to Russia-Ukraine tensions add volatility to already-rising prices. STEM & Workforce Pipeline: North Dakota’s career and technical education system is expanding, with officials pointing to growing CTE centers and programs designed to match local industry needs and keep young people in-state. Infrastructure & Safety: The North Dakota Department of Transportation rescheduled a Skyway Bridge inspection in Grand Forks to July 29–30. Digital Infrastructure: A national analysis ranks Alaska as the biggest “internet desert,” highlighting the broadband gap that still affects remote regions.

Heat Wave Watch: A sprawling heat dome is keeping roughly 80 million people under heat advisories, with triple-digit temperatures expected to stretch from Texas to North Dakota and dangerous humidity plus warm nights raising heat-illness risk. Digital IDs: Apple Wallet digital driver’s licenses are signaling near-term rollouts for Utah and Virginia, following recent North Dakota participation—another step toward ditching plastic IDs at checkpoints. Research & Health: A new Columbia study finds lithium shows up in household drinking water across Western Tribal communities, with tap water linked to long-term lithium levels measured in urine. Energy & Research Center: At UND’s Energy and Environmental Research Center, more furloughed staff have returned as DOE funding negotiations move forward. Water Safety: The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality issued a harmful algae bloom advisory for Devils Lake, urging people and pets to avoid contaminated-looking water. Agriculture Tech: NDSU’s Carrington Research Extension Center Oakes Irrigation Research Site field day on Aug. 6 spotlights canola, nitrogen management, and disease updates. Broadband Equity: A new index calls Alaska the “internet desert” at the bottom nationally, underscoring the rural connectivity gap relevant to the region.

Broadband Access: Alaska was ranked America’s biggest “internet desert,” scoring 0/100 in a new State Internet Index that uses FCC broadband data—highlighting huge gaps in fiber and gigabit availability. Energy & Heat: A “heat dome” is forecast to push the Plains and northern Rockies into triple digits, with North Dakota in the path as electricity demand and health risks rise. Water Safety: The ND Department of Environmental Quality issued a harmful algae bloom advisory for Devils Lake, urging people and pets to avoid contaminated-looking water. Research & Health: A new Columbia study links household drinking water to long-term lithium exposure, finding tap water lithium often exceeds screening levels in parts of the West including ND/SD. Local Workforce: More than half of furloughed employees returned to UND’s EERC as DOE funding terms move forward. Agriculture: North Dakota wheat growers are facing 100-degree stress as crop prices climb, while global Black Sea tensions add market volatility. Education & Training: North Dakota’s CTE push is expanding with new centers and programs aimed at high-demand jobs. Housing: Fargo-Moorhead’s new affordable housing law is expected to ease costs and inventory constraints. Public Safety: State aircraft joined searches for a missing hiker in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Health Care: Essentia Health-St. Joseph’s welcomed cardiologist Dr. Priscilla Ababio.

Housing & Policy: Fargo-Moorhead leaders are watching the new 21st Century Road to Housing Act, saying it could help loosen costs by updating outdated programs and cutting federal requirements—though local officials still point to a shortage of developed lots as a key bottleneck. Agriculture Leadership: The North Dakota Soybean Council named its FY27 executive committee, with Evan Montgomery as chairman and other producers filling vice chair, secretary, and treasurer roles. Public Health & Environment: A new Columbia University study finds lithium in household drinking water is a widespread, persistent exposure across Western Tribal communities, with tap water linked to long-term urinary lithium levels—raising questions as extraction ramps up. STEM Research Infrastructure: NDSU is moving ahead with a major seed-cleaning facility at the Langdon Research Extension Center, boosting processing capacity dramatically to support new crop varieties. Weather & Safety: State aircraft and the Civil Air Patrol searched Theodore Roosevelt National Park for a missing hiker, using FLIR imaging as temperatures climbed into the upper 90s. Healthcare Workforce: Essentia Health-St. Joseph’s Medical Center welcomed cardiologist Dr. Priscilla Ababio.

Heat and wheat markets: North Dakota wheat growers are facing 100-degree stress just as crop prices hit a three-year high, with added uncertainty from Russia-Ukraine tensions that could disrupt Black Sea exports. NDSU research infrastructure: NDSU’s Langdon Research Extension Center is breaking ground on a new seed-cleaning facility, boosting processing capacity dramatically to support higher-volume seed production for new varieties. Controlled environment agriculture: NDSU will host its third annual North Dakota Controlled Environment Agriculture Conference in Fargo, spotlighting precision agriculture tech like sensors, smart monitoring, and water/nutrient management. Agriculture innovation tour: Pivot Bio’s “Year of One Million Thanks” Buddy Seat Tour is heading into the Dakotas with stops tied to AI and research-focused farm events. Data-center ratepayer protections: Gov. Kelly Armstrong signed a pledge backing data-center rules meant to keep electricity customers from paying for grid upgrades, as federal and state efforts ramp up. Health tech finance: Berkadia finalized equity and financing for a 50-bed Vibra inpatient rehab and long-term acute care facility in Bismarck. Genetics accountability: Georgia AG joined a multistate settlement with 23andMe over a genetic data breach, with limited recovery from the bankruptcy estate.

Agritech Infrastructure: NDSU’s Langdon Research Extension Center broke ground on a new seed-cleaning facility, aiming to boost processing capacity from 13 to 250 bushels per hour so new crop varieties can be produced at full scale. Climate & Food Security: North Dakota wheat growers are facing 100-degree heat stress as harvest nears, with added market pressure from Black Sea disruptions tied to Russia-Ukraine. Broadband & Fiber Buildout: Bluepeak is expanding fiber service using Harmonic’s cOS platform and SeaStar optical nodes to extend multi-gigabit connectivity into lower-density apartment buildings across its region, including North Dakota. Data Centers & Power Costs: Gov. Kelly Armstrong joined a national pledge backing data-center “ratepayer protection,” pushing the idea that large facilities should fund grid upgrades so everyday electricity customers don’t pay the bill. Health Policy: North Dakota Medicaid is preparing federally required changes starting Jan. 1, 2027, including work requirements for many Medicaid Expansion adults, with exemptions for groups such as Native Americans and people with certain disabilities. Controlled Environment Agriculture: NDSU will host the third annual North Dakota Controlled Environment Agriculture Conference Sept. 17-18 in Fargo, focusing on precision agriculture tech like sensors, AI monitoring, and greenhouse/vertical farming systems. Public Safety Tech: The U.S. removed all high-risk cesium-137 from North Dakota, clearing the state of the radioactive material used in medical irradiators.

Broadband & Infrastructure: Bluepeak is accelerating fiber expansion across North Dakota and beyond with Harmonic’s cOS virtualized core, Pearl R-OLTs and SeaStar optical node, aiming to reach more lower-density multiple-dwelling units by reusing in-building coax. Energy Policy: Gov. Kelly Armstrong signed a data center “rate payer protection” pledge pushing operators to fund power supply and grid upgrades so everyday consumers aren’t stuck with the bill. Health & Benefits: North Dakota HHS is preparing Medicaid changes tied to the Working Families Tax Cut Act, including new work requirements for many Medicaid Expansion adults starting Jan. 1, 2027, with exemptions for groups like Native Americans and people with disabilities. Agritech & Research: NDSU will host the third annual North Dakota Controlled Environment Agriculture Conference (Sept. 17-18) focused on precision agriculture for greenhouses, tunnels and indoor farming, with sessions on AI, sensors, water/nutrient management and energy efficiency. Public Safety & Security: The U.S. removed high-risk cesium-137 from North Dakota, clearing the state of the material used in medical irradiators and reducing radiological security risk. Weather & Risk: A new heat dome is expected to push triple-digit temperatures across much of the central U.S., including North Dakota.

SNAP Policy Shift: North Dakota’s SNAP “Healthy Choice Waiver” will restrict purchases of energy drinks, candy and sweetened beverages starting Sept. 1, running for two years with possible extensions. Public Health: The U.S. is reporting 2,260 measles cases across 44 jurisdictions as summer travel accelerates spread, with outbreaks tied to low MMR coverage pockets. Broadband & Connectivity: Bluepeak is expanding fiber across North Dakota and beyond using Harmonic’s cOS virtualized core and SeaStar optical node to reach more multi-dwelling units with less disruption. Flood Resilience: Cavalier will receive a $144,000 FEMA grant to scope flood-risk mitigation solutions after severe 2022 flooding. Agriculture Tech: Mosaic Biosciences and Elicit Plant are teaming up to develop a canola solution aimed at helping growers protect yield under water-stress conditions. Ranching & Conservation: The UN has designated 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, spotlighting working landscapes and stewardship in places like western North Dakota. Infrastructure Testing: Engineers conducted a first-of-its-kind spillway flow test at Garrison Dam, using cameras and even oranges to measure performance for future flood events. Local Life & STEM: Minot’s Roosevelt Park Zoo plans a new petting zoo in its west wing, targeting completion by 2028.

FEMA Flood Mitigation: Cavalier is getting a $144,000 FEMA grant to scope flood-risk solutions after the 2022 Tongue River flooding, with Crystal also funded in North Dakota. Dam Safety Testing: Engineers ran a first-of-its-kind spillway flow test at the Garrison Dam, using cameras, gauges, and even oranges to measure velocity. Rangelands Spotlight: The UN named 2026 the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, putting western North Dakota ranching and stewardship in the global spotlight. Virtual Fencing in Action: The North Dakota Wildlife Federation is partnering with ranchers near Theodore Roosevelt National Park to use GPS-based virtual fencing to manage cattle while improving habitat. Ag Education Push: The North Dakota Department of Agriculture brought “Ag in the Classroom” and Pride of Dakota exhibits to the North Dakota State Fair. Public Health Watch: The U.S. reported 2,260 measles cases across 44 jurisdictions, with summer travel driving new exposure. Mental Health Access: North Dakota and Minnesota saw a rise in 988 calls, with FirstLink reporting a six-fold increase since the program’s launch. Internet Speeds: Ookla’s latest report card highlights broadband speed gaps, with North Dakota not singled out as worst in the national comparisons. Endangered Species Rule: Federal rollbacks to endangered species habitat protections are drawing warnings that states can’t fully replace federal enforcement. Local Zoo Upgrade: Minot’s Roosevelt Park Zoo plans a new petting zoo wing, targeting completion by 2028.

Public Health Funding: HHS awarded UND and North Dakota’s health department $3.67M for biomedical research, workforce training, and disease detection capacity. Cyber & Broadband: Bluepeak expanded its fiber reach across North Dakota using Harmonic’s virtualized core and optical gear, targeting more multi-dwelling units. Space Weather: NOAA says a minor geomagnetic storm could bring northern lights into North Dakota and nearby states tonight, with visibility depending on solar wind conditions. Mental Health Access: 988 calls are rising in North Dakota and Minnesota, with FirstLink reporting a six-fold jump since the hotline went national. Agriculture Research: NDSU’s Central Grasslands team reports virtual fencing trials boosting pollinator variety on pastures. Food & Safety: A new grilling-focused piece summarizes common consumer grilling habits and food-safety questions. Housing Data: A Minneapolis Fed analysis argues the headline U.S. homeownership rate overstates who actually owns their homes, especially among younger adults. Trade Watch: North Dakota commentary weighs how renewed Canada tariff threats could hit farmers, tourism, and supply chains. Northern Lights: NOAA’s viewline highlights where aurora may be seen and when.

Grid Reliability & Backup Power: As heat-driven demand and rolling blackout warnings spread across the central U.S., Buckeye Power Systems points North Dakotans to standby power as outages become more likely. Public Health Funding: The U.S. HHS awarded North Dakota $3.6M+ in grants—$2.1M to UND for biomedical research and workforce training (TRANSCEND) and $1.5M to the state health department to boost disease detection and response. Housing & Land Use Research: Zillow analysis says building one home on every currently listed empty lot (300,000+ lots 5 acres or smaller) could cut the U.S. housing shortage by about 6.3%, with North Dakota showing the highest share of listings that are lots (45.9%). Genetic Data Breach Accountability: Attorney General Murrill announced a multistate settlement tied to the 23andMe genetic data breach, with states receiving allowed claims from a $46.75M class-action settlement. Broadband Expansion: Bluepeak is teaming with Harmonic to extend fiber service into more multi-dwelling units using virtualized broadband gear and optical nodes. Agriculture Tech: NDSU researchers report virtual fencing trials can boost pollinator diversity on pastures. Northern Lights Forecast: NOAA says a moderate geomagnetic storm could make auroras visible as far south as North Dakota Tuesday night.

Agricultural Tech: NDSU researchers at the Central Grasslands Research Extension Center say virtual fencing is boosting pollinator diversity on pastures, with more bee and butterfly species than season-long or patch-burn grazing, while cow performance appears similar across grazing methods. Livestock Research Infrastructure: At the Carrington Research Extension Center, a new Smart Feed Facility is now letting researchers track which individual cattle eat, how long, and how much—aiming to sharpen results on feed rations and byproducts. Workforce & Local Tech: “Real. Good. Northeast North Dakota” is running a first-of-its-kind rural virtual job fair July 23 with digital industry pavilions (including IT, engineering, and UAS) and 70+ openings across the region. Public Health: The CDC reports measles cases have reached 2,260 across 44 jurisdictions, with summer travel raising the risk of more outbreaks. Civic/Legal Tech & Rights: The ACLU and ACLU of North Dakota filed an amicus brief supporting the right to protest on public roads tied to a Standing Rock-era Dakota Access Pipeline protest case. Education: WalletHub ranks North Dakota among the better-performing states for K-12 quality and safety, while also highlighting how different states score on funding and class size. Housing Policy: A Minneapolis Fed analysis argues the U.S. homeownership rate can overstate ownership because it’s measured by housing units, not people.

AI & Rural Jobs: “Real. Good. Northeast ND” is testing a first-ever virtual rural job fair July 23, with digital industry pavilions and 70+ openings across northeast North Dakota. Agriculture Tech: NDSU Carrington Research Extension Center opened a Smart Feed Facility that uses scales and ear tag readers to track individual cattle feeding sessions and ration performance. Data & Payments for Farmers: Fargo-based Bushel launched a Lien Protection Program to speed grain settlement payments by reducing paper checks and manual lien handling. Public Health: CDC reports 2,260 measles cases across 44 states/jurisdictions, with summer travel raising the risk of new outbreaks. Legal/Privacy: ND’s ACLU and ACLU of North Dakota filed an amicus brief supporting the right to protest on public roads tied to a Standing Rock-era Dakota Access Pipeline road closure case. Energy/Industry: Phoenix Energy says it surpassed 50,000 barrels of oil per day in the Williston Basin. Policy/Environment: The Trump administration rolled back Endangered Species Act habitat protections, and experts warn states may not be able to replace them.

AI Infrastructure in North Dakota: Armada AI unveiled “Triton,” a transportable modular data center at Grand Sky near Emerado, aiming to bring secure, scalable computing closer to where mission data is collected—especially for defense work—while also tying into state concerns about rising data-center energy demand. Agriculture Tech & Livestock Research: At NDSU Carrington Research Extension Center, a new Smart Feed Facility adds scales and ear tag readers so researchers can track which individual cattle eat, how long, and how much—shifting dry-lot studies from pen-level results toward animal-by-animal insights. Digital Payments for Grain: Fargo-based Bushel launched a Lien Protection Program to help grain buyers issue settlement payments without paper checks, handling lien review and reducing delays and fraud risk. Public Health Tech in Sports: NDSU and Sanford are teaming up to provide cardiology exams for athletes, including EKG screenings, as a proactive step for heart health. Local Tech & Planning: Fargo’s City Commission is set to weigh an ~$800K property tax incentive for downtown Dakota Center redevelopment, including HVAC and safety upgrades.

Mobile Computing in Defense: Armada unveiled “Triton,” a transportable data center at Grand Sky near Grand Forks, aiming to process mission data locally for unmanned aircraft work and reduce reliance on distant cloud systems. AI & Energy Pressure: The launch follows North Dakota’s AI and Data Center Committee discussion on rising power demand, with data centers projected to grow sharply this decade. Digital Payments for Farmers: Fargo-based Bushel launched a Lien Protection Program to replace paper-check grain settlement workflows, speeding payments and reducing lien-related delays and fraud risk. Health Costs & Coverage Stress: A NiceRx study ranks Florida as the most stressed state over medical care costs, while uninsured rates remain a major pressure point nationwide. Local Mental Health Fundraiser: More than 100 riders raised nearly $9,000 for suicide prevention during Fargo’s annual Ride to Fight Suicide. Public Health Funding: HHS awarded $6.44M across North Dakota for opioid response, biomedical research, and suicide prevention. Sports Medicine Tech: NDSU and Sanford began cardiology exams for athletes using EKG readings to screen for cardiovascular risk. Food Tech Watch: A report highlights “shrinkflation” tactics that keep prices while reducing product size. DNA Lawsuit: Two men say a North Dakota hospital mix-up switched them at birth 38 years ago, with DNA tests driving the case.

Defense & Infrastructure: The Air Force’s B-52J modernization locks in Minot’s role in conventional strike and nuclear deterrence through the 2050s, extending the bomber mission with new engines and radar. AI & Data Centers: Armada unveiled a transportable “AI in a box” mobile modular data center at Grand Sky near Grand Forks, aiming to process mission data locally while the state weighs rising energy demands from data centers. Health Tech: NDSU and Sanford are adding cardiology exams for athletes, using EKG readings to screen for cardiovascular risk earlier. Ag Tech & Payments: Fargo-based Bushel launched digital lien protection for grain settlement payments, reducing paper checks and lien-related delays. Public Health & Policy: A new federal funding round backs North Dakota opioid response and biomedical research, plus mental health and suicide prevention support. Community Tech & STEM: NDSU’s July 21 gardening event highlights plant science and local food research, with seminars and outdoor garden tours. Local Tech in Action: Grand Forks’ Ray Richards Golf Course redevelopment is back in focus with major plan changes ahead of a near-term vote.