AGP Executive Report

AI in Public History: The new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora is opening with an AI-powered Roosevelt avatar built with LemonSlice and Microsoft Azure, letting visitors ask questions and hear responses in Roosevelt’s voice—prompting both excitement and confusion after Trump described a “conversation” with the digital president. Rural Health Tech Funding: North Dakota HHS launched an electronic medical record enhancement grant opportunity for rural providers, including options for AI-supported tools to improve care coordination and outcomes. Critical Minerals Research: DOE selected UND for award negotiations on a $75M initiative to recover rare earth elements and other critical materials from coal at the Falkirk Mine near Underwood. Data Center Expansion: Applied Digital says Phase I of Building 2 at its Polaris Forge 1 campus in Ellendale is ready for service, adding 75MW and bringing live capacity to 175MW for AI infrastructure. Smart Rooms for Nursing: Health systems are rolling out “smart hospital rooms” to support virtual nursing workflows, aiming to ease staffing strain and improve patient operations. Ag Conditions: A crop update reports generally favorable corn and soybean conditions across much of the Upper Midwest, with localized storm damage and some drought concern in the western Corn Belt. Infrastructure Fix: The South Pembina Bridge is reopened for pedestrian use after DOT inspection concerns led to a temporary walkway.

Rural Health IT Funding: North Dakota HHS is offering a new Rural Health Transformation Program grant (about $500,000 per awardee first year) to help rural providers modernize electronic medical record systems, including options for AI-supported tools to improve care coordination and outcomes. Critical Minerals Research: The U.S. Department of Energy selected UND for negotiations under a $75 million initiative to recover rare earth elements and other critical materials from North Dakota lignite, with the pilot planned at Falkirk Mine near Underwood. AI Data Center Buildout: Applied Digital says it has reached ready-for-service for Phase I of Building 2 at its Ellendale campus, adding 75MW and bringing live capacity to 175MW (with 400MW contracted at full build-out). Lead Pipe Mapping Push: North Dakota cities including Mandan and West Fargo are using state-supported help to inventory lead service lines and plan replacements, with Mandan reporting progress identifying thousands of lines. Disaster Recovery Dollars: FEMA approved more than $4.3M for Dakotas projects, including $310,000 for Capital Electric Cooperative in Burleigh County to repair storm-damaged electrical infrastructure. Local Infrastructure Update: The South Pembina Bridge is reopened for pedestrians after a closure tied to structural concerns, with a temporary walkway approved by NDDOT. STEM & Agriculture Events: NDSU announced spring Dean’s List results and set upcoming research field days, including a July 15 North Central Research Extension Center field day and dry bean field days in Forest River (July 21) and Hatton (July 22).

Critical Minerals Push: The U.S. Department of Energy is making UND’s College of Engineering and Mines eligible for a $75M pilot to extract rare earth elements and other critical minerals from North Dakota lignite coal, aiming to strengthen domestic supply chains. Rural Health Tech: North Dakota HHS opened a funding opportunity for rural hospitals to modernize electronic medical records, with support for AI-enabled and workflow improvements to better coordinate medical and behavioral care. UAS Access: The Northern Plains UAS Test Site is unlocking Vantis beyond-visual-line-of-sight capability for operators at no cost starting July 1, including API access and onboarding on North Dakota’s BVLOS infrastructure. Energy Infrastructure: South Bow and Bridger Pipeline plan a new Guernsey, Wyoming-to-Cushing, Oklahoma oil pipeline as a third leg of a larger Alberta-to-Cushing project to boost export capacity. Agribusiness Expansion: Arthur Companies completed its acquisition of Beach Cooperative Grain in western North Dakota, keeping Beach locally led while expanding agronomy and merchandising support. Fire Safety Science: A Colorado wildfire case highlights how fire shelters can be a last-line defense for firefighters, but don’t replace escape planning and safety zones. Aviation Spotlight: Trump’s first flight on the Qatar-gifted, retrofitted Boeing 747-8i Air Force One brought new tech amenities and underscores the “bridge” role until next-gen jets arrive.

AI Infrastructure in North Dakota: Nixxy and Tachyon9 unveiled the proposed $1B Nakota Data Campus, pitching a power-first, hydrogen-capable, low-water-cooled AI compute site in North Dakota aimed at easing grid, carbon, and water pressures. Rural Health Tech & Workforce: North Dakota HHS opened a competitive funding opportunity for rural hospitals to buy wellness equipment for staff, targeting measurable improvements in physical activity, mental well-being, and workplace environments. Drones Go Beyond Visual Line of Sight: Vantis UAS capabilities are now available to operators at no cost through the Northern Plains UAS Test Site, with API access and onboarding to fly BVLOS missions on North Dakota’s statewide infrastructure. Healthcare Innovation: UND’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences reported progress toward its ND85 goal, while Anne Carlsen opened a specialty clinic in Jamestown designed for longer, coordinated care for children and young adults with complex needs. Policy & Tech Governance: A DOJ memo on Olmstead sparked pushback from North Dakota disability advocates and lawmakers, warning it could weaken protections that keep people out of institutions. Space/Science Outreach: The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora is rolling out an AI-powered “Talk with TR” experience tied to its digital archive.

Northern Lights Forecast: NOAA says a mild geomagnetic storm could make auroras visible across parts of the northern U.S., including North Dakota, with best viewing helped by dark skies and higher ground. AI in North Dakota’s spotlight: The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora opens July 4 with a “living library” experience, using AI to organize and let visitors search a large digital archive, plus an AI-powered “Talk with TR” feature. Energy infrastructure pressure: Western governors, including North Dakota’s, backed a multi-state effort (WestTEC) to study and plan transmission upgrades, aiming to cut bottlenecks and keep up with demand. Local tech and transparency: Jamestown police report an uptick in public requests for body-cam and dash-cam video, raising practical questions about how open-records footage is handled. AI data center buildout: Applied Digital says it reached Ready for Service for Phase 1 of Building 2 at Polaris Forge 1, adding 75 MW of operational AI capacity. Agriculture + protein tech transfer: U.S. soybean leaders say bridging Nigeria’s protein gap will rely on collaboration, better technology, and workforce training rather than replacing local farmers.

AI Power Crunch: A new wave of “AI factories” is colliding with the electric grid, with analysts warning that energy—not smarter software—is the bottleneck for data centers and AI campuses. North Dakota Grid & Data Centers: North Dakota lawmakers are moving toward an AI and data-center committee, while local rules are also emerging elsewhere for how data centers handle power-hungry operations. Transmission Buildout: Big Stone South to Alexandria cleared a key Minnesota route step for a new 345-kilovolt line—another reminder that regional reliability depends on long permitting timelines and major upgrades. Tech in Industry: A case study highlights how edge computing and IIoT can monitor and optimize artificial lift across multiple oil basins, aiming to cut manual intervention and production losses. Healthcare Research & Workforce: NDSU and Sanford launched GLP-1 research, and ND HHS opened wellness equipment grants for rural hospitals and rural/tribal schools. Local Science & Learning: The Nesson Valley Irrigation R&D project is expanding with a new “technological transfer” facility, and Spring Lake Nature Center’s Roots & Wings festival returns July 11 with hands-on nature and science programming. Policy in the Courts: The ND Supreme Court heard arguments over the state’s gender-affirming healthcare ban for minors.

AI & Education: NSF-backed teams advanced in the Presidential AI Challenge, with a North Carolina teacher leading a second-grade–driven project to a national champion finish, underscoring hands-on AI learning for K-12 students. Agriculture Research: North Dakota’s Nesson Valley Irrigation Research and Development project is expanding with a $3.5M “Technological Transfer Facility,” adding lab space, a large meeting room, and shop upgrades to speed irrigation findings to producers. Physical AI & Sensors: Ouster shares jumped 14% and Aeva rose 11% as investor focus heats up around “physical AI” lidar; Ouster’s Rev8 digital lidar compliance with the Build America, Buy America rules opens doors to federally funded infrastructure deployments. Energy & Power Strain: Multiple reports highlight the AI boom’s biggest bottleneck—electricity—warning that grid upgrades lag demand from data centers and crypto, with power shortages threatening timelines. Local Tech/Infrastructure: ND DOT starts an I-94 Business Loop culvert replacement near Valley City on July 6, with a detour and work expected to finish by Aug. 5. Science in the Sky: NOAA forecasts a minor geomagnetic storm that could bring aurora visibility across parts of up to 19 northern states, including North Dakota. Conservation & Public Lands: North Dakota conservationists raise concerns about changes to Theodore Roosevelt’s conservation legacy ahead of the library opening in Medora July 4.

AI & Government Services: North Dakota’s Department of Commerce and NDIT launched Dakota BOT, an AI-powered chatbot for ND.gov that answers most questions (91% success so far), supports multiple languages, and aims to cut repetitive calls while showing agencies where their web info needs work. Public Health & Training: Registration is open for the Behavioral Health & Children and Family Services Conference in Bismarck (Sept. 14-17), bringing together behavioral health, child welfare, suicide prevention, and youth development professionals with national speakers and livestream options. Energy & Infrastructure: A new educational segment highlights how North Dakota’s Davis Refinery uses digital-twin style modeling to handle changing conditions and improve reliability—positioned as a prototype for future domestic refining. STEM & Healthcare Research: UND Medical School is planning an AI hub for healthcare, while Minot State University received a CDC grant to improve early hearing-loss tracking and reporting. Tech in the Real World: Class8 released a study using truck weight data plus satellite imagery to flag potential cargo unload events for investigation. Science & Safety: The National Weather Service says the old advice to crouch during lightning doesn’t provide meaningful protection.

AI & Public Services: North Dakota launches “Dakota BOT,” an AI-powered chatbot from NDIT and the Commerce Department that answers 24/7 questions for ND.gov and state agencies, hitting 91% success on user questions and aiming to expand as adoption grows. Energy & AI Infrastructure: Kevin O’Leary is backing Bitzero, a Canadian firm positioning itself as “power real estate” for AI data centers, with long-term electricity contracts and a 15-year lease deal tied to large-scale power capacity. Healthcare Research: Minot State University receives a CDC grant to improve early hearing loss tracking and reporting, while UND and NDSU/Sanford are also pushing GLP-1 research and workforce initiatives. Local Tech/Community: UND Community Classes keep campus knowledge open to the public with free, topic-driven learning and tours. Public Safety & Logistics: A study from Class8 claims it can flag potential cargo theft by scoring “unload events” using axle weight data plus satellite imagery and behavior signals. ND Tech Governance: North Dakota lawmakers move toward an AI and data-center committee for the 2027 session.

AI in North Dakota: The state and NDIT launched Dakota BOT, an AI-powered chatbot for ND.gov that answers 91% of questions and will expand as adoption grows. Public Tech Policy: North Dakota lawmakers are moving toward AI governance with a new First AI Task Force focused on learning how AI and data centers work and what policies help ND compete. Energy + AI Infrastructure: Kevin O’Leary-backed Bitzero is positioning itself as an AI power provider, citing long-term electricity deals including North Dakota rates, as the AI boom runs into power constraints. Healthcare Research: Minot State University received a CDC grant to improve early hearing-loss tracking, while Sanford and NDSU continue GLP-1 research partnerships. Aerospace + Training: Minot Air Force Base airmen trained for expeditionary operations in Fargo, and aircraft from Minot AFB are set to participate in July 4 events. Local Tech/Community: Ward County reported 11 alcohol compliance failures after checks. Science & Society: A national debate continues over laws that declare AI can’t have consciousness or legal status.

Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Launch: The National Park Service is loaning more than 50 historic artifacts to the new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, set to open July 4 as part of America’s 250th celebration. Healthcare Leadership: Essentia Health added four new board members and also landed CEO Dr. David Herman on the Joint Commission’s Board of Commissioners, underscoring continued quality and safety focus across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota. AI + Power Reality Check: North Dakota lawmakers are forming an interim AI and data-center task force, while national coverage highlights how the AI boom is turning into an energy buildout race—exactly the bottleneck ND wants to tackle. Energy Infrastructure: Minnesota Power’s major HVDC grid overhaul (built to move wind power from central North Dakota) moves forward with a reinstated federal grant helping offset customer cost impacts. Tech/Finance Watch: Kevin O’Leary is backing Bitzero, a Canadian firm pitching long-term power contracts for AI hosting alongside Bitcoin mining—another sign that electricity is becoming the key “platform.” Community & Public Health: Ward County reported 11 alcohol compliance failures in recent checks, and local suicide prevention advocates shared survey-based signals alongside the need for ongoing support.

AI & Energy Infrastructure: Kevin O’Leary is backing Bitzero, a Canadian firm that straddles Bitcoin mining and AI hosting, after signing a 15-year, 110-megawatt power lease deal projected to generate about $2.6B—another sign that AI’s biggest bottleneck is electricity, not software. North Dakota AI Policy: North Dakota lawmakers are forming a First AI Task Force to study AI and data-center needs ahead of the 2027 session, with a clear focus on energy supply and what it takes for the state to compete. Healthcare Governance: Essentia Health added four new board members and also landed CEO Dr. David Herman on the Joint Commission’s Board of Commissioners, underscoring continued quality and safety push across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota. Grid Modernization: Minnesota Power’s $900M HVDC upgrade (built to move wind power from central North Dakota) is expanding capacity and reliability, with federal grant support restored after a brief revocation. Local Tech & Workforce: North Dakota’s Dakota BOT initiative aims to modernize public access to state services, while Cirrus opened a new talent center to support workforce development. Public Safety & Compliance: Ward County reported 11 alcohol sales violations after compliance checks using underage testers.

AI & State Policy: North Dakota lawmakers are forming a First AI Task Force to study AI and data-center needs ahead of the 2027 session, with leaders arguing the state’s energy advantage should translate into more AI infrastructure. Digital Government: ND Commerce and NDIT launched Dakota BOT, an AI-powered chatbot meant to help people find answers across ND.gov and related agency sites, with a reported 91% success rate on user questions. Healthcare Tech & Leadership: Essentia Health CEO Dr. David Herman was appointed to the Joint Commission’s Board of Commissioners, while Essentia Health-Virginia earned a four-star CMS hospital quality rating. Energy & Power Infrastructure: PRC Wind split its Flickertail Wind proposal into two permit applications, potentially raising peak capacity to 584 MW. Public Safety & Tech: The U.S. Army began fielding a next-generation biometric collection system, with an initial fielding event for North Dakota’s 131st Military Police Battalion. Local Tech/Community: Grand Forks is planning major 42nd Street and DeMers Avenue closures for bridge and utility work, and Ward County reported 11 alcohol compliance failures after checks.

Public Tech & Services: North Dakota launches Dakota BOT, an AI-powered chatbot with 24/7, multilingual help for ND.gov and agency sites, answering 91% of questions and flagging where online info needs work. Health Research: NDSU and Sanford Health kick off a $210,000 study on real-world effects of GLP-1 obesity drugs, aiming to connect treatment outcomes with factors like daily food intake. Healthcare Quality: Essentia Health-Virginia earns a four-star CMS hospital quality rating, with an expansion underway that adds emergency department capacity and new tech. Defense Tech: The U.S. Army starts fielding a next-generation biometric collection system (NXGBCC), with an initial fielding event for North Dakota’s 131st Military Police Battalion. Energy Policy: Minnesota approves a $500,000 study on whether new nuclear generation should be part of the state’s future power mix. Local Business & Workforce: Cirrus opens a new Duluth-area Talent Center to centralize recruiting and technical training, targeting 240+ hires. Biosecurity: Bird flu remains widespread, with ongoing H5N1 outbreaks hitting both poultry and dairy herds, including North Dakota. STEM in Schools: UND Medical School plans an AI hub for healthcare, while NDSU and Sanford continue expanding research partnerships.

GLP-1 Research in North Dakota: NDSU and Sanford Health are launching a $210,000 study on real-world effects of GLP-1 obesity medications, funded with support from the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services; researchers will track outcomes like weight change, body composition, balance and fall risk, quality of life, and health care use, with enrollment expected to open in late July. AI Governance for Data Centers: A new North Dakota interim committee, chaired by Rep. Jonathan Warrey, will study AI and data centers ahead of the 2027 session, aiming to understand how the tech is governed and how data-center incentives are shaping development. Legacy Fund Website Build: The North Dakota Retirement and Investment Office selected Tactis LLC to design, build, and manage a new public Legacy Fund website, with Devii (a North Dakota firm) handling subcontracted secure data management; the site is expected to launch in November. SNAP Error-Rate Push: North Dakota HHS says the state’s 2025 SNAP payment error rate was 9.89%, above the federal 6% threshold, and it’s pursuing modernization efforts—including exploring AI infrastructure—to reduce errors before they happen. Energy Infrastructure Milestone (Regional): WMMPA and Otter Tail Power received Minnesota PUC approval for the Big Stone South to Alexandria 345-kilovolt transmission line, aimed at strengthening grid reliability and resilience.

AI in North Dakota healthcare: UND’s medical school is exploring an AI hub to help rural providers build AI tools, expand research partnerships, and train students on AI skills, while also weighing ethics and “human-centered” guidance as adoption grows. State AI + data center policy: North Dakota lawmakers created an interim AI and Data Center Committee to prepare for the 2027 session, studying data-center water and power use, siting approaches, and protections for children from harmful AI. Local health research: NDSU and Sanford launched a $210,000 study on real-world effects of GLP-1 obesity drugs, tracking outcomes beyond weight like body composition, balance, fall risk, and quality of life. SNAP modernization: North Dakota reported a 9.89% SNAP error rate in 2025 (above the 6% threshold), and HHS says it’s pursuing targeted modernization, including exploring AI infrastructure, to cut errors before they happen. Public tech for transparency: The ND Retirement and Investment Office selected Tactis (with ND subcontractor Devii) to build a new Legacy Fund website aimed at searchable, interactive public reporting launching in November 2026. Cancer screening push: Doctors in North Dakota are urging screening as colorectal cancer rates rise in younger adults, with Sanford noting diagnoses in people in their 30s and 40s. Energy + infrastructure pressure: A national report highlights how AI’s biggest bottleneck is power delivery to data centers, not chips—an issue ND lawmakers are now directly tackling. Supreme Court (national, tech-adjacent): The U.S. Supreme Court blocked thousands of Roundup failure-to-warn lawsuits, a ruling that could shape how health claims are handled for other pesticide products.