AGP Executive Report

UAS & Satellites Careers: Grand Forks is pushing North Dakota’s fast-growing uncrewed and autonomous systems and satellite systems ecosystem, pointing readers to job listings and internships tied to local companies and research hubs. Public Health & Policy: North Dakota lawmakers are debating how to restrict kratom ahead of a special session, with a focus on whether to ban synthetic 7-OH derivatives while leaving room for regulated natural kratom; public input is planned. STEM & Research: UND has been selected for the DOE Genesis Mission, aiming to improve AI security and reliability for battery management and other energy science uses. Education & Workforce: North Dakota State College of Science nursing student Shana Bennefeld received a DAISY Award for patient care, highlighting ongoing talent pipelines in healthcare. Climate & Agriculture: The U.S. Drought Monitor shows more than half of North Dakota in drought, with “flash drought” conditions tied to extreme July heat and rapid drying. Aviation Disruption: An FAA air traffic control outage triggered widespread flight delays and diversions across multiple Midwest states, underscoring how fragile tech systems can ripple through travel. Food Safety: Federal health agencies are tracking major lettuce and jalapeño-related outbreaks, with cases tied to iceberg lettuce and salmonella linked to jalapeños. Energy & Grid Pressure: Utilities are facing record summer demand and heat stress, driving new grid upgrades and raising questions about balancing reliability, affordability, and decarbonization.

Data Centers & AI Infrastructure: U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum toured Talen Energy’s Pennsylvania plant, pitching data centers as “manufacturing intelligence” and noting local ordinances are being challenged as a 750-acre project proposal moves forward. Climate & Water Stress: North Dakota’s drought is worsening fast, with the U.S. Drought Monitor showing more than half the state affected and “flash drought” conditions tied to record-warm, dry July weather. Public Health & Lakes: Blue-green algae advisories and warnings expanded across North Dakota, with officials warning toxins can cause illness in people and be fatal to animals. Ag Tech & Learning: North Dakota’s ag technology push shows up in multiple ways this week, including community orchard grants totaling $120,000 and a broader push for practical, farm-ready learning. Robotics & STEM: VEX Robotics kicked off its 20th season at Mall of America, with UND’s Signature Robotics Competition bringing about 120 high school teams and a new V5 challenge. Health & Ethics: A North Dakota fertility lawsuit alleges a physician secretly used his own sperm during treatments in the 1980s without consent, raising serious questions about medical trust and oversight. UAS Summit: The 20th UAS Summit & Expo in Grand Forks (Oct. 13-14) released an expanded agenda for drones, autonomy, and commercialization.

Unmanned Aviation in North Dakota: The UAS Summit & Expo in Grand Forks (Oct. 13-14) released an expanded 20th-year agenda, adding more concurrent sessions covering military drone operations, counter-UAS, infrastructure, BVLOS, commercialization, advanced operations, and autonomy. Healthcare Tech in the region: Lake Region Healthcare in Fergus Falls, MN completed its first procedures with the new Intuitive da Vinci 5 Surgical System, expanding robotic-assisted options for patients across west-central Minnesota and eastern North Dakota. Food safety: CDC and FDA confirmed a Salmonella Javiana outbreak tied to fresh jalapeños from Sinaloa, Mexico, with 345 illnesses across 27 states and two cases showing antibiotic resistance. Space & defense: U.S. Space Force activated the 77th Surveillance Squadron at Grand Forks AFB to support space-based moving target indication for joint warfighters. Public science/tech outreach: North Dakota State University Extension warned about spotted water hemlock across the state, urging careful hay handling and identification to protect livestock. Local planning: Medora City Council delayed adoption of a comprehensive plan, seeking more review and public input.

Space Force in North Dakota: Space Delta 7 activated the 77th Surveillance Squadron at Grand Forks AFB to deliver space-based moving target tracking intelligence, with staffing expected to ramp through 2028. STEM education pipeline: Thirty Papua New Guinean students are heading to U.S. universities for STEM, including North Dakota State University and South Dakota State University. Cybersecurity and AI at a ND school: Dickinson State University is adding 21 new academic programs for fall 2026, including a B.S. in Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence. Higher-ed transfer pathway: Valley City State University and North Dakota State College of Science signed a new career and technical education articulation agreement to speed bachelor’s completion. Data center transparency: A new report says North Dakota doesn’t disclose how much money data centers save through tax breaks, fueling calls for more subsidy transparency. Ag and water pressures: Low water on Lake Sakakawea may force officials to reuse boat ramps submerged for nearly two decades. Weed alert: North Dakota State University Extension warns about spotted water hemlock, a highly toxic plant that can end up in hay. Manufacturing workforce spotlight: GNDC named 10 people as the 2026 Faces of Manufacturing in North Dakota. School tech policy check: North Dakota’s “bell to bell” K-12 cellphone stowage law is being called a “resounding success” by the state superintendent.

Space Force in North Dakota: The U.S. Space Force activated the 77th Surveillance Squadron at Grand Forks AFB to run space-based moving target tracking, with staffing expected to grow through 2028. Cybersecurity and AI in education: Dickinson State University is launching 21 new programs for fall 2026, including degrees in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence plus business data analytics. Data center transparency: A new report says North Dakota is among states that don’t disclose how much money data centers save via tax breaks, fueling calls for clearer subsidy reporting. Irrigation and water planning: A state-commissioned study estimates North Dakota missed about $9.7B in economic activity over 54 years by not fully developing irrigation potential. Local tech-to-work pathways: NDSCS and VCSU signed an articulation agreement that lets CTE students transfer from an AAS into a B.S.Ed. School tech rules: North Dakota’s “bell to bell” K-12 cellphone ban is being described as a distraction reducer by state education leaders. Health policy ripple effects: New projections warn Medicaid expansion enrollment could drop sharply under federal work requirements and more frequent eligibility checks. STEM skywatch: Aug. 12 is set up for a big day of stargazing with a partial solar eclipse and the Perseids peaking under a new moon.

Astronomy & STEM Outreach: Aug. 12 lines up a planetary parade, a partial solar eclipse, a new moon for darker skies, and the Perseids peaking—an easy “science night” for North Dakota stargazers. Public Health & Policy: Michigan AG Nessel announced a $400M settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic-drug price-fixing and competition limits, with trial timing looming in 2027. Data Centers & Transparency: New research says North Dakota is among states that don’t disclose how much data centers save via tax breaks, raising calls for clearer subsidy reporting. Rural Families & Education Support: A Fargo-Moorhead program for single moms highlights how wraparound support can help students finish college, even when budgets stay tight. Community Safety & Infrastructure: Grand Forks County commissioners discussed the 2027 budget and whether a county sales tax could help fund the sheriff’s office. Agtech & Local Economy: A Midwest agtech study argues innovation investment follows built start-up and commercialization infrastructure—not just farm output. Transportation Planning: NDDOT extended the deadline for 2027 transportation conference proposals, seeking talks on safety, construction innovation, workforce readiness, and public involvement. Mental Health: The Lake Region Out of the Darkness Walk returns Sept. 19 in Devils Lake, supporting suicide prevention and research.

Agtech & Biofuels: Soybean crush expansion is accelerating as EPA blending rules keep demand high, with ADM planning upgrades that add 700,000 metric tons of annual crush capacity across Indiana, Missouri, Nebraska and North Dakota. Midwest Crop Watch: Crop conditions across the Plains and Corn Belt are uneven—some areas see drought stress while others get timely rain—leaving yield expectations mixed for the 2026 season. Water, Fire, and Policy: An opinion piece connects drought and wildfire risk and argues for exploring whether cloud seeding could help reduce fire threats by creating rain from above. North Dakota Transportation: NDDOT has extended the call for presentations for the 2027 North Dakota Transportation Conference, set for March 9-10 in Bismarck. Rural Health Tech Funding: States are racing to use CMS’s Rural Health Transformation Program funds before deadlines, with North Dakota among the states sharing approaches. Higher Ed Pathways: Valley City State University and NDSCS signed an articulation agreement creating a direct transfer pathway for career and technical education degrees. Analog Space Research (UND): UND hosted the AARG 10i analog mission, running simulated space exploration and research inside its ILMAH habitat.

Earnings Watch: Knife River reported Q2 earnings of $43.9M (77 cents/share), missing Wall Street’s $1.11 estimate, though revenue topped forecasts; the Bismarck-based construction materials firm guided full-year revenue to $3.4B–$3.6B. Energy & Land Use: A new USGS report estimates about 4B tons of coal remain at existing mines plus 356B tons that could be developed in new areas across the lower 48, including North Dakota—raising questions about what “reserves” mean for future mining and demand. Rural Health Funding: The VA awarded $710,550 to North Dakota to keep free transportation for highly rural veterans to VA and community care appointments, aiming to prevent missed visits. Analog Space Research: UND’s Integrated Lunar and Martian Analog Habitat hosted the AARG 10i mission, a 14-day simulated space exploration run with habitat operations and science tasks. Public Health & Policy: Minnesota hunting rules add chronic wasting disease testing requirements and “shotgun zones,” showing how wildlife disease monitoring is getting more targeted. Tech & Education: A national shift shows computer science majors slipping while AI minors and non-major AI courses surge, as colleges race to teach “AI essentials” beyond traditional CS. Local Environment: Low water on Lake Sakakawea threatens access as submerged boat ramps may need costly maintenance to reopen. Science Discovery: Paleontologists are excavating a mammoth skeleton beneath a North Dakota garage, with researchers still determining species and sex.

Rural Health Funding: North Dakota is opening a new round of Rural Health Transformation Program grants totaling $50.5M, including behavioral health training, remote patient monitoring, telehealth infrastructure, ambulance tech upgrades, and childcare to help recruit rural healthcare workers. Analog Space Research: UND is hosting the AARG 10i analog mission at its Integrated Lunar and Martian Analog Habitat, with a crew running 14 days of simulated space exploration and research. Public Health & Safety: North Dakota Game and Fish is preparing for impacts from low water on Lake Sakakawea, where submerged boat ramps could affect access and require costly maintenance decisions. Wildlife & Biosecurity: A New World screwworm case in North Dakota was ruled out after a calf was tested, underscoring ongoing vigilance as the pest spreads in the U.S. Antitrust & Drug Prices: ND Attorney General Hilgers joined a coalition announcing a $400M settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic drug price-fixing and competition limits. Space/Science Debate: New research challenges the “nuclear winter” dinosaur-extinction idea, arguing extreme heat and fires may have played a bigger role. Education & Workforce: Lake Region State College’s surgical technology program graduated its first cohort, with many continuing to work at Altru. Digital Safety: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle renewed pressure on AI “nudification” regulation, pointing to Minnesota’s ban and broader state efforts.

Power Infrastructure: Basin Electric Power Cooperative teamed with Burns & McDonnell to accelerate a new natural gas–fired power station for rapid load growth in the Bakken and to meet Southwest Power Pool reliability needs. Animal Health & Biosecurity: North Dakota’s past precautionary testing for New World screwworm highlights how the pest’s spread beyond Texas and New Mexico keeps livestock producers on alert. Water & Recreation: Low water on Lake Sakakawea is forcing boaters and resorts to adapt as long-submerged ramps may be needed again, but maintenance funding is tight. Workforce & Demographics: New projections suggest today’s young workers may finally see better pay and housing as labor shortages loom—though AI and immigration remain big unknowns. Rural Health Tech Grants: North Dakota opened a new round of Rural Health Transformation Program funding totaling $50.5M, including remote patient monitoring, telehealth infrastructure, ambulance tech upgrades, and rural workforce childcare. STEM Education: Lake Region State College’s surgical technology program graduated its first cohort, using an apprenticeship model with Altru. Data Centers & Cities: A new study finds most U.S. data centers are overwhelmingly urban, challenging the idea that AI infrastructure is mostly rural. Climate Science in the News: Commentary argues major outlets underplay climate links even as science increasingly attributes extreme weather impacts. Public Safety Infrastructure: NDDOT scheduled a routine inspection of the Expressway Bridge between Bismarck and Mandan with lane closures and speed limits. Agriculture Mental Health: NDSU Extension will run QPR suicide prevention webinars for people in agriculture, aiming to improve early recognition and referrals. Paleontology: Work continues on a mammoth skeleton unearthed beneath a North Dakota garage, with researchers still determining species and sex.

Rural Health Tech Funding: North Dakota is opening a new round of Rural Health Transformation Program grants totaling $50.5 million, including money for remote patient monitoring, telehealth infrastructure, rural ambulance tech upgrades, and childcare support to help recruit and retain healthcare workers. Paleontology in the Garage: A mammoth skeleton discovered beneath a rural North Dakota garage is now being excavated, with researchers at NDSU and state agencies working to identify the animal’s species and sex. Energy & Land Use: A new USGS report says there are 356 billion tons of undeveloped coal under federal lands across the lower 48, with North Dakota listed among the states holding major portions of that potential. Data Centers, Not “Nowhere”: A new study finds most US data centers are overwhelmingly urban, with the “cloud” taking shape near metro areas rather than remote rural sites. Workforce & Care: Sanford Health is expanding staffing by recruiting nurses internationally, including hires in North Dakota, as hospitals keep battling shortages. Local Tech/Training: Lake Region State College’s surgical technology program graduated its first cohort, pairing online coursework with an apprenticeship model through Altru.

Rural Health Funding: North Dakota is opening a new round of Rural Health Transformation Program grants totaling $50.5 million, with money for rural behavioral health needs assessments, ambulance tech upgrades, childcare for healthcare workers, remote patient monitoring, and telehealth infrastructure for rural and tribal communities. Local STEM Discovery: Paleontologists are excavating a mammoth skeleton beneath a rural North Dakota garage, with researchers still sorting out the animal’s species and sex and whether it was woolly or Columbian. Healthcare Workforce Training: Lake Region State College’s surgical technology program has graduated its first cohort, using an apprenticeship model with Altru that blends online coursework with paid on-the-job training. Mental Health Prevention: ND Thrives is pushing suicide prevention for rural and tribal youth into everyday community life, building on its SAMHSA-funded work with partners including NORC and Northland Health Centers. Public Safety & Infrastructure: NDDOT scheduled a routine inspection of the Expressway Bridge between Bismarck and Mandan for Aug. 4–5, with single-lane closures and reduced speeds. Data Centers & Tech Geography: A new study finds data centers are overwhelmingly urban, challenging the idea that the “cloud” lives far from cities.

Rural & Tribal Youth Suicide Prevention: ND Thrives is pushing to embed suicide prevention into everyday life for rural and tribal youth, with a new push before its Sept. 30 start of the next funding cycle, supported by UND partners and NORC. Healthcare Access & Prevention: Essentia Health is urging families to book well-child and teen visits in summer to get sports physicals and catch health issues early. Maternal Health Update: Altru says births rose in 2025, including a jump tied to its new Grand Forks hospital. Workforce Training in Surgery Tech: Lake Region State College graduated its first surgical technology cohort, using an apprenticeship model with Altru. Agriculture Mental Health: NDSU Extension will run free QPR suicide prevention webinars for people in agriculture starting Sept. 1. Public Health Alerts: North Dakota DEQ issued a blue-green algae advisory for Lake Tschida, with other locations under warnings. Infrastructure: NDDOT scheduled routine inspection work on the Expressway Bridge between Bismarck and Mandan for Aug. 4–5, with lane closures and speed limits. Energy & Research Leadership: UND’s EERC executive Tom Erickson retired after 38 years, citing major impacts on cleaner energy and environmental work. Higher Ed Innovation: A “College in 3” reduced-credit bachelor’s model is expanding nationally, with North Dakota among early pilot efforts.

Rural Health Tech Push: North Dakota HHS is rolling out about $50.5M in new Rural Health Transformation Program funding, with grants for telehealth, remote patient monitoring, workforce and emergency services, plus tech upgrades like AI and electronic medical record improvements. Public Health Watch: DEQ issued updated blue-green algae advisories for Lake Tschida and warnings for several other waters, urging residents to avoid exposure and report sightings. Energy & Environment: A new USGS report estimates huge remaining coal resources under federal lands, including undeveloped reserves that extend into North Dakota, as the administration weighs what that could mean for future mining. Data Centers Go Urban: A study finds nearly all U.S. data centers are located in metro areas, challenging the idea that the “cloud” is mostly remote. Education & Skills: Jamestown Public Schools and the James Valley Career and Technology Center kick off the new school year with expanded hands-on programs, including building trades and agriculture/culinary offerings. Policy Debate: Lawmakers may revisit a North Dakota kratom ban in a possible special session, as officials weigh public health risks.

Energy & Resources: A new USGS report estimates about 4 billion tons of coal remain at existing U.S. mines and another 356 billion tons could be developed in new areas across the lower 48, with North Dakota among the states holding undeveloped resources under federal land. Public Health & Policy: North Dakota officials are moving to address kratom after 23 deaths since 2019 were linked to kratom-related compounds, with lawmakers weighing a possible special session and a ban. Rural Healthcare Tech: North Dakota HHS is launching about $50.5M in Rural Health Transformation funding, including telehealth, remote patient monitoring, workforce support, and health IT upgrades. Environment & Water Safety: DEQ issued a blue-green algae advisory for Lake Tschida and updated locations for other advisories and warnings statewide. Agriculture Tech: NDSU Extension will host a Controlled Environment Agriculture conference in Fargo (Sept. 17–18) focused on precision agriculture, sensors, AI, and year-round growing systems. Infrastructure Planning: NDDOT finalized a 25-year transportation roadmap through 2050 after broad public outreach, including tribal consultations and campus input. Northern Lights: NOAA forecasts a chance to see aurora in parts of North Dakota and nearby northern states, with geomagnetic activity below storm levels.

Rural Healthcare Funding: North Dakota HHS opened applications for $50.5M in Rural Health Transformation Program grants, including $22M for rural ambulance upgrades, plus money for electronic medical records, telehealth infrastructure, and childcare to help recruit and retain staff. AI for Energy Research: UND was selected for the DOE Genesis Mission inaugural cohort, aiming to use AI and advanced computing to speed breakthroughs in energy and scientific discovery. Controlled Environment Agriculture: NDSU will host its 3rd annual North Dakota Controlled Environment Agriculture Conference Sept. 17–18, focusing on precision agriculture tech like sensors, smart monitoring, and water/nutrient management. Fertility Fraud Case at UND: UND removed Dr. Dennis Lutz from an OB-GYN leadership role and moved to terminate his employment amid allegations tied to fertility treatment consent and sperm sourcing. Northern Lights Forecast: NOAA says parts of the northern U.S., including North Dakota’s northern half, may see aurora tonight with a Kp index of 4. Storm Shelter Innovation: A Center, ND company built an underground storm shelter from a modified shipping container, designed for high winds and easier access for families. Agriculture Pest Watch: NDSU Extension reports soybean gall midge detected again in ND after four years, but says it’s not yet yield-limiting.