AGP Executive Report

UND Energy AI: UND’s battery-management AI project was picked for the DOE’s Genesis Mission inaugural cohort, aiming to link AI, supercomputing, and advanced instruments for energy and national security. Rural Health Funding: North Dakota HHS opened a new ~$50.5M round under the Rural Health Transformation Program, backing workforce, access, community health, and tech-enabled rural care. Data Centers & Power Costs: The White House expanded a “ratepayer protection” pledge for AI data centers, with 200+ utilities and developers joining to keep new power infrastructure costs from landing on households. AI Infrastructure Deal: AMD secured up to 2.5 GW of AI-ready capacity via Core Scientific, starting with 529 MW across multiple sites. Road Engineering: ND DOT and Ulteig held public meetings on U.S. 52 four-laning between Minot and Voltaire, with a divided highway and 70 mph as the preferred option. Weather Research: New analysis is challenging the official EF4 rating of the April Enid tornado, using updated damage-based methods. Health Access Gap: A national survey highlights “hormone deserts,” where many Americans struggle to reach qualified hormone care. Education Pipeline: NDUS and the State Board are piloting reduced-credit bachelor’s degrees to speed workforce entry. Lead Line Help (Jamestown): Jamestown property owners can still apply for loan forgiveness covering up to ~60% of lead service line replacement costs. Science & Safety: Leapfrog reported record participation in hospital and surgery-center patient safety ratings.

AI Infrastructure & Power: AMD and Core Scientific announced a partnership to secure up to 2.5 gigawatts of data-center capacity, with 500+ megawatts starting in 2027, as Core repurposes former bitcoin sites for AI compute. Bitcoin Treasury Rebuild: Core Scientific also reported adding 301 BTC in Q2 to reach 848 total, alongside a jump in revenue and gross profit—signaling a steadier balance sheet while it scales high-performance computing. Local Tech & Finance Security: DakCU partnered with Rippleshot to give North and South Dakota credit unions real-time fraud intelligence to catch card fraud earlier. Biofuels Market Watch: A new market report projects advanced biofuels growing from about $29.3B in 2026 to $66.2B by 2035, driven by renewable diesel/HVO and SAF mandates. North Dakota R&D Incentives: Fargo is weighing a nearly $300K, five-year tax break for Valley Process Technologies to build a research lab tied to ethanol and value-added chemical work. Public Input on Wetlands: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service opened a short comment period on wetland easement policies in the Prairie Pothole Region, drawing conservation groups’ concern.

Healthcare Precision in Rural ND: Watford City’s McKenzie Health is leaning into targeted care with gastroenterologist Dr. Mark Brewster, aiming to tackle the “prescription problem” by reducing overmedication and using advanced, personalized approaches. Public Safety on US85: McKenzie County and partners ramped up enforcement along U.S. Highway 85 and active construction zones to cut crashes, speeding, and other violations. Reentry-Focused Corrections: McKenzie County Correctional Facility highlights expanded, evidence-based programming designed to reduce disruptions and recidivism while building skills for life after release. Data Centers, With Guardrails: TechND leaders argue North Dakota should welcome data centers but demand transparency, real local input, and serious attention to power use and environmental impacts. AI Infrastructure Deal: Core Scientific and AMD announced an agreement for up to 2.5 gigawatts of data center capacity to support AMD AI deployments. Fraud-Fighting for Credit Unions: DakCU partnered with Rippleshot to give Dakota credit unions earlier, real-time card fraud detection support. Drone Use in Emergency Response: Grand Forks is considering a “drone as first responder” program to improve situational awareness for 911 calls, with privacy and policy questions in the mix. Agriculture Weather Data: Minnesota expanded its Ag Weather Network with two new Southeast stations to tighten local weather and soil data for farmers. UAS Battery Orders: NEO Battery Materials says it received purchase orders tied to drone battery packs, including work connected to North Dakota’s UAS procurement program.

Fraud Tech for Finance: DakCU is partnering with Rippleshot to give Dakota credit unions real-time card-fraud intelligence, aiming to catch scams earlier. Critical Minerals, Local Uncertainty: A North Dakota nickel-processing plan tied to a former coal mine is still murky, with a feasibility study also weighing shipping material to Michigan. Grid Reliability Under Heat: The U.S. DOE issued an emergency order for backup power across 17 states, including North Dakota, as extreme heat raises blackout risk. Water Safety From Smoke & Heat: Wildfire smoke may be worsening water quality, while triple-digit heat and low lake levels are driving harmful cyanobacteria bloom warnings across multiple North Dakota waters. Public Safety Drones: Grand Forks is considering a “drone as first responder” program to give responders video of emergencies before arrival. Health Risk in Drinking Water: A study finds lithium in tap water across many western communities, with many samples above a federal screening level, including in the Dakotas. Workforce Pipeline: North Dakota’s career and technical education push is expanding, with new training aligned to industry needs.

Water & Health: Wildfire smoke is raising concerns about contamination in drinking water across North Dakota, with the EPA flagging possible increases in nitrate, arsenic, disinfection byproducts, and volatile organic compounds as smoke moves in. Toxic Algae: The DEQ has posted harmful algae warnings at multiple lakes as triple-digit heat and low water levels boost cyanobacteria blooms, including the highest warning level at Bowman-Haley Dam, South Golden Lake, and Warsing Dam. Lithium Exposure: A new Columbia study finds lithium is a widespread, persistent exposure source in Tribal communities, with household tap water often exceeding a federal screening level in Arizona and the Dakotas. Grid Reliability: The DOE authorized backup power sources for parts of 17 states, including North Dakota, to reduce blackout risk through Aug. 3 amid extreme heat. Local Courts & Industry: A judge is weighing a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of North Dakota’s Beef Commission membership appointment process. Agriculture & Climate: Heat is stressing North Dakota wheat as harvest nears, while global tensions keep pressure on prices and exports.

Canola Boom: North Dakota canola acres hit a record 2.35 million this year, up from 1.81 million in 2025, as farmers expand into new areas and recover from wet-weather and verticillium limits. Food Policy Debate: Canola and sunflower growers push back on “seed oils” health rhetoric, saying USDA projections show demand holding steady even as political messaging heats up. Steel Supply Chain: A proposed pig iron plant near Minot would turn Minnesota mine waste into steel feedstock, aiming for 2 million metric tons annually and 650 jobs. Water Safety: The ND Department of Environmental Quality issued a harmful algae bloom advisory for Devils Lake, warning people and pets to avoid contaminated water. Lithium Exposure Study: A new study links household drinking water to long-term lithium exposure, with levels exceeding screening thresholds in North Dakota/South Dakota communities. EERC Funding Update: More than half of furloughed UND Energy and Environmental Research Center staff have returned as DOE funding terms move forward. Agriculture Research Calendar: NDSU’s Carrington Research Extension Center Oakes Irrigation Research Site field day is set for Aug. 6, with canola, nitrogen, and disease updates. Heat Watch: A major heat dome is forecast to push triple-digit temperatures across the Plains and northern Rockies, raising stress on people and crops. Housing Tech & Policy: Fargo-Moorhead’s new affordable housing law is expected to ease costs and inventory constraints for buyers and builders.

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.