AGP Executive Report

Kratom Crackdown in Bismarck: North Dakota lawmakers kicked off talks on restricting kratom ahead of a Sept. 2 special session, with Gov. Kelly Armstrong’s earlier executive ban now pushing the debate toward whether to ban synthetic 7-OH while regulating or limiting natural leaf products. Wildfire Readiness: Armstrong declared a statewide fire emergency as drought expands to more than half the state, directing agencies to stay on high alert through Dec. 1. Military & Religious Liberty: Sen. John Hoeven joined North Dakota’s GOP delegation on a Senate push to clarify military chaplains’ religious liberties in the “Military Chaplains Modernization Act.” Disability Care Warning: North Dakota disability advocates are alarmed by a new DOJ legal memo that could, they fear, weaken the legal basis for home-and-community services. ACLU Leadership: The ACLU of North Dakota named Martha Rossiter its new legal director, tapping nearly two decades of civil rights and criminal defense experience. Federal Sanctions Push: The U.S. Senate passed a sanctions bill targeting major purchasers of Russian oil and gas, with Hoeven backing the effort.

Kratom crackdown in North Dakota: Gov. Kelly Armstrong’s statewide kratom ban is now in effect, with enforcement underway and a Sept. 2 special session planned to codify it into law. Fargo police say two deaths were linked to kratom in July, and Cass County officials report people have passed out behind the wheel; under the order, selling or possessing can bring fines up to $1,000. State courts and policy: A North Dakota judge is weighing whether the process for serving on the Beef Commission is unconstitutional, after arguments from the state and the Ranchers Rights Initiative. Public safety and local government: Bowman police warned residents about a “Penelope” dating-site scam that escalates into calls from an impersonated officer demanding money. Farm economy support: Dakotafest is adding a “2027 Profit Roadmap” seminar aimed at helping producers navigate tight margins and policy shifts. Energy and infrastructure politics: Interior Secretary Doug Burgum visited a Pennsylvania power plant tied to a proposed data center project, while Interior staffers are also facing renewed scrutiny over claims of secrecy and staff departures under his leadership. Midwest travel disruption: An ATC outage centered on Minneapolis caused ground stops and delays across multiple states, including North Dakota. Crime and courts (Ramsey County): Booking reports show 9 warrant bookings for the week ending Aug. 2 and 2 domestic-category bookings for the week ending July 26.

Kratom crackdown in North Dakota: Gov. Armstrong moved to ban kratom statewide and called for a special legislative session to put the ban into state law, with disposal guidance and drop-off sites circulating as the ban took effect. State politics and elections: Fargo Mayor Josh Boschee resigned from the North Dakota Senate, and the Democratic-NPL tapped Jamie Selzler to replace him in District 44. Data center fight heats up: A Port report says Democratic-NPL candidates aren’t engaging on data centers in good faith, as the issue remains a major wedge in central and western ND races. Public safety and local government: Bowman police warned residents about a scam involving an impersonator claiming to be a police officer after dating-site contact; Moorhead police also flagged AI-altered images tied to a Veterans Honor Flight trailer theft. Federal policy push with ND ties: North Dakota’s AG joined multi-state efforts urging Congress to strengthen federal penalties for ATM robberies and to expand states’ ability to pursue Medicaid fraud. Transportation and federal operations: An FAA outage at the Minneapolis air traffic control center disrupted some Midwest flights, including coverage that includes North Dakota.

Kratom crackdown in North Dakota: Gov. Kelly Armstrong’s executive order is now in force, making kratom products illegal to sell statewide; officials say law enforcement is ready to enforce it, with fines up to $1,000, and the state reports 50 kratom-associated deaths since 2019. USDA crop insurance reversal: USDA is restoring a 5% “buy-up” option for prevented planting coverage after concerns in North Dakota; Sen. John Hoeven pressed the issue at a Senate Agriculture Appropriations hearing. Food insecurity surge: Great Plains Food Bank says more than 186,000 people used its pantry network over the past year, a record and up 16%, with working families increasingly turning to food assistance. Local government budget talk: Grand Forks County commissioners advanced the 2027 budget draft, weighing employee raises (including possible 3% COLAs or step increases) alongside service cuts and potential sales-tax discussions. Federal firearms policy shift: A judge ruled parts of the National Firearms Act are unconstitutional after Congress zeroed out the tax, potentially affecting silencer and short-barreled gun registration requirements. Military in North Dakota: The Space Force activated the 77th Surveillance Squadron at Grand Forks Air Force Base to support space-based moving target indication for joint warfighters.

Kratom crackdown: North Dakota’s kratom ban took effect Aug. 5, with Gov. Kelly Armstrong’s order prohibiting possession, sale and use for 30 days while lawmakers prepare a special session starting Sept. 2; the AG also released statewide disposal drop-off options through law enforcement and pharmacies. Gun law update: A federal judge ruled the National Firearms Act no longer supports registration requirements for silencers and short-barreled guns after Congress removed the related tax, setting up appeals. Health policy pressure: North Dakota’s AG Drew Wrigley joined a coalition of attorneys general urging Congress to pass the STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act, seeking expanded state authority to investigate recipient fraud. Courts and rights: A federal appeals court upheld Florida’s child-protection “drag ban,” saying it can regulate “lewd” adult performances for minors. Local government: Grand Forks County commissioners advanced a health insurance plan and first draft of the budget, with sheriff-linked sales tax discussions continuing. Military & tech: The U.S. Space Force activated the 77th Surveillance Squadron at Grand Forks AFB for space-based moving target tracking. Public safety: North Dakota Highway Patrol and local coverage renewed focus on seat belt use during the state’s deadliest summer driving stretch.

Drug-Price Antitrust: Michigan AG Dana Nessel says a coalition of 43 states has reached a $400 million settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic-drug price-fixing and anti-competitive conduct; if approved, Sandoz would pay about $469 million, with injunctive reforms, and the case is headed toward a 2027 trial if signatures aren’t secured. Medicaid Fraud Push: North Dakota AG Marty Jackley joined a bipartisan letter urging Congress to pass the STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act, which would expand Medicaid Fraud Control Units’ authority to pursue beneficiary and recipient fraud; the letter cites billions recovered nationwide and notes South Dakota’s restitution totals. North Dakota Senate Appointment: Fargo Mayor Josh Boschee’s resignation opened a District 44 seat, and the Democratic-NPL executive committee appointed Jamie Selzler to serve out the term through 2028, citing priorities like housing, childcare, jobs, and support for public employees. Local Budgeting: Ward County commissioners approved a preliminary 2027 budget that could mean a small property-tax decrease, with spending reduced and a public hearing set for September. Public Safety: North Dakota Highway Patrol is stressing seat belts after recent fatal crashes where none of the victims were buckled. Sports Realignment Legal Truce: The rebuilt Pac-12 and Mountain West announced a settlement ending their poaching-penalty litigation, with financial terms undisclosed.

Dem-NPL Leadership: Fargo Mayor Josh Boschee’s resignation from the North Dakota Senate is triggering a quick political handoff, with party officials naming Jamie Selzler to replace him in District 44. State Budget & Health Costs: Grand Forks County commissioners voted to keep 2027 health insurance spending flat, aiming to blunt a projected 20% premium jump while still working to meet the state’s 3% property tax cap. Kratom Push: North Dakota lawmakers are set for a second special session focused on banning kratom and 7-OH in state law, after an executive order expires in 30 days. Military Community Funding: The state Commerce Department awarded $1 million in Base Enhancement Grants to Minot AFB, Grand Forks AFB, and the Fargo Air National Guard. Elections & Ballot Measures: North Dakotans will also vote Nov. 3 on two constitutional amendments, including a proposal to raise the approval threshold for future amendments to 60%. Public Safety & Courts: A Fargo man faces federal charges after police say he openly carried an AR-style rifle at a street fair despite a court order barring him from firearms. AG & Federal Policy: Attorney General Tim Griffin joined a bipartisan push in Congress to expand Medicaid fraud enforcement to beneficiary/recipient fraud through the STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act.

Kratom Crackdown: Gov. Kelly Armstrong and AG Drew Wrigley announced sweeping executive actions to ban kratom statewide, with a sale/use/possession ban starting Aug. 5 and an emergency move to classify 7-OH as a Schedule I drug, citing 50 North Dakota deaths tied to kratom since 2019. Special Session Push: Armstrong says the executive order expires in about 30 days, so lawmakers will return to Bismarck Sept. 2 to put the ban into state law. Legislative Personnel: Fargo Mayor Josh Boschee resigned from the North Dakota Senate effective Aug. 4, clearing the way for District 44 to name a replacement ahead of the Sept. 2 special session. Health Policy Watch: North Dakota’s neighbors and national lawmakers are also moving on health enforcement—Missouri AG Catherine Hanaway backed federal legislation to expand states’ Medicaid fraud authority beyond provider fraud. Public Services: North Dakota Protection & Advocacy launched an online Service Directory to help people with disabilities and families find resources across the state. Local Growth: The KIDS Program and HIT Inc. will expand into a new Dickinson facility in 2027 to meet rising early intervention demand. Safety Update: Theodore Roosevelt National Park confirmed a missing hiker, Artoun Gostantian, was found dead after a weeks-long search.

Kratom Crackdown: Gov. Kelly Armstrong and AG Drew Wrigley announced emergency actions and a Sept. 2 special session to ban kratom products in North Dakota, citing overdoses and deaths and arguing the state’s current lack of regulation leaves a “Wild West” market. Legislative Personnel: Fargo Mayor Josh Boschee resigned from the North Dakota Senate effective Aug. 4 so District 44 can name a replacement ahead of the newly announced special session. Public Health & Fraud Policy: North Dakota AG Drew Wrigley joined a coalition urging Congress to pass the “STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act,” pushing to expand states’ ability to pursue Medicaid beneficiary fraud. Disability Services: North Dakota Protection & Advocacy launched an online Service Directory to help people with disabilities and families find programs and engagement opportunities statewide. Local Growth in Care: The KIDS Program and HIT Inc. will expand into a new Dickinson facility in 2027 to meet rising demand for early intervention services. Federal Courts: A Bemidji woman’s federal case tied to alleged interference with a flight crew was dismissed after she completed pretrial diversion. Drug Pricing Settlement: North Dakota is part of a multistate $400 million settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic drug price-fixing and reduced competition, with payments routed partly to Medicaid and partly to an antitrust fund. Community Safety: Theodore Roosevelt National Park confirmed a missing hiker, Artoun Gostantain, was found dead after an extensive search.

Medicaid Work Requirements: North Dakota HHS says it’s preparing for federally required Medicaid changes starting in 2027, including new work or training requirements for some Medicaid Expansion adults, with exclusions for groups like Native Americans, caregivers of young children, people with disabilities, and pregnant women. Rural Health Funding: The state is opening a new round of Rural Health Transformation Program grants totaling $50.5 million, including behavioral health training, rural ambulance tech upgrades, childcare for rural healthcare workers, remote patient monitoring, and telehealth infrastructure. Lake Sakakawea Access: Low water on Lake Sakakawea is forcing boat ramp and marina closures, with North Dakota Game and Fish planning to assess and prioritize repairs for newly exposed low-water ramps. Sports Betting Reality Check: North Dakota still allows in-person betting at tribal casinos but not statewide online/mobile wagering, so many residents rely on offshore sportsbooks that accept ND players. Midterm Politics Watch: New polling coverage suggests Trump’s approval is underwater in multiple swing states ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms, raising pressure on Republicans defending narrow majorities. Public Safety: A distracted-driving enforcement effort in New Jersey used an officer dressed as a “bush” to catch phone users, issuing 74 citations in six hours. Local Tragedy: An 18-year-old died after going underwater at Buffalo Lake Recreation Area near Esmond; an autopsy is requested.

Medicaid Work Requirements in ND: North Dakota HHS says it’s preparing for federally required Medicaid changes, including new work or training rules for some Medicaid Expansion adults starting Jan. 1, 2027, with exclusions for groups like Native Americans, caregivers, people with disabilities, pregnant/recently pregnant people, and veterans with full disability ratings. Rural Health Grants: ND HHS opened a new round of Rural Health Transformation Program grants totaling $50.5 million, including behavioral health training for parents/caregivers, ambulance tech upgrades, rural childcare to recruit workers, remote patient monitoring, and telehealth infrastructure for rural and tribal communities. Local Health Spending Signals: New federal spending data show Minot Medicaid providers billed $15,687 for enteral and parenteral therapy in 2024 (up sharply from 2023), while Grand Forks providers billed $21,919 for non-oral drug administration (also up strongly). Fall Election Setup: A broader look at how the fall election is shaping up highlights ballot and campaign dynamics heading into November.

Rural Health Funding: North Dakota’s Department of Health and Human Services opened a new round of Rural Health Transformation Program grants totaling $50.5 million, including behavioral health training ($500,000, due Aug. 8), ambulance tech upgrades (about $22 million, due Aug. 9), rural childcare for healthcare workers (about $3 million, due Aug. 11), remote patient monitoring (about $1.6 million, due Aug. 14), and telehealth infrastructure for rural and tribal communities (about $3.6 million). State Politics & Governance: A Jamestown city-county-style fight is brewing over a proposed amendment to the city’s sales and use tax ordinance, with the Parks and Recreation Commission and the public weighing how a future 1% sales tax should be used after the Two Rivers Activity Center bond is paid off. Public Safety & Wildlife: The ND Game and Fish Department set the 2026 pronghorn season with 1,310 licenses across 18 units, keeping the early bow-only window (Sep. 4-27) and later gun/bow period (Oct. 2-18). Healthcare Accountability: A North Dakota fertility doctor faces a civil lawsuit alleging he used his own semen during treatment without disclosure, leading to two births in the mid-1980s. Energy & Research: UND’s Energy and Environmental Research Center marked the retirement of long-time leader Tom Erickson after 38 years, highlighting the EERC’s role in cleaner energy and military-related renewable jet fuel work. Local Notes: Pingree dedicated its Memorial Park, and Jamestown school districts posted back-to-school updates and grievance procedure details.

Kratom & special session talk: North Dakota lawmakers are set to discuss, via Zoom, whether to call a special session focused on kratom—an herbal substance with stimulant and opioid-like effects—along with a stalled military museum construction issue tied to funding. Fargo ward system vote timing: Fargo officials say a special election for a proposed shift from a city commission to a city council with wards could land Oct. 6, after the measure cleared signature requirements; absentee ballots would be available by late August. Game & Fish outdoors update: North Dakota Game and Fish set the 2026 pronghorn season with 1,310 licenses across 18 units, keeping the same split format of bow-only early and later gun/bow in assigned units. Public notice fight: A North Dakota newspaper-focused commentary flags efforts to remove public notices from newspapers, including Trust Lands actions affecting oil and gas lease auction notice rules. Fertility fraud case in ND: A North Dakota fertility doctor faces allegations tied to using his own semen without disclosure, with the dispute now tied to civil claims and UND leadership fallout. Local governance & taxes: Jamestown residents and parks officials weighed concerns about a proposed amendment to the city’s sales and use tax ordinance tied to extending a 1% sales tax for the Two Rivers Activity Center.

Kratom Push in Bismarck: Gov. Kelly Armstrong and AG Drew Wrigley are set to announce actions aimed at addressing kratom after 23 North Dakota deaths linked to kratom-related compounds since 2019, with lawmakers weighing a special session. Local Tax Tension in Jamestown: Jamestown residents and the Parks and Recreation Commission raised concerns at a special meeting over a proposed amendment to the city’s 1% sales and use tax tied to the Two Rivers Activity Center; no vote was taken. Fargo Ward System Timing: Fargo is moving toward a special election on switching from an at-large commission to a ward-based city council, with a likely Oct. 6 date and absentee ballots due by Aug. 27. State Courts/Legal Appointments: Gov. Armstrong appointed Walsh County State’s Attorney Kelley Cole to the Northeast Judicial District bench, effective Aug. 17. Energy Research Leadership: Tom Erickson retired after 38 years at UND’s EERC, reflecting on the center’s growth and impact on cleaner energy and military-related renewable jet fuel work. Wildlife Management: North Dakota Game and Fish set the 2026 pronghorn season with 1,310 licenses across 18 units and a split bow-only then gun/bow schedule. Health Care Staffing: Sanford Health in Bismarck is recruiting nurses overseas to ease staffing shortages, including hires from the Philippines.

Drug Trafficking Case: A Fargo-area federal case says Jordan Cass ran a cartel-linked meth and cocaine ring moving “hundreds, if not thousands of pounds” into North Dakota and Minnesota, and a judge ordered her detained pending trial. City Governance: Fargo’s ward-system change is headed toward a special election; city staff are set to propose an Oct. 6 vote date after signature certification, with absentee ballots due by late August. Judicial Appointments: Gov. Tim Walz named Luke Godzala and Laura Welle to fill Minnesota’s Seventh Judicial District vacancies, underscoring ongoing bench turnover in the region. Public Health & Safety: Gov. Kelly Armstrong and AG Drew Wrigley are set to announce actions on kratom after state data tied kratom-related compounds to 23 deaths since 2019, fueling calls for a special session. Agriculture Policy: Cattle groups are pushing for MCOOL in the farm bill as Senate Ag markup approaches, with beef and cattle interests disagreeing on the labeling fight. Courts & Legal Process: A Minot-area fire official accused in a child sex crime case argues prosecutors should suppress phone evidence from a warrantless search. Transportation Planning: NDDOT finalized a 25-year roadmap through 2050 after broader public outreach, including tribal consultations and campus input. Health Care Workforce: Sanford Health in Bismarck is recruiting nurses overseas to address staffing shortages, highlighting how rural hospitals are filling gaps. State Politics Watch: North Dakota’s kratom debate and Fargo’s election timeline are likely to keep drawing attention as lawmakers weigh next steps.

Special Session Watch: Gov. Kelly Armstrong is expected to call a second special legislative session this year, with a statewide kratom ban on the agenda, as lawmakers weigh whether to rely on research before acting. Public Safety & Courts: North Dakota’s Supreme Court is set to decide attorney-fee fights in pipeline-related land seizure cases, after lower courts ordered the state to pay legal fees in two lawsuits. Health Policy & Accountability: UND moved to remove Dr. Dennis Lutz from leadership and begin steps to terminate him after a fertility-fraud lawsuit alleges he used his own genetic material without consent; the case is now driving major institutional fallout. State Government Appointments: Armstrong appointed Walsh County State’s Attorney Kelley Cole to an open judgeship in the Northeast Judicial District, effective Aug. 17. Federal Veterans Policy: President Trump announced a fast-track effort to help veterans obtain commercial driver’s licenses sooner, expanding a military waiver and adding training for those without heavy-vehicle experience. Energy Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy issued emergency orders to stabilize the power grid during extreme heat, including expanded authority for the Southwest Power Pool across a multi-state region that reaches North Dakota. Community & Civic Life: A Grand Forks FOP Lodge No. 2 official was charged with felony theft after alleged embezzlement of more than $11,000. Local Governance: Williston city leaders flagged kratom concerns and called for oversight.