AGP Executive Report

Pesticide Liability Fight: Pesticide makers are pushing “liability shield” laws to block lawsuits from people harmed by products like glyphosate (Roundup), as the U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule in July 2026 on whether federal law blocks state “failure to warn” claims—North Dakota and Georgia already passed similar shields. Dakota Access Pipeline Settlement: North Dakota will recover nearly $38 million from the federal government for costs tied to 2016–17 Dakota Access Pipeline protests, including a $27.8 million reimbursement in a final settlement. Fishing Tech Debate: Anglers are split over forward-facing sonar—some say it boosts the sport, others argue the high-tech approach changes the experience and raises concerns for fish and fishing culture. Northern Lights Watch: NOAA forecasts a possible aurora show in parts of North Dakota and nearby northern states, with best odds in the right viewing areas. Storm Recovery Funding: FEMA is awarding $817,641 for North Dakota storm recovery, including repairs for power infrastructure and replacement work at the University of Jamestown sports dome. Wildlife & Habitat Pressure: A federal lease sale in Colorado would open large areas used by an elk herd for migration and winter habitat to oil and gas development, raising concerns for dark-sky tourism and wildlife.

Pesticide Accountability Fight: Pesticide makers are pushing “liability shield” laws to block lawsuits from people harmed by products like glyphosate/Roundup, as the U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule in July 2026 on whether federal law blocks state “failure to warn” claims; Georgia and North Dakota already passed similar shields. Local Water & Wildlife: North Dakota Game and Fish keeps a catch-and-release pond stocked at its headquarters in Bismarck, offering free family fishing for trout, panfish, perch and white bass. Aurora Watch: NOAA says the northern lights could be visible in parts of North Dakota and other northern states Saturday night, with a mild Kp forecast and best odds in higher-latitude areas. Dakota Access Pipeline Settlement: The Trump administration agreed to pay North Dakota about $27.8 million to cover protest costs tied to the 2016–17 DAPL demonstrations, bringing the state’s recovery to nearly $38 million. Storm Recovery Funding: FEMA awarded $817,641 for North Dakota infrastructure repairs and debris removal after the 2025 derecho storms, including power cooperative pole repairs and replacement work at the University of Jamestown sports dome. Energy & Habitat Pressure: A major elk habitat lease sale in northwestern Colorado would open migration and winter range to oil and gas, raising concerns about impacts near dark-sky tourism areas.

Pesticide Lawsuit Fight: Pesticide makers are pushing “liability shield” laws to block lawsuits tied to cancer claims from glyphosate (Roundup). With the U.S. Supreme Court set to rule in July 2026 on whether federal law blocks state “failure to warn” cases, North Dakota is already among states that passed similar protections. Northern Lights Watch: NOAA forecasts mild aurora chances for North Dakota and nearby northern states, with the best odds Saturday night along the U.S.-Canada border. Wildlife & Energy Pressure: A major oil-and-gas lease sale in northwestern Colorado would open habitat used by the region’s elk herd, raising concerns about impacts to migration corridors and even dark-sky tourism near Dinosaur National Monument. Storm Recovery: FEMA approved $817,641 for North Dakota infrastructure repairs and debris removal after the 2025 derecho, including power cooperative repairs and replacement work at the University of Jamestown sports dome. Education & Access: The North Dakota Center for Distance Education earned full AccredVEd accreditation for its K–12 virtual and blended learning program. Animal Health Alert: The screwworm is spreading, with new New World screwworm cases and stricter interstate animal movement rules after detections in Texas and beyond.

Pesticide legal fight: Pesticide makers are pushing “liability shield” laws to block lawsuits tied to cancer claims from glyphosate (Roundup), as the U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule in July 2026 on whether federal law blocks state “failure to warn” cases—North Dakota is already among states that passed similar protections. Aurora watch: NOAA says the northern lights could be visible in North Dakota and other northern states Saturday night, with a mild Kp forecast and best odds in darker, high-vantage areas. Storm recovery dollars: FEMA approved $817,641 for North Dakota infrastructure repairs and debris removal after the June 2025 derecho, including power cooperative pole repairs and replacement work at the University of Jamestown sports dome. Wildlife vs. development: A major elk habitat lease sale in Colorado would open migration and winter areas to oil and gas, raising concerns for dark-sky tourism near Dinosaur National Monument. Local outdoors: North Dakota Game and Fish keeps a stocked catch-and-release pond at its headquarters in Bismarck for free family fishing. Water safety: Emerado residents were warned not to use city water until repairs and testing are complete.

Pesticide Accountability Fight: Pesticide makers are pushing “liability shield” laws to block lawsuits tied to glyphosate and other herbicides, as the U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule in July 2026 on whether federal law blocks state “failure to warn” claims. North Dakota Storm Recovery: FEMA approved $817,641 for North Dakota repairs and debris removal after the June 2025 derecho, including power infrastructure work and replacement of the University of Jamestown sports dome facilities. Dakota Access Pipeline Settlement: The federal government will pay North Dakota nearly $28 million to settle protest-policing costs from the 2016–2017 Dakota Access Pipeline demonstrations, with a statement acknowledging federal response fell short. Wildlife & Habitat Pressure: A major elk habitat lease sale in northwestern Colorado would open migration and winter areas to oil and gas, raising concerns about impacts near dark-sky tourism zones. Ag Weather Data Boost (Region): Minnesota expanded its Ag Weather Network with new stations in East Central Minnesota to give farmers more localized weather and soil information. Public Health & Livestock Movement: New World screwworm has been detected in the U.S., triggering quarantines and stricter animal movement rules. Northern Lights Forecast: NOAA forecasts aurora visibility chances for North Dakota and nearby states this weekend. Community Outdoors: Williston’s Confluence Interpretive Center is running free summer programs on rivers, history, and nature through late August.

Pesticide Liability Fight: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule in July 2026 on whether federal law blocks state “failure to warn” lawsuits against pesticide makers, as states including North Dakota already passed liability shield laws and thousands of Roundup cases keep piling up. Wildlife & Livestock Health: New World screwworm has been detected in the U.S. for the first time in years, triggering quarantines and new interstate animal movement requirements after confirmed cases in Texas and one in New Mexico. Dakota Access Settlement: North Dakota will receive nearly $28M from the federal government to settle costs from Dakota Access Pipeline protest policing, with the DOJ issuing a statement acknowledging its response “fell short” in key respects. Energy & Land Use: Federal officials plan to open tens of thousands of acres of Colorado wilderness to oil drilling, raising concerns for wildlife habitat and dark-sky tourism impacts. Northern Lights Forecast: NOAA says auroras could be visible in North Dakota and nearby states during upcoming geomagnetic activity, with best chances in darker areas. Local Community & Education: North Dakota school and nonprofit updates include BRIDGE office hours for statewide systems support and a new Stanley-area school opening plan, plus Sanford taking over a Minot clinic site.

Aurora Watch: NOAA forecasts a Kp index of 4 Thursday night, with a better shot Friday (Kp 5) for northern states including North Dakota, where darker skies and late-night viewing (roughly 10 p.m.–2 a.m.) matter. Water Safety: Emerado residents are still under a “don’t use” water order after a watermain break, with flushing and testing needed before drinking resumes. Pipeline Protest Fallout: North Dakota will receive nearly $28M from the federal government to settle costs from Dakota Access Pipeline protest policing, with the U.S. also issuing a statement acknowledging shortcomings. Trail Access Win: The North Country National Scenic Trail is getting closer to being fully off-road, after the National Park Service acquired 213 acres in Wisconsin to reroute about three miles into nature. Parks & Protest Policy: An AP review says most public comments on a Trump push to flag “negative” history at national parks criticized the effort itself—showing backlash even at low response rates. Local Conservation: Scouts across the region are set for a first-ever Conservation Day of Service in Detroit Lakes, targeting parks, trails, waterways, and natural spaces.

Dakota Access Pipeline Fallout: The federal government will pay North Dakota nearly $28M to settle a lawsuit over policing costs tied to the 2016–17 Dakota Access Pipeline protests, and will drop its appeals while issuing a statement acknowledging intimidation and violence faced by state law enforcement. Water Safety: Emerado residents were told not to use city water after a watermain break, with testing and flushing needed before it’s safe again. Legal Fight Over Protest Rights: A Dutch court ruled Greenpeace can continue its case against Energy Transfer tied to Dakota Access Pipeline protest lawsuits, keeping the dispute in international view. Pesticides & Cancer: A Supreme Court case on whether people can sue pesticide makers over cancer claims is nearing a ruling, with a roundup of key points on lawsuits and links between pesticide use and cancer. Community Outdoors: Scouts across northern Minnesota and North Dakota will join the first Conservation Day of Service on June 13 to clean parks, trails, and waterways. Access & Trails: Turtle Mountain’s Sky Chief Park trail bridge linkage project won a national accessibility award, highlighting safer wildlife viewing and cultural education.

Water Safety Alert (Emerado): A watermain break has triggered a “No Use Order” for Emerado residents after officials warned contaminants may have entered the system; the city says water should be used only for flushing toilets until repairs finish and samples test safe. Pipeline & Protest Legal Fight (Dakota Access): A Dutch court ruled Greenpeace can continue its case against Energy Transfer tied to Dakota Access Pipeline protest lawsuits, keeping the dispute in international courts after a North Dakota judge required Greenpeace to pay $345 million. Public Lands & History (National Parks): An AP review of 35,000 public comments says most people who responded to a Trump push to report “negative” portrayals of Americans instead criticized the policy itself, including backlash from visitors at Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Conservation Access (Turtle Mountain): Sky Chief Park’s trail bridge linkage project won a national Tom Petri Recreational Trails Program award for accessibility enhancement, highlighting safer wildlife viewing and cultural education. Local Tech for Safety (Fargo): Fargo selected Aeva’s 4D LiDAR traffic intelligence for intersections built to handle snow, fog, and low visibility—aimed at improving year-round safety. Agriculture & Pollinators (Opinion): A national piece argues bee losses can’t be blamed on single causes, pointing to strain from the industrial pollination system. Jobs & Land Use Pressure (Data centers): A letter urges North Dakota to hold a special legislative session to set standards for AI data centers, warning they could stress water supplies and rural infrastructure.

Water Safety Alert: Emerado residents were told not to use city water after a water main break raised concerns about backflow and possible contaminants until samples show it’s safe. Pipeline Protest in Court: A Dutch court ruled Greenpeace can continue its case against Energy Transfer tied to Dakota Access Pipeline protest lawsuits, keeping the fight over Indigenous rights and water protection in the spotlight. Public Lands Pushback: An Associated Press review found most people who responded to a Trump national parks request to flag “negative” American history used their comments to criticize the policy instead. Severe Weather Watch: Hot, humid conditions are fueling an enhanced severe storm risk across parts of the Dakotas and western Minnesota, with damaging winds, hail, and tornadoes possible. Trail Access Win: Turtle Mountain’s Sky Chief Park trail bridge linkage project won a national Tom Petri Recreational Trails Program award for accessibility enhancements. Local Tech for Safety: Fargo selected Aeva’s 4D LiDAR traffic intelligence to improve intersection monitoring in snow, fog, and low light. Kids’ Well-Being: A national report found children’s well-being declined across many states, with North Dakota among those seeing some of the biggest drops. Agriculture & Pollinators: A piece argues industrial beekeeping practices are pushing pollinators to the brink, raising stakes for crops that rely on pollination. Community & Parks: Jamestown voters re-elected parks commissioners focused on outdoor pool feasibility and restroom upgrades, including ADA improvements.

Severe Weather Watch: The Twin Cities metro is under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 7 a.m., with warnings across parts of Minnesota for damaging winds up to 80 mph and possible tornadoes. Public Health Water Alert: Emerado residents were told not to use city water after a watermain break caused a loss of pressure and raised concerns about contamination until the system is flushed and samples confirm safety. Kids’ Well-Being: A new Kids Count report finds children’s well-being dropped in 29 states from 2019 to 2024, with North Dakota among the biggest declines. Outdoor Access & Wildlife: Turtle Mountain Band’s Sky Chief Park trail bridge linkage project won a national Tom Petri Recreational Trails award for accessibility improvements. Summer Nature Tips: A guide highlights how to attract fireflies in North Dakota, noting they’re rarer than many expect. Mosquito/West Nile Prevention: NDHHS urges bite prevention—repellent, protective clothing, and eliminating standing water—after last year’s West Nile cases. Local Elections: Northwood voters backed a street improvement advisory measure, and Jamestown voters re-elected Parks and Recreation commissioners focused on pools and ADA restroom upgrades. Agriculture & Conservation Funding: NFWF announced nearly $18.5M for Great Plains grassland conservation and ranching support, targeting species like pronghorn and grassland birds.

Rural Connectivity Push: Integrity Technologies Corp. is teaming up with World Mobile to combine fiber backhaul, fixed wireless, and cellular tech to close connectivity gaps on rural and tribal lands across the U.S., with early focus in North America. Grasslands for Wildlife: The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation announced nearly $18.5M in Great Plains grassland grants, aiming to protect habitat for grassland birds, pronghorn, greater sage-grouse, and black-footed ferrets while supporting ranching communities. Prairie Conservation Spotlight: North Dakota marked Prairie Day, highlighting how native grasslands support wildlife, pollinators, and ranching—and noting only about 25% of historic grasslands remain. Water & Community Recreation: Williston Water World opened as a new 2.3-acre aquatic destination after years of fundraising, restoring outdoor swimming for a city that had been without a pool since 2014. Severe Weather Watch: Storm damage reports and tornado confirmations hit parts of North Dakota, with more damaging winds, hail, and possible tornadoes expected Tuesday. Mosquito Safety: State health officials reiterated that preventing mosquito bites is the best defense against West Nile virus, with practical steps for repellent use and eliminating standing water. Whooping Crane Storytelling: Conservation efforts continue along the whooping crane migration corridor, with local documentation of habitat conditions and the birds’ ongoing recovery.

Herbicide & health policy: A new legal filing challenges Bayer’s proposed Roundup settlement, arguing the deal shortchanges cancer sufferers while paying lawyers heavily, and raises constitutional due-process concerns. Local governance & housing: Fargo approved $1.3M in federal housing and development grants, setting priorities for infrastructure in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. Water & land impacts: North Dakota DEQ is investigating a produced-water spill near Cartwright that affected a pasture and nearby spring. Space tech for water reuse: NASA is testing a mobile wastewater treatment system at UND to support long-duration Moon/Mars missions. Prairie conservation: ND Outdoors spotlights Prairie Day and why native grasslands matter for wildlife, pollinators, and ranching resilience. Severe weather: Storm reports include damaging winds, a confirmed tornado near Bowbells, and more severe weather expected Tuesday across the region. Data centers & community strain: A North Dakota letter urges a special legislative session to set standards for fast-growing data centers, amid local concerns about water use and impacts. Wildlife education: Barnes County’s Junior Duck Stamp Art Exhibit opens, highlighting youth conservation themes.

Severe Weather & Cleanup: High winds and at least one tornado hit parts of North Dakota, with damage reported near Lake Sakakawea (including Legacy North Campground) and around Zap; forecasters warn more damaging storms could follow. Water & Land Impacts: North Dakota DEQ is investigating a produced-water spill from a pipeline near Cartwright that affected pasture and a nearby spring, with cleanup and monitoring underway. Energy & Infrastructure Oversight: The Public Service Commissioner race is heating up as Jill Kringstad seeks election and discusses utility and energy issues, while FERC gathers local input on the Bakken East Pipeline route through Stutsman County. Data Centers Debate: An environmental health specialist urged Minot residents to demand safeguards as data centers expand, while local officials push back on claims tied to misinformation. Conservation Education: The North Dakota 33rd Junior Duck Stamp Art Exhibit opened at the Barnes County Museum, spotlighting youth conservation themes and wetlands/waterfowl learning. Prairie-Scale Research & Training: UND is set to train graduate students through an NSF program focused on water and land conservation. Wildlife & Public Lands: Tribes sued to halt exploratory drilling near a sacred Black Hills site, arguing impacts to wildlife and ceremonial land. Coal Funding Push: Nationally, the Trump administration is channeling major federal dollars into coal power projects, including support that lists North Dakota among beneficiary states.

Severe Storms in the Prairie: Environment Canada issued/updated an orange severe thunderstorm warning for the Estevan area, with damaging wind gusts, large hail and extremely heavy rain possible, plus a tornado risk as a squall line crosses the border. Tornado Threat Escalates: A tornado watch stayed in effect for southeast Saskatchewan as storms developed rapidly along a warm front, with officials urging residents in basements or small interior rooms on the lowest floor. Bakken East Pipeline Scrutiny: FERC held a scoping meeting in Jamestown for the proposed Bakken East Pipeline, where landowners raised concerns about how agricultural ground and wooded areas would be restored after construction. Local Water Impact Reported: North Dakota DEQ said produced water spilled from a pipeline near Cartwright, affecting pasture and a nearby spring, with cleanup and monitoring underway. Coal Funding Push: Multiple reports say the Trump administration is channeling Defense Production Act money to keep coal plants running and extend operations, including facilities in North Dakota. Data Center Noise Debate: In Oliver County, commissioners heard concerns that hyperscale data center sound could affect nearby residents and livestock, while the company pointed to ongoing sound studies and county conditions. Wildlife & Habitat: A Dutch court decision keeps Greenpeace’s Dakota Access Pipeline protest case alive internationally, while a North Dakota-linked geomagnetic storm forecast has people watching for northern lights farther south than usual.

Coal Funding Push: President Trump is using wartime Defense Production Act powers to funnel about $700 million into “clean, beautiful” coal—extending and restarting plants, including in North Dakota, and backing a California export terminal—drawing fresh criticism from environmental groups. Local Energy Impacts: A produced water spill near Cartwright is under investigation by the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality after Liberty Resources LLC reported the release that affected pasture and a nearby spring. Pipeline Scrutiny: FERC is collecting public input on the Bakken East Pipeline route through Stutsman County, with landowners focused on how construction will affect farmland return and wooded areas. Tribal Rights vs. Drilling: Nine tribes across the Dakotas and Nebraska are suing to stop exploratory graphite drilling near a sacred Black Hills meadow used for ceremonies and youth camps, citing wildlife and federal-law violations. Northern Lights Watch: NOAA forecasts possible aurora visibility in parts of North Dakota and nearby states as a strong geomagnetic storm ramps up. Outdoor & Wildlife: Turtle River State Park highlights year-round recreation in Grand Forks County, while a community science effort (Darwin’s Ark) is recruiting more cat owners, including in North Dakota, for feline genetics research.