AGP Executive Report

Live Music Calendar: Valley City’s Music in the Park welcomes Project Constellation on June 10 (7:15 p.m.), a husband/wife duo mixing folk, pop, punk, and Irish sounds plus Scandinavian crossovers. Choral Revival: Dakota Pro Musica is reviving the classic hymn-musical “Esther, the Beautiful Queen” June 12–14, with a Valley City stop June 13 at Vangstad Auditorium (6 p.m.) and a pre-concert lecture tied to a 1911 local performance. Local Arts Support: Nexstar’s “30 Days of Giving” is sending $5,000 grants to The Capital Gallery in Bismarck and The Foodbank in Dayton, highlighting North Dakota’s free-access art programming. Community Weather & Resilience: Western North Dakota is still assessing damage after a derecho brought hail, high winds, and tornadoes, with another round possible Tuesday. Sports Spotlight: NDSU decathletes Zach McGlynn and Paul Olson are set for the NCAA decathlon in Eugene, Oregon—proof mid-major athletes can still reach the national stage.

High School Sports: Des Lacs-Burlington/Lewis & Clark’s Logen Ystaas earned Class B all-state honors, while Beulah’s Addie Dale-Geiger was named NDHSCA POWERade Outstanding Senior Athlete after a monster season at the plate and in the circle. Legion Baseball: The Minot Metros opened conference play with a sweep of the Mandan A’s, powered by Brody Johnson’s shutout and timely hitting. Northwoods League: The Minot Hot Tots hit a rough patch, dropping another game to the St. Cloud Rox and falling to 7-7 as the Rox keep pulling away. Author Spotlight: Gina Trehus released Let’s Take a Walk, a values-and-resilience story inspired by dreams, with martial arts and life lessons at the center. Local Living: Fargo police reminded e-bike and e-scooter riders to know the rules before they ride. Community Arts: Marketplace for Kids moved into a new Dickinson office, keeping its hands-on entrepreneurship education days rolling. Severe Weather: A powerful storm system brought high winds and hail across western North Dakota, with damage reports continuing into the work week.

Local Arts & Culture: The Barnes County Museum in Valley City opened its State Junior Duck Stamp Art Exhibit, featuring 917 student entries and conservation-themed winners through June 30. Community Theater: Thief River Falls Area Community Theater found a “full-circle” connection in its “The Sound of Music,” casting a 7-year-old whose grandmother once played the same role in the 1965 film. Music on the Move: Project Constellation will bring original folk-pop-punk and Scandinavian songs to Valley City’s Music in the Park on June 10 at the Bandshell. Sports & Entertainment: Fargo Vipers won North Dakota’s first-ever girls flag football championship, while Minot Hot Tots battled St. Cloud Rox in a high-scoring Northwoods League series. Racing Spotlight: Jamestown’s Don Gumke Racers’ Memorial crowned Travis Hagen in the Shocker Hitch IMCA Modified featured race. Summer Travel: Your guide to visiting Medora is out, timed for the town’s busy season and the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library buzz.

Severe Weather Alert: A tornado watch and warnings are active across southeast Saskatchewan, with Environment Canada warning of damaging winds, large hail and a real twister risk—officials urge residents to get to basements or small interior rooms fast. NDSU in the Spotlight: North Dakota State’s Bison logo is set to appear in EA Sports’ College Football 27, with the school coordinating licensing and providing more than 1,200 images and videos to make the Fargodome look right. Local Sports Wins: Travis Hagen of McGregor took top prize at Jamestown Speedway’s Don Gumke Racers’ Memorial, and the Minot Hot Tots earned a home win over St. Cloud Rox in extra innings. Music & Community Events: Project Constellation will play Music in the Park in Valley City, and the Bridges Arts Council is encouraging lawn chairs for the June 10 show. Arts Funding: The Lyric Theatre in the region won a $2,500 grant to help remodel restrooms and improve the concession area.

PWHL Spotlight: Bismarck’s Britta Curl is leaving Minnesota for the new Detroit franchise, a move that’s already sparked plenty of chatter among hockey fans. AI & Arts Tech: Microsoft data says Vermont is near the bottom for AI tool use, with Chittenden County leading—an interesting look at how tech adoption shapes local creativity. Book + Visual Art Night: Fargo poet Jamie Parsley and painter Marjorie Schlossman team up for S/O/M/A, releasing with a June 9 reading at 7 p.m. in Fargo. North Dakota Sports Pop Culture: NDSU Bison branding is headed to EA Sports’ College Football 27 this fall, with the game set for July 9. Local Summer Music: Project Constellation brings folk-pop-punk and Scandinavian songs to Music in the Park in Valley City on June 10. Community Theater Upgrade: The Lyric Theatre in the region secured a $2,500 grant to fund accessibility and concession improvements. Outdoor Entertainment: Turtle River State Park highlights year-round recreation, from trout fishing to snowshoeing.

Music in the Park: Project Constellation (Grand Forks husband-and-wife duo) is set to perform at Valley City’s City Park Bandshell on June 10, with lawn chairs encouraged and a freewill offering supporting the series. Local Arts Funding: The Lyric Theatre’s Friends group won a $2,500 “Choose Your Charity” grant, using it for accessibility upgrades and volunteer-friendly improvements ahead of winter renovations. Community Events: Tunes & Tastes at Tunbridge Lutheran Church (July 18) brings classic/southern/blues rock band Billy Goat Scruff, pulled pork and games, with proceeds supporting the church’s renovation. Sports Spotlight: The Minot Hot Tots earned a home extra-inning win over St. Cloud Rox, while the Minot Metros’ undefeated start ended with a loss to Renville County. Outdoors & Night Entertainment: Turtle River State Park highlights year-round recreation, and a new national list ranks northern states among the best for stargazing—good fuel for North Dakota’s summer sky plans. Weather Note: Hot, humid weekend conditions with only spotty shower chances.

Local Music & Arts: Project Constellation (Grand Forks husband-wife duo) is set for a freewill-offering performance at Valley City’s Music in the Park on June 10 at the City Park Bandshell. Community Theater & Grants: The Lyric Theatre in the region won a $2,500 “Choose Your Charity” grant, aiming to refresh restrooms and the concession area while preserving the venue’s look. Sports Spotlight: Minot Hot Tots grabbed their first home win over St. Cloud Rox in extra innings, while Minot Metros’ undefeated start ended with a loss to Renville County. Border Battle Baseball: The Minot Vistas opened strong vs. Regina but were shut out by Saskatoon to finish day one. Statewide Youth Sports: The NDHSAA named its 2026 Class A All-State softball team, with Jamestown’s Madilyn Hoff earning All-State honors. Tourism & Culture: North Dakota’s 2025 tourism numbers dipped as Canadian travel fell, though domestic travel stayed steady heading into 2026.

Coal Power Push: President Trump says the federal government will spend $700M under the Defense Production Act to extend and build coal plants, including upgrades tied to North Dakota’s Antelope Valley Station. Community Arts: The Lyric Theatre in North Dakota won a $2,500 National Bancorp “Choose Your Charity” grant, with plans to refresh restrooms and the concession area while preserving the venue’s look. High School Sports: The NDHSAA named its 2026 Class A All-State Softball Team, with Williston taking the state title; plus NCAA action hits UND football with penalties for impermissible recruiting conversations. Music Night Out: Phoebe Bridgers’ surprise, phone-free Madison Square Garden show capped a run that included an intimate Fargo stop. Local Learning & Safety: North Dakota’s free teen driving program “Driving Skills for Success” opens registration for Minot and Bismarck sessions. Tourism Watch: New state tourism numbers show a 2025 dip driven by fewer Canadian visitors, with early 2026 signs of momentum.

Voting Rights Fight: The U.S. Senate rejected the SAVE America Act, a blow to Trump’s push for stricter proof-of-citizenship and photo ID rules that critics say would disrupt voter access. NCAA Spotlight: UND football was hit with NCAA penalties for impermissible recruiting conversations, including a $25,000 fine and recruiting bans for an assistant coach. Road Safety for Teens: Minot is hosting a free Vision Zero “Driving Skills for Success” event for ages 14–18, with hands-on practice and simulator lessons on impaired and distracted driving. Energy & Jobs: Gov. Kelly Armstrong praised federal Defense Production Act funding that includes more than $27 million for modernizing coal units at North Dakota’s Antelope Valley Station. Tourism Watch: North Dakota’s visitor economy dipped in 2025 as Canadian travel fell, though early 2026 signs point to momentum—plus arts and entertainment spending rose in the first quarter. Local Sports & Culture: Minot State announced its 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame class, and a Fargo-Moorhead “after dark” guide highlights the region’s live music and late-night scene. Music News: Alex Warren announced his sophomore album WILDCHILD and shared the new single “PASSENGER.”

Phone-free concert buzz: Phoebe Bridgers turned Madison Square Garden into an “internet-free zone,” locking phones away in Yondr pouches for an intimate, acoustic set tied to an immigration bond benefit. Rough Rider wrestling legacy: Bismarck natives Troy and Terry Steiner are back in the community with the Rough Rider Intensive Camp after earning Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider awards. Powwow culture spotlight: Elders’ Week powwow in Pablo celebrated elders, language, and community through dance specials and a grand entry. College football gaming meets NIL: EA Sports’ College Football 27 is adding a new “pay players” twist for the first time, with Dynasty Mode revamped around NIL spending and school budgets. North Dakota sports roundup: Valley City’s girls tennis stars Kailee and Skye Nielson won state doubles; Minot’s tennis and golf teams also posted standout state results. Local arts on stage: Dakota Wesleyan dinner theatre returns for a second season with “Love, Sex and the I.R.S.” North Dakota outdoors: Pembina Gorge State Park opens for camping and recreation June 9 near Walhalla. Tourism check-in: A new ND tourism impact report shows 2025 dipped (especially Canadian travel) but early signs point to momentum for 2026.

Tourism Watch: North Dakota’s visitor economy dipped in 2025 as Canadian travel fell, but early signs point to momentum for 2026, with 25.6 million visitors and $3.4B in spending. Frontier Fun: The Fort Union Rendezvous returns June 18-21 at Fort Union Trading Post, bringing hands-on frontier life, reenactors, and a Kids Day kickoff. Local Sports Spotlight: Minot Metros’ Owen Sundahl went the distance in a 7-0 win over Beulah, then Minot finished the sweep in Game 2. All-State Honors: Minot North’s Anistyn Perrin earned first-team all-state after leading the Sentinels in scoring with 20 points. State Golf: Minot High’s boys won the Class A state title again, 23 years after their first, while Oak Grove took Class B boys with a 7-under team run. Music in the Park: Dakotah Faye headlines the free Levitt AMP Minot Music Series in Citizens Alley starting June 4. Community & Culture: Urban Stampede in Grand Forks closes for a few weeks to replace decades-old flooring, with a possible pop-up during renovations. Health & Safety: Bert Kreischer says a blood clot scare likely saved him during a tour bus fire after he changed his lifestyle.

Sports & Community Spotlight: Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks are going full cult-classic with “Fargo Woodchippers” alter-ego jerseys, complete with “Aw, Jeez” collar detail, for five home games. Local Sports Wins: Oak Grove’s Grovers captured a third straight ND Class B boys golf team title with a 7-under 281 on Wednesday, while Minot High’s Magicians opened NDHSAA Class A/B boys state golf with strong first-round positioning. Entertainment on the Move: Grand Forks’ Urban Stampede coffee bar is closing for a short renovation, and West Fargo’s Red River Valley Fair is getting a permanent outdoor stage (about $1.6M) to book bigger acts. North Dakota Culture & Fun: Cavalier’s new “5 & Dime” spot blends fried food, games, and a vintage retail nook, and Williston Police’s “Scoops for Safety” returns—helmeted kids can earn free ice cream cones. Big Screen/Local Tech: UND Aerospace is set to receive three RATS aircraft via a new agreement with Modern Technology Solutions Inc., boosting uncrewed aviation training. Greenpeace Legal Update: A Dutch court allowed Greenpeace International to continue its anti-SLAPP countersuit against Energy Transfer tied to the Dakota Access fight.

High School Sports Buzz: Minot High’s boys golfers opened the NDHSAA State A tournament in Oxbow with a strong first-round second-place showing despite high winds, while Minot North sat close behind in fourth. All-Star Softball: The West All-Stars swept the East in the SCHEELS Softball All-Star Series, scoring 36 runs across three games in Fargo and Bismarck. Local Arts & Entertainment: West Fargo is building a permanent stage at the Red River Valley Fair grandstand, funded by a $616,000 Commerce grant, aiming to land bigger acts for the July 3-12 fair. Gaming & Hospitality Upgrade: Kraus-Anderson finished a $100 million renovation and hotel addition at 4 Bears Casino & Lodge in New Town, adding a new tower, sports bar, spa, and ballroom. Community Food Fun: Cavalier’s new “5 & Dime” spot blends fried food, games, and a vintage retail nook to create a family hangout. Health & Outdoors: North Dakota tick activity is “typical” so far this season, but officials urge repellant and regular checks as the season runs on.

Mountain West Football Buzz: North Dakota State keeps leaning into its FBS debut with more scheduled kickoff times, including a Sept. 5 home game vs. Fordham and a nationally aired night matchup at New Mexico—plus talk that the move is now “about the product,” not the hype. Local Sports & Entertainment: Fargo’s Wingstop gets a straight-shooting fast-food review, while Minot’s Citizens Alley expands free Levitt AMP concerts with extra Thursday and Sunday events, art activities, and a beer garden. Community Events: The North Dakota Beef Commission kicks off June with Beef Month programming, including a Fargo beef-and-beer pairing event and a “Girls Who Grill” style hands-on grilling experience. Health Watch: A salmonella investigation tied to imported moringa leaf supplements has been reopened after additional illnesses, with new brands added to the recall list. Public Safety & Outdoors: North Dakota’s Free Fishing Weekend runs June 6–7 with no license required for residents 16+. Tech & Growth: Data center interest is heating up in western ND, raising questions about energy, water, zoning, and transparency.

Minot Arts & Music: Citizens Alley is gearing up for a bigger summer with expanded free Levitt AMP concerts, adding more Thursday and Sunday programming plus art activities and a beer garden. Fair Food Fun: The Upper Missouri Valley Fair is kicking off its season with a Pie Baking Contest in multiple categories, including a big “Pastry Crust” payout for adults and youth. Local Politics, Paperwork: NDGOP corrected wildly inaccurate campaign finance reports, amending major 2025 and 2026 disclosures after earlier discrepancies. Beef Month: The North Dakota Beef Commission extends Beef Month into June with events like a Fargo beef-and-beer pairing featuring Food Network chef Justin Warner, plus “Girls Who Grill” programming. Workplace Safety: “Get Home Safe Day” spotlights workplace safety culture across North Dakota, with leaders pointing to falling claims over recent years. Outdoor Weekend: North Dakota’s Free Fishing Weekend runs June 6–7, letting residents fish without a license on public waters. Sports Spotlight: World of Outlaws at Nodak Speedway was delayed due to weather, with the next big sprint car date now set for Aug. 30.

Local Sports Spotlight: Jamestown’s Anna Hronova and Elise Roberts earned 2026 Girls Tennis All-State Doubles honors after a strong run at state. Community & Culture: Hague Store manager Janell Knoepfle is drawing shoppers far beyond her tiny town thanks to her Facebook “weekly specials” reels. Workplace Safety: Bismarck hosted the third annual “Get Home Safe” event, pushing safety as a daily mindset; WSI says claims have dropped for three straight fiscal years. Music & Live Events: Jade Presents is closing after 30 years, canceling summer shows at Moorhead’s Bluestem Center for the Arts and Fargo’s UP District Festival Field. Arts & History: Chateau de Mores is offering free Victorian-era themed activities every Friday in June, from stained-glass jar making to parlor games. Sports Recruiting Buzz: Clemson landed multiple 2027 commitments, while NDSU added two 2027 wide receivers. Business Media: Forum Communications finalized its purchase of the McKenzie County Farmer, expanding western ND coverage.