AGP Executive Report

Local Arts & Community: Jade Presents, a Fargo-based concert promoter that helped bring hundreds of shows across the northern Plains, is shutting down after more than 30 years, citing rising costs and tougher touring economics. Youth & Family Entertainment: NDSU Extension-Stark-Billings County hosted a southwest North Dakota 4-H Communication Arts, Project Expo and Clothing Revue in Dickinson, with public contests and awards for ages 5–18. Music & Events: Williston Music Intensive returns July 20–24 with a bigger after-work rock/pop workshop for high school and up, plus band rehearsals and jam time. Sports Spotlight: NDHSAA state tournament action keeps rolling—Minot High won the girls tennis title again, and Mandan advanced in Class A softball with a 3-1 win over West Fargo. School Tech Policy: The Department of Public Instruction is surveying North Dakota families and educators on how students use technology, including device rules and whether devices should be monitored. Weird-but-Real Moment: A semi crash near Valley City released more than two million bees from 600–800 hives, sending the driver to the hospital and closing part of I-94 for hours.

Local Music & Culture: Fargo’s Jade Presents, a major regional concert promoter, is shutting down after 30 years, blaming rising costs and a tougher post-pandemic touring market—raising questions about upcoming shows and ticket refunds. ND Sports (State Tournament): Minot High won the ND girls tennis title again, beating Valley City 4-1, while Mandan advanced in Class A softball with a 3-1 quarterfinal win over West Fargo behind Kaebry Weekes’ go-ahead hit. ND Sports (More Brackets): Minot North’s season ended in Class A baseball quarterfinals as West Fargo Horace edged them 5-4; Class B softball saw Velva-Drake/Anamoose roll to a 15-0 win over Glenburn. Community Events: Valley City’s Music in the Park returns June 3 with a veterans tribute, and Williston’s Bingo for Books is set for June 17 to support literacy. Arts & Entertainment Beyond ND: Country star Riley Green announced his fourth album, That’s Just Me, and shared the single “Think As You Drunk.”

Regional Concert Closings: Fargo’s Jade Presents is shutting down after 30 years, blaming rising costs and a tougher post-pandemic touring market, with some local events (including Bluestem and UP District Field Festival) uncertain and ticket questions pointing to info@jadepresents.com. Local Arts & Community Events: Valley City’s Music in the Park returns June 3 for its 30th season, kicking off with a veterans tribute from the Red River Valley Veterans Concert Band. Craft Beer Festival: Mitchell’s Palace City Brewing debuts “Switchyard Social” June 6, a first-ever beer festival built around the town’s railroad history and featuring 25+ breweries from the region. High School Sports Spotlight: North Dakota Class A baseball and softball keep rolling—Horace advances in baseball, Williston pounds Shanley in softball, and Mandan tops West Fargo with Kaebry Weekes’ go-ahead hit. Civic Media: The “Presidential 1776 Award” special airs June 30 on CBS, spotlighting top high school civics finalists. Tech & Schools: North Dakota’s education department is surveying families and educators on how students use school technology and what device rules should change. Missing Person: Search continues for Tucker Archambault in the Fort Yates area, with new equipment brought in to expand the search.

NDSU on National TV: With its Mountain West slate locked in, WDAY-TV says it will bid to carry two Bison games not picked up by network partners—Fordham (Sept. 5) and UTEP (Oct. 31)—potentially expanding local coverage across North Dakota and western Minnesota. Internet Safety Fight: Attorney General Jay Jones joined a coalition opposing the federal KIDS Act, calling it a “wolf in sheep’s clothing” that would weaken state enforcement and shift child-safety responsibility onto Big Tech. Local Sports Spotlight: Minot High’s girls tennis run stays strong thanks to a co-op pipeline with Our Redeemer’s Christian School, while Shanley, Jamestown, and Bishop Ryan all chase state tournament momentum in tennis and boys golf. Community & Culture: Williston’s Foster Care Barbecue returns as a family-friendly fundraiser for Compassion Keepers, and Greenpeace released the short film “SLAPP Suit” tying corporate intimidation to free-speech battles.

Sports on TV (ND focus): NDSU’s first Mountain West season is set for a major national push, with 10 nationally televised games in 2026 plus streaming options on The CW, CBS Sports Network, Fox Sports 1, ESPN, and the new MW+ app. Local sports spotlight: Red River’s Ruby Schneider and Kalli Block head into the North Dakota state individual tennis tournament in Grand Forks as the East’s No. 2 seed after strong doubles chemistry and a runner-up finish in the EDC event. Community & family fun: Williston’s Foster Care Barbecue returns May 30 at Harmon Park, pairing food and a silent auction with support for Compassion Keepers’ foster closet and diaper pantry. Arts & culture in the region: Fargo’s former Fargo Brewing taproom is getting a new life as Bruno’s, a coffee shop/eatery opening mid-June with nitro coffee and a grand-opening buildout. Civic/press rights: North Dakota News Cooperative CEO Sabrina Halvorson warns that First Amendment protections are facing sharper suppression of dissent, retaliation, and pressure on independent media.

Local Food Buzz: Burger Week rolled through Winkler and Morden with 12 restaurants flexing creative burgers—from buttery croissant buns to pineapple bacon jam—then crowning Buttercup Cafe’s croissant smash as the most creative. Fargo Coffee Scene: Fargo’s old Fargo Brewing taproom is getting a makeover as The Shop’s Bruno’s coffee shop, opening mid-June with nitro coffee taps and a patio-friendly setup. Sports Spotlight: Former Steinbach Piston Cole Smith’s third-period goal helped the Golden Knights sweep the Avalanche and punch their ticket to the finals. Wrestling on the Rise: Springtown’s Dominic Contreras qualified for USA Wrestling Nationals in the Fargo Dome this July. Community & Culture: Bemidji’s Forbidden Love bookstore opened downtown and drew a line on day one, proving romance readers are hungry for a dedicated shop. Civic Watch: Fargo mayor Tim Mahoney says the Essentia Health Fargo Marathon needs route and community tweaks. Tech & Jobs (Outside ND, Big Picture): Applied Digital announced a $3.6B AI data center plan in Central Louisiana, aiming to create 200 permanent jobs.

Online Kids Safety Clash: North Dakota AG Nick Brown joined a bipartisan push against the federal KIDS Act, warning it would block states from protecting children online and let Big Tech dodge accountability—coalition partners are backing stronger “duty of care” approaches instead. Local & State Accountability: The same week, AGs escalated scrutiny of major platforms, including a new Connecticut investigation into Roblox after reports of child exploitation. Crime & Consequences: In Wisconsin, fired “95.9 Kiss FM” personality Daniel Lieburn (Dan Brown) faces a new theft-by-embezzlement charge tied to a North Dakota-registered curling association, on top of earlier child pornography and drug allegations. Sports Spotlight: South Dakota’s GOP U.S. House primary is heating up with AG Marty Jackley leading gun store owner James Bialota ahead of June 2. North Dakota Life: NDSU’s new president, Marshall Stewart, hit the ground running on day one, while summer events gear up across the state—from Watford City’s Kick Off to Summer Weekend to rodeos and racing.

Roblox Probe: Connecticut AG William Tong says his office is investigating Roblox after reports of child exploitation, arguing the company profited while failing to protect kids online—an effort now echoed by other states. Kids Online Fight: Tennessee AG Jonathan Skrmetti joined a bipartisan coalition opposing the federal KIDS Act, warning it could weaken state power and shield Big Tech instead of requiring a real duty of care. North Dakota Sports Buzz: In the NCAA baseball bracket, North Dakota State lands the No. 4 seed in the Lincoln Regional, setting up a key weekend for the Bison. Local Sports Results: Minot High won the WDA Tournament title over Mandan 5-4, while Minot High’s girls tennis swept West Region individual honors with Kyllie Fettig taking singles. Outdoor Safety: South Dakota officials say a bull bison killed a 70-year-old hiker on the Grace Coolidge Trail in Custer State Park, and staff moved the animal and are monitoring it.

Memorial Day coverage: Hundreds gathered across North Dakota and Minnesota for Memorial Day observances, including a major ceremony at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery with music, speeches, and a motorcycle honor run. NCAA Baseball: The NCAA released the full Division I Baseball Tournament field—North Dakota State is headed to the Lincoln Regional, while Mississippi State and Southern Miss will host their own regionals. Local sports budgets: New federal spending snapshots show United Tribes Technical College spent $89,253 on women’s basketball in 2024, while Trinity Bible College spent $38,228 on men’s basketball; University of Jamestown, meanwhile, dedicated $617,140 to women’s basketball. Entertainment & culture: Grand Forks’ LISTEN Drop-In Center is staging a Hollywood-themed play, “Dreams Happen, Envelope Please!,” blending music, storytelling, and disability justice. Sports business/tech: A Vancouver creative-tech hub story spotlights how film and VFX talent is thriving north of the border.

Recruiting Buzz: The Mountain West and Pac-12 are in full “official visit season,” with June OVs giving coaches more face time and recruits more time to build relationships before the season ramps up. Arts & Community: Grand Forks’ LISTEN Drop-In Center is staging a Hollywood-themed, music-and-storytelling play, “Dreams Happen, Envelope Please!” Local Culture in Bismarck: UND’s Constitution Day Project is now on display in the North Dakota Capitol, spotlighting stories from 15 new Americans. Sports TV Shake-Up: NDSU fans are being told to expect changes after football TV rights shift under the Mountain West, with the schedule draft process playing out in public. Memorial Day Spotlight: Walcott, N.D. is unveiling a new veterans memorial designed to honor more than 300 veterans and preserve local military history. High School Sports: Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks pitcher Jake Dykhoff heads to the Orioles, while North Dakota track and field continues to deliver standout state-meet moments.

NCAA Baseball: Lincoln is back on the regional map—Nebraska will host an NCAA Baseball Regional for the first time since 2008, with the full field and pairings coming Monday. Local Sports Pipeline: Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks starter Jake Dykhoff has been transferred to the Baltimore Orioles organization, continuing the team’s steady MLB feed. First Amendment Tension: A Park Rapids LWV event featured North Dakota News Cooperative CEO Sabrina Halvorson warning that dissent and press freedoms are facing intensifying pressure. Tragic Crash Update: Dickinson authorities are still sorting details after a Saturday scooter crash killed a juvenile, with “scooter” definitions creating some gray areas. North Dakota Spotlight: Standing Rock’s 10th anniversary Dakota Access Pipeline protest event “People of the Sun” is set for Sept. 16-18, bringing major artists and speakers to the reservation. Sports Feel-Good: Wounded Fargo officer Andrew Dotas is now a pickleball state singles champion, turning rehab into a community story.

Mountain West vs. Pac-12 Money Talks: NDSU’s new conference rivalry is still in the headlines as the Mountain West and Pac-12 settle a $155M “poaching fees” and “exit fees” fight over five former members—reports now suggest the final number may land well under half, with figures like ~$70M and “less than $65M” floating around, though the deal isn’t finalized and terms aren’t public yet. North Dakota History & Culture: A Lincoln portrait tied to Teddy Roosevelt’s world is headed to the new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, opening July 4 for the nation’s 250th birthday. Standing Rock Anniversary: “People of the Sun” is set for Sept. 16-18 to mark 10 years since the Dakota Access Pipeline protests, with major musicians and celebrity guests. Fargo Community Spotlight: Wounded Fargo police officer Andrew Dotas is turning rehab into a win story—pickleball helped him recover, and he’s now a state singles champion. Local Government Watch: Grand Forks City Council races heat up with multiple contested seats ahead of the June 9 election.

College Football Hype: ESPN’s Bill Connelly is already stacking the 2026 “must-see” list, and Ohio State shows up big—three times—thanks to matchups like Oregon at Ohio State, plus trips to Texas, USC, Indiana, and Iowa. Big Ten Baseball: Oregon crushed Nebraska 7-0 in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals and now heads to the title game vs. UCLA after USC fell 7-5 to UCLA earlier. ND Track Stars: West Fargo’s Michelle Gee keeps her sprint dominance—third straight Class A titles in the 400 and 200—while Bismarck’s Jilian Quale narrowly edged her in the 100. Local Sports Moments: Grand Forks Red River’s Caden Nelson struck out 16, but South’s Henry Schrum answered with a big homer as South won 6-2 in an East Region play-in. Community & Culture: Deadwood’s Black Hills Motorcycle Show returns for its fourth year, and Tigirlily Gold just hit London’s Royal Albert Hall—then they’re back in ND this summer for Medora’s Burning Hills Amphitheatre.

Local Politics: Grand Forks voters will pick new City Council members June 9, with Ward 4 featuring newcomers Angela Salentiny vs. Harry Samuelson and Ward 2 a three-way race; Ward 6’s Dana Sande runs unopposed. Construction & Commuting: Minot’s nearly $20M Puppy Dog Coulee storm sewer work is set to trigger fresh traffic impacts next week, including a partial closure on 24th Ave SW and a midweek shift on 16th St SW. Community & Culture: Grand Forks is betting on summer energy with a new Northwoods League Spitfires softball team at Albrecht Field, aiming for affordable, community-centered nights. Sports Spotlight: Minot North’s season ends with a 4-3 elimination loss at the WDA Tournament, while Velva-Drake-Anamoose wins Region 4 and heads to state. Outdoors & Fun: North Dakota’s 5th annual statewide fish challenge runs through Aug. 15, adding a new “100 Fish Challenge” for anglers of all ages.

America 250 in Rugby: Freedom 250’s traveling “Freedom Trucks” mobile museum is rolling into Rugby June 22-24 at Rugby High School, turning schools and civic spaces into interactive history stops for all ages. High School Track Drama (rain and all): In Bismarck, Oak Grove’s Kai Zabel won Class B boys long jump despite steady drizzle, while Sheyenne’s Eben Breker grabbed a Class A boys triple jump title just two weeks after trying the event. Local Culture & Music: Tigirlily Gold hit London’s Royal Albert Hall and is set to return to North Dakota in August for a Medora performance. Community Spotlight: The Plains Art Museum earned a Smithsonian Affiliation, opening doors for loans, exhibitions, and education programs. Road Safety Reminder: “100 deadliest days” are underway—drivers are being urged to ditch distractions and stay sober.

High School Sports Buzz: Dickinson’s Blake Homiston rewrote the pole vault story at the state meet, breaking the North Dakota state meet record with a 15-9 vault and nearly clearing 16-2. State Track Highlights: Fargo Davies’ Luka Rout surged to win the Class A 3,200, while Northern Cass’ Owen Johnson set a Class B record in the 3,200 and took the title. Local Arts & Culture: The Plains Art Museum in Fargo just earned a Smithsonian Affiliation, unlocking loans, touring shows, and education programs—its first such connection in North Dakota. Money Watch: North Dakota’s Tax Commissioner says first-quarter 2026 taxable sales rose 4.24% year over year, with retail leading the gains. Civic/Community: Minot voters will weigh a second half-percent park sales tax on June 9, aimed at maintenance and paired with a property tax reduction. Big Ongoing Story: Dakota Access got federal approval to keep operating its Missouri River crossing, but more legal fights are still expected.