AGP Executive Report

College Football Spotlight: North Dakota’s Fighting Hawks head to Nebraska on Sept. 19 after starting 3-0, while the Ducks’ Week 3 national buzz is LSU at Ole Miss—Lane Kiffin’s return—plus a packed TV slate that keeps Saturdays glued to screens. NDSU on ESPN: ESPN will air NDSU vs. Sacramento State, renewing a familiar relationship even after the Bison moved conferences. Local Sports & Community: Jamestown’s Mike Hill is set for the Hall of Fame, and West Central Saskatchewan sports got a boost from PBR action, a rebranded Jr. Klippers season, and a new female officials program. Fargo Arts: Modern Man’s pop-up exhibit is back in downtown Fargo, resurfacing a late artist’s work with controversy and creativity front and center. Fashion Runway: Downtown Fargo Fashion Show delivered cozy, sexy, confident fall looks from local boutiques and vintage finds. Latine Heritage Night: El Centro Serna brings a lowrider exhibition to Sacramento State’s tailgate for Latine Heritage Night. Tech & Justice: A Fargo woman’s $10M federal lawsuit claims facial-recognition led to a wrongful arrest after a bank-theft case. North Dakota Science/Outdoors: Game and Fish is studying a possible bear season near Walhalla for fall 2027, using bear hair collection and landowner input. Sports Betting Promotions: Multiple outlets push new promo codes for college football wagering, including LSU–Ole Miss.

College Football TV Guide: If you’re staying in for the weekend, Sept. 19 is packed—North Dakota heads to Nebraska (BTN), plus a full slate of FBS matchups across FOX/ESPN/CBSSN and more. Bison on ESPN: NDSU vs. Sacramento State lands on ESPN with a 9:30 p.m. CT kickoff from Hornet Stadium, with streaming on ESPN+. Dinosaur Discovery (North Dakota): Colorado teacher Kent Hups helped uncover what’s believed to be the first adult T. rex trackway in North Dakota—four three-toed prints across about 23 feet. Weird Viral Warning: A “Cat in the Hat” prank trend is back in the spotlight, with schools in multiple states (including North Dakota) putting communities on alert. Local Community Fun: Women’s Energy Network Bakken hosts “Puppy Yoga” at Fluffy Fields Winery in Dickinson to benefit Bakken Paws. Music/Charity Auction: A Metallica-themed Case skid steer is up for auction in West Fargo, with proceeds tied to the band’s All Within My Hands foundation. Health Care Policy: Senate and House committees advance major HHS and health-care bills, including Alzheimer’s screening and Medicare Advantage transparency.

Cancer Care & Pop Culture Comfort: Audubon toddler Schjei Schumacher, 2½, leans on a 6-inch Bob Ross “stuffie” and weekly TV painting sessions while battling Wilms’ tumor at Roger Maris Cancer Center. Community & Energy Industry Fun: Women’s Energy Network Bakken hosted “Puppy Yoga” at Fluffy Fields Winery in Dickinson, raising proceeds and supplies for Bakken Paws and helping find homes for six puppies. Charity Metallica Mashup: A rare Metallica-themed Case skid steer is up for auction on Purplewave.com, with proceeds supporting the band’s All Within My Hands foundation and prize perks for the winner. Sports Spotlight (ND on the Big Stage): NDSU’s Sept. 19 game at Sacramento State lands on ESPN (9:30 p.m. CT), with ESPN Plus streaming available. Local Legal Drama: A Tennessee grandmother suing Fargo and police alleges AI facial recognition led to her wrongful bank-theft arrest and six-month jail stint. Sports Schedule Buzz: Big Ten Network will carry Washington vs. Eastern Washington on an overflow channel, while Nebraska vs. North Dakota is set for BTN primary coverage.

Local Sports Spotlight: UND’s Cole Reschny was named the program’s youngest captain ever, a nod to leadership traits that UND staff and former players say were “obvious” from the start. College Hockey Buzz: North Dakota State and St. Cloud State both landed high preseason attention in NCHC media polls, with SCSU picked eighth and NDSU sitting near the top in the conference conversation. Volleyball Results: NDSU topped Montana 3-1 at the Zags Volleyball Classic, led by Lauren Jensen’s 15 kills. Radio & Media: i3G Media is asking the FCC for a waiver tied to overlapping signals in Jamestown, arguing the rules don’t fit how Great Plains radio markets actually work. Community & Arts/Events: Fargo’s Parade of Homes Fall Edition returns with dozens of new builds, plus a passport giveaway. Public Life: North Dakota voters get a fresh VOTE411 statewide guide from the League of Women Voters. Health & Safety: DEQ added more blue-green algae bloom advisories, including new waters in Williams, Kidder, and Grand Forks counties.

Local Civic Tech: The League of Women Voters rolled out a new statewide VOTE411 guide for North Dakota voters, letting people enter their address to compare candidates’ issue answers and see what’s on their ballot. Consumer & Legal Accountability: North Dakota is among states tied to a major Credit Acceptance settlement, with multistate terms aimed at debt relief and reforms after allegations of risky auto loans. Public Safety & Tech Backlash: A woman says a facial recognition mix-up led to nearly six months in jail after she was wrongly flagged in a Fargo-area bank fraud case; the lawsuit seeks $10 million. Arts & Culture Spotlight: Comedian Tim Laffey is on the road with new stand-up dates and pop-up shows, including a free Rolling Laughs event in Springfield. North Dakota Sports Pulse: UND hockey named Cole Reschny as its youngest captain in program history, while local football attention turns to Nebraska as the Fighting Hawks head to Lincoln. Community & Learning: Girls in Aviation Day returns Sept. 19 at Moorhead Municipal Airport, with free events introducing careers in aviation to local girls. Environment Watch: DEQ added more North Dakota waters to blue-green algae advisories, bringing the total to 20 statewide.

College Football TV Picks: Week 3’s slate is stacked with big-name matchups, including LSU vs. Ole Miss and a full day of nationally televised games that fans can stream and watch across major networks. FCS Spotlight (North Dakota): North Dakota’s Fighting Hawks roll into a tough non-conference test at Nebraska after starting 3-0, while FCS Week 3 previews also highlight Youngstown State’s explosive offense ahead of its Missouri Valley opener. NCHC Buzz: Denver was picked to win the NCHC, with North Dakota just behind in the preseason media poll, setting up plenty of early intrigue for UND hockey. Local Sports (Minot/Region): Minot community news includes the passing of longtime district judge Todd Cresap, and regional sports coverage continues with volleyball and golf updates across the state. Arts & Community: New public art in New York Mills (“Cloud Coverage”) brings quilt-inspired banners to town, while Emerson College’s drag night spotlights how queer performance is finding a bigger stage. Radio/Media Business: MARC Media Group filed to buy five stations in Florida, a reminder that North Dakota’s radio landscape is part of a wider industry shuffle.

NCHC Hockey Buzz: Denver is picked to win the Penrose Cup again, but North Dakota is right there—UND edged the Pioneers for second in the preseason media poll, with both teams essentially tied on points. UND Leadership Spotlight: Cole Reschny was named UND’s 2026-27 captain, joining a rare club of sophomore captains and setting up a big season for the Fighting Hawks. Local Arts in New York Mills: “Cloud Coverage,” a temporary public art installation by Fargo artist Tobias Zikmund, is now up with quilt-inspired banners across town, plus a Sept. 17 reception. Community & Tradition in Taylor: Good ’Ol Taylor Days returned with farming demos, tractor events, and live music, keeping North Dakota’s small-town heritage front and center. Grand Forks Memory Project: Valley Senior Living residents shared “Where I’m From” poems, turning childhood stories into a public gallery moment. Music Honors: The Tibor Brothers Band is set for induction into the North Dakota Music Hall of Fame on Sept. 20. Sports Media Shock: A Sacramento Bee sportswriter layoff hits hard, showing how local sports coverage keeps getting squeezed.

North Dakota Sports Spotlight: NDSU’s Nathan Hayes, Drew Klein and Myles Mitchell each earned Mountain West weekly honors after the Bison’s 38-32 win at Air Force, with Klein drilling a school-record 56-yard field goal. Hockey on the Horizon: UND locked in future marquee nonconference series, adding Minnesota, Wisconsin and Boston College to its schedule. Local Arts & Family Fun: The North Dakota Book and Arts Festival returns to Jamestown Sept. 26 with free admission and 80 authors/artists; and Bismarck’s Event Center hosts the stage adaptation of “Bluey’s Big Play” Dec. 9. Community & Culture: Standing Rock free radio is back for the 10-year NODAPL reunion, broadcasting live from Porcupine Creek. Wildlife & Outdoors: A federal bill heads to a U.S. House hearing to protect wild horses at Theodore Roosevelt National Park, with advocates pushing for stronger safeguards. Sports & Entertainment Elsewhere: Van Halen’s David Lee Roth and Alex Van Halen reunited onstage at TEDxFargo.

Local Politics: Oliver County State’s Attorney Patrick Waters is accused of using his office to settle political scores, with critics pointing to a lawsuit tied to a property dispute and a “701 Report” news site run through his family. Education Accountability: North Dakota officials say they can’t fully judge how virtual schools are performing because many students aren’t taking the state tests used for comparisons. Public Health: A fresh bird flu surge is hitting commercial turkey farms across Minnesota and the Dakotas, including a new North Dakota detection in LaMoure County. Sports Spotlight: Dickinson State softball coach Kristen Fleury was named NAIA Female Trailblazer of the Year. NDSU Football: QB Nathan Hayes, kicker Drew Klein and RB Myles Mitchell earned Mountain West weekly honors after NDSU’s win at Air Force. Arts & Entertainment: Jamestown’s North Dakota Book and Arts Festival returns Sept. 26 with 80 authors and artists, and TEDx Fargo brought David Lee Roth and Alex Van Halen back onstage together. Community Events: Bismarck Event Center lands Bluey’s Big Play on Dec. 9.

Youth Sports & Concussions: North Dakota youth athletes are still hearing “suck it up” culture, with rural gaps and coaches discouraging kids from even saying the concussion word, pushing for better training and safer return-to-play. Air Power & Base Defense: Air Force leaders unveiled new plans to strengthen how the service defends its own bases from missiles and drones, citing hard lessons from recent conflicts. College Football (Local Angle): Nebraska QB Anthony Colandrea earned Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week after a big start, and UND’s next test at Nebraska is framed as a chance to prove itself on a major stage. UND Hockey Prep: UND coaches got early looks at the 2026-27 team, focusing on systems, sharpening details, and an Oct. 9 regular-season start. Performing Arts: UtahPresents’ 11th season is set to keep momentum with sold-out shows and new dance and music programming. Community Events: Dickinson’s Kind Hearts Day returns with free food, activities, entertainment, and a new toy drive. Tech & Policy: The FAA is expanding drone testing to enable more beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations nationwide.

Big Ten NIL Push: Legendary coaches and current athletes rallied outside the Capitol to back the bipartisan “Protect College Sports Act,” aiming to rein in the chaos of the NIL era as votes near. Nebraska vs. UND Spotlight: Nebraska QB Anthony Colandrea earned Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week after a 4-TD performance, and the Huskers host North Dakota Saturday (6:15 p.m., BTN/Radio info set). FCS Rankings: Montana State stayed No. 1 and Montana No. 3 in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25, keeping the Mountain West and Big Sky storylines hot. UND Hockey Prep: UND coaches got their first looks at the 2026-27 team, with exhibitions starting Oct. 3-4 and the regular season opening Oct. 9. Community & Arts: Dickinson’s Kind Hearts Day returns Sept. 19 with free food, activities, music, and a new toy drive. Fall Fun: Here are top North Dakota spots for fall colors, from Beaver Lake to the Greenway in Grand Forks. Local Media Business: i3G Media (Ingstad family) is set to buy Jamestown radio stations KSJB/KSJZ for $400,000 pending FCC approval.

College Football Rankings Shake-Up: Texas stormed to No. 1 in the AP Top 25 after a 24-23 comeback over Ohio State, while Oregon cratered to No. 21 following a loss to Oklahoma State; Notre Dame stayed No. 3 and Indiana jumped to No. 4. Vikings QB Switch: Carson Wentz stepped in after Kyler Murray left with a concussion, reminding fans that “football is a funny game” as Minnesota held on for the win. NDSU Bison Statement Game: North Dakota State opened Mountain West play with a 38-32 win over Air Force, spreading the offense and pushing to 3-0 overall. UND Forensics Fun: UND hosted a “crime scene house” event at Gustafson Hall to demystify forensic science beyond TV stereotypes. Rural Sports & Community: Thornton’s Worldwide K9 Frisbee Championship drew 63 teams from the region, including North Dakota. Outdoor News: North Dakota Game and Fish says roadside counts show pheasants up 3.8% from last year, with statewide numbers well above the 10-year average. Local Arts: Minot unveiled new patriotic murals downtown as part of the 25th anniversary of 9/11.

College Football Buzz (AP Top 25): Texas is the new No. 1 after a wild 24-23 comeback over Ohio State, while Oregon tumbles from No. 6 to No. 21 following a loss to Oklahoma State. Local Spotlight (NDSU): North Dakota State keeps rolling in the Mountain West, beating Air Force 38-32 and spreading the ball to eight receivers, with QB Nathan Hayes leading the way. UND in Action: UND stays undefeated with a 47-23 win over Portland State, including a 99-yard kickoff return TD. Next Up (Mountain West): NDSU opens conference play with Air Force at Falcon Stadium, and the matchup is getting plenty of attention as the Bison adjust to FBS life. North Dakota Outdoors: Game and Fish reports more pheasants in roadside counts, with statewide numbers up 3.8% from last year. Arts & Community: Grand Forks launches a new “Alley of Love” mural, and the North Dakota Book and Arts Festival returns Sept. 26 in Jamestown. Weird History Find: A Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award plaque tied to Lawrence Welk reportedly turned up in a thrift store in France.

Mountain West Football: North Dakota State opened conference play with a bold statement at Air Force, winning 38-32 as QB Nathan Hayes spread the ball to eight receivers and Logan Conklin scored his first career TD. Fighting Hawks Football: UND stayed undefeated with a 47-23 win over Portland State, highlighted by a 99-yard kickoff return TD and a safety. Nebraska Football: Nebraska kept rolling, crushing Bowling Green 56-7 behind Anthony Colandrea’s 4 TDs and a 35-0 halftime lead. Bison Game Prep: NDSU’s first Mountain West availability report lists right tackle Josh Magin as questionable (hip), with other key players also tagged as questionable ahead of Air Force. Local Arts & Community: Grand Forks’ “Alley of Love” mural project is underway, and the North Dakota Book and Arts Festival returns Sept. 26 in Jamestown with 80 authors/artists. Sports on the Air: Week 2 TV/radio listings include NDSU at Air Force on FS1 and UND’s next matchup on Big Ten Network. Science & History: A North Dakota discovery confirms the first adult T. rex trackway, found near Marmarth.

Local Arts & Community: Minot unveiled new downtown patriotic murals, with local muralist and Air Force veteran EJ Rose helping cover vandalism and adding red-white-blue tributes for the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Public Art: Grand Forks is painting a fresh 10-by-10 mural in the “Alley of Love,” featuring native North Dakota flowers and birds (including a fighting hawk for UND). Outdoor & Seasonal Fun: Flannel Fest returns Sept. 19 at Lewis & Clark State Park with live music, pumpkin painting, hayrides, axe throwing, and a new flannel contest. Books & Culture: The North Dakota Book and Arts Festival comes back Sept. 26 in Jamestown with free admission, 80 authors/artists, and talks, signings, and giveaways. Sports (NDSU Football): North Dakota State opens Mountain West play at Air Force Saturday night; NDSU’s Nate Tastad is set for more time, while right tackle Josh Magin is listed “questionable” with a hip injury. Sports (FCS Football): Portland State hosts North Dakota Saturday, streaming-only on ESPN Select/ESPN+. Science/Local Wonder: Scientists confirmed the first adult T. rex trackway found on federal land in North Dakota’s Hell Creek Formation—four giant footprints from about 66.5 million years ago.

High School Football Spotlight: Week two delivered ranked-vs-ranked drama across North Dakota’s region, including Moorhead’s home-opening 42-26 win over Woodbury and Bismarck’s 29-22 edge over Shanley in a top matchup. Baseball Playoff Heartbreak: The Winnipeg Goldeyes’ season ended early after a 6-5 loss to Fargo-Moorhead, with a blown ninth-inning save turning a must-win into a sudden exit. NDSU vs. Air Force Buzz: NDSU heads into Mountain West play with a fresh uniform combo—green harvest helmets with white jerseys and green pants—while the program ramps up visiting-stadium tailgate “takeovers” for alumni. 9/11 Remembered in Fargo: The family of Robert Rasmussen marked the 25th anniversary with a memorial moment that brought his name to the screen and kept his story alive. Local Arts & Community Events: Bismarck’s Depot hosts a food truck festival, Lewis & Clark State Park brings back Flannel Fest on Sept. 19, and Grand Forks’ The Dugout opens indoor baseball/softball training for year-round practice.