AGP Executive Report

Energy Costs: A nonpartisan think tank says federal policy changes since Trump’s return could push U.S. households to pay about $6,500 more for energy through 2040, with South Dakota among the states facing roughly $9,000 higher costs. Agriculture & Transportation: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz ordered temporary weight-limit and hours-of-service relief for trucks hauling farm and timber products as diesel tops $6.50, echoing broader regional pressure on fuel prices. South Dakota Politics: In District 18, candidates traded priorities on affordability, wages, agriculture/manufacturing, and education funding in a Yankton forum. State Government: The Legislature temporarily hired Doug Decker as its LRC director. Public Records: South Dakota’s new vital records system has triggered delays and complications for some families, especially around death certificates. Economy & Daily Life: Aldi rolled back prices on about one-third of its inventory across South Dakota through at least Nov. 3. Health & Consumer Watch: Attorney General Rayfield announced a $400 million settlement with Sandoz over alleged generic drug price inflation. Tribal Affairs: FEMA opened a joint disaster assistance center for Oglala Sioux Tribe members affected by June storms.

Energy & Jobs: Antora Energy says it will build a 5.8 gigawatt-hour thermal battery project at Pratt Energy’s biorefinery in Pratt, Kansas, aiming to deliver around-the-clock power and create 100+ construction and operations jobs; the company points to its earlier 5 GWh thermal battery commissioning in Big Stone City, South Dakota. Politics & Health Costs: Trump’s administration has started sending $500 “Obamacare” refund checks to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, tied to claims of overcharges on HealthCare.gov. South Dakota Campaign Focus: Two South Dakota Democrats—Nikki Gronli for U.S. House and Dan Ahlers for governor—are centering affordability, including insulin cost caps and Medicare/Medicaid protections. Local Civic Life: Sioux Falls hosts the Festival of Books Oct. 3 and the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society’s Bark in the Park 3K/5K Oct. 10. Native Youth: Cheyenne River Youth Project sets Oct. 17-18 for the second annual Oceti Sakowin Youth Conference in Eagle Butte, seeking additional Native instructors. Education Policy: Federal guidance outlines how states and scholarship-granting organizations will handle the new K-12 Education Freedom Tax Credit program starting in January.

Health Care & Cost Relief: Trump’s administration has started mailing $500 ACA refund checks to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including South Dakota, for people the White House says were overcharged through federal exchange user fees. Agriculture & Diesel Costs: Gov. Larry Rhoden’s executive order loosens South Dakota hauling limits for farmers during harvest, but a Farm Bureau leader says it helps “a little bit,” while others want more. NIH Research Partnership: Avera Research Institute, SDSU and USD Sanford School of Medicine won an $11.09M, five-year NIH grant to create the statewide SD-ACT clinical research center. Local Government & AI: Rapid City’s Legal and Finance Committee reviewed a proposed AI policy for city staff, with some members questioning whether it should be a resolution or a handbook-style rule. Public Safety & Courts: Vermillion settled a lawsuit with a former police officer alleging sexual harassment, agreeing to pay $175,000. Economic Development: Scottsbluff approved a $600,000 economic development loan for Langer Industrial to expand recycling capacity and add jobs. Politics & Tribes: Trump is set to hold a campaign rally at the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, a rare in-office presidential visit to a tribal nation.

Divorce Filing: Former DHS Secretary and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem has filed for divorce from her husband Bryon Noem in Hamlin County, citing “irreconcilable differences,” with the paperwork only appearing in court records this week after months of speculation tied to a reported online scandal. Agriculture & Fuel Costs: Gov. Larry Rhoden issued an executive order to help farmers during harvest by allowing heavier hauls (up to 10% over normal) and temporarily waiving a $25 overweight permit fee, but ag leaders say it doesn’t fully offset diesel prices. DMV Access: A new South Dakota DMV Now self-service kiosk opened at The Country Store in Three Forks, adding another option for residents and visitors in the Southern Hills. Election & Federal Spending: Democrats and some Republicans are challenging a reported $20 million Homeland Security-funded TV ad push featuring Trump ahead of midterms. Health Policy: The federal government is set to mail $500 ACA refund checks to nearly 1 million Americans across 30 states. State Economy: South Dakota collected $7 million in miscellaneous taxes in Q1 2026, up 16.7% from the prior quarter. Cybersecurity: Rhoden proclaimed October Cybersecurity Awareness Month, urging South Dakotans to “make it harder” for cybercriminals. Local Business/Health: The South Dakota Pharmacists Association partnered with InStockRx to launch a member marketplace for pharmacies. Community & Grants: Rapid City’s Legal and Finance Committee will review a nearly $2.5 million FEMA grant for resilience and permitting upgrades.

Homeland Security Ad Backlash: DHS set aside $20 million for TV and streaming ads featuring President Trump, and Democrats are demanding answers fast, arguing the spending misuses taxpayer money and may violate anti-propaganda rules. South Dakota Politics: In the governor’s race, candidates clashed on data centers, education, economic development, and local control—while the state’s diesel-price response drew criticism from ag leaders as not enough for producers. Agriculture & Weather: A stalled harvest is tied to a persistent wet pattern, and Rapid City-area ranchers say drought has tripled hay costs. Policy & Health Care: A Medicaid ballot fight is heating up as opponents warn a repeal trigger would cut access and push costs onto private insurance. Education & Campus: SDSU moved laundry into housing rates for 2026-27, and SDSU Extension is rolling out a free soil health webinar series. Business & Local Economy: Rapid City-area housing and business developments continue, while Lee Enterprises expands its newspaper portfolio. Personal News: Former DHS chief Kristi Noem filed for divorce in South Dakota, citing irreconcilable differences and leaving spousal support on the table.

Legislative Pay & Budget: South Dakota lawmakers are set for a pay bump in 2027, with salaries rising about 3% to nearly $16,500, while the state spent nearly $3 million on compensation and reimbursements in fiscal year 2026. State Politics: Former Gov. Kristi Noem has filed for divorce from husband Bryon Noem after the “bimbofication” scandal. Data Centers Debate: In the 2026 governor race, Dan Ahlers says local communities should control data center siting and resource use, while Gov. Larry Rhoden points to state rules that require power-cost coverage and limit state preemption of local water compatibility. Defense & Economic Development: Sioux Falls leaders are pushing to bring F-35s to Joe Foss Field, with decisions expected in December. Healthcare & Costs: A new report says Mayo Clinic charged private insurance more than four times Medicare for outpatient care in 2022. Business Growth: The Board of Economic Development approved SD Works and local infrastructure funding for projects including Rev It Up Espresso in Sturgis and Elwood Family Dental Care in Yankton. Housing Snapshot: Edmunds County’s typical home value rose 7.2% to $232,166 in August 2026. USPS Watch: A USPS inspector general audit says South Dakota mail service was hit by modernization moves that shifted processing out of state.

Economic Development: The South Dakota Board of Economic Development approved loans and support for projects statewide, including a $597,275 SD Works loan for Rev It Up Espresso’s new Sturgis storefront and a $320,000 loan for Elwood Family Dental Care’s Yankton expansion. Health & Community: Avera Research Institute’s free mobile research event heads to Yankton Oct. 1 (3-6 p.m.) with family activities and info on studies. Fuel Costs: States moved to blunt high gas and diesel prices as Trump predicted relief after the Iran war ends. National Guard & Defense: South Dakota’s Air National Guard leadership urged Sioux Falls business leaders to back bringing newer F-35 jets to Joe Foss Field, replacing aging F-16s. Disaster Recovery: Federal disaster aid is now available for Pine Ridge storm and flooding impacts, with SBA disaster recovery loans joining FEMA stabilization efforts. Cyber & Scams: A South Dakota-focused warning highlighted how fraud often starts outside banks, plus a Colorado case where a fake website cost a farmer $20,000. Agriculture & Trade: South Dakota farmers are watching U.S.-China soybean tariff moves after raw soybeans were left out of tariff relief. Housing & Local Data: Zillow reported Perkins County home values up 6.1% in August 2026, while other county updates showed mixed but generally rising markets. Politics & Ads: A GOP revolt grew over taxpayer-funded pro-Trump TV spots, drawing criticism even from South Dakota Republicans.

Media Deal: USA TODAY Co. and Lee Enterprises are realigning local newspaper portfolios; Lee will acquire South Dakota titles including the Sioux Falls Argus Leader and the Rapid City Journal, while USA TODAY takes full ownership of the Arizona Daily Star. Healthcare Costs: A RAND study says Mayo Clinic charged privately insured patients more than twice as much as Medicare for admitted care in 2022, and over four times as much for outpatient services—highlighting a wider national pricing gap. Local Business & Jobs: Northrop Grumman is opening a new Rapid City office with state and Ellsworth Development Authority support, part of broader defense-industry growth tied to Ellsworth Air Force Base. Energy Infrastructure: County candidates in Brookings discussed a proposed 765-kV transmission line and how landowner rights and health concerns should shape the process. Statehouse Pay: South Dakota lawmakers are set to see a pay increase for the 2027 session, with salary rising to about $16,492. Agriculture & Health: SDSU honored four agriculture leaders, while another report flags the need for removing net wrap before feeding to prevent cattle health problems.

Local Housing Watch: Meade County’s typical home value rose to $398,679 in August 2026, up 3.8% year over year, while Deuel County hit $307,910 (+4.1%) and Sully County slipped to $278,432 (-1.6%), underscoring uneven market momentum across the state. State Budget & Infrastructure: Mitchell City Council is still split on how to pay for roughly $4.66 million in Corn Palace improvements, including about $3.46 million for HVAC upgrades, with options ranging from bonds to tapping reserves and entertainment tax funds. Agriculture & Ranching: A cattle feeding reminder: producers are urged to remove net wrap before feeding to reduce the risk of cattle ingesting forage binding material, which can lead to rumen buildup and health problems. Public Health & Community: Sioux Falls hosted “Jam Against Cancer,” a long-running fundraiser supporting local cancer patients and families with financial help and support. Higher Ed & Workforce: Brookings County colleges awarded 2,611 degrees and certificates in 2023-24, with registered nursing leading the fields of study. Politics & National Trends: Polling shows President Trump’s net approval slipping in South Dakota and other major beef states since late August, as the beef import quota debate continues.

State Politics & Elections: A new report says Trump’s net approval slid in 10 major beef states, including South Dakota, after his temporary beef import quota push aimed at lowering grocery costs. Public Safety & Surveillance: New Hampshire is held up as a model for states trying to rein in Flock-style license plate cameras, as South Dakota and others explore restrictions. State Government & Voting Access: South Dakota Secretary of State Monae Johnson’s office has moved within the Capitol and is redesigning its website—critics say the ballot question page makes voter info harder to find. Local Community & Health: Sioux Falls hosted a free indigenous foods event by Glean for Good, and the Walk to End Alzheimer’s drew 600+ walkers and raised over $295,000. Housing Watch: Zillow data shows Tripp County’s typical home value rose to $205,518 (+4.6%) in August 2026. Business & Jobs: Pennington County colleges conferred 1,223 degrees and certificates in 2023-24, with business administration leading fields. Culture & Pride: Black Hills Center for Equality’s Rainbow Run returned to Memorial Park, funding year-round LGBTQ+2S advocacy.

State Tax Snapshot: A new map using Tax Foundation data shows eight states with no individual income tax—Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Wyoming—while California tops the chart at 13.3% in 2026. Local Culture & Health: Sioux Falls hosted “Glean for Good” with a free farm-to-table Indigenous foods meal, and the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s drew 600+ walkers and topped $295,000 raised. Public Safety Tech Debate: As states consider limits on Flock-style license plate readers, New Hampshire’s decade-old rules are being cited as a model for how to restrict the cameras. South Dakota Politics & Government: The Secretary of State’s office has moved within the Capitol and is redesigning its website, but critics say ballot-question navigation is getting messier. Housing Watch: Zillow reports Tripp County’s typical home value rose to $205,518 (+4.6% year over year), while Spink County jumped to $174,248 (+10.2%). Community & Economy: Sioux Falls business leaders say tariffs, AI demand, high interest rates, and labor shortages are already squeezing costs.

Beef Prices & Politics: Polling shows President Donald Trump’s net approval slipping in 10 major beef states—including South Dakota—since he announced temporary beef import quota increases aimed at lowering grocery costs, with critics warning more imports could squeeze U.S. ranchers. State Elections & Voting Access: South Dakota’s Secretary of State office is moving and redesigning its website, but a ballot-question page overhaul is drawing fire for making key voter info harder to find. Local Ballot Glitches: Yankton County paused absentee voting after a wording error on a referred measure; new ballots are expected midweek. County Tax Vote: Clay County will hold two November elections, including a special referendum on a local option sales tax to offset property taxes for owner-occupied homes. Cost of Living Pressure: South Dakota executives say tariffs, AI demand, high interest rates, and labor shortages are already pushing up business costs. Wildfire Readiness: Rapid City officials warn the Lookout Fire may be contained, but wildfire risk remains high as drought dries fuels. Community & Health: Hope Haven’s wheelchair ministry continues expanding global reach, and AAA data highlights how quickly kids stop using car seats/boosters correctly after age 3. Housing Snapshot: Zillow reports Spink County typical home values rose 10.2% year over year to $174,248 in August 2026.

Child Safety: AAA reports a sharp drop in proper car-seat use as kids get older—78% of 3-year-olds injured in crashes used a child restraint in 2020-2024, but by age 6 it falls to 45%, with inspections showing many kids moved to seat belts too soon. Local Elections: Clay County will run two November votes, including a Nov. 17 special referendum on a local option sales tax; Yankton County paused absentee voting after a wording mix-up on a referred measure, with corrected ballots expected midweek. Public Safety & Privacy: Yankton Police Chief Jason Foote discusses mobile license plate reader cameras and the national debate over “Flock”-type systems and cloud-based searches. Wildfire Preparedness: Rapid City fire officials say the Lookout Fire is contained, but the region remains in a high-risk wildfire period, urging fall readiness. Mental Health Access: Chrysalis Health and Curaechoice are expanding no-cost mental health services for employer plans, including South Dakota. Economy & Campaigns: South Dakota Sen. John Thune backs GOP Senate candidate Mike Collins in Georgia amid sharp exchanges with Jon Ossoff over inflation and affordability. Community & Health: Sioux Falls NextGen Fellowship launches to fund and mentor students turning civic ideas into action.

Uranium & energy debate: Black Hills Clean Water Alliance held a Rapid City community forum on exploratory uranium drilling and mining, saying residents broadly oppose the proposals and urging public comments as a data center plan heads to county commission review Nov. 5. Workplace inclusion: The Workplace Disability Network of the Black Hills launched “Breaking Barriers” training for employers and an “Accessible Workplace Ally” recognition program, with sessions set for Oct. 8 in Rapid City and Oct. 14 in Deadwood. Local aid still needed: A food bank in western North Carolina reported a 24% drop in donations nearly two years after Hurricane Helene, still relying on community support. Housing snapshot: Zillow pegged Lawrence County’s typical home value at $449,746 in August 2026, down 1.8% from a year earlier. Election integrity & voting: A South Dakota Searchlight podcast revisits Amendment J, after past cases of noncitizens mistakenly registered to vote; the state constitution already requires citizenship. Community events: USD announced its 112th Dakota Days runs Sept. 28–Oct. 3, with a Sept. 30 “Feed the Funnel” service project.

Dakota Days Watch: USD is gearing up for its 112th Dakota Days, Sept. 28–Oct. 3, with a kickoff carnival Sept. 28 and major campus milestones including the Oct. 2 groundbreaking for the new Gassen Family Fieldhouse. Housing & Growth: Heartland Communities bought Vermillion’s Suburban Estates (108 homes), promising upgrades like a new playground plus road and curb improvements and more homes for sale and rent. Agriculture & Risk: The Public Utilities Commission is urging grain producers, buyers and warehouses to review state grain purchase and storage rules this harvest season, highlighting bonding requirements and payment timelines. Courts Access: The South Dakota Commission on Equal Access to Our Courts will meet virtually Sept. 30 to review intake processes and commission action. Education & Research: South Dakota Mines held a ribbon cutting for the Surbeck Center expansion, wrapping up a $120M “New Heights” campaign, while SDSU named finalists for vice president for research and economic development. Health & Community: Avera’s Dr. Luis Rojas joined cancer advocates in Washington pushing for more funding and the Clinical Trial Modernization Act, and ZoeCare opened a new Vermillion center expanding free pregnancy and parenting resources. USPS Scrutiny: A USPS inspector general audit adds detail to ongoing concerns about slow mail delivery in South Dakota.

Northrop Grumman in Rapid City: Gov. Larry Rhoden announced $2 million in state support to help Elevate Rapid City build an $18 million office for the defense contractor, with an initial hiring wave and potential “hundreds” of jobs tied to the company’s Ellsworth and Rapid City presence. EMS funding push: A South Dakota interim task force says it still needs a long-term plan for emergency medical services, weighing ideas like a vapor tax or a $1 hotel fee while aiming to deliver recommendations ahead of the 2027 session. Diesel prices squeeze farmers: As harvest nears, U.S. farmers are facing record fuel costs, and lawmakers are debating whether to impose a temporary diesel export ban to bring prices down. Food assistance drop: New federal data shows SNAP losses continue nationwide, with South Dakota participation down about 6% since the 2025 eligibility changes. Local business & community support: A Spearfish store raised funds for a Belle Fourche couple battling cancer, and North Middle School in Rapid City received a $21,000 instrument donation to expand music education. Cattle leadership: The South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association opened applications for Class III of its Cattlemen’s Leadership Academy. Election integrity debate: A South Dakota opinion piece argues election administration should protect both “free and equal” voting rights and integrity, pointing to the state’s documentary proof-of-citizenship rules for new registrations.