AGP Executive Report

Ballot Fight in Federal Court: South Dakota’s shortened citizen ballot petition deadline is headed to a Minnesota federal appeals showdown, with opponents saying cutting the filing window from May to February weakens signature collection and supporters arguing it helps officials verify signatures and settle disputes sooner. Public Safety & Health: Rapid City police arrested a 19-year-old after an alleged knife threat at a North Lacrosse liquor store; Sioux Falls also reported an 88-year-old scammed out of $40,000 after fake “bank hacked” calls. Food Safety: The FDA issued a highest-risk Alfredo sauce recall affecting South Dakota and 41 states due to possible Salmonella contamination. State Politics & Elections: South Dakota’s secretary of state race is heating up as Monae Johnson faces a GOP challenge from Rep. Heather Baxter, who backs hand-counted paper ballots. Local Business & Community: Sioux Falls residents rallied after a vehicle fire destroyed a local business owner’s Tahoe, while Rapid City’s Ride for Amphia fundraiser drew support at Black Hills Harley-Davidson. Ag & Education: Gov. Larry Rhoden named Jerry Schmitz as the 2026 Governor’s Ag Ambassador; Rep. Dusty Johnson also announced nine South Dakotans selected for U.S. service academies.

South Dakota Foster Care Finance: Gov. Larry Rhoden says South Dakota will back First Lady Melania Trump’s plan to move eligible foster children’s Social Security survivor benefits into “Trump Accounts,” with the state currently acting as representative payee for about 75 kids. State Politics: South Dakota Democrats say former President Joe Biden endorsed Dan Ahlers for governor, Julian Beaudion for U.S. Senate, and Nikki Gronli for the lone House seat ahead of the party’s June 6 nominations. Food Safety: The FDA issued a highest-risk Class I recall for Alfredo sauce tied to a salmonella-contaminated dry milk powder ingredient, affecting 913 cases distributed across 41 states including South Dakota. Agriculture & Prices: A global protein boom is colliding with whey shortages, pushing whey protein concentrate and isolate prices sharply higher—an issue that could ripple into food and supplement costs. Health & Community: A literacy event in Mitchell—Community Literacy Night—pairs the South Dakota Literacy Summit with a flag-raising and a talk by former NFL player Malcolm Mitchell. National Watch: U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell was admitted to the hospital June 14 and is receiving “excellent care,” with the reason not immediately confirmed.

Hospital Update: U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell was admitted to a hospital June 14; his office says he’s receiving “excellent care,” but the reason wasn’t immediately confirmed. Democrats in SD: Former President Joe Biden endorsed three South Dakota candidates—Dan Ahlers for governor, Julian Beaudion for U.S. Senate, and Nikki Gronli for the lone U.S. House seat—after speaking at the McGovern Day Dinner in Sioux Falls. Foster Care Finance: South Dakota will back a plan to move eligible foster children’s Social Security survivor benefits into “Trump Accounts,” with the state currently serving as representative payee for about 75 children. Food Safety: The FDA issued a highest-risk Class I recall for Alfredo sauce tied to possible salmonella contamination, affecting 913 cases distributed across 41 states including South Dakota. Local Business & Community: Fort Pierre’s Shane’s Pharmacy marked 20 years, highlighting its small-town support and community-first approach. Economy & Supply: A whey protein shortage is pushing prices higher as protein demand spreads beyond supplements into everyday foods. Politics & Campaigns: South Dakota Democrats named candidates for statewide office, setting up another busy stretch before the conventions and November races.

Dog-attack case in Florida: Court records add new details in the May 19 mauling death of Jodi Cowan, including prior aggression allegations against the dogs and a new investigation after three dogs were found dead at the trailer. Protein supply squeeze: Global demand for high-protein foods is driving whey shortages and record prices, with food makers scrambling to meet ingredient-focused trends. FDA recall: The FDA issued a Class I recall for Alfredo sauce in 41 states tied to salmonella risk from a dry milk powder ingredient. Mount Rushmore Air Force One talk: Reports say Trump is considering making his July 3 Mount Rushmore trip the inaugural flight of a new Air Force One jet. South Dakota politics & elections: Sioux Falls mayoral runoff coverage highlights debate over the “strong mayor” format, while South Dakota GOP secretary of state nomination fights continue amid election-method disputes. Local public safety: Sioux Falls police are investigating an armed robbery on the east side near East Arrowhead and South Hillview. Community events: Voices Against Cancer’s 605 Pop Culture Con and Sioux Falls Pride’s parade and festival drew crowds for local causes.

Farm Policy & Costs: President Donald Trump says he’s considering some kind of help for U.S. farmers hit by high fertilizer and fuel prices, pointing to energy disruptions tied to the Iran conflict and Strait of Hormuz. Tech & Power for South Dakota: An opinion argues South Dakota’s affordable energy and land could help the state build the data-center backbone needed for the next wave of AI growth. Federal Budget Gridlock: A new take says Congress has lost its grip on funding the government, with annual bills stalled since 1997 and Republicans pushing to bypass Democrats. South Dakota Politics: A GOP secretary of state fight is heating up as Monae Johnson faces challenger Rep. Heather Baxter, who backs hand-counted paper ballots and rejects voting machines. Housing & Banking: VA purchase loans in South Dakota averaged $344,184 in Q1 2026, while a separate report says the state’s housing market is tightening with low inventory and rising buyer pressure. Local Economy: South Dakota leaders approved funding for projects in Rapid City, Lake County, and Sioux Falls, including a new business park land purchase and major support tied to Smithfield’s expansion. Public Safety: Sioux Falls police are investigating an armed robbery near East Arrowhead and South Hillview. Business Closures: Tex-Mex chain On The Border is shutting down all company-owned locations nationwide, while franchise sites—including in South Dakota—continue.

State IT Leadership: South Dakota elevated Neal Nachtigall to state CIO and BIT commissioner, taking over after Mark Wixon’s retirement, as the state doubles down on technology as a “critical enabler.” Local Public Safety: Sioux Falls police are investigating an armed robbery near East Arrowhead and South Hillview, where a masked suspect with a handgun demanded register money and fled in a dark sedan. Housing & Homebuying: The Sioux Empire Realtor Association says South Dakota is trending toward a seller’s market heading into summer, with low inventory (about a three-month supply) pushing prices higher as interest rates sit in the mid-to-upper 6% range. Courts Access: The Commission on Equal Access to Our Courts will meet June 18 to review grant status, operations, and director search for East River and Dakota Plains legal services. Economic Development: The Board of Economic Development approved major funding—an Elevate Rapid City business park loan, Lake County road reconstruction tied to Dakota Ethanol expansion, and up to nearly $30M for Smithfield’s Sioux Falls meat facility. Education & AI: Dakota Wesleyan is rolling out an ethical, campus-wide AI initiative with BoodleBox to guide student and faculty use. National Policy Watch: Section 702 FISA surveillance powers are set to expire unless Congress acts, with lawmakers warning it underpins a large share of daily intelligence briefings. Business Closures: On The Border will close all company-owned restaurants nationwide by June 12, while franchise locations—including in South Dakota—remain open.

South Dakota CIO Shuffle: Neal Nachtigall was elevated to South Dakota state CIO and commissioner of the Bureau of Information and Technology, stepping in as Mark Wixon retired June 5. Ethanol Policy: The House passed a bipartisan bill to allow year-round sales of the 15% ethanol blend E15, a long-sought win for farmers and fuel retailers. Utility Rates Watch: Black Hills Corp. says its Colorado electric utility filed for a rate review seeking $26.7 million in new annual revenue, tied to major grid and reliability investments. Tech in Education: Dakota Wesleyan is rolling out a campus-wide ethical AI initiative with BoodleBox, aiming to teach students how to use AI appropriately. Local Business & Jobs: On The Border will close all company-owned Tex-Mex restaurants nationwide, while franchises—including some in South Dakota—stay open. Livestock & Animal Health: R-CALF USA’s Rapid City convention lineup is set for June 16-18, and USDA confirmed new world screwworm has reached the U.S., triggering movement rules for warm-blooded animals. Economic Development: South Dakota’s Board of Economic Development approved funding for a Rapid City business park, a Lake County road rebuild, and major support tied to Smithfield’s Sioux Falls expansion.

Economic Development: South Dakota’s Board of Economic Development approved nearly $30 million in sales-tax incentives for a new Smithfield Foods plant, a project expected to cost about $1.3 billion. Healthcare & Education: USD Dean Tim Ridgway traveled across the state to reassure communities about the Sanford School of Medicine’s move to Sioux Falls, pitching better training and more research access. Local Government: Vermillion City Council gave initial approval to change its budget timing process, setting a new schedule for tax-levy hearings. Nonprofit Services: Family Connections Center’s board says it’s facing a major governance and operational crisis after Executive Director Joseph Barb resigned, leaving leaders without full access to key systems. Courts: A judge ruled in favor of Dakota Protein Solutions in Turner County’s lawsuit over a Freeman rendering facility, saying the county failed to provide proper notice and right to respond. Public Health: A new study finds childhood lead levels have dropped nationwide, but disparities remain—South Dakota is among the states tracking higher exposure for children of color and low-wealth families. Agriculture Research: SDSU Extension highlighted precision livestock research at the Cottonwood Field Station, focusing on practical ways producers can evaluate new technology. STEM Spotlight: SDSU engineering students won a category at NASA’s RASC-AL competition for a lunar sample return concept. Arts & Community: Freedom Scholarship marked 300 graduates and $7.2 million in new funding, while Discovery of Strings brought free music lessons to Rapid City students. National Politics: President Trump nominated Jay Clayton as director of national intelligence, moving fast toward Senate confirmation amid fallout from the earlier acting pick.

State Budget Watch: South Dakota sales tax and reserves may “normalize” after a FY25 dip, with collections rebounding in FY26 and up more than 6% through 11 months, according to state economic advisors. Foster Care Savings: First Lady Melania Trump launched “Fostering the Future Accounts,” letting states open $1,000 seed accounts for eligible foster children via Treasury-backed rules. South Dakota Politics: Toby Doeden and Gov. Larry Rhoden will face off in the July 28 GOP governor runoff after the June 2 primary; Attorney General Marty Jackley and Sen. Mike Rounds won statewide. Economic Development: The South Dakota Board of Economic Development approved up to about $30 million in reinvestment payments for Smithfield’s Sioux Falls expansion, tied to sales tax paid on eligible costs. Agriculture: Eastern South Dakota alfalfa scouts are seeing alfalfa plant bugs in large numbers; SDSU notes treatment may be warranted around 20–30 bugs per 10 sweeps. Local Notes: Madison’s July 4 fireworks are back on after community fundraising.

FISA Fight: House Republicans plan a last-minute vote to extend FISA Section 702 to July 2, but it’s expected to fail as lawmakers clash over President Trump’s acting DNI pick, Bill Pulte. White House Mood: A new report says “knives are out” inside an increasingly insular White House as Congress and the administration stumble toward a looming surveillance deadline. Local Economy: South Dakota’s Board of Economic Development approved up to $30 million in sales-tax rebates for Smithfield Packaged Meats’ move to northern Sioux Falls, part of a broader push for major business investment. Tribal Land: All nine South Dakota tribes backed legislation to return federal Black Hills lands to the Great Sioux Nation, aiming to protect sacred sites and water. Courts & Ballots: A federal appeals panel heard arguments over South Dakota’s petition deadline for ballot questions, with signature-gathering continuing past disputed dates. Public Safety: A Rapid City woman was sentenced for illegally buying a gun for a convicted felon in a straw-purchase case. Education: SDSU released its spring 2026 dean’s list, recognizing 3,941 students. Water Infrastructure: Sioux Falls put a new Well 25 drinking-water collector into service, boosting capacity by millions of gallons per day. Business & IP: ASCAP sued radio groups, including a South Dakota station owner, alleging continued music broadcasts after license termination.

Attorney General Fight: President Trump has nominated Todd Blanche to be attorney general, setting up a high-stakes Senate confirmation battle as Republicans split over a controversial $1.8 billion Jan. 6 compensation fund tied to his prior role. South Dakota Politics: Gubernatorial candidate Toby Doeden is criticizing the state’s 35% runoff rule after finishing short in the June 2 primary, pointing at the late Joe Barnett as the law’s origin. Ballot Access Court Fight: A federal appeals panel heard arguments over South Dakota’s petition deadline for citizen ballot questions, with signature gathering continuing past disputed dates. Local Government & Elections: Lincoln County commissioners discussed the June 2 primary canvass and a post-election audit drawing, including a precinct reporting glitch corrected before final results. Water & Infrastructure: Sioux Falls put its new Well 25 into service, boosting capacity by millions of gallons per day to support growth. Health Care Expansion: Monument Health is opening a new standalone emergency room in Rapid City with 24/7 coverage and imaging and lab services. Business & Law: ASCAP sued four radio groups, including a South Dakota station, alleging they kept playing music after licenses were terminated. Agriculture Research: SDSU researchers developed vaccine candidates for avian metapneumovirus subtype B after earlier identifying the outbreak.

FISA Fight: Congress is racing to renew Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, with lawmakers split between privacy concerns and national security needs as the Iran war drags on and disputes over Trump’s intelligence pick add fuel. Black Hills Land Return: All nine South Dakota tribes backed draft legislation to return federal lands in the Black Hills to the Great Sioux Nation, aiming to protect sacred sites and water while leaving private property untouched. State Ballot Deadline: The 8th Circuit heard arguments over South Dakota’s ballot signature deadline, with Dakotans for Health and the attorney general’s office clashing over First Amendment fairness. Healthcare & Housing: Monument Health is opening a new 24/7 emergency department in Rapid City, while Minnehaha County starts a homelessness strategic plan. Agriculture: USDA milk price benchmarks rose in May, and new world screwworm detections are raising livestock alarm in the northern Plains. Business & Law: ASCAP sued four radio groups, including Haugo Broadcasting in South Dakota, alleging unlicensed music use. Local Services: Yankton County’s ambulance billing changes are improving finances, and the Jackson County sheriff urged residents to call 911, not deputies directly.

State Welfare Update: South Dakota’s Rules Review committee approved new TANF rules that raise standard payments about 6.4% after a 2026 legislative appropriation and an inflation bump, with lawmakers debating how it fits with earlier TANF reductions. Livestock Health Watch: New World screwworm detections are raising alarms for cattle producers, since the fly targets living animals and can rapidly turn small cuts or bites into painful, infected wounds. Local Housing Push: Fall River Health Services in Hot Springs is funding a nearby subdivision to create 48 affordable units for employees, aiming to ease a workforce shortage driven by lack of housing. Main Street Revitalization: Mitchell’s planning commission backed a tax increment district plan to stabilize and redevelop a 1907 Main Street bank building into storefronts plus short-term rentals. Public Safety Reminder: The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office urged residents to call 911 for emergencies rather than contacting deputies directly, warning that direct calls can slow coordination. VA Housing Numbers: South Dakota’s average VA IRRRL loan amount rose to about $381,736 in Q1 FY2026. Health & Community: Davison County’s Veterans Service Office is hosting an open house on PACT Act benefits and other eligibility changes.

Air Quality & Health: A new study says wildfire smoke has reversed about four years of U.S. air-quality gains, with fire-sourced ozone tied to hundreds of premature deaths each year. Local Housing & Health Care: A Hot Springs hospital is funding a subdivision to create 48 affordable units for employees, aiming to ease a worker shortage driven by lack of local housing. Elections & Politics: Turner County’s sheriff GOP primary is headed to a recount after a razor-thin 823-820 result; Sioux Falls mayoral politics are also in runoff mode, with Democrats and Republicans treating the nonpartisan race like a statewide test. State Government & Policy: South Dakota’s voter-registration rules are drawing attention as some Democrats consider temporary party switches to influence GOP primaries. Agriculture & Water: Coverage highlights growing alarm over the Ogallala Aquifer’s depletion and what it could mean for farmers. SDSU Extension: The Garden Hotline adds seasonal staff across the state to help residents with yard and plant questions. National Politics: Trump formally nominates Todd Blanche for attorney general, setting up a tough Senate confirmation fight.

Sioux Falls Politics: Former President Joe Biden headlined the South Dakota Democratic Party’s McGovern Day Dinner in Sioux Falls, drawing protests outside the venue and helping the party raise more than $275,000, as state Democrats look to build momentum for November. Local Elections: The Sioux Falls mayoral race is headed to a runoff after no candidate hit 50%, with Christine Erickson and Jamie Smith advancing; they differ on child care funding approaches and data-center impacts. State Infrastructure: The South Dakota Department of Transportation will host a public open house June 24 on an Interstate 90 grading, surfacing, and structure replacement project in Sioux Falls, seeking community input. Rapid City Growth: Pennington County approved a $68 million TIF for the Black Hills Marketplace near Rapid City, targeting major retail, housing, and infrastructure investment. Rural Health & Drugs: A $3.2 million grant launches a rural hospital program aimed at pooling purchasing power to reduce generic drug shortages. Business & Community: Elevate Rapid City will hold its 2026 Business Awards Night June 9 at The Monument, honoring regional businesses and nonprofits.

Abortion Politics Backlash: ProPublica reports that several Republican lawmakers who tried to soften or challenge severe abortion bans lost support from anti-abortion groups and then lost their primaries—showing how fast the issue can flip a race. Water and Data Centers: Communities across the Midwest and South are pushing moratoriums and new zoning rules as residents warn large data centers strain local water supplies and energy use. National Security Fight: U.S. lawmakers are warning that President Trump’s pick of Bill Pulte as acting intelligence chief could complicate renewal of foreign surveillance law Section 702. South Dakota Health & Community: Monument Health added leadership to its executive team, and its Walking Forward cancer navigation program is returning to expand support for Native patients. Housing and Loans: VA reported 575 home loans in South Dakota totaling $207 million in Q1, while Lakota Funds received $764,000 from USDA to expand Pine Ridge homeownership access. Local Economy & Education: South Dakota Mines plans a 9,415-square-foot geology field station in Nemo, and Rapid City’s Elevate Business Awards Night is set for June 9. Elections Watch: Sturgis will reconvene its canvassing board Monday after discrepancies were found in a June 2 special election.