AGP Executive Report

Press Freedom Clash: South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden backed Trump’s move to ban CNN, Politico, and MS Now from the White House, saying “the president can make his own decisions,” as the outlets sue to regain access. Elections & Integrity: South Dakota’s Republican Secretary of State Monae Johnson endorsed Democrat Terrence Davis to succeed her, citing “integrity, stability, and professionalism” at stake—an unusual break in a state with no Democrat statewide since 2015. State Politics: Mitchell City Council approved a runoff process for crowded races, but Mayor Jordan Hanson vowed to veto. Cost of Living: Gas prices in the Twin Cities jumped 16.5 cents in a week to an average $4.43; Sioux Falls was reported at $4.15. Health & Research: NIH awarded $11.09M over five years to create a statewide clinical research center linking Avera, SDSU, and USD. Science Spotlight: Sanford Underground Research Facility highlighted a potential dark matter breakthrough from its LUX-ZEPLIN experiment. Higher Ed: Northern State University hit its highest enrollment since 2009, with a 28% jump in first-time freshmen. Local Business: Starbucks opened in Spearfish, with a Sept. 28 ribbon cutting planned.

Diesel Prices & Export Ban Talk: South Dakota Sen. John Thune says he’s “open to exploring” a diesel export ban as record prices top $6 a gallon, while Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has said he’d consider one only if it would actually lower costs. Local Roads & Construction: Rapid City drivers face lane closures and detours for water line repairs on East Omaha Street and Stumer Road, plus asphalt work on Luna Avenue and bridge work affecting the St. Joseph Street ramp. State Politics: South Dakota Secretary of State Monae Johnson, a Republican, endorsed Democrat Terrence Davis for her successor—citing experience and urging voters to look past party labels. Food Security & Nutrition: A new South Dakota Food Landscape Assessment finds 1 in 8 people (and 1 in 5 children) have limited or uncertain access to enough food, with many skipping meals to stretch budgets. World Food Program: Luke Lindberg, a South Dakota trade official, was named the next executive director of the UN World Food Program. Housing Snapshot: Zillow reports Marshall County’s typical home value rose 5.7% to $235,292, while Miner County dipped 0.4% to $207,145. Community & Health: Mobridge Regional Hospital and Clinics celebrated a $50 million expansion funded largely through USDA Rural Development.

Elections & Voting: South Dakota’s Republican secretary of state Monae Johnson endorsed Democrat Terrence Davis to succeed her after losing the GOP nomination this summer, arguing he’s best prepared to protect the office with “seriousness, steadiness, and integrity.” Housing Watch: Zillow data shows mixed county trends in August 2026: Jackson County up 7.1% to $141,213; Jerauld up 0.9% to $224,755; Miner down 0.4% to $207,145; Bon Homme down 2.3% to $163,660; Codington up 3.2% to $344,255. Mental Health: A South Dakota-area suicide prevention push highlights the 988 lifeline and local support resources during National Suicide Prevention Month. Agriculture & Energy Costs: Record diesel prices are squeezing farmers as officials debate export limits, with lawmakers including Sen. John Thune saying he’s open to exploring federal action to ease prices. Local Community: Rapid City opened “Kitty City” at the Humane Society of the Black Hills to separate cats and reduce stress, and the city also moved to hire outside counsel to pursue unpaid utility bills from a property management firm. Sports & Schools: SDSU’s One Day for STATE raised $3.54 million from 8,190 gifts, while South Dakota State beat Youngstown State 27-20 in a key early MVFC matchup.

Elections & Voting Rights: South Dakota Secretary of State Monae Johnson, a Republican, endorsed Democrat Terrence Davis for her job, saying her decade-plus inside the office shows the difference between campaigning and running elections. Campaign & Policy: Ahlers is pitching “conservative Democrat” themes in Rapid City, arguing for bipartisan coalitions after years of one-party dominance. Constitutional Amendment J: One commentary argues the ballot measure banning non-citizens from voting in state and local elections is redundant under current law and could strip local control. Consumer Protection: AG Jay Jones announced a $694 million multistate settlement with subprime auto lender Credit Acceptance, including cash restitution and debt relief. Local Government: Rapid City hired outside counsel to pursue lawsuits over unpaid water and sewer bills tied to Tzadik Management properties. Public Health & Community: The Humane Society of the Black Hills opened “Kitty City” to reduce stress for cats and speed adoptions. Economy & Housing: Zillow reports typical home values in several counties, including Kingsbury up to $255,613 (+3.8%) and Custer down to $500,632 (-1.4%). Agriculture & Politics: Democrats in big-beef states are attacking Trump’s foreign beef import plan as farm-state Republicans face tougher races. Sports (Local): SDSU volleyball fell to top-15 Minnesota 3-1 in Sioux Falls; South Dakota State beat Youngstown State 27-20 in Brookings.

Secretary of State Shake-Up: South Dakota Secretary of State Monae Johnson, a Republican, endorsed Democrat Terrence Davis to succeed her—crossing party lines and arguing voters should look past the party label to the candidate’s experience running the office. Elections Countdown: With midterms now in the early-voting stretch, South Dakota is among states where in-person voting has started, as control of Congress hangs on a Nov. 3 decision. Ballot Measure Confusion: A key Nov. 3 constitutional amendment on Medicaid expansion is drawing scrutiny after Attorney General Marty Jackley says it would automatically repeal expansion if federal funding drops, while lawmakers say it would only give them authority to consider changes. Local Government & Utilities: Rapid City approved hiring outside legal counsel to pursue collection lawsuits against Tzadik Management over unpaid water and sewer bills tied to properties including Star Village and Aspen Apartments. Animal Welfare: The Humane Society of the Black Hills opened “Kitty City,” a new cat and exotic-animal facility aimed at reducing stress and improving health and adoption outcomes. Science Watch: Researchers at Sanford Underground Research Facility say they may have detected dark matter signals at the Lux Zeplin experiment, with more months of data review before any claims. Sports (SDSU/SD): South Dakota State beat Youngstown State 27-20 in a big early-season test, while South Dakota’s Coyotes face Boise State Saturday night as heavy underdogs.

Elections & Voting Rights: South Dakota’s ballot debate heats up as Amendment J would bar non-citizens from voting in state and local elections, with critics warning it strips local control. State Politics: Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dan Ahlers pitched West River voters in Rapid City on “conservative Democrat” themes and building bipartisan coalitions. Medicaid Fight: Attorney General Marty Jackley says a separate ballot measure (Amendment I) could automatically end expanded Medicaid if federal funding drops, despite lawmakers’ claims it would only give them authority. AI Oversight: Sen. John Thune weighed AI risk and oversight after Trump said his approach is enough, as experts warn even “kill switch” ideas may not be sufficient. Housing Watch: Zillow reports Custer County’s typical home value fell 1.4% to $500,632, while Clay County rose 3% to $288,077 and Walworth County rose 3.8% to $137,130. Healthcare Costs: Trump announced all 50 states are joining a Medicaid “most-favored-nation” drug pricing plan, with South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden among the governors attending. Local Development: Grand Forks residents toured Sioux Falls riverside mixed-use projects for ideas on redeveloping their own former water treatment site. Science: Sanford Underground Research Facility researchers say they may have detected dark matter, but are still scrutinizing the data.

Rural Legal Access: Eastern Montana judges told the state bar that lawyer shortages are slowing court processes and leaving more people to file pro se, with knock-on effects for families and child welfare. Workplace Safety: A Smithfield Foods walkout in Illinois follows the death of a maintenance worker, highlighting ongoing concerns about preventable workplace deaths in meatpacking. Midterm Politics & Voting: Early in-person voting is underway in Virginia, while South Dakotans can cast absentee ballots in person; the USPS has also reportedly stopped work on a mail-voting computer system tied to Trump’s efforts. Health Care Costs: Trump says all 50 states will join a Medicaid “most-favored-nation” drug pricing model, promising major savings but with details still unclear. Agriculture & Environment: Counties in South Dakota are weighing proposed CAFOs, including a 25,000-cow dairy in Edmunds County and a 13,500-sow facility near Winner, with residents pushing for zoning and better community input. State & Local: South Dakota will receive nearly $105,000 from a Credit Acceptance auto-loan settlement; Rapid City’s diaper drive deadline is Monday; and Pierre is moving toward an ordinance to regulate e-bikes and other personal electronic vehicles.

Consumer Protection: DC and 40+ states reached a $694M settlement with subprime auto lender Credit Acceptance, alleging it set borrowers up to fail; DC residents are set to receive $250K+ in restitution, with penalties and new requirements aimed at stopping risky loan practices and dealer “packing” add-ons like VSC and GAP. Public Health: The CDC reports 3,471 measles cases nationwide as of Sept. 17, up week over week, with most cases tied to outbreaks. Elections: Early voting is underway for the Nov. 3 midterms, and South Dakotans can cast absentee ballots in person; the race for control of Congress is driving attention to cost of living and voting access. Housing: Zillow puts South Dakota’s typical home value at $321,574 in August, up 1.4% year over year. Local Economy & Community: Midwest Food Bank is expanding in Sioux Falls with a permanent distribution center, adding capacity to serve partners across South Dakota and the region. Energy & Agriculture Costs: Farmers across the region are bracing for record diesel prices during harvest, with higher fuel costs expected to ripple through food prices. Tribal Clean Energy: The Indigenous Power & Light Fund says it has deployed $4.7M into 17 tribal-led projects, catalyzing $200M+ in additional financing across nine states.

Voting & Civic Life: USD’s Chiesman Center for Democracy is highlighting how South Dakota students can stay engaged ahead of the midterms, with civic education and research at the center of its mission. Early Voting in South Dakota: Absentee voting opens Friday for the Nov. 3 general election, with Pennington County outlining in-person options and the SAVE Act proof-of-citizenship requirement. Local Tax Decision: Yankton County approved a 0.25% sales tax starting July 1 to fund owner-occupied property tax relief, passing 3-2 after debate over fairness and impact. Consumer Protection: South Dakota Attorney General Tim Griffin joined a $694 million multistate settlement with auto lender Credit Acceptance, aimed at predatory-loan practices and adding stronger consumer safeguards. Food Security: Feeding South Dakota is expanding mobile distribution across all 66 counties to meet rising demand, including a new push in the Sioux Falls area. Business & Growth: South Dakota Trade named Rachael Weiland its new president and CEO, tasked with expanding opportunities for South Dakota companies in international markets. Sports & Community Events: SDSU and USD will host Big Ten opponents in Sioux Falls this weekend at the Sanford Pentagon, while Mitchell’s proposed multi-sport facility funding remains tied up in hotel BID tax discussions.

Predatory Lending Crackdown: South Dakota’s AG Hilgers joined a multistate $694 million settlement with subprime auto lender Credit Acceptance, aimed at ending deceptive lending and delivering cash and debt relief to more than 55,000 consumers nationwide. Elections & Records: A three-way race is set for South Dakota Secretary of State, with Republican Heather Baxter, Democrat Terrence Davis, and Libertarian Tamara Lesnar competing for the post that oversees elections and business filings. State Business Climate: A new “Red Tape 50” ranking puts South Dakota at No. 5 for speed and ease of building and operating a business, while several coastal states land at the bottom. Cost Pressures for Drivers: AAA South Dakota reports diesel near $6 a gallon, adding strain for truckers and businesses; Sioux Falls gas prices also jumped overnight. Food Insecurity Push: First Interstate Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines are matching donations during Hunger Action Month to help Feeding South Dakota provide more meals statewide. Local Leadership Change: Rachael Weiland was named new president and CEO of South Dakota Trade, succeeding Luke Lindberg. Agriculture & Research: SDSU highlighted reopenings of the Cottonwood Field Station and Transient Animal Facility, boosting hands-on research and extension for South Dakota agriculture. Sports: Northwestern extended coach David Braun through the 2031 season.

Election Integrity & Voting Access: A new push for stricter election rules is headed to November ballots, after Oklahoma added “proof of identity” to its constitution—part of a broader fight over citizenship checks and voter ID. Local Elections: Three candidates are jockeying for South Dakota Secretary of State, with Heather Baxter, Terrence Davis, and Tamara Lesnar all pitching different approaches to election oversight and public trust. Rapid City Finances: Rapid City says July sales tax revenue showed “significant growth,” crediting the America 250 boost and noting the uptick helped offset rising costs. Municipal Accountability: Rapid City advanced legal action against Tzadik Property Management over more than $500,000 in unpaid utility bills, with the city seeking a third-party lawsuit filing. Hunger Relief: First Interstate Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines are matching donations to help feed South Dakotans during Hunger Action Month. Agriculture & Rural Economy: SDSU Extension will host Annie’s Project for specialty crop producers, a six-week Zoom program focused on risk management and business planning. Public Safety Tech: Sioux Falls leaders are working on guardrails for automatic license plate readers amid ongoing public pushback. Livestock Health: Anthrax has been confirmed in a South Dakota cattle herd in Meade County, triggering quarantine and vaccination steps.

Happiness Watch: WalletHub’s 2026 “Happiest States” list put New Hampshire at No. 10, with Hawaii first, and ranked states using emotional/physical well-being, work environment, and community life. Food Costs & Hunger: Feeding South Dakota says food insecurity has hit an all-time high, with 130,000+ people affected and rising costs pushing demand during Hunger Action Month. Local Tax Vote Prep: Hill City will hold informational meetings Sept. 23 on a proposed 1% sales tax increase tied to water or sewer infrastructure, with the question on the Nov. 3 ballot. Election Timing: South Dakota’s early voting trend keeps climbing—absentee voting rose from 16% (2016) to 58% (2024)—as voters prepare for the Nov. 3 election amid a Supreme Court mail-ballot dispute. South Dakota Politics in Court: State Sen. Tom Pischke faces a December trial on two felony election-related charges tied to allegedly forged nominating petitions. Rapid City Accountability: The city is weighing legal options after Star Village condemned structures, with the owner owing more than $530,000 in unpaid bills. SDSU & Agriculture: SDSU named swine professor Crystal Levesque to an endowed chair in swine production, and the university also highlighted research and awards tied to food and agricultural engineering. Small Business Relief: SBA disaster loans are available to drought-impacted South Dakota counties, offering low-interest working capital support.

Native Justice Backlog: A federal audit says the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Missing and Murdered Unit has been hampered by staffing gaps and redirected funds, slowing investigations into missing and killed Native people. Divorce Law: South Dakota’s no-fault divorce rules can force abuse victims to prove a “legal ground” like “extreme cruelty” if a spouse contests, raising barriers to leaving. Food System Planning: South Dakota released its first Food Landscape Assessment and is launching “The Future of Food” gatherings to tackle affordability, access, and nutrition security. State Politics & Courts: A Minnehaha County judge set a December trial date for state Sen. Tom Pischke on election-related felony charges tied to allegedly forged candidate petitions. Immigration & Schools: New visa rules could reduce international enrollment at South Dakota universities as processing delays and policy changes create uncertainty. Agriculture & Costs: USDA is seeking farmer input on fertilizer “cartel” practices amid consolidation concerns. SDSU Leadership: SDSU research vice president Daniel Scholl plans to retire this December. Local Business & Community: Sioux Falls’ Celebrate Church is taking over the B&G Milkyway ice cream shop, keeping operations largely the same. Science in SD: The LZ dark matter experiment, using a detector in a South Dakota underground mine, reported an unusual interaction scientists are still trying to verify.

Housing & Homeownership: Sisseton-based GROW SD won a $100,000 grant from the South Dakota Community Foundation to expand its Down Payment Assistance program, offering 20 zero-interest, deferred $5,000 loans for income-qualified buyers. Local Business & Community: Celebrate Church took over the B&G Milkyway in Sioux Falls, keeping the same staff and treats while routing profits back to community and ministry needs. State Finance & Conservation: South Dakota sold 8,484 more habitat conservation license plate sets than decals, leaving about $415,000 in potential wildlife funding uncollected due to the state’s two-step plate-then-decal process. Agriculture Costs: Fuel surcharges are quietly rising and hitting farmers hard, with South Dakota routes to Seattle among the steepest year-over-year increases. Tech & Policy: Congress is moving toward stricter AI regulation, with lawmakers discussing “kill switch” requirements as concerns grow. Education & Enrollment: SDSU reported strong fall enrollment near 12,000, including the highest in-state student count in 11 years. Public Safety & Health: Feeding South Dakota marked Hunger Action Month, citing rising food insecurity and announcing September donation matching. Remembering a Leader: Former state legislator and rancher Lars Herseth died at 80, known for work on agriculture, transportation, and economic development. Science: LZ researchers at Sanford Underground Research Facility reported a rare interaction that could hint at dark matter, though they’re still ruling out other explanations.

Food Insecurity: Feeding South Dakota says hunger is rising, citing Feeding America data showing 130,340 people in the state are food insecure, including 1 in 5 children, and it’s launching a September volunteer-a-thon with a donation match tied to First Interstate Bank. Health & Community Giving: Hy-Vee is partnering with the American Heart Association to let shoppers round up purchases during September to support cardiovascular research. Local Government: Yankton approved a $62M 2027 budget, while Pierre’s City Commission meets Tuesday with items including staffing, DOT maintenance agreements, and an ordinance introduction on e-bikes. Rapid City Watch: The city is seeking applicants for two Historic Sign Review Committee seats, and Mayor Jason Salamun says he won’t seek a second term. Agriculture & Research: SDSU is expanding its swine education and research facility capacity by 50% with a $1.8M addition, and federal officials are asking farmers to report fertilizer “cartel” practices. Outdoor & Environment: The U.S. is considering changes that could weaken Clean Water Act protections, a fight that matters to South Dakota’s outdoor economy and habitat stamps. Sports & Schools: South Dakota’s college football teams start strong, and Rapid City students received $21,000 in instruments for music programs. Science: A dark-matter-related signal has renewed interest in the LZ detector at Sanford Underground Research Facility, though scientists stress it’s not proven. Remembering Lars Herseth: Former state lawmaker and 1986 gubernatorial nominee R. Lars Herseth died at 80.

Clean Energy Siting: A new Center for Rural Affairs fact sheet tracks how counties across Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota are tightening or updating wind and solar rules, with solar ordinances up as much as 45% and wind up to 44% from 2025 to 2026. Native Business Spotlight: Rosebud Building Products on the Rosebud Reservation earned South Dakota’s 2026 Hardware All Star honor, highlighting local jobs and community support. Health Care & Community: Monument Health in Rapid City won multiple American Heart Association awards for heart and stroke care, while Sioux Falls hosts The Walk to Defeat ALS at Sertoma Park on Sept. 19. Higher Ed & Workforce: SDSU reports strong fall enrollment with the highest in-state student count in 11 years, and Joyce University announced a new 90-credit BSN pathway. Local Government & Safety: Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun says he won’t seek reelection, and SDDOT is taking public input on an I-29 Exit 15 interchange project in Elk Point. Agriculture & Food Markets: Non-GMO soybeans and identity-preserved seed are carving out niche opportunities for Midwest producers, and the Tri-State Drainage Research Forum returns with a field tour and regional water-management focus.