AGP Executive Report

South Dakota Politics & Courts: The South Dakota Supreme Court upheld the state’s win in the Hideaway Hills sinkhole dispute, rejecting homeowners’ inverse condemnation claims tied to damage near a former gypsum mining area. Corrections & Public Safety: Gov. Larry Rhoden marked completion of the new South Dakota Women’s Correctional Facility in Rapid City, built to expand rehabilitation programming and addiction recovery. Local Government: Rapid City residents got a practical heads-up on the city’s new backyard chicken ordinance, with a library class covering coop rules and care. State & Federal Policy: South Dakota AG Anne Lopez joined a multistate push urging the FCC to tighten rules against scam robocalls by cutting off scammers’ access to legitimate phone numbers. Community & Culture: Brookings’ Summer Arts Festival drew thousands despite near-90-degree heat, with artists, food, and free entertainment filling Pioneer Park. Science & Family Fun: Neutrino Day returned to Lead as Sanford Underground Research Facility and other partners hosted hands-on experiments for kids and adults. Sports: Sioux Falls advanced in the Little League state tournament after a 7-3 win over Canyon Lake, setting up a championship matchup. National Spotlight: Tributes continued after Sen. Lindsey Graham’s death at 71, with South Dakota Sen. John Thune among those offering condolences.

Heat Dome Watch: A long-lasting, “significant and dangerous” heat wave is building across the U.S., with meteorologists warning temperatures 15 to 25 degrees above normal and especially risky overnight heat. South Dakota Courts: The state Supreme Court ruled against homeowners in the Hideaway Hills sinkhole case, backing the state’s sovereign immunity; the decision leaves many condemned homes vacant. State Government & Courts: South Dakota’s unified court system is considering merging the Fourth and Seventh judicial circuits, a move some rural prosecutors fear could hurt access to justice. Public Safety & Health: Minnesota officials warned that dogs adopted from South Dakota have tested positive for canine brucellosis, prompting new import and quarantine evaluations. Local Life: Rapid City Public Library held a class on raising backyard chickens after a new city ordinance allows residents to keep up to six hens. Housing & Finance: South Dakota Housing honored Amanda Palli as a top loan originator, highlighting the agency’s homeownership lending impact. Sports & Education: South Dakota High School Coaches Association named spring coaches of the year, including Aberdeen Central’s Kim Zimmerman.

Public Health: Minnesota officials say dogs adopted from South Dakota have a high prevalence of canine brucellosis, with seven positive cases traced to South Dakota so far in 2026, prompting new import requirements and possible quarantine steps. Water & Local Government: Lake Mitchell’s drawdown is drawing downstream concerns in the James River watershed, with questions raised about water quality, permits, dredge disposal, and how flows will be controlled. State Politics: A temporary party switch by Nancy Turbak Berry ahead of South Dakota’s July 28 GOP runoff is already bringing both encouragement and criticism. Weather & Safety: Meteorologists warn a dangerous, long-lasting heat dome is building across much of the U.S., with South Dakota expected to feel impacts this weekend. Corrections: South Dakota is preparing to move incarcerated women into a new Rapid City prison next month, adding 288 beds and expanding treatment and work-release options. Crime: An Iowa man faces multiple charges, including vehicular homicide, after a July 4 UTV crash killed a 9-year-old Waterloo girl near Pierre. Community & Culture: Cherrybee’s Floral and Gifts in Mitchell is changing hands after 28 years, as the longtime owners step back and new owners take over.

South Dakota Courts: The South Dakota Supreme Court cleared every case from its August 2025 term before starting the new term—an efficiency milestone aimed at faster appeals without sacrificing careful decisions. Judicial Administration: Court officials are also weighing a proposal to merge the administrative structures of the Fourth and Seventh Judicial Circuits, with public forums set for late August and comments due Oct. 1. Public Safety & Infrastructure: A 49-page report on the November Rapid City power outage says voltage and safeguard systems were triggered after a 500-kilovolt transmission line near Medicine Bow, Wyo., was de-energized during switching. Water Quality: South Dakota’s riparian buffer program is expanding after lawmakers added $8 million, with 130 buffer projects now covering 379 miles of shoreline and more landowners waiting to enroll. Corrections: Gov. Larry Rhoden opened a new Rapid City women’s prison built on a therapeutic community model, adding 300 beds and programming focused on reentry. Legal Ruling: In the Hideaway Hills sinkhole dispute, the state’s highest court ruled homeowners can’t seek compensation from South Dakota. Weather Watch: Meteorologists warn a dangerous, long-lasting heat dome is building over much of the country, with hotter nights raising health and wildfire risks. Local Sports & Education: SDSU’s Dairy Quiz Bowl team won the national title in Milwaukee, and the Field of 68 is set to return to Sioux Falls with Murray State vs. Tennessee State on Nov. 2.

Drought & Fire Risk: The U.S. Drought Monitor shows 86% of South Dakota still abnormally dry to in drought, with about 4%—mostly the southwest—classified as extreme, and officials warn the Black Hills remain fire-prone despite recent rain as a heatwave approaches. Corrections & State Facilities: Gov. Larry Rhoden will cut the ribbon on South Dakota’s new women’s prison in Rapid City, marking a major step for the state’s corrections system. Public Safety & Courts: A Rapid City man pleaded guilty to two felony counts tied to illegal child exploitation material; sentencing is set for Aug. 14. Consumer Protection: South Dakota will receive $410,964.38 from Block, Inc. as part of a $45 million settlement over Cash App fraud protections and misleading claims. Local Government: Clay County commissioners heard an informational presentation on data centers as they consider future ordinance options. Health Watch: CDC warns West Nile virus season is hitting earlier and harder than in 20 years, with mosquito precautions urged across affected states. Elections: Sioux Falls mayor-elect Christine Erickson keeps the job after a recount confirmed her four-vote win over Jamie Smith.

Local Government: Sioux County supervisors discussed a proposed data center near Hull after approving a one-year moratorium on data centers and industrial battery storage, with PathOne Data Centers asking what permitting steps come next. Public Safety & Health: Sioux Falls is rolling out the Blue Envelope Program to help autistic residents and others with communication differences share key info during police stops. Legal & Accountability: A Pierre woman pleaded guilty to defrauding South Dakota’s Medicaid program of more than $588,000, with sentencing set for Aug. 25. Consumer Protection: South Dakota’s attorney general joined a multistate push urging the FCC to strengthen rules that block scammers from using legitimate phone numbers for robocalls. Water & Growth: The state water board granted Milbank a future use permit tied to growth and industrial expansion, despite rural water system opposition. Animals: Rapid City-area groups launched a $10 shelter-neuter-return pilot for feral cats, using vouchers and limiting time in traps. Community: Jed’s Safety Camp returns to Salem with hands-on child safety lessons after a 2018 farm accident. Sports: The Field of 68 Opening Day Marathon is back in Sioux Falls, with Murray State and Tennessee State set to tip off Nov. 2 at the Sanford Pentagon.

Robocall crackdown: South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley joined a multistate push urging the FCC to tighten rules that would block scammers from getting access to legitimate phone numbers, after Americans lost nearly $2 billion to robocalls and texts last year. Consumer protection: South Dakota is set to receive $410,964.38 from a $45 million multistate settlement with Block, Inc. over Cash App’s alleged misleading fraud protections; the state says the money will support future consumer protection work. Local roads: SDDOT will hold a public open house July 28 on proposed grading, surfacing and structure work on S.D. Highway 25 near Scotland, with written comments accepted. Public safety: Sioux Falls police say an officer was wounded and a suspect killed in an east-side shootout; the DCI is investigating. Wildlife incident: A trail runner was injured but not seriously after a buffalo strike on Custer State Park’s Lover’s Leap Trail; officials plan more signage and monitoring. Ag risk management: USDA expands crop insurance options for forage producers in select counties, including South Dakota, starting with the 2027 crop year. Business & jobs: The state board approved a $2.4 million sales tax rebate to support AMTEC’s Clear Lake expansion tied to a new ammunition facility.

Robocall crackdown: South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley joined a bipartisan coalition urging the FCC to strengthen rules that would block scammers from buying legitimate phone numbers used for illegal robocalls and texts, after Americans lost nearly $2 billion last year to these scams. Cash App settlement: South Dakota is set to receive about $410,964 from a 46-state $45 million settlement with Block, Inc. over allegations that Cash App misled users about fraud protections. Health merger scrutiny: Sanford Health officials faced questions at a Minnesota attorney general forum about whether they’ll maintain core services at Robbinsdale Hospital for two years if they acquire North Memorial Health. Measles update: South Dakota confirmed its 11th measles case of 2026, involving an unvaccinated or unknown-status child in Edmunds County, with the exposure source still unclear. Wildlife safety: A trail runner suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a buffalo encounter on the Lover’s Leap Trail in Custer State Park; officials plan more signage and monitoring. Local youth agriculture: SDSU Extension reported 115 youth competed in the Rangeland and Soil Days contests in Belle Fourche. Fiber milestone: Bluepeak announced it has passed 500,000 homes and businesses with fiber internet across six states, including South Dakota.

South Dakota Politics: Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken endorsed Gov. Larry Rhoden in the GOP runoff against Toby Doeden, praising Rhoden’s “resume” and character and citing major projects delivered during their time together. Local Governance: Minnehaha County’s election-fraud case is moving toward a possible plea deal for Dell Rapids state Sen. Tom Pischke, charged with felony counts tied to alleged ballot applications filed without candidates’ knowledge. Weather & Safety: A Weather Prediction Center alert flags a serious flash-flood risk for eastern South Dakota and nearby areas as heavy rain rates push toward 3 inches per hour. Agriculture: USDA is reminding South Dakota producers to file crop acreage reports. Health & Community: Huron residents weighed in on the future of the South Dakota Art Museum, including how to make the space more welcoming and how people discover it. Sports: Liz Malarski was named pitching coach for USD softball, and Sioux Falls Post 15 West snapped a long losing streak with a 7-0 win over Post 15 East.

Immigration Enforcement: Gov. Larry Rhoden says South Dakota troopers have helped with 204 immigration-related arrests and the National Guard has supported 807 deportations, as the state receives a $150,418 federal grant tied to the Highway Patrol’s ICE 287(g) work. Workforce Training: South Dakota launched Workforce Pell applications so eligible schools can seek approval for short-term training programs to qualify for federal Pell Grants, with the first round due in November 2026. Local Government & Public Safety: Sioux Falls now lets pet owners license dogs and cats online through DocuPet, replacing clinic-based licensing while keeping the city’s rabies and licensing requirements. State Education: The South Dakota State Library named 16 school libraries as School Achievement Through Libraries award recipients, honoring programs across multiple districts. Community Spotlight: Highmore continues recovery after late-June storms with mayoral praise for volunteers and cleanup, while insurance assessments move forward. Sports: Britton-Hecla’s Abby Lee earned a spot on South Dakota’s inaugural All-State Track & Field Team.

South Dakota Politics: Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken has endorsed Gov. Larry Rhoden in the Republican gubernatorial runoff, praising Rhoden’s “character” and pointing to state actions tied to the city, including Highway Patrol staffing, airport expansion, and a proposed 1% sales tax for special projects. Teacher Shortages: The state is weighing changes to licensing exams as rural and tribal districts struggle to fill jobs, with Education Secretary Joe Graves saying the exam can block teachers who otherwise fit cultural needs. Weather Watch: Tuesday, July 7, brings three simultaneous severe storm risk areas, including a Level 2 Slight Risk across South Dakota into western Minnesota with hail and damaging winds. Uranium Update: The Dewey-Burdock uranium project is seeking to restart South Dakota state permitting after securing final federal permits following a 13-year hold. State Government/Taxes: An audit says the 605Drive vehicle system charged incorrect taxes for some transactions, with refunds and under/overpayments identified. Local Community: Fort Pierre’s Cedar Hill Cemetery hosted Fourth of July historical reenactments, while Sioux Falls City Councilor David Barranco has died at 53.

Gubernatorial Race: Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken endorsed Gov. Larry Rhoden for the GOP runoff, praising his “morals” and pointing to state support for Sioux Falls projects like Highway Patrol staffing, airport investments, a future prison, and the Smithfield plant move. Local Government & Parks: Sioux Falls is set to announce a “major” parks grant Tuesday morning, with city leaders saying private investment has helped keep the parks system among the nation’s best. Cybersecurity: Pennington County continues investigating a cybersecurity incident that forced closures beyond critical services like 911 dispatch and the jail, with state and federal cyber teams involved. Public Safety: A Tea, S.D. man faces a felony domestic abuse charge after an alleged assault at a casino hotel near Larchwood, Iowa. Health Care Staffing: South Dakota is watching national pressure on nursing home staffing rules as regulators elsewhere weigh tougher standards amid rising deficiencies and complaints. Community & Outdoors: Federal and local partners are marking 30 years of black-footed ferret reintroduction with events in Wall, celebrating the species’ recovery in western South Dakota. Sports: KU women’s basketball released its full 2026-27 nonconference schedule, including a neutral-site game in Sioux Falls against Nebraska.

Housing & Infrastructure: The South Dakota Housing Development Authority advanced rules for up to $30 million in low-interest loans to support major airport expansions in Rapid City and Sioux Falls, sending the plan to the Legislature’s Interim Rules Review Committee. Public Safety & Tech: Pennington County moved to close most State’s Attorney offices after a cybersecurity incident, while keeping 911 dispatch, jail operations, and key court functions running. Water & Industry: Officials say the Sequitor Edge data center’s closed-loop cooling plan will have a relatively small water impact—about 65,000 gallons to start and 110,000 gallons ongoing—amid ongoing drought concerns. Energy & Permitting: Encore/Azarga/Powertech cleared final federal permits for the Dewey-Burdock uranium mine in the southern Black Hills, with state water permits still needed. Civic Life: Brookings City Council set July 14 hearings on a temporary alcohol license for downtown events and on transferring an on-sale liquor agreement. Community & Culture: Girl Scouts Dakota Horizons returned from a two-week trip to New Zealand and Australia, bringing home new friendships and stories. Weather Watch: Western South Dakota faces a week of heat and a growing severe storm threat, with the highest risk expected Tuesday evening and again Wednesday.

Cybersecurity & Elections: Pennington County says a cybersecurity incident has hit parts of its network, closing most public-facing offices Monday, while 911 dispatch, jail and juvenile services, and court operations keep running; the county expects a public update late Monday and notes absentee voting for the July 28 gubernatorial runoff will still be available at the auditor’s office. Mount Rushmore & America 250: Fireworks returned to Mount Rushmore for the first time in six years as President Trump headlined America’s 250th eve events, with military bands and flyovers drawing a limited, lottery-based crowd. Black Hills Uranium: A long-stalled Dewey-Burdock uranium mine in Custer and Fall River counties is seeking to restart South Dakota permitting after a 13-year hold, after federal permitting steps moved forward. Tourism vs. Property Taxes: A debate is heating up over proposals to replace property taxes with a tourism-focused tax model, arguing visitors could shoulder more of the bill. Local Sports: Mitchell’s Kendall Aadland took second at a South Dakota Golf Association Junior Mini Tour stop; and Rapid City hosts the South Dakota Little League State Tournament starting July 7. Weather & Safety: Forecasters flagged a rare, low-severity severe weather setup for the Dakotas and Minnesota on Monday, with only a marginal risk expected.

Independence Day at 250: President Donald Trump’s America 250 celebration in Washington, D.C. hit a rough patch as severe storms forced a National Mall evacuation and delayed his speech, but the event resumed with a major fireworks show and a campaign-style address that leaned hard into partisan themes. Black Hills spotlight: Thousands turned out at Mount Rushmore for South Dakota’s America 250 Independence Day event, with Gov. Larry Rhoden and Interior Sec. Doug Burgum among the guests as the nation’s 250th birthday played out under hot, shifting weather. Local drought + data center water use: Rapid City is dealing with drought conditions while a planned Sequitor Edge data center in the Black Hills Industrial Center moves forward with a closed-loop cooling plan using far less water than traditional centers. Farm policy fight: A dispute over regenerative agriculture and pesticide concerns played out around a White House executive order, with South Dakota farmer voices in the mix. Statehouse ripple (neighboring): Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon sued over a property tax cap dispute, arguing the State Board of Equalization must certify residential values. Sports note: A Nebraska sports complex is set to swap basketball and volleyball for pickleball, affecting youth programs at one facility.

Independence Day at 250: Storms forced an evacuation of Washington’s National Mall as Freedom 250 shifted people to nearby museums and federal buildings, while the heat wave already had canceled or altered major events across the country. Mount Rushmore spotlight: In Keystone, South Dakota, Trump used the America 250 stage to warn about a “communist menace,” drawing attention to how the holiday is playing out with sharp political messaging. Local celebrations: Black Hills communities kept the Fourth going—Hill City’s Star-Spangled Parade and craft fair drew visitors despite heavy travel traffic, and people at Mount Rushmore described the event as a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Farm mental health: Near Mitchell, a therapist is turning a century-old barn into a counseling space for farmers and their stress—answering the question many ask: “How do I keep going?” Education honors: Two South Dakota sisters were recognized for 75+ years of teaching with the inaugural Legacy Educator Award. International ripple: As Iran began a multi-day state funeral for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Trump claimed the U.S. gave Tehran “a week off,” adding new tension to already strained talks.