AGP Executive Report

Healthcare & Policy: South Dakota-based Sanford Health cleared a major hurdle toward buying North Memorial Health after signing a 10-year oversight deal with Minnesota’s attorney general, including commitments to keep Robbinsdale’s hospital and emergency services running for a decade. AI & Workforce: A South Dakota workforce council discussion argues the state should use AI to strengthen apprenticeship-style training, redesigning entry-level jobs as routine tasks get automated. Cyber & Data Centers: The Legislative Research Council drafted a primer on hyperscale data centers, flagging uncertainty about future power and water needs and noting no South Dakota sites currently meet hyperscale thresholds. Agriculture & Water: SDSU Extension will host the Tri-State Drainage Research Forum Oct. 1 in Owatonna, focusing on farm drainage, water management, and conservation. Public Safety Tech: South Dakota’s AG is pushing license plate reader safeguards as other states move to rein in automated surveillance. STEM in the Field: DSU’s Applied Research Lab in Sioux Falls is expanding training and digital forensics capacity, including a Faraday room for secure work. Community Science: Union County Electric and SDSU Extension wrapped up a Prairie Roots project by transplanting native wildflowers beneath solar arrays.

AI Workforce Planning: South Dakota’s Workforce Development Council is updating essential skills and career-and-technical standards, and a new Stanford Digital Economy Lab analysis warns that young workers in highly AI-exposed jobs are being hired about 19% less than expected—so the state should redesign entry-level roles around apprenticeship-style training rather than simply removing work. Biofuels Certainty: Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks is urging the U.S. Treasury to finalize 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit rules so biofuel producers get predictable policy for long-term investment. Bird Flu Watch: Federal H5N1 trackers were nearly a month without updates before new dairy and poultry detections appeared, including outbreaks in Edmunds and Brule counties, South Dakota. Data Center Policy: The Legislative Research Council drafted a hyperscale data center primer for lawmakers, flagging major gaps in what the state knows about future power and water needs. Cybersecurity & Health Tech: DSU’s Applied Research Lab is expanding cyber/AI training and digital forensics capacity, while South Dakota’s healthcare sector continues to push back against scams and consolidation concerns. Public Safety Tech & Privacy: South Dakota AG Jackley is proposing safeguards for license plate reader use as cities and states face growing scrutiny over automated surveillance. Space Science: NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is set to launch to hunt for “Earth twins” and probe dark matter/dark energy.

Regulators & Energy Safety: Iowa’s Utilities Commission is weighing penalties and corrective action for Black Hills Energy after findings of disproportionate pipeline safety “probable violations” and slower correction times, with the company saying many issues stem from oxidation and homeowner or business factors. Higher Ed & Workforce: South Dakota’s Board of Regents is seeking FY28 funds to build a new Ness School of Management and Economics at SDSU and to relocate the first 18 months of USD medical education to Sioux Falls, alongside major deferred maintenance. Campus Tech & Privacy: Brookings residents raised concerns about Flock Safety cameras and data sharing at a City Council meeting, while a statewide survey finds strong public awareness and positive perceptions of SDSU. Cybersecurity & Water Systems: CISA reports more than 100 internet-exposed water systems hit in July, with programmable logic controller attacks and incidents including South Dakota. Local Tech & Services: Amazon’s new Sioux Falls delivery station is now operating with expanded capacity and updated loading tech. Public Safety Grants: State Farm’s Good Neighbor program awarded $10,000 grants to South Dakota volunteer fire departments for protective gear and rescue tools. Agriculture & Community: Coverage highlights Hutterite colonies’ modern farming role, plus an on-farm store model boosting small producers in Sioux Falls.

Cybersecurity in Utilities: CISA says it saw malicious activity targeting 100+ internet-exposed water and wastewater systems in July, often hitting programmable logic controllers tied to cellular modems—South Dakota is among the named states. Public Safety Funding: South Dakota and Nebraska volunteer fire departments received $10,000 State Farm Good Neighbor grants for protective gear, EMS tools, communications, and rescue equipment. Local Infrastructure: The South Dakota Transportation Commission approved $3.5M for 40 local bridge projects and also backed rural bridge design and planning grants. Tech & Jobs: Amazon’s new Sioux Falls delivery station is now operating, with capacity scaling for peak season. Scam Warning: A BBB study finds scammers increasingly use AI, social media, and internet phone services to automate fraud—South Dakotans are urged to use spam filters and voicemail for unknown numbers. STEM/Community Learning: South Dakota Mines is hosting a “Philosophy in the Park” discussion on how communities steward shared resources. Youth Online Safety: 22 state AGs are challenging taxpayer funding of the National Academies’ climate review, while separate reporting highlights major Meta child-safety settlements rolling out across states.

Rural Cybersecurity: CISA says more than 100 internet-exposed U.S. water and wastewater systems were targeted in July, with intrusions often hitting programmable logic controllers tied to cellular connections—South Dakota is among the states named. Battery Manufacturing (SDM-linked): Critical Resources is teaming with Australia’s CSIRO to optimize and scale its Dry Supersonic Deposition battery process, using CSIRO “digital twin” modeling; the tech was developed with South Dakota Mines in a U.S. solid-state storage program. Rural Health Funding Oversight: A $50B federal rural healthcare program is facing calls for better transparency as states and CMS share details too slowly for meaningful oversight. Education Tech Privacy: Albuquerque Public Schools will keep using the AI reading tool Amira but will reduce voice recording and delete data more frequently after parent backlash. Local Tech & Community: Pennington County is moving to enforce licensing for unlicensed vacation rentals, using property data to send notices with a Dec. 3 deadline. STEM Outreach: Douglas Middle School in Rapid City hosts a free Future Ready-Black Hills STEAM showcase with hands-on stations and career demos. Agriculture & Weather: Northern Plains spring wheat harvest is progressing quickly with early quality tests showing strong protein; meanwhile, western South Dakota faces a breezy day with a chance of severe storms.

Meta Child-Safety Settlement: Meta agreed to pay states up to $17.1B and add child-safety controls to Facebook and Instagram, with South Dakota set to receive at least $52.6M as part of the court-approved deal. Cybersecurity & Water: CISA says more than 100 internet-exposed water systems were hit in July, and reporting links Iran-linked actors to sabotage attempts targeting U.S. water infrastructure, including South Dakota. VA Digital Health Rollout: A VA deputy secretary visit to the Black Hills focused on facility concerns and the planned May 2027 launch of a new Electronic Health Record system for a more unified veteran medical history. Energy + Data Centers: South Dakota’s push for robust renewable power is drawing hyperscale data centers, even as lawmakers weigh how to manage growth. STEM in the Black Hills: Douglas Middle School in Rapid City hosts a free STEAM career showcase Aug. 27 with hands-on stations from local partners. Battery Manufacturing Research: Critical Resources and CSIRO are teaming up to scale a solvent- and binder-free dry supersonic deposition battery process, building on work with SD Mines. Local Tech Policy: Pennington County is reminding vacation rental operators to get licensed, warning of notices and potential fines.

Child Safety Crackdown on Meta: A multistate deal requires Meta to pay up to $17.1B and roll out sweeping changes to Instagram and Facebook for kids and teens, including stronger age checks, tighter time limits, and default “overnight” and school-day restrictions. Local Heroics in STEM Sports: South Dakota Mines football captain Jameson Mallon-Echols helped pull a trapped teen from a burning crash in Texas, using his shirt to put out flames before the vehicle fully engulfed. Agriculture Pest Watch: Missouri confirmed a second case of the soybean tentiform leafminer, a pest already found in South Dakota and nearby states—extension officials urge farmers to scout field edges and report suspected mines. South Dakota Tech & Governance: South Dakota AG Marty Jackley is pushing legislation aimed at limiting how law enforcement uses license plate reader technology. Education & Funding: SDSU tuition is set to rise 2.4% for 2026-27, while Mitchell School District distributed $34,368.84 in KIDS Grants for classroom projects. Defense Workforce Push: Gov. Larry Rhoden appointed the remaining voting members of the South Dakota Defense Institute board to expand defense-sector collaboration and training.

Education & Food Tech: USDA announced the $125 million “Harvest to Hallways” push to upgrade school cafeterias, expand farm-to-school grants, and fund research—aimed at getting more nutrient-dense, local food into classrooms in South Dakota and beyond. Defense & STEM Workforce: South Dakota universities are lining up to create a Center for National Defense in Rapid City, with a $1 million ongoing investment and a collaborative degree spanning engineering, public policy/project management, and cybersecurity/intelligence. Rural Health Tech: Gov. Larry Rhoden highlighted $90 million for rural healthcare modernization and IT/interoperability grants for medical providers. Cybersecurity & Critical Infrastructure: A warning says Iran-linked cyberattacks on U.S. infrastructure could intensify, with water systems flagged as a key target. Local Governance Tech: Sioux Falls Mayor Christine Erickson pushed back on data center moratoriums, arguing for clear “guardrails” instead of a pause. Elections Ops: Hughes County backed on-demand ballot printing to avoid future absentee delays. Agriculture & Markets: Grain coverage notes China buying beans again, while South Dakota’s markets track broader commodity swings. STEM in Schools: Mitchell School District received $34,368.84 in KIDS Grants for classroom projects, including STEM and reading. Higher Ed Recognition: SDSU will dedicate a campus sculpture honoring Edgar S. McFadden and his “Hope” wheat variety credited with saving millions from starvation.

Healthcare Costs: A new MediFind ranking finds South Dakota among the hardest-hit states when healthcare spending is compared to income, with the state placing second overall and topping the nation for hospital costs. Short-Term Rentals: Pennington County is cracking down on unlicensed vacation rentals, with notices going out now and a Dec. 3, 2026 deadline; after that, operators could face $200-per-day fines, with a $150, three-year license available. MyChart Phishing: Health systems nationwide, including Avera in South Dakota, are warning patients about emails, texts, and calls impersonating MyChart and offering “Medicare kits” or wellness packages, urging people to treat them as scams. Rural Water Cybersecurity: South Dakota is mentioned among states targeted in recent attacks on water and wastewater systems, highlighting the need for stronger protections for critical infrastructure. Medical Tech Access: Monument Health opened a new Epilepsy Monitoring Unit in Rapid City, bringing specialized five-day EEG monitoring to western South Dakota and eastern Wyoming. STEM Education: Eight South Dakota students took part in a SURF Institute for Underground Science STEM program, including a U.K. stop, and presented their own research. Workforce Training: Be Pro Be Proud’s Mobile Workshop is bringing hands-on skilled-trades demos to South Dakota students, including robotics and electrical work. Local Learning Design: A South Dakota school design story highlights how building layout and learning-focused planning can support younger students’ outcomes.

Health Leadership: USD’s School of Health Sciences welcomes new dean Dr. Betsy Becker, who says her first priority is listening to students, faculty, and clinical partners to shape where the program grows next. STEM in Schools: St. Michael-Albertville School Board approved hiring paraprofessionals and a $1.8M precast concrete bid for a STEM Center addition at STMA High School. STEM Talent Abroad: Eight South Dakota students took part in a four-week SURF STEM program, including a U.K. lab and industry tour, ending with student research presentations. Rural Health Tech: Monument Health opened the region’s first Epilepsy Monitoring Unit in Rapid City, bringing five-day EEG monitoring closer for patients in western South Dakota and eastern Wyoming. Cybersecurity & Water: South Dakota’s cyber program is under strain as local governments face attacks; reporting highlights recent incidents affecting public services and sewage systems. Housing & Risk: ATTOM reports South Dakota’s share of seriously underwater mortgages jumped to 5.7%, tightening mobility and housing inventory. Public Safety Tech: Pennington County is pushing short-term rental licensing ahead of a Dec. 3 enforcement deadline, with daily fines for noncompliance. Education Support: Mitchell School District approved part-time teacher mentors to support new educators with instruction, planning, and classroom readiness.

Public Health: CDC data show measles vaccination coverage among U.S. kindergartners dipped slightly to 92.4% for 2025-26, while non-medical exemptions jumped to 4.2%—the biggest rise in 15 years—raising concern as school-by-school spread can still vary. Food Safety: Everything Sprouts recalled specific lots of alfalfa sprouts after a multi-state outbreak tied to E. coli and Salmonella sickened 55 people across 15 states, including hospitalizations; North and South Dakota are among the reported locations. Local Tech & Cybersecurity: A South Dakota cybersecurity program, SecureSD, is trying to help cash-strapped local governments defend against attacks, but officials warn time and money are running short as Rapid City and other communities recover from recent breaches. Education Tech: Mitchell schools are rolling out an AI reading platform (Amira) after a summer pilot, aiming to boost younger students’ fluency with real-time feedback. Agriculture & Environment: SDSU Extension says recurring prairie pothole algae blooms are driven by rising night temperatures plus nutrient inputs like nitrogen and phosphorus—factors that are hard to control. Cameras & Privacy: Sioux Falls residents and DeFlock Dakota held a community meeting on Automatic License Plate Readers, with debate focused on privacy and how long data is stored.

Cybersecurity Pressure on Local SD: A South Dakota cybersecurity program meant to help small governments is running out of time and money as local systems face attacks, with SecureSD highlighted as a key but strained effort. Ag-Industrial Water Quality: SDSU Extension says recurring prairie pothole algae blooms are driven by rising night temperatures plus nitrogen and phosphorus cycling—factors people can’t fully control. AI in K-12 Reading: Mitchell schools are rolling out an AI-based reading platform (Amira) after a summer pilot, aiming to boost fluency with real-time oral reading feedback. Surveillance Cameras Debate: Sioux Falls residents and DeFlock Dakota are pushing back against Flock automatic license plate readers, arguing for transparency and limits as the city uses dozens of cameras statewide. Rural Health Tech Funding: South Dakota is receiving $90 million for rural health care modernization and IT/interoperability upgrades, including technology grants for providers. Caterpillar Innovation in Rapid City: Caterpillar opened a Black Hills Engineering Design Center in Rapid City using extended reality and digital prototypes to speed machine design and training. Food Safety Alert: Federal health officials report an alfalfa sprout outbreak tied to multiple germs has spread across 15 states, including South Dakota. Livestock STEM Spotlight: A Wakonda 4-H member was selected for South Dakota’s delegation to the 2026 North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville.

Cybersecurity & Infrastructure: Iranian hackers allegedly shut down a UK power plant for four days, underscoring how attacks on critical systems can spread fast and leave utilities scrambling. Local Tech & Privacy: Sioux Falls residents and a group called DeFlock Dakota pushed back against Flock automatic license plate readers, arguing the cameras expand surveillance and should face more public scrutiny. Agriculture & Food Safety: A multi-state outbreak tied to alfalfa sprouts has sickened people in 15 states, including South Dakota, with health officials warning it involves multiple germs. Education & AI in Schools: Mitchell students are using an AI reading platform to improve fluency with real-time feedback, continuing a summer pilot. South Dakota Industry & Engineering: Caterpillar opened a Black Hills Engineering Design Center in Rapid City, using extended reality and digital prototypes to speed machine development and training. Health & Rural Care: Park Haven Learning and Recovery Center in Yankton is set to open Aug. 24, a new 18-bed residential program for women recovering from substance use disorders.

Arts & Education: South Dakota Mines students, faculty and staff can soon get free annual memberships to Rapid City’s Dahl Arts Center, with discounts on classes, events and the Artists’ Market—plus plans for deeper collaboration and joint projects. Cybersecurity & Critical Infrastructure: A reported Iranian cyberattack shut down a UK power plant for four days, underscoring how quickly infrastructure systems can be disrupted and why utilities are tightening defenses. Public Safety Tech Debate: Sioux Falls residents met with DeFlock Dakota to challenge the city’s use of Flock automatic license plate readers, raising concerns about surveillance and urging people to push back at city and state levels. AI in Schools: Mitchell School District is rolling out an AI reading platform (Amira) after a summer pilot, aiming to boost younger students’ reading fluency with real-time feedback. Rural Health & Treatment: Yankton’s Park Haven Learning and Recovery Center is set to open Aug. 24, a new 18-bed residential program for women, including mothers and pregnant patients, supported by state and hospital partners. Food Safety: Federal health officials say an alfalfa sprout outbreak linked to multiple germs has sickened people across 15 states, including South Dakota. Industry & Engineering: Caterpillar opened a Black Hills Engineering Design Center in Rapid City, using extended reality and digital prototypes to speed machine design and training.

Rural Health & Tech: A new 18-bed Park Haven Learning and Recovery Center in Yankton opens Aug. 24, pairing Avera Sacred Heart’s facility with Lewis and Clark Behavioral Health Services and a $3.8M state grant to expand residential care for women, including pregnant mothers. Food Safety: Federal health officials say alfalfa sprouts are tied to a multi-state Salmonella and E. coli outbreak affecting 15 states, with 55 cases reported and four hospitalizations; South Dakota is among the impacted states. Education & AI: Mitchell elementary students are using an AI reading platform called Amira, built to give real-time feedback on oral reading fluency, after a summer pilot. Industry & Engineering: Caterpillar opened a Black Hills Engineering Design Center in Rapid City, using extended reality and digital prototypes to speed machine development and training. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Mitchell approved a $2.93M second fire station, with construction starting after spring 2027 site settling and completion expected in Dec. 2027. Wildlife & Environment: South Dakota’s neighbors are expanding public habitat—Minnesota added 197 acres to the Burr Oak Lake Waterfowl Production Area—while zebra mussels remain a growing concern in regional waters.

Rural Health Tech Push: South Dakota awarded $90M in Rural Health Transformation Technology and Data grants to modernize EHRs, boost cybersecurity, and improve interoperability for rural and underserved providers, with 82 projects funded statewide. Water & Drought Response: Rapid City kept year-round water restrictions in place and raised Pactola Reservoir from “concern” to “alert,” citing low inflows while noting regional storage resilience. Agriculture Research & Events: SDSU Extension will host the 37th annual Draper Winter Wheat Meeting Aug. 27, sharing winter wheat variety trial results and research updates for producers. Food Safety Watch: A multi-state outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts has sickened people in 15 states, including South Dakota, with CDC reporting 55 cases nationwide. Local Infrastructure: Mitchell approved a $2.93M bid for a second north-side fire station, targeting completion in Dec. 2027. Biodiversity Update: A rare prairie butterfly, the Poweshiek skipperling, is seeing new hope after captive breeding and reintroduction efforts.