AGP Executive Report

Extreme Heat & 250th Celebrations: As America’s 250th ramps up, extreme heat is already reshaping holiday plans, with officials urging hydration and air-conditioned breaks; President Trump is set to speak and watch fireworks at Mount Rushmore. Mount Rushmore Face Debate: Trump’s return renews talk of adding his likeness, but experts say a fifth carving is structurally unrealistic, while Interior leadership keeps the door open politically. Infrastructure Tech for Bridges: Engineers are using AI and drone/point-cloud data to spot bridge defects and improve planning as South Dakota is among states with higher shares of bridges in poor condition. FEMA Disaster Funding (Dakotas): FEMA approved $4.3M for disaster recovery and hazard mitigation in South Dakota and North Dakota, including $2.6M for Chamberlain marina debris removal and $890K for Black Hills Electric Cooperative power repairs. STEM in the Region: Super STEM Camps are drawing young students with hands-on power and energy lessons, while SDSU is testing GPS ear tags to help ranchers track bulls and reduce labor. Local Sustainability Grants (Sioux Falls): Four nonprofits won 2026 Sustainable Community Grants for recycling education, composting expansion, youth environmental learning, and plastic waste reduction. Paleontology Buzz: A massive Tyrannosaurus skeleton unearthed in South Dakota is headed to Sotheby’s with an estimated $20–30M value.

Disaster Recovery Funding: FEMA approved $4.3M for South Dakota and North Dakota, including $2.6M for Chamberlain to clear storm debris from its marina and $890,000 for Black Hills Electric Cooperative to repair wind-damaged poles and transformers, plus hazard mitigation to bury power lines in Brown County. STEM Education: Nobles County Integration Collaborative’s Super STEM Camps drew strong student interest, with hands-on lessons on power and energy (wind turbines) and “Kitchen Chemistry” activities. Local Sustainability Grants: Sioux Falls awarded 2026 Sustainable Community Grants to four nonprofits tackling recycling education, composting expansion, youth environmental learning, and plastic waste reduction. Agriculture Tech on the Ground: SDSU Extension is trialing GPS ear tags for cattle to help ranchers track bulls and reduce labor, using real-time location data to keep animals with the right herd. Battery Manufacturing Research: Critical Resources says peer-reviewed validation in Electrochimica Acta supports its dry, solvent-free cathode manufacturing approach, aiming to make battery materials cheaper and less energy-intensive. Northern Lights Forecast: NOAA says minor geomagnetic storms could boost aurora visibility across parts of the northern U.S., including the northern tip of South Dakota. Data Center Water Use: Amazon and Google are pushing “water positive” goals for data centers by 2030, as drought and water scarcity concerns grow.

Battery Tech (South Dakota ties): Critical Resources says its dry supersonic deposition cathode manufacturing got independent peer-reviewed validation in Electrochimica Acta, backing a solvent-free, binder-free, single-step approach aimed at licensable battery materials. Local STEM & Industry: Caterpillar opened a 17,000-square-foot Engineering and Design Center in Rapid City, using virtual reality so customers can experience machines faster and safer. Public Tech Oversight: A South Dakota audit found the state’s 605Drive vehicle system caused some motorists to overpay motor vehicle excise tax, with control checks failing to catch trade-in value issues. Science & Health Policy: FDA plans to set PFAS limits for bottled water, tied to EPA’s drinking-water standards. Rural Community Tech/Services: Avera Queen of Peace in Mitchell took over Meals on Wheels delivery operations to keep the program running. Energy Infrastructure: Route permits advanced for new regional transmission lines, including a Big Stone South–Alexandria 345-kilovolt project. Education & Research: SDSU-related updates included animal science/dairy education and ongoing campus research and competitions.

AI & Utilities: South Dakota’s Public Utilities Commission heard arguments over whether open-source AI tools should be allowed for intervenors in Black Hills Energy rate cases, with one side warning about data-breach risk and the other saying AI is needed to level the playing field. State Tech Oversight: A state audit says the 605Drive vehicle registration rollout led to some motorists overpaying motor vehicle excise taxes, pointing to trade-in value transfer issues and weak system checks. Local Health Tech: Avera Cancer Institute opened a new $17M Yankton facility, consolidating oncology, radiation, infusion, genetic counseling, and clinical research under one roof. Industry Innovation: Caterpillar opened a Rapid City engineering and design center using virtual reality so customers can experience machines faster and more safely. Energy Infrastructure: Route permit approvals moved forward for parts of new transmission lines tied to regional grid upgrades. Rural Meals: Avera Queen of Peace in Mitchell took over operations of the local Meals on Wheels delivery program to keep service running. Policy Watch: New South Dakota laws taking effect July 1 include a “data center bill of rights” and property tax relief measures.

Nuclear Fuel Watch: The U.S. Energy Information Administration says uranium concentrate production hit 2.1 million pounds in 2025—up sharply from 657,000 pounds in 2024—while exploration and development drilling also rose to the highest levels since 2013. Rural Health Access: Avel eCare argues rural patients shouldn’t be limited by distance, pointing to federal Rural Health Transformation funding as a chance to modernize care delivery in places like South Dakota. Local Energy & Grid: Otter Tail Power and WMMPA cleared a key Minnesota permitting step for the Big Stone South to Alexandria 345-kilovolt transmission line, aimed at grid resilience and faster outage restoration. South Dakota Industry: Smithfield Foods selected a design-build contractor for a $1.3B packaged meat and fresh pork facility in Sioux Falls, touting advanced automation and information systems. Public Health Planning: Sioux Falls is using its 2025 Community Health Assessment to steer parks and recreation investments toward healthy living, adolescent mental health, and access to care. Data Center Debate: Sioux County supervisors discussed a proposed data center near the former Bison Renewable Energy plant, after passing a one-year moratorium to draft zoning rules. Health & Policy: Mayday Health is suing over South Dakota’s abortion law, arguing it violates free speech, as the case awaits a federal judge’s decision.

Housing & Growth Watch: Realtor.com’s 2026 affordability and homebuilding report gives Ohio a C+ (59.4) and says the Midwest leads overall, with Indiana topping the list on affordability plus building activity. Tech-Driven Economy: Washington state posted the fastest U.S. GDP growth in early 2026 (4.5% annualized), powered by its tech-heavy sector. South Dakota Policy: With July 1 laws kicking in, lawmakers’ biggest focus is property tax relief, including a sales-tax increase that funds a homeowner cut. Public Health in Parks: Sioux Falls is using its 2025 Community Health Assessment to steer parks and recreation toward healthier living, adolescent mental health, and better access to care. Cancer Care Upgrade: Avera Cancer Institute opened a new $17M facility in Yankton to bring more oncology and radiology resources under one roof. Ag Tech & Research: SDSU and partners are running cattle and soil-focused tech events, while SDSU Extension is rolling out local food network tools and upcoming northeast/eastern field days. Safety & Scams: AAA urges holiday home security as travel ramps up, and state leaders warn of severe-weather contractor scams. Space Weather: NOAA forecasts a chance to see the Northern Lights across parts of the northern U.S., including South Dakota.

Severe Weather Response: Governor Larry Rhoden deployed state resources to Highmore after a thunderstorm with 131-mph wind gusts uprooted trees, tore roofs, overturned vehicles, and knocked out power—an emergency operations center coordinated help, including support for a local nursing home. Public Health Advocacy: A Prairie Doc column argues public health investment has lagged behind rising community needs, warning that underfunding prevention and infrastructure can raise chronic and infectious disease risks. Cancer in Rural America: A roundup highlights cancer’s ongoing burden, noting lower five-year survival rates in rural areas and disparities that leave some groups more vulnerable. STEM Education in SD: South Dakota School of Mines hosted Camp BioMed, giving high schoolers hands-on biomedical engineering practice through the design process. Agriculture Research & Outreach: SDSU announced three eastern South Dakota field days next week, bringing researchers to Beresford, Astoria, and South Shore with local farm-focused updates. Biomedical Breakthrough: SDSU researchers developed a vaccine for avian metapneumovirus subtype B, aiming to protect poultry after outbreaks caused major losses. Space & Tech Inspiration: A space-industry finalist story spotlights rural-to-rocket-science pathways, while a northern lights forecast notes South Dakota could see aurora under a minor geomagnetic storm. Community & Environment: The Black Hills Area Community Foundation detailed its Beautiful Black Hills Initiative, backing projects for healthy natural spaces, outdoor recreation, and community building.

Space Weather: A minor G1 geomagnetic storm could make the northern lights visible tonight in parts of the northern U.S., with the best odds including South Dakota. Health & Tech in SD: Sanford Black Hills has added a photon-counting CT scanner, promising sharper imaging and lower radiation for cardiovascular and other diagnostics. SDSU Research: SDSU researchers developed a vaccine for avian metapneumovirus subtype B, aiming to protect U.S. poultry as biosecurity remains key. AI in Healthcare: Sanford Health leaders shared best practices for adopting AI in clinical workflows at national HIMSS conferences. Local Conservation: The Black Hills Area Community Foundation launched the Beautiful Black Hills Initiative, investing $200,000 to support healthy natural spaces, outdoor recreation, and community building. Agriculture Outreach: SDSU will host three eastern South Dakota field days next week with research updates for local farmers. Weather & Safety: Western South Dakota faces a Wind Advisory and Red Flag Warning, with possible late-day thunderstorms. Native Community: A Native American boarding school oral history project wrapped in Oklahoma, closing the circle with survivor stories and ceremony.

Poultry Vaccine Breakthrough: South Dakota State University researchers say they’ve developed a vaccine for avian metapneumovirus subtype B, aiming to protect U.S. chicken and turkey flocks after earlier reliance on an imported European vaccine that didn’t fully protect. AI in Healthcare: Sanford Health highlighted best practices for AI adoption at national HIMSS conferences, with leaders discussing how to move AI from pilots into real clinical workflows. Medical Imaging Upgrade: Sanford Black Hills is now using a photon-counting CT scanner, promising sharper images and lower radiation for cardiovascular care and other diagnostics. Water & Data Centers: A new look at proposed AI data centers raises alarms about water use near the Ogallala Aquifer, putting pressure on Great Plains groundwater that also supports farming. Campus Research Leadership: SDSU vice president for research and economic development Daniel Scholl announced retirement, citing major growth in the university’s research enterprise. Drought Watch: South Dakota is seeing expanding drought impacts, with heat and dryness stressing crops, rangeland, and power demand. State Tech Leadership: South Dakota Mines named new faculty leaders across chemical/biological engineering and mining and geology programs. Rural Library Funding: Rural libraries face uncertainty as federal funding freezes disrupt grant processing and services, including technology access.

AI in healthcare: Sanford Health says a top photon-counting CT scanner is now live at Sanford Black Hills, promising sharper images and lower radiation for cardiovascular and other care. AI + rural water stakes: A new mapping effort flags proposed AI data centers near the Ogallala Aquifer, raising fresh questions about groundwater and drought impacts across the Great Plains. Campus research leadership: South Dakota Mines named five faculty to new department leadership roles as it heads into the fall term. STEM + health systems: Sanford Health will send leaders to national HIMSS AI conferences in Boston to discuss moving AI from pilots to real clinical workflows. Drought + power reliability: South Dakota is seeing expanding drought conditions, with utilities warning that heat and water stress can strain both bills and the grid. Wildlife science: Bird flu continues to hit U.S. poultry and dairy operations, with experts saying the threat isn’t fading. Community tech & safety: A CarFit event in the region will help older drivers fine-tune seat, mirror, and pedal fit for safer driving. Local heritage: A Mitchell Indigenous Prehistoric site received a major endowment boost to secure its long-term future.

Medical Imaging Upgrade: Sanford Black Hills in Rapid City has started using a photon-counting CT scanner (NAEOTOM Alpha with Quantum Technology), promising sharper images and lower radiation for patients—especially for cardiovascular scans and follow-up care. Water & Drought Watch: A new U.S. Geological Survey assessment warns tens of millions of Americans live where surface-water supplies are limited, with groundwater depletion (including the High Plains Aquifer) driving future scarcity risks. Rural Libraries Under Pressure: Federal funding freezes tied to the Institute of Museum and Library Services are disrupting grant processing, threatening South Dakota’s library services like interlibrary courier support and access to statewide resources. Public Health & Tech in the Field: South Dakota’s drought is worsening—53% of the state is in drought—pushing higher power demand and water bills as heat and dryness overlap. STEM & Healthcare Workforce: SDSU’s medical laboratory science program earned a 10-year accreditation, keeping the state’s only university-based NAACLS-accredited option for training lab professionals. Northern Lights Forecast: NOAA is calling for mild auroral activity Saturday night, with parts of northern South Dakota among the best chances.

Health & Research: Avera Cancer Institute ribbon-cutting in Yankton expands cancer care under one roof, adding 19 private infusion bays and 15 exam rooms for medical and radiation oncology. Medical Tech: Sanford brings first-of-its-kind CT imaging technology to South Dakota, boosting diagnostic capabilities. STEM & Education: SDSU’s medical laboratory science program earns a 10-year NAACLS accreditation, and SDSU research targets wheat disease resistance to strengthen crop protection. Energy & Climate Resilience: Drought and above-normal heat are stressing South Dakota’s power needs, with Black Hills Energy pointing to wind/solar mix and grid resilience as demand rises. Infrastructure: SDDOT schedules Highway 27 paving south of Langford, with one-lane traffic control during cold milling and asphalt work. Space/Atmosphere: NOAA forecasts mild northern lights Saturday night, with parts of northern South Dakota included. Community Science & Safety: CarFit checks in Hawarden help senior drivers match vehicle setup to comfort and control. Defense & Engineering: Sen. Mike Rounds says a Senate defense bill version includes South Dakota priorities, including funding tied to Ellsworth and South Dakota Mines research.

Cancer Care Upgrade: Avera cut the ribbon on a new Avera Cancer Institute in Yankton, expanding infusion bays, exam rooms, and bringing more cancer services under one roof for the region. Grid & Climate Resilience: Drought and heat are stressing South Dakota’s power demand, while Black Hills Energy points to a renewables-heavy mix; separate coverage also flags a planned transmission buildout across southern Minnesota and eastern South Dakota. Wildlife Protection: Officials warn golden eagles are being targeted in a growing black market for sacred feathers, with recent convictions highlighting the scale of illegal trafficking. Agriculture Tech & Research: SDSU is pushing dairy and crop science forward, including a new dairy degree program and wheat disease resistance research aimed at stronger crop protection. Healthcare Tech: Sanford Health is bringing first-of-its-kind CT imaging technology to South Dakota. Rural Infrastructure: S.D. Highway 27 paving starts near Langford with traffic reduced to one lane during work. Animal Health Watch: Bird flu remains a major threat, with ongoing losses in poultry and spillover into dairy herds.

Farm Bill momentum: Conservation groups are encouraged after Sen. John Boozman released a draft “Farm Bill 2.0,” building on the House’s April version as the last full bipartisan bill expired in 2023. Food security boost: South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation raised $292,620 for Feeding South Dakota at the Prime Time Gala, continuing a partnership that has topped $3 million since 2013. Agriculture value-add: Gov. Larry Rhoden told the Governor’s Agricultural Summit in Pierre that South Dakota is “doubling down” on value-added agriculture, including ethanol, while drought remains a key challenge. Power infrastructure: Otter Tail Power and WMMPA received Minnesota route-permit approval for the Big Stone South to Alexandria 345-kilovolt transmission line, linking substations across SD and MN to strengthen grid reliability. SDSU dairy expansion: SDSU is adding a new two-year dairy technology associate degree with tracks in dairy products manufacturing and dairy production. Road work: S.D. Highway 27 paving begins June 29 south of Langford, with one-lane traffic during operations and an Aug. 21 completion target for that segment. Local STEM/education: NSCC named five Distinguished Alumni Award recipients, highlighting career and community impact from its electro-mechanical and electrical engineering graduates. AI + water use: A new report says AI’s water footprint varies wildly depending on what’s measured, from server cooling to electricity generation.

Endangered Species Policy: Conservationists are alarmed after the Trump administration moved to weaken federal protections for whooping crane habitat, with only about 500 wild migratory birds remaining and critics warning habitat-focused safeguards could be narrowed. State Government & Research: South Dakota’s Legislative Research Council named Jeff Mehlhaff interim director, setting up a review process for a permanent pick. Agriculture & STEM: SDSU researchers are targeting wheat disease resistance to protect yields, while the Governor’s Ag Summit in Pierre highlighted “value added agriculture,” including ethanol, as South Dakota “doubling down” on growth. Healthcare Tech in Rural SD: Avel eCare discusses how virtual health systems can help critical access hospitals manage staffing and care complexity—plus a separate report notes rural hospitals are under heavy pressure. Local Infrastructure: Vermillion approved bids for electrical materials for a new Light & Power building, and Rapid City is rolling out traffic changes for its Real America Birthday Bash. Roads & Energy Efficiency: SDDOT begins a $2.3M chip seal project across multiple Black Hills routes, and Madison upgraded Flynn Field with LED lighting. Food Assistance Oversight: SNAP improper payments topped $10B nationally, as lawmakers and watchdogs push for stronger safeguards against waste and fraud. Agritech Event: A Lake Andes small-farms tour will spotlight season extension, precision irrigation, and soil additives.

Local Traffic & Safety: Rapid City is rolling out parking and road changes for the Real America Birthday Bash (July 1–5), including single-lane reductions on parts of 5th and Omaha Streets, a Memorial Park crowd setup, and closures on 6th Street (July 2–4) plus Main Street (July 3–4 evenings), with free downtown parking July 2–4 and police urging safe crosswalk use. Road Construction: SDDOT starts a $2.3 million chip seal project June 26 across Black Hills-area highways (U.S. 16/18/385 and S.D. 40/89/391/407), using one-lane traffic control and expecting up to 15-minute delays through Sept. 15. Agriculture Research: SDSU researchers are targeting wheat disease resistance, focusing on plant immunity receptors to help breeders stay ahead of evolving pathogens. Public Health Tech: A new vaccine effort against severe diarrheal disease (ETEC) moves forward after licensing tied to a collaboration that includes SDSU. Food Assistance Oversight: A U.S. hearing on SNAP integrity highlighted weaknesses tied to improper payments and retailer misuse, with USDA error rates topping $10B nationally. State Policy Watch: South Dakota’s cell-cultured protein moratorium begins July 1, running until June 30, 2030. Community & Energy: Madison’s Flynn Field gets an LED lighting upgrade, cutting energy use and improving visibility for summer tournaments.