AGP Executive Report

AI in South Dakota: SDSU’s Jerome J. Lohr College will launch bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in artificial intelligence engineering, aiming to meet growing demand for AI-focused engineers. Cybersecurity & critical infrastructure: Federal and state reporting highlights cyberattacks on water utilities and ongoing local concerns about digital security, underscoring how vulnerable small systems can be. Privacy vs. policing tech: South Dakota AG Marty Jackley is pushing legislative safeguards for law enforcement use of license plate readers after a new NYU scorecard found states still fail privacy tests. Public health: Childhood vaccination rates continue to fall, with exemption rates rising across the U.S., including in the Midwest. Local governance & land use: More than 20 Crooks-area plaintiffs challenged Sioux Falls’ approval of a Smithfield meatpacking plant conditional use permit, arguing zoning procedure was mishandled. STEM in the classroom: Society for Science selected 100 educators for its 2026–2027 Advocate Program, investing $326,000 to expand student access to research and competitions. Health care costs: Medicare cataract patients are increasingly paying extra for laser-assisted surgery, as reimbursement pressure and equipment incentives shape choices. Wildlife & community: The South Dakota Highway Patrol shared a viral encounter with a pet monkey during patrol in Spearfish Canyon.

School Safety & Facilities: Rapid City Area Schools is putting a new bond referendum on the November ballot, aiming to improve secure school entrances, upgrade HVAC for better classroom temperatures, and renovate South Park Elementary to ease overcrowding. Cybersecurity & Water Systems: A wave of cyberattacks on water utilities has left screens dark and controls disrupted, highlighting gaps in rural defenses and renewed calls for minimum protection standards. Defense Education: The South Dakota Board of Regents wants lawmakers to approve a $1 million Center for National Defense, partnering SDSU, Black Hills State, and South Dakota Mines to expand national defense studies, cybersecurity, logistics, and applied research. Rural Tech in Healthcare: Hot Springs-area reporting spotlights skepticism about AI “avatars” and AI nurses for rural care, even as states spend Rural Health Transformation funds to expand AI tools. Public Health Concern: Researchers are testing whether rising bedbug infestations could spread MRSA, while local guidance continues to focus on prevention and treatment. STEM Opportunities: Society for Science selected 100 educators for its 2026–2027 Advocate Program, awarding $326,000 to expand student research access and science competitions. Local Tech & Community: Worthington Police rolled out an anonymous tip line app to help detectives follow up on higher-level crimes.

Education & Workforce: The South Dakota Board of Regents is asking lawmakers for $1 million ongoing to launch a Center for National Defense, partnering Black Hills State University, Dakota State University and South Dakota Mines to support a new bachelor’s in national defense studies plus tracks in defense acquisition, logistics, cybersecurity, engineering and emerging technologies. Cybersecurity: South Dakota is turning down millions in federal cybersecurity grants while spending more than $7 million in state funds to fight frequent attacks on government and other systems, with the AG’s office reporting 1,062 online security breaches over five years. STEM Access: Society for Science selected 100 educators for its 2026–2027 Advocate Program, awarding $326,000 to expand student research opportunities and science competitions. Health Tech Debate: Rural South Dakota residents are wary as federal and state leaders push AI “nurses” and mental-health avatars, even as questions remain about whether outcomes improve. Local Tech & Learning: SDSU is gearing up for move-in weekend, while South Dakota technical colleges earned national recognition for career-ready training. Weather Watch: Another round of showers and thunderstorms is possible today across western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming, with strong winds and hail among the main hazards.

Education & Workforce: South Dakota’s technical colleges are getting national attention, with Wallethub ranking the state 3rd for community colleges and boosting Mitchell Technical College; the state is also moving to align training with jobs, including a proposed $1 million Center for National Defense at Black Hills State, Dakota State, and South Dakota Mines. Cybersecurity: The South Dakota Board of Regents is seeking nearly $25M for technology upgrades and cyber security, while separate reporting says the AG’s office logged 1,062 online security breaches over five years. Manufacturing Training: Southeast Technical College broke ground on the James Abdnor Center for Advanced Manufacturing in Sioux Falls, aiming to expand skilled manufacturing capacity. Agriculture Tech in the Field: The Crop Tour’s western route reports show South Dakota crops are dented early after a cold snap and hot, dry conditions, with disease notes including bacterial leaf streak and brown stem rot. Public Health & Research: SDSU Extension is offering free microbial water testing for produce growers using FDA-acceptable methods. Local Campus Life: SDSU move-in weekend starts Friday, and SDSU also plans a Sept. 11 remembrance panel with firsthand accounts. Science & Discovery: A new study dates the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs at up to 232,000 years old. Energy & Infrastructure: Xcel Energy broke ground on major Minnesota transmission and generation projects tied to renewable build-out and reliability.

Cybersecurity & Tech Funding: The South Dakota Board of Regents is asking for nearly $25 million for university technology upgrades, including $4.5 million for maintenance and $20 million for a “Future Ready Technology” push aimed at replacing aging systems and strengthening cybersecurity, with plans to expand AI use across higher education. State Cyber Costs: A separate report says South Dakota turned down millions in federal cybersecurity grants and is spending more than $7 million in state funds instead, citing 1,062 reported online security breaches to the AG’s Consumer Affairs Division over five years (127 so far in 2026). Nursing Training Upgrade: Northern State University and Avera expanded their partnership, creating NSU’s Department of Nursing and opening an Avera Simulation Center in NSU’s Business and Health Innovation Center to give students hands-on clinical practice. Quantum Research Link: Dakota State University’s Dr. Peng Guo will co-lead an Argonne National Laboratory project using AI to optimize quantum computing workflows for nuclear physics under the DOE’s Genesis Mission. STEM in the Spotlight: South Dakota Mines’ concrete canoe team earned a top-10 finish in every paddling event and placed third nationally in canoe design at an ASCE student competition. Local Science Discovery: Researchers say the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs is 160,000 to 232,000 years old—pushing its timeline back more than 100,000 years.

Daylight Saving Push: President Trump is again urging the Senate to pass a bill to make daylight saving time permanent nationwide, after the House approved it 308-117—though some GOP senators oppose and states could still opt out. South Dakota Tech Funding: The Board of Regents is seeking nearly $25 million for South Dakota’s public universities, including $20 million for a Future Ready Technology Initiative to upgrade aging systems, boost cybersecurity, and expand AI use. Quantum Computing in SD: Dakota State University’s Dr. Peng Guo will join an Argonne-led DOE Genesis Mission project using AI to improve quantum computing workflows for nuclear physics. STEM at SDSU & Mines: DSU’s quantum work adds to a busy week for local science; South Dakota Mines also posted a top national showing in the ASCE concrete canoe championships, placing third in canoe design. Health & Community: Sioux Falls’ Heart Walk raised over $85,000 toward a $110,000 goal, while 24 South Dakota hospitals earned American Heart Association recognition for heart disease and stroke quality programs. Local Education & Manufacturing: Southeast Technical College broke ground on the $18 million James Abdnor Center for Advanced Manufacturing, targeting training for welders and machinists and opening in fall 2028.

South Dakota Higher Ed Tech Boost: The Board of Regents is asking lawmakers for nearly $25 million to modernize public-university systems, including $4.5 million for ongoing maintenance and $20 million for a Future Ready Technology Initiative aimed at cybersecurity, upgrades, and expanding AI use. AI in Quantum Research: Dakota State University’s Dr. Peng Guo will co-lead an Argonne-led DOE Genesis Mission project using AI to optimize quantum computing workflows for nuclear physics. Workforce & Manufacturing: Southeast Technical College broke ground on the $18 million James Abdnor Center for Advanced Manufacturing in Sioux Falls, slated to open in fall 2028 and train welders and machinists. Heart Health in the Region: 24 South Dakota hospitals were recognized by the American Heart Association for Get With The Guidelines programs improving stroke and heart-disease care. Student Engineering Win: South Dakota Mines’ concrete canoe team placed third nationally in canoe design and finished top 10 in every paddling event at the ASCE Civil Engineering Student Championships. Public Health Watch: Bedbugs are rising again, and some researchers warn they may be linked to antibiotic-resistant MRSA spread—so prevention and quick action matter. Local Community Fundraising: The Sioux Falls Heart Walk set a $110,000 goal and has already raised more than $85,000.

Higher Ed Tech Funding: South Dakota’s Board of Regents is asking lawmakers for nearly $25 million to modernize public university technology, including $4.5 million for ongoing maintenance and a one-time $20 million Future Ready Technology Initiative aimed at replacing aging equipment, strengthening cybersecurity, and expanding AI use across classes, research, and student services. STEM in Action: South Dakota Mines’ concrete canoe team turned in its best national finish in more than 20 years, placing third nationally in canoe design and finishing top 10 in every paddling event at the ASCE Civil Engineering Student Championships. Climate & Safety: Organizers are adjusting marathon schedules as warming temperatures make races harder and riskier, with Sioux Falls shifting its event to cooler months after heat forced a cancellation in 2024. Public Health Watch: A national map ranks South Dakota among the states with the highest rates of childhood tooth decay, while separate reporting flags rising bedbug infestations and concerns about potential links to hard-to-treat infections. Local Healthcare Quality: Twenty-four South Dakota hospitals earned American Heart Association recognition for improving heart disease and stroke care through quality improvement programs. Cybersecurity & Water: Reporting on regional water-system hacks says North Dakota officials report no compromised systems so far, even as neighboring states faced Iranian-linked cyberattacks. Workforce Training: Southeast Technical College broke ground on the $18 million James Abdnor Center for Advanced Manufacturing in Sioux Falls, targeting welders and machinists and expected to open in fall 2028.

Quantum Computing in SD: Dakota State University’s Dr. Peng Guo is joining an Argonne-led DOE Genesis Mission to use AI to optimize quantum computing workflows for nuclear physics. Health Care Quality: 24 South Dakota hospitals earned American Heart Association recognition for improving heart disease and stroke care through Get With The Guidelines. Workforce & Manufacturing: Southeast Technical College broke ground on the $18M James Abdnor Center for Advanced Manufacturing in Sioux Falls, aimed at training welders and machinists and adding capacity for about 130 more students yearly. Local Tech Policy: South Dakota lawmakers are facing scrutiny over a taxpayer-funded White House fly-in, with questions about per-legislator flight costs and what was discussed. Energy Grid Reshaping: The U.S. Department of Energy canceled proposed National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors, including a route that had covered parts of South Dakota and Nebraska. Cybersecurity & Power: Senators Chris Coons and Mike Rounds introduced the Quantum-GUARD Act to help electric utilities prepare for quantum-related cybersecurity risks. Rural Broadband Tour: Congressional staff visited DSU to learn how South Dakota expanded rural broadband and how the university supports secure use of connectivity.

Advanced Manufacturing in Sioux Falls: Southeast Technical College broke ground on the $18 million James Abdnor Center for Advanced Manufacturing, a fall 2028 project aimed at boosting training capacity for welders, machinists, and automation-focused roles. Energy Policy Update: The U.S. Department of Energy canceled plans to move forward with three proposed National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors, leaving uncertainty for landowners and regional power planning. Carbon Capture Project Shift: Project Tundra’s development leadership changed, with Reliant Carbon Capture & Storage taking the lead on the Milton R. Young Station retrofit near Center, North Dakota. Rural Broadband & Cybersecurity: Congressional staff visited Dakota State University to learn how South Dakota expanded rural connectivity and built tech protections around it. STEM Research Spotlight: Rice University researchers reported that tiny graphene wrinkles can reshape electrical behavior, pointing to structure-controlled electronics. Public Health & Coverage: A policy brief warns that changes to federal eligibility could reduce health coverage for many lawfully present immigrant families, while optional Medicaid/CHIP coverage for some children and pregnant people may soften the impact. Community & Education: Sioux Falls teachers’ out-of-pocket classroom spending remains a flashpoint as districts struggle to cover basic needs. Agriculture Leadership: SDSU recognized new Eminent Leaders in Agriculture, Family and Community, highlighting local service and stewardship.

Teacher Pay & Cost of Living: A new look at South Dakota’s public school pay finds teachers rank low nationally while living costs aren’t as “cheap” as many assume, adding fuel to ongoing teacher shortage concerns. Privacy Tech in Policing: Attorney General Marty Jackley is pushing state safeguards for license plate reader cameras, aiming to limit use to legitimate investigations and set rules for how long data is kept. Local Tech Governance: Vermillion’s planning board heard public pushback on proposed data center ordinances, with residents citing water, power, quality-of-life, and environmental worries. Rural Health Research Access: Avera is bringing an NIH-funded-style mobile research unit to Mitchell, letting rural participants join studies without traveling to larger sites. STEM & Materials Science: Rice University researchers report graphene “nanowrinkles” can reshape electrical behavior, pointing to new ways to control electronics by geometry. Paleontology Breakthrough: South Dakota’s Hell Creek fossils are at the center of research finding organic molecules like collagen preserved in dinosaur bones. Agriculture & Animal Health: A livestock export summit highlights how animal health systems protect global market access, while heat stress is blamed for thousands of cattle deaths in the state. Economic Development: South Dakota approved loans and grants for Rapid City expansions, including high-purity ethanol manufacturing and growth in energetic materials production. Cyber & Broadband: Congressional staff toured DSU’s SecureSD efforts, focusing on rural broadband and cybersecurity for water and other critical services.

Privacy vs. policing: South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley says he’ll push legislation to limit license plate reader use to legitimate law enforcement and require data deletion after a set period, citing major cases including the Clark County abduction and the McKenna Wendel investigation. Rural health research: Avera’s mobile research unit is bringing NIH-funded studies to Mitchell, with two clinic rooms for participant visits and lab work. Grid reliability fight: The U.S. Department of Energy is blocking billions in transmission and grid-fix grants, a move that’s already delaying projects in the Dakotas and beyond. Local business growth: South Dakota’s economic development board approved nearly $500,000 in loans and grants, including Rapid City funding for high-purity ethanol production and expansion at an advanced materials firm. Heat impacts agriculture: Thousands of cattle reportedly died from heat stress during South Dakota’s record-breaking July heat wave. STEM and broadband security: Congressional staff visited Dakota State University to learn how rural broadband supports services—and how SecureSD helps protect networks with cybersecurity training.

Privacy vs. policing: South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley says he’ll propose statewide legislation to limit license plate reader cameras to “legitimate law enforcement purposes,” with rules for when data can be used and when it must be deleted, citing major cases including the 2023 Clark County abduction of a 9-year-old girl and the ongoing prosecution tied to McKenna Wendel. Economic development: The South Dakota Board of Economic Development approved SD Works and Jobs Program funding for projects ranging from advanced manufacturing in Rapid City to a clinic ownership transition in De Smet, aiming to create and retain jobs statewide. AI and rural health debate: A new report highlights patients’ skepticism about governments and companies pushing AI health tools in rural areas, pointing to gaps in how outcomes are tracked. STEM and community learning: Sioux Falls families can attend a free School Registration and Resource Fair Aug. 19 at Siouxland Libraries for help with enrollment, meals, and local support services. Agriculture education: The South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation’s Fed Cattle Challenge program continues building youth ag literacy through hands-on cattle ownership and curriculum.

License Plate Reader Privacy Push: South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley says he’ll propose state legislation to limit automatic license plate readers to “legitimate law enforcement purposes,” with “reasonable safeguards” and rules requiring destruction of data after a set period, citing past uses in major cases including the 2023 Clark County abduction and the McKenna Wendel investigation. Rural Health AI Debate: A KFF Health News report highlights growing state plans to fund AI in rural care, but notes the peer-reviewed base is thin—especially for tools that affect patient outcomes—while some South Dakotans remain skeptical about AI for personal healthcare. Agriculture Tech in the Field: A South Dakota-focused look at how AI is being adopted by farmers, from precision “see-and-spray” weed control to weather-driven risk management. Education Funding Flexibility: The Trump administration is granting waivers letting states consolidate and use more flexibly certain federal education funds; South Dakota is among the recipients. Mining Education & Workforce: Earth Science Tech, Inc. expands its pharmacy footprint via acquisition, adding South Dakota to its authorized dispensing territories. STEM & Community Learning: Sioux Falls is rolling out robotic mowers across parks, while a Siouxland Libraries and school district fair offers help with school registration and meals. Space & Skywatching: The Perseid meteor shower peaks tonight, with guidance for dark-sky viewing across eastern South Dakota.

Solar Eclipse Watch: Aug. 12 brings a total solar eclipse across parts of Greenland, Iceland, Spain and more, but South Dakota will see only a partial eclipse—still worth planning for with safe viewing gear and weather checks. Severe Weather & Fire Risk: Western South Dakota faces another day of possible thunderstorms with hail and damaging winds, plus lingering wildfire risk after lightning sparked blazes. Aviation Training Expansion: UND is building a new $36M Flight Operations Center at Grand Forks International Airport, with a 2027 completion date and new classrooms, dispatch space and a hanger. Education Funding Flexibility: South Dakota received a federal waiver to consolidate education funds, aiming to give districts more control over local literacy and math priorities. Rural Health AI Push: A major rural health AI rollout is moving ahead even though peer-reviewed studies on patient outcomes are limited, with stronger support for “paperwork” tools than clinical ones. Mining Workforce Boost: South Dakota Mines is set to receive $25M to expand critical minerals education and workforce development as part of a broader $180M+ federal push. Cybersecurity for Water: Iran-linked hackers have targeted more U.S. water systems, including reports involving South Dakota, underscoring persistent gaps in protection and oversight. Public Health Alert: CDC data show rising cases of drug-resistant Candida auris across 27 states, with hospitals urged to strengthen screening and infection control. Local Impacts: South Dakota’s July heat wave contributed to major cattle losses, and a new analysis says Mount Rushmore’s Freedom 250 fireworks generated less direct revenue than the state spent, even as publicity value was high.

Mining Education Boost: Trump’s $180M mining education push includes $25M for South Dakota Mines to expand critical-minerals workforce training, plus broader funding for mining schools and workforce tech hubs. Water Cybersecurity: Iran-linked hackers are tied to attacks on U.S. water infrastructure, with confirmed incidents now reaching at least 12 states, including South Dakota—prompting new federal and grassroots “water watch” defense efforts. Heat Impacts on Agriculture: South Dakota cattle producers report “gut-wrenching” losses after July’s extreme heat wave, with heat stress blamed for thousands of deaths. Health Tech & Access: Sanford Health expands on-site mental health support for Chamberlain-area adolescents, pairing school-based therapy with structured coping-focused sessions. Space Science for Everyone: A partial solar eclipse will be visible across much of the U.S. on Aug. 12 (totality elsewhere), with viewing guidance and weather expectations circulating. Privacy vs. Surveillance: Aberdeen is weighing a statewide license plate reader camera program, drawing strong public pushback over Fourth Amendment and mass-surveillance concerns. Research & Animals: SDSU names Crystal Levesque the inaugural Rick Wahlstrom Endowed Chair in Swine Production, highlighting research-to-workforce impact in swine nutrition.