AGP Executive Report

Solid-state batteries: Critical Resources says it ran a full-format lab pouch cell for 780 hours, completing 65 cycles and keeping about 75% of initial capacity, with its solvent-free DSD LFP cathode plateau holding steady. Public health & safety: South Dakota confirmed its first 2026 cattle anthrax case in Meade County, quarantining the herd after unexplained deaths and lab confirmation by SDSU. Livestock research: SDSU’s Swine Education and Research Facility expanded with new wean-to-finish nutrition rooms, boosting capacity to 1,800 head and supporting SDSU Swine Day. Driver licensing tech: South Dakota’s Driver Licensing Program is rolling out a new license/ID design with enhanced security features to curb fraud and identity theft. STEM in the spotlight: LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) reported a hard-to-explain dark matter–like interaction in South Dakota’s detector, stopping short of a discovery claim. Community science & training: SDSU Extension scheduled Beef Quality Assurance training in Rapid City, and Rapid City’s diaper drive targets 20,000 diapers and 10,000 wipes for Mommy’s Closet. Education & policy: A new analysis links high gun ownership to suicide deaths in South Dakota, while South Dakota’s college completion data shows American Indian/Alaska Native bachelor’s completion at 18.9% for the 2018 cohort by 2024.

Dark Matter Watch: The LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) detector in a South Dakota mine reports a single, hard-to-explain interaction that could fit a dark matter candidate—but researchers stress it’s not a confirmed discovery yet and needs more data. EV Infrastructure & Adoption: HERE-SBD’s EV Index 2026 finds Americans are more open to EVs than a year ago, with confidence in public charging rising sharply even as overall EV market share slows. Public Health & Firearms: A new South Dakota-focused analysis links high firearm ownership and suicide rates, finding firearms used in at least 59% of suicides in the highest-rate states. Maternal Care Crisis: ProPublica reports ectopic pregnancy deaths nearly doubled in recent years, with the worst impact tied to abortion-ban states and delays in getting definitive care. STEM in the Spotlight: South Dakota State scientists are highlighted for engineering tiny “nitrogen factories” aimed at improving future cereal crops. Local Tech & Work: CMTA employees describe how a new West Fargo office is built for collaboration—open layouts, private work pods, and engineering-focused design. Agriculture Update: Hot, dry conditions are hurting South Dakota soybeans and corn, with USDA ratings trending mostly poor to fair. Water Security Tech: Water Generator Pros expands access to atmospheric water generator systems as communities look for backup drinking-water options.

AI & Data Centers: Sen. Mike Rounds told the Yankton Rotary Club that AI, data centers, and postal issues are front-and-center in Congress, while he said he’s holding postal nomination votes until rural mail service is fixed. Statehouse Pay: A South Dakota Searchlight report says legislators are lining up for a 4% pay raise for the 2027 session, sparking debate as other state workers saw smaller increases. STEM Breakthrough: Physicists at the Sanford Underground Research Facility reported an odd underground signal that could be a first hint of dark matter—though researchers stress it’s not a confirmed sighting yet. Local Scholarships: South Dakota awarded 618 students Build Dakota Scholarships for 2026-27, expanding tuition support tied to living and working in the state after graduation. Agriculture Watch: Hot, dry conditions are hurting South Dakota soybeans and corn, with some areas seeing harvest potentially arrive early. Space Weather: NOAA says South Dakota has a low chance to see the northern lights Tuesday and Wednesday, with clearer skies improving odds. Public Safety Tech: Sioux Falls plans lane closures for bridge inspections on the Tenth Street Bridge and Veterans Parkway. Health Access: A new mobile sensory-health unit in Minnesota aims to bring vision and hearing screenings directly to communities.

Dark Matter Watch: Physicists at Sanford Underground Research Facility report an odd, single-event “hint” from the LZ xenon detector—careful not to call it a discovery, but it’s fueling fresh excitement about finally seeing dark matter. Suicide Prevention: On 988 Day, South Dakota highlights the 988 lifeline’s growing call volume and the push to make the number easier to remember and use. STEM & Workforce Training: Lake Area Technical College launches a new Dental Hygiene associate degree (initially accredited), aiming to ease a statewide hygienist shortage. Higher Ed Outcomes: New federal data show South Dakota’s six-year bachelor’s completion rate for Hispanic/Latino students (2018 entrants) at 41.1% by 2024, with other group-by-group county figures also reported. AI Datacenters: Meta and Panmnesia propose a datacenter-as-a-single-chip architecture to reduce delays as AI systems scale. Local Development: Watertown’s Benedictine Sisters plan major “Village at Harmony Hill” upgrades—housing, childcare, a NASA-affiliated STEM learning center, and more. Space Weather: NOAA says auroras could be visible across parts of 11 states before dawn Tuesday as minor storms are possible. Agriculture Research: Sunflower rotations are showing promise for soil health and more stable corn yields in South Dakota trials.

Dark Matter Research: Scientists at Sanford Underground Research Facility report a puzzling, single-event signal from the LZ experiment that could be a first hint of a dark matter interaction, though it’s not yet a confirmed discovery. Space Weather: NOAA warns the northern lights may be visible across 11 states before dawn Tuesday as coronal mass ejections could spark minor G1 geomagnetic storms. Agriculture & Soil Science: South Dakota researchers say adding sunflowers to a corn-soybean rotation can improve soil structure and help stabilize yields in dry years, based on long-running field trials near Brookings. Public Safety Tech: License plate reader cameras helped track down an Arizona man accused of abducting a Wyoming teen; authorities say the stop happened within an hour of the alert. Education Outcomes: New data show South Dakota’s six-year bachelor’s completion rate for white students (entered 2018) is 59.5% by 2024, with county-by-county gaps also reported. Local Innovation: Watertown’s Benedictine Sisters are transforming their 500-acre monastery into “The Village at Harmony Hill,” adding housing, education, health care, and a NASA-affiliated learning center. Policy Watch: South Dakota retailers question the state’s effort to ban soft drinks from SNAP, arguing the definition could be hard to administer.

Dark Matter Watch: Physicists running the LZ detector in South Dakota’s Sanford Underground Research Facility report an unusual single interaction (2.6-sigma) that could hint at dark matter—or something stranger—after analyzing data from 2023–2024. Rural Broadband: Federal guidance delays are holding up about $21B for rural internet projects under the BEAD program, leaving states waiting on how they can spend the money. Agriculture & Soil Science: USDA researchers say adding sunflowers to a corn-soybean rotation can improve soil structure and boost corn yields in dry years, with cover crops also supporting pollinators. Local Tech & Privacy: Rapid City leaders are moving to tighten local rules around data centers and air-permit transparency, as EPA changes spark debate over community input. Education & AI: SDSU is set to host an annual AI Symposium tied to the South Dakota Biomedical Computation Consortium, highlighting growing regional AI research capacity. Community Health & Housing: In Watertown, Benedictine sisters are transforming a 500-acre monastery into a “Village at Harmony Hill” with housing, child care, health care, and a NASA-affiliated learning center. Public Services: Mary Lopez begins as the new Watertown Public Library director, emphasizing outreach and “something for everyone.”

Dark Matter Watch: Physicists running the LUX-ZEPLIN detector in a South Dakota gold mine reported an unusual, unexplained particle interaction—too odd to match known backgrounds, but not yet a confirmed dark matter discovery. AI & Water Tension: A Rapid City debate is heating up over EPA rules that would reduce public input on air permits for data centers, as locals cite concerns about water use, sewer impacts, electricity demand, and noise. Soil & Farming Innovation: USDA researchers near Brookings say adding sunflowers and small grains to corn-soybean rotations can boost soil health and raise corn yields in dry years, with cover crops also supporting bees. Mental Health in Motion: Out of the Darkness suicide prevention walks are set for Aberdeen, Belle Fourche, and Sioux Falls, raising funds for research, education, and support. Local Life & Learning: Connect Me tutoring expands free one-on-one online help for K-8 students, reaching learners across the U.S. and abroad. Education Metrics: New county-by-county six-year bachelor’s completion figures highlight graduation gaps for Hispanic/Latino and multi-race students at South Dakota public four-year schools.

Dark Matter Watch: Physicists at the LUX-ZEPLIN experiment in South Dakota’s Black Hills reported an unusual underground particle interaction that doesn’t match known backgrounds, keeping the hunt for dark matter very much alive. Ag & Soil Science: USDA researchers say adding sunflowers and small grains to corn-soybean rotations can boost soil health and, in dry years, raise corn yields by about 35% while cover crops also support pollinators. Local Tech Policy: Rapid City is pushing back on a proposed EPA change that would reduce public notice for air permits tied to data centers, with city leaders weighing new local rules and hearings. Public Health & Safety: Anthrax has been confirmed in a Meade County cattle herd, triggering quarantine and vaccination steps after lab confirmation. STEM Education: SDSU is set to host an annual AI Symposium with the South Dakota Biomedical Computation Consortium, highlighting growing regional AI research and training. Community Learning: Sioux Falls’ Connect Me offers free one-on-one online tutoring for grades K-8, expanding access beyond the classroom.

Dark Matter Search in the Black Hills: Physicists running LUX-ZEPLIN, deep in a South Dakota gold mine, report a rare, unexplained xenon interaction that doesn’t match known backgrounds—an intriguing “maybe” signal, not a confirmed discovery. Agriculture & Soil Health: USDA researchers say adding sunflowers and small grains to corn-soybean rotations can boost soil structure and yields in dry years, with cover crops also improving pollinators. Local Tech & Environment: Rapid City leaders are pushing back on a proposed EPA change that could reduce public input on air permits for data centers, as residents weigh water, sewer, noise, and local control. Public Safety Tech: South Dakota law enforcement used license plate reader technology to help recover an abducted Wyoming teen on I-90. Health & Training: Mitchell Tech launched the MTC Cancer Fund to support cancer patients in the school community, while Avera Academy gives Mitchell seniors early, credit-earning healthcare career exposure. Disease Watch: Anthrax has been confirmed in a Meade County cattle herd, triggering quarantine and vaccination steps.

Dark Matter Breakthrough at Sanford Underground Research Facility: Physicists running the LZ Dark Matter Experiment in South Dakota report a single, unexplained particle interaction that doesn’t match known subatomic processes—careful not to call it confirmed dark matter yet. Driver Licensing Security Upgrade: South Dakota begins rolling out a new driver’s license and ID design with stronger anti-fraud and identity-theft features, issued at exam stations during September as renewals and new applications happen. Public Health & Safety Tech: South Dakota law enforcement used license plate reader technology to help recover an abducted Wyoming teen on I-90, highlighting how surveillance tools are being credited in real cases. Agriculture Science & Risk: Anthrax has been confirmed in a Meade County cattle herd, triggering quarantine and vaccination steps after the disease was detected from samples. STEM in the Classroom: SDSU and regional partners continue expanding AI-focused education and symposium efforts, while local schools and colleges are building hands-on health care and tech pathways for students. Local Learning Access: Connect Me tutoring keeps offering free one-on-one online help for K-8 students nationwide.

Agriculture Research: USDA’s North Central Agricultural Research Laboratory near Brookings reports a long-running no-till rotation—corn, soybeans, spring wheat, then sunflowers—boosts soil health via more active soil microbes and better water-stable soil structure. Public Safety Tech: Summerset residents are pushing back on Flock Safety license-plate reader cameras, raising privacy and constitutional concerns as the system expands. Driver Licensing Security: South Dakota is rolling out a new driver’s license and ID design with updated security features and improved readability, issued at exam stations throughout September. Health & Learning Tech: Sioux Falls-based Connect Me offers free one-on-one online tutoring for K-8 students, reaching learners across the U.S. and abroad. STEM in Education: Mitchell High School seniors begin health-care exploration through the new Avera Academy partnership, earning college credit while shadowing departments. Biosecurity: Anthrax has been confirmed in a Meade County cattle herd, triggering quarantine and vaccination steps. AI & Cybersecurity: OpenAI says it will provide subsidized access to its Daybreak cyber model for water utilities and local governments, aiming to strengthen defenses after recent water-system attacks. Dark Matter Watch: Multiple reports highlight new underground detector results that may show a rare, unexplained signal in the hunt for dark matter.

Driver Licensing Security Upgrade: South Dakota is rolling out a new-look driver’s license and ID card with updated security tech and a refreshed layout for easier reading by residents and law enforcement, with exam stations issuing the new design throughout September and current cards staying valid until they expire. Dark Matter Hunt in Black Hills: The LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) underground detector in South Dakota reported its most compelling dark-matter candidate signal yet—an unexplained event from two years of data that still falls short of a discovery threshold, but could point to a WIMP interaction. AI in South Dakota: USD will host its annual AI Symposium and the South Dakota Biomedical Computation Consortium, bringing together researchers and industry to focus on practical AI in areas like healthcare and biomedical computing. Privacy vs. Public Safety: Summerset residents are pushing back on Flock Safety Flock cameras/ALPR surveillance, questioning how data is collected, stored, and shared. Education & Outcomes: Brookings County’s six-year bachelor’s completion rate for white students (entering 2018, measured through 2024) is reported at 63.1%, slightly above the statewide figure. Campus Heat Impacts: Rapid City schools say summer heat is hurting learning, with some elementary buildings hit hardest.

Dark Matter Research: Physicists at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in South Dakota say the LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) detector recorded a single, hard-to-explain particle interaction that’s the experiment’s most compelling hint yet—but it’s not a confirmed discovery and may still have a more ordinary cause. Public Safety Tech: South Dakota is rolling out a new driver’s license and ID design with updated security features to fight fraud and identity theft, with new cards issued at exam stations throughout September. Livestock Health: South Dakota confirmed its first anthrax case in cattle this year in Meade County, quarantining the herd and vaccinating adult cattle after likely exposure while grazing elsewhere. Education & Workforce: SDSU is expanding AI training with new degrees in AI Engineering and a Center for AI Innovation and Emergent Technologies aimed at AI literacy and ethics. Local Tech Policy: South Dakota lawmakers are considering rules for automatic license plate reader cameras after privacy concerns and debate over data retention and transparency. Community Literacy: Rapid City schools received Promising Futures Fund support to give students free books to take home and read offline.

AI in Education: SDSU launched new AI Engineering degrees (bachelor’s through PhD) and opened a Center for AI Innovation and Emergent Technologies to boost AI literacy and ethics across campus. Dark Matter Watch: Physicists at the Sanford Underground Research Facility’s LUX-ZEPLIN experiment reported a single, unexplained underground event that could be a dark matter candidate, but they’re still treating it as a “maybe” pending more data. Privacy vs. Policing Tech: South Dakota lawmakers and the attorney general are weighing limits on automatic license plate reader cameras after local pushback and privacy concerns, even as the tools are credited with helping solve serious crimes. Local Tech & Research Events: USD will host an annual AI Symposium alongside the South Dakota Biomedical Computation Consortium, bringing together researchers and industry on AI for medicine and healthcare. Agriculture Under Stress: With drought hitting proso millet, growers are being urged to segregate higher-quality grain and follow new food-grade standards to capture better prices. State Policy & Budgets: Lawmakers endorsed increases for the Legislative Research Council to cover rising legislator pay and per diem.

Dark Matter Watch: Physicists at Sanford Underground Research Facility in the Black Hills say the LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) detector recorded a single, unexplained particle interaction in liquid xenon—its “most compelling hint yet,” but not a confirmed discovery. AI in South Dakota: USD will host its eighth annual AI Symposium (Sept. 8) and the South Dakota Biomedical Computation Consortium (Sept. 9), bringing together researchers from across the state to discuss AI, healthcare computing, and emerging tech. Privacy vs. Tech Policing: South Dakota’s use of automated license plate readers is under fresh scrutiny as Minnehaha County weighs Flock Safety contract concerns and the attorney general drafts limits on ALPR use. Public Safety Tech in Action: License-plate-reader tracking helped recover a 15-year-old abducted from Wyoming after a rapid stop on I-90 near Plankinton, leading to an arrest. Energy & Infrastructure Debate: A proposed 765 kV transmission line project in Pipestone County is drawing landowner questions as officials weigh grid reliability against local impacts. Defense Tech: AeroVironment won a major U.S. Army directed-energy laser production contract for LOCUST systems. STEM & Workforce: SDSU opened a Center for AI Innovation and Emergent Technologies to boost AI literacy across majors.

Dark Matter Watch: LUX-ZEPLIN at Sanford Underground Research Facility in the Black Hills reported its “most compelling hint” yet—one puzzling particle interaction that doesn’t match known background signals. It’s not a confirmed discovery and needs more data, but it’s drawing major attention from the physics community. AI in Education: South Dakota State University launched a Center for AI Innovation and Emergent Technologies to help students across majors learn practical, ethical AI use and avoid common pitfalls. SNAP Soda Fight: South Dakota submitted a federal waiver request to ban soft-drink purchases with SNAP benefits, after a court decision vacated similar bans elsewhere—potentially putting the state on the hook for ongoing costs if approved. Public Safety Tech: Attorney General Marty Jackley credited license plate reader technology in a case that led to the arrest of a suspect accused of kidnapping a 15-year-old. Local STEM & Learning: Homeschooling and back-to-school changes are getting attention across the region, including new school upgrades and hands-on learning spaces like FACS classrooms.