AGP Executive Report

Cybersecurity for healthcare: Dakota State University won a $1M grant to launch CyberRX SD, a statewide program to help South Dakota hospitals and clinics assess cyber risk, monitor the dark web, optimize electronic health records, train staff, and plan for long-term security. Clinical research boost: NIH awarded $11.09M over five years to create the South Dakota Center for Advancing Clinical and Translational Research (SD-ACT), a partnership among Avera Research Institute, SDSU, and USD Sanford School of Medicine, with a focus on rural and underserved communities. Local tech & infrastructure: SDSU opened its renovated Metro Center in Sioux Falls, consolidating nursing, pharmacy, respiratory care, lab science, and public health in one 44,000-square-foot hub. Rural resilience: A report highlights a growing veterinary shortage in rural areas, with clinics struggling to hire and keep staff. Agriculture & water: Farmers are adjusting as Ogallala Aquifer irrigation becomes harder to justify, using dryland strategies and efficiency upgrades. Science & nature: Fossil analysis suggests Cretaceous squid ranged across a wider ocean than previously thought, and a South Dakota trail-cam “mystery creature” has locals debating skunk vs. porcupine.

NIH Boost for South Dakota Health Research: Avera Research Institute, SDSU and USD Sanford School of Medicine will launch the South Dakota Center for Advancing Clinical and Translational Research (SD-ACT) with an $11.09M NIH award over five years, aiming to speed prevention and treatment work for rural and underserved communities. Cybersecurity for Rural Clinics: Dakota State University’s Applied Research Lab is leading CyberRx SD, a $1M statewide program to help healthcare providers strengthen cybersecurity, modernize outdated tech, and keep care systems secure. New Healthcare Training Hub in Sioux Falls: SDSU’s renovated Metro Center opened in Sioux Falls, bringing nursing, pharmacy, respiratory care, medical lab science and public health programs into one 44,000-square-foot facility with simulation and clinical spaces. Data Centers on Public Land Watch: A federal push to site new AI data centers on Bureau of Land Management land in several Western states raises questions for the Dakotas region, including what could happen to nearby public lands. Water Systems Hit by Credential Theft: New reporting finds password-stealing malware has compromised credentials at nearly 1,800 U.S. water and wastewater organizations, putting remote monitoring and operational systems at risk. Healthcare Records Migration Tips: Foxfire Systems Group urges optometry practices to plan EHR data migration early, focusing on how historical records stay usable after switching systems. Local Tech & STEM Events: SDSU’s CAFES Career Fair returns Oct. 7 with 118+ employers and internship-focused networking, and the “Farm to Finish Line” race plus “Breakfast on the Farm” highlights precision agriculture and campus research.

NIH Funding for Rural Health Research: The National Institutes of Health is awarding South Dakota $11.09M over five years to create the South Dakota Center for Advancing Clinical and Translational Research, a statewide partnership led by Avera Research Institute with SDSU and USD to focus on rural and underserved health needs. Dark Matter at SURF: Sanford Underground Research Facility is highlighting its LUX-ZEPLIN work after an “exciting event” announcement, while researchers and local voices stress why basic science matters even when benefits aren’t immediate. Cybersecurity Education Snapshot: A new roundup of U.S. cybersecurity master’s programs finds typical costs around $36,984 and notes growing AI-focused coursework—useful for South Dakotans weighing STEM career paths. Agriculture Tech on the Ground: SDSU researchers report on whether farm drones pay off, finding treatment-focused drone use is more likely to be profitable than remote sensing alone. Power and Data Center Pressure in Brookings: Brookings residents are pushing back on a proposed 765kV transmission line tied to the PowerOn Midwest project, while city leaders also weigh long-term utility contracts amid data center and energy growth. Local STEM & Learning: Students and researchers across the state are building for major science and training the next generation, from DUNE electronics work to weed science teams placing in regional contests. Community Tech & Planning: SDDOT is seeking public input on an I-29 Exit 86 interchange reconstruction in Crooks/Renner. Space, History, and Curiosity: A South Dakota time-capsule call asks residents what to preserve for 2076, alongside a global archaeology find tied to Aristotle and Alexander the Great.

University Growth: Mount Marty University says it’s nearing 1,000 students this fall, hitting its highest enrollment since 2009, with 980 students across Yankton, Sioux Falls and Watertown and plans for another residence hall. Public Health Research: Avera Health, SDSU and USD landed an NIH five-year, $11.09M grant to create the statewide SD-ACT clinical and translational research center, aiming to speed discoveries into care—especially for rural communities. Underground Science: Sanford Underground Research Facility is highlighting a potential dark matter breakthrough tied to its LUX-ZEPLIN “exciting event,” while local researchers stress it’s a step, not a final discovery. Cyber & Education: A new roundup ranks master’s in cybersecurity programs for 2027, noting more AI-focused coursework and leadership-focused outcomes. Campus STEM Builds: UI students are assembling electronics for DUNE, producing hundreds of shielding boxes and circuit boards while learning engineering and quality checks. Tech in the Real World: USD facilities is adding automated lawnmowers to reduce mowing time and free staff for other campus maintenance tasks. Local Tech Policy: Sioux Falls leaders are backing automated license plate readers, sparking renewed debate over surveillance and privacy.

Surgical Tech in Brookings: Brookings Health System spent $1.3M upgrading all three surgical suites with the Stryker iSuite connected system—ceiling-mounted lighting, cameras, screens, and software—aimed at sharper visualization and safer, more efficient procedures. AI Policy Debate (South Dakota): Sen. John Thune pushed back on “hyperbole” around AI risks, arguing the U.S. shouldn’t cede AI leadership to adversaries, even as experts warn that even “kill switch” ideas may not be enough. Cybersecurity Watch: Colorado water utilities were hit by attacks on operational technology systems, with attackers reportedly changing settings and disrupting alarms/pumping cycles—briefly, without public safety impact. STEM in Action (Rapid City): South Dakota Mines students drew big crowds at the Great Downtown Pumpkin Festival, launching pumpkins hundreds of feet with custom-built siege engines. Local Media Research: A Rapid City native Fulbright scholar is planning South Dakota community discussions to study how people find trusted news as “news deserts” grow. Housing Snapshot (Zillow): County-by-county updates show mixed momentum—Campbell County up 6% to $191,142, while Bon Homme County fell 2.3% to $163,660. Data Centers in the Spotlight: A new roundup lists South Dakota data-center facilities and proposed projects, noting there’s no single official statewide count.

Housing Pulse (Zillow): Jackson County’s typical home value rose 7.1% to $141,213 in August 2026, while Miner County dipped 0.4% to $207,145 and Bon Homme County fell 2.3% to $163,660; Codington County climbed 3.2% to $344,255 and Walworth County rose 3.8% to $137,130. Mental Health & Suicide Prevention: Local resources are boosting suicide prevention and mental health support, with the 988 lifeline highlighted as free, confidential help. STEM in the Spotlight: South Dakota Mines engineering students helped power Rapid City’s Great Downtown Pumpkin Festival with student-built siege engines launching pumpkins hundreds of feet. Research Watch (Dark Matter): Sanford Underground Research Facility scientists say they may have detected a dark matter signal at the Lux Zeplin experiment, while continuing to scrutinize the data. AI Policy: Sen. John Thune weighed AI oversight and risks, pushing for U.S. leadership while experts warn that “kill switch” ideas may not be enough. Health Policy: Trump’s Medicaid “most-favored-nation” drug pricing plan expands to all 50 states, aiming to cut costs on hundreds of brand-name drugs.

Local STEM & research: Sanford Underground Research Facility scientists say they may have detected a dark matter signal at the Lux Zeplin experiment in a South Dakota gold mine, but they’re still digging through months of data to rule out other explanations. AI policy: U.S. Sen. John Thune weighed in on AI oversight after warnings that even “kill switch” ideas may not be enough for future high-risk systems. Defense tech: The Air Force says it will extend the service lives of B-1B Lancer and B-2 Spirit bombers, keeping them flying longer as B-21 Raider deliveries ramp up to Ellsworth AFB. Public health & agriculture: South Dakota confirmed its first anthrax case of the year in Meade County cattle after animals were moved between pastures. Health care costs: Trump’s administration says all 50 states will join Medicaid most-favored-nation drug pricing, aiming to cut brand-name prices. Campus & community: South Dakota Mines honored longtime supporters at its State of the University address, highlighting partnerships and hands-on STEM. Civic tech & safety: Pierre commissioners heard a proposed ordinance for personal electronic vehicles like e-bikes, focused on shared-path safety.

ALS Fundraiser: Hundreds turned out for the annual Walk to Defeat ALS at Sertoma Park in Sioux Falls, supporting local care and research with a $90,000 goal. AI Oversight: U.S. Sen. John Thune weighed in after Trump said AI oversight alone is enough, as experts warn even “kill switch” ideas may not stop future risks. STEM & Community: South Dakota Mines honored International Students Inc. and alumnus Jim Quinn as 2026 Community Champions during its State of the University address. Dark Matter Watch: Scientists at Sanford Underground Research Facility in the Black Hills say a South Dakota gold-mine experiment may have detected a dark matter signal, but they’re still stress-testing the data. Elections & Voting Access: Early voting is underway in key states including South Dakota, with the midterms 44 days out and mail-voting rules still in the spotlight. Public Health/Animals: South Dakota confirmed its first anthrax case of the year in Meade County cattle after animals were moved between pastures. Housing & Growth: Grand Forks officials toured Sioux Falls riverfront and Brookings affordable housing plans, while Zillow reports mixed county home-value swings across South Dakota.

Dark Matter Watch: Scientists at Sanford Underground Research Facility in South Dakota say the Lux Zeplin experiment has produced a possible dark matter signal from nearly a mile underground, but researchers are still digging through data to rule out other explanations. Medicaid Drug Costs: President Trump announced “most-favored-nation” pricing deals will extend to Medicaid in all 50 states, with the White House saying it could save states and the federal government tens of billions over a decade; South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden was among the governors cited. Local Housing & Growth: Zillow reported typical home values rising in multiple South Dakota counties in August, including Clay (+3% to $288,077), Walworth (+3.8% to $137,130), Brule (+15.3% to $255,976), and Clark (+0.2% to $218,039). Public Health: CDC measles cases continue to climb nationally, with South Dakota listed among jurisdictions reporting cases; locally, Meade School District is holding public sessions on a possible four-day school week. Aerospace & Defense: The Air Force says it will keep B-1B and B-2 bombers flying longer as B-21 Raider deliveries to Ellsworth Air Force Base begin in 2027.

Local Tech Policy: Pierre City Commissioners heard a proposal to regulate personal electronic vehicles like e-bikes, aiming to protect people on shared sidewalks and multi-use trails as speeds rise. Public Health: CDC reported a measles surge, with 3,471 cases nationwide as of Sept. 17, and South Dakota’s own school community is watching respiratory season closely. Agriculture & Biosecurity: South Dakota confirmed its first anthrax case of the year in Meade County cattle after animals were moved between pastures; officials stress vaccination in known-risk areas. Education Planning: Meade School District will host three public meetings in October on whether to switch to a four-day school week. Research & Health: SDSU is recruiting for the StrengthenHER study, a 16-week virtual strength-and-nutrition program for women ages 50–75. Energy & Environment: EPA awarded nearly $3M in wetland program development grants across the region, including funding for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and South Dakota agencies. Transportation & STEM Infrastructure: Pierre Regional Airport logged 1,599 enplanements in August, up 36.4% year over year, supporting its Essential Air Service outlook. Science Spotlight: The LZ dark matter detector in a South Dakota gold mine reported a first potential interaction signal, though researchers stress it’s only one event.

Healthcare Training in Sioux Falls: SDSU and Avera celebrated the new SDSU Metro Center, a 44,000-square-foot hub that brings nursing, pharmacy, respiratory therapy, medical lab sciences, and public health students into the city. Wetlands Funding: The EPA awarded nearly $3 million in Wetland Program Development Grants across the Mountain West, including South Dakota partners, to strengthen wetland protection, water quality, and flood resilience. Midlife Strength Research: SDSU is recruiting for StrengthenHER, a 16-week virtual study for women 50–75 focused on resistance training and nutrition to help reduce sarcopenia risk. Microreactor Talk: A U.S. Army Janus update highlights microreactors for military bases, aiming for small, resilient power modules that can operate without water cooling. Civic Tech & Voting: Coverage around early voting in South Dakota and broader U.S. election changes keeps spotlight on how voting systems and mail processes are handled. Weather Outlook: NOAA says a “super El Niño” could mean a warmer, drier Central Plains winter, though cold snaps are still possible. Local Science Spotlight: SDSU’s Muthu Muthukumarappan earned major lifetime achievement honors from food and agricultural engineering groups. Community Science Events: The Dairy Drive returns to SDSU ahead of the Sept. 19 game with tours, tailgating, and free dairy treats.

Education & Health Training: SDSU and Sioux Falls celebrated the renovated Metro Center, a 44,000-square-foot hub for nursing, pharmacy, respiratory therapy, medical lab sciences, and public health. Local Governance: Yankton County approved a 0.25% sales tax starting July 1 to fund owner-occupied property tax relief. Broadband & Wireless: Midco launched Beyond Gig 3.0 and Wi‑Fi 7, including a new 4 Gig x 1 Gig tier in eligible areas. Elections & Access: South Dakota absentee voting opens Friday, with proof-of-citizenship requirements under the SAVE Act and officials expecting a busy season. Public Safety Tech: South Dakota lawmakers are discussing limits on license plate reader data access, including Flock cameras. ID Security: South Dakota rolled out new driver’s licenses and IDs with updated security features and real-time verification options. STEM in Action: Students at South Dakota School of Mines are preparing for Pumpkin Chunkin with a trebuchet build tied to mechanical engineering and robotics. Defense & Readiness: The U.S. Air Force plans to extend B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit service as B-21 Raider deliveries to Ellsworth Air Force Base continue. Energy Prices: Analysts warn gas and diesel could jump again as disruptions linked to Saudi pipeline damage and broader oil infrastructure risks ripple into the Midwest.

South Dakota Leadership: Rachael Weiland, formerly with South Dakota Trade, has been named the new president and CEO, taking over from Luke Lindberg as the organization pushes new business and trade opportunities. Agriculture & Research: SDSU’s Cottonwood Field Station and Transient Animal Facility are reopening after renovations near Philip, boosting range-management research and hands-on student learning. Swine Industry: The National Pork Board is launching six producer-led advisory committees to steer its work on demand, nutrition science, and other priorities. Energy on the Rez: A small rooftop solar project on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation cut the tribal housing authority’s electric bill by $8,122 in its first full year. Climate & Farming Tech: A new peer-reviewed study argues regenerative farming can store far more soil carbon than tech-based carbon capture approaches. Permitting & Growth: Red Tape 50 ranks South Dakota among the fastest states for building and operating businesses, citing permitting speed and regulatory friction. AI Power Costs: A federal push is underway to stop households and small businesses from footing the bill for data-center electricity infrastructure. Public Safety Tech: Sioux Falls leaders are working on guardrails for automatic license plate readers after public pushback. Health & Livestock: Anthrax has been confirmed in a South Dakota cattle herd in Meade County, triggering quarantine and vaccination steps.

AI & Politics: A pro-AI super PAC called Leading the Future is launching a $2 million ad push to boost Senate Republicans, including South Dakota’s Mike Rounds, as lawmakers scramble to address AI risks. Public Safety Tech: Sioux Falls is weighing guardrails for automatic license plate readers after public pushback, while a national survey finds 46% of parents report close calls involving school buses and 91% support automated stop-arm enforcement. Food & Agriculture Policy: The Senate Agriculture Committee advanced the Agricultural Act of 2026 in a tight, party-line vote, moving a major farm bill toward the full Senate. Livestock Health: Anthrax has been confirmed in a South Dakota beef herd in Meade County; the herd is quarantined and vaccinated after lab confirmation. State STEM & Research: SDSU professor Crystal Levesque was named the inaugural Rick Wahlstrom Endowed Chair in Swine Production, recognizing her research and student work. Education & Workforce: Gov. Larry Rhoden announced 618 Build Dakota Scholars for 2026-27, continuing the state’s push to fund higher education and training.

Dark Matter Watch: Scientists with the LZ experiment at Sanford Underground Research Facility in South Dakota report an unusual interaction in liquid xenon that could be the first direct observation of dark matter, though the team stresses it’s not a confirmed “discovery” yet and is still stress-testing other explanations. Public Safety Tech: Sioux Falls is seeing crime trend down in key categories, while police point to automated license plate readers as a major tool; city leaders are also drafting guardrails for ALPR camera use amid privacy concerns. AI Policy: Lawmakers in Congress are weighing multiple proposals to manage AI risks after high-profile warnings from AI leaders and researchers, with timing tight before the midterm election break. Agriculture & Water: USDA is seeking farmer input over claims of fertilizer “cartel” practices as the FTC investigates; meanwhile, drought is pushing South Dakota livestock producers to monitor nitrate risks and adjust forage plans. Local STEM & Education: SDSU’s food and bioprocess engineering leader “Muthu” Muthukumarappan earns lifetime achievement honors, and South Dakota Mines hosts a large fall career fair with 230+ employers. Community & Health: Avera is named on Forbes’ Best-In-State Employers list, and Parkridge Valley Hospital names a new CEO for behavioral healthcare expansion.

Dark Matter Watch: Scientists working with the LZ dark-matter detector in a former South Dakota gold mine say they saw an unusual single interaction that could be the first direct glimpse of dark matter, but they’re still stress-testing the result. Public Safety Tech: Sioux Falls is moving to add guardrails around automatic license plate readers (“Flock” cameras) after public pushback, while police credit ALPRs with major stolen-vehicle drops. Food Systems Planning: South Dakota released its first-ever Food Landscape Assessment, kicking off community gatherings on “The Future of Food” to tackle affordability, access, and nutrition security. Workforce & Education: South Dakota Mines held a fall career fair with 230+ employers for STEM internships and jobs, while Mitchell Technical College reported a new enrollment record for 2026. Agriculture & Water: USDA is collecting farmer input over alleged fertilizer pricing “cartel” practices, and SDSU Extension is advising livestock producers on drought-driven nitrate risks in forage. Health Leadership: Parkridge Valley Hospital named Paul Smith as CEO, bringing more than 30 years of behavioral healthcare leadership. Immigration Policy: New visa rules are expected to reduce international student enrollment in South Dakota as processing delays and changing federal policies raise uncertainty.