AGP Executive Report

Big Tech Settlement: South Dakota is set to receive at least $52.6 million over 10 years from Meta’s $17.1 billion multistate child-safety deal, with the total potentially rising to about $73.6 million if other platforms settle too; the agreement also pushes new youth protections on Facebook and Instagram. State Budget Watch: A lawmakers’ committee in Pierre endorsed budget increases for the Legislative Research Council to cover higher legislator pay and per diem, with session salary projected to rise from $15,970 to $16,608. Consumer Protection: AG Marty Jackley urged lawmakers to steer some of the Meta money toward beefing up South Dakota’s consumer protection team, which handles tens of thousands of complaints annually. Local Workforce Pipeline: Douglas Middle School in Rapid City is hosting a free STEAM career showcase Aug. 27 with hands-on stations from local businesses and agencies. Public Safety Grants: Two southeast South Dakota volunteer fire departments received $10,000 each through State Farm’s Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program. Energy & Infrastructure: SDDOT is seeking public comment on a Section 4(f) evaluation for a U.S. Highway 385 curve reconstruction near Lawrence County’s Strawberry Hill picnic area.

Big Tech Settlement: South Dakota is set to receive at least $52.6 million from a $17.1 billion multistate Meta settlement over alleged child-safety failures on Instagram and Facebook, with the state’s share potentially rising above $73 million over 10 years, pending federal court approval. The deal also requires sweeping youth-safety changes, including a combined two-hour daily limit and mandatory break reminders after set intervals. Energy Costs: Black Hills Energy customers could see a proposed rate increase plus surcharge that totals about $540 a year (up to roughly $45 a month), tied to recovery for the Lange II power plant project in Rapid City. Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest premium price in Lyman County at $4.63 (week ending Aug. 15), while diesel pricing in Marshall County hit $4.85. Local Business & Community: Mitchell continues major fall construction and development work, including road upgrades and expansion planning for the Wheel In Business Plaza. Food & Agriculture Politics: South Dakota ranchers and leaders are pushing back on President Trump’s plan to import tariff-free foreign ground beef, warning it could pressure cattle markets already at low levels.

Defense & Workforce: Gov. Larry Rhoden named the remaining six voting members of the inaugural South Dakota Defense Institute board, aiming to connect industry, government and education to grow the state’s defense sector and create new opportunities for South Dakota businesses. Tourism Development: Travel South Dakota selected Fort Pierre and the Yankton/Vermillion Missouri River Water Trail for the Destination Development Program, bringing planning support and grant opportunities to expand rural visitor experiences. Local Tax Fight: Clay County commissioners in Vermillion approved a second reading of a local option sales tax meant to offset property taxes on owner-occupied homes, despite public opposition and a 3-2 vote. Data Center Pressure: A joint Lincoln County-Sioux Falls meeting on data centers turned contentious, with proposals including a moratorium and limits on non-disclosure agreements both failing on a 3-2 vote. Energy Costs: Black Hills Energy is seeking approval for a rate increase and surcharge tied to its Lange II power plant, with the average residential bill potentially rising about $45 per month. Retail & Jobs: Target officially opened in Brookings, adding new shopping options and jobs for the growing community. Agriculture & Trade: South Dakota ranchers and leaders pushed back on President Trump’s plan to allow tariff-free imported ground beef, warning it could disrupt markets and harm local producers. Education Costs: SDSU students face a 2.4% tuition increase for 2026-27 as the Board of Regents balances rising costs with affordability. Transportation Planning: Sioux Falls’ temporary “traffic calming” test on 10th Street is feeding into future redesign plans for the 10th and 11th Street viaducts, with a focus on slower speeds and safer pedestrian space.

Restaurant Closures: Fazoli’s permanently closed its East Arrowhead Parkway location in Sioux Falls, with a sign posted Aug. 24 confirming the end of the restaurant that opened in January 2023. Aviation & Growth: Rapid City and Sioux Falls airports are asking South Dakota for extra help as expansion projects face higher costs from inflation, despite federal funding and $15 million in low-interest state loans. Energy Costs: A new analysis shows Americans are paying about 30% more for electricity than in 2020, with Washington, D.C. seeing the biggest jump since 2020. Healthcare Affordability: South Dakota ranks second for healthcare cost burden relative to income, with hospital spending highlighted as the highest in the nation. Rural EMS Funding: South Dakota lawmakers are working to use federal rural healthcare modernization money to build regional EMS hubs and improve response and workforce challenges. Climate Reporting Fight: South Dakota AG Marty Jackley joined a 16-state coalition challenging Big Four accounting firms over climate-related financial reporting mandates and potential impacts on small businesses. Local Compliance: Pennington County is warning vacation rental operators to get licensed by Dec. 3 or face $200-per-day fines. Infrastructure Updates: Rapid City-area bridge deck chip seal work begins Aug. 31 on multiple routes, with traffic reduced to one lane in places. Ag Trade Pressure: Cattle groups urged President Trump to reconsider a proposal to expand imported beef without over-quota tariffs, arguing it could undermine U.S. herd investment and competition.

Education & Workforce: South Dakota Junior Achievement earned the ASBSD 2026 School Bell Award for its statewide work in financial literacy, work and career readiness, and entrepreneurship. Aviation & Infrastructure: Both Rapid City and Sioux Falls airports are asking the state Aeronautics Commission for more expansion funding, citing growing TSA congestion and capacity needs on top of prior $15 million loans. Housing & Community Development: Habitat for Humanity broke ground on East Creek Village townhomes in Rapid City, aiming to speed construction by partnering with a seasoned general contractor while keeping volunteers involved. Public Safety: Rapid City held a groundbreaking for a new police and fire substation to cut response times in a fast-growing area and add a new park. Economy & Migration: Census migration estimates show working-age adults (18–64) are the biggest driver of South Dakota’s growth, challenging the idea that retirees are the main newcomers. Health & Consumer Watch: A multistate alfalfa sprout outbreak tied to salmonella and E. coli has reached 15 states, including South Dakota, with 55 cases reported. Energy & Agriculture Policy: Trump’s 90-day suspension of tariffs on imported ground beef is drawing pushback from cattle producers, while Sen. Mike Rounds is backing the RANCH Act and country-of-origin labeling. Cybersecurity: South Dakota’s cybersecurity program is under strain as attacks disrupt local services, with recent incidents highlighted in reporting. Legal/Regulatory: South Dakota AG Marty Jackley joined a coalition challenging the “Big Four” over climate-related financial reporting, arguing it could raise costs for small businesses and consumers.

Postal Service Pressure: U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds says slow delivery is hurting South Dakota veterans and businesses, and he’s pushed for investigations and changes to Postal Service leadership. Climate Disclosure Fight: AG Mike Hilgers co-led a coalition challenging the “Big 4” accounting firms over climate-related financial activism, arguing it could raise costs for farmers and small businesses. Cattle & Farm Policy: Rounds and Sen. Amy Klobuchar introduced the bipartisan RANCH Act to incentivize converting marginal cropland to grazing land as the U.S. cattle herd stays at a low level. Beef Import Backlash: Cattle groups and lawmakers are reacting to Trump’s plan to import tariff-free ground beef, arguing it won’t meaningfully lower prices and could disrupt ranchers. Agriculture Food Safety: FDA-linked recalls are expanding after alfalfa sprouts were tied to E. coli and Salmonella outbreaks across 15 states, with at least 55 illnesses reported. South Dakota Economy & Security: A report warns South Dakota’s cybersecurity program is running out of time and money as local governments face attacks. Local Business Buzz: Sioux Falls’ Chef Lance’s on Phillips says it won’t participate in the 2027 Downtown Burger Battle, citing staff burnout and heavy early demand. Tourism: Deadwood’s Kool Deadwood Nites parade drew crowds and business activity downtown.

Cybersecurity Pressure on Local Government: A Pennington County cyberattack left county systems offline in July, and officials say the Rapid City water system was hit in the broader wave—another reminder that small South Dakota governments are running out of time and money to defend critical services. Food Safety & Agriculture: Everything Sprouts, LLC recalled alfalfa sprouts tied to a multistate E. coli and Salmonella outbreak that has sickened 55 people in 15 states, including South Dakota; affected products include Calco and Everything Sprouts sprout packs plus two sprout-mix cups. Beef Trade Tension: President Trump announced a 90-day, tariff-free window for imported ground beef trimmings without naming suppliers, drawing pushback from cattle groups and rural lawmakers who warn it could pressure an already tight herd. Drought Hits Cattle Feed Plans: South Dakota’s dry conditions are forcing some producers to pull cattle off pasture early and adjust forage and corn plans sooner than expected, raising concerns about feed costs and supply. Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports show diesel and regular prices easing in parts of the state in the week ending Aug. 15, with the lowest diesel noted at $4.85 in Butte County. Local Business Pulse: Deadwood’s Kool Deadwood Nites parade drew crowds to Main Street, with local leaders pointing to tourism lift for hotels, shops and restaurants.

Food Safety: A multistate E. coli and Salmonella outbreak tied to alfalfa sprouts from Everything Sprouts LLC has sickened 55 people across 15 states, with 4 hospitalizations reported; the FDA says the recall covers specific Calco and Everything Sprouts brands and related sprout mix cups sold since late May, including cases reported in South Dakota and North Dakota. Trade & Agriculture: President Trump announced a 90-day, tariff-free import window for up to 300,000 metric tons of ground beef trimmings, promising prices 25% below market—prompting pushback from cattle and ranching groups and South Dakota-adjacent lawmakers who warn it could undercut herd rebuilding. Local Business & Labor: Sioux Area Metro transit drivers and mechanics represented by ATU Local 1356 filed a grievance against Via Transportation over scheduling and driver classification, after the city switched management in 2024. Cybersecurity: Reports say Iran-linked hackers shut down a UK power plant for four days, coinciding with US water infrastructure attacks in multiple states—raising concerns for critical infrastructure defenses. South Dakota Economy & Community: South Dakota Mines and the Rapid City Arts Council are offering free annual “Friend of the Dahl” memberships to students and staff, boosting access to the Dahl Arts Center.

State Economy Snapshot: A new map matches each U.S. state’s nominal GDP to a closest country equivalent, showing California at about $4.3T (UK) and Texas at about $2.9T (Russia), with South Dakota’s output placed in the global context. Farm Policy Watch: South Dakota corn leaders say the farm bill still has a path but “slim” odds, pointing to delays in the Senate Agriculture Committee and pushing for items like E-15 year-round and updates to base acres. Beef Trade Fight: Trump’s plan to allow up to 300,000 metric tons of tariff-free imported ground beef for 90 days is drawing pushback from cattle and agriculture groups, who warn it’s a “quick fix” that could disrupt herd-rebuilding. Food Safety: Everything Sprouts LLC is recalling select alfalfa sprout products tied to a 15-state outbreak that has sickened 55 people, including South Dakota residents, with federal and state health officials investigating. Energy & Cybersecurity: Reports say Iranian-linked hackers shut down a UK power plant for four days, raising concerns about critical-infrastructure cyber risk. Local Business & Community: South Dakota Mines and the Rapid City Arts Council are offering free annual Dahl Arts Center memberships for students and staff, while Keystone’s Rushmore Heritage Days and Legacy Awards spotlight local history and business families. Energy Prices: GasBuddy data shows diesel prices in parts of South Dakota hitting new lows for the week ending Aug. 15, including a $4.99 diesel price in Custer County.

Postal Service Pressure: U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds says slow mail delivery has hurt veterans and businesses, pushing him to back a Postal Service investigation, seek removal of executive bonuses, and place a hold on confirmations for the Postal executive board. Food Safety & Consumer Impact: A multistate E. coli and Salmonella outbreak tied to alfalfa sprouts from Everything Sprouts LLC has grown to 55 cases in 15 states, including South Dakota; the FDA urges consumers not to eat recalled Calco and Everything Sprouts brands. Beef Trade Backlash: South Dakota and regional cattle groups are blasting Trump’s 90-day, tariff-free import window for ground beef, saying it undercuts herd rebuilding and is already roiling cattle markets. Medical Cannabis Banking Clarity: South Dakota officials say the federal move of medical marijuana to Schedule III could help with business tax deductions and banking access, but lawmakers still want more federal guidance. Ag Innovation: Dakota Biochar is turning Black Hills slash into biochar for farms, aiming to expand statewide trials. Local Business & Growth: Grand Forks leaders plan an exploratory trip to Sioux Falls to study downtown development and waterfront revitalization. Veterans Scam Alert: South Dakota VA warns of fake “Veterans Savings Program” postcards demanding quick calls for personal info.

Tourism & Culture: The National Music Museum in Vermillion kicks off its 2026–27 NMM Live! season Aug. 28 with Emmy-winning songwriter Jack Norton, a boost for local arts foot traffic. Local Governance: Yankton County will hold a public meeting Aug. 27 on a proposed road and bridge levy, with residents able to ask questions before decisions. Ag & Land Management: The Southeast Dakota Prescribed Burn Association and SDSU Extension plan a field demonstration Aug. 27 on woody encroachment management, with experts on native grass and wildflower benefits. Agribusiness & Food Safety: A multistate E. coli and salmonella outbreak tied to alfalfa sprouts has grown to 55 cases in 15 states; the CDC and FDA link it to Everything Sprouts products under Calco and Everything Sprouts brands, and consumers are urged not to eat recalled lots. Beef Trade Politics: South Dakota and regional cattle groups are pushing back hard on Trump’s 90-day plan to allow up to 300,000 metric tons of tariff-free imported ground beef, arguing it undercuts herd rebuilding and won’t deliver real price relief. Veterans & Cyber/Scams: South Dakota’s veterans agency warns of a postcard scam targeting veterans for a fake “Veterans Savings Program,” while Meade County also flags voter-registration phishing attempts. Economic Development: Deadwood’s Landmark Hotel and Casino received final federal Historic Tax Credit approval, clearing the way for a major historic rehabilitation that supports jobs and tourism. Local Infrastructure: Mitchell approved a $2.93 million bid for a second north-side fire station, aiming for completion in Dec. 2027.

Trade & Agriculture: USDA Undersecretary Luke Lindberg told Dakotafest audiences the U.S. wants “fair, reciprocal” USMCA trade that boosts market access for American farm exports, pointing to a $17.5B ag trade deficit with Mexico and $11B with Canada. Energy Costs: Black Hills Energy is seeking a 32% power-rate hike for northeast Wyoming customers (about $32/month), drawing affordability pushback tied to grid and generation costs. South Dakota Business & Community: Dunkin’ is returning to South Dakota with a new Vermillion location inside the USD Muenster University Center, while Turner County’s new courthouse is now open with court proceedings set to begin next month. Local Economy Watch: GasBuddy reports show South Dakota regular prices averaging $3.94 statewide for the week ending Aug. 15, with one Marshall County station at $4.49. Agriculture Outlook: Pro Farmer Crop Tour data and market commentary point to disappointing corn checks in parts of the Corn Belt, with corn futures pushing back above $5 after the latest tour findings. Civic & Housing Development: Vermillion City Council advanced the Bluestem Manor housing plan, including senior-focused communal living, to a second reading. Policy & Governance: Lincoln County is considering a one-year pause on new data centers, with Sioux Falls signaling openness to more flexible approaches.

County Tax Fight: Clay County’s new sales tax ordinance (2026-05) is drawing backlash after critics say it functions like a “sales tax on meth,” hits agribusiness harder via “gross receipts,” and could shift property-tax relief benefits toward wealthier homeowners first—setting up a possible petition drive for a countywide vote. Caregiving Planning: SDSU Extension is hosting a free Sept. 1 webinar on “Organize This!” to help South Dakotans prepare for end-of-life and future caregiving decisions, with local facilitator training planned. State Government & Business Services: South Dakota hosted the National Association of Secretaries of State summer conference in Rapid City, bringing election administration and records-management leaders to the state. Trade Uncertainty: A pause on major Canadian tariffs is on hold after a Trump announcement, but businesses still face uncertainty as talks continue—important for North Dakota’s Canada-linked exports. Aviation Funding: Rapid City and Sioux Falls airport directors are asking the state for more money for construction projects, on top of already-approved low-interest loans. Child Care Pressure: Families and providers say partial reversals to child care assistance cuts still leave them scrambling, with some providers reporting pay cut in half. Energy & Costs: GasBuddy data shows midgrade and diesel prices varying across counties, with several low-price points reported statewide. Uranium Permitting: South Dakota’s Minerals and Environment Board approved a study restart for the Dewey-Burdock uranium project after a long legal pause, while another exploration proposal continues under review.

Rural Banking Watch: A new survey of rural bank CEOs shows a modest lift in economic expectations, with the Rural Mainstreet Index rising to 50.3 in August from 42.1 in July, but farm income still looks shaky—about 47.5% of bankers expect declines in the next year. Healthcare Costs & Policy: KFF reports Medicare is paying less for cataract surgery while more patients are being offered laser-assisted upgrades that can add thousands out of pocket, raising affordability concerns for seniors. Local Government & Growth: Sioux Falls Mayor Christine Erickson says her first month is focused on the 2027 budget and that the city is open to discussing data centers rather than shutting them down. Rural Health Investment: Viborg’s Pioneer Memorial Hospital is breaking ground on a $4.7 million expansion, adding an emergency department expansion, endoscopy suite, and therapy upgrades. Housing Market Pressure: ATTOM finds the share of “equity-rich” homeowners fell to the lowest in five years, while “seriously underwater” mortgages are rising—signaling continued mobility and affordability strain. Energy Permitting: U.S. Sen. John Thune says permitting reform could be a rare bipartisan win, with shorter reviews and limits on legal challenges on the table. Agriculture & Land Use: A $3.1 million FFAR grant backs work to keep Great Plains grasslands intact, helping ranchers maintain working land while slowing conversion.

RANCH Act Push: U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds and Amy Klobuchar unveiled the bipartisan RANCH Act to restore up to 20 million acres of marginal cropland into grazing land, aiming to help rebuild the U.S. cattle herd and support producers with long-term contracts. Energy Permitting: Sen. John Thune said permitting reform is a rare opening for bipartisan action, with lawmakers weighing shorter federal reviews and limits on legal challenges to speed energy projects. Rural Health Tech Grants: Gov. Larry Rhoden announced $90M for 82 rural health projects, including upgrades to electronic records, cybersecurity, and tools to connect providers and patients. Hospital Expansion: Pioneer Memorial Hospital & Health Services in Viborg broke ground on a $4.7M expansion, adding an emergency department expansion, endoscopy suite, and later cardiac rehab and stress testing. Women’s Recovery Facility: Yankton opened Park Haven, a new 18-bed residential treatment center for women with substance use disorders, including pregnant women and mothers with children, supported by state and private funding. Tourism Planning: Fort Pierre and the Yankton/Vermillion Missouri River Water Trail were selected for South Dakota’s Destination Development Program to strengthen rural tourism. Local Business & Community: Mount Vernon Bank & Trust employees Jake Krob and Chris Kerr graduated from the Graduate School of Banking, highlighting ongoing investment in community banking leadership. Health & Community Calendar: Sioux Falls-area organizers announced the next All American Blood Drive Aug. 28, with donation slots scheduled through Labor Day weekend. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reported the lowest diesel in Hand County at $4.69 (week ending Aug. 8) and the lowest midgrade in Moody County at $3.69, underscoring continued regional price swings.

Back-to-School Costs: Families in the Black Hills are facing a tougher 2026-27 shopping season, with a study pegging school supply spending at nearly $4,000 per child—about 10.7% higher than last year, driven especially by paper products. Cybersecurity & Public Spending: South Dakota taxpayers are spending more than $7 million to fight cyberattacks after federal cybersecurity grants were rejected, with the AG’s office reporting 1,062 online security breaches over five years and 127 so far in 2026. Local Government & Public Input: The Black Hills National Forest is taking applications for a Resource Advisory Committee that will shape recommendations for projects across Pennington, Lawrence and Custer counties, with seats open to business, timber, recreation, tribal voices and the public. Energy Policy: U.S. Sen. John Thune says year-round E15 in the Senate will likely require compromises for small oil refineries, as lawmakers weigh farm benefits against environmental concerns. School Infrastructure Vote: Rapid City Area Schools is preparing a November bond referendum focused on safety, HVAC upgrades, and a new South Park Elementary to address enrollment shifts. Insurance/Regulation Watch: A new report finds regulators’ objections can significantly delay insurance rate approvals, adding days to the process and increasing later rate shock.