AGP Executive Report

Uranium Hearing in the Black Hills: A weeklong permit hearing opened in Hot Springs Monday with hours of opposition testimony against Craven Canyon uranium drilling, as opponents warned about petroglyph sites, potential water contamination, and damage to tourism and agriculture. ICE Expansion: Gov. Larry Rhoden says South Dakota is ramping up its ICE partnership—adding more Highway Patrol troopers to 287(g) training (up to 41) and citing arrests and DOC transfers to federal custody. Noem Aftershocks: Fresh reporting says 19 inmates granted early release by former Gov. Kristi Noem without the usual board review have since faced new charges, with many pleading guilty. Local Land-Use Fight: Mitchell City Council tabled permits for an oversized digital billboard, citing neighbor concerns and the sign’s size variance. Election Prep: Pennington County residents are being trained to serve as election observers ahead of the June 2 vote. Public Safety: Sioux Falls police report a woman was scammed out of nearly $400K through social media “investment” schemes.

Noem fallout: Kristi Noem’s early releases are back in the spotlight—new reporting says most of the inmates she commuted without the usual Board of Pardons and Paroles review have since been charged again, including multiple felony drug cases. Elections & campaigns: Republicans still aren’t fully sold on a potential Cuba action, while South Dakota’s June 2 primary keeps stacking rematches in the Senate. Democrats turn up the heat: Former President Joe Biden is set to keynote the South Dakota Democratic Party’s McGovern Day Dinner in Sioux Falls on June 5. Ag & energy: Collin Peterson says year-round E15 faces Senate hurdles and infrastructure limits. Public safety & policy: Governor Larry Rhoden expands ICE-related training under 287(g), and South Dakota still has no specific ALPR law as surveillance tech spreads. Community life: Habitat for Humanity marks a Rapid City home dedication, and Sioux Falls runs a summer anti-panhandling ad campaign that mayoral candidates criticize.

Criminal justice blowback: A South Dakota Searchlight report says 12 of the 19 prisoners Gov. Kristi Noem released early during her tenure have since been charged again, including felony drug cases—fresh embarrassment for a governor already under fire for commutations granted without the required Board of Pardons and Parole endorsement. Elections & accountability: With the June 2 GOP primary looming, South Dakota Senate races include rematches from 2024, where property-rights fights and a pipeline-related bill (SB 201) still hang over voters’ memories. Public safety tech: A new fact brief tackles whether South Dakota has laws on automatic license plate readers—answer: not much—while local agencies using Flock systems say they don’t do facial recognition. Statehouse optics: Homeschool South Dakota’s gubernatorial Q&A turned into a property-tax fight, with Toby Doeden accusing leaders of shifting relief onto sales taxes. Veterans & community: The SD Department of Veterans Affairs will hold its Memorial Day program May 25 in Hot Springs.

State Senate Rematches: South Dakota GOP primary voters head to the polls June 2 with a dose of deja vu—several Senate districts are running back 2024 matchups, including District 18 (Yankton), where Sen. Lauren Nelson is trying to reclaim ground after former Sen. Jean Hunhoff’s 2024 win tied to property-rights fights over pipeline-related SB 201 and the later RL 21 repeal. Privacy & Policing: A fact brief asks whether South Dakota has laws governing automatic license plate readers—while local agencies use Flock systems, the state reportedly lacks specific ALPR/privacy rules that some other states have. Campaign Finance: In the District 2 Senate race, Republicans David Kull and his opponent filed finance reports showing one raised and spent more. Ballot Measures: AG Marty Jackley released final ballot explanations for proposed constitutional amendments involving unclaimed property trust and voting rules. Election Rules: SDDOT says campaign signs can’t go in state highway rights of way. Health & Courts: Telehealth access to mifepristone remains in legal flux, with SD AG Jackley criticizing FDA overreach. Public Safety: DEA’s Take Back Day collected 19,000+ pounds in the Midwest, including South Dakota. Democrats’ Big Event: President Joe Biden is set to keynote the McGovern Day dinner June 5 in Sioux Falls.

Catholic Church Watch: Easter brought a reported 38% jump in conversions in U.S. dioceses, with Rapid City seeing a 96% rise—though the bigger trend is still more Catholics leaving than joining. Local Community: Rapid City residents and sister-city partners cleaned up Wilson Park and shared German and Japanese culture, with students looking ahead to exchange trips. Workforce & Education: Western Dakota Tech graduated 360+ students as Gov. Rhoden pushed the state’s workforce pipeline, while youth apprenticeships are set to expand statewide. Politics & Campaigns: South Dakota Republicans are set for more primary rematches, and Dusty Johnson says he won’t name a running mate before the June 2 GOP vote. Abortion Court Fight: A telehealth mifepristone access dispute is drawing scrutiny in South Dakota as AG Jackley argues the FDA is overstepping. Democrats’ Big Event: Former President Joe Biden will headline the June 5 McGovern Day Dinner in Sioux Falls.

Corrections & Public Safety: South Dakota’s parole division is touting “wins” from 2025, but Gov. Larry Rhoden is moving fast after fresh scrutiny—following a Sioux Falls officer shooting allegedly tied to a man on parole—prompting new parole supervision hires, faster violation decisions, and a crackdown on drug use. Elections & Voting: The AG has finalized the ballot explanation for a proposed constitutional amendment requiring U.S. citizenship to vote, headed to the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot. Democrats in the Spotlight: Former President Joe Biden is set to headline the South Dakota Democratic Party’s McGovern Day dinner in Sioux Falls on June 5. Local Politics & Policy: Rhoden is expanding youth apprenticeships statewide, aiming to connect more high schools to paid work pathways. Courts: The South Dakota Supreme Court upheld child rape convictions and a 70-year prison sentence. Education & Community: A Mobridge-Pollock freshman won $10,000 in the “Lesson Learned SD” safe-driving program.

Noem Commutations Under Fire: South Dakota’s early prison releases from Kristi Noem’s time are back in the spotlight—new reporting says 12 of 19 people freed without the usual parole-board review have since been charged with new crimes, mostly drug cases. State Rules Revisited: The Department of Social Services is taking another look at last year’s TANF benefit cuts and hospital payment changes after more than 100 public comments; hearings wrapped Friday and comments stay open until May 25. Election Integrity Push: Republican SOS candidate Caroleene Dobson says she’ll create an Election Integrity and Security Division to respond to fraud reports, setting up a May 19 GOP primary. Workforce Pipeline: Gov. Larry Rhoden announced expanded youth apprenticeships so more high schools can plug students into paid training tied to their curriculum. Parole Scrutiny: Corrections parole leaders tout 2025 “wins” even as Gov. Rhoden moves to tighten supervision after officer-shooting incidents. Tech & Policy Watch: Google updated its spam rules to make clear attempts to game AI search answers violate policy. Local Life: Sioux Falls drivers are dealing with major roadwork bottlenecks, and Fall River County warned residents about a spoofed-deputy phone scam.

Special Olympics Torch Run: Elk Point hosted the Law Enforcement Torch Run, carrying the “flame of hope” from Lewis Drug to the Elk Point-Jefferson field to spotlight inclusion and support for Special Olympics South Dakota. Opioid Money: South Dakota is set to receive $27M from the opioid settlement, keeping pressure on the state’s ongoing response efforts. Ethanol Fight: Environmental groups and oil-refining states are teaming up to block year-round E15 ethanol sales—an unusual alliance that could shape what hits South Dakota pumps. Election Rules: Attorney General Marty Jackley finalized the neutral ballot explanation for a proposed citizenship requirement to vote in 2026. Public Safety: Rapid City Central High School was evacuated after a bomb threat, later cleared as not credible; separately, police used a Taser to subdue a suspect after a metal-rod threat. Scams & Courts: Fall River County warned of a spoofed-deputy phone scam; a Mitchell man pleaded no contest to two rape counts and faces sentencing later this year. Energy/Industry: Gevo shelved its South Dakota SAF loan bid and SAF plant plan, shifting focus to a smaller project in North Dakota.

Courts & Voting Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court struck down key parts of the Voting Rights Act in Callais v. Louisiana, with critics warning it weakens protections tied to the 15th Amendment. Rapid City Schools: Bomb-sniffing K9s and officers cleared Rapid City Central High School after a bomb threat; officials say no threat was found and investigators are working to identify who made the call. Public Safety: A Rapid City man, Benjamin Longwolf, was arrested after allegedly threatening officers with a metal rod; a Taser was used and he was taken into custody. Justice in Centerville: Former Centerville mayor Jay Ostrem received three consecutive life sentences without parole for a 2024 triple homicide. State Politics & Campaigns: Sioux Falls’ election season is heating up with candidate coverage underway, while national Democrats and allies argue Trump’s citizenship-list and barcode mail-ballot order would create chaos. Energy & Industry: Summit Carbon Solutions says it’s streamlining its Iowa carbon pipeline footprint, and in a separate development the project is being routed away from North and South Dakota entirely.

Carbon Pipeline Shake-Up: Summit Carbon Solutions says it’s “streamlining” its Iowa route—cutting about 200 miles and removing proposed segments in multiple counties, which would drop the footprint by 400+ landowners—while the broader project’s storage plan is now being routed to Wyoming, bypassing both North and South Dakota. Special Olympics Spotlight: Rapid City wrapped another Law Enforcement Torch Run leg for Special Olympics, with the state summer games set for May 15-16 in Spearfish. Public Safety Tech: Sioux Falls police credit traffic cameras and license plate readers for solving a downtown burglary and helping nab parolees in stolen-vehicle cases. Crime Sentencing: A former Centerville lawman, Jay Ostrem, was sentenced to life in prison for a 2024 shooting that killed three. Politics & Policy: Nationally, Senate Republicans blocked another Iran war-powers push as GOP dissent grows; locally, South Dakota’s Arts Council is clarifying how artists and groups apply for state/federal support. Ethanol Push: The House passed year-round E15 sales, drawing fresh support from farm groups.

Hearing Health Push: South Dakota AG Marty Jackley is urging residents to get hearing tested this May and warns consumers to be wary of misleading over-the-counter hearing aid sales tactics. Cybercrime Update: The Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains’ Yankton club says an AI-powered “deep fraud” cyberattack in April stole about $200,000 from a reserve account, with no claims of employee or donor data being compromised. Courts & Public Safety: A Watertown man, Andrew Jondahl, was sentenced to 30 years (with 26.5 suspended) for the 2024 aggravated assault of two Yankton police officers at Yankton High School. Farm Economics: A U.S. Senate Agriculture hearing pinned rising global fertilizer prices and strain on American farmers on India’s large, subsidy-driven fertilizer purchases. Energy & Infrastructure: Summit Carbon Solutions says it’s rerouting its CO2 pipeline away from North Dakota’s storage plan toward Wyoming, while South Dakota’s carbon-pipeline restrictions continue to shape the project’s footprint.

Fertilizer Pressure in Washington: A Senate Ag hearing put South Dakota farmers front and center as Trent Kubik (South Dakota Corn Growers) questioned how fertilizer companies can post record profits while farmers face soaring input costs, with lawmakers hearing calls for more transparency and possible antitrust scrutiny. Pipeline Politics: Summit Carbon Solutions says it’s rerouting its proposed carbon pipeline to avoid South Dakota, a move it says would cut the number of affected Iowa landowners—though opponents warn the fight isn’t over. Public Health Clash: AG Anthony Brown joined a 19-state coalition urging the FDA to withdraw draft guidance that would ease flavored e-cigarette approvals, arguing it could worsen youth addiction. South Dakota Elections: Circuit Judge John Fitzgerald stepped down to seek the GOP nomination for attorney general, setting up a crowded June 2 primary field. Cybercrime in Yankton: An AI-fueled deepfake fraud attack hit the Boys & Girls Club in Yankton, stealing about $200,000. State Budget Relief: A new state budget policy keeps the first $25,000 in tips tax-free for workers.

Transfer Portal: Missouri landed South Dakota combo guard Jordan Crawford, a 6-foot-3 redshirt senior who averaged 14.4 points and 6.5 threes-attempts per game last season, giving the Tigers added depth and ball-handling for 2026-27. Local Government: Yankton County commissioners’ budget-and-finance task force met Tuesday, comparing staffing and spending against similar-sized counties as recommendations head toward September budget talks. Public Safety: A Chinese national accused of photographing aircraft at Offutt Air Force Base pleaded guilty and faces sentencing June 18 in Omaha. Campaign Trail: Butte County voters heard from candidates at a Newell forum, with the next big deadline: May 18 voter registration stops. State Politics: GOP gubernatorial candidate Toby Doeden attacked recently passed property-tax and city-funding bills and weighed in on parole and spending. National Politics: Republicans are split on suspending the federal gas tax—Trump wants it paused, but senators warn about Highway Trust Fund “holes.” Health & Policy: The Senate unanimously passed a 988 bill to improve geolocation to route callers to local help. Energy/Industry: Farmers and advocates pressed Congress for fertilizer price transparency and to lift phosphate import duties. Courts: A Mitchell parole-search drug trial moved into closing stages as prosecutors rested.

Gas Tax Fight: President Trump says he’ll move to suspend the federal gasoline tax to blunt fuel-price pain from the Iran war—but Congress has to approve it, since he can’t do it alone. Farm Policy: Sen. Mike Rounds is pushing MCOOL mandatory country-of-origin labeling back into the Senate farm bill, arguing consumers should have more clarity and that big meatpackers oppose it. Courts & Justice: Attorneys for Maricela Diaz say her murder trial should get a new trial due to “inexcusable neglect” by her defense team. Immigration Enforcement: ICE is expanding into co-working-style offices across 40+ states, including Hot Springs and Mitchell, with more agents planned. South Dakota Politics: Sioux Falls’ 2026 municipal voter registration deadline is May 18, and the June 2 election will decide mayor and council seats. State Costs: The Public Utilities Commission approved Xcel’s electric-rate increase starting July 1. Elections Watch: A “Republican voter guide” text campaign is tied to a PAC linked to gubernatorial candidate Toby Doeden.

Teacher Pipeline Expansion: Gov. Larry Rhoden just awarded $500,000 to expand South Dakota’s Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway, adding 31 new spots (for 71 total) so paraprofessionals can earn degrees while staying in their jobs. Election Rules Tighten: With the June 2 primary looming, South Dakota’s voter registration deadline is May 18 at 5 p.m., and new proof-of-citizenship requirements mean many voters will need to bring physical documents (not photocopies) to county offices. Public Safety Push: The AG’s Drug Control Fund is sending money for new drug-detection K-9s—Pennington County gets up to $60,000 for two dogs, and Box Elder up to $93,000 to launch its first unit. Crime & Courts: A Mason City man pleaded guilty in federal court for meth trafficking tied to trips between Des Moines and Pierre, South Dakota. Cost Pressure: A Senate Ag panel is set to examine fertilizer prices and how they could drive grocery costs higher by summer. Local Life: Sioux Falls roadwork ramps up May 11 with multiple detours and lane closures.

Public Safety: Sioux Falls police are investigating shots fired during a party at an apartment clubhouse, with no injuries reported, and also probing the theft of four guns from unlocked vehicles over the weekend. Rapid City Tragedy: After an endangered missing advisory, a 9-week-old baby was found dead in Rapid City; an arrest has been made and an autopsy is scheduled. Local Courts/Services: A Winner nonprofit is suing the city over a denied conditional use permit for a group home, arguing the rejection violates federal law. State Politics: With South Dakota’s June 2 primary close, the Rhoden campaign is demanding a PAC ad be pulled for allegedly false claims about gas taxes and concealed-carry fees. Higher Ed: Northern State University named Erin Fouberg provost and VP for academic affairs, effective May 11. Policy Watch: Fall River County tightened fire restrictions as dry, windy conditions raise wildfire risk. Science & Economy: South Dakota Mines is leading a near-$1M project to study how carbon moves deep inside Earth.