AGP Executive Report

Foster Care Policy: First Lady Melania Trump launched “Fostering the Future Accounts,” letting states open $1,000 seed-funded savings and investment accounts for eligible foster children, with access when they turn 18. Statehouse & Courts: A South Dakota lawmaker, Rep. Travis Ismay, was indicted and arrested on a felony charge alleging intentional damage to a public road. Sioux Falls Politics: Attorney General Marty Jackley and Lincoln County Sheriff Steven Swenson endorsed Christine Erickson for Sioux Falls mayor. Public Safety: One of four suspects in a Sioux Falls park homicide, Chaska Little Bear, pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter; police also are investigating a near-west-side assault and robbery. Elections & Governance: South Dakota’s Republican governor primary results are official, setting up a July 28 GOP runoff between Toby Doeden and Gov. Larry Rhoden. Economy & Budget Watch: State leaders say sales taxes and reserves may “normalize” over the next few years after FY25’s sales-tax dip.

FISA Fight: House Republicans are set to vote on a short extension of Section 702 spy powers to July 2, but it’s widely expected to fail as lawmakers clash over President Trump’s acting DNI pick, Bill Pulte. Federal Politics: Trump signed a $70B immigration enforcement bill, but South Dakota Sen. John Thune’s absence at the signing is being read as a reminder of how quickly Trump can move on even big wins. South Dakota Courts & Ballot Access: A federal appeals panel heard arguments over South Dakota’s ballot-question petition deadline, with Dakotans for Health challenging the earlier filing date as a First Amendment problem. Tribal Landback: All nine South Dakota tribes passed a unified resolution urging Congress to return Black Hills public federal lands to tribal entities. State Government & Economy: South Dakota approved up to $30M in sales-tax rebates to support Smithfield’s move to northern Sioux Falls, part of a much larger investment. Public Safety: Rapid City’s Star Village celebrated new street lighting after Black Hills Energy repaired seven long-unlit poles, pairing visibility upgrades with neighborhood volunteer projects. Local Justice: A Rapid City woman was sentenced for illegally buying a firearm for a convicted felon in a straw-purchase case. Energy & Water: The Senate Energy Committee advanced $20M for Missouri River drinking-water pipeline feasibility studies tied to Thune and Rounds.

South Dakota Runoff Watch: South Dakotans are gearing up for the July 28 GOP gubernatorial runoff after Toby Doeden criticized the state’s 35% threshold runoff law, pointing to its origin with late Aberdeen lawmaker Joe Barnett. Ballot Access Fight: A federal appeals court heard arguments over South Dakota’s petition deadline for citizen ballot questions as signature gathering continued past the disputed dates. Tribal Landback: All nine South Dakota tribes backed a new push to return federal Black Hills lands to the Oceti Sakowin, emphasizing it’s about public federal land and protecting sacred sites. Election Administration: Sioux Falls voters will get a side-by-side look at mayoral runoff candidates Christine Erickson and Jamie Smith in a community debate. Public Safety & Courts: The state’s Highway Patrol reminded drivers of legal passing speed exceptions on two-lane roads. Health Policy: The U.S. Education Department confirmed Title IX violations of a court order in cases tied to gender identity and sexual orientation. COVID Settlement: South Dakota’s AG Brenna Bird announced a multistate GS Labs settlement over overpriced, delayed COVID-19 tests. Arts/Culture Law: ASCAP filed new copyright suits against radio groups, including a South Dakota broadcaster.

Congress & Privacy: Lawmakers are racing to renew FISA’s Section 702, with the debate tangled up in concerns about spying powers and Trump’s controversial intelligence pick. Black Hills Land Return: All nine South Dakota tribes backed legislation aimed at returning federal lands in the Black Hills to the Great Sioux Nation, with supporters saying it would protect sacred sites and limit extractive activity. Sioux Falls Politics: Two mayoral runoff candidates faced off on public safety, affordability and homelessness ahead of the June 23 vote. Elections & Ballots: A South Dakota ballot-initiative deadline fight is headed through the 8th Circuit, with Dakotans for Health arguing the state restricts speech by using a shorter signature window. Courts & Crime: A Sioux Falls man was convicted of attempted enticement of a minor online, with life in prison possible. Statehouse Watch: Lobbyist and employer expense reports are due July 1. Public Safety/Corrections: South Dakota will pay Minnehaha County a premium to house parole violators as the state tightens enforcement. Sports & Community: The Sanford International Series wrapped in Yankton, and Rapid City’s Municipal Band kicks off its 108th season of free concerts.

Gubernatorial Runoff Prep: Absentee voting opens Friday, June 12 for South Dakota’s GOP governor runoff between Toby Doeden and Gov. Larry Rhoden, with the July 28 election limited to registered Republicans and a July 13 deadline to update party status. Primary Fallout: Final state and county results were tallied after a June 2 Republican primary that reshaped county commission races and set up runoff battles, including a Turner County sheriff recount after a 3-vote split. Local Elections & Governance: Minnehaha County Auditor Leah Anderson urged changes to the state’s primary ballot system after a new law could have created too many ballot styles. Public Safety: A Sioux Falls man was acquitted of murder but convicted of aggravated assault in the 2024 Dunham Park shooting; meanwhile, a Douglas County deputy was terminated days after losing a sheriff’s bid. Corrections & Parole: Minnehaha County will receive higher state payments to house parole violators as the state cracks down and local jails expand capacity. Education & Community: Flandreau voters approved shrinking the school board from seven to five members, and Mitchell’s planning commission advanced tax breaks for restoring a historic Main Street building. Federal/Legal Watch: ASCAP filed copyright infringement suits against four radio groups, alleging they played music without a license.

Federal Confirmation Fight: President Trump formally nominated Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche, teeing up a tough Senate confirmation battle over how aggressively he’s pushed DOJ priorities. Public Safety: A Pennington County deputy was shot and injured during a standoff at the Central States Fairgrounds; the suspect was killed after officers returned fire, and the victim has been identified as Maintenance Manager Paul Nebel. Elections & Governance: Turner County’s GOP sheriff primary is headed to a recount after a razor-thin 823-820 margin; Sioux Falls’ nonpartisan mayor race is also in runoff mode, with state parties treating it like a partisan test. Local Politics: Sioux Falls city council runoffs begin June 23 after no candidate cleared the 50% threshold in three races. Courts & Business: Summit Carbon Solutions’ $15M pipe contract dispute is moving toward trial in Delaware. Education Policy: Aberdeen School Board reviewed first readings of policy changes tied to 2026 state legislation, including election procedures and student behavior supports. Health & Policy: A new overdose support program launched in Brown County expands post-overdose response services.

South Dakota Politics & Elections: Biden headlined the South Dakota Democratic Party’s McGovern Day Dinner in Sioux Falls, drawing protests outside the venue and helping the party raise more than $275,000, as the state party looks to build momentum for upcoming races. Runoff Watch: A post-primary analysis says Gov. Larry Rhoden holds a slight edge in the GOP governor runoff against Toby Doeden, with fundraising likely to surge now that the field is down to two. State Government Ethics: Game, Fish and Parks moved to repeal waterfowl refuge status for Lake Albert after surrounding landowners requested it—but one landowner is a regional supervisor for the agency, and his ownership wasn’t disclosed to the commission that approved the change. Public Safety & Courts: Pennington County commissioners backed the victim and praised officers and responders after the Central States Fairgrounds shooting in Rapid City; meanwhile, a parole crackdown in Pennington and Minnehaha is increasing arrests but straining county jail capacity. Local Governance: Sioux Falls mayoral candidates are set for a runoff after no one cleared 50%, with differences emerging on child care and data centers. Health & Community: A new overdose support program launched in Brown County, expanding Emily’s Hope’s Post-Overdose Response Team services.

Immigration Funding: The U.S. Senate approved a roughly $70B immigration enforcement package for the rest of Trump’s term after a GOP revolt delayed action, clearing a major hurdle before House passage. Surveillance Fight: Lawmakers are warning that Trump’s pick of Bill Pulte as acting intelligence chief could derail renewal of the foreign surveillance law (Section 702), with critics citing his lack of security experience. South Dakota Politics & Parties: Former President Joe Biden drew a big crowd at the South Dakota Democratic Party’s McGovern Day dinner in Sioux Falls, while Jill Biden renewed focus on Joe’s stage-four prostate cancer and its long-term impact. Local Government & Schools: The Mitchell School Board will consider staff contract negotiations and administrator salaries, plus a board governance item tied to a re-elected member. Public Safety: Rapid City’s Central States Fairgrounds shooting suspect, John Troy Lee, was found and is no longer a threat after an officer-involved confrontation; an earlier update said one officer was injured. Health Care Leadership: Monument Health announced executive leadership changes, including a new general counsel and a vice president of philanthropy. Civics & Community: A “250+ Years of American Civics and News” series is set to bring free public discussions to Watertown and beyond.

Rapid City Public Safety: Police identified John Troy Lee, 58, as the suspect in a Sunday morning shooting at the Central States Fairgrounds; he later exchanged gunfire with officers on the Pine Ridge Reservation and was killed, with one officer injured and the original victim hospitalized. Federal Surveillance Fight: Reuters reports U.S. lawmakers are warning that President Trump’s acting DNI pick Bill Pulte could derail renewal of the expiring Section 702 foreign surveillance law. South Dakota Education: The Mitchell school board meets Monday to consider classified staff contract negotiations and administrator salary approvals. State Wildlife Policy: South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks moved to repeal Lake Albert’s waterfowl refuge status, a decision that drew scrutiny over whether an insider landowner connection was disclosed. Politics & Campaigns: South Dakota’s GOP governor primary runoff is set for July 28, with analysis focused on how Doeden’s and Rhoden’s West River/East River vote splits could shape the next round. Community & Civics: Watertown hosts a “250+ Years of American Civics and News” event Monday, part of a statewide push to boost election engagement.

BLM Cyanide Bomb Fight: The Trump administration is reviving “cyanide bombs” on public land after the Biden-era ban was quietly lifted, with deployment now handled case-by-case—raising fresh alarms in states including South Dakota. Energy Infrastructure: Great River Energy told a county board about a proposed 765 kV transmission line that would run from the South Dakota border toward Minnesota, framed as needed for reliability and growing demand. South Dakota Elections: Sturgis will reconvene its municipal canvassing board Monday after discrepancies were found during the June 2 special election; officials say the issues don’t appear to change outcomes but must be reviewed before certification. State Politics & Runoff Prep: South Dakota’s GOP gubernatorial runoff absentee voting begins June 12, with primary-ballot requesters automatically eligible. Democrats in Sioux Falls: Former President Joe Biden headlined the South Dakota Democratic Party’s McGovern Day Dinner, urging supporters not to give up ahead of November. U.S. Senate Immigration Vote: The Senate passed a nearly $70B immigration enforcement package without new limits on ICE, sending it to the House.

U.S. Immigration Fight: The U.S. Senate approved a nearly $70B package for immigration enforcement/deportation activities for the next three years, clearing the way for House action without new limits on ICE. South Dakota Runoff Politics: Former President Joe Biden headlined the South Dakota Democratic Party’s McGovern Day dinner in Sioux Falls, endorsing Dan Ahlers for governor and other SD Democrats as the GOP gubernatorial race heads to a July 28 runoff. Campaign Machinery: South Dakota Secretary of State Monae Johnson says absentee voting for the GOP governor runoff begins June 12, with prior primary absentee requests automatically eligible. Local Governance Clash: Lincoln County’s election canvass nearly stalled after commissioners argued over the process, spilling dysfunction into the routine certification work. City Politics: Mitchell voters passed term limits for mayor and City Council, setting up a shakeup for the 2027 council. Runoff Endorsement War: In Sioux Falls mayoral runoff politics, former candidates Greg Jamison and Joe Batcheller endorsed Jamie Smith, drawing pushback from Toby Doeden. Statewide Policy Debate: An opinion piece targets the Noem–Rhoden predator bounty program, arguing it undermined wildlife funding priorities and helped create a need for private hatchery fundraising.

Sioux Falls Runoff Politics: Former candidates Greg Jamison and Joe Batcheller are backing Jamie Smith in the mayoral runoff, setting up a fresh endorsement fight after Tuesday’s vote went to overtime. Gubernatorial Runoff Logistics: South Dakota’s absentee voting for the Republican governor runoff begins June 12, with prior primary absentee requests automatically eligible and new applications due July 27. Campaign Strategy & Fallout: Analysts say the July 28 GOP governor runoff between Toby Doeden and Gov. Larry Rhoden could hinge on turnout and shifting loyalties after the primary. National Politics, Local Impact: Former President Joe Biden headlined the South Dakota Democratic Party’s McGovern Day dinner, urging Democrats not to give up ahead of November. Election Integrity Questions: A South Dakota-linked election equipment dispute is in the news as a candidate challenges testing procedures and claims races weren’t properly tested. Policy Watch: A new South Dakota abortion-pill ban lawsuit is underway, while national attention continues on abortion ballot measures in other states. Other Notables: USDA confirmed a New World screwworm detection in Texas, a reminder of ongoing threats to livestock and agriculture.

Gubernatorial Runoff: South Dakota’s first-ever statewide top-two GOP runoff is set for July 28, with absentee voting for the Republican nomination beginning June 12 and voter registration open through July 13. Campaign Fallout: Backers of losing candidates are reportedly shifting support ahead of the runoff, and a new Searchlight podcast previewed how the race is shaping up with journalist Kevin Woster. Primary Aftermath: Most candidates who could request recounts in Tuesday’s legislative races say they’ll accept results; under state law, recounts are triggered only when margins are under 2%. Local Politics: Sioux Falls mayoral runoff endorsements are rolling in—Greg Jamison and Joe Batcheller are backing Jamie Smith. Public Safety: Rapid City honored a Central High student for stopping an assault on a transit bus driver, and Pennington/ Rapid City first responders conducted active shooter training. Corrections Pressure: A parole crackdown is boosting arrests in Pennington and Minnehaha counties but straining jail capacity statewide.

Gubernatorial Runoff Looms: South Dakota’s first-ever GOP governor primary runoff is set for July 28 between Gov. Larry Rhoden and businessman Toby Doeden, after neither hit the 35% threshold; absentee voting for the runoff starts June 12 and voter registration runs through July 13. Primary Shockwaves: Tuesday’s primary turnout topped 34% (highest since 2008), and 16 GOP incumbents lost seats—continuing a 2024 “earthquake” style shakeup. Legislature Rewrites: Recounts are possible in several tight House and Senate races, though most losing candidates say a recount would be a waste. Immigration Funding Fight in D.C.: The U.S. Senate pushed toward action on a $70B immigration enforcement package after a revolt over a Trump-linked $1.8B “anti-weaponization” settlement fund, while House GOP leaders sent members home early. Local Politics: Vermillion voters elected Kevin O’Kelley as mayor; Sioux Falls’ mayoral race heads to a runoff between Christine Erickson and Jamie Smith, with former rivals Greg Jamison and Joe Batcheller endorsing Smith. Statehouse Watch: Yankton County commissioners face July 15 decisions on property-tax opt-out and a potential half-cent sales tax for relief.

Gubernatorial runoff set: South Dakota’s first-ever GOP governor runoff is official after Tuesday’s primary left no one at 35%—Aberdeen businessman Toby Doeden (31%) and Gov. Larry Rhoden (25%) will face off July 28, with early/absentee voting starting June 12 and only Republicans eligible. Election process backlash: A SDPB update says ballots for governor weren’t fully counted until about 4 a.m. Wednesday, drawing criticism from Doeden, who vowed to “fix” the election-night results system. Legislature shakeup: Sixteen incumbent GOP lawmakers lost their seats in the primary, signaling a possible shift away from the 2024 insurgent wave and toward more traditional leadership. Sioux Falls mayoral sprint: The city’s mayor race heads to a runoff between Jamie Smith and Christine Erickson, while three council races also go to June 23 runoffs. Health equity spotlight: A new report says Native Americans in South Dakota face one of the nation’s largest health gaps, with premature death rates far higher than white South Dakotans. Weather watch: The NWS warns of Thursday storms with large hail and 60–70 mph winds in parts of east central South Dakota. Federal sentencing: A Rapid City man was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for attempted online enticement of a minor and child pornography.

Gubernatorial Runoff Set: South Dakota Republicans will hold the state’s first GOP governor nomination runoff after Tuesday’s primary left no winner in the four-way race; Toby Doeden led with about 31% and Gov. Larry Rhoden followed with about 25%, while Rep. Dusty Johnson finished third, setting up a July 28 faceoff. Congress Results: Incumbent Sen. Mike Rounds cruised to the GOP Senate nod with 76% statewide, and Attorney General Marty Jackley won the GOP nomination for South Dakota’s lone U.S. House seat with 79%, defeating James Bialota. Local Politics: Sioux Falls’ mayoral race heads to a runoff between Christine Erickson and Jamie Smith after neither hit 50%. Election Watch: Observers including ACLU monitors reviewed polling and tabulation, with at least one reported ballot-name issue in Butte County. Statewide Turnout & Fallout: Unofficial results show turnout around 34.55% statewide, and multiple incumbents lost GOP legislative primaries, leaving leadership and some races potentially headed for recounts. Federal/Foreign Policy: The U.S. House cleared a vote on Ukraine military funding and Russia sanctions, while also approving a war powers resolution aimed at Iran.