AGP Executive Report

Mount Rushmore & July 4 Security: President Donald Trump is set to travel to South Dakota for a Mount Rushmore speech and fireworks as America’s 250th celebrations ramp up, with ticketed access and fire-hazard concerns tied to drought conditions. Extreme Heat Watch: Across much of the Midwest and East Coast, heat alerts and power-grid strain are already reshaping holiday plans, with officials urging hydration and cooling breaks and some events adjusting or canceling rehearsals. Sioux Falls Election Fallout: The Sioux Falls mayoral runoff recount is underway after Jamie Smith formally requested it; the city clerk is also withholding details on rejected absentee ballots until broader public records responses begin. FEMA Disaster Dollars: FEMA approved more than $4.3 million for disaster recovery and hazard mitigation in South Dakota and North Dakota, including storm cleanup and power infrastructure repairs. Statehouse/Policy Signals: New South Dakota laws tied to public safety and election rules are rolling out, while national attention continues on the U.S. Supreme Court taking up Arizona’s proof-of-citizenship voting dispute.

Mount Rushmore Freedom 250 Kickoff: President Trump is set to speak at Mount Rushmore for America’s 250th on July 3, with fireworks, military bands, flyovers, and a new Air Force One making the trip. Election Watch (Sioux Falls): The Sioux Falls mayoral runoff recount is underway after Jamie Smith formally requested it, with a recount board set to decide what gets reviewed in a race decided by just two votes. Disaster Relief: FEMA approved $4.3M for Dakotas recovery and mitigation, including $2.6M for Chamberlain marina debris removal and upgrades to storm-damaged power infrastructure. Emergency Declarations: Gov. Rhoden issued a second statewide emergency this week—this time tied to flooding impacts on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation—while Nebraska’s Log Road Fire also triggered an emergency. Public Safety & Events: Officials are warning about holiday boating safety and Mount Rushmore fireworks logistics, including a designated First Amendment protest area and increased law enforcement around Keystone. Policy & Politics Beyond SD: A legal fight over Summit Carbon Solutions’ pipeline continues after Iowa regulators adjusted Dakota-specific permitting language while keeping Iowa’s construction ban in place.

Sioux Falls Mayoral Recount Clock: Jamie Smith has formally requested a recount of the June 23 runoff, after losing to Christine Erickson by just two votes (18,280 to 18,278). A three-person recount board will be assembled, with a meeting date set within 10 days of the request. Mount Rushmore July 3 Security & Politics: President Trump is set to speak at the Freedom 250 fireworks event at Mount Rushmore on July 3, with Gov. Larry Rhoden and Sen. Mike Rounds expected to attend. Crews are fencing off areas and law enforcement will close parts of the site. New Voter Registration Requirements: The League of Women Voters is criticizing South Dakota’s new voter registration law that requires proof of U.S. citizenship and bars photocopies of some IDs. Crypto Kiosk Consumer Protections: New rules taking effect July 1 add fraud warnings, clearer fee/limit info, receipts, and refunds for certain scam victims. Gun Law Update: A new state law removes suppressors from South Dakota’s controlled weapons list, while federal rules still apply. Municipal Finance Recognition: North Sioux City finance officer Amy Lilly was named Finance Officer of the Year for leadership during flooding and a government transition.

Independence Day at Mount Rushmore: Keystone officials say President Trump is expected at the July 3 fireworks, with Gov. Larry Rhoden and Sen. Mike Rounds also slated to attend, as local, state and federal agencies coordinate security for the America’s 250th celebration. South Dakota Laws Take Effect: Ten new AG Marty Jackley-backed laws go live July 1, including rules aimed at election integrity, AI deepfake privacy protections, and transparency/open-meetings changes. Property Tax Relief: New statewide property tax cuts take effect July 1, giving counties more flexibility while adjusting education funding formulas tied to local tax pressure. Highmore Storm Aftermath: After 131 mph gusts hit Highmore, officials are assessing damage for possible federal disaster aid as recovery continues. Airport Housing Loans: A state housing board advanced rules allowing up to $30 million in low-interest airport loans from a housing infrastructure fund for Rapid City and Sioux Falls projects. Sioux Falls Election: A recount has been officially requested for the Sioux Falls mayoral runoff. Public Safety: Sioux Falls reminds residents of fireworks rules and safety ahead of the holiday. National/World: The AP reports the Pentagon has not released a final accounting of a U.S. missile strike on an Iranian primary school, months after the attack.

Election Rules Fight: The South Dakota League of Women Voters is asking the state Elections Board to loosen new voter-registration documentation rules, arguing county auditors should be allowed to accept photocopies of IDs like driver’s licenses and tribal cards, while the board took no action after a public hearing. Storm Recovery in Highmore: Recovery continues after June 29 windstorm damage in Highmore, where officials estimate heavy impacts to homes and businesses; the governor declared a state of emergency and state agencies plus trained inmate crews are helping clear debris and restore power. Transgender Sports & Religious Freedom: Attorney General Marty Jackley praised the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision allowing states to bar transgender students from girls’ sports, and a South Dakota religious protections bill took effect today making disruptions of worship a felony. Abortion Pill Info in Court: A federal case is set to decide whether South Dakota’s newest anti-abortion law blocks sharing abortion-pill availability information, with Mayday Health arguing it violates free speech. SAVE America Act Fallout: South Dakota Republicans rejected a push to censure Sen. John Thune over stalled SAVE America Act efforts, as national debate over voter ID and citizenship proof continues to drive legislative gridlock. America 250 Security & Events: With Trump’s week of 250th celebrations and a major Rapid City/Black Hills visitor surge, local law enforcement is on high alert and reminding residents about fireworks rules and safety.

Storm Recovery: Gov. Larry Rhoden declared a state of emergency for central South Dakota counties hit by June 29 severe storms, saying it will speed debris removal and recovery support while officials assess whether FEMA thresholds are met. New Laws July 1: South Dakota’s latest batch of laws takes effect Wednesday, with property tax relief a top focus, including a sales tax increase that funds a property tax relief program for homeowners. Election Rules & Voters: The League of Women Voters is asking the state Board of Elections for new rules after SB 175’s proof-of-citizenship and “federal-only” voter registration changes, which reportedly left about 1,500 people designated for federal races only. Sports Policy: AG Marty Jackley praised a U.S. Supreme Court ruling upholding states’ ability to restrict transgender girls and women from female sports teams. Public Safety: Sheridan Police warned residents about a phone scam using a fake “Sgt. Wright” and arrest-warrant threats. Mount Rushmore: With drought concerns in the background, the Trump administration is set to resume fireworks at Mount Rushmore for the first time in six years, and Trump is expected to attend. Local Business/Community: Rapid City’s America 250 “Real America Birthday Bash” ramps up with mayoral participation, including parade and concert events.

New SD Laws July 1: A slate of 2026 measures kicks in statewide, including rules tied to SNAP and school meals, tighter oversight for data centers, and a new crime targeting fertility fraud; marriage now requires judicial approval for 16- and 17-year-olds, and a ban on selling abortion pills is set to take effect but is in court. Election Fight in Washington: House Republicans are weighing a fast-track, reconciliation-style approach to push Trump’s SAVE America voting restrictions, including proof of citizenship and photo ID, bypassing the filibuster. Sioux Falls Missing Child: Police are asking the public to help find 11-year-old Tristan Oakland, last seen riding a bike near S. Cleveland Ave. Storm Response in Highmore: After 131-mph wind gusts and tornado reports, Gov. Larry Rhoden deployed state resources for cleanup and potential federal aid; Sen. Mike Rounds toured damage. July 4 Fireworks Safety: Rapid City fire officials warn residents to soak used fireworks before disposal and follow local rules. Thune Book Deal: Sen. John Thune’s latest financial disclosure lists a royalty agreement for a first book. Drug Enforcement: U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons says coordinated cases dismantled four major meth and fentanyl trafficking organizations in South Dakota, securing decades-long sentences for dozens. Sobriety Checkpoints: The Highway Patrol will run July checkpoints in 19 counties.

Election Integrity & Party Power: South Dakota Republicans at their Rapid City convention denied incumbent Secretary of State Monae Johnson renomination, backing Heather Baxter, who says she wants paper ballots hand-counted. Public Safety & New State Laws: Attorney General Marty Jackley’s 10-bill package signed into law July 1 targets online scams, foreign political contributions, AI-generated intimate images, prison drug penalties, THC rules for under-21s, and updates South Dakota’s open meetings law with 72-hour online agenda posting. Corrections & Governor Race: In a convention clash, Toby Doeden and Gov. Larry Rhoden sparred over prison recidivism and capacity, with Doeden citing a 50% return rate. Local Government & Environment: Rapid City is moving toward City Council approval of a nearly $5M EPA recycling grant to expand business recycling and cut contamination. Crime & Courts: Sioux Falls police are investigating multiple neighborhood gunshots; separately, a Sioux Falls man was sentenced to 25 years (with a decade suspended) for a 2024 Dunham Park multi-casualty shooting. Community Notes: Rounds surveyed storm damage in Highmore; Rapid City fire officials urged residents to soak used fireworks before disposal.

South Dakota GOP Convention: Delegates in Rapid City nominated Hot Springs attorney Lance Russell for state attorney general, setting up a November race with no Democratic challenger after the party failed to field one. Statewide Ballot Setup: The convention also picked GOP nominees for secretary of state (Heather Baxter), school and public lands commissioner (Brock Greenfield), state auditor (Catherine Barranco), state treasurer (Melissa Hull), and Public Utilities Commission (Don Haggar). Tax Fight: A petition referral to block a new South Dakota tax law failed to gather enough signatures, so the measure will take effect as it shifts sales-tax revenue to property tax reductions for homeowners. AG Legal Opinion: Attorney General Marty Jackley issued guidance saying school districts must follow competitive bidding and design-build procurement rules for construction contracts over $100,000, and can’t use cooperative purchasing to dodge the law. Local Governance: Brookings set public hearings on subdivision and zoning ordinance changes for mid-July. Ag & Community: Pierre hosted the 2026 Ag Summit, and the state’s out-of-school time programs scored federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers grants.

Mount Rushmore & America 250: President Trump confirmed he’ll attend the July 3 fireworks show at Mount Rushmore, with tickets drawn from a public lottery and added security/traffic attention expected. State Government & Courts: Gov. Larry Rhoden appointed Rapid City attorney Cassidy Stalley to the Seventh Circuit judgeship. Elections & GOP Convention: South Dakota Republicans chose Heather Baxter as secretary of state nominee, ousting incumbent Monae Johnson, in a convention vote tied to hand-counting election views. Public Procurement: Attorney General Marty Jackley’s office clarified that South Dakota school districts must follow competitive bid and design-build procurement rules for construction contracts $100,000+ and can’t use cooperative purchasing to dodge them. Transportation Planning: SDDOT is rolling out interactive virtual and in-person engagement for the tentative 2027-2030 STIP. Education Grants: Philip and McIntosh out-of-school time programs are among 11 statewide recipients of 21CCLC grants totaling about $9 million. Housing & Congress: U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson says a bipartisan housing bill will be sent to Trump Monday after Trump previously stalled it over the SAVE America Act. Legal Aid Funding: Dakota Plains Legal Services faces a $176,000 deficit, warning of staffing and service impacts.

GOP Convention Shake-Up: South Dakota’s Republican delegates in Rapid City denied incumbent Secretary of State Monae Johnson a second nomination and instead backed Pierre outsider Heather Baxter, who won 59% to Johnson’s 40%, pushing a hand-counted, paper-ballot approach to the November ballot. Statewide Races Locked In: The convention also selected candidates for other constitutional posts, including Don Haggar (Public Utilities Commission), Melissa Hull (Treasurer), and Brock Greenfield (School and Public Lands), with attorney general decided after two rounds—Lance Russell advanced 57% to Austin Hoffman’s 31% and John Fitzgerald’s 12%. Election Integrity Push: Convention coverage also highlighted the party’s ongoing fight over election procedures, including national attention around activists and SAVE America Act tensions tied to Sen. John Thune. Federal Policy Watch: A multi-state GOP-led lawsuit challenged California’s plastics packaging law, with South Dakota among the plaintiffs. Local Politics: Sioux Falls mayoral runoff reporting remains razor-thin, with the race heading toward a recount after results tightened to a two-vote gap.

Sioux Falls Mayoral Runoff: Christine Erickson and Jamie Smith are separated by just two votes, with a recount expected after the city’s tally left them essentially tied at 49.91% each—an election that’s already sparked intense legal and political maneuvering. State GOP Convention: In Rapid City, delegates at the South Dakota Republican Party convention are deciding statewide nominees, with U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds and AG Marty Jackley winning primaries and attention also focused on election-integrity fights and convention drama involving Scott Presler and John Thune. Election Fraud Case in SD: A charged state senator, Tom Pischke, is accused of forging 16 nomination papers tied to precinct delegate roles, with investigators tracing the alleged scheme through mail drop surveillance and forensic lab findings. Tax Ballot Fight Fizzles: A petition drive to refer SB 245 failed to gather enough signatures, easing pressure on the runoff election calendar over Rhoden’s property-tax/sales-tax swap. Defense Priorities: Sen. Mike Rounds’ office says South Dakota projects are included in the Senate Armed Services Committee’s version of the 2027 NDAA, including major Air Force and National Guard-related funding. Transportation Hall of Honor: SDDOT named June Hansen and Kari Karst to the 2026 Transportation Hall of Honor for long-running contributions to state transportation and tribal liaison work. Public Safety & Justice: At the GOP governor nomination runoff event, Toby Doeden and Larry Rhoden sparred over prison capacity and recidivism, with Rhoden arguing new facilities and programming are needed. Local Community Notes: A Rapid City-area veterans motorcycle club held its annual Black Hills poker run to benefit South Dakota Service Dogs, supporting service animals for veterans and first responders.

SAVE America Act Fight: South Dakota Republicans rejected a move to censure U.S. Sen. John Thune over his stalled SAVE America Act, even as party leaders push for photo ID and proof of citizenship in federal elections. GOP Convention Fallout: In Rapid City, Thune’s opponents and allies traded barbs at the state convention, underscoring a split inside the party over how hard to pressure Senate leadership. Sioux Falls Politics: The Sioux Falls mayoral race remains headed for a recount after a razor-thin result, with voters questioning whether slow mail affected the outcome. Prison Policy Debate: At the GOP governor nomination event, Toby Doeden and Gov. Larry Rhoden clashed on corrections and recidivism, with Rhoden pointing to new capacity and programming. Labor & Consumer Watch: A class-action lawsuit alleges Hy-Vee failed to pay overtime to department managers; Hy-Vee says the claims lack merit. SNAP Administration: South Dakota is again ranked No. 1 for SNAP payment accuracy, with the state posting the lowest error rate in the country. Public Safety: Meade County reminded residents of fireworks limits and burn restrictions ahead of July 4.

Healthcare & Rural Access: Sanford’s planned acquisition of North Memorial is drawing scrutiny over how big-system mergers reshape services for Minnesota’s small towns and rural communities. Public Safety & Mount Rushmore: State and federal agencies are weighing in on wildfire risk and fireworks safety ahead of next week’s Mount Rushmore show tied to America’s 250th. Local Governance: A Sioux Falls ordinance limits most fireworks to low-noise options; the city and police say calls are often educational, while rural areas allow fireworks from June 27 through July 5. Ballot & Taxes: A petition drive failed to gather enough signatures to refer a new South Dakota tax law that uses a higher sales tax rate to fund property tax reductions for homeowners. Courts & Agriculture: The U.S. Supreme Court sided with Monsanto in a Roundup warning-label liability fight, a decision South Dakota AG Marty Jackley backed. SNAP Oversight: USDA says South Dakota’s SNAP payment error rate hit 2.47% in FY25—the lowest in the nation—while new federal rules raise pressure on states above a 6% threshold. State Politics: The South Dakota GOP voted to censure Sen. John Thune over his handling of the SAVE America Act. Regional Politics: Sioux Falls mayoral race remains in recount mode after a razor-thin result.

Mount Rushmore, America 250: President Donald Trump is set to headline July 3 fireworks at Mount Rushmore, with military bands, flyovers, tributes to the armed forces, and a speech—marking the first fireworks show at the site since 2020. State Government: Gov. Larry Rhoden appointed Rapid City attorney Cassidy Stalley to the Seventh Circuit Court, filling the vacancy created by a Supreme Court appointment. Legislative Oversight: The Government Operations and Audit Committee meets June 30 to review the FY2025 single audit and other state oversight reports. Public Safety Funding: Rhoden signed a $5 million grant program to help volunteer fire departments buy protective gear. Food Assistance Watch: USDA data shows South Dakota’s SNAP payment error rate at 2.47% in FY2025—best in the nation—while the national error rate remains 10.62%, tied to new federal cost-sharing rules. Energy Policy: South Dakota regulators approved the Black Hills Energy and NorthWestern Energy merger, creating Bright Horizon Energy, with customer protections and labor-related settlements. Local Politics: Sioux Falls mayoral race remains in recount territory after the candidates finished separated by just two votes.

Sioux Falls Mayoral Recount Watch: Christine Erickson leads Jamie Smith by just two votes (18,280 to 18,278) in the runoff, and a recount is likely once the city canvasses and certifies results. Local Elections Process: State rules say a recount is automatically triggered if the margin is under 2%, and Sioux Falls’ timeline for canvassing has been adjusted. AG on School Procurement: Attorney General Jackley issued an opinion saying South Dakota school districts must follow competitive bid and design-build procurement laws for construction contracts $100,000+ and can’t use cooperative purchasing to dodge them. Abortion Pill Speech Fight: A federal judge heard arguments in the Mayday Health case over whether South Dakota can restrict abortion-pill advertising after Dobbs-era changes. Mount Rushmore America 250: Gov. Rhoden says he’ll welcome President Trump at the July 3 fireworks event, where Trump is set to speak beneath the monument’s faces. July 4 Parade Limits: Sioux Falls barred Indivisible 605 and Convention of States from the Independence Day parade, citing a desire to keep it “civic, unifying.” Public Safety & Rules: Spearfish clarified where e-bikes, scooters, and dirt bikes can be ridden, including sidewalk limits and trail restrictions. Statewide Courts & Crime: The South Dakota Supreme Court upheld a Box Elder burglary and aggravated assault conviction. Crackdown on Drugs: Federal prosecutors say four major meth and fentanyl trafficking organizations were dismantled, with 63 defendants charged. SNAP Integrity Pressure: USDA reported SNAP payment error rates remain high nationwide, setting up new state accountability penalties.