AGP Executive Report

South Dakota State vs. Western Illinois: The Jackrabbits opened with an early goal and cruised to a 5-0 win over the Leathernecks in women’s soccer, setting the tone for SDSU’s non-conference push. Youth & community: The Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains is expanding across eastern South Dakota, serving 4,500+ youth and families and launching a fundraising campaign to grow programs and meals. Local government: Clay County approved the second reading of a sales tax ordinance aimed at offsetting property taxes on owner-occupied homes, despite public pushback. Native culture for kids: Lifescape hosted a wacipi to help children connect with Native heritage through music, drumming, and community celebration. Education & arts: The National Music Museum kicked off its “NMM Live!” season with Emmy-winning songwriter Jack Norton bringing old-time blues and folk to Vermillion. Health & safety: DANR warned of harmful algal blooms on South Dakota lakes—“When in Doubt, Stay Out!” Sports spotlight: Mitchell Christian swept individual titles at the Mitchell Invitational cross country meet, including freshman Laura Nemec winning the girls’ race. Everyday life: The Red Cross is urging blood and platelet donations in September, with a Hello Kitty incentive for donors.

Meta Settlement for Kids: South Dakota is set to receive about $52 million over the next decade from a landmark $17.1 billion multistate Meta deal over claims Instagram and Facebook were designed to be addictive and harmful to children; the money will go into the state Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Fund, with details on spending still pending. Big-Tech Safety Rules: The settlement also requires sweeping new child-safety changes on Instagram and Facebook, including stricter daily time limits and “productive pauses,” nighttime access blocks, and tighter age verification. Governor Race Buzz: President Donald Trump endorsed Gov. Larry Rhoden for re-election, boosting the Republican ticket ahead of the Nov. 3 election against Democrat Dan Ahlers. Sioux Falls Court Case: An Iowa man accused in a downtown Sioux Falls parking-lot shooting pleaded not guilty to upgraded attempted-murder charges. Community & Learning: Siouxland Libraries announced a five-week toddler-and-parent workshop series in Sioux Falls, plus a free living-history program at Wind Cave featuring a Theodore Roosevelt impersonator. Local Sports: South Dakota women’s basketball released its 2026-27 non-conference schedule, mixing familiar opponents with first-time matchups.

Meta Child-Safety Settlement: South Dakota is set to receive at least $52.6 million from Meta’s landmark $17.1B multistate deal over alleged addictive design harming kids, with payouts potentially rising to about $73.5M if other platforms join; the money goes into the AG’s consumer fund while Meta must add new youth protections on Instagram and Facebook. Local Schools & Safety: Sioux Falls is rolling out a new school year with reminders for drivers to slow down and watch for kids, plus coverage of new educators joining the district—many with prior district experience—through “grow your own” pathways. Community Mental Health: Yankton’s Step Forward to Prevent Suicide Walk returns Sept. 12, spotlighting rising suicide rates and local support resources. Arts & Culture: A Theodore Roosevelt impersonator performs Aug. 27 at Wind Cave National Park, bringing local history to life. Education & Innovation: Critical Resources announced a research partnership with Australia’s CSIRO to scale up its battery manufacturing tech.

Meta Child-Safety Settlement: South Dakota is set to receive at least $52.6 million from Meta’s $17.1 billion multistate deal over alleged teen social media harms, with the total potentially rising above $73 million; the agreement also pushes new protections on Facebook and Instagram, including stricter daily time limits and break reminders, plus stronger parental controls and age safeguards. Local Consumer Protection: Attorney General Marty Jackley urged lawmakers to steer some of the money toward consumer protection, pointing to his office’s consumer protection team handling tens of thousands of complaints each year. School-Season Safety: Sioux Falls officials are reminding drivers and pedestrians to slow down and yield around schools as more than 25,000 students return, with guidance on crosswalks and visibility tools. Community & Culture: Sioux Falls dispatchers are spotlighting Nena, a Humane Society rescue dog, as a comfort presence at Metro Communications. Education & STEM: Local teachers traveled to learn bee-hive and honey-production basics through a USDA-funded institute. Arts & Music: Ipswich musician Bailey Heintzman shared her experience at Rushmore Music Camp in Aberdeen. Public Safety: A Sturgis man was sentenced to 6+ years in federal prison for child pornography charges.

Tradwife Trend Meets Real Math: New SmartAsset research says the “stay-at-home parent” income needed to support one child is about $80,000 nationwide, with some states under $100K—an affordability reality check for Gen Z’s marriage-and-family fantasy. Defense & Jobs: Gov. Larry Rhoden named the remaining members of the South Dakota Defense Institute Board, aiming to connect industry, government, and education to grow the state’s defense sector. Outdoor Lifestyle Campaign: Travel South Dakota launched “Cycle the 605,” a Strava challenge built around 605 minutes of movement (cycling, running, hiking, walking, swimming) through Sept. 4, with a cycling getaway sweepstakes. Community Learning at the Fair: Yankton County Fair highlights 4-H as hands-on education, from livestock grooming to static exhibit judging, plus early “Clover Buds” creativity. Local Health Care Planning: State officials told lawmakers that regionalizing EMS could ease staffing and billing burdens by sharing recruitment, training, and resources across neighboring communities. School Life & Support: Farm to School grants added new classroom projects in Leola, Huron, Sioux Falls, and Viborg-Hurley, while Mitchell School District received KIDS Grants totaling $34,368.84. Voting Rights Fight: A coalition sued South Dakota over confusing proof-of-citizenship voter registration administration, arguing county-by-county rollout is inconsistent and creates unnecessary barriers. Family Safety Online: Experts warn back-to-school photo details can help strangers build profiles over time, turning harmless posts into a privacy risk. Native Country Spotlight: The FBI set a $25,000 minimum reward for unsolved Indian Country missing-person and homicide cases, aiming to spur tips in long-running investigations.

Teacher Pay Pressure: A new national report finds teachers still face a pay penalty, with 2025 earnings about 25% lower than comparable college grads, and long-term declines tied to both male and female educators. Local Education Staffing: Sioux Falls schools say most teaching roles are filled, but substitute teachers and some support staff are still in short supply as classes resume Aug. 27. Farm-to-School Boost: Four more South Dakota districts won Farm to School grants, totaling $99,487, including hydroponics for Sioux Falls and garden upgrades in Leola. Voting Rights Fight: The League of Women Voters of South Dakota and a Sioux Falls voter sued over the state’s proof-of-citizenship voting rule, arguing it creates confusion and barriers for eligible voters. Data Center Debate: Sioux Falls Mayor Christine Erickson criticized a proposed data center moratorium, saying it sends the wrong message compared with setting clear local guardrails. Arts & Community: Washington Pavilion’s Spotlight Voice Academy expands performing arts education for ages 10+ in Sioux Falls. Brookings History Event: Free trolley rides return Aug. 27 to tour Brookings’ Central Residential Historic District. Sports & Local Pride: NDSU assistant coach Jaime Adams was inducted into the South Dakota High School Basketball Hall of Fame.

Community Health & Wellness: Rapid City’s “Singing for Parkinson’s” choir at Calvary Lutheran Church is using weekly music sessions to help people manage symptoms and stay connected. Public Safety & Local Life: Rapid City broke ground on “Station 9,” a $9.1 million co-located fire station, police substation, and city park meant to speed emergency response on the east side. Education & Youth Support: Sioux Falls School District is leaning on a large substitute pool while working to fill harder-to-staff roles like special education; Mitchell is adding part-time teacher mentors for new educators. Arts & Culture: Travel South Dakota launched “Cycle the 605,” a Strava challenge and sweepstakes encouraging outdoor movement across the state. Civic Rights: Voting rights advocates sued over South Dakota’s proof-of-citizenship voter registration system, arguing it’s confusing and leaves eligible voters stuck with “federal-only” ballots. Women’s Health: South Dakota expanded All Women Count! eligibility, dropping the screening age to 21 starting Sept. 1. Sports: USD’s football program looks to keep momentum under new leadership as the Coyotes navigate major roster turnover.

Health & Safety: The FDA and CDC say alfalfa sprouts from Everything Sprouts, LLC are tied to a multi-state E. coli and salmonella outbreak, with 55 illnesses across 15 states including South Dakota, and four hospitalizations reported—check recall details before you eat sprouts. Women’s Health: South Dakota’s All Women Count! program is expanding eligibility starting Sept. 1, lowering the cervical screening age from 30 to 21 and widening access to breast diagnostic services for younger women with symptoms. Education & Youth: Lead-Deadwood’s Gold Prospect Academy is launching an alternative high school mixing online and in-person learning, aiming to better serve students who don’t thrive in a traditional schedule. Community & Culture: Rapid City’s Improvise Arts Tuesday Shed events are inviting locals to jam and help grow the Black Hills’ arts scene, one small show at a time. Public Life: Attorney General Brenna Bird joined a coalition challenging the “Big 4” accounting firms over climate-related financial reporting activism. Local Sports: Sioux Falls Lincoln is previewed as a Class 11AAA title contender with QB Brody Schafer returning.

Food Safety Alert: Everything Sprouts has issued a recall of alfalfa sprouts tied to a multi-state E. coli and Salmonella outbreak, with 55 illnesses reported across 15 states (including South Dakota) and four hospitalizations—check lot numbers and toss affected products. Arts & Culture: South Dakota Mines is offering free “Friend of the Dahl” memberships to students, faculty, and staff, making it easier to tap into Rapid City’s Dahl Arts Center classes, tickets, and Artists’ Market. Performing Arts: SDSU’s School of Performing Arts hosts Anna DeGraff’s free “Art Song” recital (Aug. 31) featuring living composers Libby Larsen and Ashi Day. Community Events: Deadwood’s Kool Deadwood Nites parade drew big crowds to Main Street with classic cars, live music, and summer tourism energy. Youth & Lifestyle: Central States Fair’s mutton bustin’ is back, giving kids a safe, gear-up taste of rodeo showmanship. Education: Mitchell Board of Education plans K-12 policy updates on attendance, bullying, and student restraint/seclusion as the school year ramps up.

Sturgis Legacy: The Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club traces its roots to the 1938 Sturgis Rally, keeping dirt-track racing alive on a historic flat track north of I-90. Marathon Culture: Runners filled Spearfish Canyon for the 21st annual Leading Ladies and Dakota Spirit Marathon, a fast course popular with Boston-qualifier chasers. Fair-Family Fun: Central States Fair’s mutton bustin’ is drawing young riders to the sheep-riding tradition, with helmets, vests, and soft landings. Arts Access: South Dakota Mines students and staff can now get free annual memberships to the Dahl Arts Center through the “Friend of the Dahl” partnership. Community & Heritage: Keystone’s Rushmore Heritage Days brought neighbors together with a parade, family games, a community picnic, and new Legacy Awards honoring local founding families. School Spotlight: West Sioux named Wendy Roder as new dean of students, aiming to build relationships as the district heads into the Aug. 24 start. Public Health Alert: Federal and state officials are investigating a multi-state E. coli and Salmonella outbreak tied to Everything Sprouts alfalfa sprouts; 55 people are sick in 15 states, including South Dakota, with a recall in effect.

Food Safety: Everything Sprouts LLC is recalling specific alfalfa sprout products after a multistate E. coli and Salmonella outbreak sickened 55 people across 15 states, including South Dakota; officials urge anyone with affected lots to throw them away and sanitize surfaces. Arts & Community: South Dakota Mines is teaming up with the Rapid City Arts Council to offer free “Friend of the Dahl” memberships to students, faculty and staff, with perks like class and ticket discounts. Youth & Fair Culture: Central States Fair youth livestock shows are underway, with organizers and kids emphasizing showmanship as a lesson in responsibility, work ethic and care for animals. Local History: Keystone’s inaugural Rushmore Heritage Days brought neighbors together with a parade, family activities, a community picnic, and new Legacy Awards honoring local “pillars.” Sports Schedules: Dakota Wesleyan released its 2026-27 women’s basketball slate, including exhibitions against Northern State and South Dakota State. Community Spotlight: A Rapid City rally marked the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s sovereignty ahead of Independence Day, with local Ukrainian-Americans sharing support and refugee resources.

Education & Tech: Mitchell elementary students are using an AI reading platform called Amira, built to boost fluency with real-time feedback, after a summer pilot showed district plans to keep it in afterschool and during the school day. Public Health: A multi-state E. coli and Salmonella outbreak tied to recalled alfalfa sprouts from Everything Sprouts has reached 55 illnesses across 15 states, including South Dakota; health officials urge people to discard affected sprouts. Community Care: Park Haven Learning and Recovery Center in Yankton is set to open Aug. 24, a new 18-bed residential treatment program for women— including pregnant mothers and those with dependent children—supported by Avera and state funding. Local Crime & Courts: A Sioux Falls man was sentenced to 3+ years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon. Sports & School Life: Hill City High School was ranked third-best in South Dakota by U.S. News & World Report, reflecting a focus on college and career readiness.

Food Safety: The FDA and CDC say a multi-state E. coli and Salmonella outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts from Everything Sprouts (Calco and Everything Sprouts brands) has sickened 55 people across 15 states, including South Dakota; four people are hospitalized. Public Health Guidance: Officials advise consumers and retailers to discard the affected sprouts and sanitize any areas they touched. Community & Youth: Sioux Falls neighbors helped turn a long-empty Lincoln Commons green space into a new basketball court, with soccer nets planned, and families are now donating balls for kids to use. Outdoor Learning: The Southeast Dakota Prescribed Burn Association and SDSU Extension will host a woody encroachment field demo Aug. 27 near Yankton, with plant ID and a chance to see managed burns in action. Sports & Education: Hill City High School ranked third-best in South Dakota by U.S. News & World Report. Local Culture: Kool Deadwood Nites is back in Deadwood, bringing classic cars, live music, and tourism energy to the Black Hills. Public Safety: Spearfish is adding flashing “15 MPH When Flashing” school zone signs near two elementary schools, with work expected to finish by Aug. 27.

Community Tragedy: A paraglider crash near Aberdeen killed Mayor Travis Schaunaman’s 8-year-old son and injured the mayor and his 10-year-old daughter; counselors are set to support Aberdeen Public Schools, while state leaders offered prayers and condolences. Faith & Community Events: At the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, F.A.I.T.H. Riders used a “testimony + giveaway” model to invite attendees into a gospel conversation, blending outreach with the rally’s culture. Inclusive Recreation: Rapid City reopened Robbinsdale Park’s newly renovated, ADA-accessible playground with inclusive swings and a Zipkrooz ride designed for kids of different abilities. Local Public Safety: Central States Fair in Rapid City kicks off with added cameras and lighting plus coordinated patrols from police and the sheriff’s office, with reminders to keep an eye on children and plan safe rides home. Education & Early Learning: South Dakota families are watching broader momentum toward universal pre-K, with one report citing potential major childcare savings for parents. Sports Spotlight: Green Bay’s women’s soccer started 3-0 with a 1-0 home win over South Dakota, while local high school football season previews are gearing up for Friday night lights.

Arts Funding: The South Dakota Arts Council is awarding more than $2.16 million in grants and special arts initiatives for fiscal year 2027, including artist fellowships, career development, apprenticeships, and a Visiting Artist Program that brings teaching residencies to schools, healthcare, and small towns. Community & Belonging: USD is spotlighting how Vermillion’s local businesses and neighbors help incoming students feel at home, tying “belonging” to retention and success as the fall 2026 semester begins. Youth Mental Health: South Dakota is urging families and schools to watch for back-to-school stress and mental health warning signs, pointing to survey data showing many students report feeling unsafe or struggling with suicidal thoughts. Education in Action: Chamberlain’s new elementary building is credited with double-digit proficiency gains—especially for low-income students—plus STEM space and South Dakota history visuals vetted with the Crow Creek Tribal Council. Public Safety & Access: Rapid City’s Robbinsdale Park playground is reopening with ADA-friendly swings and independence-focused equipment after nearly 30 years. Justice & Reentry: A new report finds gaps in South Dakota prison release support—housing, jobs, and treatment among them—calling for better data and oversight as the state expands its prison system. Civil Liberties Leadership: Yankton native Martha Rossiter has been named legal director for the ACLU of South Dakota, North Dakota and Wyoming, expanding litigation and advocacy for civil rights. Outdoor Learning: The Sioux Falls Izaak Walton League is fundraising for a new youth-focused building to support year-round shooting sports and education. Tribal Public Safety Push: Tribal leaders are calling for more federal funding and better coordination as reservation law enforcement shortages leave communities “spread thin.”

Meta Child-Safety Trial: A federal trial in California is putting Meta on the stand over claims its Instagram and Facebook are designed to hook kids, with South Dakota among 29 states backing the lawsuit. Local Tragedy: Aberdeen Mayor Travis Schaunaman and his two children were involved in a paragliding crash near Aberdeen; the 8-year-old died, while the mayor and the 10-year-old were seriously but non-life-threateningly injured. Community Health: South Dakota communities are gearing up for the Step Big Walk for Parkinson’s on Aug. 22, with events in Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Watertown, Brookings, and Yankton. Family Fun Outdoors: Prairie Fest returns Saturday at Good Earth State Park near Sioux Falls with a free grasslands “stay-cation” featuring music, local food, hands-on learning, and activities for kids. Accessibility in Parks: Rapid City is holding a dedication for newly upgraded, more inclusive playgrounds at Robbinsdale Park, including ADA-accessible play features and a zip line. Reentry Reality Check: A new report says South Dakota prison releases face major hurdles—housing, jobs, and behavioral health support—making successful reintegration harder than it should be. Education & Workforce: South Dakota Mines is set to receive $25M in federal funding to expand mining education and workforce development for critical minerals. Health Access for Kids: A Delta Dental mobile program visit brought dental care to underserved areas, treating 50 young patients in the region. Sports & Coaching Moves: Valerie Childs has been added to the Clarion swimming & diving coaching staff after a coaching stint at Concordia–St. Paul.