Toby Doeden and his minions are lamenting the loss of Hulk Hogan today.

Others out on the internet aren’t so sure they are 100% with that…

Could we see ‘big beautiful data centers’ being built in South Dakota sooner than later?  It might just be so if President Trump gets his way:

President Trump signed a trio of executive orders related to artificial intelligence (AI) on Wednesday, focusing on boosting data center construction and the adoption of American technology while targeting “woke” AI.

and..

The data center order calls on the Council on Environmental Quality to establish new categorical exclusions for certain data center projects that “normally do not have a significant effect on the human environment.” It also seeks to identify projects that qualify for expedited permitting review.

Read it here.

This could mean great things for the future of data centers and economic development in South Dakota.

That is, unless we find a way to screw it up.

Rounds Introduces Legislation to Cut Federal Red Tape, Build Housing Faster

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Andy Kim (D-N.J.), both members of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, introduced bipartisan legislation to address the critical shortage of housing across the country and create more affordable paths to owning a home for more Americans. Together the Unlocking Housing Supply Through Streamlined and Modernized Reviews Act and the Better Use of Intergovernmental & Local Development (BUILD) Housing Act would streamline the federal housing environmental review process to responsibly increase housing production and boost overall supply and lower cost.

“Too often, Washington demands paperwork for the sake of paperwork. Many Department of Housing & Urban Development-funded activities have no real environmental impact, yet communities are forced to waste time and taxpayer dollars proving it,” said Rounds. “I have heard consistently from housing professionals in South Dakota that this kind of red tape delays housing and drives up costs. That’s why Senator Kim and I introduced two pieces of bipartisan legislation to cut through the bureaucracy and help communities focus on building homes instead of filling out forms. I want everyone in America to be able to achieve the American dream of owning a home, and this bill gets us one step closer by creating more housing and lowering costs.”

“We have a housing crisis in this country and it’s holding too many back from achieving the American dream,” said Kim. “I see this all the time in my home state. Families who just want the security of a roof over their head that’s theirs; something they can pass down to the next generation. These bills won’t solve all the problems, but they’ll help make sure we’re building more and faster to increase opportunities and lower costs. These aren’t just Democratic or Republican problems and they’ll require both parties working together. It’s why I’m proud to work with Senator Rounds to collaborate on these solutions and look forward to working to get them passed in committee and onto the Senate Floor.”

The bills aim to address the housing affordability crisis by making it faster and more efficient to rehabilitate existing buildings and start construction for new residential properties, as well as modernize regulations in places where development costs are extremely high. Nationwide, there is a shortage of more than 7 million affordable homes for low-income families, with more than 70% of low-income families paying more than half their income on rent.

Thanks to commonsense policies, South Dakota ranks as the second most affordable state in the nation. Yet, more than 18% of renters are spending over half their income on rent, a clear sign that housing challenges persist and federal red tape contributes to higher costs.

The Unlocking Housing Supply Through Streamlined and Modernized Reviews Act would modernize the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review process for housing projects/services funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), including by:

• Modernizing the NEPA review process by reclassifying certain HUD-funded housing projects to be subject to more pragmatic and tailored environmental review frameworks.

• Speeds up critical repairs and safety improvements for homeowners by streamlining outdated review requirements.

• Removes roadblocks to converting vacant office space, building infill housing, and revitalizing existing homes—so communities can build more housing, faster.

This legislation is endorsed by Bipartisan Policy Center Action, Mortgage Bankers Association, Enterprise Community Partners, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), National Neighborworks Association, National Council of State Housing Agencies, Housing Assistance Council, American Planning Association, National Affordable Housing Management Association, National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, Up for Growth, Inclusive Abundance Initiative and Habitat for Humanity International.

Representative Mike Flood (R-Neb.), Chairman of the Housing and Insurance Subcommittee, and Representative Sam Liccardo (D-Calif.) are introducing the companion legislation in the House.

Click HERE to read full bill text.

The BUILD Housing Act aims to modernize the NEPA review process by increasing capacity sharing between HUD and states and localities, including by:

• Bringing HUD standards in line with other agencies by giving it authority to delegate and coordinate with some housing reviews for HUD grant programs to states and localities.

• Giving HUD more flexibility in the review process by allowing the agency to designate housing assistance as “special project funds.”

This legislation is endorsed by Enterprise Community Partners, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), National Neighborworks Association, Mortgage Bankers Association, National Council of State Housing Agencies, Housing Assistance Council, Bipartisan Policy Center Action, American Planning Association, National Affordable Housing Management Association, National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, Up for Growth, and Inclusive Abundance Initiative.

Click HERE to read full bill text.

###

So Toby Doeden was having an event in Pierre at the Ramkota tonight..

That crowd is looking a little light tonight in the most political city in South Dakota. Told at least a couple were there because of a legislative meeting in Pierre today.

Christine Erickson Announces Campaign for Mayor of Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls, SD – Surrounded by family, friends, and community supporters, Christine Erickson officially announced her candidacy for Mayor of Sioux Falls at a public event on July 19.

“I’m running because I love this city,” Erickson said. “Sioux Falls is full of opportunity, and we must make smart decisions now to ensure a strong future for the next generation.”

A lifelong South Dakotan and former At-Large City Councilor, Erickson emphasized her commitment to public safety, fiscal responsibility, and workforce development. She pointed to her leadership on the Council-where she supported investments in police, technical education, and tax relief for low-income seniors- as proof of her results-driven approach.

Since leaving the Council, Erickson has served as President of the South Dakota Auto Dealers and Trucking Associations, working with business leaders and lawmakers across the state.

Bob Deelstra, a local business owner and member of the SD Auto Dealers Association, also spoke at the event, ‘Anyone who knows Christine has a ‘Christine Story,’ referring to a time she waded through red tape for their business. He also called Erickson “a strong, common-sense leader” and someone who “embodies the spirit of Sioux Falls.”

Erickson concluded by pledging to lead with integrity, listen to all sides, and keep Sioux Falls safe, growing, and focused on the future.

“Let’s make Sioux Falls better-together,”she said.

###

Thune: The One Big Beautiful Bill to Provide Much-Needed Resources to the Border

“[T]he One Big Beautiful Bill will ensure that [President Trump’s] administration has the resources it needs to continue its work of enforcing the law and protecting our country.” 

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor:

Has anyone else noticed how the SDGOP’s social media has completely ignored President Trump’s resounding endorsement for Senator Mike Rounds since it happened 2 days ago?

Here’s the endorsement…

And what does the SDGOP choose to promote?

As those allegedly in charge of the Republican Party in the state, you have to wonder at what point they’ll get over themselves and start supporting Republican candidates?

Flags at Half-Staff at State Capitol in Honor of Mike Diedrich

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden ordered that flags be flown at half-staff at the State Capitol from sunrise until sunset on Saturday, July 26, 2025, in honor of former state legislator Michael (Mike) Diedrich. He served in the South Dakota State Senate from 1987 to 1990, from 1993 to 1994, and from 2021 to 2024. He also served in the South Dakota State House of Representatives from 2018 to 2020.

“Mike was a ray of positivity in the legislature, and he was my friend. He always focused on the opportunities in front of us,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “He was a strong advocate for his own community, but he balanced that with being a problem solver for the entire state. We will miss him, and we are praying for his family.”

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm MT on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Rimrock Church in Rapid City, SD.

###

Don’t know if I will get back to posting today, as I have a work conference. But – if you are anywhere near Sioux Falls – make sure you have it on your schedule for tomorrow to attend the big Christine Erickson political announcement!

It should be huge!

PRESIDENT TRUMP ENDORSES MIKE ROUNDS FOR SENATE

PIERRE: Today, President Donald J. Trump officially endorsed Mike Rounds for his re-election to the United States Senate.

President Trump posted the following message on social media:

“An America First Patriot, Mike is fighting tirelessly to Advance the Great Values of the Mount Rushmore State, Champion our Farmers and Ranchers, Strengthen the Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Ensure American Energy DOMINANCE, Help Secure our already Highly Secure Border, Support our Brave Military, Veterans, and Law Enforcement, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment. Mike Rounds has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election – HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”

“I appreciate President Trump calling me today to offer his endorsement,” said Senator Mike Rounds. “Together, we’ve delivered real results for South Dakota, and we’re just getting started. While I haven’t officially launched my re-election campaign, you will be hearing from me shortly.”

###