Cybersecurity & Water Infrastructure: Retired Gen. Paul Nakasone warned that programmable logic controllers in water systems “should not be connected to the internet” as Iranian-linked attacks have hit utilities in at least a dozen states, including South Dakota, forcing manual operations and boil-water notices. Sports & Community Facilities: Sanford Health secured naming rights for Rapid City’s new multi-purpose sports complex in a $10 million, 20-year deal starting in 2027, with a planned 2029 opening and dedicated sports medicine and academy space. Critical Minerals Workforce: The U.S. Department of Energy plans up to $100 million for the PROSPECT initiative to grow the critical-minerals pipeline, aiming to double related graduates in two years—plus a separate push for mining school grants that includes the South Dakota School of Mines. Higher Ed & Immigration: New federal visa rules could reduce international enrollment at South Dakota public universities this fall, adding uncertainty for students and employers relying on international labor. Agriculture & Policy: South Dakota’s delegation is pushing for year-round E15 ethanol approval after it appeared in the Senate farm bill version, while the Farm Bill 2.0 stalled in committee over SNAP-related timing. Local Industry & Food: South Dakota Pork Producers Council hired Ava Saxe as Director of Membership, Outreach and Engagement; and Walmart’s Bettergoods pistachio nut butter recall expanded to 19 states over possible salmonella risk. Energy & Safety: Gas prices eased nationally to a $4.06 average as crude fell, while Black Hills-area motorcycle crashes during early Sturgis days left multiple fatalities.