Utility & Energy: South Dakota regulators in Pierre unanimously approved the merger of Black Hills Energy and NorthWestern Energy, creating Bright Horizon Energy (about $15.4B value, 2.1M customers across eight states) and tied off customer protections, a rate-increase moratorium, and commitments to keep HQ in Rapid City and offices in Sioux Falls. Agriculture & Food Policy: Gov. Larry Rhoden told the Governor’s Agricultural Summit the state is “doubling down” on value-added agriculture, with tours planned of SDSU research and local processing and equine conditioning. SNAP Oversight: USDA data shows South Dakota has the nation’s lowest SNAP payment error rate (2.47% in FY2025), while the national error rate is 10.62%, triggering new cost-sharing stakes for higher-error states. Public Works & Transportation: Crews will install an overheight detection (“clanker”) system on both sides of Pierre’s train bridge, and chip seal work begins June 26 across multiple Black Hills highways with up to 15-minute delays. Local Growth & Governance: Yankton County task forces and forums are weighing a half-cent sales tax option to reduce owner-occupied property taxes, plus road/bridge levy and data center issues. Cell-Cultured Protein: South Dakota’s five-year moratorium on cell-cultured protein takes effect July 1. Legal/Business Climate: AG Marty Jackley issued an opinion clarifying school districts must follow competitive bid and design-build procurement rules for qualifying construction contracts. Regional Industry Events: The National Red Power Round Up returns to Huron June 25-27, spotlighting big farm machinery and collectors.