Severe Weather & Grid Safety: South Dakota braced for a late-Thursday “ridge runner” storm corridor, while earlier Monday’s Highmore disaster brought 131 mph straight-line winds, tornado reports, and a state cleanup response with a 30-day federal aid window. Fireworks Risk: With wildfires burning in the West, officials urged caution before July 4 fireworks as hot, dry conditions raise ignition danger. Agriculture Under Drought: Ranchers are being pushed toward tougher herd management as drought spreads across parts of the Dakotas and surrounding states. Consumer & Business Climate: A multistate settlement hit Menards over alleged deceptive credit marketing and COVID-era price gouging. Housing Policy: President Trump cast doubt on signing a bipartisan housing affordability bill, saying election legislation comes first—an issue that could affect construction timelines and costs. Water & Infrastructure Funding: South Dakota approved millions for wastewater work (including Sioux Falls) and grants to address PFAS from firefighting foam. Local Industry & Growth: South Dakota Trade’s Germany mission paired business matchmaking at Interzoo with USD student and faculty global partnership visits. Workforce & Education: A new manufacturing scholarship launched in De Smet, and SDSU hosted biomedical engineering camp for high school students. Travel & Community: AAA projected steady South Dakota Independence Day travel, and Sioux Falls traffic-calming is underway ahead of long-planned viaduct overhauls. Public Safety: Leaders warned residents to watch for scams after storms, especially door-to-door repair offers.