State Rankings Watch: South Dakota surged six spots to No. 2 in US News’ 2026 Best States report, boosted by top-tier natural environment (No. 2), strong opportunity and economy (both No. 5), and solid infrastructure (No. 6), while healthcare still lags (No. 32) and crime/corrections holds it back (No. 41). Healthcare Costs: A South Dakota Democrat warns Medicare Part D premium stabilization ends after 2026, potentially raising drug costs for seniors starting in 2027. Banking & Community Finance: Premier Bank CEO Wade Gort received Iowa’s Robert D. Dixon Founders Award, highlighting long-running leadership in independent community banking. Defense Manufacturing Jobs: The South Dakota Board of Economic Development approved funding tied to AMTEC’s expansion of automated ammunition production in Clear Lake and other growth loans, targeting more than $115M in capital investment and 74 new full-time jobs. Energy & Industry Power: Antora Energy’s $550M Series C aims to scale thermal battery systems for data centers and factories, while a separate report notes eastern South Dakota water planning may not be driven by data centers as much as broader development needs. Grid Reliability: The DOE extended an emergency power order for 17 states amid extreme heat, designed to prevent rolling blackouts. Agriculture Under Stress: Heat and drought killed more than 1,000 cattle in northeast South Dakota, with ranchers warning water shortages could force herd sales. Local Business & Services: Medical Air Rescue Company (MARC) broke ground on a new Rapid City headquarters and hangar to expand regional emergency transport. Courts & Housing: Hideaway Hills homeowners seek a Supreme Court rehearing over sinkhole-related damages tied to past gypsum mining. Community Events: Clay and Union County fairs expand youth livestock programming, with Clay adding a fourth day and Union County running its three-day fair.