PUC Race: Scotland farmer Frank Kloucek, a longtime agriculture and labor advocate, was nominated by Democrats to run for the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission, setting up a November matchup with GOP nominee Don Haggar of Sioux Falls. Utility Infrastructure: Vermillion Light & Power broke ground on a new $4.6 million headquarters, aiming to open the facility next August. Mining Education Push: President Trump announced more than $180 million in grants to expand U.S. mining schools and workforce programs, including funding for the South Dakota School of Mines. Food Safety Recall: Walmart shoppers in 19 states, including South Dakota, were warned to avoid Bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter after FDA-linked salmonella concerns tied to a specific lot. Agriculture Tech Uptake: SDSU Extension research found about a quarter of Eastern South Dakota farmers have adopted drones, mostly for crop monitoring. Farm Bill Stalls: The Senate Agriculture Committee failed to advance Farm Bill 2.0 over SNAP cost-delay disputes, with Democrats seeking a longer delay. Water Cybersecurity: Federal and regional reports point to cyber incidents affecting water systems in multiple states, including South Dakota, renewing calls for stronger protections. Local Safety: Fort Pierre closed a parking lot near the Casey Tibbs South Dakota Rodeo Center as a sliding hillside threat continues to be assessed.