Economic Development & Food Processing: South Dakota’s Board of Economic Development approved up to $29.98M in sales-tax rebates to help Smithfield Packaged Meats build a new slaughtering and processing facility as it moves from downtown to northern Sioux Falls, a major boost for the state’s agriculture and food-processing base. Water Infrastructure: Sioux Falls put Well 25 into service, a modern horizontal collector well that adds 5M+ gallons/day of capacity (peaking at 7M) to support growth and summer demand. Energy & Water Security: A U.S. Senate committee advanced $20M for feasibility studies tied to Missouri River drinking-water pipeline planning for South Dakota’s Western Dakota and Dakota Mainstem regional systems. Carbon Capture Startup: South Dakota Mines highlighted a carbon-reduction approach inspired by microbes at SURF, aiming to convert fossil fuels into greener energy through a new startup pathway. Tribal Land Return: All nine South Dakota tribes backed legislation to return federal lands in the Black Hills to the Oceti Sakowin, focusing on public federal land and protection from extractive activity. Public Health Consumer Protection: Attorney General Marty Jackley announced $4.87M in multistate restitution from GS Labs over overpriced and delayed COVID-19 tests, with South Dakotans expected to receive about $50K. Local Industry & Community: POET Biorefining donated $3,000 toward a handicapped-accessible hunting blind, supporting conservation and access in Hamilton County. Education & Workforce Pipeline: SDSU recognized thousands of students on its spring 2026 dean’s list, including engineering and nursing students from across the region. Community Safety & Neighborhood Investment: Rapid City’s Star Village celebrated repaired street lighting after Black Hills Energy restored seven long-unlit light poles, part of broader neighborhood safety improvements.