Battery & Manufacturing: Critical Resources won international peer-reviewed validation for its dry supersonic deposition cathode tech, backing a solvent-free, binder-free single-step approach aimed at licensing battery manufacturing know-how. Energy Planning: Black Hills Energy filed its 2026 Integrated Resource Plan in Wyoming, flagging a 95 MW near-term capacity gap from 2027 and recommending a mix including new gas generation, battery storage, and market purchases. Local Economic Development: Elevate Rapid City named Jack Valentine its new president and CEO, effective July 27, as the regional growth engine looks to strengthen jobs and workforce partnerships. Consumer & Public Safety Law: New South Dakota rules took effect July 1 to curb cryptocurrency kiosk scams, adding registration, daily limits, receipts, and refund protections. State Policy: South Dakota AG Marty Jackley says all ten of his bills take effect July 1, including measures on election integrity, deepfakes, and genetic data protections. Severe Weather Impact: Highmore was hit by 131 mph straight-line winds and storm damage, with state officials assessing whether it meets federal disaster thresholds. Agriculture & Markets: Grain futures ticked firmer in the holiday-shortened stretch, with Pro Farmer noting grain “bulls” returning as traders look ahead to the next big USDA data. Community & Tourism: Pierre opened the Missouri River Overlook Trail, adding a new natural-surface loop for walking, hiking, and mountain biking. Dairy Spotlight: Elizabeth Coudron, a South Dakota State University student and dairy-industry hopeful, was named a Princess Kay of the Milky Way finalist.