Highway Reconstruction Debate: South Dakota DOT held a public meeting in Deadwood on possible US Highway 85 reconstruction from Spearfish Canyon to the Wyoming line, with plans that could add shoulders, regrade areas, and reroute curves as early as 2030—locals split between safety upgrades and concerns for private land, wildlife, and forest service impacts. State Energy & Utilities: The GFP Commission will meet June 11-12 at Heartland Energy in Madison (with Zoom/livestream), including a public hearing and open forum. Storm Repair Scam Watch: AG Marty Jackley is warning homeowners to avoid rushed “transit vendors” and to verify licensing, get written quotes, and avoid paying in full before work is done. Affordable Housing Push: Black Hills Area Community Foundation and partners broke ground in Spearfish on Peak View II, a 30-unit affordable complex (52 bedrooms) supported by low-interest gap financing and congressionally directed funds. Ag Workforce & Education: SDSU Extension added new native plant and nutrition field specialists, while South Dakota Mines joined 605 Day to expand scholarship giving for future engineers and scientists. Cost-of-Living Signals: New EIA-based maps show residential electricity prices rising in many states, with South Dakota up about 12% year over year. Farm Risk Alert: USDA confirmed New World screwworm in Texas, prompting an on-site response and renewed vigilance for livestock producers. Politics With Local Stakes: Lt. Gov. Tony Venhuizen will serve as campaign chairman for Gov. Larry Rhoden’s runoff bid.