Utility Merger: South Dakota regulators approved the Black Hills Energy–NorthWestern Energy deal, creating Bright Horizon Energy (about $15.4B value, 2.1M customers) and backing settlements on customer protections, merger-cost limits, and local HQ commitments. Local Governance & Public Trust: Buffalo Gap faces fallout after a legislative audit found unsupported and improper town spending tied to past finance leadership and weak oversight, with the town now covering review costs. Healthcare & Staffing: Nursing homes are pushing for survey approaches that prioritize resident care as clinical staffing gaps and long survey backlogs distort reputations. Agriculture & Markets: Wheat futures fell across major markets, with spring wheat leading declines amid seasonal positioning and weather uncertainty; soybeans closed mixed. Education & Workforce: SDSU hired Mandy Marney to lead SDSU Extension and serve as associate dean, expanding research-based outreach across the state. Food & Safety: Power Plate Meals recalled frozen meatloaf products shipped to South Dakota and nearby states due to an undeclared soy allergen. Ag Policy: South Dakota’s cell-cultured protein moratorium begins July 1, running through 2030 while lawsuits in other states play out. Industry Development: Pennington County approved a TIF for Black Hills Marketplace in Rapid City, targeting major housing, retail, jobs, and infrastructure upgrades. Retail & Consumer Trends: Bath & Body Works expands into Ulta locations starting July 12, signaling continued retail distribution push. Legal/Regulatory Fight: South Dakota joined a multistate lawsuit challenging California’s plastics packaging rules, arguing the mandates raise costs beyond state lines. Community Projects: Kimball is planning major upgrades to its aging community pool, aiming for ADA access and new amenities. Public Safety & Events: Rapid City still needs volunteers for its America250 Birthday Bash July 1–5.