Education & Geology: South Dakota Mines is planning a 9,415-square-foot geology field station in Nemo to cut daily commuting and give students a dedicated place to live, collaborate, and get mentorship during field camps. Tribal Rights vs. Mining: Nine tribes are suing the federal government to stop exploratory graphite drilling near Pe’Sla, a sacred meadow in the central Black Hills, arguing agencies violated federal law and that the project threatens wildlife and ceremonial use. USDA Housing Finance: Lakota Funds joined a USDA home loan relending program, securing $764,000 to expand mortgage access for Pine Ridge borrowers and support long-term stability for the Oglala Lakota Nation. Energy & Grid Costs: A new map using EIA data shows South Dakota electricity prices rose about 12.1% year over year, as grid investment and demand pressures continue to climb. Ag Biosecurity: South Dakota officials are warning ranchers after USDA confirmed New World screwworm cases in Texas, urging heightened herd inspections as summer grazing and livestock shipping ramp up. State Outdoors & Policy: The South Dakota GFP Commission will hold its June 11-12 meeting at Heartland Energy in Madison with a public hearing and open forum. Local Infrastructure: Sioux Falls road work begins June 8, including closures and utility/crane projects that will affect traffic around Blackhawk Street and Algonquin Street. Community & Culture: Rapid City’s free Juneteenth celebration (June 13) features local history displays, a community quilt, and a theater performance honoring Katherine Davis Chapman Tillman. Arts & Materials: South Dakota Mines is inviting ceramic artists to use Fuson Shale clay for “Echoes of Earth: From Sea to Stone,” a juried exhibition exploring the Black Hills’ prehistoric past.