Heat & Power Risk: A relentless U.S. heat dome pushed extreme temperatures into the Southwest and Northern Plains, with officials warning of cooling-center needs and grid strain as emergency power measures target blackout risk across 17 states. South Dakota Economy Spotlight: US News says South Dakota jumped six spots to No. 2 overall, citing strong economy, opportunity, infrastructure and natural environment—while healthcare and crime/corrections lag. Education & Local Budgets: Rapid City school leaders warn another bond failure could force overdue infrastructure fixes as heat-related disruptions and aging HVAC systems strain operations; meanwhile Sioux Falls Mayor Christine Erickson’s first budget proposal totals $794M with public safety and roads leading. Workforce & Health Care: The state approved a new two-year radiology technician program at Lake Area Tech in Watertown to address rural imaging staffing shortages. Business & Investment: The South Dakota Board of Economic Development backed defense and manufacturing projects, including AMTEC’s automated ammunition expansion and a Sioux Falls loan for Quality Nut & Bolt. Agriculture Stress: Heat and drought killed more than 1,000 cattle in northeast South Dakota, adding pressure as water quality and supply worsen. Energy Storage Funding: Antora Energy raised $550M to scale thermal battery systems aimed at easing industrial energy bottlenecks, including a South Dakota deployment.