Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity: Federal officials say malicious hackers have been tampering with internet-connected control systems at water and wastewater utilities across multiple states, with U.S. intelligence pointing to Iran as a likely actor after Minnesota disruptions; Michigan and South Dakota are among the states reporting activity consistent with the warnings. South Dakota Research & Industry: South Dakota Mines won a $3.1M DOE ARPA-E grant to speed up rare earth and critical mineral discovery using advanced sensing plus AI to build 3D underground maps. Student Research Expansion: Dakota State University joined the NIH-funded South Dakota INBRE biomedical research network, opening more paid lab opportunities for undergrads across the state. STEM Talent Pipeline: Two biotech students from India completed a six-month exchange at South Dakota Mines, working on greenhouse-gas bacteria and targeted cancer research. Local Tech & Safety: Rapid City reported a cyber incident affecting a wastewater facility, describing it as a denial-of-service type disruption and emphasizing “human firewall” habits. Agriculture: An expert warns South Dakota growers not to ignore white mold risk as wet soils and cooling conditions could trigger outbreaks.
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Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity: The FBI is warning of cyberattacks targeting U.S. water systems, with Iran flagged as a chief suspect after Iranian hackers were reported exploiting internet-exposed industrial control devices used across facilities nationwide; Minnesota has been hit, and South Dakota is among other states reporting attacks, raising concerns that more locations could be vulnerable. Rare Earths & AI Mapping: South Dakota Mines won a $3.1M DOE ARPA-E grant to speed up discovery of rare earth and critical minerals using advanced sensing plus AI to build 3D maps of underground deposits—aiming to cut exploration timelines from years to faster evaluations. Biotech Exchange & Cancer Research: South Dakota Mines hosted two Indian biotechnology students through a long-running exchange partnership, with one studying methane-consuming bacteria for greenhouse mitigation and the other working on bacteria-based approaches for targeted cancer therapies. Biomedical Research Network: Dakota State University joined the NIH-funded South Dakota INBRE network, expanding paid undergraduate research opportunities and statewide lab access for students. Energy Storage Funding: Antora Energy raised $550M to scale thermal battery deployment for data centers and industry, using heat-storing solid carbon blocks to deliver power when needed. South Dakota Courts Leadership: South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen was named president of the Conference of Chief Justices and chair of the National Center for State Courts board.
South Dakota Cybersecurity: Rapid City says it’s dealing with a cyber incident tied to a wastewater facility, describing it as a denial-of-service style attack and pointing to the “human firewall” problem—password habits and phishing—as a major security weak spot. Entrepreneurial Engineering: South Dakota Mines mechanical engineering professor Cristian Vargas-Ordóñez earned a national KEEN Rising Star award for teaching an entrepreneurial mindset in engineering, pushing students to ask whether they’re solving the right problem and creating real value. EV Education: High schoolers at a Utah State University EV academy built electric vehicles from kits and toured electrified roadway tech, showing how NSF-backed research centers are turning STEM into hands-on career pathways. Energy Storage Boom: Antora Energy raised $550 million to scale thermal battery systems that store electricity as heat for data centers and industry, including a South Dakota deployment tied to fast charging and multi-day storage. Health & Agriculture: South Dakota’s white mold risk is still a concern for soybean growers if wet soils cool down, while a separate national push highlights appendix cancer awareness and research funding. Policy Watch: South Dakota’s Brand Board will hold an Aug. 5 public hearing on raising the livestock ownership inspection fee to $1.45 per head. Weather: July 2026 is on track to be the warmest month on record in the contiguous U.S., with heat domes continuing to drive dangerous conditions.
Livestock Regulation: South Dakota Brand Board will hold an Aug. 5 Pierre public hearing to raise the per-head Ownership Inspection Fee from $1 to $1.45, citing higher costs for local inspectors; the legislature set a cap of $1.65. Cybersecurity & Water: Rapid City says it’s responding to a cyber incident tied to a wastewater facility, describing it as a denial-of-service attack and pointing to the “human firewall” as a key risk area. Energy Storage Boom: Antora Energy secured an oversubscribed $550M Series C to scale thermal battery deployments for data centers and industry, including work tied to its South Dakota 5GWh project. Rural Tech in Healthcare: A KFF Health News report highlights growing interest in AI for rural care, but notes skepticism and limited clarity on outcomes. Agriculture Risk: An ag expert warns South Dakota soybean growers not to ignore white mold risk as wet soils and cooling weather could trigger outbreaks. Wetlands Rules: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service seeks public input on drain tile setbacks near protected wetland easements, with comments due Aug. 7. STEM Education: SDSU Extension adds new 4-H field specialists, expanding youth livestock programming and leadership support across South Dakota.
Energy Reliability Watch: The U.S. Department of Energy has issued an emergency order letting the Southwest Power Pool call extra backup power across 17 states through Aug. 3 as extreme heat raises blackout risk and costs. Thermal Storage Boom: Antora Energy just closed a $550M Series C to scale its ultra-hot thermal batteries, including a South Dakota deployment that uses solid carbon heat blocks to deliver multi-day industrial power. AI in Rural Care: Rural health leaders are expanding AI tools for access and support, but patients in places like Hot Springs, S.D. remain wary about government and company push. STEM in the Classroom: USD and the South Dakota Discovery Center are rolling out new chameleon-based curriculum modules for teachers, turning local research into hands-on lessons. Education & Workforce: SDSU Extension added new 4-H field specialists, while the South Dakota Board of Economic Development approved defense and manufacturing growth funding tied to jobs and capital investment. Local Life: Brookings hosted an Eagle Scout ceremony and a “Step Big for Parkinson’s” walk is set for Aug. 22.
K-12 Science in South Dakota: A USD-Sioux Falls workshop previewed new science curriculum modules built from NSF CAREER research, with educators translating lab findings on animal movement into classroom lessons using chameleons. Critical Minerals Research: South Dakota Mines won a $3.1M DOE grant to develop faster ways to locate and map rare earths and other critical minerals through the RAPID-REE project. AI in Higher Ed: South Dakota Board of Regents approved new AI-focused degree programs at DSU and SDSU, expanding computing and AI training statewide. Energy Storage Investment: Antora Energy raised $550M to scale modular thermal batteries for heavy industry and data centers, targeting more reliable power as AI demand grows. Health Tech Recognition: Sanford Health’s Brad Reimer earned a 2026 Minnesota ORBIE award for leading technology, security, and digital innovation. Public Health Watch: CDC reported Cyclospora-related illness in 45 states, including South Dakota, with cases still expected to rise. Local STEM & Learning: SDSU honored a Mitchell-area alumnus in the Distinguished Alumni class of 2026, highlighting engineering and long-term support for the university.
Agriculture Watch: NDSU Extension reports soybean gall midge has been detected in North Dakota for the first time since 2022, with the pest not yet considered yield-limiting there—though it’s already spread across much of the Midwest. Water Infrastructure: Dakota Mainstem won a $4.2M contract for a feasibility study on South Dakota water supply and whether new hydraulic installations are needed, aiming to support longer-term federal reliability projects. Public Health: The CDC says Cyclospora-related illness is now reported in 45 states, including South Dakota, with thousands of confirmed cases since May 1 and more expected as reporting lags. Energy & Data Centers: The White House expanded its Ratepayer Protection Pledge, seeking to prevent AI data center electricity costs from landing on households and businesses. Local Tech & Privacy: Rapid City Police deployed new automated license plate reader cameras, while Sioux Falls faces ongoing debate over similar systems and privacy concerns. STEM in South Dakota: SDSU librarian Annisija Hunter received a national graphic medicine grant to build a new comics-based health sciences collection. Roads: SDDOT plans a $3.8M asphalt surface treatment project starting Aug. 3 across multiple counties, with short delays expected.
AI & Education in SD: The South Dakota Board of Regents approved new AI degree programs at Dakota State and South Dakota State, including AI engineering and a doctorate track, aiming to grow local engineering and research talent. Public Safety Tech: Rapid City Police rolled out new automated license plate reader cameras in high-crime areas, saying the system captures plate data only and doesn’t identify drivers. Medicaid Data Systems: CMS is shifting a Medicaid eligibility “Emmy” tech tool into the Federal Data Services Hub ahead of upcoming work-related requirements. Cybersecurity: Pennington County says it’s still recovering from a recent cyber incident; most services are open, but some processing may be slower. Energy & Data Centers: The Trump administration expanded a “ratepayer protection” pledge to curb electricity bill impacts from AI data centers. STEM & Health Communication: SDSU librarian Annisija Hunter won a national graphic medicine grant to build a comics-based health sciences collection. Local Infrastructure: SDDOT scheduled a $3.8M asphalt surface treatment project starting Aug. 3 across multiple counties, with expected short delays. Space Science: August brings a total solar eclipse (Aug. 12, outside the U.S.) and a partial lunar eclipse (Aug. 27–28).
AI Education Push: South Dakota’s Board of Regents approved new AI degree programs at Dakota State and South Dakota State, including AI engineering and a DSU AI doctorate, aiming to grow local talent that can build and lead AI—not just use it. Cyber & Public Services: Pennington County continues restoring services after a cyber incident; offices are open, but some systems are still limited, with longer waits and email still down. STEM Coding for Students: U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson announced South Dakota’s Congressional App Challenge, with the student submission portal open now and a deadline of Oct. 26, 2026. Health Tech in Rural Care: Multiple Avera facilities earned American Heart Association Mission: Lifeline Stroke post-acute care recognition, highlighting standardized stroke rehab and care coordination. Energy & Grid Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order allowing a regional grid operator to tap backup generation resources at data centers during extreme heat. Local Governance & Safety: Huron will shift home football games to afternoon kickoffs after inspections found remaining stadium light poles pose foundation-failure risks. Space Science: A CERN stress test is underway for DUNE prototype neutrino detectors, supporting the long-term neutrino experiment being built at Fermilab. Agriculture Watch: A Northern Plains wheat quality tour reported generally resilient spring wheat conditions despite market and weather uncertainty. Politics: Gov. Larry Rhoden won the GOP nomination for governor in a runoff, setting up the Nov. 3 general election.
AI for local business: Mitchell-based Dakota Intelligence is helping South Dakota companies adopt artificial intelligence for phone answering, paperwork, and record organization—starting with a 20-minute conversation instead of buzzwords. High school sports safety: Huron will shift home football and other events to afternoon kickoffs after engineers flagged remaining Tiger Stadium light poles as potential foundation hazards. Patient safety transparency: The Leapfrog Group says a record 6,000+ hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers are now publicly rated for patient safety, with participation topping 80% of U.S. inpatient beds. Wetlands and waterfowl: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service opened a short comment period on wetland easements and drain tile setbacks in the Prairie Pothole Region, drawing concern from duck conservation groups. Cyber recovery in the Black Hills: Pennington County reports additional services restored after a cyber incident, though some systems and wait times remain affected. South Dakota research spotlight: Dakota State University is surveying microplastics in South Dakota waterways, aiming to map how common they are and what types are present. Education tech in Sioux Falls: The Lucas P. Wintrode Learning Lab’s practical assessment system is giving students hands-on job skill practice through simulated workplace stations. Night-sky tourism: Badlands National Park earned International Dark Sky Park status, boosting South Dakota’s stargazing profile.
Dark Skies Boost: Badlands National Park earned International Dark Sky Park status, putting South Dakota on the global stargazing map and highlighting years of lighting and stewardship work. Water Quality Research: Dakota State University researchers are surveying microplastics in South Dakota lakes, rivers, and streams—aiming to map what’s there and how common it is. AI in Education: Sioux Falls’ Lucas P. Wintrode Learning Lab opened as a hands-on training and research hub for special education, including autism-focused support for students and future teachers. Cyber Recovery: Pennington County is still rebuilding after a cyber incident, with limited vehicle registration stations and longer waits as systems come back online. Fraud-Fighting Tech: DakCU partnered with Rippleshot to give Dakota credit unions real-time card fraud detection earlier in the attack cycle. Health Data Privacy: A federal consumer safety agency is pushing hospitals to share identifiable emergency room records, raising alarms about privacy and whether the request matches its own rules. Medical Device Impact: A Sioux Falls vascular device effort, BlueDop, targets earlier blood-flow checks to help prevent diabetes-related amputations.
South Dakota Higher Ed & AI: The Board of Regents approved new AI-focused degree programs, including an AI doctorate at Dakota State and AI engineering degrees at South Dakota State, with fall enrollment expected. University Funding Push: Regents also asked lawmakers for nearly $60.5 million, including $24.5 million for AI initiatives and a Rapid City national defense center. Cybersecurity & Public Services: Pennington County is still recovering from a cyber attack; vehicle registration is back but limited, with longer waits and an offline online queue. Medical Tech in Sioux Falls: A Sioux Falls vascular device (BlueDop) aims to prevent diabetic-related amputations by quickly measuring blood flow. Rural Health Recognition: Brookings Health and Sanford Westbrook both earned American Heart Association stroke-care awards, highlighting improved rural outcomes. Power Grid Stress: The DOE authorized backup power sources across parts of 17 states to reduce blackout risk during extreme heat. Data Centers & Property Rights: A legal debate is heating up over whether eminent domain can be used for land and transmission lines tied to data centers. Education Flexibility: South Dakota received federal approval for Ed-Flex waivers, giving districts more flexibility with Title I carryover and focusing on literacy and math. Fraud Watch: A new study flags a sharp rise in job scams, with South Dakota among the biggest increases. Community Science & Learning: A new autism learning lab opened in Sioux Falls through an SDSU partnership, and a home science activity builds a digestive system model.
AI in Education: South Dakota’s Board of Regents approved four new AI-focused degree programs—DSU’s doctoral Artificial Intelligence track and SDSU’s bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral AI Engineering degrees—aimed at starting this fall and building skills for autonomous systems, cybersecurity, and intelligent infrastructure. Local School Funding: Gov. Larry Rhoden and the state Department of Education received Trump administration approval for statewide Ed-Flex waivers, giving districts more flexibility to carry over Title I funds and better align federal spending with literacy and math priorities. AI in Healthcare: Avera leaders say ambient AI tools are being used to draft exam-room notes so clinicians can spend more time with patients, emphasizing support for caregivers rather than replacement. Geospatial Tech Launch: Stone Harp Analytics rolled out SIGMA, an on-demand geospatial intelligence service that connects customers with senior analysts for faster satellite and mapping-based answers. Lithium Exposure Study: A Columbia University study finds lithium shows up in household drinking water across Western Tribal communities, with water explaining a major share of lithium levels measured in people. Weather & Safety: Forecast coverage highlights a chance of severe storms in western South Dakota this afternoon, with strong downbursts, lightning, and heavy rain possible.
AI Education Boost: The South Dakota Board of Regents approved four new AI degree programs—Dakota State’s AI doctorate and South Dakota State’s bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate in AI engineering—aimed at expanding workforce training and responsible AI use starting this fall. Health Tech in Practice: Avera leaders say “ambient AI” is being used as an exam-room scribe to draft clinical notes so clinicians can spend more time with patients, not replace them. Environmental Science & Public Health: A new study in Nature links household drinking water to long-term lithium exposure, finding tap water can exceed screening levels in parts of the West, including North Dakota/South Dakota. Wildfire Forecasting Training: South Dakota Mines student Gavin Bird is interning with South Dakota Wildland Fire, learning how weather forecasts guide Black Hills response and prescribed burn planning. STEM & Research Funding: USDA is offering $3 million for wetland mitigation banking projects, with priority states including South Dakota. Local Tech & Community: Rapid City plans department-by-department budget presentations for 2027, with sessions open to the public next week. Space/Nature Tourism: Badlands National Park earned International Dark Sky Park status, spotlighting South Dakota’s night-sky tourism.
Aviation Safety Tech: Garmin’s new automatic emergency landing system is designed to take over when pilots can’t, notify authorities, plot a course, and land at the nearest safe airport—an answer to the nightmare scenario of a plane flying itself until fuel runs out. Wildfire Forecasting in SD: South Dakota Mines student Gavin Bird is interning with South Dakota Wildland Fire, helping forecast conditions that shape Black Hills fire behavior and studying how declining snow depth could affect future prescribed burns. AI Education Push: The South Dakota Board of Regents approved new AI degrees—DSU’s doctoral AI program and SDSU’s bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral AI engineering tracks—aimed at workforce demand and research growth. Health Tech in Sioux Falls: Avera is using ambient AI scribing to draft clinical notes during visits, with leaders stressing it supports clinicians rather than replacing patient-provider connection. Environmental Health: A Columbia study finds lithium in household drinking water is a widespread, persistent exposure across Western Tribal communities, linking tap water to urinary lithium levels over time. Housing Reality Check: A survey ranks Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Watertown, Aberdeen, and Brookings among the nation’s biggest housing “expectation gaps” for recent movers. Conservation & Night Skies: Badlands National Park earned International Dark Sky Park status, boosting South Dakota’s astrotourism appeal.
Wildfire Forecasting in the Black Hills: South Dakota Mines student Gavin Bird is interning with South Dakota Wildland Fire, shadowing meteorologists and firefighters to see how weather forecasts shape response and fuel planning—plus he’s researching how declining snow depth could affect future prescribed burns. AI Education Push: The South Dakota Board of Regents approved new AI degrees statewide, including a doctoral AI program at Dakota State and AI engineering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral tracks at South Dakota State, aiming to build workforce-ready skills for growing AI demand. Lithium Exposure Study: A Columbia University study finds household drinking water is a major, persistent source of lithium exposure across Western Tribal communities, with tap-water lithium often exceeding screening levels in parts of the region. Dark Skies for Tourism: Badlands National Park was designated an International Dark Sky Park, highlighting South Dakota’s stargazing appeal and stricter lighting stewardship. Housing “Expectation Gaps”: A survey of recent movers ranks Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Watertown, Aberdeen, and Brookings among the nation’s biggest gaps between what people expected and what they found in the housing market. USDA Wetland Funding: USDA’s NRCS is offering $3 million for wetland mitigation banking projects, with priority including South Dakota. T. rex Auction: A South Dakota–recovered T. rex skeleton (“Gus”) sold for $50.1 million, raising fresh questions about whether major fossils should stay in public research collections.
AI in Education: The South Dakota Board of Regents approved four new artificial intelligence degree programs—Dakota State’s doctoral AI degree and South Dakota State’s bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral AI engineering tracks—aimed at building homegrown talent for a fast-growing workforce. AI in Healthcare: Avera leaders say ambient AI is being used as an “AI scribe” to draft visit notes so clinicians can spend more time with patients, not replace them. Public Health & Environment: A Columbia University study links lithium found in household drinking water to long-term lithium exposure, with tap water explaining a substantial share of urinary lithium levels in Western Tribal communities. Research Infrastructure: SDSU cleared a step toward Research 1 status with a preliminary plan for a new on-campus computing center to boost high-powered research capacity. STEM & Science News: A South Dakota–recovered T. rex fossil (“Gus”) sold for $50.1 million at Sotheby’s, raising fresh debate about keeping major finds in public science collections. Weather & Safety: Kiowa County, Colorado is under a heat advisory Sunday with highs around 100–105°F, a reminder that extreme heat can quickly become a health risk.
Environmental Health: A new Columbia University study in Nature finds lithium is a widespread, persistent contaminant in household drinking water across parts of the western U.S., with tap-water levels often exceeding a U.S. Geological Survey screening level and explaining much of the variation in people’s urinary lithium. AI in Education: South Dakota’s Board of Regents approved new AI degrees at Dakota State and South Dakota State, including an AI doctoral program and an AI Engineering pathway, as the system expands AI training and research. Research & Computing: SDSU took another step toward Research 1 status after regents approved a preliminary plan for a new on-campus computing center. Agriculture Tech & Funding: USDA is offering $3 million for wetland mitigation banking projects, with South Dakota listed among priority states. Rural Health: Gov. Rhoden awarded $31.5 million in Rural Strong grants to 28 projects to improve rural access, technology, and care coordination. Public Safety & Tech: Rapid City leaders will present proposed 2027 budgets in open council sessions, including police, fire, IT, and public works. Local Business: Casey’s opened its Goodstop grab-and-go store concept in Sioux Falls.
AI Education: South Dakota’s Board of Regents approved new AI degrees across the system, including a Dakota State doctoral program in Artificial Intelligence and SDSU bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in AI Engineering, with classes starting this fall. University Tech Funding: Regents are also asking lawmakers for nearly $60.5 million for building and maintenance, plus $20 million one-time and $4.5 million ongoing to build and maintain a systemwide AI technology system. Healthcare Research Access: Avera Research Institute’s Mobile Unit will stop at Avera Sacred Heart in Aberdeen July 29-30 to expand participation in studies like ECHO and Avera Healthy Start. Rural Health Grants: Gov. Rhoden awarded $31.5 million in Rural Strong grants to 28 projects aimed at improving rural healthcare access, technology, and workforce support. Housing & Local Policy: Vermillion City Council approved a TIF district for a planned 56-unit apartment project, clearing the way for follow-up steps under a new state requirement for independent review. Public Safety & Health: A new brief highlights South Dakota’s ongoing nursing shortage, arguing rural areas need more staffing to keep care available. STEM in the Classroom: SDSU recognized spring 2026 dean’s list students and also reported national honors for DSU students at the FBLA Collegiate National Leadership Conference. Daylight Saving Fight: A new map shows permanent daylight saving would likely benefit Southern states most, while parts of the Upper Midwest and Northern New England could see bigger downsides.
South Dakota Higher Ed & AI: The South Dakota Board of Regents is asking lawmakers for nearly $60.5 million for university building projects, maintenance, and technology upgrades—highlighting $20 million in one-time funding plus $4.5 million ongoing to build and maintain a systemwide AI technology system, with an AI policy approved and a software rollout planned for this fall. SDSU Engineering: SDSU’s Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering is launching AI engineering degrees—bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral—starting fall 2026, aimed at training students for real-world AI work in areas like precision agriculture and intelligent sensing. DSU FinTech: Dakota State University is also rolling out a new Bachelor of Science in Financial Technology, available on campus or online, blending finance with cybersecurity, AI, blockchain, and data analytics. Campus & Community STEM: SDSU Extension will bring hands-on training to Dakotafest in Mitchell Aug. 18-20, including free Beef Quality Assurance training and sessions on pregnancy checking and feedlot management. Health Tech in Aberdeen: Avera Research Institute’s mobile unit is in Aberdeen this week, with the bus scheduled to return in September. Local Learning & Recognition: DSU students earned national honors at the FBLA Collegiate National Leadership Conference, and SDSU recognized more than 3,900 students on the spring 2026 dean’s list.
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