South Dakota Politics: Aberdeen businessman Toby Doeden is leaning into an “outsider” pitch in the GOP governor primary ahead of the June 2 vote, while State House Speaker Jon Hansen’s poll momentum is drawing attention as the race tightens. Local Governance: Vermillion voters will decide June 2 whether to amend the city’s Home Rule Charter, potentially changing the timeline for budget adoption. Higher Education & Workforce: The Board of Regents approved a 2.4% tuition increase for 2026–2027, and South Dakota’s Civics Bee heads to Augustana with finalists competing for a national spot. Agribusiness & Rural Economy: POET and Antora commissioned a major 5-GWh thermal energy storage project at POET’s Big Stone City facility, and the SD Specialty Producers Association is rolling out its “Small Farms, Big Ideas” summer farm tour series. Small Business Support: The SBA opened low-interest disaster loans for drought-impacted small businesses and private nonprofits, including several South Dakota counties. Community & Culture: Rapid City Summer Nights returns to a new downtown location after a prior permit fight.