SEARCHLIGHT NEWS
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South Dakota’s cybersecurity program is running out of time, money as local governments face attacks
By Makenzie Huber
Pennington County residents haven’t been able to access some services since a cyberattack knocked out county computer systems in July.
The water system in Rapid City, which is part of Pennington County, was among the first of dozens of utilities targeted in a nationwide wave of cyberattacks this summer. The attackers did not access its network in Rapid City, city officials said.
COMMENTARY
Former Gov. Kristi Noem speaks with attendees at the unveiling of her statue on the Trail of Governors on Aug. 7, 2026, in Pierre, South Dakota. (Photo by Meghan O’Brien/South Dakota Searchlight)
By Dana Hess
The latest addition to Pierre’s Trail of Governors stands out. It’s not because it’s the only statue of a woman. It’s not because it’s the only one accompanied by half a horse. It represents a career of political tumult. A career from which it’s unlikely there’s a chance to bounce back.
FROM STATES NEWSROOM
Lilac Solutions' lithium extraction pilot program near the Great Salt Lake is pictured in August 2025. (Photo courtesy of Lilac Solutions)
By Annie Knox/Utah News Dispatch
The Trump administration wants to ramp up production of critical minerals without relying on other countries, and it’s looking to Utah for help.
A company extracting lithium from the Great Salt Lake was awarded a $100 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy Thursday, with the money dedicated for construction of a new large-scale operation on the north arm of the lake. In all, the department is distributing $500 million between seven projects across the country.
D.C. NEWS
Abortion could return to Supreme Court, this time with a focus on women’s health | Kelcie Moseley-Morris/Stateline
NATIONAL NEWS
Lincoln, Elmo and the Lizard Man: KY voters to choose next ‘I Voted’ sticker at state fair | McKenna Horsley/Kentucky Lantern
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