Gov. Larry Rhoden is activating the state Drought Task Force to monitor drought conditions across South Dakota.

This task force coordinates the exchange of drought-related information among government agencies, according to the state Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The collaboration aims to improve the state’s response to agriculture, fire management and water supply issues.

“My administration is committed to protecting our farmers, ranchers, and communities across the state. While recent rainfall has provided some relief, drought is still impacting parts of South Dakota,” said Rhoden. “The Drought Task Force will help us closely monitor conditions and respond quickly if needed.”

This comes as the latest drought monitor shows extremely dry conditions across southern South Dakota, while central parts of the state are experiencing abnormally dry conditions.

The task force’s first meeting is Thursday.

State agencies represented on the task force include the governor’s office, Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Department of Public Safety, Department of Game, Fish and Parks, South Dakota National Guard, Department of Social Services, Department of Tourism, and the Department of Tribal Relations. Additional partners include USDA’s Farm Service Agency and Natural Resource Conservation Service, South Dakota State University Extension and School of Mines climatologists, the National Weather Service and South Dakota Rural Water.

Because of the dry conditions, officials are urging the public to use caution with open burns and other activities that could start fires.

USA TODAY readers voted two Wisconsin events among the nation’s best for thrills and excitement – and one got a No. 1 spot.

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh was voted the Best Air Show, ranking first on a list of 10 air shows across the country.

Oshkosh annually becomes a landing pad for around 10,000 aircraft of all shapes and sizes, in what’s considered the world’s biggest fly-in convention. In 2025, EAA had record-breaking attendance, with around 704,000 visitors. This year, the air show will be held July 20-26.

Also highlighted on the most recent USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards, released Wednesday, May 6, was the Sports Car Club of America National Championship Runoffs in Elkhart Lake, which ranked sixth in the Best Motorsports Race category.

The SCCA National Championship Runoffs are an annual competition between top amateur road racers, frequently held at Road America.

The event was held annually at Road America from 2009 to 2013, then returned in 2020 and again for the 2024-2026 competitions. It also rotates to other sites across the United States. In 2027 and 2028, it will be held at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.

The SCCA National Championship Runoffs will take place Sept. 28-Oct. 4.

The Best Air Show and Best Motorsports Race lists were among 10 lists in the overarching category “Thrills ‘n’ Wheels & Fishing.” Other lists include Best Boat Show, Best Car Show, Best Fishing Charter and Best Rodeo. The full list of winners can be found online at 10best.usatoday.com/awards.

The Detroit People Mover is back up and running after being closed for the past two months for repairs following storm damage.

According to the Detroit Transportation Corporation, the People Mover reopened to the public at 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

High winds on March 13 forced the People Mover to undergo a series of repairs, including undercarriage sheet metal removal, track cable communications and switch mechanisms.

Over the last 16 days, People Mover cars have been out for tests ahead of the reopening.

“Rider safety is always at the heart of what we do, and it is our responsibility as a public transit provider,” DTE CEO Melia Howard said in a statement. “The time was a necessary requirement to restore key, operational components and is an investment in the continued reliability of the system. We take pride in the role that the People Mover plays for residents, workers and visitors, and we look forward to being the go-to public transportation for both daily rides and special events which bring everyone together.”