Agriculture Funding: A U.S. Senate Appropriations panel is weighing USDA’s $11.1 billion emergency farm aid request, including $10 billion for temporary economic assistance and $1.1 billion for 2026 catastrophic freeze losses, with South Dakota Sen. Mike Rounds also urging access to year-round E15. Water Infrastructure: Senators advanced a $10 million feasibility study for expanding the Lewis & Clark Regional Water System, a project spanning South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota. Tribal Gaming: The National Indian Gaming Commission reports record $46.2 billion in gross gaming revenue for FY2025, up 5.3%, with the Rapid City region roughly flat to slightly down. Solar Development: A new $165 million, 99-megawatt Grant Solar project near Canistota is moving forward, even as some neighbors raise concerns about land and property impacts. Local Construction & Roads: Sioux Falls will close the main entrance to Spencer Park July 23-25 for Cliff Avenue paving. Veterinary Supply Chain: The FDA launched a pilot to encourage more domestic animal drug manufacturing by prioritizing applications when both finished products and active ingredients are made in the U.S. Energy & Power Demand: A heat wave and grid strain are prompting rolling blackout warnings across multiple states, including South Dakota. Ag Education: FNBO is donating nearly $40,000 to FFA programs across South Dakota and neighboring states. State Fair Livestock: The South Dakota State Fair Foundation kicked off “Hog Wild for a Better Barn” to raise $240,000 for 450 new swine pens. Leadership Change: Tom Young retired as executive director of the South Dakota Oilseeds Council; Jennifer Scharpe takes over. Data Centers: Yankton County approved a 6-month data center and bitcoin mining moratorium while it drafts rules.