Ethanol Policy: Sen. John Thune says year-round higher ethanol blend E15 likely needs compromises with small oil refiners, after the House passed year-round E15 language but the Senate path remains uncertain. Education & Workforce: Southeast Technical College is set to benefit from an $18M manufacturing building tied to Sen. Thune and Rep. Dusty Johnson, aimed at feeding the Sioux Falls economy with trained workers. Engineering & Student Innovation: South Dakota Mines’ concrete canoe team posted a top national finish, placing third in canoe design at the ASCE Civil Engineering Student Championships. Public Lands Access: Veteran’s Point area in the Black Hills National Forest will close Aug. 16 through May 20, 2027 for safety and access upgrades after repeated public entry into the work zone. Energy & Reliability: A court fight is brewing over South Dakota’s Public Service Commission suspension of Commissioner Brad Molnar, with due process and workplace safety at the center. Local Business & Safety: South Dakota’s Crazy Horse Memorial continues major sculpting progress, with new details drawing repeat visitors. Health Care: A new interventional cardiology clinic network opened in El Dorado and Camden, expanding specialty access for peripheral artery disease and other heart care. Fuel Watch: GasBuddy price reports show South Dakota regular gas averaging about $3.91 in the week ending Aug. 8, with county-by-county lows ranging from $3.54 in Minnehaha to $4.59 in Hyde for regular.