Tribal Land Return Push: All nine South Dakota tribes backed legislation to return federal public lands in the Black Hills to the Oceti Sakowin, framing it as protection from extractive activity and a way to honor treaty rights. COVID Testing Accountability: South Dakota will receive about $50,380 from a $4.87M multistate GS Labs settlement over overpriced and delayed COVID-19 tests, with restitution also going to other states and consumer-protection enforcement. Water Infrastructure: Sioux Falls put its new Well 25 into service, boosting capacity by 5+ million gallons per day (peak 7 million) to support growth and long-term aquifer sustainability. Ethanol Market Policy: Sen. John Thune says work continues on a year-round E15 bill, but Senate hurdles remain around committee jurisdiction and Renewable Fuel Standard changes. Agriculture Supply Chain Watch: South Dakota producers are tracking how the New World screwworm situation could reshape livestock and corn demand patterns, with market hedging advice circulating among farmers. Poultry Health Research: SDSU researchers reported progress toward vaccines for avian metapneumovirus subtypes, aiming to reduce economic losses in major poultry regions. Dairy Talent Pipeline: NMPF named 2026 National Dairy Leadership Scholarship winners, including an SDSU dairy manufacturing doctoral student focused on listeria persistence and biofilm control. Energy & Industry Development: Black Hills Corp. updated progress on a proposed 1.8-gigawatt Cheyenne, Wyoming data center project, targeting service in early 2028. Local Construction & Growth: Sanford Health plans a new Sioux Falls medical building to support the relocation of the USD Sanford School of Medicine.