Local Food & Agriculture: South Dakota Specialty Producers Association is urging residents to hit one of about 45 farmers markets statewide during National Farmers Market Week, Aug. 2-8, to support local growers and fresh seasonal produce. Energy & Grid Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order to boost power generation and reliability maintenance across 17 states, including South Dakota, as extreme heat raises blackout risk. Livestock Impacts: South Dakota feedlots are seeing heat stress-related cattle losses, with SDSU Extension pointing to high heat index, humidity, and limited airflow as key drivers; producers are urged to monitor herds and use shade and sprinklers. Utilities & Renewables: The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission allowed SDREA to intervene in a docket involving a roughly $174 million battery energy storage system at the Crowned Ridge wind farm in Codington County. Construction & Infrastructure: SDDOT scheduled a $3.8 million asphalt surface treatment project starting Aug. 3 across multiple eastern and central counties, with chip seal-related delays expected. Public Safety & Travel: MnDOT is warning Sturgis-bound riders about I-90 construction work zones in Minnesota and urging drivers to check 511mn.org before heading west. Housing & Workforce: Rapid City highlighted the Governor’s House program, where homes built in a prison setting aim to expand affordable homeownership while training participants. Education & Health Sciences: SDSU librarian Annisija Hunter received a Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries Innovation Grant to build a graphic medicine collection and host campus programming.