Dark Matter at SURF: LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) researchers reported a possible WIMP-like interaction from nearly a mile underground at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in South Dakota, stopping short of a formal discovery but calling it the strongest hint so far. SNAP Soft-Drink Ban: South Dakota DSS filed for a federal waiver to bar SNAP purchases of soft drinks statewide, tied to 2026 state law; if approved, the change starts six months later for about 72,000 people. FEMA Disaster Funding: FEMA awarded South Dakota communities more than $6.6 million for disaster recovery and resilience, including Rapid City fire-code and planning upgrades and water and storm repair projects across several counties and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. Beef Policy Tension: Ranchers are pushing back on a Trump plan to temporarily remove tariffs on imported beef, arguing any savings may not reach consumers and renewing calls for Country of Origin Labeling. Data Center Politics: A South Dakota Public Utilities Commission candidate is calling for a one-year moratorium on new AI data centers, citing electricity, water, and infrastructure costs. State Fair Ag Spotlight: The South Dakota State Fair lineup includes Channel Seeds Opening Day, Value-Added Ag Day, and other sponsor-driven activities in Huron. RANCH Act for Grazing: U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Mike Rounds introduced the bipartisan RANCH Act to expand grazing by converting marginal cropland to perennial grassland. Local Gas Watch: GasBuddy reported Brown County’s lowest regular price at $3.68 for the week ending Aug. 22, with statewide regular averaging $4.00.