Crypto & Banking: Block filed with the OCC to create Builders Bank & Trust, a federally chartered national trust bank in Sioux Falls focused on bitcoin and stablecoin custody—aiming to replace a patchwork of state licenses with one federal framework. Higher Ed & Workforce: The South Dakota Board of Regents reported steady fall enrollment above 35,000 students, with first-time freshmen continuing to rise. Agriculture Research: SDSU’s Swine Education and Research Facility is expanding wean-to-finish capacity by 50% after a $1.8M project, adding two nutrition rooms and boosting on-site raising for more trials. Economic Development: The SD Board of Economic Development approved $1.4M in assistance for projects including Rev It Up Espresso in Sturgis, Elwood Family Dental in Yankton, and training support for Sioux Metro Growth Alliance. Energy/Defense Industry: A $74.8M U.S. Army Corps contract will build a B-21 radio frequency hangar at Whiteman AFB, supporting the long-term bomber program. Public Policy & Compliance: South Dakota’s habitat license plates are selling far more than habitat decals, leaving about $415,000 in potential habitat funding uncollected. Food Safety: FDA linked 22 Salmonella cases to recalled broccoli sprouts from Evergreen Fresh Sprouts LLC, distributed across Idaho, Montana and Washington. Weather & Risk: Drought and abnormal dryness worsened across parts of the central U.S., with drier conditions along the North Dakota–South Dakota border even as heavy rain hit parts of southeast South Dakota into Iowa and Minnesota.