Energy & Grid Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency power order covering South Dakota and 16 other states as extreme heat strains the regional grid, giving the Southwest Power Pool authority to dispatch generation and use backup resources to prevent blackouts. Industrial Growth: South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden earmarked $1 million from the Future Fund to help Mitchell’s 19-acre business and industrial park become “shovel-ready” with utilities and roads, building on additional federal and local support. Local Infrastructure: Sioux Falls begins lane closures on Veterans Parkway starting Aug. 3 for pavement markings and signal head activation, with at least one lane open each direction. Agriculture & Markets: USDA crop progress shows South Dakota spring wheat is mostly headed but with weaker quality ratings than North Dakota, while national farmland values continue to climb. Livestock Policy: The South Dakota Brand Board will hold an Aug. 5 Pierre public hearing to raise the per-head ownership inspection fee to $1.45 (from $1) to cover higher inspector costs. Tech & Cybersecurity: Rapid City reported a cybersecurity incident tied to a wastewater facility, described as a denial-of-service attack targeting operations. Business & Media: Riverfront Broadcasting acquired Fox Sports Rapid City and plans to launch the Riverfront Sports Network, expanding local sports coverage across radio, streaming, and digital platforms.