RANCH Act Push: U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds and Amy Klobuchar unveiled the bipartisan RANCH Act to restore up to 20 million acres of marginal cropland into grazing land, aiming to help rebuild the U.S. cattle herd and support producers with long-term contracts. Energy Permitting: Sen. John Thune said permitting reform is a rare opening for bipartisan action, with lawmakers weighing shorter federal reviews and limits on legal challenges to speed energy projects. Rural Health Tech Grants: Gov. Larry Rhoden announced $90M for 82 rural health projects, including upgrades to electronic records, cybersecurity, and tools to connect providers and patients. Hospital Expansion: Pioneer Memorial Hospital & Health Services in Viborg broke ground on a $4.7M expansion, adding an emergency department expansion, endoscopy suite, and later cardiac rehab and stress testing. Women’s Recovery Facility: Yankton opened Park Haven, a new 18-bed residential treatment center for women with substance use disorders, including pregnant women and mothers with children, supported by state and private funding. Tourism Planning: Fort Pierre and the Yankton/Vermillion Missouri River Water Trail were selected for South Dakota’s Destination Development Program to strengthen rural tourism. Local Business & Community: Mount Vernon Bank & Trust employees Jake Krob and Chris Kerr graduated from the Graduate School of Banking, highlighting ongoing investment in community banking leadership. Health & Community Calendar: Sioux Falls-area organizers announced the next All American Blood Drive Aug. 28, with donation slots scheduled through Labor Day weekend. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reported the lowest diesel in Hand County at $4.69 (week ending Aug. 8) and the lowest midgrade in Moody County at $3.69, underscoring continued regional price swings.