Energy & Industry Policy: South Dakota’s utility regulator race is heating up over an AI data center moratorium, with a Democratic candidate pushing a one-year pause and a Republican calling it reckless and saying existing laws already cover ratepayer and water concerns. Local Government & Taxation: Yankton County took the first step toward a proposed half-cent sales tax to fund owner-occupied property tax relief, with a second reading set for Sept. 17. Economic Development & Waste: Rapid City moved toward a deal with Dakota Biochar to divert wood waste from the landfill and potentially extend landfill life, aiming to help keep resident rates down. Tourism & Trade: Sioux Falls tourism leaders say ongoing U.S.-Canada trade tensions are cutting into Canadian travel demand, hurting the visitor economy. Housing & Community Needs: United Way of the Black Hills is rolling out the ALICE framework to better track households that are above poverty but still struggle with the cost of living. Public Safety & Privacy: Minnehaha County residents renewed calls to remove Flock cameras used by the Sheriff’s Office, citing privacy and surveillance concerns. Consumer Finance: South Dakota’s average VA IRRRL loan amount rose slightly quarter to quarter to about $385,069.