State Fair Debate on Agriculture: Gov. Larry Rhoden and challenger Dan Ahlers squared off at the South Dakota State Fair, focusing on rural issues, property taxes, and education funding. Both criticized Trump on imported beef, but they diverged on other debate points, with Rhoden backing a steadier approach and Ahlers calling for more change and transparency. USDA Soil Research: A USDA study near Brookings found that rotating corn and soybeans with spring wheat and sunflowers can boost soil health and raise corn yields in dry years, with researchers also flagging sunflower pest pressure and recommending early planting to cut seed damage. Local Control vs Data Centers: Rapid City leaders are responding to an EPA proposal that would reduce public notice for certain air permits tied to data centers, pushing for local rules and hearings as residents weigh water, sewer, electric, and noise impacts. Dark Matter Hunt in the Black Hills: Physicists running the LZ detector in a South Dakota gold mine reported an unusual underground particle interaction that doesn’t match known backgrounds, keeping the dark matter conversation hot. Energy Costs Hit Consumers: AAA says Labor Day gas prices are at record levels for the holiday, with diesel also climbing sharply amid ongoing war-driven fuel volatility. Business Succession: A South Dakota Retailers Association survey suggests about 14% of owners may sell in the next 5–10 years, and the group points to growing interest in buying existing businesses.