Obamacare refunds: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including South Dakota, will get $500 checks after federal “user fees” overcharged premiums for Obamacare marketplace operations. Mental health push statewide: The 437 Project kicked off its 2026 relay across South Dakota, with runners and community partners focusing on suicide prevention and mental health support. NICU literacy: Avera’s NICU joined the national NICU Read-a-thon, with staff reading to babies and families during the Sept. 24 event window. Suicide prevention walk: Belle Fourche’s Out of the Darkness Community Walk is set for Sept. 19, with local organizers raising nearly $20,000 toward a $40,000 goal. Public health & safety: Sioux Falls reported a crash where an intoxicated driver struck a motorcyclist, sending the rider to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. Opioid prevention on tribal lands: South Dakota’s Tribal Relations Department held STOMP to connect state and tribal leaders on overdose response, prevention, and culturally tailored recovery. Tobacco trends: South Dakota middle-school nicotine experimentation is down since 2023, but daily use is slightly up, with Native youth still higher than non-Native peers. Food security: Feeding South Dakota says food insecurity is at an all-time high, driven by rising costs and growing need. Animal health alert: Anthrax was confirmed in a South Dakota cattle herd in Meade County, triggering quarantine and vaccination steps.