Road & Transit Construction: Kansas DOT plans a $2M resurfacing of U.S. 24 in Stockton, adding curb-and-gutter work and sidewalk ramps with lane reductions through early December. Bridge Spending: South Dakota’s Transportation Commission approved Ames Construction’s $289.99M bid to replace the Platte-Winner Bridge, about $40M over estimate, with federal grant support. Local Housing Supply: Lawrence, Kansas advisers are weighing donation of two city-owned parcels near Oak Hill Cemetery for affordable housing, including street extensions. Affordable Housing in Action: Rep. Rick Larsen toured Skagit County sites tied to housing and health, including Didgwalic Transitional Housing and a new Anacortes Birth Center. Data Centers & Land Use: Oregon leaders are revisiting how they regulate data centers as AI-driven demand raises concerns over electricity, water, land development, and tax breaks. Clean Energy Backlash: A USA TODAY analysis finds at least 15% of U.S. counties have effectively halted new utility-scale wind/solar, slowing progress toward 100% clean energy goals by 2035. AI’s Environmental Scrutiny: Reports say major AI firms disclose little about climate impacts while data-center growth strains resources. Energy Infrastructure Conflict: Native leaders in Michigan are condemning the Army Corps’ Line 5 tunnel permit approval, arguing it violates tribal trust and threatens the Great Lakes. Policy & Costs: Trump signed drone import tariffs (10%–100%) citing national security, with impacts starting in September. Housing Affordability Pressure: Coverage highlights how affordability gaps are reshaping homebuying and family budgets nationwide. Construction Safety & Quality: A Maine Maritime Academy training ship arrived with “100 and counting” warranty problems, adding burdens for students and compliance work.