• RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) -- Persistent hot, dry conditions are leading to more wildfires in southwestern South Dakota, including one that sent two people to the hospital.
• They were treated for smoke inhalation after a fire Tuesday that burned a structure near Box Elder, a half acre of grass and a number of older vehicles in the yard. Authorities weren't sure if the building was being used as a home or a shop. They also weren't sure if the vehicles were being restored or used for scrap. The injured people weren't identified.
• A fire also started Tuesday west of Rapid City and grew to about 20 acres. Firefighters worked to protect about half a dozen homes, and the Red Cross opened a shelter.
• The cause of both fires was being investigated.
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• WASHINGTON (AP) -- Farm-state members of Congress for decades have campaigned on the back of farm bills delivering election-season subsidies and other goodies to rural voters.
• Not this year. The bill is stalled, primarily because House GOP leaders don't want a noisy fight over food stamps this close to the election. That poses a particular problem for some Republicans in tight races for the Senate or House who will go home empty-handed when Congress adjourns this week.
• Democratic challengers are using the farm bill as an example of how they say the Republican-run House is ineffective. The issue has affected Senate races in Montana and North Dakota, along with House races in South Dakota, Colorado and Iowa.
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• PIERRE, S.D. (AP) -- South Dakota officials say people should watch out for unlicensed money lenders.
• State Labor and Regulation Secretary Pam Roberts says some unlicensed lenders are operating in South Dakota, and inquiries and complaints about money lenders have increased recently.
• All lenders providing payday loans, short-term consumer loans, title loans or installment loans to South Dakota residents must be licensed by the state Division of Banking.

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