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• Because there is no farm bill in place, ranchers have received no federal funds.
• Thune said he is more optimistic than he was that negotiators can thrash out an agreement before Christmas.
• "If we don't get something done by the end of the year, it puts a lot at risk," Thune said. "My sense is that, with the differences, it's fixable."
• Thune's House colleague, GOP Rep. Kristi Noem, shares his belief that an agreement can be reached before the end of the year. Noem is on the team negotiating an agreement.
• Over the next month, South Dakota lawmakers will be closely tracking two other large bills -- the defense authorization bill, which the Senate is considering, and the water bill negotiations between the House and the Senate.
• Thune said he viewed a vote for the defense authorization bill as a vote of support for Ellsworth.
• "That is something we've been working on for a very long time," he said.
• Noem said she is also proud of provisions in the bill she has worked on that would address sex offenses committed by service members. That includes language that would provide better, more timely information to military commanders and another provision for more training on the issue.
• The water bill could also have a big impact on South Dakota. Lawmakers are pushing for a provision that would require earlier notification from the Army Corps of Engineers if they plan to release water in the event of a flood, and another provision that would stop the Corps from charging some South Dakota residents for access to water. Both are the subject of negotiations.
• The congressional delegation expects to be busy the rest of the year beyond just the legislation in negotiation.
• Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson, as chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, is playing an important role as Congress considers passing new sanctions against Iran. Thune said he is deeply engaged in budget negotiations and studying the issue of tax reform for next year. Noem said she will continue to push legislation she has introduced that deals with child trafficking.
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• FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) -- Zach Zenner rushed for 249 yards and two touchdowns to lead South Dakota State to a 26-7 victory over Northern Arizona Saturday night.
• After a scoreless first quarter, Northern Arizona got on the board first at 9:56 in the second on a 6-yard Zach Bauman run. Zenner answered for the Jackrabbits (9-

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