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At least 4 killed in Oklahoma tornado outbreak; 10 shot outside Florida bar; AZ receives millions of dollars for solar investments; Maine prepares young people for climate change-related jobs, activism; Feds: Grocery chain profits soared during and after a pandemic.

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Ukraine receives much-needed U.S. aid, though it's just getting started. Protesting college students are up in arms about pro-Israel stances. And, end-of-life care advocates stand up for minors' gender-affirming care in Montana.

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More rural working-age people are dying young compared to their urban counterparts, the internet was a lifesaver for rural students during the pandemic but the connection has been broken for many, and conservationists believe a new rule governing public lands will protect them for future generations.

Campaign: Breath of Fresh Air Everywhere in SD

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Friday, August 3, 2007   

The idea of making South Dakota smoke-free is catching on. South Dakota Tobacco Free Kids Network Project Director Jennifer Stalley says they've been sharing the message "It's time for a Smoke-free South Dakota" at events all summer by circulating banners and gathering signatures.

"Those banners are being signed by people in communities who support what the message on the banner says. And essentially those messages say it's time for South Dakota to be smoke-free, and it's time to protect folks where they work, regardless of their occupation, regardless of where they work, from the dangers of secondhand smoke."

Stalley has seen strong public support for smoke-free indoor workplaces, restaurants, bars, and even casinos.

"One of the things we hear from legislators and policymakers sometimes is: 'I haven't heard from my constituents on this issue. I'm not sure that that's how they feel. Our experience as we have gone across the state has been that South Dakotans strongly support a smoke-free South Dakota, strongly support smoke-free bars and restaurants, and it's time for the voters of South Dakota to make sure that their representatives understand how strong they feel about that."

Stalley notes the latest Surgeon General's report shows there's no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. She says the "It's Time" effort will lead up to a smoke-free day at the state capitol in Pierre February 11, hosted by South Dakota Tobacco Free Kids Network and its partners.

Although more than half of the nation's workers are covered by smoke-free protections, Stalley points out that it's not the case in South Dakota, where some businesses are granted exemptions.

"There shouldn't be a distinction between a person who is a waitress or a bartender earning their living, and a person who happens to be in an office setting. There's no less of a danger of secondhand smoke to a person, regardless of their job, and therefore those protections should be extended equally to all workers in South Dakota so that nobody has to be exposed to secondhand smoke."



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