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In a 2022 South Dakota News Watch poll, 79% of South Dakota voters said they think the state tax on groceries should be lowered or repealed. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Measure to end sales tax on groceries could go to SD voters

South Dakotans face high prices at the grocery store and some are working to ease the burden. A new report from the Federal Trade Commission finds …

South Dakota officials say the state's new Nexus referral tool complements longstanding community assistance services, such as the 211 Helpline. (Adobe Stock)

SD hopes new platform 'connects the dots' for community wellness

South Dakota has a higher-than-national-average rate for certain health indicators, such as high blood pressure in adults. State officials hope an …

According to the new Census of Agriculture, the total number of farms with more than $1 million in sales has gone up by 36 percent. Advocates said such growth squeezes out smaller producers. (Adobe Stock)

New data illustrates decline of thriving farm communities

The nation has seen its total number of farmers and farmland decrease over the past five years and advocates for smaller producers in South Dakota sai…

The Internal Revenue Service reported roughly 80% of tax returns in the U.S. are now filed electronically. (Adobe Stock)

SD tax filers to benefit from free IRS project

In the coming weeks, South Dakotans will be given a chance to file their taxes online directly with the Internal Revenue Service at no cost. Plans …

The American Heart Association says 2,552 deaths from total cardiovascular disease occur each day in the United States. (Adobe Stock)

New data show disconnect in understanding heart disease risks

As American Heart Month gets underway this Thursday, experts are trying to create more awareness in South Dakota and elsewhere. But they're …

Economic data show while consumer prices have increased 20% since the fourth quarter of 2019, wages for a typical worker have grown by 23%. (Adobe Stock)

Analysis: Workers feel 'wage power,' but more support is needed

Workforce shortages are among the issues lawmakers might address in the new South Dakota legislative session. A new analysis of wage growth progress …

State health officials say it can take an ambulance 30 minutes to respond in South Dakota's more remote areas. That's why the health department is working with the American Heart Association to spur more communitywide readiness plans for when a resident experiences a heart attack. (Adobe Stock)

It takes a village, or a community, to respond to heart scares

Today is National Rural Health Day - and in South Dakota, some smaller communities are trying to become more "cardiac ready." Across rural America…

While inflation has eased, consumer advocates say certain food costs, for such staples as bread, remain high. (Adobe Stock)

SD Among States Working with Feds on Food Price Crackdown

South Dakota is part of a bipartisan effort among law enforcement leaders around the U.S. to crack down on anti-trust activity within the nation's …

In its warning about a new mailing scam with claims of an unclaimed refund, the IRS notes that it handles tax refunds, not

Scammers Go 'Old School' With IRS Mailing

The next time a scammer tries to target you, it might not be through a text message with a harmful link. The Internal Revenue Service says bad …

While there has been some backlash from customers, a number of states have adopted laws that allow dogs to be at outdoor restaurants, so long as they stay away from food preparation. (Adobe Stock)

Dining Out with Fido? Experts Have Tips to Keep Pets and Patrons Safe

May is National Pet Month, and South Dakota residents considering adoption are urged to do careful planning - while also making sure dogs can handle …

According to AARP, South Dakota has roughly 80,000 family caregivers. (Adobe Stock)

Report: SD Sees Big Jump in Economic Value of Unpaid Care

A new report says the efforts of unpaid family caregivers in South Dakota have an economic value of $1.4 billion. The latest estimate from AARP is …

Last year, nearly half of new stores that opened in the U.S. were chain dollar stores, according to a new report from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance. (Adobe Stock)

Dollar Stores: A Heavy Decision for Rural South Dakota

Dollar-store chains are rapidly growing across the country, and a new report claims their expansion comes at a cost for underserved areas. Research …

In the past year, consumers saw the biggest inflation hike in 40 years, which took a bite out of grocery budgets. (Adobe Stock)

SD Enters Debate Mode on Grocery Tax Repeal

A South Dakota legislative committee has begun discussions on a plan to repeal the state's grocery tax. It has been a politically divisive issue …

Fire-safety experts recommend keeping space heaters at least three feet away from things that can burn, such as paper, bedding or furniture. (Adobe Stock)

With Heating Costs Up, SD Residents Reminded About Safety

After the calendar flips to December, South Dakota will see the return of colder temperatures during a period of higher natural-gas costs. Fire …

Americans received roughly 50 billion automated phone calls in 2021, and about 42% were placed by scammers, according to the National Consumer Law Center. (Adobe Stock)

New Nationwide Battle Against Robocalls Includes South Dakota

South Dakota is joining a nationwide effort to crack down on illegal robocalls. Along with attorneys general from 49 other states, South Dakota has …

A new national study says the average cardiovascular health score - out of a possible 100 - was 64.7 for U.S. adults and 65.5 for children. (Adobe Stock)

New Study: Most Americans' Hearts Not in Great Shape

Good heart health is associated with avoiding a range of medical issues. But new research shows only one in five Americans has optimal cardiovascular …

As of early May, the nationwide out-of-stock percentage for baby formula is 43%. (Adobe Stock)

Dos and Don'ts for SD Parents in Baby-Formula Shortage

South Dakota is among the states hardest hit by the lack of baby formula in stores. There is debate about the underlying factors, but one health …

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. (Adobe Stock)

Rural Hospitals Up Their Care Game for Stroke Patients

Despite a more challenging environment, rural hospitals still are finding ways to provide critical care. That includes stroke patients, and South …

In addition to providing more coverage to the uninsured, supporters of expanding Medicaid say it would act as a stimulus for South Dakota's economy. (Adobe Stock)

SD's Medicaid Expansion Campaign Pivots Back to Voters

The push to expand Medicaid in South Dakota took a brief detour to Pierre last week. Now that lawmakers have had their say, supporters are amplifying …

Those demanding beef market reform say there are not enough smaller processers for cattle ranchers to sell their product to, which reduces competition. (Adobe Stock)

Family Farm Advocates: Don't Go Small on Market Reform

HOLABIRD, S.D. -- If you've been to the supermarket lately, chances are you have noticed meat prices are higher. Family-farm advocates say profits …

When considering whether to buy something online, fraud prevention experts say you should look for red flags on websites or online ads, like spelling errors or a lack of a privacy policy. (Adobe Stock)

Scammers Don't Take a Holiday Break; Tips for Making Safe Purchases

ABERDEEN, S.D. -- Over the next few weeks, South Dakotans will be clicking the "purchase" button as they order holiday gifts online. Fraud experts …

A nonpartisan analysis says South Dakota government would have to pay for only a small percentage of Medicaid expansion costs, if approved by voters. (Adobe Stock)

Proposed Medicaid Expansion for SD Enters Next Phase

PIERRE, S.D. - The South Dakota Secretary of State today is expected to receive signatures from a campaign pushing for Medicaid expansion. The …

South Dakota health officials have been gathering public feedback as they craft a medical marijuana program. (Adobe Stock)

Medical Marijuana Era Begins in SD

PIERRE, S.D. - Today, medical marijuana technically becomes legal in South Dakota. Supporters say there's still a long way to go for most patients to …

High-speed internet access statewide in South Dakota is below the national average. (Adobe Stock)<br />

COVID-Relief Program Helps with Internet Bills

PIERRE, S.D. -- Even though the pandemic is easing, households are still trying to recover from the crisis, and to help, the Federal Communications …

Bumblebees can die or be rendered sterile by systemic pesticides present in flower pollen. (PANNA)

Working in the Garden? Don't Forget About Bee Safety

PIERRE, S.D. - Pollinator gardens are gaining popularity this spring, but some well-meaning gardeners may not realize they could be harming the …

Corporate watchdogs say some companies have been better than others at adapting to the threats of climate change. A shareholder nonprofit contends U.S. oil companies have been among the slowest to respond. (Adobe Stock)

Corporations Pressed to Adapt to Climate Change Threat

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - South Dakota is part of a multistate lawsuit over federal regulators being asked to weigh the costs of climate change on society …

South Dakota officials say most residents could be eligible for a COVID vaccine later this spring. But public-health experts worry that false claims about vaccines could deter some people from signing up. (Adobe Stock)

Expert: Dispelling False Claims About Vaccines Comes at Crucial Time

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - A number of states are moving closer to expanding COVID-19 vaccinations to their general populations. But public-health experts …

A new AARP report shows South Dakota long-term-care facilities are seeing alarming COVID-19 case numbers among residents and staff. The most recent four-week average for patient deaths was highest in the nation. (Adobe Stock)

Report: COVID Cases Surge in SD Long-Term Care

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - A leading group advocating for seniors has a new report about COVID cases in South Dakota nursing homes - and the findings paint …

This fall, 7,177 students are enrolled at South Dakota's four technical colleges. That compares with 7,122 in fall 2019. (Adobe Stock)

SD Trade Schools Seen as Opportunity During Crisis

PIERRE, S.D. -- South Dakota's public universities are showing an overall decline in enrollment this fall. But the student population for technical …

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that between 25 million and 30 million Americans live in

SD Group Plants "Edible Forests" to Address Food Deserts

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- A South Dakota nonprofit group is working to create "edible forests" to provide lower-income communities greater access to …

In states with spikes in coronavirus cases, some are rolling back reopening efforts. While South Dakota cases are relatively low by comparison, the state largely has avoided hard restrictions on the business community during the crisis. (Adobe Stock)

COVID-19: Brookings Vote Illustrates Divide Between Certain States, Cities

BROOKINGS, S.D. -- Most of South Dakota has been open for business during the latest phase of the pandemic. But one city has opted to extend business …

Unemployment fraud has proved costly in some states during the pandemic. For example, in Washington state, $650 million in jobless benefits were distributed to people filing false claims. (Adobe Stock)

Unemployment Fraud During Crisis Hinders Process for Legit Claims

PIERRE, S.D. -- The COVID-19 crisis has produced a number of other serious issues, and one is higher cases of unemployment fraud. Bogus claims have …

South Dakota's Department of Public Safety says 827 crashes across the state last year were attributed to distracted driving with an electronic device. (Adobe Stock)

SD Beefs Up Cell-Phone Driving Law; Research on Bans is Mixed

PIERRE, S.D. - As of this week, South Dakota is now enforcing its new distracted-driving law. Despite tougher measures across the U.S, researchers …

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, long-term care facilities account for nearly one-third of COVID-19 deaths in most states. (Adobe Stock)

SD Relatives of LTC Residents Urged to Seek Answers on COVID-19

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - On its website, South Dakota isn't including long-term care facilities in its COVID-19 case reporting. But health officials …

Prior to the pandemic, rural health care systems were already dealing with a variety of challenges, including hospital closures. (Adobe Stock)

Rural SD Hospitals Brace for Wave of COVID-19 Cases

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- Rural areas didn't initially see a lot of COVID-19 cases when the disease first began to surface in the U.S. But that has …

In addition to closed visitor centers, all interpretive programs at Badlands National Park are canceled amid the coronavirus. However, roads and trails are still open. (Adobe Stock)

COVID-19: Staff Members Concerned Nat'l. Parks Still Open

KEYSTONE, S.D. - The National Park Service has closed or restricted access at several sites, including in South Dakota, because of the coronavirus…

South Dakota residents drive across time zones to the state's largest cities, with Sioux Falls on Central time and Rapid City in the Mountain time zone. (enddistracteddriving.org)

SD's Round-the-Clock Debate Over Daylight Saving Time

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- Love "Daylight Saving Time" or hate it, a new study shows the annual transition boosts traffic accidents due to sleep …

The historic 1880s Grist Mlll in Milbank, S.D., was completely reconstructed in 2009. (Flickr) <br />

Milbank is SD's Newest "Age-Friendly" Community

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - In 10 years, one in five Americans will be 65 or older - and urban or rural, they want a livable community. The town of Milbank …

About 80% of the 24 million American households that do not have reliable, affordable high-speed internet are in rural areas, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (AARP.org)

Study: SD Voters 50-plus Want High-Speed Internet Expanded

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- Older adults in South Dakota want a level playing field with other states when it comes to high-speed internet service, …

Beef is the most imported meat in the United States, with about 3 billion pounds produced annually. (shutterbug75/Pixabay)

Is Your Hamburger Really a Product of the USA?

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - If you're someone who wants to know whether the beef or pork you're eating is a product of the USA, the new USMCA trade agreement …

Flooding across the Midwest in 2019 made this year's corn planting the longest delayed in U.S. history. (farmbureau.org)

Rising Bankruptcies, Possible 2020 Weather Woes Worry SD Farmers

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – With 2020 just around the corner, farmers across the Midwest hope Mother Nature and economic conditions will bring relief …

The Standing Rock Sioux Nation, where thousands of people protested installment of the Dakota Access oil pipeline in 2016, was once part of the Great Sioux Reservation. (MarkHefflinger/BoldNebraska.org)

Native Americans Continue Fight Over Oil Pipelines

RAPID CITY, S.D. – It's been three years since Native American communities attempted to block an oil pipeline in the Standing Rock protests…

South Dakota's median household income of $56,521 was $3,800 lower than the median U.S. household income in 2017, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. (commondreams.org)

SD's 2020 Minimum-Wage Hike Falls Short of 'Livable'

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Starting on Jan. 1, South Dakota's minimum wage will increase 20 cents - from $9.10 to $9.30 an hour. At the same time…

About one in three of the toy-related emergency room visits are associated with children between the ages of 1 and 5. (ohmydearlife/Pixabay)

Report: Unsafe Toys Still Lurk on Retail Shelves

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Choking hazards, loud sounds and hidden toxins are some of the dangers still lurking on toy shelves, according to a new …

Nearly 80% of all U.S. military veterans have been targeted by scammers, according to AARP. (Vadim2406/Pixabay)

Veterans Day Comes with a Warning About Fraud

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Military veterans are gathering across the country for ceremonies that honor their service, but scam artists may use the …

Possession of even a small amount of marijuana in South Dakota carries a potential penalty of a year in jail and a $2,000 fine. (National Conference of State Legislatures)

Deadline Looms for SD Cannabis Measures to Make 2020 Ballot

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – A group that advocates legalizing medical marijuana in South Dakota has until October 31 to collect enough signatures for …

Retail prices for widely used prescription drugs increased more than the general inflation rate in 2017 for the 12th year in a row, according to a new AARP Public Policy Institute report. (kalhh/Pixabay)

SD Seniors Put Heat on Lawmakers for Lower Drug Prices

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Seniors and other South Dakotans are awaiting prescription drug pricing legislation that would allow the federal government …

Ten percent of South Dakota's campsites were unavailable in 2019 because of conditions created after severe spring flooding. (Nate Wek/listen.sdpb.org)

SD Seeks Comments on Proposed Fee Increases at State Parks

PIERRE, S.D. — South Dakota parks saw a decrease in usage this year because of spring flood damage. And now state residents are being asked to …

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