South Dakota News & Current Events

Groups tracking campaign spending said nearly $16 billion was spent on federal races in the 2024 election. (Adobe Stock)

Pending SCOTUS arguments reignite thorny issue of campaign spending

The U.S. Supreme Court will consider arguments about removing spending caps between national political parties and individual candidates and …

The national organization RAINN says DNA evidence is a critical factor in achieving justice for survivors of sexual violence, but there are still challenges in the way evidence is collected, stored, tracked and used to hold perpetrators accountable. (Adobe Stock)

SD eyes possible reforms involving sexual assault kits

When South Dakota's new budget kicks in this week, there will be money to address potential funding shortfalls for rape kits. At the same time…

While South Dakota has removed a language barrier for obtaining a driver's license, it also raised the standard license fee by $10. Cost is one of many obstacles New Americans encounter as they to create stability in their new settings. (Adobe Stock)

SD removes driver's license barrier for New Americans

Starting Tuesday, South Dakota will allow interpreters to accompany driver's license applicants who have limited English proficiency during the road …

During Pride Month, LGBTQ+ organizations say it's important to draw a distinction between businesses that openly express support for the community and those releasing statements of solidarity but failing to be an ally throughout the year. (Adobe Stock)

LGBTQ+ organizations in SD team up to land more business allies

As Pride Month winds down, LGBTQ+ support groups in South Dakota said they are strengthening a resource tool detailing which businesses are willing …

According to federal data, SNAP benefits cover 34,000 children and 9,000 seniors in South Dakota. (Adobe Stock)

SD food bank: We're stretched too thin to absorb SNAP cuts

Federal data show roughly 75,000 South Dakota households rely on SNAP benefits to put food on the table and hunger-fighting groups paint a troubling p…

Medical organizations said the effects of Alzheimer's are projected to rise in states like South Dakota and families should be more in tune with potential issues facing their loved one, including money management. (Adobe Stock)

Money management skills focus of new dementia research

June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month and new research examined the connection between dementia and awareness about money management skills…

The nonpartisan think tank Energy Innovation finds current language in the House budget reconciliation bill would shrink annual GDP in South Dakota by $24 million in 2030 and $50 million in 2035. (Adobe Stock) <br />

House reconciliation bill risks job losses, higher energy bills in SD

A new analysis of what Congressional lawmakers have dubbed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act found it would eliminate thousands of jobs in South Dakota a…

The Annie E. Casey Foundation's latest Kids Count Data Book showed more than 31,000 South Dakota <br />children are living below the federal poverty level. (Adobe Stock)

South Dakota slides in latest child well-being ranking

South Dakota has fallen five spots in an annual national ranking that summarizes child well-being data. At 26th in the nation, policy experts pointed …

Health experts said if you spot a tick on your body, you need to remove it immediately to avoid getting infected with Lyme disease or something similar. Using tweezers is strongly recommended in the removal process. (Adobe Stock)

Calling all citizen scientists in SD to stomp out tick-borne diseases

With summer here, nature trails and other outdoor spots are calling and while reminding South Dakotans about preventing tick bites, public health …

Industry reports show South Dakota has more than 1,800 wind-energy jobs. (Adobe Stock)

With wind energy at its back, SD tech school resumes training program

Meeting America's future energy demands requires big decisions by utilities and policymakers about the best way to do it. A South Dakota technical …

In a Johns Hopkins University poll from last fall, nearly half of the U.S. electorate indicated they felt members of the opposing party aren't just wrong for politics - they're

Charting a new path for healthy political discourse in SD

In South Dakota and across the country, groups are working to help tone down the nation's heated political rhetoric. And experts are debating whether …

Many state governments just wrapped up their legislative sessions with new spending plans in place. Policy experts say they may soon have to make significant adjustments if Congress approves a budget with major overhauls for programs such as SNAP and Medicaid. (Adobe Stock)

Under House GOP budget, are states ready for the extra costs?

A budget plan taking shape in Congress is getting attention for tax cuts and reductions for safety-net programs. Policy experts in South Dakota also …

According to the South Dakota Department of Health, 65% of EMS agencies in the state serve populations of 3,000 or fewer. (Adobe Stock)

SD rural ambulance providers still in need of lifeline

National EMS Week is underway, and South Dakota ambulance providers serving smaller towns and cities say they're barely getting by, with aging crews …

$According to reporting from Sentient, a tiny fraction of farmland is for organic production but because demand is high for those types of goods, there is concern the amount of land use required for organic farming could further harm the environment. (Adobe Stock)$

Is organic food more sustainable? It’s complicated

By Dawn Attride for Sentient.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Greater Dakota News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaborati…

According to the Community HealthCare Association of the Dakotas, Medicaid covers about 30% of children, many people with disabilities, and one in two nursing-home residents. (Adobe Stock)

Medicaid cuts come into focus, with unique challenges possible for SD

The Congressional Budget Office estimates roughly 8 million people could lose Medicaid coverage under a new House Republican plan. There are renewed …

The National Wildlife Federation said managed grazing is one of the top conservation practices used by South Dakota farmers and ranchers. (Adobe Stock)

Poll, online map show conservation is 'big win' for SD farmers

A new mapping tool shows South Dakota is a big player on the farm conservation scene. The online feature coincides with a new poll, revealing most …

SD health center's art collection is medicine to its community

By Frankie (Amy) Felegy for Arts Midwest.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Greater Dakota News Service reporting for the Arts Midwest-Public News Ser…

Between the 2023-2024 school year and this year, average annual teacher pay in South Dakota increased by more than $3,000. (Adobe Stock)

SD makes noticeable jump in teacher pay rankings. Can it last?

New national rankings out this week show South Dakota jumped a few spots higher in teacher pay for each state. However, there are questions about …

The Trevor Project estimated more than 1.8 million LGBTQ+ young people in the United States seriously consider suicide each year. They warn more lives would be at risk if the White House is allowed to cut specialized services under the 988 crisis line. (Adobe Stock)

LGBTQ+ youth advocates want crisis line shielded from federal budget ax

LGBTQ+ advocates in South Dakota are reeling from passage of another state law they said harms their community. Now, there is concern possible …

Jenny Graham, right, rehearses for her upcoming part in

In SD, actors expand the stage, changing how people see disability

By Frankie (Amy) Felegy for Arts Midwest.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News Connection reporting for the Arts Midwest-Public News Servi…

With funding from Congress, the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System is new a wholesale provider of <br />cleaner water to 20 member cities and rural water systems in three states, including South Dakota. Local leaders said it is a good example of effective federal investments. (Photo courtesy of MN DOH)

SD communities say federal aid isn't 'waste' to them

CORRECTION: This web-version of the story initially listed Rep. Dusty Johnson as "Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-N.D." It has since been corrected to reflect …

Conservation voices said when European settlers first arrived in South Dakota, 96% of the state was grassland but today only around 50% of the original native grasslands remain. (Adobe Stock)

SD grassland enthusiasts hope for a native plant rebirth

April is National Native Plant Month, an observance at the core of South Dakota's identity. People wanting to protect the state's beloved grasslands …

Advocates for greater enforcement of a longstanding antitrust law say the lack of fairness in consumer prices often originates from the wholesale market, arguing box stores have too much leverage. (Adobe Stock)

Wanna help the little guy? SD grocery owner says make use of old law

The latest trade war under the Trump administration is stirring debate about whether tariffs are effective, and a South Dakota business is arguing a 1…

Organizations like the Main Street Alliance said growing uncertainty, including fallout from actions by the Trump administration, have left small businesses in a holding pattern, making it hard to hire staff or plan expansions. (Adobe Stock)

Rural SD businesses keep dodging arrows, including tariffs, to stay open

Main Street businesses in South Dakota are playing what some describe as a "scramble game" in the fast-changing and challenging U.S. economy…

In 2024, according to American Clean Power, the renewable-energy industry in South Dakota had a workforce of 2,700 people. (Adobe Stock)

For SD, wind energy means jobs, not just spinning turbines

South Dakota's new governor is making an active pitch regarding economic opportunities for the state. The renewable-energy sector said it continues …

Midwest researchers say a deduction in the 2017 federal tax cut law has boosted the economic activity generated by agriculture cooperatives. In 2022, they say it led to $1.25 billion in economic impact in South Dakota, North Dakota, and Minnesota. (Adobe Stock)

SD research: Power of ag co-ops intersects with controversial tax law

A new study says agriculture co-ops are a strong economic force in states like South Dakota - but their future is murky, because of federal tax cuts …

The Prison Policy Initiative reported South Dakota has an incarceration rate of 812 per 100,000 people. There are renewed calls for policymakers to stick with effective reform efforts, hopefully reducing the number of repeat offenders. (Adobe Stock)

Getting a read on SD's incarceration woes and improving re-entry

Setting aside funding for a new South Dakota prison is a thorny issue for state lawmakers this year. There is also renewed talk about the state's …

As part of the Trump administration's budget-cutting moves, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has eliminated $1 billion in programs connecting local producers with food banks and school lunch programs. (Adobe Stock)

USDA cuts could halt progress of SD local food scene

South Dakota farmers leading the "locally grown" movement have visions of a dynamic regional food production system but some of it is in doubt with lo…

A new land agreement in South Dakota expands the presence of Newton Hills State Park. Conservation voices said the surrounding wilderness is home to the only oak species native to the state, the bur oak, which is resilient to extreme hot and cold temperatures. (Photo courtesy of Conservation Fund)

Future murky for public lands, but SD has a success story

For decades to come, South Dakotans can make use of an expanded wilderness in the southeastern part of the state, as a new land deal will keep …

Climate experts say drought can reduce both the availability and quality of water necessary for productive farms, and can also lead to insect outbreaks. (Adobe Stock)

SD farmer flexes drought-fighting muscle in face of dry conditions

The South Dakota region has seen some wet weather in recent days, but the entire state is still in varying levels of drought status. That has …

From data centers to clean-energy projects to factory farms, rural communities are being asked to shoulder a number of key projects factoring into how society functions, potentially leading to a major dynamic shift in how local residents organize their response. (Adobe Stock)

Power of rural organizing reflected in SD carbon pipeline law

The future of a big carbon capture project in the Midwest was thrown off balance after a new South Dakota law was adopted. Rural property owners made …

The Universal Service Fund, currently before the U.S. Supreme Court, provided more than $4 billion to carriers nationwide in 2023 to connect households in the nation's most rural communities. (Adobe Stock)

SCOTUS to decide future of fund seen as lifeline for rural broadband

Later this month, on March 26, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments in a case that challenges the constitutionality of a federal fund that aids …

Higher petition signature requirements are among the many changes South Dakota Republicans are pushing for citizen-led ballot initiatives. (Adobe Stock)

Rule changes sought for SD citizen-backed ballot questions

A South Dakota Senate committee considers several bills today to overhaul rules for getting citizen-led measures on the ballot. The proposals are …

According to a new national report, businesses are responding to a patchwork of abortion bans across the country, with some offering relocation assistance and expanded benefits amid a backlash against tighter restrictions. (Adobe Stock)

New findings: State workforces suffer when abortion restrictions tighten

The 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn federal abortion protections continues to be felt. New research now suggests states where bans have …

U.S. beef producers face increased global competition and advocates for smaller livestock farms said tools like truth in labeling bring a level of fairness. (Adobe Stock)

Mandatory 'Made in USA' labeling for beef gets another look

Spring is around the corner, and as Midwesterners might be dreaming about firing up their grills and stocking up for barbecues, there is a renewed …

The U.S. Energy Information Administration said after nearly two decades of stagnation, electricity demand is starting to grow and is not expected to slow at all in the coming years. (Adobe Stock)

As electricity demand soars, U.S. urged to find power grid consensus

South Dakota is cited in a new report which argues to avoid an energy crisis, America needs to have a shared vision of what a strong power grid looks …

Through a legislative proposal, South Dakota agriculture officials are trying to generate an extra $350,000 in permitting fees, so they can maintain oversight of concentrated animal feeding operations. (Adobe Stock)

South Dakota poised to boost fees that help regulate CAFOs

Rural communities in the U.S. remain at the center of debate about the growing presence of large livestock operations. South Dakota lawmakers are …

With the inclusion of workforce certificates and certifications, South Dakota's overall rate of educational attainment has increased by 16.9% since 2009. (Adobe Stock)

Degree attainment numbers in SD look good; more progress sought

South Dakota has made notable progress in boosting the number of working-age adults who hold a degree or credential beyond high school. That's …

A new study looking at drought impacts on grasslands found that such lands in China saw a 43% reduction in annual productivity, compared with just a 25% reduction in North America under the same conditions. (Adobe Stock)

SD grasslands might be more vulnerable to drought than other regions

Grasslands are considered a vital component of South Dakota's landscape. But on the heels of new research, an expert suggests they might not fare as …

Ted Blakey (right) has long been admired for his civil rights work in South Dakota. State historians are hoping to get more artifacts related to Blakey and other prominent Black figures donated as they continue with a museum renovation. (African American Registry)

Short on artifacts, SD historians ask for help recognizing Black trailblazers

Events for Black History Month are being held around the U.S. In South Dakota, leaders of the state's main history museum, which is currently under …

Opponents of a South Dakota bill that would require the Ten Commandments be posted in all public school classrooms say it would be an unfunded mandate. (Adobe Stock)

'Ten Commandments' in public schools debate reaches South Dakota

A South Dakota House committee takes up a controversial bill today that would require all school districts in the state to display the Ten Commandment…

Hundreds of protesters, worried about the barrage of executive orders signed by President Donald Trump, gathered at Michigan's state Capitol Wednesday. Similar demonstrations were held across the country. (Photo courtesy of Kelsey Brianne)

Initial Trump actions spark nationwide protests

In rural states such as South and North Dakota and large urban centers around the U.S., protests were held Wednesday amid fears about the first wave …

According to the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress, only 29% of eighth grade students in South Dakota reached the proficient level for reading. (Adobe Stock)

Solutions sought with lack of big turnaround in student test scores

South Dakota saw mixed results in a new national report measuring academic progress. Key voices in the world of education hope troubling trends seen …

Research firms said staffing shortages and not enough technology upgrades are making it harder for state and local governments to keep up with fraudsters eyeing services funded by taxpayers. (Adobe Stock)

SD among states debating tricky issue of combating government fraud

A South Dakota legislative committee Monday debated proposals designed to help combat government fraud and there were clear differences of opinion on …

Even in a digital age, advocates for public libraries say branches continue to prove their worth, including online databases for research, as well as free Wi-Fi in areas with broadband gaps. (Adobe Stock)

SD library services on state budget chopping block

South Dakota lawmakers will soon resume debate on a budget-cutting plan targeting library services within the state. Legislative committees are …

Larger livestock operations have become a flashpoint in Midwestern states, with backers saying they are modernized to feed the world at lower costs. But some local communities and environmentalists remain skeptical, with air and water quality concerns. (Adobe Stock)

SD pushes to keep certain CAFO details nearly out of reach

Larger livestock operations can be a thorny issue in rural areas and South Dakota lawmakers are proposing restricting feedlot details with more commun…

Policy experts say rural residents tend to have lower incomes and less access to employer-sponsored health coverage, making programs such sa Medicaid a more prominent option for health insurance. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Rural America would feel pain of deep Medicaid cuts

Congressional Republicans are taking a hard look at Medicaid as they pursue spending cuts and a new report shows how the public health program is prev…

Federal incentives are being offered for carbon capture projects, including a multistate pipeline proposal for the Midwest involving ethanol emissions. However, skeptics said the project's designs are too big for unproven technology. (Adobe Stock)

Carbon pipeline and landowner rights take their seat again in SD's capitol

South Dakota lawmakers begin a new legislative session today and are already hearing from worried landowners about their rights as a private company k…

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