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Saturday, May 18, 2024

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Public News Service - Friday Update
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4 dead as severe storms hit Houston, TX; Election Protection Program eases access to voting information; surge in solar installations eases energy costs for Missourians; IN makes a splash for Safe Boating Week.

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2024 Talks - May 17, 2024
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The Supreme Court rules funding for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is okay, election deniers hold key voting oversight positions in swing states, and North Carolina lawmakers vote to ban people from wearing masks in public.

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The Yonder Report - May 16, 2024

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Americans are buying up rubber ducks ahead of Memorial Day, Nebraskans who want residential solar have a new lifeline, seven community colleges are working to provide students with a better experience, and Mississippi's "Big Muddy" gets restoration help.

Kathleen Shannon

Reporter

Kathleen Shannon (she/her) is an audio producer and writer who’s reported in camouflage, wildland fire pants, crampons and other specialized gear. She has worked at Montana Public Radio, KDNK Community Radio in Colorado and has done freelance reporting, producing and editing for various podcasts. She earned her MA in Environmental Science and Natural Resource Journalism from the University of Montana in Missoula, where she still lives and explores the mountains.


Honors and Awards: 2022 Crown Reporting Fellow, 2020 Award of Excellence from the Colorado Broadcasters Association

Languages Spoken: English

Topic Expertise: climate, Tribal issues, wildlife management, public lands, food systems, housing, agriculture, MMIW

Local Expertise: Rocky Mountain Region

Location: Missoula, MT

Demographic Expertise: rural, Tribal nations

CONTACT

Latest Work

Recent statewide figures look promising, but homelessness in South Dakota has risen more than 120% since 2007, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (Adobe Stock)

Sioux Falls programs address rising homeless population

Homelessness in South Dakota may be down overall, but the state's urban areas are an exception. New programs in Sioux Falls aim to address it…

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Refugees arriving via the Uniting for Ukraine program must secure support from a local sponsor to resettle in South Dakota. (Adobe Stock)

SD refugee resettlement spiked in 2023

South Dakota ranks fifth in the nation for its rate of refugee resettlements per capita and the rate increased dramatically in the last year…

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A well-designed riparian buffer can prevent 80% of excess nutrients from entering rivers and streams. (Adobe Stock)

Most SD surface waters fall below state quality standards

There are nearly 150,000 miles of rivers and streams in South Dakota, but new data show many of those don't meet state standards for safe water …

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In a 2018 survey by the Native American Voting Rights Coalition, 32% of respondents not registered to vote in South Dakota said long distances to travel for registration were prohibitive. (Adobe Stock)

Ballot dropbox ban a barrier in SD primary

South Dakota's June 4 primary will be the first national election here since ballot dropboxes were banned in 2023. It is one of 12 states to ban …

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South Dakota ranks 40th in the country for per-student spending, at $12,549 annually. (Robert Peak/ Adobe Stock)

Despite increase, SD teacher salary among lowest in the country

It's Teacher Appreciation Week, and there's some mixed news when it comes to how well South Dakota is compensating its teachers. According to the …

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Some groups see disproportionately high rates of suicide, including veterans, racial and ethnic minority groups, people with disabilities and LGBTQIA+ people. (Adobe Stock)

Experts spotlight youth mental health, suicide prevention

Rates of suicide among young people have increased by about 36% in roughly the last two decades and the surge has caught the attention of federal poli…

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It is estimated the Wild Springs Solar Project in New Underwood, South Dakota, will offset 190,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year. (Adobe Stock)

Solar projects underway in South Dakota

The construction of more solar farms in the U.S. has been contentious but a new survey shows their size makes a difference in whether solar projects …

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During what is known as the Medicaid post-pandemic

Report: SD Medicaid expansion enrollment remains low

Last year's Medicaid expansion in South Dakota increased eligibility to another 51,000 adults but a new report showed among people across the state wh…

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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)

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 …

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In 2019, South Dakota ranked lowest in the nation for average Medicaid base payments made to nursing facilities, covering just 60% of the daily costs of care. (Adobe Stock)

Nursing homes get a boost from SD Legislature

Nursing homes across South Dakota will soon receive a boost in support, as part of the most recent legislative session. Facilities caring for …

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