Public News Service

The Brookings Institution, a nonpartisan research group, gave South Dakota a

Monday, September 16, 2024

SD voting advocates hope to avoid ballot challenges seen in primary

Just a few months after some South Dakota absentee ballots were illegally challenged, officials are concerned slow mail delivery could affect …

Group proposes changes, encourages use of Indigenous SD education standards

A team of educators and supporters recently proposed changes to South Dakota's framework for Indigenous education, making the lessons more accessible …

According to a 2022 Government Accountability Office report, 18% of people on Tribal lands did not have access to broadband internet, compared to only 4% in non-Tribal areas. (Adobe Stock)

‘Tension, confusion’ around broadband access in Indian Country

Some federal incentives to bring internet access to Indian Country neglected to require tribal participation, according to a new report. The Federal …

More than one in three local election officials have experienced threats, harassment or abuse, according to a recent Brennan Center poll. (Lorie Shaull, Flickr)

More power to SD poll watchers this Election Day

A new South Dakota law will give poll watchers in the state more power on Election Day. Some say that could interfere with voting. A bill passed in …

About 25% of people covered by Medicare in 2023 used a telehealth service that year, according to data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (Jeff Bergen/Adobe Stock)

Clock ticking on Medicare telehealth provisions

Telehealth has been key to health care in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic but some of the flexibilities for this type of care for Medicare patients …

The U.S. government recognized the Black Hills as part of the Great Sioux Reservation in the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie. The Black Hills Forest Reserve was established in 1897 and transferred to the U.S. Forest Service in 1905. (R. Blauert, Wikimedia Commons)

Black Hills Visitor Center under new joint tribal, federal oversight

The Black Hills National Forest is one of the latest federal lands to enter a co-stewardship agreement with local tribal nations-a management model en…

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…

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 …

South Dakota ranks 49th in the country for its contribution to indigent legal defense costs, according to a 2023 report from the Indigent Legal Services Task Force. (Adobe Stock)

SD public defense duties shift from counties to state

South Dakota is creating an Office of Indigent Legal Services after House Bill 1057 passed the Legislature with nearly unanimous support this month…

Civic engagement groups like Common Cause say greater transparency and education about redistricting could spur more public interest, including how shifts in the political boundaries impact how much funding a community receives from state Legislatures, like the one in South Dakota. (Adobe Stock)

South Dakota gets 'C-plus' grade for redistricting

A non-partisan political group is out with state-by-state grades for recent redistricting efforts, including South Dakota. Common Cause gives South …

In South Dakota, a voter registration form with an original signature has to be received by a county auditor's office 15 days before Election Day. (Adobe Stock)

Voting in SD: How does change of address affect registration?

When it comes to elections, all eyes are on the 2024 vote. Civic-engagement groups in South Dakota are trying to make sure people needing help with …

Several groups representing Native American college students say the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to largely remove affirmative action from college admissions is

SCOTUS Ruling on College Admissions Felt by Tribal Education Leaders

Advocates for underrepresented college students continue to assess the fallout from last week's U.S. Supreme Court decision dealing with affirmative …

Some 20 states have passed laws that either ban or restrict gender-affirming care for transgender youth. (Adobe Stock)

What's Next for SD After Ruling on Arkansas' Gender-Affirming Care Ban?

South Dakota's ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth is scheduled to go into effect on July 1. But opponents are looking into what the …

George Floyd's murder brought such issues as generational wealth disparities to the forefront. Even prior to his death, awareness was growing in Midwestern states about a host of racial disparities, including economic. (Adobe Stock)

Wealth Grants Surface for Descendants of Slavery in North Central States

The upcoming Juneteenth holiday marks the kickoff of a new wealth building grant program for Black residents who are decedents of slavery in a few nor…

According to the National Education Association, there's been a 2% increase in the average public school teacher salary across the country. (Adobe Stock)

In SD, Complexities Surround Teacher Appreciation Week

Teacher Appreciation Week is underway. In South Dakota, there's a mixed outlook from educators on whether they feel supported. Coinciding with this …

Among other things, a new Minnesota law prohibits the enforcement of child removal requests from another state if a family travels to Minnesota in pursuit of gender-affirming care. (Adobe Stock)

SD's Neighbor Prepares to Serve as 'Trans Refuge' State

A new report found more than half of transgender youth in the U.S. have lost -- or are at risk of losing -- access to gender-affirming health care…

South Dakota is among a half-dozen states that currently have a

Backers of 'Open Primary' Plan for SD Continue Petition Rollout

In the coming months, South Dakotans will see outreach about some big changes potentially being ushered into the state's primary elections. This …

South Dakota's LGBTQ population is roughly 25,000 people, but advocates say harmful rhetoric in the current political climate prevents some community members from being open about their gender or sexual identity. (Adobe Stock)

SD LGBTQ Voices on Colorado Shooting: 'It's a Thin Line'

The LGBTQ community continues to mourn those killed at a shooting at a Colorado nightclub over the weekend. In South Dakota, advocates said such …

Over the past year, several polls have indicated a majority of South Dakotans support Medicaid expansion. (Adobe Stock)

Tribal Health Expert Discusses Medicaid Expansion in SD

In less than a week, South Dakota will learn whether voters support expanding Medicaid, where a researcher said approval would especially help tribal …

Educators from across South Dakota say newly proposed social studies standards might help students memorize facts for tests but will not help them develop critical-thinking skills for the outside world. (Adobe Stock)

SD Holds First Public Hearing in Social Studies Standards Debate

A South Dakota education panel has kicked off the public-hearing phase in the state's latest effort to update social studies standards. Many …

Planned Parenthood in Minnesota says it is bracing for an influx of patients from the Dakotas. (Fibonacci Blue/Adobestock)

Special SD Legislative Session Planned on Abortion Policy

The South Dakota state Legislature is expected to convene in a special session to reassess abortion laws. Gov. Kristi Noem vowed to call the special …

South Dakota will soon transition to a temporary state Attorney General following the impeachment and removal of Jason Ravnsborg. (Adobe Stock)

SD Political Expert: Attorney General's Removal Reflects Public Will

On the heels of Tuesday's removal of South Dakota's attorney general, a political expert says it appears lawmakers followed through on what voters …

In addition to substandard training facilities, last year's NCAA college basketball tournament further exposed other resource gaps for women's teams, including meals and 'swag bags' players receive. (Adobe Stock)

Women's Sports Advocates: Wedge Issues Aren't What We Need

This weekend, the University of South Dakota's women's basketball team continues its magical run in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (…

This spring, voters in Sioux Falls will be deciding a new mayor as well as city council races. (Adobe Stock)

Importance of Local Elections Highlighted in SD

On April 12, municipalities across South Dakota will be holding local elections. A statewide group is encouraging participation through an outreach …

Plaintiffs in a lawsuit say despite an initial court filing last year, the State of South Dakota has yet to correct their concerns about voter-registration obstacles for Native Americans. (Adobe Stock)

Lawsuit Over SD Native American Voter Registration Continues

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- In Congress, efforts are underway to boost the voting rights of Native Americans. It coincides with an ongoing lawsuit in South …

An annual well-being report says South Dakota has seen worsening child obesity numbers over the past decade. (Adobe Stock)

SD Ranks Near Middle for Child Well-Being

PIERRE, S.D. -- A mixed bag of news can be found for South Dakota in the latest report measuring child wellbeing in the U.S. As families emerge from …

A new Gallup survey shows more than 60% of Americans say they know

Juneteenth Declared National Holiday, Amidst Progress, Upheaval

PIERRE, S.D. -- Juneteenth National Independence Day is now an official holiday, after President Joe Biden signed a bill Thursday, approved by both …

In addition to her historic role in President Joe Biden's Cabinet, Rep. Deb Haaland, D-N.M., made history in being one of the first two Native American women elected to Congress in 2018. (House.gov)

Haaland's Confirmation Cheered by SD Tribal Leader

LOWER BRULE, S.D. -- The U.S. government now has its first Native American serving in a Cabinet leadership post. Rep. Deb Haaland, D-N.M., was …

Even though previous efforts have run into roadblocks, transgender advocates in South Dakota say they're tired of having to fight legislation they view as hostile toward their community. (Adobe Stock)

Transgender Birth Certificate Bill Called Discriminatory

PIERRE, S.D. - Advocates for the transgender community continue to speak out against a bill that would block South Dakotans from changing the sex …

According to some national polls, almost half of U.S. adults don't appear eager to get a COVID-19 vaccine when it's available, mainly out of safety concerns. But health officials say some of these doses could be nearly 95% effective. (Adobe Stock)

SD Health-Care Group: Patience Needed for Vaccine Rollout

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - Federal officials are working with drug companies on novel coronavirus vaccines, some of which could be available this month for …

According to a recently approved settlement, five people will each get between $75,000 and $99,000 for unlawful drug testing ordered by a handful of law-enforcement agencies in South Dakota. (Adobe Stock)

Settlement Reached in SD Over Unlawful Drug Tests

RAPID CITY, S.D. -- A settlement tied to claims of unlawful drug tests issued by several South Dakota law-enforcement agencies has won approval in …

The land on which Mount Rushmore is located was taken from the Lakota Sioux by the U.S. government in the 1800s. (Adobe Stock)

Historical Pain Behind Mount Rushmore Renewed in 2020

KEYSTONE, S.D. -- President Donald Trump plans to hold a rally at Mount Rushmore later this week for Independence Day. But a number of Native …

Many educators say the recent protests over systemic racism should inspire more training for school teachers to discuss these issues in the classroom. (Adobe Stock)

Talking to Students About Systemic Racism

PIERRE, S.D. -- The killing of George Floyd by a police officer in Minneapolis has amplified calls for white people to openly discuss systemic racism…

Less than 2% of South Dakota's population is Black, and advocates for people of color say the lack of diversity is also reflected in state government, which can make it hard to address issues of race. (Adobe Stock)

Lack of Voices of Color Underscores SD Disparities

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- People across the country are protesting the killing of George Floyd by a Minnesota police officer. In South Dakota, some say …

As many as 75,000 Americans could die because of drug or alcohol misuse and suicide as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new study by Well Being Trust. (Adobe Stock)

Some Fear that Opioid Deaths Might Rebound During Pandemic

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- The coronavirus pandemic has pushed unemployment rates in many states to record highs, and health policy groups worry it could …

As states such as South Dakota lean more on absentee voting during the coronavirus pandemic, supporters of vote-by-mail say it could boost their case of carrying out a nationwide effort during the general election. (Adobe Stock)

As Primary Draws Closer, SD Seniors Encouraged to Use Absentee Ballot

PIERRE, S.D. -- South Dakota's primary election is less than two weeks away, along with many local contests. With the coronavirus pandemic a major …

Supporters of a bill banning labor unions at the state's public universities claim it would pave the way for professors who have more work experience outside of higher education. (Adobe Stock)

SD Poised to Become Latest State to Ban Faculty Unions

PIERRE, S.D. -- South Dakota's governor is expected to sign a bill that would ban faculty members at the state's public universities from any form of …

The South Dakota State Capitol is bracing for protests today from LGBT groups who oppose a bill restricting treatments for children who considering gender reassignment. (Sharon McCutcheon/Pixabay)

Bill Banning Transgender Treatment Advances to SD Senate

PIERRE, S.D. -- In her annual address last month, Gov. Kristi Noem stressed economic expansion and diversification, and the current spotlight on …

Cancer is a leading cause of death among American Indian populations, but palliative care in South Dakota is often a long drive from the state's Indian reservations. (aamc.org)

Expanding Palliative Care on South Dakota Reservations

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- Finding a balance between traditional customs and modern health care is the goal of a national research project in South Dakota…

The Keystone XL project, proposed to span 1,200 miles from the Montana-Canada border through South Dakota and Nebraska, is expected to draw protesters when construction begins. (JosueRivas/NDN Collective File)

Pipeline's Foes Mobilize after Anti-Protest Laws Fail

RAPID CITY, S.D. — Opponents to the proposed Keystone XL pipeline, expected to run north to south through South Dakota, are mobilizing again …

The South Dakota Legislature has so far rejected proposals to ban death sentences for people with serious mental illnesses. (worldcoalitionagainstthedeathpenalty.org)

Kahler v. Kansas Death Penalty Case Could Have Ramifications in SD

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – A pending U.S. Supreme Court ruling could impact a South Dakota case that shocked the Sioux Falls community in 2016…

South Dakota's new state law requiring public schools to display the motto,

'In God We Trust' Motto Greets Returning SD Students

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — The mandatory display of the motto "In God We Trust" will greet South Dakota students when they return to public schools on …

A Lakota man locks himself to construction equipment in 2016 to protest construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. (en.wikipedia.org)

Anti-Pipeline-Protest Bills Head to SD Governor's Desk

PIERRE, S.D. — Anti-pipeline-protest legislation that opponents say could chill free speech in South Dakota is on its way to Gov. Kristi Noem …

The 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre that left 250 Native American women and children dead is considered one of the most shameful episodes in U.S. history. (commons.wikimedia.org)

SD Group Wants Wounded Knee Medals Rescinded Over Trump Tweet

PIERRE, S.D. – A controversial tweet by President Donald Trump has led a Native American group to encourage Congress to rescind medals awarded …

Nearly 4 million U.S. children joined the rolls of those without health insurance in 2017, including 3,000 in South Dakota. (sdwic.org)

Number of SD Kids Without Health Insurance Soars

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – For the first time in a decade, the number of children without health coverage in the U.S. has gone up. According to a …

South Dakota, where early voting started on Sept. 21, is one of 37 states and the District of Columbia that offer voting without requiring an absentee excuse or justification. (nativevillage.org)

ACLU Offers Hotline Help for South Dakota Voters

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Like many other states, South Dakota is expecting a larger than normal voter turnout for tomorrow's midterms, and the ACLU …

South Dakota's prison population has increased by nearly 400 men and women over the past two years, according to the state's Corrections Commission. (doc.sd.gov)

New SD Billboards Call Attention to Incarceration Rates

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – A new billboard on a busy Sioux Falls street is part of the ACLU of South Dakota's Smart Justice reform campaign, ahead of …

South Dakota could save more than $6 million a year if it reclassified the charge of ingestion of a drug to a misdemeanor. It is currently a felony. (dantes1401/Twenty20)

Will South Dakota Elections Focus on Criminal Justice?

PIERRE, S.D. – What role will criminal justice reform play in South Dakota's elections this year? The ACLU of South Dakota says it should be a …

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SD: Social Justice