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Tuesday, March 19, 2024

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SD public defense duties shift from counties to state; SCOTUS appears skeptical of restricting government communications with social media companies; Trump lawyers say he can't make bond; new scholarships aim to connect class of 2024 to high-demand jobs.

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The SCOTUS weighs government influence on social media, and who groups like the NRA can do business with. Biden signs an executive order to advance women's health research and the White House tells Israel it's responsible for the Gaza humanitarian crisis.

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Midwest regenerative farmers are rethinking chicken production, Medicare Advantage is squeezing the finances of rural hospitals and California's extreme swing from floods to drought has some thinking it's time to turn rural farm parcels into floodplains.

SD: Criminal Justice

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)

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

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…

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In 2020, the University of South Dakota became the latest academic institution to develop a graduate-level studies program, inspired by the Zero Abuse Project, that gives students a more realistic experience in responding to child maltreatment cases. (Adobe Stock)
SD Sees Progress in Boosting Training for Child-Abuse Case Workers

A South Dakota academic program that enhances training for those who respond to child abuse and neglect cases is gaining momentum. In the past …

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A new national study says rates of online childhood sexual abuse are particularly high for girls at 23% compared to 7% for boys. (Adobe Stock)
Internet Task Forces Balance Tips, Tech Hurdles in Protecting Kids

South Dakota investigators say they're carrying heavy caseloads dealing with internet crimes against children. There's hope new research and pressure …

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South Dakota's Pine Ridge Reservation has its own Public Safety Department to uphold tribal and federal law. (Adobe Stock)
SCOTUS Decision Prompts Concerns about Tribal Sovereignty

Tribal advocates are closely analyzing the potential impact of a new U.S. Supreme Court ruling dealing with state investigations of certain crimes on …

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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 …

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Juvenile justice reform advocates in South Dakota say a lack of resources for diversion programs in some counties has created unintended consequences for a system overhaul several years ago. (Adobe Stock)
SD to Revisit Juvenile Justice Reform

This summer, South Dakota lawmakers are looking at a range of issues tied to the state's correctional system. That includes another dive into efforts …

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Supporters of a South Dakota bill to remove petty marijuana convictions from a person's criminal background check have noted that a majority of arrests involve young adults, and that a single offense can hurt their ability to eventually get a job. (Adobe Stock)
After Veto, SD Will Keep Minor Pot Convictions Permanent

South Dakota has seen many debates over marijuana policy in recent years. The latest surrounds removal of past convictions for certain offenders…

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South Dakota is looking to join neighboring states in broadening the language under laws dealing with criminal sexual contact. (Adobe Stock)
SD Looks to Bolster Law Surrounding Sexual Contact

A few words not included in South Dakota's law dealing with criminal sexual contact came to light in a recent investigation, and now, child-…

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A body of research has found frequent family visits and phone calls to someone who's incarcerated not only reduces recidivism, but also strengthens family relationships. (Adobe Stock)
Family Visits for People in Jail Seen as Key to Success

As holiday celebrations continue, groups that study issues in prisons say families with a loved one who's incarcerated should make attempts to …

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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 …

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If South Dakota's attorney general is removed from office, it would be the first time in state history that a state official would be impeached. (Adobe Stock)
SD Political Expert: Public Confused by AG's Status

PIERRE, S.D. -- Government accountability is part of the debate surrounding South Dakota's attorney general, who faces pressure to resign over a …

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South Dakota is one of 25 states that still allow the death penalty. (Adobe Stock)
Advocates of Scaling Back Death Penalty in SD Vow to Continue

PIERRE, S.D. -- The South Dakota Senate has rejected a measure that would have limited the scope of the death penalty. Supporters felt the latest …

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