South Dakota News & Current Events

An estimated 48 million Americans are family caregivers, including about 90,000 South Dakotans. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, September 17, 2021

Backers of Caregivers' Credit Don't Want It Lost in D.C. Shuffle

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The pandemic is shining a new light on the burdens felt by family caregivers, and a bill in Congress would remove some of the …

Without guidance from states, education researchers say, incorporating 9/11 lesson plans can be a difficult balancing act for teachers. (Adobe Stock)

9/11 Curriculum Still Slowly Surfacing in Schools

PIERRE, S.D. -- South Dakota is in the process of updating social studies standards for public schools. It comes amid national conversation about 9/11…

Advocates say South Dakota has made progress in compensating teachers, but still lags behind neighboring states, including trailing North Dakota educators by $4,000 in annual salary. (Adobe Stock)

South Dakota Grapples with Teacher Shortage

BELLE FOURCHE, S.D. - Students across South Dakota are getting settled into the new school year, even as some districts still are trying to fill a …

In a Washington Post/Kaiser Family Foundation poll, nearly three in 10 healthcare workers said they were considering leaving the profession. (Adobe Stock)

SD Nurses: COVID Skepticism Eroding Trust from Patients

PIERRE, S.D. -- South Dakota is confronting another COVID-19 case surge, and a statewide organization for nurses said the latest phase could take a …

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 …

South Dakota's redistricting effort involves redrawing 35 legislative districts. Because it has only one seat in Congress, no federal maps are involved. (Adobe Stock)

Proposed Ballot Initiative Aims to End Gerrymandering in SD

PIERRE, S.D. - South Dakota lawmakers tasked with redrawing the state's legislative boundaries will soon meet following the release of census data …

The South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources recently estimated a majority of the state's waterways are "impaired" in terms of water quality. (Adobe Stock)

Infrastructure Bill Could Help with SD Water Quality

RAPID CITY, S.D. - Anyone hoping for a range of new infrastructure projects across America saw a major development this week, with the U.S. Senate …

Spearfish Creek in Black Hills National Forest. (Adobe Stock)

One Year Later, Great American Outdoors Act Put Into Action

PIERRE, S.D. -- Conservation groups and federal officials are cheering the first anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act, signed into law last …

In 2019, suicide was the ninth leading cause of death in South Dakota, but was the second leading cause among those ages 15 to 34. (Adobe Stock)

SD Suicide Numbers Concerning to Mental-Health Community

PIERRE, S.D. -- Suicide-prevention officials in South Dakota are reminding residents facing a mental-health crisis there are resources available…

By 2050, South Dakota could see a 75% increase in the severity of widespread summer drought conditions. (Adobe Stock)

Meteorologists: Hot, Dry Weather Not a Fluke

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- Much of South Dakota will see a familiar weather pattern this week: very hot temperatures and little precipitation. With more …

Researchers say expanding cash payments, such as the ones seen in the Child Tax Credit, to families in need sets children up for a healthier life, as well as better test scores. (Adobe Stock)

Better Health, Education Outcomes Linked to Child Tax Credit Payments

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- Supporters of the expanded Child Tax Credit are highlighting the arrival of monthly payments for eligible families. In South …

A young girl holds the name of an Indigenous teen tied to a former Native American boarding school in Rapid City. (SiouxSanLands)

SD Tribal Land Swap Continues Amid Boarding School Discoveries

RAPID CITY, S.D. -- This week, Rapid City residents get updates on a land-transfer project involving the Native American community. The work …

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 …

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 "a little bit" or "nothing at all" about Juneteenth, the date that celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. (DoDEA.edu)

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 …

With hundreds of bills viewed as hostile toward people in the LGBTQ community proposed in many states this year, advocates say it's important to stand in support throughout the year, not just during Pride Month. (Adobe Stock)

SD Group: Keep Marching for LGBTQ Rights, Even After Parades

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - June is LGBTQ Pride Month, which often includes parades and other celebrations. But a South Dakota group says this year, it's …

A new economic analysis predicts if the remaining states holding out on expanding Medicaid reversed their decisions, more than 1 million jobs would be created nationwide. (Adobe Stock)

Report: SD Would See Economic Benefits from Medicaid Expansion

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - Boosting health-care access and tapping into federal aid often are cited as reasons to expand Medicaid, but a new report says …

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

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 …

A number of U.S. surveys from this past school year indicated students encountered difficulties in learning, especially in math and reading, as they adjusted to the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Helping SD Students Recover from COVID Learning Loss

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- The school year is winding down, but many educators and parents will make use of the summer to ensure kids can get back on track …

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 …

A recent study found 13% of family caregivers in the U.S. had taken on that role for the first time because of the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Overwhelmed Caregivers in SD Can Call for Advice, Emotional Support

PIERRE, S.D. -- Family caregivers are considered among the many groups seeing continued stress as the U.S. recovers from the pandemic. Now, a pilot …

Advocates for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls say they're grateful for new state-level and federal policies, but fear a lack of local resources will keep putting more people in danger. (Adobe Stock)

New Awareness Week for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women

SIOUX FALLS, SD -- Advocates are stepping up awareness for missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW) and girls, but even with efforts in South …

Supporters of a Medicaid expansion in South Dakota say it's time to join the many surrounding states that have taken such action. (Adobe Stock)

Drives for Medicaid-Expansion Ballot Issues Ramp Up in SD

PIERRE, S.D. -- South Dakota residents might be seeing and hearing more appeals to sign petitions for a Medicaid expansion, because a pair of …

Community groups say those behind on their rent payments because of COVID should take advantage of emergency aid programs before eviction moratoriums eventually expire. (Adobe Stock)

SD: Don't Leave Emergency Rental Assistance on Table

PIERRE, S.D. -- A state housing agency and community-assistance groups hope South Dakotans in need hear their message to apply for emergency rental …

To be in compliance for an updated national suicide prevention line, South Dakota soon will require all residents to dial ten digits for local calls. (Adobe Stock)

SD: A Little Extra Phone Effort Will Help a Lot in Suicide Prevention

PIERRE, S.D. - While it might seem like a nuisance, a looming requirement for local phone calls in South Dakota is being phased in as part of a …

A national group tracking anti-transgender legislation in the United States says at least 80 bills have been introduced this year, an all-time record. (Adobe Stock)

Transgender Advocates Look Ahead to Future Legislative Fights

PIERRE, S.D. - The dust is still settling from recent debate in the South Dakota Legislature over the so-called "transgender sports" bill. Advocates …

Last fall, South Dakota became the first state to endorse two marijuana-related ballot questions in the same election, for a medical cannabis program and to legalize recreational use for people age 21 and older. (Adobe Stock)

Despite Obstacles, SD Marijuana Group Feels Good about Effort

PIERRE, S.D. -- Today is the last day of South Dakota's legislative session, and lawmakers could decide the fate of a medical marijuana program …

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 …

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 …

As the coronavirus spread across South Dakota last year, the state's public universities put mask mandates in place. But the South Dakota Department of Education allowed K-12 districts to make their own decisions. (Adobe Stock)

After Anxious Year, SD Teachers Now Receiving Vaccinations

RAPID CITY, S.D. - South Dakota teachers can now get their COVID vaccinations as new eligibility phases kick in. In a state that prioritized …

Since 2017, AARP has awarded 560 Community Challenge grants to nonprofit organizations and government entities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. (Adobe Stock)

Crisis Recovery, Social Justice Added to SD Grant Program

PIERRE, S.D. -- New categories to reflect the pandemic and social justice challenges highlight grants to propel community-level projects across South …

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 …

This year, the South Dakota Legislature has considered anti-LGBTQ bills concerning such issues as birth-certificate changes and who can compete in women's high-school sports. (Adobe Stock)

Mix of Hope, Fear as SD Transgender Advocates Organize

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- Over the weekend, LGBTQ advocates held demonstrations in seven cities across South Dakota to rally against legislation viewed as …

Last fall, South Dakota became the first state to endorse two marijuana ballot questions in the same election. One was for a medical cannabis program and the other was to legalize recreational use for those 21 and older. (Adobe Stock)

Compromise Offered on SD Medical Marijuana Debate

PIERRE, S.D. -- Supporters of medical marijuana for South Dakota are trying to reach a compromise with Gov. Kristi Noem over an effort to delay …

Porter Williams, founder of the South Dakota African-American History Museum, gives a tour in 2020. (S.D. African-American History Museum)

Sioux Falls Museum Elevates Stories Behind SD's Black History

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - South Dakota might not come up as often as other states when learning about Black History Month. But a museum in Sioux Falls is …

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 …

So far, South Dakota health officials said, nearly 30,000 state residents have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. (Adobe Stock)

SD Seniors Urged to Research Vaccine Info

PIERRE, S.D. -- As South Dakota moves closer to allowing more seniors to sign up for COVID-19 vaccinations, residents are urged to seek out as much …

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 …

Advocates for boosting voter access in South Dakota were hoping an online registration system would pass in the current legislative session. But so far, only a watered-down version has advanced. (Adobe Stock)

Changes to Online Voter Registration Plan for SD Criticized

PIERRE, S.D. -- The South Dakota Senate could soon consider a bill concerning online voter registration, but the measure is a far cry from what …

Environmental and tribal groups say the Keystone XL is concerning because plans involved carrying oil from tar sands, the production of which is carbon intensive. (Adobe Stock)

Tribal Leaders Encouraged by Keystone Cancellation, Want More Action

PIERRE, S.D. -- Shortly after taking office Wednesday, President Joe Biden signed several orders, including one that revokes the presidential permit …

Environmental advocates worry they'd see more pollution in South Dakota waterways if the state agency that regulates them is allowed to merge with the Agriculture Department. (Adobe Stock)

Ag Dept., DNR Merger for SD Back in Spotlight

PIERRE, S.D. -- South Dakota's governor is reviving her proposal to merge two state agencies, including one that oversees protections for public …

SD Gov. Hopes to Block Voter-Approved Marijuana Law Change

PIERRE, S.D. -- Gov. Kristi Noem is getting involved in a legal challenge to the marijuana-legalization ballot initiative approved by South Dakota …

During the pandemic, a handful of South Dakota school districts have given bonuses to teachers, but advocates say the state needs to live up to its promise to gradually boost educators' salaries each year. (Adobe Stock)

SD Lawmakers to Debate Teacher Pay Raises

PIERRE, S.D. - South Dakota lawmakers begin the 2021 session next week. As the budget takes shape, how big a raise public school teachers could …

According to an annual industry report, South Dakota had the fifth-highest output in the nation last year of electricity generated by wind turbines. (Adobe Stock)

Tight Grid Capacity Limits SD Wind-Energy Growth

PIERRE, S.D. - The renewable-energy industry is happy to be included in the COVID-19 relief bill signed this week by President Donald Trump. However…

Mental health professionals say not only are many people feeling stress from the pandemic and the holidays, some are isolated from their loved ones out of fear of spreading COVID-19. (Adobe Stock)

SD Keeps Mental-Health Program Going through the Holidays

PIERRE, S.D. -- South Dakotans who may be dealing with mental-health issues made worse by the pandemic can still make use of a special program…

Nationwide, according to a new report, one-third of adults with children are likely to have to leave their homes due to eviction or foreclosure as a result of the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Crisis Weighs Heavily on SD Households with Kids

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The economic fallout from the pandemic is evident in a new report on the struggles of households with children. The findings …

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 …

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