South Dakota News & Current Events

In South Dakota, supporters of Medicaid expansion say rural hospitals and first responders are going above and beyond to keep their doors open as communities struggle to recruit and retain health-care providers. (Adobe Stock)

SD Medicaid Expansion Effort Gets New Endorsements

More officials from South Dakota's health care community are speaking out in support of Medicaid expansion. Voters will decide this fall whether to …

An annual report measuring child well-being puts South Dakota in the bottom half of states in such areas as health, education and family/community. (Adobe Stock)

Mental Health is Focus of New SD Child Well-Being Summary

A new report said South Dakota has made strides in the past decade to improve child well-being, but its authors say there are still plenty of …

Americans received roughly 50 billion automated phone calls in 2021, and about 42% were placed by scammers, according to the National Consumer Law Center. (Adobe Stock)

New Nationwide Battle Against Robocalls Includes South Dakota

South Dakota is joining a nationwide effort to crack down on illegal robocalls. Along with attorneys general from 49 other states, South Dakota has …

The national Girls on the Run Program has been available in South Dakota since 2006. (Adobe Stock)

'Girls on the Run' Looks to Build Life Skills for SD Youths

In early August, fall registration opens at several South Dakota locations offering a national program geared for grade-school-age girls. It combines …

A new national study says the average cardiovascular health score - out of a possible 100 - was 64.7 for U.S. adults and 65.5 for children. (Adobe Stock)

New Study: Most Americans' Hearts Not in Great Shape

Good heart health is associated with avoiding a range of medical issues. But new research shows only one in five Americans has optimal cardiovascular …

South Dakota's Black Hills region was once a hotbed for gold mining. Today, opponents of proposed drilling projects worry about going down that path again. (Adobe Stock)

SD Group: No Gold Rush in Black Hills, Please

Public comments are being accepted for a proposed project in the Black Hills National Forest that would involve exploratory drilling for gold…

South Dakota was one of nearly a dozen states that had so-called trigger bans on abortions ready to take place in the event of federal protections being overturned. (Adobe Stock)

With Ban in Place, Abortion-Rights Rallies Planned for SD

Opponents of South Dakota's abortion ban are mobilizing efforts to get the attention of policymakers. Rallies will be held this weekend as organizers …

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 …

In the 2020 election, one survey showed that nearly half of voters cited climate change as a "top five" priority for them. (Adobe Stock)

SCOTUS EPA Decision Seen as Not Aligned with Voters

Environmental groups are criticizing a U.S. Supreme Court decision, which narrowed the scope of the Environmental Protection Agency's ability to …

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 …

Depression and lower rates of academic attainment are among the effects that can persist in a child's lifetime after losing a caregiver. (Adobe Stock)

Losing a Caregiver to COVID: Helping Kids Grieve

Roughly 200,000 children in the U.S. have lost a caregiver to COVID-19. In South Dakota, mental-health experts say these cases can have added …

The North American river otter, also known as the northern otter, is among the 104 vulnerable wildlife species in South Dakota. (Adobe Stock)

Federal Plan Would Give SD Money for Preserving At-Risk Wildlife

This week, the U.S. House approved what's been called the most significant investment in wildlife conservation in a generation, and supporters say if …

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 …

In the past decade, pedestrian fatalities have increased by nearly 60% in the United States. (Adobe Stock)

Police to Truck, SUV Drivers: Keep Eyes Open at Crosswalks

Summer is here, and South Dakota roads and intersections will likely see more pedestrians. With larger pickup trucks and SUVs still prevalent…

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 13% of adult males in the United States are in fair or poor health. (Adobe Stock)

Men's Health Month: It's OK, the Doctor Won't Bite

June is Men's Health Month, and some providers still are trying to convince more men to make room for wellness visits on their calendar. A South …

While some tribal governments, including the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Telephone Authority, have been able to accelerate internet accessibility, service affordability is still a barrier for tribal members. (Adobe Stock)

Closing Tribal Connection Gap: SD Reservations Get Internet Funds

Native American communities say the pandemic severely limited their ability to communicate with the rest of the world and each other, largely because …

South Dakota election officials say even though demand for absentee ballots hasn't reached the levels that were seen in 2020, they are still higher than a decade ago. (Adobe Stock)

SD Gears Up for June 7 Primary Election

South Dakota's primary election is three weeks from today. Those overseeing the process, as well as groups educating voters, hope residents are …

As of early May, the nationwide out-of-stock percentage for baby formula is 43%. (Adobe Stock)

Dos and Don'ts for SD Parents in Baby-Formula Shortage

South Dakota is among the states hardest hit by the lack of baby formula in stores. There is debate about the underlying factors, but one health …

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. (Adobe Stock)

Rural Hospitals Up Their Care Game for Stroke Patients

Despite a more challenging environment, rural hospitals still are finding ways to provide critical care. That includes stroke patients, and South …

Starting on June 21, the South Dakota Senate will hold a two-day trial to determine if the State Attorney General should be found guilty of articles of impeachment. (Adobe Stock)

'This Is a Heavy Responsibility': South Dakota Prepares for Impeachment Trial

The South Dakota Senate is looking ahead to June for the impeachment trial of Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg, and some lawmakers say it is a big …

In a new national survey, 57% of women and 63% of women of color said they're considering quitting their hospitality-industry jobs because of worsening harassment and wage theft. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: Restaurant Sector 'Unlivable' for Many Women Workers

As the weather warms up, tourists will flock to South Dakota to visit sites like Mount Rushmore, stopping at restaurants along the way. As they sit …

Those behind a Midwest food-donation effort for Ukraine say there are many relief efforts with good intentions. But sometimes donations can sit unused after shipment because of logistical issues. (Adobe Stock)

From the Midwest to Eastern Europe, Meal Program Helps Ukranian Refugees

Images from Ukraine and its fight for survival against Russia tug at the heartstrings of Americans, and those wishing to donate to relief …

In 2008, the pinwheel was introduced as the new national symbol for child-abuse prevention. (Adobe Stock)

Child Abuse Prevention: Navigating the Warning Signs

In an era of heightened mental-health awareness, authorities and youth advocates in South Dakota say it is key not to lose sight of signs of child …

Despite increased public pressure placed on election workers, three out of four respondents in a national survey said they found "real enjoyment" in their roles. (Adobe Stock)

Public Service on Display for Today's Elections in SD

Voters in South Dakota cities will fan out today for local elections. At the polls, they will be helped by other community members seen as …

The latest bird flu outbreak in the United States has forced farmers to kill several million chickens across the country. (Adobe Stock)

SD Farmers Brace for Bird Flu Impact

At least two dozen states, including South Dakota, are seeing the bird flu virus quickly spread through commercial flocks on poultry producing farms…

Education experts say issues in local schools often were free of political divisiveness, but the issue of race in curriculum has become a flashpoint for state legislatures. (Adobe Stock)

SD's Noem Issues Executive Order Surrounding Race Curriculum

Despite legislative pushback, South Dakota is moving forward with plans viewed as limiting certain teachings about race in public schools. Gov…

This year, South Dakota became the latest state to adopt a law that bans transgender girls from playing in sports that align with their gender identity. It follows other policy moves deemed hostile toward the LGBTQ+ community. (Adobe Stock)

Building Support Network for SD Transgender Youth, Families

For years, members of the LGBTQ community in South Dakota have fought state policies they describe as discriminatory, and people who are transgender …

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…

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 …

In a recent national survey, roughly half of college students who responded conveyed symptoms of depression or anxiety. That's prompted calls for mental-health resources on campuses. (Adobe Stock)

Evaluating College Campuses on Suicide-Prevention Resources

The academic year is winding down for college students, and in South Dakota, some might notice a more responsive campus in terms of suicide …

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the nation's long-term care workforce levels are the lowest they've been in 15 years. The industry says that affects patient volume as well as a facility's ability to stay open. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Nursing Homes Under Serious Financial Stress

South Dakota continues to grapple with staffing shortages at nursing homes, and a new report found some might not be able to recover financially…

Recent national polls show the public is generally split on whether schools should enhance teaching about contemporary racism. (Adobe Stock)

SD Educators: 'Divisive Concepts' Bill Confusing, Shortchanges Students

Bills have surfaced in nearly 30 states to crack down on public-school curriculum, with systemic racism as the focal point. Some bans have been …

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-…

In addition to providing more coverage to the uninsured, supporters of expanding Medicaid say it would act as a stimulus for South Dakota's economy. (Adobe Stock)

SD's Medicaid Expansion Campaign Pivots Back to Voters

The push to expand Medicaid in South Dakota took a brief detour to Pierre last week. Now that lawmakers have had their say, supporters are amplifying …

Former prosecutors who oppose the death penalty say it doesn't deter crime the way supporters say it does. (Adobe Stock)

Efforts Renewed to Limit Death Penalty in SD

This week, a South Dakota Senate committee advanced bills designed to limit the scope of the death penalty. For years, advocates have pushed for such …

In states like South Dakota, Native American tribes have been trying to restore populations of endangered species like the black-footed ferret. (Adobe Stock)

Giving Tribes More Support to Maintain Wildlife Habitat

Native American tribes manage millions of acres of wildlife habitat but face inequities in securing conservation funds. A bill in Congress would …

Around 24% of rural Americans use a post office box, making it a little harder for them to get free COVID tests sent to them directly. (Adobe Stock)

Tribal, Rural Communities Face Barriers for Free COVID Tests

Households across America are receiving free COVID tests sent by mail after the federal government rolled out the option last month. But in states …

In addition to the transgender sports ban, South Dakota lawmakers are considering another bill this year that would prohibit trans students from using multi-occupancy school facilities consistent with their gender identity. (Adobe Stock)

SD is Latest State to Adopt Transgender Sports Law

Gov. Kristi Noem has signed a bill making South Dakota the tenth state to ban transgender girls and women from participating in team sports matching …

AARP says the Community Challenge grants it provides are meant to foster local projects that are inclusive, address disparities and directly engage volunteers. (Adobe Stock)

South Dakotans Can Again Apply for Challenge Grants

With constant reminders of crises and turmoil happening around the world, community advocates say it's easy to feel overwhelmed in wanting to make a …

Researchers say there's growing evidence that risk factors related to heart disease often intersect with cases of dementia. For example, people considered obese have three times the risk of dementia as those of normal weight. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — Researchers say there's growing evidence that risk factors related to heart disease often intersect with cases of dementia. For example, people considered obese have three times the risk of dementia as those of normal weight. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Heart and Dementia Risk Factors Overlap

During February, Americans are urged to pay closer attention to their heart health. Experts say new findings suggest it can keep your brain in better …

In South Dakota, average teacher pay is $48,984, the lowest in the nation. (Adobe Stock)

Teacher Pay Bill Advances in SD

South Dakota continues to grapple with its low ranking when it comes to paying schoolteachers, but the issue is getting focus in 2022, including a …

A national report issued in 2021 says if more states create avenues for legal action tied to abortions, the ripple effect would mostly fall on communities of color and those who are economically disadvantaged. (Adobe Stock)

SD Bill Takes Punitive Approach to Governing Reproductive Rights

South Dakota has taken a step in trying to mirror Texas' strict abortion law, potentially paving the way for citizens to sue those involved in a …

Even if someone in need receives brand new winter gear that was donated, humanitarian groups say there's a good chance some of those items can become lost or damaged over the course of a cold season and need to be replaced. (Adobe Stock)

Evictions, Inflation Part of Plea for Winter Clothing Donations

South Dakota is seeing another round of below-freezing temperatures. As folks bundle up, Salvation Army chapters hope they'll consider donating …

States such as South Dakota have routinely debate bills in recent years viewed as hostile toward the LGBTQ community. (Adobe Stock)

SD Poised to See More Debate Over LGBTQ Bills

South Dakota lawmakers are scheduled to begin a new legislative session this week. Like previous years, bills surrounding Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual…

Without Medicaid expansion, supporters of the idea say more South Dakotans would have to travel greater distances for care, because more rural hospitals in the state could close. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: Older SD Voters Want State to Expand Medicaid

A coalition working to expand Medicaid in South Dakota this week announced petitions have been approved to get the question onto the fall ballot - and…

Groups that question the environmental benefits of carbon capture and storage say the process would expend even more energy just to operate. (Adobe Stock)

Tribal Opposition Lines Up Against Carbon Storage Plans

A Midwestern company is trying to gain support for a multi-state project involving capturing carbon from ethanol plants and moving it underground for …

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