South Dakota Searchlight
@southdakotasearchlight.com
We provide free news and commentary on critical issues facing the state. We seek to serve the public interest with accuracy, fairness, insight and civility.
Pinned
States Newsroom's Starter Pack
Join the conversation
buff.ly
We'll always keep you informed here about South Dakota news. Want to see how issues you care about are playing out in other states, and in D.C.? Follow our @StatesNewsroom.com accounts and journalists from across the country. We made this Starter Pack to make it easy:
South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden, who has his own idea to reduce #PropertyTaxes, does not sound impressed with 19 recommendations from a legislative task force: “I’ve realized that there’s not much I’ve seen that I could support." buff.ly/aXxZZlt
Governor: 'Not much I’ve seen that I could support’ in legislative property tax proposals • South Dakota Searchlight
The governor’s own proposal would authorize an optional sales tax for counties. The revenue would be used to reduce property taxes for homeowners.
southdakotasearchlight.com
December 9, 2025 at 3:43 AM
South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden, who has his own idea to reduce #PropertyTaxes, does not sound impressed with 19 recommendations from a legislative task force: “I’ve realized that there’s not much I’ve seen that I could support." buff.ly/aXxZZlt
The U.S. Education Department is bringing back hundreds of employees in its Office for Civil Rights who were placed on paid administrative leave earlier this year, according to a Dec. 5 email to those employees obtained by @statesnewsroom.com.
US Education Department civil rights staff returning to work to tackle complaint backlog • South Dakota Searchlight
The U.S. Education Department is bringing back hundreds of employees in its Office for Civil Rights who were placed on paid administrative leave earlier this year.
buff.ly
December 9, 2025 at 2:00 AM
The U.S. Education Department is bringing back hundreds of employees in its Office for Civil Rights who were placed on paid administrative leave earlier this year, according to a Dec. 5 email to those employees obtained by @statesnewsroom.com.
The government will provide $12 billion to #farmers who have been hurt by “unfair market disruption,” said President Trump.
He said the funding is from tariff revenue, framing his trade policy as a boon to farmers rather than a drag on their global market share as critics suggest.
He said the funding is from tariff revenue, framing his trade policy as a boon to farmers rather than a drag on their global market share as critics suggest.
Trump to send $12 billion in one-time payments to farmers to offset ag losses • South Dakota Searchlight
Trump said repeatedly the funding was available thanks to tariff revenues, framing his aggressive trade policy as a boon to farmers rather than a drag on their global market share as critics of the…
buff.ly
December 9, 2025 at 12:41 AM
The government will provide $12 billion to #farmers who have been hurt by “unfair market disruption,” said President Trump.
He said the funding is from tariff revenue, framing his trade policy as a boon to farmers rather than a drag on their global market share as critics suggest.
He said the funding is from tariff revenue, framing his trade policy as a boon to farmers rather than a drag on their global market share as critics suggest.
South Dakota Attorney General #MartyJackley has been elected unanimously to serve as president-elect of the National Association of Attorneys General, although he’s hoping to be in the U.S. House before he gets a chance to serve as the association’s president.
Attorney general of South Dakota chosen as president-elect of national association • South Dakota Searchlight
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has been elected to serve as president-elect of the National Association of Attorneys General.
buff.ly
December 8, 2025 at 11:00 PM
South Dakota Attorney General #MartyJackley has been elected unanimously to serve as president-elect of the National Association of Attorneys General, although he’s hoping to be in the U.S. House before he gets a chance to serve as the association’s president.
Creditors in states including South Dakota, North Dakota and Minnesota are owed money after a large bankruptcy filing by a Nebraska-based grain dealer.
Via @northdakotamonitor.com
Via @northdakotamonitor.com
Grain-dealer bankruptcy hits creditors in multiple states, including South Dakota • South Dakota Searchlight
Some South Dakotans are owed money after a large bankruptcy filing by a Nebraska-based grain dealer.
buff.ly
December 8, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Creditors in states including South Dakota, North Dakota and Minnesota are owed money after a large bankruptcy filing by a Nebraska-based grain dealer.
Via @northdakotamonitor.com
Via @northdakotamonitor.com
The Trump administration is touting its $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program as the largest-ever U.S. investment in rural health care. But the government made minimal mention of Native American tribes in sparsely populated areas.
Via @kffhealthnews.org
Via @kffhealthnews.org
Republicans left tribes out of their $50B rural fund. Now it's up to states to share. • South Dakota Searchlight
Federally recognized tribes can’t directly apply for a share of the rural health fund — only states can. And states aren’t required to consider tribes’ needs.
buff.ly
December 8, 2025 at 3:02 PM
The Trump administration is touting its $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program as the largest-ever U.S. investment in rural health care. But the government made minimal mention of Native American tribes in sparsely populated areas.
Via @kffhealthnews.org
Via @kffhealthnews.org
It’s becoming more common for South Dakotans to kill themselves with a gun, according to new data. The number of South Dakotans who took their own lives with a firearm rose to 116 last year, and the proportion of South Dakota suicides involving a gun rose to 59%.
Gun suicide deaths rise in South Dakota • South Dakota Searchlight
It’s becoming more common for South Dakotans to kill themselves with a gun, according to data showing a rise in gun suicides to 116 last year.
buff.ly
December 7, 2025 at 8:00 PM
It’s becoming more common for South Dakotans to kill themselves with a gun, according to new data. The number of South Dakotans who took their own lives with a firearm rose to 116 last year, and the proportion of South Dakota suicides involving a gun rose to 59%.
One of the lessons that emerged from the federal government shutdown, writes Dana Hess, was "the way that state government reacts to a problem." And in the case of a major food assistance program, "it was met with a shrug, excuses and an admonishment to be generous."
Commentary:
Commentary:
State’s ‘rainy day’ funds stay nice and dry during food emergency • South Dakota Searchlight
A lesson that emerged from the shutdown is the way that state government reacts to a problem. In the case of the SNAP fund, it was met with a shrug, excuses and an admonishment to be generous.
buff.ly
December 6, 2025 at 8:59 PM
One of the lessons that emerged from the federal government shutdown, writes Dana Hess, was "the way that state government reacts to a problem." And in the case of a major food assistance program, "it was met with a shrug, excuses and an admonishment to be generous."
Commentary:
Commentary:
The U.S. Supreme Court said justices will hear a case to decide if President Donald Trump’s order to end #BirthrightCitizenship is constitutional.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
buff.ly/TdooTLJ
Via @statesnewsroom.com
buff.ly/TdooTLJ
Trump order ending birthright citizenship to be argued at US Supreme Court • South Dakota Searchlight
The U.S. Supreme Court said justices will hear a case to decide if President Donald Trump’s order to end birthright citizenship is constitutional.
southdakotasearchlight.com
December 5, 2025 at 11:35 PM
The U.S. Supreme Court said justices will hear a case to decide if President Donald Trump’s order to end #BirthrightCitizenship is constitutional.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
buff.ly/TdooTLJ
Via @statesnewsroom.com
buff.ly/TdooTLJ
Vaccine advocates are concerned about survey results indicating many South Dakotans are not up-to-date on immunizations, and a significant number of them have a more negative view of #vaccines since the COVID-19 pandemic.
State vaccine survey results are ‘concerning,’ health advocates say • South Dakota Searchlight
Close to half of South Dakotans aren’t up-to-date on their flu shots or their Hepatitis B vaccinations, new vaccine survey results show.
buff.ly
December 5, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Vaccine advocates are concerned about survey results indicating many South Dakotans are not up-to-date on immunizations, and a significant number of them have a more negative view of #vaccines since the COVID-19 pandemic.
A #CDC committee voted to eliminate a recommendation that all newborn babies receive a vaccine against hepatitis B, ending a policy that has been in place since 1991.
Via @georgiarecorder.com
buff.ly/5MPNjD6
Via @georgiarecorder.com
buff.ly/5MPNjD6
CDC vaccine committee overturns decades-old hepatitis B recommendation for newborns • South Dakota Searchlight
A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention committee voted to do away with a recommendation that all newborn babies receive a vaccine against hepatitis B.
southdakotasearchlight.com
December 5, 2025 at 7:16 PM
A #CDC committee voted to eliminate a recommendation that all newborn babies receive a vaccine against hepatitis B, ending a policy that has been in place since 1991.
Via @georgiarecorder.com
buff.ly/5MPNjD6
Via @georgiarecorder.com
buff.ly/5MPNjD6
As food prices remain high, the Trump administration has made it easier for farmers to hire foreign guest workers and to pay them less. Now, other industries with large immigrant workforces also are asking for relief as they combat labor shortages and raids.
Via @stateline.org
Via @stateline.org
More industries want Trump’s help hiring immigrant labor after farms get a break • South Dakota Searchlight
As food prices remain high, the Trump administration has made it easier for farmers to hire foreign guest workers and to pay them less. Now, other industries with large immigrant workforces also are…
buff.ly
December 5, 2025 at 3:05 PM
As food prices remain high, the Trump administration has made it easier for farmers to hire foreign guest workers and to pay them less. Now, other industries with large immigrant workforces also are asking for relief as they combat labor shortages and raids.
Via @stateline.org
Via @stateline.org
The Trump administration announced new restrictions for immigrants, reducing the work authorization periods from five years to 18 months, the latest crackdown on legal #immigration.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Via @statesnewsroom.com
U.S. work authorizations for legal immigrants slashed from 5 years to 18 months • South Dakota Searchlight
The new policy follows the shooting of two West Virginia National Guard members by an Afghan national granted asylum earlier this year.
buff.ly
December 5, 2025 at 3:00 AM
The Trump administration announced new restrictions for immigrants, reducing the work authorization periods from five years to 18 months, the latest crackdown on legal #immigration.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Via @statesnewsroom.com
The new leader of South Dakota's correctional system said the programming at a prison under construction in Rapid City will help the state reduce its world-leading rate of incarcerated women: “It’s not going to show overnight, but it will show in a few years.” buff.ly/RSvqWs5
New prison’s programs will reduce state's world-leading rate of incarcerated women, official says • South Dakota Searchlight
The staff and space devoted to programming in the Rapid City women’s prison will help inmates turn their lives around, said Nick Lamb.
southdakotasearchlight.com
December 5, 2025 at 1:39 AM
The new leader of South Dakota's correctional system said the programming at a prison under construction in Rapid City will help the state reduce its world-leading rate of incarcerated women: “It’s not going to show overnight, but it will show in a few years.” buff.ly/RSvqWs5
Defense Secretary #PeteHegseth violated policy when he used the publicly available Signal app to message about military plans from his personal cell phone, including imminent bombings in Yemen, according to a report released by the Pentagon’s own watchdog.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
buff.ly/Epo6HFr
Via @statesnewsroom.com
buff.ly/Epo6HFr
Signalgate report says Hegseth created a risk to national security with cellphone messages • South Dakota Searchlight
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth violated official policy when he used the publicly available Signal app to message about military plans from his personal cell phone, including imminent bombings in…
southdakotasearchlight.com
December 4, 2025 at 10:42 PM
Defense Secretary #PeteHegseth violated policy when he used the publicly available Signal app to message about military plans from his personal cell phone, including imminent bombings in Yemen, according to a report released by the Pentagon’s own watchdog.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
buff.ly/Epo6HFr
Via @statesnewsroom.com
buff.ly/Epo6HFr
A court’s finding that a North Dakota law affecting underground storage of carbon dioxide is unconstitutional creates doubt for the energy industry, representatives said.
Via @northdakotamonitor.com
Via @northdakotamonitor.com
North Dakota carbon storage ruling adds uncertainty, energy industry says • South Dakota Searchlight
A court’s finding that a North Dakota law affecting underground storage of carbon dioxide is unconstitutional creates doubt for the energy industry, representatives said Wednesday.
buff.ly
December 4, 2025 at 9:01 PM
A court’s finding that a North Dakota law affecting underground storage of carbon dioxide is unconstitutional creates doubt for the energy industry, representatives said.
Via @northdakotamonitor.com
Via @northdakotamonitor.com
U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer announced the chamber will vote next week on extending enhanced tax credits for three years for people who purchase their #HealthInsurance from the #ACA marketplace, though the plan seems unlikely to get the bipartisan support needed.
Health subsidies would continue for 3 years under Dem bill to be voted on in US Senate • South Dakota Searchlight
U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer announced the chamber will vote next week to extend enhanced tax credits for three years.
buff.ly
December 4, 2025 at 8:00 PM
U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer announced the chamber will vote next week on extending enhanced tax credits for three years for people who purchase their #HealthInsurance from the #ACA marketplace, though the plan seems unlikely to get the bipartisan support needed.
In a survey by @kff.org, nearly 60% of people who get #HealthInsurance through the #ACA marketplace said they could not cover the costs of a $300 annual increase in their premiums, while 20% said they couldn’t afford a $1,000 jump in prices.
Most ACA marketplace users can’t afford potential increases, poll shows • South Dakota Searchlight
Nearly 60% of enrollees surveyed could not cover the costs of a $300 annual increase in their premiums, while 20% said they couldn’t afford a $1,000 jump.
buff.ly
December 4, 2025 at 3:30 PM
In a survey by @kff.org, nearly 60% of people who get #HealthInsurance through the #ACA marketplace said they could not cover the costs of a $300 annual increase in their premiums, while 20% said they couldn’t afford a $1,000 jump in prices.
The #MinimumWage for workers will increase in 19 states (including South Dakota) and 49 cities and counties next month, with the wage floor reaching $15 per hour in dozens of localities, a new report found.
Via @stateline.org
Via @stateline.org
Dozens of cities and states, including SD, raise minimum wages in 2026 amid federal inaction • South Dakota Searchlight
The minimum wage for workers will increase in 19 states and 49 cities and counties next month, with the wage floor reaching $15 per hour in dozens of localities, a new report found.
buff.ly
December 4, 2025 at 3:02 PM
The #MinimumWage for workers will increase in 19 states (including South Dakota) and 49 cities and counties next month, with the wage floor reaching $15 per hour in dozens of localities, a new report found.
Via @stateline.org
Via @stateline.org
Republicans and Democrats on the U.S. Senate panel that oversees health care appeared to accept that enhanced tax credits for people who purchase their #HealthInsurance from the #AffordableCareAct marketplace should not expire at the end of the year, though several hurdles lay ahead. buff.ly/wqeis0a
US Senate panel seeks speedy bipartisan deal on health insurance subsidies • South Dakota Searchlight
The U.S. Senate committee that oversees health care started coalescing around an approach to lower costs for Americans.
southdakotasearchlight.com
December 4, 2025 at 12:11 AM
Republicans and Democrats on the U.S. Senate panel that oversees health care appeared to accept that enhanced tax credits for people who purchase their #HealthInsurance from the #AffordableCareAct marketplace should not expire at the end of the year, though several hurdles lay ahead. buff.ly/wqeis0a
SD's new secretary of corrections said the state "has a long way to go" in addressing challenges within its prison system. At the same meeting, a legislator addressed drug overdose deaths in the system, saying "the inmate deaths are sickening" and "we have to own the responsibility."
New corrections leader says SD’s synthetic drug troubles ‘not any different’ from other states • South Dakota Searchlight
Corrections Secretary Nick Lamb told an oversight commission the state “has a long way to go” to address problems within the prison system.
buff.ly
December 3, 2025 at 8:30 PM
SD's new secretary of corrections said the state "has a long way to go" in addressing challenges within its prison system. At the same meeting, a legislator addressed drug overdose deaths in the system, saying "the inmate deaths are sickening" and "we have to own the responsibility."
A judge sided with a landowner group and found a North Dakota law related to underground storage of carbon dioxide to be unconstitutional. The ruling could have implications for the controversial #SummitCarbonSolutions pipeline project.
Via @northdakotamonitor.com
Via @northdakotamonitor.com
North Dakota judge rules in favor of landowners, finds law unconstitutional • South Dakota Searchlight
A district court judge on Tuesday sided with a landowner group and found a North Dakota law related to underground storage of carbon dioxide to be unconstitutional.
buff.ly
December 3, 2025 at 7:00 PM
A judge sided with a landowner group and found a North Dakota law related to underground storage of carbon dioxide to be unconstitutional. The ruling could have implications for the controversial #SummitCarbonSolutions pipeline project.
Via @northdakotamonitor.com
Via @northdakotamonitor.com
The Trump administration paused all #immigration applications from 19 countries the president earlier had listed for restricted travel into the United States, a move that freezes processing for green card holders and citizenship applications.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
buff.ly/bW0PaoS
Via @statesnewsroom.com
buff.ly/bW0PaoS
Trump administration puts a hold on immigration applications from 19 nations • South Dakota Searchlight
The Trump administration paused all immigration applications from 19 countries the president earlier had listed for restricted travel.
southdakotasearchlight.com
December 3, 2025 at 5:09 PM
The Trump administration paused all #immigration applications from 19 countries the president earlier had listed for restricted travel into the United States, a move that freezes processing for green card holders and citizenship applications.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
buff.ly/bW0PaoS
Via @statesnewsroom.com
buff.ly/bW0PaoS
Lakota Renville, a Sisseton Wahpeton Dakota woman, was 22 years old when she was killed outside of Kansas City. On the 20-year anniversary of her death, advocates hope to keep her memory alive. #MMIP
Via @ict-news.bsky.social.
Via @ict-news.bsky.social.
Family still searches for answers 20 years after death of Sisseton woman • South Dakota Searchlight
Twenty years later, the Renville family still has no answers as to what happened to Lakota or how she ended up in a vacant grassy lot.
buff.ly
December 3, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Lakota Renville, a Sisseton Wahpeton Dakota woman, was 22 years old when she was killed outside of Kansas City. On the 20-year anniversary of her death, advocates hope to keep her memory alive. #MMIP
Via @ict-news.bsky.social.
Via @ict-news.bsky.social.
Secretary of Defense #PeteHegseth said he did not witness a controversial — and potentially illegal — second strike that killed two survivors clinging to a burning alleged drug-running boat off the Venezuelan coast.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Hegseth denies he was present for deadly second strike on alleged Caribbean drug boat • South Dakota Searchlight
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said he did not witness a controversial — and potentially illegal — second strike that killed two survivors clinging to a burning alleged drug-running boat off the…
buff.ly
December 3, 2025 at 3:45 AM
Secretary of Defense #PeteHegseth said he did not witness a controversial — and potentially illegal — second strike that killed two survivors clinging to a burning alleged drug-running boat off the Venezuelan coast.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Via @statesnewsroom.com