Joshua Haiar
@joshuahaiar.bsky.social
South Dakota journalism @southdakotasearchlight.com
Pinned
Joshua Haiar
@joshuahaiar.bsky.social
· Dec 6
‘Wild places are worth fighting for’: Concern grows for receding South Dakota wetlands • South Dakota Searchlight
Conservationist John Cooper is sounding the alarm on the loss of South Dakota wetlands, and the impact on wildlife, climate and communities.
southdakotasearchlight.com
Conservationist John Cooper is sounding the alarm on the loss of South Dakota wetlands, and the impact on wildlife, climate and communities.
southdakotasearchlight.com/2024/12/06/w...
southdakotasearchlight.com/2024/12/06/w...
Reposted by Joshua Haiar
As 2026 begins, here's a look back at some of South Dakota Searchlight's best and most-viewed work of 2025.
Our stories, commentary and images of the year: buff.ly/XW7AhmA
Our stories, commentary and images of the year: buff.ly/XW7AhmA
2025 Year in Review Archives • South Dakota Searchlight
Kristi Noem resigned as South Dakota’s governor in January to become the U.S. Homeland Security secretary, but she continued to interest South Dakota readers throughout the year. She was a subject in…
southdakotasearchlight.com
January 1, 2026 at 5:15 PM
As 2026 begins, here's a look back at some of South Dakota Searchlight's best and most-viewed work of 2025.
Our stories, commentary and images of the year: buff.ly/XW7AhmA
Our stories, commentary and images of the year: buff.ly/XW7AhmA
Reposted by Joshua Haiar
No state that borders South Dakota has publicly confirmed a lethal overdose in a state prison in 2025.
South Dakota has reported eight. buff.ly/HP0CA1I
South Dakota has reported eight. buff.ly/HP0CA1I
South Dakota outpaces neighbors in fatal prison overdoses • South Dakota Searchlight
No state that borders South Dakota has publicly confirmed a lethal overdose in a state prison in 2025. South Dakota has had eight.
southdakotasearchlight.com
December 23, 2025 at 3:45 PM
No state that borders South Dakota has publicly confirmed a lethal overdose in a state prison in 2025.
South Dakota has reported eight. buff.ly/HP0CA1I
South Dakota has reported eight. buff.ly/HP0CA1I
Reposted by Joshua Haiar
Trump administration land-management changes in eight Western states, including South Dakota, are worrying some conservationists concerned about the declining #GreaterSageGrouse population.
Greater sage grouse advocates say new federal plan imperils habitat in states including SD • South Dakota Searchlight
The Trump administration is making more acres of sage grouse habitate available for energy and mineral development, worrying conservationists.
buff.ly
December 28, 2025 at 9:15 PM
Trump administration land-management changes in eight Western states, including South Dakota, are worrying some conservationists concerned about the declining #GreaterSageGrouse population.
Reposted by Joshua Haiar
South Dakota received about $189 million for 2026 from a new federal rural health fund, which is about $11 million less than what it requested and smaller than the awards for surrounding states. buff.ly/ZFaAxUa
Federal government awards $189 million to South Dakota from new rural health fund • South Dakota Searchlight
South Dakota received about $11 million less than what it requested from a new federal rural health fund, and the amount is smaller than the awards for surrounding states.
southdakotasearchlight.com
December 29, 2025 at 10:18 PM
South Dakota received about $189 million for 2026 from a new federal rural health fund, which is about $11 million less than what it requested and smaller than the awards for surrounding states. buff.ly/ZFaAxUa
Reposted by Joshua Haiar
South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden announced state economic development grants in two more communities, drawing criticism from opponents in the race for governor who equated the announcements to campaigning. buff.ly/wPfdQDp
Governor hits the road to award more state grants; opponents call it campaigning • South Dakota Searchlight
Gov. Larry Rhoden announced state economic development grants, drawing criticism from opponents who equated the announcements to campaigning.
southdakotasearchlight.com
December 30, 2025 at 9:14 PM
South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden announced state economic development grants in two more communities, drawing criticism from opponents in the race for governor who equated the announcements to campaigning. buff.ly/wPfdQDp
Reposted by Joshua Haiar
#KristiNoem resigned as South Dakota’s governor in January to become the U.S. Homeland Security secretary, but she continued to interest South Dakota readers throughout the year.
Mentions of Noem were frequent in our 10 most-viewed stories of 2025:
Mentions of Noem were frequent in our 10 most-viewed stories of 2025:
South Dakota Searchlight's most-viewed stories of 2025 • South Dakota Searchlight
Kristi Noem resigned as South Dakota's governor in January to become the U.S. Homeland Security secretary, but she continued to interest South Dakota readers.
buff.ly
December 31, 2025 at 3:12 PM
#KristiNoem resigned as South Dakota’s governor in January to become the U.S. Homeland Security secretary, but she continued to interest South Dakota readers throughout the year.
Mentions of Noem were frequent in our 10 most-viewed stories of 2025:
Mentions of Noem were frequent in our 10 most-viewed stories of 2025:
Reposted by Joshua Haiar
The chairman of a South Dakota economic development board not only sits on the corporate board for a company benefiting from millions in state aid but also has connections to the company’s landlord.
buff.ly/Khzb85j
buff.ly/Khzb85j
SD economic development chair has multiple ties to food company receiving millions in state aid • South Dakota Searchlight
The chairman of a state economic development board not only sits on the corporate board for a company benefiting from millions in state aid but also has connections to the company’s landlord.
southdakotasearchlight.com
December 22, 2025 at 11:36 PM
The chairman of a South Dakota economic development board not only sits on the corporate board for a company benefiting from millions in state aid but also has connections to the company’s landlord.
buff.ly/Khzb85j
buff.ly/Khzb85j
Reposted by Joshua Haiar
The CJ Schwan's company is benefiting from state aid approvals totaling $69 million. CJ Schwan's employs South Dakota's former commissioner of economic development and also has a corporate board member who chairs a state economic development board. buff.ly/ELIMj2E
Company that hired state's former head of economic development benefits from $69 million in aid • South Dakota Searchlight
The state funding is helping CJ Schwan’s build a $550 million food production plant in Sioux Falls that will have 600 employees.
southdakotasearchlight.com
December 22, 2025 at 11:36 PM
The CJ Schwan's company is benefiting from state aid approvals totaling $69 million. CJ Schwan's employs South Dakota's former commissioner of economic development and also has a corporate board member who chairs a state economic development board. buff.ly/ELIMj2E
Reposted by Joshua Haiar
Jordan Ward isn’t one of the eight men killed by an overdose in a South Dakota prison in 2025, but a lawsuit filed this year over his 2022 death in custody offers insight into how drugs sometimes make their way into the hands of inmates. buff.ly/6eVFol1
Lawsuit in 2022 overdose death offers window into drug problem in state prisons • South Dakota Searchlight
A lawsuit filed this year over a 2022 death in custody offers insight into how drugs sometimes make their way into the hands of inmates.
southdakotasearchlight.com
December 23, 2025 at 12:30 AM
Jordan Ward isn’t one of the eight men killed by an overdose in a South Dakota prison in 2025, but a lawsuit filed this year over his 2022 death in custody offers insight into how drugs sometimes make their way into the hands of inmates. buff.ly/6eVFol1
Reposted by Joshua Haiar
A program that helps farmers pass their operations along to their children got a $200,000 boost from a South Dakota government fund under the exclusive control of the governor.
Governor-controlled fund gives $200,000 to program that helps farmers with estate planning • South Dakota Searchlight
A program that helps farmers pass their operations along to their children got a $200,000 boost from a South Dakota government fund.
buff.ly
December 23, 2025 at 1:30 AM
A program that helps farmers pass their operations along to their children got a $200,000 boost from a South Dakota government fund under the exclusive control of the governor.
Reposted by Joshua Haiar
A company benefiting from $69 million in state grant and loan approvals has South Dakota's former economic development chief as an employee and the chairman of the state's economic development board as a corporate board member.
That's caused lawmakers to raise ethical questions.
That's caused lawmakers to raise ethical questions.
Company that hired state's former head of economic development benefits from $69 million in aid • South Dakota Searchlight
The state funding is helping CJ Schwan’s build a $550 million food production plant in Sioux Falls that will have 600 employees.
buff.ly
December 19, 2025 at 9:00 PM
A company benefiting from $69 million in state grant and loan approvals has South Dakota's former economic development chief as an employee and the chairman of the state's economic development board as a corporate board member.
That's caused lawmakers to raise ethical questions.
That's caused lawmakers to raise ethical questions.
Reposted by Joshua Haiar
South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden awarded $1 million from a fund he controls to help pay for two business parks in Aberdeen. That's the home of one of his opponents in next year's race for the Republican nomination for governor.
Governor awards $1 million for business parks in hometown of political opponent • South Dakota Searchlight
Gov. Larry Rhoden has awarded $1 million from a fund he controls to help fund two business parks in the hometown of a political opponent.
buff.ly
December 10, 2025 at 11:00 PM
South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden awarded $1 million from a fund he controls to help pay for two business parks in Aberdeen. That's the home of one of his opponents in next year's race for the Republican nomination for governor.
Reposted by Joshua Haiar
South Dakota’s Republican attorney general is threatening a lawsuit and ordering a national nonprofit to cease and desist “the deceptive advertising of the sale of #abortion pills in South Dakota,” but the organization is not signaling that it will stop its advertising campaign. buff.ly/QxD9Ygb
State issues cease-and-desist to national nonprofit sponsoring abortion pill ads • South Dakota Searchlight
South Dakota’s attorney general is threatening a lawsuit and ordering a nonprofit to cease and desist “the deceptive advertising of the sale of abortion pills."
southdakotasearchlight.com
December 10, 2025 at 8:42 PM
South Dakota’s Republican attorney general is threatening a lawsuit and ordering a national nonprofit to cease and desist “the deceptive advertising of the sale of #abortion pills in South Dakota,” but the organization is not signaling that it will stop its advertising campaign. buff.ly/QxD9Ygb
Reposted by Joshua Haiar
There’s a new ad campaign promoting #abortion pills at dozens of gas station pumps across South Dakota, and state officials said they’ll investigate it for potentially deceptive trade practices and possible violations of the state’s anti-abortion laws. buff.ly/G2k21V5
State pledges investigation as national group launches abortion-pill ads in South Dakota • South Dakota Searchlight
As an abortion-rights advocate campaign begins at South Dakota gas stations, state officials plan to investigate.
southdakotasearchlight.com
December 10, 2025 at 12:17 AM
There’s a new ad campaign promoting #abortion pills at dozens of gas station pumps across South Dakota, and state officials said they’ll investigate it for potentially deceptive trade practices and possible violations of the state’s anti-abortion laws. buff.ly/G2k21V5
Reposted by Joshua Haiar
Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden proposed a $7.44 billion state government budget that would avoid big cuts but also hold South Dakota’s funding for schools, Medicaid providers and state employees flat next year. buff.ly/qzGY4gy
Governor proposes ‘limited budget’ for SD that avoids big cuts but keeps school funding flat • South Dakota Searchlight
Gov. Rhoden proposed a $7.44 billion state government budget that would avoid big cuts but also hold funding for schools, Medicaid providers and state employees flat next year.
southdakotasearchlight.com
December 2, 2025 at 10:55 PM
Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden proposed a $7.44 billion state government budget that would avoid big cuts but also hold South Dakota’s funding for schools, Medicaid providers and state employees flat next year. buff.ly/qzGY4gy
Reposted by Joshua Haiar
South Dakota Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden’s plan to keep state funding flat for Medicaid providers, state employees and schools could hurt the same areas Rhoden said he’s helped “prioritize” in recent years, advocates say.
‘Not increasing is a cut’: Governor’s flat funding plan for education, health care worries advocates • South Dakota Searchlight
South Dakota Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden’s plan to keep state funding flat for Medicaid providers, state employees and schools could hurt the same areas Rhoden said he’s helped “prioritize” in…
buff.ly
December 3, 2025 at 12:00 AM
South Dakota Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden’s plan to keep state funding flat for Medicaid providers, state employees and schools could hurt the same areas Rhoden said he’s helped “prioritize” in recent years, advocates say.
Reposted by Joshua Haiar
Five years since an SD lawmaker successfully proposed legislation adding a Habitat Stamp fee to hunting, fishing and trapping licenses, it has funded 1,300 projects worth $14 million. A wildlife advocate calls it "one of the smartest investments hunters and anglers have ever made.”
Five years in, SD’s Habitat Stamp praised as one of state's 'smartest investments' • South Dakota Searchlight
South Dakota’s Habitat Stamp has become a cornerstone in the state’s strategy to improve habitats and expand access for outdoor recreation.
buff.ly
November 30, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Five years since an SD lawmaker successfully proposed legislation adding a Habitat Stamp fee to hunting, fishing and trapping licenses, it has funded 1,300 projects worth $14 million. A wildlife advocate calls it "one of the smartest investments hunters and anglers have ever made.”
Reposted by Joshua Haiar
Savannah Standing Bear’s family and friends have heard plenty of rumors, but not many answers. It’s been eight months since she disappeared from the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota.
The latest from an #MMIP series in collaboration with @ict-news.bsky.social ⬇️
buff.ly/uyIDKr8
The latest from an #MMIP series in collaboration with @ict-news.bsky.social ⬇️
buff.ly/uyIDKr8
Searching for Savannah: Eight months and no answers since woman’s disappearance • South Dakota Searchlight
The family of Savannah Standing Bear has waited eight months for answers about her after she went missing on the Rosebud Reservation.
southdakotasearchlight.com
November 25, 2025 at 11:39 PM
Savannah Standing Bear’s family and friends have heard plenty of rumors, but not many answers. It’s been eight months since she disappeared from the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota.
The latest from an #MMIP series in collaboration with @ict-news.bsky.social ⬇️
buff.ly/uyIDKr8
The latest from an #MMIP series in collaboration with @ict-news.bsky.social ⬇️
buff.ly/uyIDKr8
Reposted by Joshua Haiar
South Dakota soybean industry leaders said a new trade pledge with China is lifting prices but hasn’t erased anxiety about how much #farmers depend on a single foreign buyer. buff.ly/sd3jomx
China soybean pledge lifts prices, but South Dakota farmers still nervous • South Dakota Searchlight
South Dakota soybean industry leaders said a new trade pledge with China is lifting prices but hasn’t erased their anxiety.
southdakotasearchlight.com
November 24, 2025 at 11:16 PM
South Dakota soybean industry leaders said a new trade pledge with China is lifting prices but hasn’t erased anxiety about how much #farmers depend on a single foreign buyer. buff.ly/sd3jomx
Reposted by Joshua Haiar
Money is flowing to tribal public radio stations after U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds, R-SD, brokered a deal to replace Corporation for #PublicBroadcasting funding that Congress rescinded. But the stations are concerned about their prospects for future appropriations.
Tribal radio funding flows, but future remains uncertain after clawback of public media money • South Dakota Searchlight
Funding has come to tribal radio stations under the terms of a deal made by South Dakota Sen. Mike Rounds, but uncertainty remains.
buff.ly
November 23, 2025 at 7:16 PM
Money is flowing to tribal public radio stations after U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds, R-SD, brokered a deal to replace Corporation for #PublicBroadcasting funding that Congress rescinded. But the stations are concerned about their prospects for future appropriations.
Reposted by Joshua Haiar
As a public debate begins about agriculture and water pollution in South Dakota, a new report shows the effects of a $3 million effort to mitigate the problem in the Big Sioux River watershed.
See the numbers:
See the numbers:
Amid water pollution debate, report shows results of $3 million river buffer program • South Dakota Searchlight
According to the report, 67 projects created 83 linear miles of buffers, protecting 1,219 acres. The project contracts last for 10 years.
buff.ly
November 21, 2025 at 10:00 PM
As a public debate begins about agriculture and water pollution in South Dakota, a new report shows the effects of a $3 million effort to mitigate the problem in the Big Sioux River watershed.
See the numbers:
See the numbers:
Reposted by Joshua Haiar
South Dakota Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden pushed back on a lawmaker’s suggestion that the agricultural industry should be more tightly regulated to improve water quality.
“Rest assured,” Rhoden said, “he’s going to be set straight on a few of his issues in a very kind, civil way." buff.ly/LFstFGu
“Rest assured,” Rhoden said, “he’s going to be set straight on a few of his issues in a very kind, civil way." buff.ly/LFstFGu
Governor says lawmaker will be ‘set straight’ on suggestion to regulate agricultural water polluters • South Dakota Searchlight
South Dakota Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden pushed back on a lawmaker’s suggestion that the agricultural industry should be more tightly regulated to improve water quality.
southdakotasearchlight.com
November 20, 2025 at 11:58 PM
South Dakota Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden pushed back on a lawmaker’s suggestion that the agricultural industry should be more tightly regulated to improve water quality.
“Rest assured,” Rhoden said, “he’s going to be set straight on a few of his issues in a very kind, civil way." buff.ly/LFstFGu
“Rest assured,” Rhoden said, “he’s going to be set straight on a few of his issues in a very kind, civil way." buff.ly/LFstFGu
Reposted by Joshua Haiar
One of South Dakota’s top lawmakers said it may be time to move beyond financial incentives and consider new regulations on #agriculture to address the state’s polluted rivers and lakes: “I think it takes more than the carrot to address this."
With so much polluted water, SD lawmaker says state can no longer ‘dance around’ ag regulations • South Dakota Searchlight
A top lawmaker said it may be time to move beyond financial incentives and consider regulations on agriculture for water pollution.
buff.ly
November 20, 2025 at 12:20 AM
One of South Dakota’s top lawmakers said it may be time to move beyond financial incentives and consider new regulations on #agriculture to address the state’s polluted rivers and lakes: “I think it takes more than the carrot to address this."
Reposted by Joshua Haiar
State Senate President Pro Tempore Chris Karr, R-Sioux Falls, called the #Education Department's review the “worst performing report that we have” and said Department Secretary Joe Graves faces an “uphill battle.” southdakotasearchlight.com/2025/11/13/s...
South Dakota Department of Education fails to reach goals in legislative performance review • South Dakota Searchlight
The South Dakota Department of Education deserves an F, according to one of the lawmakers tasked with performance management reviews.
southdakotasearchlight.com
November 13, 2025 at 10:27 PM
State Senate President Pro Tempore Chris Karr, R-Sioux Falls, called the #Education Department's review the “worst performing report that we have” and said Department Secretary Joe Graves faces an “uphill battle.” southdakotasearchlight.com/2025/11/13/s...
Reposted by Joshua Haiar
A committee of South Dakota lawmakers expressed support for legislative efforts to rein in powers that some committee members said former Gov. #KristiNoem abused. The efforts address the use of state credit cards and an economic development fund under the governor's control. buff.ly/6yZgD9m
Noem’s uses of credits cards and an economic fund cause lawmakers to propose restrictions • South Dakota Searchlight
A committee of South Dakota lawmakers expressed support Thursday for legislative efforts to rein in powers that some committee members said Republican former Gov. Kristi Noem abused.
southdakotasearchlight.com
November 14, 2025 at 1:23 AM
A committee of South Dakota lawmakers expressed support for legislative efforts to rein in powers that some committee members said former Gov. #KristiNoem abused. The efforts address the use of state credit cards and an economic development fund under the governor's control. buff.ly/6yZgD9m