Seth Tupper
@sethtupper.bsky.social
Journalist, author and editor-in-chief of @southdakotasearchlight.com for @statesnewsroom.com.
Reposted by Seth Tupper
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.
Reposted by Seth Tupper
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
Reposted by Seth Tupper
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
Reposted by Seth Tupper
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
Reposted by Seth Tupper
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."
Reposted by Seth Tupper
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
Reposted by Seth Tupper
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
Reposted by Seth Tupper
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.
Reposted by Seth Tupper
U.S. senators agree that health care costs are rising too quickly and expect to vote next week on legislation, but party leaders haven't decided what to include in the bills. “I don’t think at this point we have a clear path forward,” said Majority Leader John Thune, R-South Dakota.
No ‘clear path forward’ in US Senate on health care costs, Thune says, with deadline near • South Dakota Searchlight
“I don’t think at this point we have a clear path forward,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune said. “I don't think the Democrats have a clear path forward.”
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December 3, 2025 at 2:00 AM
U.S. senators agree that health care costs are rising too quickly and expect to vote next week on legislation, but party leaders haven't decided what to include in the bills. “I don’t think at this point we have a clear path forward,” said Majority Leader John Thune, R-South Dakota.
Reposted by Seth Tupper
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 Seth Tupper
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 Seth Tupper
Repairs to water-damaged, cracking plaster at the South Dakota Capitol will be complete by the time lawmakers convene in the building for the 2026 legislative session in January. But a much more expensive, full restoration is looming. buff.ly/pKuIxbV
Cabinet secretary: $3 million for state Capitol repairs only a start for building’s needs • South Dakota Searchlight
Repairs to water-damaged, cracking plaster at the state Capitol in Pierre will be complete by the time lawmakers convene in the building.
southdakotasearchlight.com
December 2, 2025 at 9:34 PM
Repairs to water-damaged, cracking plaster at the South Dakota Capitol will be complete by the time lawmakers convene in the building for the 2026 legislative session in January. But a much more expensive, full restoration is looming. buff.ly/pKuIxbV
Reposted by Seth Tupper
South Dakota’s top state budget official is urging a close look at cash balances in some school districts as the governor and lawmakers consider ideas for property tax relief during the legislative session that begins next month.
State budget chief urges close look at schools with excess cash as property tax complaints continue • South Dakota Searchlight
The official said the state should not condone excess school cash balances while homeowners are complaining about high property taxes.
buff.ly
December 2, 2025 at 2:00 AM
South Dakota’s top state budget official is urging a close look at cash balances in some school districts as the governor and lawmakers consider ideas for property tax relief during the legislative session that begins next month.
Reposted by Seth Tupper
The U.S. Senate and House Armed Services committees will open bipartisan inquiries into U.S. military strikes on suspected drug-running boats in the Caribbean Sea.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
buff.ly/wst99a1
Via @statesnewsroom.com
buff.ly/wst99a1
Congress to probe U.S. strikes on boats in Caribbean • South Dakota Searchlight
The U.S. Senate and House Armed Services committees will open inquiries into U.S. military strikes on suspected drug-running boats.
southdakotasearchlight.com
December 1, 2025 at 6:27 PM
The U.S. Senate and House Armed Services committees will open bipartisan inquiries into U.S. military strikes on suspected drug-running boats in the Caribbean Sea.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
buff.ly/wst99a1
Via @statesnewsroom.com
buff.ly/wst99a1
Reposted by Seth Tupper
Some states are rethinking their coverage of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss as budgets tighten and Medicaid programs brace for the cuts included in President Donald Trump’s broad tax and spending law, reports @stateline.org.
States retreat from covering drugs for weight loss • South Dakota Searchlight
Some states are rethinking their coverage of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss as budgets tighten and Medicaid programs brace for the cuts included in President Donald Trump’s broad tax and spending law.
buff.ly
December 1, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Some states are rethinking their coverage of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss as budgets tighten and Medicaid programs brace for the cuts included in President Donald Trump’s broad tax and spending law, reports @stateline.org.
Reposted by Seth Tupper
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 Seth Tupper
Nebraska’s quirky replica of England’s prehistoric Stonehenge, “Carhenge,” is about to get some new competition in South Dakota. And a former Nebraskan is behind it.
Via @nebraskaexaminer.com
Via @nebraskaexaminer.com
Competition for Nebraska's 'Carhenge' rises near South Dakota's Badlands • South Dakota Searchlight
Nebraska’s quirky replica of England’s prehistoric Stonehenge, “Carhenge,” is about to get some new competition in a neighboring state.
buff.ly
November 29, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Nebraska’s quirky replica of England’s prehistoric Stonehenge, “Carhenge,” is about to get some new competition in South Dakota. And a former Nebraskan is behind it.
Via @nebraskaexaminer.com
Via @nebraskaexaminer.com
Reposted by Seth Tupper
With a proposed EPA rule that slashes protections for #wetlands, writes Travis Entenman, "we’re putting our water, wildlife and future growth on the line."
Commentary:
Commentary:
South Dakota wetlands are under threat from the EPA's rollback • South Dakota Searchlight
The EPA just finalized a decision that slashes federal protections for wetlands, especially those without a “continuous surface connection” to rivers and streams.
buff.ly
November 29, 2025 at 8:51 PM
With a proposed EPA rule that slashes protections for #wetlands, writes Travis Entenman, "we’re putting our water, wildlife and future growth on the line."
Commentary:
Commentary:
Reposted by Seth Tupper
A man died of a suspected drug overdose on Thanksgiving inside the maximum security wing of the South Dakota State Penitentiary.
His is the eighth suspected or confirmed overdose death in the state's prisons in 2025, and the third this month.
buff.ly/basrCre
His is the eighth suspected or confirmed overdose death in the state's prisons in 2025, and the third this month.
buff.ly/basrCre
Thanksgiving death brings the number of suspected prison drug overdose fatalities in 2025 to eight • South Dakota Searchlight
The state Division of Criminal Investigation will lead an inquiry into the eighth suspected fatal overdose in South Dakota’s prison system this year. The state Department of Corrections announced the…
southdakotasearchlight.com
November 28, 2025 at 10:17 PM
A man died of a suspected drug overdose on Thanksgiving inside the maximum security wing of the South Dakota State Penitentiary.
His is the eighth suspected or confirmed overdose death in the state's prisons in 2025, and the third this month.
buff.ly/basrCre
His is the eighth suspected or confirmed overdose death in the state's prisons in 2025, and the third this month.
buff.ly/basrCre
Reposted by Seth Tupper
The president of a group representing active and retired federal employees in SD says drastic reductions in the federal workforce are weakening the country: "I’ve seen programs cut that I don’t think they’ve thought through the impact of those cuts."
Final story in a series:
Final story in a series:
Retired federal security engineer worries workforce cuts will leave U.S. vulnerable • South Dakota Searchlight
Concern: That’s what Daryl Zimmerman, who represents federal employees and retirees, has heard over the last year from federal workers.
buff.ly
November 28, 2025 at 7:15 PM
The president of a group representing active and retired federal employees in SD says drastic reductions in the federal workforce are weakening the country: "I’ve seen programs cut that I don’t think they’ve thought through the impact of those cuts."
Final story in a series:
Final story in a series:
Reposted by Seth Tupper
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia announced it has charged the man who allegedly shot two #NationalGuard members earlier this week with first-degree murder after one of the soldiers died as a result of her injuries.
Via @stateline.org
buff.ly/Re6x3QH
Via @stateline.org
buff.ly/Re6x3QH
National Guard shooting suspect to face murder charge • South Dakota Searchlight
Other charges include three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed.
southdakotasearchlight.com
November 28, 2025 at 4:24 PM
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia announced it has charged the man who allegedly shot two #NationalGuard members earlier this week with first-degree murder after one of the soldiers died as a result of her injuries.
Via @stateline.org
buff.ly/Re6x3QH
Via @stateline.org
buff.ly/Re6x3QH
Reposted by Seth Tupper
The Trump administration wants access to state driver’s license data on millions of U.S. residents as it builds a powerful citizenship verification program amid its clampdown on voter fraud and illegal #immigration.
Via @stateline.org
Via @stateline.org
Homeland Security wants state driver’s license data for sweeping citizenship program • South Dakota Searchlight
The Trump administration wants access to state driver’s license data on millions of U.S. residents as it builds a powerful citizenship verification program amid its clampdown on voter fraud and…
buff.ly
November 28, 2025 at 3:01 PM
The Trump administration wants access to state driver’s license data on millions of U.S. residents as it builds a powerful citizenship verification program amid its clampdown on voter fraud and illegal #immigration.
Via @stateline.org
Via @stateline.org
Reposted by Seth Tupper
Two #NationalGuard members remain in critical condition as federal law enforcement officials examine evidence collected from the home of the alleged lone gunman who drove to the nation’s capital from Washington state to target the troops, officials said.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Alleged gunman in National Guard attack drove across US to ambush troops, officials say • South Dakota Searchlight
Two National Guard members remained in critical condition as law enforcement officials examined evidence collected from the home of the alleged gunman.
buff.ly
November 27, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Two #NationalGuard members remain in critical condition as federal law enforcement officials examine evidence collected from the home of the alleged lone gunman who drove to the nation’s capital from Washington state to target the troops, officials said.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Reposted by Seth Tupper
The cost of a classic #Thanksgiving dinner set for 10 people is 5% less than the cost in 2024, annual data from the American Farm Bureau Federation shows.
Details from @iowacapitaldispatch.com:
Details from @iowacapitaldispatch.com:
Overall cost of Thanksgiving meal 5% lower than last year • South Dakota Searchlight
Annual data shows the cost of a classic Thanksgiving dinner set for 10 people, at $55.18 is 5% less than the cost in 2024.
buff.ly
November 27, 2025 at 3:01 PM
The cost of a classic #Thanksgiving dinner set for 10 people is 5% less than the cost in 2024, annual data from the American Farm Bureau Federation shows.
Details from @iowacapitaldispatch.com:
Details from @iowacapitaldispatch.com:
Reposted by Seth Tupper
Homeland Security Secretary #KristiNoem announced the end of temporary protected status for roughly 330,000 nationals from #Haiti by February, opening them up to #deportations.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Temporary protections for 330,000 Haitian immigrants slated to end, Noem announces • South Dakota Searchlight
Noem said extending temporary protected status to Haitians would be “contrary to the national interest of the United States."
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November 26, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Homeland Security Secretary #KristiNoem announced the end of temporary protected status for roughly 330,000 nationals from #Haiti by February, opening them up to #deportations.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Via @statesnewsroom.com