South Dakota News & Current Events

Family farm advocates say not only are they worried about so-called factory farms getting federal conservation funds, they also contend there's little oversight of the money that is awarded to them. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, December 8, 2023

Some SD farmers unhappy with industrial ag getting conservation funds

Agriculture accounts for more than 10% of greenhouse-gas emissions in the United States. Advocates for small farms in South Dakota hope the next Farm …

According to a project led by Northwestern University, the U.S. has lost almost 2,900 newspapers since 2005. All but about 100 were weeklies, which are often the sole provider of local news in small and midsized communities. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Report: Local news harder to come by in rural states

There are some bright spots in beefing up local news coverage, but a new report says in South Dakota and elsewhere, there are still big concerns …

AARP estimates family caregivers in South Dakota provide a total of 74 million hours of unpaid care per year. (Adobe Stock)

Caregiver support in SD likely to receive legislative focus next year

South Dakota's next legislative session is right around the corner, and lawmakers are expected to take a close look at recommendations for enhancing …

According to the Kids Count data center, child care consumes between 8% and 13% of a typical South Dakota family's income. (Adobe Stock)

Child care 'solution-driven' grants take shape in SD

Child care access has become a major focal point in the U.S., and South Dakota is no exception. More than two dozen communities are using grant …

State health officials say it can take an ambulance 30 minutes to respond in South Dakota's more remote areas. That's why the health department is working with the American Heart Association to spur more communitywide readiness plans for when a resident experiences a heart attack. (Adobe Stock)

It takes a village, or a community, to respond to heart scares

Today is National Rural Health Day - and in South Dakota, some smaller communities are trying to become more "cardiac ready." Across rural America…

South Dakota's Thunder Valley Development Corporation is recruiting teens and young adults to help mentor children on the Pine Ridge Reservation. The organization's summer leadership academy also gives local youth a chance to learn critical thinking skills. (Photo courtesy of Thunder Valley)

Some SD Native American youth get a helping hand from peers

November is Native American Heritage Month, and a South Dakota organization is working to help establish leadership skills for Indigenous youth…

State labor officials say South Dakota has added nearly 1,500 construction workers over the past year. (Adobe Stock)

Worker recruitment ramps up with SD construction projects in play

Both western and eastern sections of South Dakota are busy with construction projects, and union leaders hope more young people interested in the …

Attendees pose for a picture at a recent open house for the Transformation Project's new Prism Center in Sioux Falls. (Photo courtesy of the Transformation Project)

SD celebrates state's first LGBTQ resource center

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for next week as a South Dakota organization begins serving LGBTQ individuals at its new resource space…

People with additional years of education beyond high school tend to be more civic-minded and interact more with neighbors and family members, according to a recent Gallup poll. (Adobe Stock)

Amid polarizing issues, high schoolers can use guide when choosing college

By Jon Marcus for The Hechinger Report.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Greater Dakota News Service reporting for The Hechinger Report-Public News S…

Civic engagement groups like Common Cause say greater transparency and education about redistricting could spur more public interest, including how shifts in the political boundaries impact how much funding a community receives from state Legislatures, like the one in South Dakota. (Adobe Stock)

South Dakota gets 'C-plus' grade for redistricting

A non-partisan political group is out with state-by-state grades for recent redistricting efforts, including South Dakota. Common Cause gives South …

In South Dakota, a voter registration form with an original signature has to be received by a county auditor's office 15 days before Election Day. (Adobe Stock)

Voting in SD: How does change of address affect registration?

When it comes to elections, all eyes are on the 2024 vote. Civic-engagement groups in South Dakota are trying to make sure people needing help with …

South Dakota is known for native wildflowers like Sphaeralcea coccinea, known as the scarlet globemallow. (Photo courtesy of SDSU and Ben Shreves)

National parks, SDSU join the native plant party

The U.S. is home to nearly 5,000 nonnative plant species. Most are not considered harmful but there are efforts to eliminate invasive ones from …

Groups trying to prevent bullying say simple things such as sparking conversations in the classroom about each student's favorite TV show can help establish inclusiveness. (Adobe Stock)

Sense of community at heart of anti-bullying messaging

This weekend marks the kickoff of National Bullying Prevention Month. Those raising awareness hope schools in South Dakota and elsewhere work toward …

According to South Dakota Health Department data, WIC provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding counseling for more than 13,000 participants, including 1,600 pregnant and postpartum individuals. (Adobe Stock)

SD boosts outreach for WIC participation

South Dakota health leaders have said it can be a challenge to reach people eligible for a long-standing nutrition assistance program for at-risk new …

Policy analysts say if retail chains flood too many small towns, pushing out Main Street businesses in the process, these communities could lose tourists seeking the local charm of places like boutiques and independent bookstores. (Adobe Stock)

Rural Advocates Want Less Corporate Retail in SD's Small Towns

Travel through rural parts of South Dakota and chances are you will pass a "dollar store". A new report says corporate retailers have too big a …

Federal health officials say people living with dementia often receive fragmented care, making it harder on both the patient and their caregiver as they try to manage their needs. (Adobe Stock)

Streamlining Care for Alzheimer's Patients

This fall, a key federal agency will open up applications for providers who want to join a nationwide model to improve Alzheimer's care. South Dakota …

Environmental groups note that runoff from factory farms can result in nitrate pollution in nearby rivers and streams. (Adobe Stock)

EPA Decision on Factory Farms Criticized by Clean-Water Advocates

The Environmental Protection Agency has announced it will hold off on imposing new regulations dealing with factory farms amid concerns about their li…

Health and environmental experts say even just low-level exposure to lead in drinking water can negatively affect a child's development. (Adobe Stock)

Education, Environmental Groups Press for Safe Drinking Water in Schools

With kids in South Dakota and around the nation back in school, the issue of whether all students and staff have access to safe drinking water …

An upcoming event in South Dakota, centered around food sovereignty, aims to help Native American chefs, community leaders and others share traditional and modern ideas about expanding food systems. (Adobe Stock)

SD Summit: Creating More Pathways for Indigenous Food Sovereignty

As food-sovereignty efforts continue among Native American tribes, a South Dakota organization is bringing together stakeholders for a key …

A recent survey from the American Bar Association found most respondents want elected leaders who are willing to compromise, but not on specific issues. (Adobe Stock)

National Civility Month: Can a Respectful Tone Ever Return to Politics?

August is National Civility Month, and finding common ground in politics without name-calling might seem like an insurmountable task. A South Dakota …

Associations for Community Health Centers say if Congress does not extend federal funding, nearly seven million patients around the United States could lose access to primary care. (Adobe Stock)

Community Health Centers Juggle Demand, Operational Headwinds

This week is National Health Center Week. The facilities help to close care gaps in underserved communities, and regional and national leaders hope …

Above is the proposed map from Navigator CO2 to construct a multistate pipeline in the Midwest. The company wants to move carbon dioxide from agricultural sites and store it underground in Illinois. (Courtesy of Navigator)

Like Neighboring States, Carbon Pipeline Scrutiny Ramps Up in SD

This month and next, South Dakota regulators are holding hearings about proposed underground pipelines which would carry carbon dioxide for …

In South Dakota, Levitt at the Falls says it has offered shows dedicated to strengthening the social fabric of communities. This weekend, music will highlight the culture of the Kunama people from Africa. (Photo courtesy of Levitt organization)

Ethnic Group Hopes SD Music Event Elevates Its Community Profile

South Dakota is among the states that have received the most refugees, per capita, in the past decade. This weekend, a specific group of New …

In 2020, the University of South Dakota became the latest academic institution to develop a graduate-level studies program, inspired by the Zero Abuse Project, that gives students a more realistic experience in responding to child maltreatment cases. (Adobe Stock)

SD Sees Progress in Boosting Training for Child-Abuse Case Workers

A South Dakota academic program that enhances training for those who respond to child abuse and neglect cases is gaining momentum. In the past …

While inflation has eased, consumer advocates say certain food costs, for such staples as bread, remain high. (Adobe Stock)

SD Among States Working with Feds on Food Price Crackdown

South Dakota is part of a bipartisan effort among law enforcement leaders around the U.S. to crack down on anti-trust activity within the nation's …

Operators of South Dakota's 988 suicide prevention call and text line say in the coming months, they plan to do more specialized outreach among military veterans and farmers. (Adobe Stock)

Measuring the Overhaul of Suicide Prevention Line, One Year In

Assessments continue following the first anniversary of 988, the new version of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. In a state with a higher …

In its warning about a new mailing scam with claims of an unclaimed refund, the IRS notes that it handles tax refunds, not

Scammers Go 'Old School' With IRS Mailing

The next time a scammer tries to target you, it might not be through a text message with a harmful link. The Internal Revenue Service says bad …

South Dakota's Thunder Valley Community Development Corporation is trying to reclaim and restore historical elements of the Lakota language. Organizers said data sovereignty will play a big role in ensuring younger generations in the region have access to the teachings. (Photo courtesy TVCDC)

Data Sovereignty Movement for Native Populations Reaches SD

Around the U.S., there are efforts among tribal nations to reclaim stolen land from colonization and preserve language history, and a South Dakota …

Several groups representing Native American college students say the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to largely remove affirmative action from college admissions is

SCOTUS Ruling on College Admissions Felt by Tribal Education Leaders

Advocates for underrepresented college students continue to assess the fallout from last week's U.S. Supreme Court decision dealing with affirmative …

Organizers behind a community-driven approach in South Dakota to prevent child maltreatment say residents volunteering as tutors can be one way to provide much-needed stability for at-risk youth. (Adobe Stock)

SD Sees Growth with Community Approach to Prevent Child Maltreatment

The federal COVID-19 public health emergency may be over, but there is lingering concern about the mental state of children. In South Dakota…

Some 20 states have passed laws that either ban or restrict gender-affirming care for transgender youth. (Adobe Stock)

What's Next for SD After Ruling on Arkansas' Gender-Affirming Care Ban?

South Dakota's ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth is scheduled to go into effect on July 1. But opponents are looking into what the …

In South Dakota, those who have applied for Medicaid coverage in the past but were denied are encouraged to apply again with expanded eligibility ready to begin. (Adobe Stock)

SD Enters Enrollment Phase for Medicaid Expansion

July 1st is the official start date for Medicaid expansion in South Dakota, but health organizations involved with outreach say those who fall under …

OSHA says when developing heat illness prevention plans, companies should have a person on their job site to monitor others for potential signs of heat stroke. (Adobe Stock)

In a Smoky Summer, Outdoor Workers Can't Overlook Heat Threats

Periodic smoky air from Canadian wildfires is getting attention over public health concerns. But people who work outdoors in South Dakota and …

In findings compiled by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the average annual cost of care for one child in the U.S. was $10,600 in 2021, one-tenth of a couple's average income, and more than one-third of a <br />single parent's income. (Adobe Stock)

Child Care Access Hovers Over SD Child Well-Being Report

An annual report measuring child well-being in the U.S. said several benchmarks have worsened overall. States like South Dakota fared better in the …

George Floyd's murder brought such issues as generational wealth disparities to the forefront. Even prior to his death, awareness was growing in Midwestern states about a host of racial disparities, including economic. (Adobe Stock)

Wealth Grants Surface for Descendants of Slavery in North Central States

The upcoming Juneteenth holiday marks the kickoff of a new wealth building grant program for Black residents who are decedents of slavery in a few nor…

While South Dakota rarely sees recall elections, an expert says neighboring North Dakota has seen a lot of such activity, with nearly three dozen recall votes in the past 12 years. (Adobe Stock)

Does South Dakota Have 'Direct Democracy' Fever?

A court hearing next week could help determine whether an eastern South Dakota mayor will face a recall election. Events are rare for this state…

More than 60% of rural counties lack a psychiatrist, and almost half do not have a psychologist, compared with 27% and 19% of urban counties, respectively. (Adobe Stock)

New Report Dives into Challenges, Solutions for Behavioral Care in Rural U.S.

A new report spotlights some of the challenges to accessing behavioral health care for the one in seven Americans who live in rural areas. Those …

While there has been some backlash from customers, a number of states have adopted laws that allow dogs to be at outdoor restaurants, so long as they stay away from food preparation. (Adobe Stock)

Dining Out with Fido? Experts Have Tips to Keep Pets and Patrons Safe

May is National Pet Month, and South Dakota residents considering adoption are urged to do careful planning - while also making sure dogs can handle …

South Dakota officials say their new program, which gives rural EMS crews access to telemedicine inside an ambulance, is a first-of-its-kind initiative in the U.S. (Adobe Stock)

Telemedicine in Motion: SD's Rural EMS Crews Go High-Tech

People might picture a defibrillator or stretcher when they think of a first responder. But what about an iPad? South Dakota says a new program …

According to the National Education Association, there's been a 2% increase in the average public school teacher salary across the country. (Adobe Stock)

In SD, Complexities Surround Teacher Appreciation Week

Teacher Appreciation Week is underway. In South Dakota, there's a mixed outlook from educators on whether they feel supported. Coinciding with this …

Among other things, a new Minnesota law prohibits the enforcement of child removal requests from another state if a family travels to Minnesota in pursuit of gender-affirming care. (Adobe Stock)

SD's Neighbor Prepares to Serve as 'Trans Refuge' State

A new report found more than half of transgender youth in the U.S. have lost -- or are at risk of losing -- access to gender-affirming health care…

South Dakota is among a half-dozen states that currently have a

Backers of 'Open Primary' Plan for SD Continue Petition Rollout

In the coming months, South Dakotans will see outreach about some big changes potentially being ushered into the state's primary elections. This …

According to the American Library Association, a record 2,571 unique titles were targeted for censorship in 2022, a 38% increase over the previous year. (Adobe Stock)

Silent No More: Public Libraries Shout Back Against Censorship Craze

Public libraries are known for their quiet settings, but in the coming days, staff leaders in South Dakota and elsewhere will be vocal about the …

The Aspen Institute says more than 1.5 million people attend the nearly 500 community colleges in rural parts of the U.S. (Adobe Stock)

Report: SD Tech College Bucks Enrollment Trend

Community colleges in the U.S. have struggled with enrollment declines. But a new report says schools in smaller towns and cities, including South …

According to AARP, South Dakota has roughly 80,000 family caregivers. (Adobe Stock)

Report: SD Sees Big Jump in Economic Value of Unpaid Care

A new report says the efforts of unpaid family caregivers in South Dakota have an economic value of $1.4 billion. The latest estimate from AARP is …

Federal officials say cold-climate heat pumps can provide high-efficiency heating in freezing temperatures without producing greenhouse gas emissions. (Adobe Stock)

Science Moms: Climate Solutions Aren't Out of Reach for Families

April is Earth Month, and moms who work in scientific fields are trying to get the attention of other parents, hoping they'll take advantage of clean-…

Last year, nearly half of new stores that opened in the U.S. were chain dollar stores, according to a new report from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance. (Adobe Stock)

Dollar Stores: A Heavy Decision for Rural South Dakota

Dollar-store chains are rapidly growing across the country, and a new report claims their expansion comes at a cost for underserved areas. Research …

A report published in late February says children of mothers who are abused or neglected were more likely to demonstrate symptoms and behaviors linked to depression, along with other health issues. (Adobe Stock)

New Research Links Child Maltreatment to Generational Health Outcomes

New findings suggest health effects stemming from child maltreatment can be passed on to the next generation. In South Dakota, leaders in early-…

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