South Dakota News Watch

Engage South Dakota: Housing solutions A list of entities and programs that can assist in developing or obtaining housing as well as links to News Watch reporting on housing solutions.

Check out our list of #SouthDakota #housing solutions that are helping to ease the crunch.

Chamberlain gives away land to spur new housing development Some years, the town of 2,500 added just 1 home, prompting city leaders to invest taxpayer money and resources to jump-start housing development.

“As a community, you're either growing or you're dying, and there's no in between." How free land spurs housing development in Chamberlain.

'Tunnel farming' extends growing season by 4 months A March-to-December growing season in South Dakota? Above-ground plastic buildings expand crop outputs and product quality.

“You can do multiple successions of crops, and you have a better growing environment." Plastic tunnels helping #SouthDakota #agriculture.

Free training on accessing South Dakota courts Oct. 10 Judges and staff will explain how the state court system works and how journalists and state residents can access court documents and attend hearings.

Learn how #SouthDakota's state court system works in a free training tomorrow for journalists, students and anyone who has to navigate it.

Was there a decorative swastika on the Corn Palace in 1907? A fact brief that refutes or confirms a claim with supporting information and additional evidence and context.

The symbol was placed on the Corn Palace years before it became associated with the Nazi Party.

The tiff over TIFs heats up as communities embrace projects TIF districts have become a go-to tool for cities and counties to spur economic development. As the number of TIFs grows, so does debate.

“The county gets more tax revenues in one year than the whole darn taxes cost them and the developer." The pros and cons of tax increment financing districts explained.

Fact brief: Are undocumented immigrants eligible to receive free health care? A fact brief that refutes or confirms a claim with supporting information and additional evidence and context.

Some Republicans say Democrats forced the federal shutdown in part to provide free health care to undocumented immigrants.

Citizens' fight highlights tax increment financing district debate Answers to a residents' question about a TIF in Mitchell highlights concerns about if tax increment financing districts are being done correctly.

“They're one of the few tools in the toolbox for the developer to get projects built in #SouthDakota.” The property tax debate includes TIFs. An explanation about what they are and some examples.

Free training on accessing South Dakota courts Oct. 10 Judges and staff will explain how the state court system works and how journalists and state residents can access court documents and attend hearings.

#SouthDakota judges and state court staff will lead a free training session Oct. 10 for journalists, students and anyone interested in accessing court documents and hearings. See details below.

Amid illegal immigration purge, new citizens are welcomed At a celebration of new citizenship for immigrants held at Mount Rushmore hosted by Homeland Security secretary Kristi Noem, the ongoing national crackdown on illegal immigration was never mentioned.

"This is a fantastic time to become a citizen." Kristi Noem welcomes 72 new Americans at Mount Rushmore #SouthDakota naturalization ceremony.

Fact brief: Are ACA premiums set to increase for all South Dakotans by 235%? A fact brief that refutes or confirms a claim with supporting information and additional evidence and context.

A U.S. senator tweeted that premiums for South Dakotan's will rise 235% if tax credits aren't extended. Is that true?

Questions still unanswered after man killed during raid Internal investigation still ongoing almost a year after a man was shot and killed by U.S. Marshals Service officers in Yankton Reservation.

An update on a #SouthDakota on the Yankton reservation and stats that show a drop in officer-involved shootings.

Has any president formally apologized for the Wounded Knee massacre? A fact brief that refutes or confirms a claim with supporting information and additional evidence and context.

Congress passed a resolution in 1990 to express "deep regret" about Wounded Knee, but have any presidents weighed in?

Rotunda town hall held as part of civics and media series The town halls, discussions and community gatherings are intended to increase civic engagement and help people be informed.

Rapid City! Stop by our civics and media presentation tomorrow (Sept. 30) at 5 p.m. at The Hive, 512 Main St. Free drinks and light appetizers will be served.

With prison approved, attention turns to recidivism While the $650 million project was a contentious issue among legislators, the need to help repeat offenders received a lot of agreement.

“We do want to be tough on crime. We do want that, but we also want people to be productive citizens." How helping repeat offenders is part of the #SouthDakota prison plan.

Fact brief: Was the Big Sioux River ranked as one of the dirtiest in the nation? A fact brief that refutes or confirms a claim with supporting information and additional evidence and context.

Toxic substances released into the Big Sioux River have decreased the past few years since the report in 2022.

Tariffs and trade war bring volatility to SD ag industries Soybean farmers are nearing panic mode and corn growers are expecting low prices and profits, but cattle ranchers may see record revenues this year.

"We're going to start losing people if things don't change around." The negative and positive forces hitting #SouthDakota #agriculture.

Legislature's prison vote this week caps decades of debate Daylong special session will end with fifth vote on proposed men's facility. “The only way this prison will cost $1 billion is if we keep kicking the can down the road.”

As the South Dakota Legislature convenes for a specioal session about the men's prison, take a look back at decades of debate.

Fact brief: Is SD one of the friendliest states for credit card companies? A fact brief that refutes or confirms a claim with supporting information and additional evidence and context.

How South Dakota became a haven for credit card companies:

Legislature's prison vote this week caps decades of debate Daylong special session will end with fifth vote on proposed men's facility. “The only way this prison will cost $1 billion is if we keep kicking the can down the road.”

"This is the right plan, at the right price, and the right location. This should be an easy vote.” #SouthDakota lawmakers to vote Tuesday on latest men's prison plan.

Rotunda town hall held as part of civics and media series The town halls, discussions and community gatherings are intended to increase civic engagement and help people be informed.

Reps from each branch of #SouthDakota government told how they keep each other in check. See where to watch it and other upcoming events.

Alcohol's impact: 35, dry and dying while waiting for transplant Chronic liver disease is now the leading cause of death of South Dakotans in their 30s. “Alcohol is particularly challenging because it's prevalent. It's relatively cheap, and it's not in any way…

In 2024, we profiled Taylor Nielsen, a 35-year-old dying from alcohol-associated liver disease. By his side was father David Nielsen. Recently, the final chapter of their story was written, as Megan Luther reports.
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Is Rhoden the only SD governor who graduated from private school? A fact brief that refutes or confirms a claim with supporting information and additional evidence and context.

Gov. Larry Rhoden attended Sunshine Bible Academy in Miller. Did any other governors graduate from private schools? The latest Fact Brief:

Lack of film incentives a roadblock, but SD film industry still growing A new movie supposedly set in the state shows desert vistas and Southwestern-style buildings because it was shot in New Mexico.

"If you're open to the magic, #SouthDakota is going to provide." State's movie industry growing despite no incentives.

Attend or watch Thursday's "Separation of Powers Town Hall" from the Capitol and on SDPB from 8-9:30 p.m. Central time. Leaders from the 3 branches of government are taking part. Tickets: buff.ly/GwU70C8

Are diverging diamonds safer than traditional intersections? A fact brief that refutes or confirms a claim with supporting information and additional evidence and context.

A fact brief on whether diverging diamonds that send vehicles to the left side of the road are any safer.

$20 million disputed state gun range to open in early November Supporters say it will generate millions in tourism revenue and attract shooting enthusiasts from around the state and nation, and maybe from around the world.

"It’s truly a world-class facility, so it will do a lot for the economy.” #SouthDakota gun range outside #RapidCity opening soon.

Boys and Girls Clubs innovating after budget shortfalls "Yes, the funding has been cut, but so what? These kids are getting it done anyway, and the Boys and Girls Club isn't going anywhere."

“The level of disruption that we're seeing as an organization is, in some ways, trivial compared to the everyday life of most of the kids we serve.” Entrepreneurship efforts and facility rentals among the ways clubs are filling funding gaps.

Is SD one of the last states still using a 19th-century prison facility? A fact brief that refutes or confirms a claim with supporting information and additional evidence and context.

Yes, #SouthDakota's men's penitentiary is old. But is it the oldest in the U.S.?

Lakota Music Project to take program on tour this fall "There's been a lot of tears in rehearsals, not out of frustration but out of joy."

"We have that trust between us, so we're able to come together with music." How the Lakota Music Project that's touring #SouthDakota bridges cultures.