South Dakota News Watch

Top 5 legislative developments A summary of the top headlines out of the South Dakota Legislature.

Property taxes, the budget, summer studies and Kristi Noem are among the top developments talked about in Pierre heading into the session's final week.

Were Ellsworth AFB aircraft involved with Iran attacks? The B1-B Lancer can travel faster than the speed of sound and can carry a large payload.

Have Ellsworth personnel been involved in Operation Epic Fury? The latest fact brief:

Biotech defined: Economic impact, SD companies and more Industry leaders in state trying to make South Dakota part of a $3.2 trillion industry.

#SouthDakota companies in #agriculture, #healthcare and other industries that are part of the $3.2 trillion #biotech industry.

Native-led health research company bridges medical gaps Missouri Breaks Industries Research is changing the narrative on reservations in South Dakota and North Dakota.

"It's all well and fine for me to say 'exercise and eat right.' But what does that even mean? You have to have real-life examples." #SouthDakota #Native led #biotech medical research company helping to fill #healthcare gaps.

Do the SDSU men have the most Summit League basketball titles? The Jackrabbits have had a successful run in the Summit League tournament, but is it the best in the conference's history?

What team has won the most Summit League conference tournament titles? The answer in our latest fact brief:

Bureaucratic flood battle leaves lots vacant in Fort Pierre The land-use dispute pitting the city against the federal government has blocked development along the Missouri River for more than two decades.

"It's going to take an act of Congress, literally, to get this changed." Read how 40 prime housing lots along the Missouri River are in limbo.

Horses that heal: Equine therapy rising in popularity The popular animals with gentle souls have the ability to calm and soothe adults and children with physical, mental or behavioral problems. And insurance usually covers it.

"Horses hear what is not spoken." How equine therapy helps children and adults -- and is covered by insurance.

Has South Dakota ever voted for a Democrat for president? South Dakota's electoral votes have been a lock for Republicans for decades, but has the state ever gone for a Democrat?

When was the last time South Dakota's electoral votes went to a non-Republican? The latest fact brief:

What Smithfield's move could mean for environment, economy Smithfield Foods's move raises questions for both Sioux Falls and South Dakota residents, especially for those familiar with the company's long history and deep impact in the area.

"I don't want to just take for granted that it was assumed that Smithfield would stay here, because it wasn't." Potential impacts of Smithfield's move.

Tense Senate vote exposes fault lines surrounding data centers Missing lawmaker among the issues vexing proposed legislation that has failed.

"What you're hearing from communities is we want to see thoughtful economic development." #SouthDakota lawmakers debate #datacenters

Fact brief: Can some minors legally marry in South Dakota? The South Dakota Legislature is currently debating a law that would increase the restrictions on teen marriage.

What are South Dakota's child marriage laws and how do they compare to other states? The latest fact brief:

SD near the bottom in rate of kids prepared for kindergarten Greater parental involvement in the lives of preschoolers can go a long way to helping children be better prepared for school, experts say.

"Children are entering schools without the experience and exposures they need to be ready to learn.” New data shows a lot of #SouthDakota kids not ready for school.

Fact brief: Does SD have the smallest state capital city? Pierre's population is 14,000. Is that the smallest in the country?

Where Pierre stacks up in size of U.S. capital cities.

Food solutions in rural areas focus on community building In South Dakota's hinterland, federal grants, farm-to-school programs and community volunteers are crucial to feeding communities who need it the most.

"There's no questions asked. We haven't turned anybody away for food." #SouthDakota communities fill rural food needs.

Fact brief: Is Smithfield Foods one of the largest meat processing plants? City and state officials announced Monday that Smithfield Foods will build a new plant in northwestern Sioux Falls, freeing up prime land near downtown.

State and city officials announced Monday that Smithfield Foods is moving, opening up prime property near downtown Sioux Falls.

Grassroots effort in Redfield turning old bank into day care How the South Dakota city of 2,200 used a Ford Mustang raffle and a "grocery grab" fundraiser to solve a major problem.

"If you want to work as a parent, you have to take your kids somewhere." #Redfield #SouthDakota gets creative in filling its #childcare need.

Is a former South Dakotan leading the Nancy Guthrie case? Heith Janke is currently serving as the FBI special agent in charge of Guthrie’s disappearance from her Arizona home.

A Madison High School graduate and former Sioux Falls attorney is leading the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.

Family of man killed in raid sues US Marshals for $150 million 23-year-old was shot Nov. 27, 2024, just north of Wagner while live-streaming himself brushing his teeth.

Family of Zander Zephier sues U.S. Marshals Service for his 2024 death north of Wagner.

Is Adam Vinatieri the only SD-born player in the NFL HOF? Adam Vinatieri, the all-time NFL points leader, was selected to join the Hall of Fame on Feb. 6.

Trivia question: Who was the first South Dakota-born player inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame? The answer in our latest fact brief:

Assessing SD gubernatorial candidates' property tax proposals A look at ideas from the GOP candidates for governor includes comparisons to California's Prop 13. "This may actually increase local costs instead of decreasing them."

"I do have concerns that we're trying to do too much all at once." An assessment of the #SouthDakota GOP governor candidate property tax proposals.

Sioux Falls 5th grader wins South Dakota State Spelling Bee 11-year-old is headed to the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington after nailing "arrearage."

5th grader wins #SouthDakota State Spelling Bee in 19th round.

SD media landscape shifts as newspapers sold, two launch The ever-changing landscape of South Dakota's traditional and new media industry evolved further in the past few months, with newspapers starting, changing hands and closing.

The latest changes in #SouthDakota #media.

Does SD have some of the most ‘ambulance deserts?’ An ambulance desert is places and people that are more than 25 minutes from an ambulance service.

A 2023 study showed what areas of the country are underserved by ambulance services. The latest fact brief:

South Dakotans' biggest needs, according to 211 calls Calls to 211 in 2025 indicate that many South Dakotans are concerned about access to housing, food and utilities.

"oftentimes those individual counties are surprised by the needs in their county that maybe are different than what we see overall in the state.” Top calls for help to #SouthDakota's 211.

Has South Dakota shared voter rolls with the DOJ? More than 10 states have complied with a Department of Justice demand for voter rolls.

More than 10 states have complied with the DOJ's order to share voter rolls, while other states are being sued.

Habitat for Humanity leads nation in subdivision efforts Organization shifts from single homes to larger projects in Sioux Falls and Rapid City at prices young families can afford.

"We’re dipping our toes into the theater of becoming developers." Habitat expands from 1-house-at-a-time to entire developments. The potential impact on 9 #SouthDakota cities.

South Dakotan in the Super Bowl Pierre's Grey Zabel, who played at North Dakota State, was drafted last year by the Seattle Seahawks, which meets the New England Patriots Sunday.

#SouthDakota native Grey Zabel will be on the field when the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks meet in Super Bowl 60. Read more about him and see photos below.

SD cohousing development finds its place in Vermillion One group in a South Dakota college town hopes to redefine housing through community-focused development.

"Cohousing doesn't just create houses. It creates a community. And it does that very intentionally." Read about a #housing solution that's new to #SouthDakota.

Prominent Native activist's trial ends with a hung jury Nick Tilsen, founder of Rapid City-based NDN Collective, is accused of assaulting a police officer in 2022.

What happens next after judge declares a mistrial in the case against Nick Tilsen.

Fact brief: Can people hunt on South Dakota tribal lands? Though rules differ, several South Dakota reservations allow hunting on tribal lands.

Can non-Native Americans hunt on tribal lands? The latest fact brief: