South Dakota Searchlight
@southdakotasearchlight.com
We provide free news and commentary on critical issues facing the state. We seek to serve the public interest with accuracy, fairness, insight and civility.
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We'll always keep you informed here about South Dakota news. Want to see how issues you care about are playing out in other states, and in D.C.? Follow our @StatesNewsroom.com accounts and journalists from across the country. We made this Starter Pack to make it easy:
A federal judge blocked the termination of temporary protections for roughly 350,000 Haitians from taking effect, a move that prevents the Trump administration from acting to deport them as litigation continues.
Temporary legal status allowed for now for 350,000 Haitians as judge blasts Kristi Noem • South Dakota Searchlight
A federal judge blocked the termination of temporary protections for roughly 350,000 Haitians from taking effect, a move that prevents the Trump administration from acting to deport them as…
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February 3, 2026 at 3:54 AM
A federal judge blocked the termination of temporary protections for roughly 350,000 Haitians from taking effect, a move that prevents the Trump administration from acting to deport them as litigation continues.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that body cameras would be given to federal immigration agents across the country, starting in Minneapolis, where two U.S. citizens were shot and killed by agents in the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.
Noem: Body cameras to be deployed to immigration agents, starting in Minneapolis • South Dakota Searchlight
WASHINGTON — Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced Monday that body cameras would be given to federal immigration agents across the country, starting in Minneapolis, where two U.S.…
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February 3, 2026 at 2:54 AM
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that body cameras would be given to federal immigration agents across the country, starting in Minneapolis, where two U.S. citizens were shot and killed by agents in the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.
South Dakota lawmakers defeated a bill that would have tightened limits on groundwater pumping by eliminating an exception for some deep aquifers.
Statewide groundwater recharge requirement fails in House • South Dakota Searchlight
South Dakota lawmakers defeated a bill that would have tightened limits on groundwater pumping by eliminating an exception for some deep aquifers.
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February 3, 2026 at 1:54 AM
South Dakota lawmakers defeated a bill that would have tightened limits on groundwater pumping by eliminating an exception for some deep aquifers.
The U.S. Department of Education spent between $28.5 million and $38 million on the salaries and benefits of the hundreds of Office for Civil Rights employees who were not working between March and December 2025, according to a Government Accountability Office report.
US Education Department paid up to $38M to civil rights workers on leave, watchdog says • South Dakota Searchlight
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Education exhausted millions in taxpayer dollars trying to eliminate a chunk of its Office fo Civil Rights
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February 3, 2026 at 12:54 AM
The U.S. Department of Education spent between $28.5 million and $38 million on the salaries and benefits of the hundreds of Office for Civil Rights employees who were not working between March and December 2025, according to a Government Accountability Office report.
The U.S. House could vote on a spending package that would reopen the federal government as soon as Tuesday. President Trump urged represenatives to vote "WITHOUT DELAY" to avoid an extended government shutdown "that will hurt our Country so badly."
Trump urges US House to avert ‘another long, pointless and destructive’ shutdown • South Dakota Searchlight
The U.S. House could vote Tuesday on the government funding package that will end the ongoing partial government shutdown once it becomes law.
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February 2, 2026 at 11:54 PM
The U.S. House could vote on a spending package that would reopen the federal government as soon as Tuesday. President Trump urged represenatives to vote "WITHOUT DELAY" to avoid an extended government shutdown "that will hurt our Country so badly."
WASHINGTON — A federal judge on Monday temporarily blocked a Trump administration policy that prevented members of Congress from making unannounced oversight visits at facilities that hold immigrants.
Judge blocks DHS policy to keep House Dems from visiting detention facilities unannounced • South Dakota Searchlight
A federal judge temporarily blocked a policy blocking Congress members from making unannounced oversight visits to immigration facilties.
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February 2, 2026 at 10:54 PM
WASHINGTON — A federal judge on Monday temporarily blocked a Trump administration policy that prevented members of Congress from making unannounced oversight visits at facilities that hold immigrants.
A federal judge has closed the lawsuit Planned Parenthood filed last summer after Republicans’ “big, beautiful” law blocked Medicaid patients from visiting its clinics for any health care appointments for one year.
Planned Parenthood ends suit against Trump administration over serving Medicaid patients • South Dakota Searchlight
WASHINGTON — A federal judge on Monday closed the lawsuit Planned Parenthood filed last summer over the "big, beautiful bill act."
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February 2, 2026 at 9:54 PM
A federal judge has closed the lawsuit Planned Parenthood filed last summer after Republicans’ “big, beautiful” law blocked Medicaid patients from visiting its clinics for any health care appointments for one year.
A pair of questions that struck the bullseye contributed to a South Dakota legislative committee’s uncharacteristic rejection of two bills to roll back concealed gun laws.
More details from the hearing:
More details from the hearing:
Bills to loosen gun restrictions fail in SD committee after on-target questions from lawmaker • South Dakota Searchlight
A pair of questions that struck the bullseye contributed to a South Dakota legislative committee’s uncharacteristic rejection of two bills.
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February 2, 2026 at 8:54 PM
A pair of questions that struck the bullseye contributed to a South Dakota legislative committee’s uncharacteristic rejection of two bills to roll back concealed gun laws.
More details from the hearing:
More details from the hearing:
South Dakota doesn’t recognize emergency medical services as essential under state law, and that wouldn’t change under an ambulance bill passed Monday by a state Senate panel.
South Dakota lawmakers not ready to call emergency medical services ‘essential’ • South Dakota Searchlight
South Dakota doesn’t recognize emergency medical services as essential under state law, and that wouldn’t change under an ambulance bill passed Monday by a state Senate panel.
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February 2, 2026 at 7:54 PM
South Dakota doesn’t recognize emergency medical services as essential under state law, and that wouldn’t change under an ambulance bill passed Monday by a state Senate panel.
South Dakotans hoping to run in the June primary election this year could have less time to circulate their nominating petitions to get on the ballot, based on a bill making its way through the legislative process.
Committee advances bill that would tighten candidate deadlines for upcoming election • South Dakota Searchlight
South Dakotans hoping to run in the June primary election this year could have less time to circulate their nominating petitions.
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February 2, 2026 at 5:54 PM
South Dakotans hoping to run in the June primary election this year could have less time to circulate their nominating petitions to get on the ballot, based on a bill making its way through the legislative process.
A proposed nuclear energy study in South Dakota is a step toward the inevitable as the state considers incentives for #DataCenters, some experts say.
Read the final installment of South Dakota Searchlight’s four-part series, The Data Center Divide:
Read the final installment of South Dakota Searchlight’s four-part series, The Data Center Divide:
South Dakota inches toward studying nuclear power as data center energy demands loom • South Dakota Searchlight
Gov. Larry Rhoden’s proposed nuclear energy study is a step toward the inevitable, energy and economic development professionals say.
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February 2, 2026 at 4:15 PM
A proposed nuclear energy study in South Dakota is a step toward the inevitable as the state considers incentives for #DataCenters, some experts say.
Read the final installment of South Dakota Searchlight’s four-part series, The Data Center Divide:
Read the final installment of South Dakota Searchlight’s four-part series, The Data Center Divide:
Even though many legislative sessions only just convened across the country, efforts to restrict access to #AbortionPills are in full swing, particularly in states that already ban abortion.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Bills cracking down on abortion pills advance in states that already ban most abortions • South Dakota Searchlight
Even though many legislative sessions only just convened across the country this month, efforts to restrict access to abortion pills are in full swing, particularly in states that already ban…
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February 2, 2026 at 2:23 PM
Even though many legislative sessions only just convened across the country, efforts to restrict access to #AbortionPills are in full swing, particularly in states that already ban abortion.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Via @statesnewsroom.com
An official in Sully County, which is home to South Dakota’s largest data center, says the county would welcome more #DataCenters with “open arms.”
Read the third story in South Dakota Searchlight’s four-part series, The Data Center Divide:
Read the third story in South Dakota Searchlight’s four-part series, The Data Center Divide:
Sully County, home to SD’s largest data center, would welcome more with ‘open arms,' official says • South Dakota Searchlight
Sully County is home to South Dakota's largest data center, at 30 megawatts. It’s expected to expand to 300 megawatts in the coming years.
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February 1, 2026 at 9:15 PM
An official in Sully County, which is home to South Dakota’s largest data center, says the county would welcome more #DataCenters with “open arms.”
Read the third story in South Dakota Searchlight’s four-part series, The Data Center Divide:
Read the third story in South Dakota Searchlight’s four-part series, The Data Center Divide:
South Dakota lawmakers have introduced at least 28 bills directly addressing #PropertyTaxes so far this legislative session as they look for ways to provide relief for taxpayers. “It’s going to be tough to get things exactly right, but we’re going to work at it,” one lawmaker said.
‘Tough to get things exactly right’: Legislature considers flood of property tax reduction proposals • South Dakota Searchlight
South Dakota lawmakers have introduced at least 28 bills directly addressing property taxes so far this legislative session.
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February 1, 2026 at 5:10 PM
South Dakota lawmakers have introduced at least 28 bills directly addressing #PropertyTaxes so far this legislative session as they look for ways to provide relief for taxpayers. “It’s going to be tough to get things exactly right, but we’re going to work at it,” one lawmaker said.
🎧️ Searchlight Report 🎧️ is the new podcast from South Dakota Searchlight.
In Ep. 3: Criticisms of “woke” funding derail a program, a resolution asks for prayers, a bill would limit utilities' liability for wildfires, Rhoden backs Noem, and a look at "The Data Center Divide."
In Ep. 3: Criticisms of “woke” funding derail a program, a resolution asks for prayers, a bill would limit utilities' liability for wildfires, Rhoden backs Noem, and a look at "The Data Center Divide."
Ep. 3: ‘Woke’ money, wildfires, the ‘Lord Most High,’ and more from the Legislature; plus: The Data Center Divide • South Dakota Searchlight
The third episode of Searchlight Report looks at state legislation on pretrial services, wildfire liability and religion. And a Searchlight reporter explains "The Data Center Divide."
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January 31, 2026 at 10:19 PM
🎧️ Searchlight Report 🎧️ is the new podcast from South Dakota Searchlight.
In Ep. 3: Criticisms of “woke” funding derail a program, a resolution asks for prayers, a bill would limit utilities' liability for wildfires, Rhoden backs Noem, and a look at "The Data Center Divide."
In Ep. 3: Criticisms of “woke” funding derail a program, a resolution asks for prayers, a bill would limit utilities' liability for wildfires, Rhoden backs Noem, and a look at "The Data Center Divide."
Timber Case No. 1, the first regulated timber harvest from a publicly owned forest, occurred in the #BlackHills. Author and historian David A. Wolff explains how and where in the new guidebook "On the Narrow Gauge and Beyond" from the South Dakota Historical Society Press.
Excerpt:
Excerpt:
Book excerpt: Black Hills Case No. 1 inaugurated era of government timber regulation • South Dakota Searchlight
"On the Narrow Gauge and Beyond" is part of the Black Hills History Tours series from David A. Wolff and the South Dakota Historical Society Press.
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January 31, 2026 at 6:19 PM
Timber Case No. 1, the first regulated timber harvest from a publicly owned forest, occurred in the #BlackHills. Author and historian David A. Wolff explains how and where in the new guidebook "On the Narrow Gauge and Beyond" from the South Dakota Historical Society Press.
Excerpt:
Excerpt:
A North Dakota town serves as an example of the promise and perils of #DataCenters for South Dakota.
Read the second story in South Dakota Searchlight’s four-part series, The Data Center Divide:
Read the second story in South Dakota Searchlight’s four-part series, The Data Center Divide:
North Dakota town serves as an example of the promise and perils of data centers for South Dakota • South Dakota Searchlight
The data center boom has brought benefits and challenges to Ellendale, North Dakota, including rapidly rising housing costs.
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January 31, 2026 at 4:19 PM
A North Dakota town serves as an example of the promise and perils of #DataCenters for South Dakota.
Read the second story in South Dakota Searchlight’s four-part series, The Data Center Divide:
Read the second story in South Dakota Searchlight’s four-part series, The Data Center Divide:
Searchlight Report podcast, Episode 3 🔊 Criticisms of “woke” funding derail a pretrial program, a resolution asks for prayers, and a bill advances that would limit utilities' liability for wildfires. Plus: Rhoden backs Noem, and a look at "The Data Center Divide." buff.ly/85BYKDo
Ep. 3: ‘Woke’ money, wildfires, the ‘Lord Most High,’ and more from the Legislature; plus: The Data Center Divide • South Dakota Searchlight
The third episode of Searchlight Report looks at state legislation on pretrial services, wildfire liability and religion. And a Searchlight reporter explains "The Data Center Divide."
southdakotasearchlight.com
January 31, 2026 at 2:49 AM
Searchlight Report podcast, Episode 3 🔊 Criticisms of “woke” funding derail a pretrial program, a resolution asks for prayers, and a bill advances that would limit utilities' liability for wildfires. Plus: Rhoden backs Noem, and a look at "The Data Center Divide." buff.ly/85BYKDo
The race for governor is on in South Dakota, and so is the race to determine the state’s policy on incentives for #DataCenters before the next governor is elected.
Read the first story in South Dakota Searchlight’s series, The Data Center Divide:
Read the first story in South Dakota Searchlight’s series, The Data Center Divide:
Clock is ticking on data center incentive proposal as elections loom • South Dakota Searchlight
The race for governor is on in South Dakota, and so is the race to determine the state’s policy on data centers.
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January 31, 2026 at 2:30 AM
The race for governor is on in South Dakota, and so is the race to determine the state’s policy on incentives for #DataCenters before the next governor is elected.
Read the first story in South Dakota Searchlight’s series, The Data Center Divide:
Read the first story in South Dakota Searchlight’s series, The Data Center Divide:
The nation’s capital will host an autorace through its streets this summer, President Donald Trump said. The IndyCar race, which Trump compared to the Indianapolis 500, will take place Aug. 23.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Start your engines: Trump greenlights IndyCar race around D.C. monuments • South Dakota Searchlight
The nation’s capital will host an autorace through its streets this summer, President Donald Trump said Friday.
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January 31, 2026 at 1:49 AM
The nation’s capital will host an autorace through its streets this summer, President Donald Trump said. The IndyCar race, which Trump compared to the Indianapolis 500, will take place Aug. 23.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Via @statesnewsroom.com
The federal government is hurtling toward a partial #shutdown this weekend: The Senate voted 71-29 to pass the reworked government funding package before a midnight deadline, but the earliest the House could clear it for Trump’s signature is Monday evening.
US Senate OKs spending deal, but partial shutdown still set to begin at midnight • South Dakota Searchlight
WASHINGTON — The federal government hurtled Friday toward a partial shutdown this weekend, even though Senate Democrats and President Donald Trump reached a deal that allows lawmakers more time to…
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January 31, 2026 at 12:49 AM
The federal government is hurtling toward a partial #shutdown this weekend: The Senate voted 71-29 to pass the reworked government funding package before a midnight deadline, but the earliest the House could clear it for Trump’s signature is Monday evening.
President Donald Trump’s new #FederalReserve chair pick likely faces headwinds in the U.S. Senate, as a key lawmaker opposes the administration’s ongoing criminal probe of current Fed leader #JeromePowell.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Trump to nominate former Fed governor to replace Powell as chair • South Dakota Searchlight
President Donald Trump’s new Federal Reserve chair pick likely faces headwinds in the U.S. Senate, as a key lawmaker opposes the administration’s ongoing criminal probe of current Fed leader Jerome…
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January 30, 2026 at 11:49 PM
President Donald Trump’s new #FederalReserve chair pick likely faces headwinds in the U.S. Senate, as a key lawmaker opposes the administration’s ongoing criminal probe of current Fed leader #JeromePowell.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Via @statesnewsroom.com
The U.S. Department of Justice released more than 3 million pages of documents related to the late sex offender #JeffreyEpstein.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Via @statesnewsroom.com
DOJ releases 3 million pages of Epstein files, taking in 180,000 images and 2,000 videos • South Dakota Searchlight
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Justice released more than 3 million pages of documents Friday related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
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January 30, 2026 at 8:49 PM
The U.S. Department of Justice released more than 3 million pages of documents related to the late sex offender #JeffreyEpstein.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Introducing The Data Center Divide, a South Dakota Searchlight series examining the impact, barriers and concerns regarding efforts to build #DataCenters in the state. buff.ly/sjM4SxH
The Data Center Divide Archives • South Dakota Searchlight
A South Dakota Searchlight series examining the impact, barriers and concerns regarding efforts to build data centers in the state.
southdakotasearchlight.com
January 30, 2026 at 7:49 PM
Introducing The Data Center Divide, a South Dakota Searchlight series examining the impact, barriers and concerns regarding efforts to build #DataCenters in the state. buff.ly/sjM4SxH
The federal government is hurtling toward a partial #shutdown this weekend, even though Senate Democrats and President Donald Trump reached a deal that allows lawmakers more time to negotiate new constraints on #immigration enforcement.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Via @statesnewsroom.com
With US Senate still tied up over spending deal, partial shutdown begins at midnight • South Dakota Searchlight
WASHINGTON — The federal government hurtled Friday toward a partial shutdown this weekend, even though Senate Democrats and President Donald Trump reached a deal that allows lawmakers more time to…
buff.ly
January 30, 2026 at 5:49 PM
The federal government is hurtling toward a partial #shutdown this weekend, even though Senate Democrats and President Donald Trump reached a deal that allows lawmakers more time to negotiate new constraints on #immigration enforcement.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Via @statesnewsroom.com