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:
The South Dakota House of Representatives voted to support changing a nominating petition deadline for state and local election candidates, in response to a law passed last year that required local elections on the same day as primary and general elections.
State House endorses bill to align candidate petition deadlines • South Dakota Searchlight
The South Dakota House of Representatives voted to support changing a nominating petition deadline for state and local election candidates.
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February 5, 2026 at 10:26 PM
The South Dakota House of Representatives voted to support changing a nominating petition deadline for state and local election candidates, in response to a law passed last year that required local elections on the same day as primary and general elections.
Senate Republicans blocked a Democratic proposal Thursday to sue the Trump administration over allegations that it did not fully release the Epstein files, as mandated under a law unanimously approved by senators and signed by the president nearly three months ago.
US Senate Republicans block attempt to sue Trump administration over Epstein files • South Dakota Searchlight
Senate Republicans blocked a Democratic proposal to sue the Trump administration over allegations it did not fully release the Epstein files.
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February 5, 2026 at 8:26 PM
Senate Republicans blocked a Democratic proposal Thursday to sue the Trump administration over allegations that it did not fully release the Epstein files, as mandated under a law unanimously approved by senators and signed by the president nearly three months ago.
Reposted by South Dakota Searchlight
Many thanks to the good people at SDSU Journalism for letting me come by and talk public service reporting this morning in Brookings.
These Jackrabbits have four interesting projects in the works, and I look forward to reading them.
These Jackrabbits have four interesting projects in the works, and I look forward to reading them.
February 5, 2026 at 5:03 PM
Many thanks to the good people at SDSU Journalism for letting me come by and talk public service reporting this morning in Brookings.
These Jackrabbits have four interesting projects in the works, and I look forward to reading them.
These Jackrabbits have four interesting projects in the works, and I look forward to reading them.
South Dakota lawmakers have rejected one bill to increase penalties for disrupting worshippers and advanced another.
The sponsor of the successful bill referenced the freedoms of religion and speech and said “this is to address when those things clash.”
The sponsor of the successful bill referenced the freedoms of religion and speech and said “this is to address when those things clash.”
State Senate approves bill increasing punishment for disrupting worship; related bill fails in House • South Dakota Searchlight
Preventing someone from worship by threat or violence is already a misdemeanor in the state. A bill would make it a felony.
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February 5, 2026 at 6:26 PM
South Dakota lawmakers have rejected one bill to increase penalties for disrupting worshippers and advanced another.
The sponsor of the successful bill referenced the freedoms of religion and speech and said “this is to address when those things clash.”
The sponsor of the successful bill referenced the freedoms of religion and speech and said “this is to address when those things clash.”
Health care providers would be able to refuse patients treatment due to conscience-based objections under a bill South Dakota lawmakers endorsed today. Opponents say the bill is overly broad and would lead to legal challenges, strain rural facilities and erode care for patients.
SD committee supports health care provider conscience exemption bill • South Dakota Searchlight
Health care providers would be able to refuse to perform services for patients under a bill South Dakota lawmakers endorsed on Thursday at the Capitol in Pierre.
southdakotasearchlight.com
February 5, 2026 at 5:40 PM
Health care providers would be able to refuse patients treatment due to conscience-based objections under a bill South Dakota lawmakers endorsed today. Opponents say the bill is overly broad and would lead to legal challenges, strain rural facilities and erode care for patients.
President Trump’s attempts to dramatically slash funding for the U.S. Department of Education amid a broader push to dismantle the agency hit a major roadblock in the form of bipartisan approval of a spending law that gives the department a small raise.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Via @statesnewsroom.com
In setback for Trump, Congress in spending law rejects call to axe Education Department • South Dakota Searchlight
President Donald Trump’s attempts to dramatically slash funding for the U.S. Department of Education amid a broader push to dismantle the agency hit a major roadblock.
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February 5, 2026 at 3:26 PM
President Trump’s attempts to dramatically slash funding for the U.S. Department of Education amid a broader push to dismantle the agency hit a major roadblock in the form of bipartisan approval of a spending law that gives the department a small raise.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Via @statesnewsroom.com
As Americans grow increasingly frustrated over their electricity bills, states are trying to keep the nation’s growing number of #DataCenters from causing higher energy costs for consumers, reports @stateline.org.
With electricity bills rising, some states consider new data center laws • South Dakota Searchlight
As Americans grow increasingly frustrated over their electricity bills, states are trying to keep the nation’s growing number of data centers from causing higher energy costs for consumers.
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February 5, 2026 at 2:26 PM
As Americans grow increasingly frustrated over their electricity bills, states are trying to keep the nation’s growing number of #DataCenters from causing higher energy costs for consumers, reports @stateline.org.
Lawmakers in the South Dakota House of Representatives endorsed a bill barring the purchase of soft drinks with benefits from the SNAP food assistance program. “A taxpayer-funded nutrition program should promote actual nutrition,” the bill's sponsor said.
South Dakota House of Representatives advances food stamp soda ban bill • South Dakota Searchlight
Lawmakers in the South Dakota House of Representatives endorsed a bill barring the purchase of sweetened beverages with benefits from a food assistance program.
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February 5, 2026 at 1:54 AM
Lawmakers in the South Dakota House of Representatives endorsed a bill barring the purchase of soft drinks with benefits from the SNAP food assistance program. “A taxpayer-funded nutrition program should promote actual nutrition,” the bill's sponsor said.
Visits to five total places in Brookings and Milbank by a Grant County man infected with #measles prompted a notice from the South Dakota Department of Health.
Grant County man visits public places in Brookings, Milbank while infectious with measles • South Dakota Searchlight
Visits to five total places in Brookings and Milbank by a Grant County man infected with measles prompted a notice on Wednesday.
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February 5, 2026 at 12:54 AM
Visits to five total places in Brookings and Milbank by a Grant County man infected with #measles prompted a notice from the South Dakota Department of Health.
A state Public Integrity Unit fielded 47 complaints of state employee misconduct in its first six months of operations, resulting in 14 criminal investigations and criminal charges in four cases so far, according to the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office.
47 complaints, 14 criminal investigations of state employees logged in six months • South Dakota Searchlight
A South Dakota Public Integrity Unit fielded 47 complaints of state employee misconduct in its first six months of operations.
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February 4, 2026 at 11:54 PM
A state Public Integrity Unit fielded 47 complaints of state employee misconduct in its first six months of operations, resulting in 14 criminal investigations and criminal charges in four cases so far, according to the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office.
The South Dakota House Education Committee advanced a $2.5 million proposal to provide grants for a teacher retention initiative. southdakotasearchlight.com/briefs/2-5-m...
$2.5 million teacher retention proposal moves to Legislature’s budget panel • South Dakota Searchlight
The three-year program would allow the state to examine what keeps teachers on staff and why some choose to leave.
southdakotasearchlight.com
February 4, 2026 at 11:03 PM
The South Dakota House Education Committee advanced a $2.5 million proposal to provide grants for a teacher retention initiative. southdakotasearchlight.com/briefs/2-5-m...
WASHINGTON — The top two Democrats in Congress on Wednesday outlined their proposal for restrictions on immigration enforcement, including body cameras and a ban on masks, though they had no details to share about when actual negotiations would begin.
Top Dems in Congress list ICE constraints they want in funding bill • South Dakota Searchlight
WASHINGTON — The top two Democrats in Congress on Wednesday outlined their proposal for restrictions on immigration enforcement.
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February 4, 2026 at 10:54 PM
WASHINGTON — The top two Democrats in Congress on Wednesday outlined their proposal for restrictions on immigration enforcement, including body cameras and a ban on masks, though they had no details to share about when actual negotiations would begin.
Department of Justice attorneys said during a hearing in federal court that a final decision will be made by May as to what kind of death penalty charges could be pursued for the suspect accused of shooting two West Virginia #NationalGuard members in the nation’s capital.
Suspect in deadly shooting of Guard member pleads not guilty amid death penalty discussion • South Dakota Searchlight
Department of Justice attorneys said during a hearing in federal court that a final decision will be made by May as to what kind of death penalty charges could be pursued for the suspect accused of…
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February 4, 2026 at 6:54 PM
Department of Justice attorneys said during a hearing in federal court that a final decision will be made by May as to what kind of death penalty charges could be pursued for the suspect accused of shooting two West Virginia #NationalGuard members in the nation’s capital.
A bill that would have created a 50-year sales tax break on equipment and software purchases for #DataCenters was stopped at the committee level in the South Dakota Legislature.
Details from the hearing:
Details from the hearing:
Data center tax break proposal fails in South Dakota legislative committee • South Dakota Searchlight
A bill that would have created a 50-year sales tax break on equipment and software purchases for data centers failed at the committee level.
buff.ly
February 4, 2026 at 5:54 PM
A bill that would have created a 50-year sales tax break on equipment and software purchases for #DataCenters was stopped at the committee level in the South Dakota Legislature.
Details from the hearing:
Details from the hearing:
The newest member of the South Dakota Board of Pardons and Paroles is a prosecutor, former defense attorney and co-founder of a halfway house in Huron.
Huron lawyer, halfway house co-founder appointed to parole board • South Dakota Searchlight
The newest member of the South Dakota Board of Pardons and Paroles is a prosecutor, former defense attorney and co-founder of a halfway house.
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February 4, 2026 at 4:54 PM
The newest member of the South Dakota Board of Pardons and Paroles is a prosecutor, former defense attorney and co-founder of a halfway house in Huron.
The momentum behind cellphone bans in schools has reached more than half the states.
Now, the question for many states and school districts isn’t whether to remove distracting devices from students each day, but for how long.
Now, the question for many states and school districts isn’t whether to remove distracting devices from students each day, but for how long.
As school cellphone bans gain in popularity, lawmakers say it’s time to go bell-to-bell • South Dakota Searchlight
States that have passed laws requiring some kind of cellphone policy now are considering going further by mandating daylong bans, even for high schoolers.
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February 4, 2026 at 3:54 PM
The momentum behind cellphone bans in schools has reached more than half the states.
Now, the question for many states and school districts isn’t whether to remove distracting devices from students each day, but for how long.
Now, the question for many states and school districts isn’t whether to remove distracting devices from students each day, but for how long.
Renee Good’s family, distraught and in disbelief over her killing, took some comfort in the past few weeks thinking her death might prompt change in the country, her brother Luke Ganger said.
“It has not,” Ganger told congressional Democrats.
“It has not,” Ganger told congressional Democrats.
Family of Renee Good, citizens hurt by DHS detail violence to Democratic panel • South Dakota Searchlight
Renee Good’s family, distraught and in disbelief over her killing, took some comfort in the past few weeks thinking her death might prompt change in the country.
buff.ly
February 4, 2026 at 2:54 PM
Renee Good’s family, distraught and in disbelief over her killing, took some comfort in the past few weeks thinking her death might prompt change in the country, her brother Luke Ganger said.
“It has not,” Ganger told congressional Democrats.
“It has not,” Ganger told congressional Democrats.
Don’t miss South Dakota Searchlight’s series, The Data Center Divide, examining the impact, barriers and concerns regarding efforts to build #DataCenters in the state.
Read all four stories here:
Read all four stories here:
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.
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February 4, 2026 at 2:30 AM
Don’t miss South Dakota Searchlight’s series, The Data Center Divide, examining the impact, barriers and concerns regarding efforts to build #DataCenters in the state.
Read all four stories here:
Read all four stories here:
President Trump again called for the federal government to get involved in elections on Tuesday.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune had said earlier in the day that the President's comments were meant to signal support for a bill that would require proof of citizenship to vote.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune had said earlier in the day that the President's comments were meant to signal support for a bill that would require proof of citizenship to vote.
Trump doubles down on calling for the feds to take over state elections • South Dakota Searchlight
President Donald Trump restated a call Tuesday for federal control over election administration across the country.
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February 4, 2026 at 1:12 AM
President Trump again called for the federal government to get involved in elections on Tuesday.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune had said earlier in the day that the President's comments were meant to signal support for a bill that would require proof of citizenship to vote.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune had said earlier in the day that the President's comments were meant to signal support for a bill that would require proof of citizenship to vote.
Property rights advocates in South Dakota advanced their “Bossly bill," aimed at limiting the ways developers can use #EminentDomain to enter private property when a landowner says no. The legislation is named for Jared Bossly, who alleges a pipeline company trespassed on his land.
‘Bossly bill’ aimed at preventing land survey abuses wins committee approval • South Dakota Searchlight
Property rights advocates advanced their “Bossly bill," aimed at limiting the ways developers can use eminent domain to enter private land when a landowner says no.
buff.ly
February 4, 2026 at 12:12 AM
Property rights advocates in South Dakota advanced their “Bossly bill," aimed at limiting the ways developers can use #EminentDomain to enter private property when a landowner says no. The legislation is named for Jared Bossly, who alleges a pipeline company trespassed on his land.
The South Dakota House of Representatives will vote on a bill meant to bar the purchase of sweetened beverages with food stamps.
Supporters say sodas create and exacerbate health problems. Gov. Larry Rhoden's office calls the plan too costly.
Supporters say sodas create and exacerbate health problems. Gov. Larry Rhoden's office calls the plan too costly.
Panel sends food stamp soda ban to full South Dakota House of Representatives • South Dakota Searchlight
The South Dakota House of Representatives will soon vote on a bill meant to bar the purchase of sweetened beverages with food stamps.
buff.ly
February 3, 2026 at 11:12 PM
The South Dakota House of Representatives will vote on a bill meant to bar the purchase of sweetened beverages with food stamps.
Supporters say sodas create and exacerbate health problems. Gov. Larry Rhoden's office calls the plan too costly.
Supporters say sodas create and exacerbate health problems. Gov. Larry Rhoden's office calls the plan too costly.
Two pieces of legislation are going to South Dakota’s House and Senate floors with different levels of increased penalties for disturbing worshippers. Both were filed in response to a recent protest in Minnesota.
Disrupting worship services could become a felony as dueling bills advance to chamber floors • South Dakota Searchlight
Two bills aim to make the act of disrupting a person's ability to worship a felony. The bills will be heard by the state House and Senate.
buff.ly
February 3, 2026 at 10:12 PM
Two pieces of legislation are going to South Dakota’s House and Senate floors with different levels of increased penalties for disturbing worshippers. Both were filed in response to a recent protest in Minnesota.
With SD's Dusty Johnson voting yes, the U.S. House cleared a government funding package and sent it to President Donald Trump, who is expected to quickly sign it and end the partial #shutdown that began this past weekend.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Via @statesnewsroom.com
US House sends funding bill to Trump, setting up immigration enforcement debate • South Dakota Searchlight
WASHINGTON — The U.S. House cleared a government funding package Tuesday, sending the legislation to President Donald Trump, who is expected to quickly sign it and end the partial shutdown that began…
buff.ly
February 3, 2026 at 9:12 PM
With SD's Dusty Johnson voting yes, the U.S. House cleared a government funding package and sent it to President Donald Trump, who is expected to quickly sign it and end the partial #shutdown that began this past weekend.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Dozens of U.S. House Democrats and leaders of several caucuses rallied on a chilly morning outside U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement headquarters in the nation’s capital, demanding the resignation, firing or impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary #KristiNoem.
US House Democrats call for Kristi Noem’s firing in rally outside ICE headquarters • South Dakota Searchlight
Dozens of U.S. House Democrats and leaders of several caucuses rallied on a chilly morning, demanding the resignation, firing or impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
buff.ly
February 3, 2026 at 8:12 PM
Dozens of U.S. House Democrats and leaders of several caucuses rallied on a chilly morning outside U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement headquarters in the nation’s capital, demanding the resignation, firing or impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary #KristiNoem.
A South Dakota legislative panel greenlit a bill that would protect doctors and pharmacists who issue or fill off-label prescriptions for ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine from liability. Neither drug is authorized as a COVID treatment by the FDA.
Bill protecting doctors who prescribe unproven COVID treatments heads to SD House for a vote • South Dakota Searchlight
A South Dakota legislative panel greenlit a bill that would protect doctors and pharmacists who issue or fill some off-label prescriptions.
southdakotasearchlight.com
February 3, 2026 at 8:11 PM
A South Dakota legislative panel greenlit a bill that would protect doctors and pharmacists who issue or fill off-label prescriptions for ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine from liability. Neither drug is authorized as a COVID treatment by the FDA.