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:
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
Recent high-profile child abuse deaths in several states have led to renewed calls from state lawmakers for stronger #homeschooling regulations.
Via @stateline.org buff.ly/yl8ACT8
Via @stateline.org buff.ly/yl8ACT8
‘These kids are invisible’: Child abuse deaths spur clash over homeschool regulation • South Dakota Searchlight
Recent high-profile child abuse deaths in several states have led to renewed calls from state lawmakers for stronger homeschooling regulations.
southdakotasearchlight.com
January 30, 2026 at 3:39 PM
Recent high-profile child abuse deaths in several states have led to renewed calls from state lawmakers for stronger #homeschooling regulations.
Via @stateline.org buff.ly/yl8ACT8
Via @stateline.org buff.ly/yl8ACT8
The U.S. Senate could vote soon to approve a government funding package after Democrats brokered a deal with the White House to strip out the full-year spending bill for the Department of Homeland Security.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Via @statesnewsroom.com
US Senate poised to send House spending deal in race to avert partial shutdown • South Dakota Searchlight
The U.S. Senate was unable to advance a funding package, pushing the federal government closer to a partial shutdown.
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January 30, 2026 at 1:45 AM
The U.S. Senate could vote soon to approve a government funding package after Democrats brokered a deal with the White House to strip out the full-year spending bill for the Department of Homeland Security.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Both chambers of the Legislature have approved a resolution that urges the people of South Dakota to “seek the Lord Most High for His healing presence and mercy,” after debates about the role of #religion in government.
Lawmakers ask South Dakotans to ‘seek the Lord Most High’ • South Dakota Searchlight
Both chambers approved the resolution, though it drew "no" votes from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers.
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January 30, 2026 at 1:26 AM
Both chambers of the Legislature have approved a resolution that urges the people of South Dakota to “seek the Lord Most High for His healing presence and mercy,” after debates about the role of #religion in government.
A committee of South Dakota lawmakers advanced a bill that would tighten state limits on groundwater withdrawals by eliminating an exception for some deep #aquifers used by public water systems.
Groundwater recharge requirement wins legislative committee’s approval • South Dakota Searchlight
A committee advanced a bill that would tighten state limits on groundwater withdrawals by eliminating an exception for some deep aquifers.
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January 30, 2026 at 12:26 AM
A committee of South Dakota lawmakers advanced a bill that would tighten state limits on groundwater withdrawals by eliminating an exception for some deep #aquifers used by public water systems.
Lawmakers in the state House of Representatives halted an effort to send a proposed repeal of expanded #Medicaid to South Dakota voters.
South Dakota House stops proposal asking voters to repeal Medicaid expansion • South Dakota Searchlight
The effort would have placed a state constitutional amendment on the general election ballot in November to repeal expanded Medicaid.
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January 29, 2026 at 10:26 PM
Lawmakers in the state House of Representatives halted an effort to send a proposed repeal of expanded #Medicaid to South Dakota voters.
South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden criticized "people jumping to conclusions and then standing their ground and making absurd statements based on conjecture."
That sounds like a description of his predecessor, #KristiNoem, writes @sethtupper.bsky.social.
Commentary:
That sounds like a description of his predecessor, #KristiNoem, writes @sethtupper.bsky.social.
Commentary:
The clearest critique of Noem’s conjecture about a shooting is, unwittingly, from her successor • South Dakota Searchlight
Ask him indirectly, or just let him talk awhile, and Larry Rhoden will criticize Kristi Noem's actions without even realizing he’s doing it.
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January 29, 2026 at 9:26 PM
South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden criticized "people jumping to conclusions and then standing their ground and making absurd statements based on conjecture."
That sounds like a description of his predecessor, #KristiNoem, writes @sethtupper.bsky.social.
Commentary:
That sounds like a description of his predecessor, #KristiNoem, writes @sethtupper.bsky.social.
Commentary:
The first bill Gov. Larry Rhoden signed into law this legislative session approves spending of federal funds for South Dakota’s Rural Health Transformation Program.
South Dakota governor signs bill authorizing state spending of federal rural health funding • South Dakota Searchlight
The first bill Gov. Larry Rhoden signed into law this legislative session approves spending of federal funds for South Dakota’s Rural Health Transformation Program.
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January 29, 2026 at 8:26 PM
The first bill Gov. Larry Rhoden signed into law this legislative session approves spending of federal funds for South Dakota’s Rural Health Transformation Program.
The U.S. Senate was unable to advance a funding package, pushing the federal government closer to a partial #shutdown as Democrats press for restrictions on immigration enforcement.
Majority Leader John Thune, R-SD, said "there have been very constructive discussions."
Majority Leader John Thune, R-SD, said "there have been very constructive discussions."
US Senate fails to advance spending package, with partial shutdown looming Friday night • South Dakota Searchlight
The U.S. Senate was unable to advance a funding package, pushing the federal government closer to a partial shutdown.
buff.ly
January 29, 2026 at 7:26 PM
The U.S. Senate was unable to advance a funding package, pushing the federal government closer to a partial #shutdown as Democrats press for restrictions on immigration enforcement.
Majority Leader John Thune, R-SD, said "there have been very constructive discussions."
Majority Leader John Thune, R-SD, said "there have been very constructive discussions."
Americans feel their health care costs are going up faster than other household expenses, hold President Trump and congressional Republicans responsible and say the issue will factor into their votes in this year’s midterm elections, according to a poll by @kff.org.
Rising health costs could shift midterm voters toward Democrats, survey shows • South Dakota Searchlight
Americans feel their health care costs are going up faster than other household expenses, hold President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans responsible and say the issue will factor into…
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January 29, 2026 at 4:26 PM
Americans feel their health care costs are going up faster than other household expenses, hold President Trump and congressional Republicans responsible and say the issue will factor into their votes in this year’s midterm elections, according to a poll by @kff.org.
A drop in #immigration amid President Donald Trump’s enforcement crackdown led to historically slow population growth in the United States last year, reports @stateline.org. South Dakota added nearly 8,000 people, growing by about 1%.
See more numbers and analysis: buff.ly/VeU7pLw
See more numbers and analysis: buff.ly/VeU7pLw
Immigration drop shifts population, political power to Texas and Florida; SD grows by nearly 8K • South Dakota Searchlight
A drop in immigration amid President Donald Trump’s enforcement crackdown led to historically slow population growth in the United States last year.
southdakotasearchlight.com
January 29, 2026 at 3:26 PM
A drop in #immigration amid President Donald Trump’s enforcement crackdown led to historically slow population growth in the United States last year, reports @stateline.org. South Dakota added nearly 8,000 people, growing by about 1%.
See more numbers and analysis: buff.ly/VeU7pLw
See more numbers and analysis: buff.ly/VeU7pLw
“There must be new leadership in the Department of Homeland Security now": Minnesota’s U.S. senators took to the chamber’s floor to honor two constituents killed by federal agents and call for the Department of Homeland Security to end its surge in the Twin Cities.
Klobuchar, Smith pay tribute to Minnesota victims on US Senate floor, call for ICE reforms • South Dakota Searchlight
Minnesota’s U.S. senators took to the chamber’s floor to honor two constituents killed by federal agents and call for the Department of Homeland Security to end its surge in the Twin Cities.
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January 29, 2026 at 4:54 AM
“There must be new leadership in the Department of Homeland Security now": Minnesota’s U.S. senators took to the chamber’s floor to honor two constituents killed by federal agents and call for the Department of Homeland Security to end its surge in the Twin Cities.
U.S. Senate Democrats detailed the “common sense” changes they want to implement for federal immigration enforcement, saying reforms must be added to a funding package that needs to become law before the weekend to avoid a partial government shutdown.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Via @statesnewsroom.com
US Senate Dems demand mask ban, body camera requirement, IDs for immigration agents • South Dakota Searchlight
WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Democrats on Wednesday detailed the “common sense” changes they want to implement for federal immigration enforcement, saying reforms must be added to a funding package that…
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January 29, 2026 at 3:54 AM
U.S. Senate Democrats detailed the “common sense” changes they want to implement for federal immigration enforcement, saying reforms must be added to a funding package that needs to become law before the weekend to avoid a partial government shutdown.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Via @statesnewsroom.com