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.
Pinned
States Newsroom's Starter Pack
Join the conversation
buff.ly
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 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.
buff.ly
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.
buff.ly
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.
buff.ly
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.
buff.ly
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.
South Dakota House Republicans have suspended Rep. Phil Jensen from their caucus meetings for two weeks because of his remarks about Democratic votes on legislation dealing with religion.
Controversial SD House member Phil Jensen suspended for two weeks from Republican caucus • South Dakota Searchlight
South Dakota House Republicans have suspended Rep. Phil Jensen from their caucus meetings for two weeks because of his remarks about Democratic votes on legislation dealing with religion.
buff.ly
February 3, 2026 at 6:12 PM
South Dakota House Republicans have suspended Rep. Phil Jensen from their caucus meetings for two weeks because of his remarks about Democratic votes on legislation dealing with religion.
States that were leaders in childhood vaccination before the pandemic are among those losing ground as exemptions and unfounded skepticism take hold.
Read the story and see a state-by-state map of kindergarten vaccination rates by state. 👇
Read the story and see a state-by-state map of kindergarten vaccination rates by state. 👇
States that once led in child vaccination fall as they expand exemptions • South Dakota Searchlight
States that were leaders in childhood vaccination before the pandemic are among those losing ground as exemptions and skepticism take hold.
buff.ly
February 3, 2026 at 3:12 PM
States that were leaders in childhood vaccination before the pandemic are among those losing ground as exemptions and unfounded skepticism take hold.
Read the story and see a state-by-state map of kindergarten vaccination rates by state. 👇
Read the story and see a state-by-state map of kindergarten vaccination rates by state. 👇
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…
buff.ly
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.…
buff.ly
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.
buff.ly
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
buff.ly
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.
buff.ly
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.
buff.ly
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."
buff.ly
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.
buff.ly
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.
buff.ly
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.
buff.ly
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.
buff.ly
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: