South Dakota News Watch

@sdnewswatch.sdnewswatch.org.ap.brid.gy

A nonprofit that tells investigative stories, verifies claims and engages with communities to identify solutions. 🌉 bridged from https://www.sdnewswatch.org/ on the fediverse by https://fed.brid.gy/

10 followers0 following128 stories

Longform Stories

Legislature election recap: Nelson holds off Hunhoff; Carley ousted

A review of top election results of South Dakota state legislative Republican primary races.

6h ago·4 min read·614 words

Fact brief: Did Larry Rhoden beat Toby Doeden in West River voting?

Toby Doeden and Larry Rhoden will meet on July 28 for the right to challenge Democrat Dan Ahlers in November’s general election.

8h ago·2 min read·293 words

Bountiful ballots: Local election added to June primary

A law change added numerous local nonpartisan and political races to the statewide Republican and Democratic primaries.

1d ago·8 min read·1427 words

Jackley and Rounds win; Doeden, Rhoden to meet in runoff

House and Senate winners cruise to victory in GOP primary but no governor candidate got needed 35%.

1d ago·10 min read·1807 words

Interns from SDSU and Northwestern join News Watch

Amina Aidarkhanova and Elena Tittel will work alongside News Watch journalists this summer.

2d ago·3 min read·460 words

South Dakota primary and local election preview

From 2 seats in Congress and the governor to a slew of local races, South Dakotans go to the polls Tuesday. An explanation about what's at stake.

3d ago·4 min read·723 words

Fact brief: Does eating out cost an average of $28 in South Dakota?

Canadian businessman and television personality Kevin O’Leary sparked a national debate after saying young people overspend on meals instead of saving and investing. 

3d ago·2 min read·281 words

Fact brief: Does eating out cost an average of $28 in South Dakota?

Canadian businessman and television personality Kevin O’Leary sparked a national debate after saying young people overspend on meals instead of saving and investing. 

3d ago·2 min read·281 words

Larry Rhoden: The Incumbent

A profile of Gov. Larry Rhoden, 1 of 4 Republicans running for a four-year term as South Dakota governor.

5d ago·10 min read·1901 words

Documentary about SD boarding school premieres in New York City

"Nine Little Indians" premiere mixes Hollywood and South Dakota to tell nine sisters' story about abuse in Native boarding schools. "If you don't have hope, then you just stay where you are, and you d…

6d ago·7 min read·1272 words

Dusty Johnson: The Problem Solver

A profile of U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson, 1 of 4 Republicans running for South Dakota governor.

6d ago·8 min read·1478 words

Jon Hansen: The Comeback Kid?

A profile of state House Speaker Jon Hansen, 1 of 4 Republicans running for South Dakota governor.

May 28·9 min read·1705 words

Toby Doeden: The 'Outsider'

A profile of Aberdeen businessman Toby Doeden, 1 of 4 Republicans running for South Dakota governor. "We needed a bold outsider to step up."

May 27·9 min read·1633 words

Fact brief: Is SD's point-of-sale tax rate at an all-time high?

An ad from Dusty for Governor claims that Larry Rhoden's and Jon Hansen supported legislation that led to the "highest tax rate in South Dakota's history."

May 27·2 min read·335 words

South Dakota GOP primary preview: US Senate

A preview of the upcoming GOP U.S. Senate primary election in South Dakota pitting current U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds against Justin McNeal of Rapid City.

May 26·4 min read·752 words

South Dakota GOP primary preview: US House

A preview of the upcoming South Dakota GOP U.S. House primary election pitting state Attorney General Marty Jackley against James Bialota.

May 26·4 min read·604 words

South Dakota student makes it to 2nd round of national spelling bee

Oscar Quezada is among 247 elementary and middle school students competing in Washington.

May 25·2 min read·371 words

The wall and on the web: New ways to honor SD Vietnam vets

Posthumous honors are planned in June to memorialize the lives of several South Dakotans who served in Vietnam, including a biologist from Rapid City, a school superintendent from Rosholt and a correc…

May 25·9 min read·1782 words

11 middle schoolers to compete in state civics bee

The winners chosen from four regional competitions will meet June 11 at Augustana University.

May 22·6 min read·1020 words

'Nine Little Indians' tells story from South Dakota's Native boarding schools

How a film about nine sisters abused at a Native American boarding school illustrates the broad scope of South Dakota's history with the system: "It is huge, to have the courage and to get to a point …

May 22·10 min read·1957 words

Fact brief: Did Dusty Johnson lead the House in charter-flight expenses?

A claim from an ad attacking South Dakota gubernatorial candidate Dusty Johnson claims the House representative spent more on chartered flight than any of his cohorts.

May 21·2 min read·354 words

Final primary campaign filings underscore Johnson's financial edge

The four candidates vying for the GOP nomination for South Dakota governor unveiled their final campaign finance figures ahead of the June 2 primary ballot.

May 21·5 min read·929 words

New SD law congests local elections; races to watch

Local contests reflect a year of high political involvement and loaded ballots thanks to new South Dakota election law. "Local elections, in particular, you tend to think of when something goes wrong.…

May 20·11 min read·2070 words

1 of world's largest energy storage plants launches in SD

Facility will absorb excess, low-cost energy from wind turbines that might otherwise be lost due to capacity limits on the existing power grid and store it in carbon blocks for use when needed.

May 19·8 min read·1420 words

Fact brief: Has SD ever elected a woman to the US Senate?

As of 2026, 64 women from 34 states have served in the United States Senate.

May 19·2 min read·304 words

Homeowners stuck in 6 years of sinkhole limbo

"If the Supreme Court rules against us, we're pretty much done. ... As for being compensated for your loss, you're pretty much out of luck."

May 18·10 min read·1810 words

Back to the future? SD Senate primaries see a slew of rematches

An examination of key races in this year's election. "If property rights are important to people, they're not going to forget."

May 15·11 min read·2039 words

Fact brief: Was an east-west split of Dakota Territory considered?

A retrospective released by the state of South Dakota on the 125th anniversary of statehood noted that other proposals had support.

May 14·1 min read·31 words

Indian rodeo: Documenting 1 of South Dakota's oldest traditions

How a lifelong statehouse lobbyist also captures the nuances of rural and reservation rodeos. “I fear I'm documenting the end of something.”

May 13·1 min read·31 words

Fact brief: Does SD have any laws about Automatic License Plate Readers?

Flock Safety’s Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPR) are operational in 49 states, including South Dakota.

May 12·2 min read·364 words

SD tourism leader: High gas prices could hold 'silver lining'

"It's our family trip, so if we needed to pay a little more for gas, it's no big deal."

May 11·1 min read·29 words

Fact brief: Has SD always used lethal injection for executions?

Jack McCall was the state's first execution in 1877. He was convicted of killing Wild Bill Hickok in Deadwood. 

May 7·1 min read·29 words

News Watch CEO elected to lead SD NewsMedia Association

Carson Walker is SDNA’s first president who does not work for a newspaper, the result of a change to allow membership from digital news outlets.

May 6·1 min read·34 words

Emily's Hope substance use curriculum coming to South Dakota schools

How the nonprofit's comprehensive K-12 plan has already helped 30,000 students – and hopes to reach all of South Dakota's young people soon.

May 6·1 min read·33 words

Hearing held in Mitchell baseball defamation lawsuit

A judge did not rule on three motions Tuesday related to a former Mitchell baseball player's civil lawsuit against the American Legion and two local news organizations.

May 5·1 min read·34 words

Fact brief: Have there been regular examples of voter fraud in SD elections?

South Dakota lawmakers approved a bill this legislative session that will allow individuals and election officials to challenge voters' citizenship.

May 5·1 min read·33 words

News Watch honored at SD NewsMedia convention

The newsroom's housing solutions series received SDNA's coveted public service award and a new prize for coverage of the nonprofit sector.

May 4·1 min read·28 words

Water worries: Billions needed to keep South Dakota taps flowing

South Dakota water systems will increasingly turn to the Missouri River to provide water for future population, agricultural and industrial growth. But plans will require billions of dollars and decad…

May 4·1 min read·47 words

4 big water projects underway in South Dakota

Billions of dollars of construction plans are in the works to provide water to serve South Dakota for generations to come.

May 4·1 min read·29 words

Rhoden: Johnson tried to keep me from entering governor's race

Gov. Larry Rhoden tells South Dakota journalists that U.S. House Rep. Dusty Johnson attempted to blackmail him in order not to enter governor's race.

May 1·1 min read·34 words

Watertown resource network leads to opioid recovery

How one woman's story illustrates the importance of support systems in the state's opioid crisis: "It's like the little breath that you get in all of the chaos."

May 1·1 min read·35 words

Confusion emerges over new SD voter ID requirements

South Dakota county auditors have taken different approaches to navigating a new law requiring proof of citizenship. Meanwhile, early voting appears to be underway.

Apr 30·1 min read·32 words

Fact brief: Did Babe Ruth play a game in South Dakota?

The Yankee great made a stop in Midwestern towns in 1922 as part of a barnstorming tour, but how many stops were in South Dakota?

Apr 30·1 min read·36 words

Bengs makes general election ballot

Independent from Hot Springs will meet Democratic nominee Jean Beaudoin and either incumbent U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds or his GOP primary challenger, Justin McNeal.

Apr 29·1 min read·29 words

Rapid City housing solution; civics and news in Vermillion

Good morning, South Dakota! Here are today's story summaries or previews and other items of interest, sent weekdays for free. If you're not subscribed, sign up here. Affordable housing investments o…

Apr 29·1 min read·87 words

Affordable housing investments opening new doors in Rapid City

A shared funding model by philanthropy groups in the Black Hills has led to development of nearly 650 affordable apartments in a market where rents are the highest in the state.

Apr 29·1 min read·40 words

Fact brief: Have any football players from SD been top 10 NFL Draft picks?

South Dakota has had strong representation recently. But has anyone from the state been drafted in the top 10?

Apr 28·1 min read·33 words

250+ years of American civics and news

Nonpartisan events in Watertown, Sioux Falls and Custer State Park include a discussion about civic responsibilities and how to find fact-based news and information.

Apr 28·3 min read·422 words

Some local governments waiting to spend $9.6M in opioid dollars

Why South Dakota counties and cities haven't used their share of opioid settlement fund money. “You don’t want to be the guy who spends it all on something and then it’s like, ‘No, that was wrong.’”

Apr 27·1 min read·46 words

Showing our math: The numbers behind the latest poll

In the final story of this week's series examining the latest results of a new poll by News Watch and the Chiesman Center, we look back at the main takeaways and provide an explanation on the methodol…

Apr 24·1 min read·52 words

South Dakota crime reporting guide

A resource for journalists, students and members of the public who are interested in the judicial system at all levels: state, federal and tribal.

Apr 24·1 min read·29 words

Lawyer: Igloo lease dispute not over despite Supreme Court ruling

The high court ruling is the latest salvo in a highly litigious atmosphere that has enveloped the survivalist bunker complex south of Edgemont.

Apr 23·1 min read·33 words

Poll: Majority of South Dakotans unsatisfied with current state of democracy

Most South Dakotans are unhappy with how democracy in working in America but believe state lawmakers are being held accountable, according to a new poll sponsored by South Dakota News Watch and the Ch…

Apr 23·1 min read·54 words

Fact brief: Has South Dakota always had 1 U.S. House seat?

House seats are reapportioned every 10 years after the U.S. Census is conducted.

Apr 23·1 min read·24 words

Lengkeek re-elected as Crow Creek chairman; other tribal elections in 2026

Which tribes in South Dakota are holding elections for leadership positions in 2026.

Apr 22·1 min read·24 words

Poll: Nearly half of South Dakotans disapprove of property tax plan

The recently passed legislation gives counties the option to raise sales taxes in exchange for lowering property taxes, according to a new poll.

Apr 22·1 min read·34 words

Poll: Most South Dakotans approve of Trump's firing of Noem

Rhoden and Rounds maintain job performance level, but Thune's numbers dip because of majority leader role.

Apr 21·1 min read·26 words

Poll: Johnson widens lead in SD GOP governor race

Hansen, Doeden and Rhoden effectively tied for second in gubernatorial race. Jackley and Rounds well ahead in House and Senate.

Apr 20·1 min read·29 words

National and state election law experts to lead free training

A free hour-long session includes a discussion about a law requiring proof of citizenship and guidance for election-day news gathering.

Apr 17·1 min read·30 words

Fact brief: Is Mount Rushmore National Memorial currently in extreme drought?

The Black Hills region has already had severe fires and is currently in a "high" fire danger risk (4 out of 6). 

Apr 16·1 min read·33 words

GOP governor debate: Key takeaways and voter reaction

SD gubernatorial candidates Toby Doeden, Jon Hansen, Dusty Johnson and Larry Rhoden met for a second time in a relatively well-tempered debate.

Apr 15·1 min read·30 words

Fact brief: Is Black Elk Peak the highest point between the Rockies and the Alps?

Black Elk Peak, which was officially named Harney Peak until 2016, is 7,231 feet above sea level.

Apr 14·1 min read·32 words

USDA cuts programs to aid new and Native American farmers

The federal government has eliminated a Biden-era program aimed at helping new or minority farmers learn the business and get some money to jumpstart their careers.

Apr 13·1 min read·36 words

Primary season enters next phase in South Dakota

An overview of the list of candidates who have qualified for the upcoming 2026 primary election. Also, be part of the next governor debate.

Apr 10·1 min read·32 words

Start local: Why Local News Day matters

Today, April 9, newsrooms and communities across the country will mark Local News Day, a national day of action celebrating the trusted local news and information that helps communities stay informed …

Apr 9·1 min read·40 words

Fact brief: Does SD have one of the lowest tax rates in the country?

South Dakota has no state income tax — but does that actually make it one of the lowest-tax states overall?

Apr 9·1 min read·34 words

Ahead of hometown rodeo, SDSU team seeks new heights

Long days and grueling practice are the standard for SDSU's rodeo team, which currently boasts more than 40 student-athletes.

Apr 8·1 min read·28 words

Fact brief: Have any South Dakota natives been into space?

Four astronauts aboard NASA’s Orion spacecraft are returning to Earth after slingshotting around the moon.

Apr 7·1 min read·25 words

Reversing downtown decline in Centerville

Ugly vacant buildings can create an impression of decline in many South Dakota small towns, but Centerville has given its downtown a rebirth.

Apr 6·1 min read·28 words

Historic restoration project shines light on Canton Lutheran Church

How one rural congregation is tapping its community -- as well as state and national funding -- to preserve a critical part of its history.

Apr 3·1 min read·34 words

$7.8M from opioid settlement granted to organizations

Ten projects across the state will use funding to address substance use disorder through prevention, treatment and education services.

Apr 2·1 min read·26 words

2 new directors join SDNW board

Rita Edwards and Mark Millage bring experience in law, media and business to South Dakota News Watch board of directors.

Apr 2·1 min read·26 words

Fact brief: Does SD have some of the highest recidivism rates?

According to the Justice Center, South Dakota was one of 14 states where recidivism increased between 2011 and 2021.

Apr 2·1 min read·30 words

Farm revenues fall as war and market concerns rise

Financial stress builds for corn and soybean farmers, including for one East River grower who almost lost $10,000 on a sale after a big price drop prompted by a presidential post.

Apr 1·1 min read·40 words

Key moments from the first GOP gubernatorial debate

News Watch takes a look at the top takeaways from the first GOP gubernatorial debate.

Apr 1·1 min read·23 words

Fact brief: Does SD have the longest stretch of Republican governors?

A Democratic governor has not held office in South Dakota in more than 47 years.

Mar 31·1 min read·26 words

Legislature sustains governor’s 2 vetoes

Lawmakers failed to override vetoes on a ban of lab-grown meat and state licensing requirements for non-medical home care agencies.

Mar 30·1 min read·25 words

3 South Dakota governor debates scheduled

KELO-TV, SDPB and South Dakota News Watch, and The Dakota Scout and Forum Communications will question the candidates. "You can't get that just from someone's social media feed."

Mar 27·1 min read·34 words

Fact brief: Is security at the Sioux Falls airport being paid during partial shutdown?

TSA agents have not been paid since the partial shutdown started on Feb. 14, but that doesn't every affect every airport.

Mar 26·1 min read·35 words

More than a game: Why basketball runs deep in South Dakota’s Native communities

Some of the best basketball players in SD history come from Native communities. Here's how 'Rez ball' followed athletes across generations.

Mar 25·1 min read·34 words

Fact brief: Did tumbleweeds first appear in the US in South Dakota?

The tumbleweed is a common sight in South Dakota and other parts of the United States, but does the pesky plant originate here?

Mar 24·1 min read·35 words

Weekly newspaper publisher named News Watch board chair

Kristi Hine, editor and publisher of the True Dakotan in Wessington Springs, takes over leadership of the nonprofit.

Mar 24·1 min read·26 words

Housing jumpstarts revitalization of Herreid, population 400

A small South Dakota town’s housing revival has relied on $2.2 million in grants — plus hundreds of thousands more in tax dollars and donations — to get new homes built.

Mar 23·1 min read·38 words

USD democracy conference: Communication is key

Free April 9 gathering will include a keynote by Steve Jarding, who will share public speaking training he gives to Harvard students and "presidents and prime ministers."

Mar 20·1 min read·33 words

Supreme Court rules officer names can be kept secret

Two Sioux Falls police officers want privacy in public documents over concerns they or their families could be harassed.

Mar 19·1 min read·28 words

Fact brief: Are mountain lion attacks on humans common?

Though mountain lions in South Dakota mostly live in the western part of the state and the Black Hills, one was spotted March 18 in downtown Sioux Falls.

Mar 19·1 min read·37 words

Supreme Court takes up contested Igloo bunker leases

The high court will decide a case originating at the survivalist bunker complex near Edgemont that could have broader implications on the strength of contracts and leases in the state.

Mar 18·1 min read·38 words

Rhoden hits back at Johnson's '2-person race' gibe

"Governor Rhoden isn’t focused on who he’s running against, but on what he’s running for." Also makes 2 campaign appointments.

Mar 17·1 min read·28 words

Fact brief: Has the rate of forest fires in the SD Black Hills increased?

According to the National Forest Service, there have been almost 60 fires of more than 100 acres from 2000-2024.

Mar 17·1 min read·33 words

Tilsen charges dropped after mistrial

The founder and CEO of NDN Collective was accused of driving his vehicle at a Rapid City police officer in June 2022.

Mar 16·1 min read·27 words

5 things to know about open government

It's Sunshine Week, a nonpartisan collaboration among groups in the journalism, civic, education, government and private sectors that shines a light on the importance of public records and open govern…

Mar 16·1 min read·37 words

Takeaways from the 2026 South Dakota legislative session

Lawmakers leave Pierre after passing a $7.5B budget that included a modest pay bump for state employees, teachers and Medicaid providers.

Mar 16·1 min read·29 words

Johnson unveils plan to boost entrepreneurship in South Dakota

“Chasing huge companies like TikTok grabs headlines, but building South Dakota means investing in South Dakotans.”

Mar 13·1 min read·25 words

Fact brief: Does SD have some of the highest motorcycle ownership rates?

South Dakota has a short riding season, but does that matter with motorcycle ownership?

Mar 12·1 min read·26 words

Gaming grants: Millions for Deadwood, thousands for rest of state

While the Black Hills town has received $237 million for historic preservation since legal gambling started, the rest of the state has received only $8 million.

Mar 11·1 min read·36 words

Fact brief: Are any nuclear missiles stored in South Dakota?

South Dakota had 15 launch control facilities and 150 missile silos after 1963. Do any remain?

Mar 10·1 min read·26 words

After $237 million spent, Deadwood seeks more gaming proceeds

"We're a small town but we have big-city expenses because of the visitation." Analysis shows that $33 billion has been wagered.

Mar 9·1 min read·30 words

Top 5 legislative developments

A summary of the top headlines out of the South Dakota Legislature.

Mar 6·1 min read·16 words

Fact brief: Were aircraft from Ellsworth involved with attacks on Iran?

The B1-B Lancer can travel faster than the speed of sound and can carry a large payload.

Mar 5·1 min read·28 words

Native-led health research company bridges medical gaps in tribal communities

Missouri Breaks Industries Research is changing the narrative on reservations in South Dakota and North Dakota: "It's just not the clinical research study that you know – it's more relaxed, patient in…

Mar 4·1 min read·42 words

Fact brief: 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?

Mar 3·1 min read·34 words

Flood of bureaucracy leaves prime home lots vacant in Fort Pierre

"It's going to take an act of Congress, literally, to get this changed."

Mar 2·1 min read·24 words

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.

Feb 27·1 min read·35 words

News about News Watch: February 2026

The latest news about South Dakota News Watch for our community of subscribers, donors and media partners.

Feb 26·1 min read·23 words

Fact brief: 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?

Feb 26·1 min read·33 words

What Smithfield's move could mean for environment, economy

The packing plant's relocation 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.

Feb 25·1 min read·37 words

Tense Senate vote exposes fault lines surrounding data centers

Missing lawmaker among the issues vexing proposed legislation that has failed.

Feb 24·1 min read·20 words

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.

Feb 24·1 min read·27 words

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.

Feb 20·1 min read·34 words

Fact brief: Does South Dakota have the smallest state capital city?

Pierre's population is 14,000. Is that the smallest in the country?

Feb 19·1 min read·22 words

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.

Feb 18·1 min read·30 words

What to know about food resources in SD

Which organizations, nonprofits and community initiatives are working to address food insecurity in South Dakota?

Feb 18·1 min read·23 words

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.

Feb 17·1 min read·36 words

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 help solve a major problem.

Feb 13·1 min read·33 words

Fact brief: Is a former South Dakotan leading the Nancy Guthrie investigation?

The FBI is offering a $50,000 award for information that leads to the whereabouts of Guthrie, who has been missing since Feb. 1. She is the mother of NBC “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie.

Feb 12·1 min read·46 words

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.

Feb 11·1 min read·28 words

Fact brief: Is Adam Vinatieri the only SD-born player in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

Adam Vinatieri, the all-time NFL points leader who won four Super Bowls, was selected to join the Hall of Fame on Feb. 6.

Feb 10·1 min read·39 words

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."

Feb 9·1 min read·33 words

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."

Feb 8·1 min read·25 words

Update: SD media landscape shifts as newspapers sold, 2 launch

Some of the latest startups, acquisitions and publishing changes in the state's legacy and new media industry.

Feb 6·1 min read·27 words

Fact brief: 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.

Feb 5·1 min read·28 words

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.

Feb 4·1 min read·27 words

South Dakota students to compete in state spelling bee

The Feb. 7 competition at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell is the second state bee sponsored by South Dakota News Watch and DWU.

Jan 16·1 min read·32 words

A guide to South Dakota's 9 Native tribes

The governance, geography, people and economy of South Dakota's nine Native American reservations and tribes.

Jan 14·1 min read·23 words

Biotech defined: Economic impact, SD companies and more

Industry leaders in the state are trying to make South Dakota a bigger part of a $3.2 trillion industry.

Dec 10·1 min read·27 words

South Dakota voter guide

What South Dakotans need to know about registering and voting in statewide elections, and who and what are on the ballot.

Nov 10·13 min read·2467 words

Chamberlain gives away land to spur new housing development

Some years, the town of 2,500 added just 1 home, prompting city leaders to invest taxpayer money and resources to jump-start housing development.

Oct 13·1 min read·32 words

Iconic movies shot in South Dakota

From 'Dances With Wolves' to 'National Treasure,' these notable movies were filmed in South Dakota.

Sep 17·5 min read·945 words