Seth Tupper
@sethtupper.bsky.social
Journalist, author and editor-in-chief of @southdakotasearchlight.com for @statesnewsroom.com.
Reposted by Seth Tupper
The "election integrity" crowd expected SD's secretary of state to act like a fox in the henhouse, writes Dana Hess. Instead, she started acting like a secretary of state. And that's caused her to run afoul of her former supporters.
Commentary:
Commentary:
What goes around comes around for South Dakota's top election official • South Dakota Searchlight
In the summer, Monae Johnson will find herself fighting for her job at the state Republican Party convention.
buff.ly
November 22, 2025 at 9:15 PM
The "election integrity" crowd expected SD's secretary of state to act like a fox in the henhouse, writes Dana Hess. Instead, she started acting like a secretary of state. And that's caused her to run afoul of her former supporters.
Commentary:
Commentary:
Reposted by Seth Tupper
As a public debate begins about agriculture and water pollution in South Dakota, a new report shows the effects of a $3 million effort to mitigate the problem in the Big Sioux River watershed.
See the numbers:
See the numbers:
Amid water pollution debate, report shows results of $3 million river buffer program • South Dakota Searchlight
According to the report, 67 projects created 83 linear miles of buffers, protecting 1,219 acres. The project contracts last for 10 years.
buff.ly
November 21, 2025 at 10:00 PM
As a public debate begins about agriculture and water pollution in South Dakota, a new report shows the effects of a $3 million effort to mitigate the problem in the Big Sioux River watershed.
See the numbers:
See the numbers:
Reposted by Seth Tupper
South Dakota Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden pushed back on a lawmaker’s suggestion that the agricultural industry should be more tightly regulated to improve water quality.
“Rest assured,” Rhoden said, “he’s going to be set straight on a few of his issues in a very kind, civil way." buff.ly/LFstFGu
“Rest assured,” Rhoden said, “he’s going to be set straight on a few of his issues in a very kind, civil way." buff.ly/LFstFGu
Governor says lawmaker will be ‘set straight’ on suggestion to regulate agricultural water polluters • South Dakota Searchlight
South Dakota Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden pushed back on a lawmaker’s suggestion that the agricultural industry should be more tightly regulated to improve water quality.
southdakotasearchlight.com
November 20, 2025 at 11:58 PM
South Dakota Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden pushed back on a lawmaker’s suggestion that the agricultural industry should be more tightly regulated to improve water quality.
“Rest assured,” Rhoden said, “he’s going to be set straight on a few of his issues in a very kind, civil way." buff.ly/LFstFGu
“Rest assured,” Rhoden said, “he’s going to be set straight on a few of his issues in a very kind, civil way." buff.ly/LFstFGu
Reposted by Seth Tupper
President Trump accused six Democratic lawmakers of sedition on social media and threatened them with punishment as severe as death, after they appeared in a video encouraging U.S. armed forces to refuse “illegal orders.”
Via @statesnewsroom.com
buff.ly/kvH5in4
Via @statesnewsroom.com
buff.ly/kvH5in4
Trump accuses 6 Democratic lawmakers of 'seditious behavior, punishable by death' • South Dakota Searchlight
President Donald Trump accused six Democratic lawmakers of sedition on social media and threatened them with punishment as severe as death.
southdakotasearchlight.com
November 20, 2025 at 9:27 PM
President Trump accused six Democratic lawmakers of sedition on social media and threatened them with punishment as severe as death, after they appeared in a video encouraging U.S. armed forces to refuse “illegal orders.”
Via @statesnewsroom.com
buff.ly/kvH5in4
Via @statesnewsroom.com
buff.ly/kvH5in4
Reposted by Seth Tupper
As some South Dakota dairy farmers struggle to find workers and as the state’s unemployment rate remains the lowest in the nation at 1.9%, South Dakota’s economic development office continues to approve incentives for the industry.
State continues to incentivize dairies as industry struggles to find workers • South Dakota Searchlight
Two boards affiliated with the state approved $17 million of aid for businesses this month. Most of it was for dairy operations.
buff.ly
November 20, 2025 at 6:00 PM
As some South Dakota dairy farmers struggle to find workers and as the state’s unemployment rate remains the lowest in the nation at 1.9%, South Dakota’s economic development office continues to approve incentives for the industry.
I'm moderating a Q&A at 6 p.m. today at the Rapid City Barnes & Noble with Matthew Davis about his new book, "A Biography of a Mountain: The Making and Meaning of Mount Rushmore." Matthew will also sign books. Come out and join us!
Meanwhile, an excerpt: southdakotasearchlight.com/2025/10/01/b...
Meanwhile, an excerpt: southdakotasearchlight.com/2025/10/01/b...
Book excerpt: The clash and synergy of Borglum, Black Elk and Mount Rushmore • South Dakota Searchlight
It has always struck me as a fascinating cultural juxtaposition to imagine Mount Rushmore and "Black Elk Speaks" being created at the same time within a short distance from each other.
southdakotasearchlight.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:36 PM
I'm moderating a Q&A at 6 p.m. today at the Rapid City Barnes & Noble with Matthew Davis about his new book, "A Biography of a Mountain: The Making and Meaning of Mount Rushmore." Matthew will also sign books. Come out and join us!
Meanwhile, an excerpt: southdakotasearchlight.com/2025/10/01/b...
Meanwhile, an excerpt: southdakotasearchlight.com/2025/10/01/b...
Reposted by Seth Tupper
For at least the next dozen years, rural areas will continue to have only about two-thirds of the primary care physicians they need, according to a new report.
Via @stateline.org
Via @stateline.org
Shortage of rural doctors won’t end anytime soon, report says • South Dakota Searchlight
For at least the next dozen years, rural areas will continue to have only about two-thirds of the primary care physicians they need.
buff.ly
November 19, 2025 at 3:16 PM
For at least the next dozen years, rural areas will continue to have only about two-thirds of the primary care physicians they need, according to a new report.
Via @stateline.org
Via @stateline.org
Reposted by Seth Tupper
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is “crunching numbers” as it considers potential relief for farmers from tariff-related losses, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen A. Vaden said.
Via @tennesseelookout.com
Via @tennesseelookout.com
USDA ‘crunching numbers’ for potential tariff relief, official says ‘lots’ changed during shutdown • South Dakota Searchlight
The U.S. Department of Agriculture considers potential relief for farmers from tariff-related losses, said Stephen A. Vaden of the USDA.
buff.ly
November 19, 2025 at 2:00 AM
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is “crunching numbers” as it considers potential relief for farmers from tariff-related losses, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen A. Vaden said.
Via @tennesseelookout.com
Via @tennesseelookout.com
Reposted by Seth Tupper
South Dakota’s top election official floated potential legislation that would allow prospective candidates to pay their way onto the ballot. Currently, candidates have to gather petition signatures from registered voters.
Candidates could pay their way onto ballot under idea proposed by SD’s top election official • South Dakota Searchlight
South Dakota’s top election official floated potential legislation that would allow prospective candidates to pay their way onto the ballot.
buff.ly
November 19, 2025 at 12:00 AM
South Dakota’s top election official floated potential legislation that would allow prospective candidates to pay their way onto the ballot. Currently, candidates have to gather petition signatures from registered voters.
Reposted by Seth Tupper
NorthWestern Energy has filed notice of its intent to seek a permit for a $276 million #NaturalGas plant in Aberdeen, citing higher electrical demand from a growing population.
NorthWestern Energy plans second natural gas plant in Aberdeen as electricity demand grows • South Dakota Searchlight
NorthWestern Energy is planning to build a second natural gas plant to generate more electricity in Aberdeen.
buff.ly
November 18, 2025 at 11:14 PM
NorthWestern Energy has filed notice of its intent to seek a permit for a $276 million #NaturalGas plant in Aberdeen, citing higher electrical demand from a growing population.
Reposted by Seth Tupper
Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-South Dakota, voted yes as the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation to force the release of unclassified investigative files from the case against convicted sex offender #JeffreyEpstein.
US House nears vote requiring release of Epstein files • South Dakota Searchlight
The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to pass legislation to force the release of unclassified investigative files.
buff.ly
November 18, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-South Dakota, voted yes as the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation to force the release of unclassified investigative files from the case against convicted sex offender #JeffreyEpstein.
Reposted by Seth Tupper
South Dakota Gov. #LarryRhoden launched a campaign to keep his job with an expression of his philosophy: “Good policy makes good politics." buff.ly/s01YdUT
South Dakota governor bets on policy over politics while launching campaign to keep his job • South Dakota Searchlight
Larry Rhoden has competition from three other declared candidates for the Republican Party’s nomination in the 2026 primary election.
southdakotasearchlight.com
November 18, 2025 at 7:15 PM
South Dakota Gov. #LarryRhoden launched a campaign to keep his job with an expression of his philosophy: “Good policy makes good politics." buff.ly/s01YdUT
Reposted by Seth Tupper
South Dakota is conducting its seventh investigation into a state prison inmate death since February.
Another death under investigation in state prison system • South Dakota Searchlight
South Dakota is conducting its seventh investigation into a state prison inmate death since February, according to a news release.
buff.ly
November 18, 2025 at 1:00 AM
South Dakota is conducting its seventh investigation into a state prison inmate death since February.
Reposted by Seth Tupper
The South Dakota #NationalGuard announced that about 130 Mitchell-based soldiers have been activated for overseas service in Germany.
130 South Dakota-based National Guard soldiers are deploying to Germany • South Dakota Searchlight
The South Dakota National Guard announced that about 130 Mitchell-based soldiers have been activated for overseas service in Germany.
buff.ly
November 17, 2025 at 11:00 PM
The South Dakota #NationalGuard announced that about 130 Mitchell-based soldiers have been activated for overseas service in Germany.
Reposted by Seth Tupper
Sanford Health announced it will use a $300 million gift from its namesake philanthropist, Denny Sanford, to build a medical center in Rapid City. buff.ly/n024ngk
Sanford Health plans to build Rapid City medical center with $300 million gift • South Dakota Searchlight
Sanford Health announced Monday that it will use a $300 million gift from its namesake philanthropist, Denny Sanford, to build a medical center in Rapid City. The move will increase competition…
southdakotasearchlight.com
November 17, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Sanford Health announced it will use a $300 million gift from its namesake philanthropist, Denny Sanford, to build a medical center in Rapid City. buff.ly/n024ngk
Reposted by Seth Tupper
The winner of a $250,000 scientific prize said his formative South Dakota years helped set him on his award-winning path.
A Q&A with Frank Leibfarth:
A Q&A with Frank Leibfarth:
Q&A: 'Creative freedom' from South Dakota education helped scientist earn $250,000 prize • South Dakota Searchlight
A Yankton, South Dakota-born scientist recently earned a $250,000 award for pioneering work in PFAS filtration and plastics recycling.
buff.ly
November 16, 2025 at 8:40 PM
The winner of a $250,000 scientific prize said his formative South Dakota years helped set him on his award-winning path.
A Q&A with Frank Leibfarth:
A Q&A with Frank Leibfarth:
Reposted by Seth Tupper
"Reform for something as delicately interconnected as the state’s tax system should probably be handled with a scalpel. For the second year in a row, lawmakers have instead chosen to use a scattergun."
Commentary from Dana Hess:
Commentary from Dana Hess:
Lawmakers throw property tax proposals against the wall, hoping something sticks • South Dakota Searchlight
Reform for something as delicately interconnected as the state’s tax system should probably be handled with a scalpel. For the second year in a row, lawmakers have instead chosen to use a scattergun.
buff.ly
November 15, 2025 at 9:15 PM
"Reform for something as delicately interconnected as the state’s tax system should probably be handled with a scalpel. For the second year in a row, lawmakers have instead chosen to use a scattergun."
Commentary from Dana Hess:
Commentary from Dana Hess:
Reposted by Seth Tupper
South Dakota is the fourth state in the country to commit to President Donald Trump’s federal education tax credit program, Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden announced Friday in Sioux Falls.
SD opts into Trump’s education tax credit program • South Dakota Searchlight
South Dakota is the fourth state in the country to commit to President Donald Trump’s federal education tax credit program, Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden announced Friday in Sioux Falls.
buff.ly
November 15, 2025 at 12:14 AM
South Dakota is the fourth state in the country to commit to President Donald Trump’s federal education tax credit program, Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden announced Friday in Sioux Falls.
Reposted by Seth Tupper
Firm tied to #KristiNoem secretly got money from $220 million DHS ad contracts, reports @propublica.org.
Firm tied to Kristi Noem secretly got money from $220 million DHS ad contracts • South Dakota Searchlight
Noem has hailed the more than $200 million, taxpayer-funded ad campaign as a crucial tool to stem illegal immigration.
buff.ly
November 14, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Firm tied to #KristiNoem secretly got money from $220 million DHS ad contracts, reports @propublica.org.
Reposted by Seth Tupper
First freeze dates across South Dakota are trending later in the year since 1970 (12 days later in Sioux Falls, 13 in Mitchell and seven in Rapid City), which has lengthened the growing season while prolonging risks from weeds, pests and wildfires.
First freeze dates have trended nearly two weeks later in some SD cities since 1970, report says • South Dakota Searchlight
First freeze dates across South Dakota are trending later in the year, which has lengthened the growing season while prolonging some risks.
buff.ly
November 14, 2025 at 3:01 PM
First freeze dates across South Dakota are trending later in the year since 1970 (12 days later in Sioux Falls, 13 in Mitchell and seven in Rapid City), which has lengthened the growing season while prolonging risks from weeds, pests and wildfires.
Reposted by Seth Tupper
A committee of South Dakota lawmakers expressed support for legislative efforts to rein in powers that some committee members said former Gov. #KristiNoem abused. The efforts address the use of state credit cards and an economic development fund under the governor's control. buff.ly/6yZgD9m
Noem’s uses of credits cards and an economic fund cause lawmakers to propose restrictions • South Dakota Searchlight
A committee of South Dakota lawmakers expressed support Thursday for legislative efforts to rein in powers that some committee members said Republican former Gov. Kristi Noem abused.
southdakotasearchlight.com
November 14, 2025 at 1:23 AM
A committee of South Dakota lawmakers expressed support for legislative efforts to rein in powers that some committee members said former Gov. #KristiNoem abused. The efforts address the use of state credit cards and an economic development fund under the governor's control. buff.ly/6yZgD9m
Reposted by Seth Tupper
State Senate President Pro Tempore Chris Karr, R-Sioux Falls, called the #Education Department's review the “worst performing report that we have” and said Department Secretary Joe Graves faces an “uphill battle.” southdakotasearchlight.com/2025/11/13/s...
South Dakota Department of Education fails to reach goals in legislative performance review • South Dakota Searchlight
The South Dakota Department of Education deserves an F, according to one of the lawmakers tasked with performance management reviews.
southdakotasearchlight.com
November 13, 2025 at 10:27 PM
State Senate President Pro Tempore Chris Karr, R-Sioux Falls, called the #Education Department's review the “worst performing report that we have” and said Department Secretary Joe Graves faces an “uphill battle.” southdakotasearchlight.com/2025/11/13/s...
Reposted by Seth Tupper
South Dakota sellers of #hemp based products ranging from seltzers to lotions fear that a provision in federal legislation will result in the products "getting ripped away."
Hemp products will be ‘ripped away’ by federal legislation, SD businesses fear • South Dakota Searchlight
A federal bill caps hemp-based THC, threatening South Dakota seltzers, vapes and CBD products, and leaving retailers high and dry.
buff.ly
November 12, 2025 at 11:00 PM
South Dakota sellers of #hemp based products ranging from seltzers to lotions fear that a provision in federal legislation will result in the products "getting ripped away."
Reposted by Seth Tupper
The U.S. House plans to approve a stopgap spending bill this evening that will end the record-breaking 43-day government #shutdown once President Trump signs it. House Republican leaders need nearly all of their members to back the deal.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
buff.ly/1HHsoLD
Via @statesnewsroom.com
buff.ly/1HHsoLD
US House expected to clear bill reopening the government after record-shattering shutdown • South Dakota Searchlight
The U.S. House planned to approve a stopgap spending bill that will end the record-breaking 43-day government shutdown.
southdakotasearchlight.com
November 12, 2025 at 10:03 PM
The U.S. House plans to approve a stopgap spending bill this evening that will end the record-breaking 43-day government #shutdown once President Trump signs it. House Republican leaders need nearly all of their members to back the deal.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
buff.ly/1HHsoLD
Via @statesnewsroom.com
buff.ly/1HHsoLD
Reposted by Seth Tupper
South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden is looking for parole board applicants. He needs to appoint a replacement for Ken Albers, the former Lincoln County sheriff, state lawmaker and 15-year parole board member who announced his retirement from the board last week. buff.ly/Xy8Shce
South Dakota governor seeks applicants for parole board • South Dakota Searchlight
Rhoden needs to appoint a replacement for Ken Albers, who announced his retirement from the board last week.
southdakotasearchlight.com
November 12, 2025 at 8:44 PM
South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden is looking for parole board applicants. He needs to appoint a replacement for Ken Albers, the former Lincoln County sheriff, state lawmaker and 15-year parole board member who announced his retirement from the board last week. buff.ly/Xy8Shce