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 "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.
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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 South Dakota Searchlight
U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene from Georgia, a Rome Republican, announced her plans to resign from Congress Friday evening in an unexpected video message.
Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene says she will resign in January • Georgia Recorder
U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene from Georgia, a Rome Republican, announced her plans to resign from Congress Friday evening in an unexpected video message. Greene, who was first elected in Georgia’s ...
georgiarecorder.com
November 22, 2025 at 2:07 AM
U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene from Georgia, a Rome Republican, announced her plans to resign from Congress Friday evening in an unexpected video message.
After months of attacking each other, President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani pledged to address the high cost of living for New Yorkers. “Some of his ideas really are the same ideas I have,” Trump said.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Trump praises NYC Mayor-elect Mamdani in warm White House meeting • South Dakota Searchlight
President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani turned around their heated criticism in remarks to the press.
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November 21, 2025 at 11:00 PM
After months of attacking each other, President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani pledged to address the high cost of living for New Yorkers. “Some of his ideas really are the same ideas I have,” Trump said.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Via @statesnewsroom.com
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.
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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:
A new U.S. Department of Education regulation to narrow eligibility for a #StudentDebt relief program for public service workers has drawn opposition from advocates who argue it's an attempt to target organizations whose missions do not align with President Trump’s agenda. buff.ly/A9Jd39g
New federal student debt rule seen as tool to enforce Trump agenda • South Dakota Searchlight
A new U.S. Department of Education regulation to narrow eligibility for a key student debt relief program for public service workers has drawn strong opposition.
southdakotasearchlight.com
November 21, 2025 at 9:17 PM
A new U.S. Department of Education regulation to narrow eligibility for a #StudentDebt relief program for public service workers has drawn opposition from advocates who argue it's an attempt to target organizations whose missions do not align with President Trump’s agenda. buff.ly/A9Jd39g
As states strive to curb health insurers’ use of #ArtificialIntelligence, patients and doctors are arming themselves with #AI tools to fight claims denials, prior authorizations and soaring medical bills.
Via @stateline.org
Via @stateline.org
AI vs. AI: Patients deploy bots to battle health insurers that deny care • South Dakota Searchlight
As states strive to curb health insurers’ use of artificial intelligence, patients and doctors are arming themselves with AI tools to fight claims denials, prior authorizations and soaring medical…
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November 21, 2025 at 3:09 PM
As states strive to curb health insurers’ use of #ArtificialIntelligence, patients and doctors are arming themselves with #AI tools to fight claims denials, prior authorizations and soaring medical bills.
Via @stateline.org
Via @stateline.org
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
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
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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
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.
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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.
Reposted by South Dakota Searchlight
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...
The Trump administration has made deep cuts to the main federal agency focused on fighting #opioid addiction, potentially jeopardizing the nation’s recent progress on reducing overdose deaths, some public health officials and providers say.
Via @stateline.org
Via @stateline.org
Progress on overdose deaths could be jeopardized by federal cuts, critics say • South Dakota Searchlight
The Trump administration has made deep cuts to the main federal agency focused on fighting opioid addiction, potentially jeopardizing the nation’s recent progress on reducing overdose deaths, some…
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November 20, 2025 at 3:15 PM
The Trump administration has made deep cuts to the main federal agency focused on fighting #opioid addiction, potentially jeopardizing the nation’s recent progress on reducing overdose deaths, some public health officials and providers say.
Via @stateline.org
Via @stateline.org
President Donald Trump signed a bill into law compelling the release of unclassified investigative files from the case against convicted sex offender #JeffreyEpstein, with whom he shared a well-documented friendship, though Trump denies any involvement in the financier’s crimes.
Trump signs bill requiring DOJ release of Epstein files • South Dakota Searchlight
President Trump signed into law a bill compelling the release of unclassified investigative files from the case against convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
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November 20, 2025 at 1:00 PM
President Donald Trump signed a bill into law compelling the release of unclassified investigative files from the case against convicted sex offender #JeffreyEpstein, with whom he shared a well-documented friendship, though Trump denies any involvement in the financier’s crimes.
The U.S. House approved legislation to revoke part of a law that allows senators to sue the government if their data is subpoenaed without their knowledge. Majority Leader John Thune, R-SD, doesn’t appear inclined to put the measure up for a Senate vote, but he hasn’t ruled it out. buff.ly/WXV0OOt
US House votes to cancel big payouts for senators’ 'Arctic Frost' phone subpoenas • South Dakota Searchlight
The U.S. House approved legislation that would revoke part of a law that allows senators to sue the federal government.
southdakotasearchlight.com
November 20, 2025 at 2:57 AM
The U.S. House approved legislation to revoke part of a law that allows senators to sue the government if their data is subpoenaed without their knowledge. Majority Leader John Thune, R-SD, doesn’t appear inclined to put the measure up for a Senate vote, but he hasn’t ruled it out. buff.ly/WXV0OOt
One of South Dakota’s top lawmakers said it may be time to move beyond financial incentives and consider new regulations on #agriculture to address the state’s polluted rivers and lakes: “I think it takes more than the carrot to address this."
With so much polluted water, SD lawmaker says state can no longer ‘dance around’ ag regulations • South Dakota Searchlight
A top lawmaker said it may be time to move beyond financial incentives and consider regulations on agriculture for water pollution.
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November 20, 2025 at 12:20 AM
One of South Dakota’s top lawmakers said it may be time to move beyond financial incentives and consider new regulations on #agriculture to address the state’s polluted rivers and lakes: “I think it takes more than the carrot to address this."
At least 25 bills have been introduced this Congress to further limit lawmakers and their family members from trading individual stocks, and representatives across the aisle renewed pressure Wednesday on U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson to take up the issue.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Stock trading by members of Congress could be banned in bipartisan push • South Dakota Searchlight
At least 25 bills have been introduced this Congress to further limit lawmakers and their family members from trading individual stocks.
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November 19, 2025 at 11:05 PM
At least 25 bills have been introduced this Congress to further limit lawmakers and their family members from trading individual stocks, and representatives across the aisle renewed pressure Wednesday on U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson to take up the issue.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Via @statesnewsroom.com
U.S. senators began debating how to reduce #HealthCare costs for Americans during a hearing where experts’ varied recommendations and comments from lawmakers previewed the rocky and potentially long path ahead.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Spiraling health insurance costs stymie members of US Senate panel • South Dakota Searchlight
U.S. senators began debating how to reduce health care costs for Americans during a hearing where experts’ varied recommendations and comments from lawmakers previewed the rocky and potentially long…
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November 19, 2025 at 8:26 PM
U.S. senators began debating how to reduce #HealthCare costs for Americans during a hearing where experts’ varied recommendations and comments from lawmakers previewed the rocky and potentially long path ahead.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Via @statesnewsroom.com
A 15-member task force established by South Dakota’s attorney general will review the state’s #OpenMeetings laws and ponder possible changes.
South Dakota attorney general convenes task force to review open meetings laws • South Dakota Searchlight
A 15-member task force established by South Dakota's attorney general will review the state's open meetings laws and ponder possible changes.
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November 19, 2025 at 4:30 PM
A 15-member task force established by South Dakota’s attorney general will review the state’s #OpenMeetings laws and ponder possible changes.
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
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.
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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
UPDATE: A bill is heading to President Donald Trump’s desk compelling 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 19, 2025 at 1:00 AM
UPDATE: A bill is heading to President Donald Trump’s desk compelling the release of unclassified investigative files from the case against convicted sex offender #JeffreyEpstein.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
President Donald Trump’s administration took major steps in trying to dismantle the U.S. Department of #Education, announcing six total inter-agency agreements signed with other departments that will transfer several of its responsibilities to those agencies.
BREAKING: Trump administration unveils plan to try to dismantle Department of Education • South Dakota Searchlight
President Donald Trump’s administration took major steps in trying to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education.
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November 18, 2025 at 8:00 PM
President Donald Trump’s administration took major steps in trying to dismantle the U.S. Department of #Education, announcing six total inter-agency agreements signed with other departments that will transfer several of its responsibilities to those agencies.
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