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:
South Dakota’s top law enforcement official wants lawmakers to stiffen penalties for selling drugs in prison and making deepfake pornography, to create consumer protections for DNA data, and to give internet crime investigators swifter access to suspects’ user data.
Prison drugs, deepfakes, DNA data-sharing among topics for attorney general’s legislative package • South Dakota Searchlight
The bills are among the 10 proposed by Attorney General Marty Jackley for the 2026 legislative session at the Capitol in Pierre.
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January 11, 2026 at 9:32 PM
South Dakota’s top law enforcement official wants lawmakers to stiffen penalties for selling drugs in prison and making deepfake pornography, to create consumer protections for DNA data, and to give internet crime investigators swifter access to suspects’ user data.
Prison nursery programs in states including South Dakota allow babies to live behind walls with their mothers — a rare and controversial approach that forces states to confront how punishment, public safety and early childhood development collide.
Via @stateline.org
Via @stateline.org
'Teaching us how to grow with our babies': How prisons allow mothers and infants to nest for months • South Dakota Searchlight
Prison nursery programs allow babies to live behind walls with their mothers — a rare and controversial approach that forces states to confront how punishment, public safety and early childhood…
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January 10, 2026 at 9:30 PM
Prison nursery programs in states including South Dakota allow babies to live behind walls with their mothers — a rare and controversial approach that forces states to confront how punishment, public safety and early childhood development collide.
Via @stateline.org
Via @stateline.org
Dana Hess examines pre-filed bills for the 2026 South Dakota legislative session: "Some of the bills that have already been filed show that in addition to deciding the fate of property taxes, lawmakers will also be revisiting some old topics."
Commentary:
Commentary:
A new session brings old issues back to the Legislature • South Dakota Searchlight
Some of the bills that have already been filed show that in addition to deciding the fate of property taxes, lawmakers will also be revisiting some old topics.
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January 10, 2026 at 4:51 PM
Dana Hess examines pre-filed bills for the 2026 South Dakota legislative session: "Some of the bills that have already been filed show that in addition to deciding the fate of property taxes, lawmakers will also be revisiting some old topics."
Commentary:
Commentary:
A new task force in South Dakota aims to standardize the way information about previous misconduct by #police is collected and shared.
New task force on police misconduct disclosure aims to prevent courtroom troubles • South Dakota Searchlight
A new task force in South Dakota aims to standardize the way information about previous misconduct by police is collected and shared.
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January 9, 2026 at 10:00 PM
A new task force in South Dakota aims to standardize the way information about previous misconduct by #police is collected and shared.
Majority Leader #JohnThune, joined at the U.S.-Mexico border by other Republican senators including SD's Mike Rounds, touted how the tax cuts and spending package signed into law last summer provided “for additional reinforcements,” such as the hiring of Border Patrol and ICE agents.
Thune, GOP senators at the border tout big hiring boost for immigration crackdown • South Dakota Searchlight
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, joined at the U.S.-Mexico border by a handful of other Republican senators, highlighted the president’s signature tax cuts and spending package.
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January 9, 2026 at 6:30 PM
Majority Leader #JohnThune, joined at the U.S.-Mexico border by other Republican senators including SD's Mike Rounds, touted how the tax cuts and spending package signed into law last summer provided “for additional reinforcements,” such as the hiring of Border Patrol and ICE agents.
Custer State Park’s main highways and trails are open to visitors after last month’s high-speed winds swept through western South Dakota, but officials are warning visitors to stay aware of their surroundings, including damaged trees. buff.ly/0yi9X1W
Custer State Park officials urge visitors to ‘stay safe' as wind damage assessment, cleanup continue • South Dakota Searchlight
Main areas of the park have been cleared of debris, but there are still areas of the park with cracked trees.
southdakotasearchlight.com
January 9, 2026 at 5:49 PM
Custer State Park’s main highways and trails are open to visitors after last month’s high-speed winds swept through western South Dakota, but officials are warning visitors to stay aware of their surroundings, including damaged trees. buff.ly/0yi9X1W
South Dakota is one of six states without state-funded #preschool. It's also building nearly $750 million worth of new #prisons, leading Lee Strubinger to "encourage our leaders to look at the state’s incarceration issue upstream."
Commentary: buff.ly/2sLJxcJ
Commentary: buff.ly/2sLJxcJ
Take it from Bill Jankow: State-funded preschool could slow South Dakota’s prison growth • South Dakota Searchlight
We encourage leaders to look at the state’s incarceration issue upstream. Because, as Bill Janklow wrote in 1999, “our children’s good beginnings are our good future.”
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January 9, 2026 at 3:04 PM
South Dakota is one of six states without state-funded #preschool. It's also building nearly $750 million worth of new #prisons, leading Lee Strubinger to "encourage our leaders to look at the state’s incarceration issue upstream."
Commentary: buff.ly/2sLJxcJ
Commentary: buff.ly/2sLJxcJ
Vice President JD Vance said the Trump administration would stand by the federal immigration officer who shot and killed a woman in Minneapolis.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Defiant Vance scolds reporters over descriptions of Minneapolis ICE shooting • South Dakota Searchlight
Vice President JD Vance said the Trump administration would stand by the federal immigration officer who shot and killed a woman in Minneapolis.
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January 9, 2026 at 3:00 AM
Vice President JD Vance said the Trump administration would stand by the federal immigration officer who shot and killed a woman in Minneapolis.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-SD, voted no, but the U.S. House approved a bipartisan bill to resurrect the enhanced tax credits that expired at the end of last year for people who purchase their #HealthInsurance from the #AffordableCareAct marketplace.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Via @statesnewsroom.com
US House backs extension of health insurance subsidies, but SD Rep. Johnson votes no • South Dakota Searchlight
The U.S. House approved a bipartisan bill to resurrect the enhanced tax credits that expired at the end of last year for people who purchase their health insurance from the Affordable Care Act…
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January 9, 2026 at 2:00 AM
Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-SD, voted no, but the U.S. House approved a bipartisan bill to resurrect the enhanced tax credits that expired at the end of last year for people who purchase their #HealthInsurance from the #AffordableCareAct marketplace.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Efforts to override two vetoes by President Donald Trump failed in the U.S. House. South Dakota Republican Dusty Johnson voted to sustain the vetoes.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Via @statesnewsroom.com
US House sustains Trump vetoes of water projects in Colorado, Florida • South Dakota Searchlight
The U.S. House voted to sustain two vetoes by President Donald Trump of noncontroversial measures supported by members of both parties.
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January 9, 2026 at 1:00 AM
Efforts to override two vetoes by President Donald Trump failed in the U.S. House. South Dakota Republican Dusty Johnson voted to sustain the vetoes.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Republican governor candidate Dusty Johnson wants to give first-time homebuyers two years without #PropertyTaxes and also wants to provide $400 annual property tax credits to all other homeowners in the state. buff.ly/WUGTU3w
Johnson for Governor campaign proposes $400 property tax credits for homeowners • South Dakota Searchlight
Republican governor candidate Dusty Johnson also wants to give first-time homebuyers two years without property taxes.
southdakotasearchlight.com
January 9, 2026 at 12:17 AM
Republican governor candidate Dusty Johnson wants to give first-time homebuyers two years without #PropertyTaxes and also wants to provide $400 annual property tax credits to all other homeowners in the state. buff.ly/WUGTU3w
An investigation of unlawful computer use and computer-generated pornography sharing by a former employee of the state Division of Motor Vehicles has turned up at least 50 victims, South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announced. buff.ly/A9rW4A2
Former driver’s licensing employee accused of targeting 50 victims in AI pornography case • South Dakota Searchlight
An investigation of a former employee of the state Division of Motor Vehicles has turned up at least 50 victims in an AI porn case.
southdakotasearchlight.com
January 8, 2026 at 11:36 PM
An investigation of unlawful computer use and computer-generated pornography sharing by a former employee of the state Division of Motor Vehicles has turned up at least 50 victims, South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announced. buff.ly/A9rW4A2
Republicans and Democrats in Congress are cautiously optimistic they can enact the remaining government funding bills before their deadline at the end of the month, avoiding another shutdown.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
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Via @statesnewsroom.com
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Maybe, just maybe, there’s not another shutdown looming at the end of January • South Dakota Searchlight
Republicans and Democrats in Congress are cautiously optimistic they can enact the remaining government funding bills before their deadline.
southdakotasearchlight.com
January 8, 2026 at 9:48 PM
Republicans and Democrats in Congress are cautiously optimistic they can enact the remaining government funding bills before their deadline at the end of the month, avoiding another shutdown.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
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Via @statesnewsroom.com
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South Dakota Republicans #JohnThune and #MikeRounds voted no, but some other Senate Republicans joined Democrats in advancing a war powers resolution to halt U.S. military action in #Venezuela without congressional authorization. buff.ly/KTeo6vf
US Senate advances war powers resolution rebuking Trump on Venezuela, but SD's senators vote no • South Dakota Searchlight
In a rare rebuke to President Donald Trump, Senate Republicans joined Democrats in advancing a war powers resolution to halt U.S. military action in Venezuela without congressional authorization.
southdakotasearchlight.com
January 8, 2026 at 5:52 PM
South Dakota Republicans #JohnThune and #MikeRounds voted no, but some other Senate Republicans joined Democrats in advancing a war powers resolution to halt U.S. military action in #Venezuela without congressional authorization. buff.ly/KTeo6vf
Thousands filled Portland Avenue near 34th Street in Minneapolis, where hours earlier an ICE officer shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good. Candles, flowers and whistles filled the patch of snow where Good’s car crashed after she was shot.
Via @minnesotareformer.com
Via @minnesotareformer.com
Vigil for Renee Nicole Good becomes a call to action against ICE • South Dakota Searchlight
Good’s death has become a rallying cry for the people working to disrupt President Donald Trump’s mass deportation campaign.
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January 8, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Thousands filled Portland Avenue near 34th Street in Minneapolis, where hours earlier an ICE officer shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good. Candles, flowers and whistles filled the patch of snow where Good’s car crashed after she was shot.
Via @minnesotareformer.com
Via @minnesotareformer.com
A South Dakota board has approved the issuance of up to $200 million in bonds for Rapid City-based Monument Health to support expansions and upgrades, as its rival Sanford Health builds a new hospital in Rapid City.
State facilitates $200 million in bonds for Monument Health amid Sanford’s expansion into Rapid City • South Dakota Searchlight
A state board has backed a plan to issue up to $200 million in bonds for Rapid City-based Monument Health to support expansions and upgrades.
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January 8, 2026 at 3:03 PM
A South Dakota board has approved the issuance of up to $200 million in bonds for Rapid City-based Monument Health to support expansions and upgrades, as its rival Sanford Health builds a new hospital in Rapid City.
President Donald Trump defended a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer who fatally shot a woman in Minneapolis, while congressional Democrats universally condemned the action.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Dems demand investigation of fatal Minneapolis ICE shooting as Trump claims self-defense • South Dakota Searchlight
President Donald Trump defended a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer who fatally shot a woman in Minneapolis.
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January 8, 2026 at 1:00 AM
President Donald Trump defended a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer who fatally shot a woman in Minneapolis, while congressional Democrats universally condemned the action.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he will meet with Danish officials, following a push from the Trump administration to annex or even use the military against #Greenland — a course of action questioned by several Republican senators.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Rubio to meet with Danish officials amid Greenland push by Trump administration • South Dakota Searchlight
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he will meet with Danish officials, following a recent push from the Trump administration to annex or even use the military against Greenland.
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January 8, 2026 at 12:00 AM
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he will meet with Danish officials, following a push from the Trump administration to annex or even use the military against #Greenland — a course of action questioned by several Republican senators.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
Via @statesnewsroom.com
A dispute over #abortion rights advertising in South Dakota has spawned dueling state and federal lawsuits. A New York-based nonprofit filed a federal lawsuit against South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley after he sued the group in state court. buff.ly/NPFaFww
Dueling federal and state lawsuits arise in dispute over abortion-rights ads in South Dakota • South Dakota Searchlight
A New York-based abortion rights nonprofit filed a federal lawsuit against South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley.
southdakotasearchlight.com
January 7, 2026 at 10:04 PM
A dispute over #abortion rights advertising in South Dakota has spawned dueling state and federal lawsuits. A New York-based nonprofit filed a federal lawsuit against South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley after he sued the group in state court. buff.ly/NPFaFww
Homeland Security Secretary #KristiNoem was in the Twin Cities as the Trump administration launched what it’s calling “the largest DHS operation ever.”
Via @minnesotareformer.com
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Via @minnesotareformer.com
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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visits Minnesota as hundreds more ICE agents arrive • South Dakota Searchlight
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was in the Twin Cities as the Trump administration launches what it’s calling “the largest DHS operation ever.”
southdakotasearchlight.com
January 7, 2026 at 6:56 PM
Homeland Security Secretary #KristiNoem was in the Twin Cities as the Trump administration launched what it’s calling “the largest DHS operation ever.”
Via @minnesotareformer.com
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Via @minnesotareformer.com
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An ICE officer shot a woman through her car window in south Minneapolis. The person is dead, according to a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security.
Via @minnesotareformer.com
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Via @minnesotareformer.com
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ICE officer fatally shoots driver through car window in Minneapolis • South Dakota Searchlight
An ICE officer shot a woman driving an SUV through her car window in south Minneapolis. The person is dead, according to a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security.
southdakotasearchlight.com
January 7, 2026 at 6:56 PM
An ICE officer shot a woman through her car window in south Minneapolis. The person is dead, according to a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security.
Via @minnesotareformer.com
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Via @minnesotareformer.com
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Gov. Larry Rhoden has asked the federal government to help pay for more than $1.7 million in damage to public property in South Dakota caused by a storm last month that included wind gusts of more than 100 mph. buff.ly/lPdz827
Governor seeks federal help for damages from December wind storm • South Dakota Searchlight
Gov. Larry Rhoden has asked the federal government to help pay for more than $1.7 million in damage to public property in South Dakota.
southdakotasearchlight.com
January 7, 2026 at 5:56 PM
Gov. Larry Rhoden has asked the federal government to help pay for more than $1.7 million in damage to public property in South Dakota caused by a storm last month that included wind gusts of more than 100 mph. buff.ly/lPdz827
County health officials across the country are bracing for an estimated 10 million newly uninsured patients over the next decade in the wake of Republicans’ #OneBigBeautifulBill Act.
Via @kffhealthnews.org
Via @kffhealthnews.org
On the hook for uninsured residents, counties now wonder how they'll pay • South Dakota Searchlight
County health officials across the country are bracing for an estimated 10 million newly uninsured patients over the next decade in the wake of Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
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January 7, 2026 at 2:00 PM
County health officials across the country are bracing for an estimated 10 million newly uninsured patients over the next decade in the wake of Republicans’ #OneBigBeautifulBill Act.
Via @kffhealthnews.org
Via @kffhealthnews.org
A reminder about the South Dakotans who were pardoned for their participation in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol: buff.ly/oGqFchS
Trump orders pardons and dismissals for Jan. 6 defendants, including South Dakotans • South Dakota Searchlight
President Donald Trump issued sweeping pardons for nearly all Jan. 6 defendants, erasing accountability for those who violently tried to stop the certification of the 2020 presidential election…
southdakotasearchlight.com
January 7, 2026 at 1:15 AM
A reminder about the South Dakotans who were pardoned for their participation in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol: buff.ly/oGqFchS
Five years after a pro-Trump mob stormed the U.S. Capitol, the struggle to define the event and assign blame carried on in events across the city.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
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Via @statesnewsroom.com
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Inside and outside the U.S. Capitol, the fifth anniversary of Jan. 6 reverberates • South Dakota Searchlight
Five years after a pro-Trump mob stormed the U.S. Capitol, the struggle to define the event and assign blame carried on.
southdakotasearchlight.com
January 7, 2026 at 1:15 AM
Five years after a pro-Trump mob stormed the U.S. Capitol, the struggle to define the event and assign blame carried on in events across the city.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
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Via @statesnewsroom.com
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