South Dakota News

SD House committee advances ban on trans restroom policies

South Dakota CapitolPIERRE, S.D. – A South Dakota bill that would ban transgender students from using school restrooms that match their gender identity has cleared its first hurdle in the Legislature. The House State Affairs committee sent the bill to a vote on the House floor. The Republican-controlled Legislature has taken up several bills that deal with transgender youth this…

Federal judge halts Noem’s abortion pill restriction rule

PIERRE, S.D. – A federal judge has temporarily halted a South Dakota rule from taking effect that would have made the state one of the hardest places in the U.S. to get abortion pills. U.S. District Judge Karen Schreier granted a request from Planned Parenthood for a restraining order on a state Department of Health rule that was set to…

South Dakota House committee approves trans athlete ban

South Dakota CapitolPIERRE, S.D. – A South Dakota House committee on Wednesday approved a proposal from Republican Gov. Kristi Noem to ban transgender women and girls from competing in school sports leagues that match their gender identity. All 11 Republicans on the House State Affairs committee voted in favor of the bill, which has been cast as “protecting fairness in…

Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer to retire

Justice Stephen Breyer (CNN)WASHINGTON – Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer is retiring, giving President Joe Biden an opening he pledged to fill by naming the first Black woman to the high court. The 83-year-old Breyer’s departure won’t change the 6-3 conservative advantage on the court, since his replacement would be confirmed by a Senate where Democrats hold a slim majority….

NDSU graduate from Williston named South Dakota GOP executive director

Terin LuceroFARGO (KVRR/WNAX) – A Williston, North Dakota native and North Dakota State University graduate is the new executive director of the South Dakota Republican party. Terin Lucero was most recently the Director of Data Analytics for newly-elected Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin. Lucero says one of his main goals is to achieve 100% Republican membership in the South Dakota Legislature….

U.S. puts 8,500 troops on heightened alert amid Russia tension

PentagonBRUSSELS (AP) — The Pentagon said Monday that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has put up to 8,500 troops on heightened alert, so they will be prepared to deploy if needed to reassure NATO allies in the face of ongoing Russian aggression on the border of Ukraine. Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said no final decisions have been made on deployments….

Noem unveils abortion ban similar to Texas’ private enforcement

Gov. Kristi NoemPIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem has unveiled a proposal to ban most abortions. Noem’s proposal mimics a Texas law that leaves enforcement up to private citizens through lawsuits instead of to prosecutors through criminal charges. The governor has previewed the proposed law for weeks and it has received an enthusiastic reception from fellow Republicans who…

Planned Parenthood sues to stop South Dakota abortion rule

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Planned Parenthood is suing the state of South Dakota to stop new rule for medical abortions that would make the state one of the hardest places in the nation to get abortion pills. The rule approved by lawmakers earlier this month requires women to return to a doctor to receive the second of two drugs used…

Tourism has record-breaking year in South Dakota

PIERRE, S.D. – Tourism officials say South Dakota had a record number of visitors in 2021, making it the first state to fully recover to pre-pandemic levels. The state Department of Tourism says visitors spent more than $4.4 billion last year, generating $160 million in tax revenue for the state and $184 million for local governments. Tourism also supports over…