South Dakota

South Dakota House limits Noem’s ‘critical race theory’ reach

South Dakota CapitolPIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota lawmakers are recommending that the state bar universities from requiring students and employees to attend trainings that teach “divisive” concepts about race, religion and national origin. Gov. Kristi Noem has says the proposal would “protect” students from critical race theory. But Republican lawmakers on the House Education committee made significant revisions Wednesday to…

Waste oil ignited explosion and fire at South Dakota high school

MILLER, S.D. – Fire officials say they have pinpointed the cause of an explosion and fire at the school campus in Miller, S.D. Fire Chief Steve Resel says some equipment being used in the high school’s agriculture shop ignited a barrel of waste oil on Feb. 2. Students and staff have not been allowed to return to the school building,…

Noem’s abortion ban proposal dismissed by lawmakers

South Dakota CapitolPIERRE, S.D. – A Republican-controlled South Dakota House committee has declined to consider a bill from Republican Gov. Kristi Noem that would ban nearly all abortions. It deals a major blow to a top item on the governor’s agenda. Noem’s proposal would have mimicked the private enforcement of a Texas law and prohibited abortions once medical professionals can…

Students evacuated following explosion at South Dakota high school

MILLER, S.D. – Officials say students have been evacuated from a high school in Miller following an explosion and fire in the shop area. School board chairwoman Natalie Bertsch says no injuries have been reported. The Hand County Sheriff’s Office confirmed an explosion had occurred in the agriculture workshop at the school and that a fire was still active. People…

Dusty Johnson to seek 3rd term in U.S. House

Rep. Dusty JohnsonPIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Congressman Dusty Johnson is seeking reelection to a third term. The 45-year-old Republican on Monday announced his run for the state’s lone House seat in a statement that promoted his record and effectiveness on agriculture policy. Johnson is facing a primary challenge from state Rep. Taffy Howard.  Democrats have not announced a candidate for…

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…

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…