South Dakota News Watch, Inc.

01/16/2026

"It’s an honor to welcome students from across the state and celebrate their hard work, curiosity and love of learning." Who's taking part and how to attend State Spelling Bee, sponsored South Dakota News Watch and DWU.

The Feb. 7 competition at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell is the second state bee sponsored by South Dakota News Watch and DWU.

01/15/2026

The iconic M Hill has has showcased South Dakota Mines in Rapid City for more than 100 years, but was it the first big university letter in the U.S.?

The iconic M Hill has showcased South Dakota Mines in Rapid City for more than 100 years, but was it the first in a college town?

01/14/2026

The state of state-tribal relations in and the outlook for it in the governor's race.

"'It was almost like a light switch went on and it just felt like that immediate ... 'This is the olive branch that we are willing to offer.'"

01/13/2026

Native American tribes from across the country have reported that some of their tribal members have been detained. The latest Fact Brief:

The Oglala Sioux Tribe, which is headquartered in Pine Ridge said four tribal members were detained Friday in Minneapolis

01/12/2026

"Maybe we can have respectful discussions and find good compromises, but it could also become a rodeo-and-a-half, too." What to know about this year's Legislature.

Session will feature a robust debate on how to spend limited state funds. "We have a long list of ideas people want to discuss," said top budgeting lawmaker Mike Derby.

01/09/2026

Meet our new politics and statehouse reporter, Alexander Rifaat. He most recently wrote about taxes in DC and has moved to Pierre to report year-round on state government and politics. Read his bio and other SD News Watch updates at https://buff.ly/G95QA90

01/09/2026

"We're not going to stop every accident, but you’ll have a better chance to avoid it or it will become much less severe." See before and after pics of a major highway rebuild.

Huge boulders are being moved and rocky hillsides are being blasted and scraped away as part of a $72 million widening project on U.S. 385,.

01/08/2026

How much power could a planned hyperscale data center in Sioux Falls use? The latest fact brief:

The Sioux Falls City Council on Tuesday voted unanimously to rezone land for the Gemini Data Center.

01/07/2026

Read the latest on prison staffing levels ahead of debate over funding for new women's prison in .

New Corrections report shows reduced job openings since pay increase took effect as state agency hires 133 for new Rapid City facility.

01/06/2026

As South Dakota prepares to convene its Legislative session, how does its duration compare to other states?

The state's constitution mandates that the legislative session start on the second Tuesday in January with a maximum of 40 legislative days

01/05/2026

"Going from farm to fork is very challenging." organic farm numbers drop despite demand for products. Read how they're responding.

Consumer demand for organic and locally grown foods continues to rise, but running a small farm isn't always an easy task for producers.

01/04/2026

South Dakota's congressional delegation all issued statements after the United States' arrest of Venezuela's president.

Sens. John Thune, Mike Rounds and Rep. Dusty Johnson all praised President Trump's decision to attack Venezuela and arrest President Maduro.