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South Dakota Searchlight
Palliative care: Little understood, but life-changing for those who need it
The role of palliative care is often misunderstood, just like the word itself isn’t one people fully comprehend when they first hear it, often confusing it with hospice. In reality, very few of us are untouched by the need for this care, often with an aging parent, perhaps a friend dealing with illness, or we […] The post Palliative care: Little understood, but life-changing for those who need it appeared first on South Dakota Searchlight.
New solar will help keep power on during scorching summer, report says
With some parts of the country already facing heat waves, the organization in charge of setting reliability standards for the American electric grid is warning that a scorching summer could lead to a shortage of power generation in some regions. The warning comes as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says there’s a 99% chance […] The post New solar will help keep power on during scorching summer, report says appeared first on South Dakota Searchlight.
Rodent or riparian restorer: East-west views diverge as state considers beaver protections
Some Black Hills residents have a growing appreciation for large rodents with environmental engineering prowess: beavers. The admiration spans from foresters to anglers and ranchers. It stems from beavers’ role in mitigating forest fires, retaining water during drought, and creating and maintaining wetland habitats. However, this newfound enthusiasm emerges as state data indicates a decline […] The post Rodent or riparian restorer: East-west views diverge as state considers beaver protections appeared first on South Dakota Searchlight.
Farm bill advances from U.S. House panel but faces a tough row to hoe
WASHINGTON — Republicans moved their long-awaited new farm bill through the U.S. House Agriculture Committee this week, despite opposition from most Democrats that could stall further advancement of the bill. The massive $1.5 trillion legislation would set policy and funding levels for key food, agriculture and conservation programs for the next five years. After a […] The post Farm bill advances from U.S. House panel but faces a tough row to hoe appeared first on South Dakota Searchlight.
Hold the phone: Anti-abortion calls are anti-democracy
The first use of a new law that allows petition signers to withdraw their signatures turned ugly recently. The law was designed specifically to allow people who signed an abortion rights petition to withdraw their signatures. Put into use, the practical application of the law has ranged from annoying to insulting. The plot thickened when […] The post Hold the phone: Anti-abortion calls are anti-democracy appeared first on South Dakota Searchlight.
New rules protect pregnant workers, but red states sue over abortion provisions
Natasha Jackson was four months pregnant when she told her supervisor she was expecting. It was 2008, and Jackson was an account executive at a rental furniture store in Charleston, South Carolina — the only female employee there. “I actually hid my pregnancy as long as I could because I was scared about what could […] The post New rules protect pregnant workers, but red states sue over abortion provisions appeared first on South Dakota Searchlight.
Republican runs afoul of anti-abortion groups after labeling their phone calls a ‘scam’
A top Republican state official has run afoul of anti-abortion groups after labeling their recent phone operation a “scam.” The controversy started May 13 with a news release from South Dakota Secretary of State Monae Johnson, who oversees elections. The release warned about phone calls from people who allegedly claimed to work for her office. […] The post Republican runs afoul of anti-abortion groups after labeling their phone calls a ‘scam’ appeared first on South Dakota Searchlight.
Commission awards millions to airports around the state
A state commission approved grants for more than $3 million worth of airport improvement projects Thursday. The projects at eight airports approved by the South Dakota Aeronautics Commission will utilize local funds with federal and state grants: Aberdeen: $110,000 for runway safety equipment, $99,000 federal share, $5,500 state share, $5,500 local share. Hot Springs: $454,437 […] The post Commission awards millions to airports around the state appeared first on South Dakota Searchlight.
SD’s Rep. Johnson defends criticized provisions in farm bill draft
South Dakota’s lone U.S. representative, Republican Dusty Johnson, is defending changes to anti-hunger and “climate-smart” programs in a new draft of the farm bill. Johnson, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, called criticisms of the Republican-controlled committee’s draft “overblown.” Johnson and the rest of the committee will debate and consider amendments to the $1.5 […] The post SD’s Rep. Johnson defends criticized provisions in farm bill draft appeared first on South Dakota Searchlight.
Opposition won’t cause state to change prison location, official says
Department of Corrections Secretary Kellie Wasko said the state will not change the location of a future men’s prison south of Sioux Falls, despite pending litigation and local opposition. “I know that we’ve talked about this and I have to be very careful because we are still in litigation, but we’re not looking at other […] The post Opposition won’t cause state to change prison location, official says appeared first on South Dakota Searchlight.
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We use our journalistic searchlight to illuminate critical issues facing South Dakota, dissect the decisions made by state leaders, and explain the consequences of their policies and the role of politics on South Dakotans. We publish news and commentary that prioritizes accuracy, fairness, insight and civility. There is no charge to access our content, or to subscribe to our email newsletter. We invite and publish guest commentary that contributes to productive public discourse and adheres to our editorial policies. South Dakota Searchlight launched in 2022. We’re an affiliate of States Newsroom, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by grants and a coalition of donors and readers. The staff of the Searchlight retains full editorial independence.
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