Columbus
South Dakota Searchlight
Biden in first TV interview since debate denies medical condition: ‘It was a bad episode’
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden on Friday in his first televised interview since the presidential debate defended his reelection bid and rejected calls that he should step aside amid growing anxiety among some Democrats about his mental and physical state. The 22-minute interview with ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos came as some lawmakers and other prominent Democrats […] The post Biden in first TV interview since debate denies medical condition: ‘It was a bad episode’ appeared first on South Dakota Searchlight.
Magic mushroom alternatives recalled across US, one person sickened in SD
A death in North Dakota and 48 reported illnesses — including one in South Dakota — led to a nationwide recall of psychedelic candies. The recall affects products from the company Prophet Premium Blends Diamond Shruumz, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. The products include micro-dosing chocolate bars, infused cones and micro-dose and […] The post Magic mushroom alternatives recalled across US, one person sickened in SD appeared first on South Dakota Searchlight.
Shedding tears as we shed our common sense on guns
It’s enough to make a grown man cry. And one of my friends did just that during a recent school board meeting here in Rapid City as he was trying to offer public comment about a pending board decision on guns in schools. Yes, guns in schools. How’s that for dissonance? Remember those “What doesn’t […] The post Shedding tears as we shed our common sense on guns appeared first on South Dakota Searchlight.
‘Frustrating’ partisan stalemate: the new normal for farm bills?
WASHINGTON — The stalemate over the current farm bill may be solidifying a new era in farm politics as it joins the last three farm bills in a trend of delays and partisan division — a contrast from the legislation’s history of bipartisanship. Every five years, Congress is tasked with drafting a new federal farm […] The post ‘Frustrating’ partisan stalemate: the new normal for farm bills? appeared first on South Dakota Searchlight.
Fireworks sales have fallen back to Earth after years of explosive growth — here’s why
It’s the Fourth of July — a day of parades, barbecue and, of course, fireworks. But while parades and barbecues are still very popular, shockingly, this year fireworks are less so. Imports of fireworks reached a peak in 2022 of almost US$600 million, according to the U.S. International Trade Commission. But today, just two years […] The post Fireworks sales have fallen back to Earth after years of explosive growth — here’s why appeared first on South Dakota Searchlight.
Farmer’s fight against wetland designation gets boost from U.S. Supreme Court’s Chevron ruling
A Fulton-area farmer will have a chance to argue that a federally designated wetland on his property is actually regular farm ground thanks to a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision. The case will be one of the first in the nation to be re-examined as a result of Loper Bright Enterprises vs. Raimondo. The ruling […] The post Farmer’s fight against wetland designation gets boost from U.S. Supreme Court’s Chevron ruling appeared first on South Dakota Searchlight.
Ruling that dilutes regulatory power could ripple through farm and ranch country for years
A recent ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court limiting the deference to regulators in courtroom disputes is likely to have widespread implications for farmers and ranchers in South Dakota. The 6-3 decision in Loper Bright Enterprises vs. Raimondo overturned a 40-year precedent known as the Chevron doctrine. That doctrine directed courts to defer to federal […] The post Ruling that dilutes regulatory power could ripple through farm and ranch country for years appeared first on South Dakota Searchlight.
Fourth human case of bird flu diagnosed in Colorado dairy farm worker
WASHINGTON — Public health officials have diagnosed a Colorado farm worker with the country’s fourth human case of highly pathogenic avian influenza, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the state’s department of health reported Wednesday. The Colorado case, the state’s first this year related to spread from dairy cattle to humans, was reported […] The post Fourth human case of bird flu diagnosed in Colorado dairy farm worker appeared first on South Dakota Searchlight.
Feds prepare for bird flu jump to people with vaccines, tests
Federal health officials have commissioned Moderna to develop a vaccine to protect people from an avian influenza that has been circulating in dairy cattle in recent months. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services officials said Tuesday the agency would devote about $176 million to the effort, with the hope that final clinical trials might […] The post Feds prepare for bird flu jump to people with vaccines, tests appeared first on South Dakota Searchlight.
Trump questions NY guilty verdicts after U.S. Supreme Court presidential immunity ruling
WASHINGTON — A New York judge agreed Tuesday to delay the criminal sentencing of former President Donald Trump in the state hush money case after Trump claimed the U.S. Supreme Court’s presidential immunity decision absolves him. New York Justice Juan Merchan, who oversaw the case, ordered the delay until Sept. 18 so the court could […] The post Trump questions NY guilty verdicts after U.S. Supreme Court presidential immunity ruling appeared first on South Dakota Searchlight.
Parole denied for Indigenous activist convicted of killing FBI agents
A Native American man convicted of killing two FBI agents 49 years ago in South Dakota has lost what could be his final chance at parole, after widespread activism in support of his release. Leonard Peltier, 79, is serving two consecutive life terms in prison and is reportedly in failing health. His latest parole hearing […] The post Parole denied for Indigenous activist convicted of killing FBI agents appeared first on South Dakota Searchlight.
Regulators begin study of NorthWestern’s proposed 9% natural gas rate increase
State regulators will take six months to study NorthWestern Energy’s proposed 9% natural gas rate increase, which the company says would cost a typical residential customer an additional $8.38 per month, or $100.56 per year. The proposal would generate an additional $6 million in annual revenue for NorthWestern, which delivers natural gas to about 50,000 […] The post Regulators begin study of NorthWestern’s proposed 9% natural gas rate increase appeared first on South Dakota Searchlight.
Biden administration announces new rule to protect workers from heat-related illnesses
WASHINGTON – Senior Biden administration officials announced a proposed rule Tuesday to prevent heat-related illness in the workplace, as climate change brings hotter temperatures around the nation. In a call to reporters Monday, officials spoke on background about the new rule, which the administration sent to the Federal Register Tuesday for review. Depending on the […] The post Biden administration announces new rule to protect workers from heat-related illnesses appeared first on South Dakota Searchlight.
More states consider voter ID laws amid conflicting research on their impact
Nevada voters may decide in November whether they should join three dozen other states in requiring voters to present valid identification before casting a ballot. And Maine may not be far behind, as the push for voter ID requirements grows nationwide despite conflicting studies over their effects. Conservative organizers in Nevada say they have gathered […] The post More states consider voter ID laws amid conflicting research on their impact appeared first on South Dakota Searchlight.
Law banning sale of some near-pot products takes effect, but won’t prevent every legal high
As of today, several varieties of intoxicating hemp products are illegal to sell or produce in the state of South Dakota. That doesn’t necessarily put them out of reach for South Dakotans. It also doesn’t mean death for the market in alternative intoxicants that’s emerged across South Dakota and the nation in part thanks to […] The post Law banning sale of some near-pot products takes effect, but won’t prevent every legal high appeared first on South Dakota Searchlight.
Ex-trooper, now a cannabis grower, wants answers on fake weed inaction
Alan Welsh wasn’t just a cop. He was a Very Important Cop. The kind of cop who gets a legislative commemoration for an outstanding career upon retirement. Now he grows marijuana for a living. The shock of seeing Welsh in a room full of pot without a badge on his chest or a story to […] The post Ex-trooper, now a cannabis grower, wants answers on fake weed inaction appeared first on South Dakota Searchlight.
Libertarians nominate Public Utilities Commission candidate
The Libertarian Party of South Dakota has nominated Gideon Oakes, of Keystone, as its candidate for the Public Utilities Commission in the Nov. 5 general election. Oakes will face incumbent Republican Kristie Fiegen and Democrat Forrest Wilson. Fiegen has served on the Public Utilities Commission for over a decade, after being appointed to the position […] The post Libertarians nominate Public Utilities Commission candidate appeared first on South Dakota Searchlight.
Presidential immunity extends to some official acts, Supreme Court rules in Trump case
WASHINGTON — U.S. presidents enjoy full immunity from criminal charges for their official “core constitutional” acts, but no immunity for unofficial acts, the Supreme Court ruled Monday, sending former President Donald Trump’s election interference case back to the lower courts. The justices left open the question of how far the boundaries of such official acts […] The post Presidential immunity extends to some official acts, Supreme Court rules in Trump case appeared first on South Dakota Searchlight.
South Dakota’s Wind Cave is now the world’s sixth longest
HOT SPRINGS — Wind Cave in South Dakota’s Black Hills is now the sixth longest cave in the world as explorers have discovered new passageways, bringing the total length to 167 miles. The addition of these new passageways moves Wind Cave up one spot, from seventh to sixth, on the list of the planet’s longest […] The post South Dakota’s Wind Cave is now the world’s sixth longest appeared first on South Dakota Searchlight.
‘Sacred Return’: Tribal ceremony honors birth of prophesied white buffalo calf
HEBGEN LAKE, Montana — The birth of a sacred white buffalo calf earlier this month in Yellowstone National Park’s Lamar Valley fulfills a tribal prophecy, according to Native American spiritual leaders. The prophecy means people need to take better care of Mother Earth and must come together to do so, leaders and elders told a […] The post ‘Sacred Return’: Tribal ceremony honors birth of prophesied white buffalo calf appeared first on South Dakota Searchlight.
South Dakota Searchlight
2K+
Posts
11M+
Views
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.
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments. It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency: our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. We strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation. Join us in shaping the news narrative together.