RFK Jr. has ‘some very interesting views,’ Thune tells South Dakota audience

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-South Dakota, interacts with attendees on Sept. 26, 2025, at the Black Hills Forum and Press Club in Rapid City. (Seth Tupper/South Dakota Searchlight) RAPID CITY (South Dakota Searchlight) — When John...

Iowa law requires schools to test for radon, but no one is making sure they do

When a pulmonologist told Gail Orcutt she had lung cancer in May 2010, the non-smoker was shocked. She began researching and quickly learned about radon and its prevalence in Iowa, where she lived her entire life. She tested both her childhood and...

South Dakota Senator John Thune defends science and free speech

A federal lifeline for South Dakota innovation is at risk

This commentary was written for South Dakota Searchlight, an online news organization, by Joni Ekstrum, executive director for South Dakota Biotech. By Joni EkstrumExecutive director for South Dakota Biotech In just a few days, one of the federal...

South Dakota Health Link to hold 2025 Fall sessions in virtual format on Oct. 23

The annual Fall Forum for South Dakota’s health information exchange, Health Link, will be in a virtual format rather than in person. Health Secretary Melissa Magstadt says Health Link allows healthcare providers to securely share patient...

Proof of ownership: South Dakota livestock reported missing

Recent reports of missing livestock in several South Dakota counties have owners and law enforcement officials searching for clues to their disappearance. Jones County Sixteen head of 2025 calves have been reported missing in Jones county. The...

Henkel expands manufacturing facility in South Dakota

South Dakota's Hottest Slang Trends Straight From Google Searches

There is more than more than one way to communicate in South Dakota. You can use 'dictionary English' or get a bit more creative and trendy with the latest slang terms being thrown around. So, which are the hottest alternative words and sayings in...

US government shut down begins amid partisan gridlock, risking thousands of federal jobs

WASHINGTON: The U.S. government shut down much of its operations on Wednesday as deep partisan divisions prevented Congress and the White House from reaching a funding deal, setting off what could be a long, grueling standoff that could lead to...

Henkel expands flagship manufacturing facility in South Dakota

Henkel (Düsseldorf, Germany; www.henkel.com), a global leader in adhesives, sealants, and functional coatings, and leading manufacturer of well-known consumer brands, celebrated the expansion of its manufacturing facility in Brandon, South Dakota....

AAA Study: Almost All Drivers Experience Road Rage — But It Can Be Stopped

SIOUX FALLS — If it feels like everyone has road rage these days, that’s because they probably do. A staggering 96% of drivers admit to engaging in aggressive driving behaviors over the past year, according to a new study from the AAA Foundation...

US govt shutdown begins, partisan division rules Washington

Shutdown halts critical economic data, affects federal workers. Senate rejects spending measure, deepens partisan divide. Analysts warn shutdown could last longer than past closures. WASHINGTON: The US government shut down much of its operations...

Daily Audio Newscast - October 1, 2025

Six minutes of news from around the nation. Trump Threatens to fire 'a lot' of federal workers as shutdown looms; Domestic violence survivor groups slam Trump immigration policies; SD expert: Don't let current events push you away from democracy;...

How many H-2A petitions made by Western South Dakota News publication area employers were approved during 2024?

Ur Mendoza Jaddou, Director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (left) and Jennifer B. Higgins, Deputy Director. | https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/organization/leadershipUr Mendoza Jaddou, Director of the U.S. Citizenship and...

Rounds introduces bill to end statute of limitations for some murders on federal lands

Senator Mike Rounds, US Senator for South Dakota | Official U.S. Senate headshotSenator Mike Rounds, US Senator for South Dakota | Official U.S. Senate headshot U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) has introduced new legislation called “Kamisha’s...

Federal government shutdown begins with no end in sight, Trump and Democrats at stalemate

Editor's note: For live updates on the government shutdown Wednesday, Oct. 1, click here. WASHINGTON ‒ The federal government shut down at midnight as President Donald Trump and congressional Democrats blamed each other for failing to reach an...

South Dakota Health Link Unveils Virtual Fall Forum with Analytic Tool Showcases

South Dakota’s Health Link is hosting its Fall Forum in a new virtual format, featuring three sessions to showcase updates and Health Insights analytic tools. Secretary Melissa Magstadt of the South Dakota Department of Health highlighted that the...

Report finds that South Dakota has highest rate of incarcerated women

A recent report by the Prison Policy Initiative found that South Dakota leads the world in the incarceration of women. According to the report, South Dakota has a higher rate of women in prison per capita than any other state in the United States....

List of U.S. State Minerals: Check the Official Mineral of Each State

The United States is rich in many different types of minerals, some of which have been selected as state minerals to represent the state's geology, history, economy, and culture. Each state’s selection can typically be attributed to the state's...

Taos one of two sites nationwide to be selected for regenerative agriculture citizen science project

Earth Day 2020 was a cold day, Gillian Joyce recalls. The documentary Kiss the Ground, which highlighted soil health and featured Española-raised Ray Archuleta, had recently been released. Despite the chill, about 50 people showed up, wearing...