The South Dakota Department of Health reported three additional influenza-related deaths in the past week, bringing the 2025-26 season total to nine as statewide flu activity remains widespread.

Dakota Wesleyan University’s theatre department will stage a one-hour cabaret fundraiser Feb. 6 at 401 Create by LifeQuest, featuring Broadway musical numbers and scenes from recent campus productions.

Mitchell Public Library reported its highest total circulation in the past decade in 2025, with physical and digital checkouts rising from 2024. Library officials also noted increased visitor traffic and new OverDrive digital collections.

South Dakota lawmakers are debating whether large-scale data centers should get long-term tax incentives and how to protect residents from potential utility and infrastructure cost impacts as proposals advance in Pierre.

U.S. Sen. John Thune is accepting applications for paid summer internships in Washington, D.C., and in South Dakota offices in Aberdeen, Rapid City and Sioux Falls. Thune is also taking applications for the Senate Page Program, with separate deadlines in March and April.

Lawmakers delayed a bill Tuesday that aimed to standardize election petition deadlines. They raised concerns about changing election rules while candidates were already gathering signatures.

A South Dakota House committee voted 8-4 to advance HJR 5002, a proposed constitutional amendment that would ask voters in 2026 whether to repeal Medicaid expansion.

Dakota Wesleyan University will offer a fully online RN to BSN program aimed at working registered nurses, with accelerated 7-week modules and flexible course access. DWU says applications are being accepted for Fall 2026.