A South Dakota legislative study committee is investigating the causes of prison overcrowding, with a focus on sentencing practices and rehabilitation. Officials, including Pennington County State’s Attorney Laura Roetzel, note that sentencing reflects public attitudes.
Busch Light is supporting Midwest farmers with its limited-edition Farming Cans, available through July. For every case sold, Busch Light donates $0.10—up to $200,000—to Farm Rescue, a nonprofit aiding farm families facing crisis situations like illness, injury, or natural disasters.
Authorities have released new information on a July 2 crash in Mitchell that left an 18-year-old moped driver with life-threatening injuries. The collision occurred at Sixth Avenue and Winsor Street when a Jeep Compass driver failed to yield and struck the unhelmeted teen.
South Dakota lawmakers are launching a bold initiative to cut the state’s recidivism rate in half, aiming to reduce it from 40% to 20%. A new legislative committee will explore solutions such as expanding addiction treatment, enhancing re-entry programs, and addressing the disproportionate incarceration of Native Americans, who represent 9% of the state’s population but 40% of its prison population.
Two Sioux Falls City Councilors, Richard Thomason and Rich Merkouris, are spearheading efforts to expand the Sioux Falls Regional Airport, a project they say is vital to South Dakota’s economy.
South Dakota closed its fiscal year with a $63 million budget surplus, which, along with $106 million in prison funds, was added to the state’s emergency reserves, now totaling nearly $492 million. Governor Larry Rhoden emphasized the state’s commitment to conservative budgeting and smart fiscal management, even amid a decline in sales tax revenue.
Committee version of the bill authorizes $406 million for projects in South Dakota, $3.4 billion for B-21 procurement
Sioux Falls native Marcus Phillips has been selected 33rd overall by the Boston Red Sox in the 2025 MLB Draft, marking a major milestone in the rising pitcher’s career. Phillips, a Roosevelt High School graduate, received the news during a private draft party surrounded by friends and family. After starting his college career at Iowa Western Community College, he transferred to the University of Tennessee, where he became a key starter and helped lead the Volunteers to a College World Series title.
A major legal setback has hit Neighbors Opposing Prison Expansion (NOPE), as the South Dakota Supreme Court ruled against the group’s effort to block construction of a new men’s state prison in rural Lincoln County. The ruling ends a nearly two-year legal battle, but NOPE leaders say they respect the court’s decision and remain committed to their mission.
Sioux Falls-based POET is advancing efforts to reduce its carbon intensity score by launching a new clean energy project near its Big Stone City plant. In partnership with California energy firm Antora and Minnesota-based Otter Tail Power Company, the project aims to cut emissions and support long-term sustainability goals.
