South Dakota is moving forward with plans for a new state prison in Sioux Falls, securing an option to purchase land in the city’s northeast corner along Benson Road. The proposal, set for review during a special legislative session on September 23rd, would pave the way for a modern correctional facility to replace the aging state penitentiary and address the state’s growing inmate population.
South Dakota nonprofit Emily’s Hope is expanding its statewide effort to prevent opioid overdoses by installing naloxone distribution boxes in public locations. Since May 2024, kits containing naloxone, gloves, and recovery resources have been placed from Sioux Falls to Rapid City, the Pine Ridge Reservation, and now Sturgis.
Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken says the city has no legal power to block Governor Larry Rhoden’s Operation: Prairie Thunder, a state-led immigration enforcement initiative in partnership with ICE.
South Dakota is cracking down on illegal robocalls as part of a new multi-state effort, Operation Robocall Roundup. Attorney General Marty Jackley announced that nearly 40 telecom companies have received warning letters urging them to block unlawful calls linked to scams.
The Moody County murder trial of Joseph Hoek is on pause as defense attorneys seek a change of venue, arguing the Sioux Falls man cannot receive a fair trial locally. Hoek is charged with the February 2024 killing of Chief Deputy Sheriff Ken Prorok.
Pushback is mounting in Sioux Falls over Governor Rhoden’s controversial public safety initiative, Operation Prairie Thunder. At a packed city council meeting, dozens of residents raised concerns about the plan’s immigration enforcement measures and its coordination with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has announced that two state Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) agents are now federally trained to collaborate directly with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Another suspect has been arrested in the downtown Sioux Falls shootout that took place in late June. Dok Stephen faces charges of aggravated riot after being linked to the June 22 gunfire exchange involving Juliane Kubara and Zachariah Ruffner in a crowded parking lot.
The 85th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally began tragically with 1 fatality and 13 injuries in 12 crashes, including a deadly multi-bike collision near Mount Rushmore.
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announced that a Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) review has determined that Sioux Falls Police Officers were justified in their use of force during a July 7, 2025 incident. According to the DCI, Deondre Gene Black Hawk, 24, fired a handgun at officers while they attempted to arrest him on multiple warrants for burglary and drug charges.