U.S. Sen. John Thune of South Dakota says Congress has until Jan. 30 to fund the federal government and should finish remaining appropriations bills to avoid another shutdown fight.
Watertown Regional Airport recorded 14,028 passenger boardings in 2025, down 129 from 2024. December travel included 757 passengers to Denver and 648 to Minneapolis-St. Paul.
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley says he will propose 2026 legislation allowing law enforcement to seize digital cryptocurrency accounts tied to criminal investigations, citing millions in reported losses to scams and fraud.
South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden’s proposed FY2027 budget holds state aid flat for K-12 education, Medicaid providers and state employee pay amid slower revenue growth. Lawmakers return to Pierre on Jan. 13 to begin shaping the final plan.
South Dakota lawmakers head into the 2026 session with a stack of property tax ideas from a summer task force, but lower-than-expected state revenue could make broad relief harder to fund. Rep. Jack Kolbeck says legislators are already sorting through nearly two dozen drafts.
January is National Hobby Month, and South Dakota’s Let’s Be Clear initiative is encouraging residents to choose healthy coping strategies — including hobbies — instead of “quick fixes” that may add stress over time. The campaign also points people to an online quiz with ideas for healthier stress relief.
Mitchell High School will reserve the northwest parking lot for senior citizens ages 65 and older and for handicap-accessible parking during home basketball games. School officials say the change is meant to improve access and safety closer to the gym.
Attorney General Marty Jackley says he’ll bring two bills in the 2026 South Dakota Legislature aimed at strengthening investigations into online crimes against children and protecting consumers’ genetic data. The session is scheduled to begin Jan. 13.
The American Red Cross says the blood supply is “teetering” after the holidays and is urging donors to schedule blood or platelet appointments now. Donations made Jan. 1-25 come with an automatic entry for a Super Bowl LX trip giveaway.
A quieter start to the 2025-26 winter is showing up on the latest U.S. Drought Monitor, with about 38% of South Dakota now rated at least abnormally dry. Moderate drought remains limited to the state’s far southeast.