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.
Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation recently earned a perfect score in its CAPRA reaccreditation review, and the department is now taking public feedback on a long-range Falls Park master plan that some council members say needs clearer cost estimates.
U.S. Sen. John Thune says Republicans “delivered on promises” in 2025 through major tax, border security, and energy legislation — and will continue focusing on economic and public safety priorities in 2026.
A 28-year-old Milbank man was seriously injured in a single-vehicle rollover crash Thursday night on Interstate 29 near White, according to the Brookings County Sheriff’s Office.