The 85th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is off to a busy and dangerous start, with the South Dakota Department of Public Safety reporting 41 injury accidents, two fatal crashes, and 70 DUI arrests in the first five days.
The South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation will host a statewide virtual hiring event on Wednesday, August 20, giving job seekers the opportunity to connect with top employers, explore open positions, and interview — all from home.
A proposed Gemini Data Center project between Sioux Falls and Brandon is now under review by the city council. The plan calls for rezoning 160 acres from residential to light industrial, potentially creating 200 to 300 new jobs in the region.
A second death linked to West Nile virus has been confirmed in South Dakota, according to the Department of Health. As of August 6, officials report 16 human cases across 11 counties, with the first fatality occurring in July. In addition, two asymptomatic blood donors have tested positive for the virus.
Jury selection is underway in the high-profile triple homicide trial of Justin Rackley in Lincoln County, South Dakota. Rackley stands accused of fatally shooting three individuals — Kellie Reaves, Michael Thompson, and Daniel Kemnitz — near a backyard fire pit in Sioux Falls over a year ago.
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).
South Dakota’s state climatologist says changing weather patterns are increasing the likelihood of extreme weather events across the region. Laura Edwards, with South Dakota State University Extension, explains that rising temperatures allow the atmosphere to hold more moisture, leading to heavier rainfall and stronger winds.
Terry Gleason, a Chamberlain man with a criminal record, has announced his candidacy for South Dakota governor in the 2026 election. A registered Republican running as an independent, Gleason acknowledges the uphill battle ahead but says he’s motivated to set a positive example for his children and advocate for inclusivity across the state.
The Mount Vernon School District is seeking voter approval for a $400,000 general fund opt-out to replace its current $200,000 opt-out, unchanged since 2010. The increase, approved by the school board in June, is intended to address rising operational costs, including salaries, insurance, and utilities.