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
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.
The Mitchell Board of Education will host its annual reorganization meeting today at the Mitchell Career and Technical Education Academy, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The public meeting will include the swearing-in of newly elected member Kimberly Lofgren and returning member Terry Aslesen, while longtime board member Deb Olson is expected to step down.
South Dakota is investing in its emerging tech sector with the launch of a new seed fund aimed at supporting startups and innovation-driven businesses. The Board of Economic Development has approved a $500,000 loan to Elevate Rapid City to help establish the fund.
South Dakota is advancing plans to build a new $650 million men’s state prison in northeast Sioux Falls, following a formal recommendation from the Project Prison Reset Task Force. The proposed 1,500-bed facility would replace the current 1881-era penitentiary, which Corrections Secretary Kellie Wasko describes as outdated and unsafe. The modern, campus-style design includes improved visibility, safer infrastructure, and enhanced inmate privacy, along with dedicated areas for addiction treatment and mental health services.
David Steiner is poised to become the 76th Postmaster General, succeeding Louis DeJoy, and the transition is drawing close attention from postal workers in South Dakota. Steiner, a former FedEx board member, is expected to bring a focus on modernization and logistics expertise to the U.S. Postal Service.