Representative Dusty Johnson addressed key economic concerns during a tourism coalition event in Sioux Falls, speaking out against federal cuts from DOGE, the long-term risks of high tariffs, and his legislative focus for the coming year. Johnson highlighted potential negative effects on South Dakota’s tourism industry, while reaffirming his opposition to prolonged trade tariffs.
The agreement cuts payments by 33% for Division I schools, including South Dakota State University and the University of South Dakota, while safeguarding women’s sports funding and ensuring continued support for the Women’s Basketball Performance Fund.
Voters in rural Davison and Hanson counties overwhelmingly approved the formation of the Davison-Hanson Ambulance District, a major step toward enhancing emergency medical services (EMS) in underserved South Dakota communities.
Sioux Falls police have identified Virgil Hawk Wing as the victim in a deadly stabbing that occurred last week at an apartment complex near 43rd Street and South Larch Avenue.
A homicide investigation is underway on the Pine Ridge Reservation, where a man was found with severe injuries near the old courthouse on U.S. Highway 18 and later died at the hospital. According to the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, a suspect is now in custody.
Ray Steele, a 62-year-old man from Lead, South Dakota, has pleaded guilty in a federal firearms case involving a secret underground bunker and illegal machine guns. Steele admitted to unlawful possession of a machine gun, with a second charge dropped as part of a plea agreement.
Sioux Falls has seen a decline in violent crime, reaching its lowest level in five years, according to recent city data. Police Chief Jon Thum welcomed the progress but stressed that continued community involvement and youth engagement are vital.
Wyoming entrepreneur Reid Rasner, founder of Rasner Media, has announced plans to tour South Dakota with Governor Larry Rhoden as part of his ambitious effort to bring TikTok operations to the state.
The Mitchell Chamber of Commerce’s Government Affairs Committee invites the public to a School Board Candidate Forum on Tuesday, May 20th at 5:30 PM, held at the City Council Chamber on Main Street, Mitchell.
President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is drawing national attention as criticism and confusion mount. With over 2,300 constituent calls to Senator Mike Rounds’ office, public concern over DOGE’s impact is intensifying.