Plow followed the rain: A new book traces how settlers like Laura Ingalls Wilder thrived through a rare wet spell only to face brutal drought on the Great Plains — learn what it teaches us.
After-school grants on pause: Thousands of South Dakota children could lose access to after-school and summer learning as the Trump administration freezes $6.5 million in community learning center grants alongside a $6 billion national spending review — find out.
South Dakota rodeo showdown: More than 60 athletes, led by junior standout Arina Haugen, head to Rock Springs this Sunday for the National High School Finals Rodeo against 1,800 competitors — find out who to watch.
South Dakota’s DUI arrest rates: Multiple studies place the state near the top nationwide—Forbes ranks it second per capita (879 per 100,000) and Alcohol.org ranks it first (938.8 per 100,000)— find out why it ranks so high.
Potential Black Hills gold mine: Dakota Gold’s assessment this week outlines an open-pit project near Lead that could yield 2.6–3.9 million ounces of gold over 17–28 years, potentially generating $6.1–8.7 billion and aiming for production by 2029 — learn what lies ahead.
Mobile legal aid on wheels: Funded by a $125,000 grant, Dakota Plains Legal Services’ Justice Bus is touring western South Dakota, stopping in Pierre, Winner and Gregory and heading to Eagle Butte’s Hometown Days on July 17 — check out how it works.
Tariff deadline extended again: South Dakota farmer Paul Casper stays optimistic as President Trump pushes his tariff deadline to August 1 and announces new duties on Japan and South Korea — find out what happens next.
Prison overhaul in session: South Dakota’s new recidivism and rehabilitation committee convened to probe why Native Americans make up nearly 40% of inmates, assess program gaps, and chart policy fixes — find out what reforms they’ll propose.
Rural EMS gets a boost: South Dakota’s $7.5 million in COVID-relief grants funded power cots, LIFEPAK 15 monitors, telemedicine tablets and EMT training for local ambulance providers — find out how it’s strengthening patient care.
Other South Dakota headlines this week
- USD building evacuated after chemical spill
- Bright Start marks 25 years supporting families
- Officials track West Nile virus across SD
- Radiation compensation program reauthorized for South Dakota
- Share your story at Sioux Falls StoryCorps
- South Dakota rescue seeks foster homes immediately
- Summer food programs see increased demand
- South Dakota Job Corps faces closure threat
