PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- A Medicaid expansion proposal was killed on the floor of the South Dakota Senate this week. The group, “South Dakotans Decide Healthcare” has placed  “Constitutional Amendment D” on the November ballot that would let voters decide on that type of expansion. Spokesman Zach Marcus says the legislative action this week doesn’t have any… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(KCCR)- Interim state Health Secretary Joan Adam pitched a massive expansion of the State Health Lab in Pierre to the Joint Committee on Appropriations Wednesday night.   The project would use 100-percent funding through the American Rescue Plan Capital Projects fund. Senator Ryan Maher of Isabel moved to amend the bill to require any equipment… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- The South Dakota House this week amended and then approved a pair of bills that would limit teaching of “Critical Race Theory” and political indoctrination of students. House Minority Leader Jamie Smith of Sioux Falls calls it an attack on teachers. Smith says legislators continue to chip away at local control. Smith says… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- While the legislative session is far from done, Governor Kristi Noem’s proposal to increase state aid to education by six percent is holding up so far. Freeman Public School Superintendent Jake Tietge says that prospect along with an increase in enrollment has them planning for the next school year. Tietge says they are… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- Most cell phone companies will turn off their 3G service next week. That is a heritage product that connects many flip phones and other older models. Erik Gaikowski, state director of AARP-South Dakota says that change may impact a number of older folks. Gaikowski says friends and family may want to check on… Read more »

YANKTON, S.D.(WNAX)- Now that the state has approved two medical marijuana licenses in Yankton, it leaves open the question of law enforcement. City Manager Amy Leon says police have been looking at the issue. Leon says each location has advantages and challenges. Leon says some standard regulations from the state would be useful. Legislators continue… Read more »

MADISON, S.D.(KELO)- Dakota State University recently announced a multi-million dollar project that will expand its cyber security program to Sioux Falls. Governor Kristi Noem believes that the program will provide benefits for years to come. Sioux Falls has several high-dollar infrastructure projects planned in the coming years. One of the most impactful may be DSU’s… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(KMIT & KXLG)- A bill that would expand Medicaid health coverage eligibility to people who live below 133% of the federal poverty level was defeated in the South Dakota Senate this week.  The issue will now be before voters in the November election.  During her weekly press conference on Thursday, Governor Kristi Noem said… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(KCCR)- A bill that if approved would have ditched a requirement for front license plates in South Dakota has been killed by the Senate Transportation Committee.  Senate Bill 191 was a constituent bill brought by Senator Jim Bolin of Canton.   Thomas Frisch of Dakota Dunes was the only proponent of the bill. Jason Husby,… Read more »

YANKTON, S.D.(WNAX)- American diplomacy is in overdrive today, attempting to head off a threatened invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces. South Dakota Congressman Dusty Johnson says Russian leader Vladimir Putin has to be stopped. Johnson says economic sanctions have to be led by European allies. Johnson says any impacts to the US from a… Read more »