VERMILLION, S.D. (WNAX) – The South Dakota legislature this year passed a law (HB1087) outlining free speech and intellectual diversity at the state’s universities. That was in response to what some legislators felt was bias toward conservative speakers and organizations. Democratic Representative Ryan Cwach of Yankton says he has been hearing from university officials. Cwach… Read more »

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (WNAX) – The South Dakota Democratic Party has taken steps to shore up its finances, including closing their offices in Sioux Falls and Rapid City. Party Chair Paula Hawks, who started that position on May first says she was blindsided by a Federal Election Commission audit report. Hawks says closing the two… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (Press Release) – Sobriety checkpoints are planned for 16 counties during the month of September. That is according to the South Dakota’s Department of Public Safety. The checkpoints are done monthly in different counties as a way to discourage drivers from drinking and then driving. A total of 21 checkpoints are planned statewide… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – The Federal Communications Commission has announced that South Dakota will get more than $700 million over the next 10 years to help internet providers expand broadband services. Greg Dean with the South Dakota Telecommunications Association says it will help their members complete wiring rural areas of the state. Dean says while… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (Press Release) – Governor Kristi Noem today announced that Darin Seeley will join her administration as Commissioner of the Bureau of Human Resources (BHR). Seeley will begin serving in this capacity on Oct. 14. “A strong state government takes care of its people, and BHR plays a leading role in that effort,” said… Read more »

GARRETSON, S.D. (AP) — Authorities say a Minnesota woman has escaped with minor injuries after falling more than 80 feet (24 meters) from a cliff at a state park in South Dakota. Minnehaha County sheriff’s Sgt. Scott Dubbe says the fall happened Monday evening at the Palisades State Park, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) northeast… Read more »

ABERDEEN, S.D. (WNAX) – Much of the wet weather over the past eighteen months has been connected to the ongoing El Nino. That is warming of the Pacific Ocean surface, which has an impact on North American weather. South Dakota State Climatologist Laura Edwards says there are indicators that El Nino is fading away. Edwards… Read more »

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WNAX) – South Dakota Congressman Dusty Johnson has completed the first eight months of his two-year term. He says so far, some good, some bad. Members of Congress return to Washington this week after their August break. Johnson says there is on big item on their to do list. Johnson says they also… Read more »

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — A South Dakota man convicted of killing his infant son has been sentenced to more than 17 years in prison. Thirty-two-year-old Kenneth Chase, of McLaughlin, was charged with second-degree murder. Authorities say he inflicted traumatic head injuries to the victim that led to his death in April 2018. U.S. District… Read more »

ELKTON, S.D. (WNAX) – U.S. Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue has ordered an investigation into beef pricing margins after the recent fire at the Holcomb, Kansas Tyson Foods Packing plant. Following the fire, margins were pushed to record highs. South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association President Steve (oh-l-uh-rick) Ollerich of Elkton, says cattle producers took a financial hit… Read more »