RAPID CITY, S.D.(KOTA)- The State of South Dakota, according to one metric, has the highest rate of depression among LGBTQ people in America. The national data, acquired from a HelpAdvisor report, found 87 percent of members of South Dakota’s queer community – or nearly 40,000 people – have reported feelings of depression at least once… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(DRGNews)- Nearly 20 Vietnam veterans received a commemorative lapel pin and thanks for their service during a ceremony yesterday afternoon at the Capitol Lake Visitor’s Center in Pierre. South Dakota Congressman Dusty Johnson says this recognition of their service for their country is long overdue. Johnson recalls a story he heard after a pinning… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- South Dakota legislators will have even more money than earlier forecast for next year’s budget. Fiscal analysts from the Legislative Research Council and the Bureau of Finance and Management estimated the state will collect about one hundred million dollars more in state taxes next year. Joint Committee on Appropriations Co-Chair, Senator Jean Hunhoff… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Police have released the name of a man whose body was found at a motel in Pierre last week. Authorities say 49-year-old Christopher Mexican was a homicide victim. His body was discovered after police responded to a disturbance call at the Pierre Inn and Suites early Wednesday. Officers were called to… Read more »

MILLER, S.D.(Aberdeen American News)- After a fire at Miller High School on Feb. 2, communities, schools and groups are joining together to help the school district replace items that have been damaged by smoke. Although the fire was at the high school, the junior high and elementary schools are connected, meaning the entire building was subject to smoke… Read more »

WASHINGTON, D.C.(WNAX)- Controlling rapidly rising inflation has to be a priority for Congress. South Dakota Senator John Thune says prices are rising too rapidly in many areas. Thune says the country also needs a coherent energy policy. Thune says we can supply our own energy supply and not depend on OPEC for oil. Thune held… Read more »

OMAHA, N.E.(WNAX)- Federal reports show inflation running at about seven and a half percent with concern about how long and how much higher it will go. Creighton University economics professor Ernie Goss says he expects inflation to slow down later this year. Goss says the Federal Reserve has to quickly raise interest rates. Goss says… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(KCCR)- A bill that would expand Medicaid coverage in South Dakota will be heard by the full Senate after passage Monday by the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.  After an hour of testimony Senator V-J Smith of Brookings wanted to send the bill to the floor with no recommendation. The bill’s sponsor, Senator… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- The Joint Committee on Appropriations of the South Dakota legislature are set to get the latest tax revenue numbers. Co- Chair, Senator Jean Hunhoff of Yankton, says indications point toward another increase in state revenues. With higher revenues there may be pressure to increase spending. Hunhoff says she needs to see the full… Read more »