WATERTOWN, S.D.(KXLG)- We ran a story with Senator Lee Schoenbeck talking on the group Convention of States South Dakota and the group reached out to KXLG to clarify what they represent from their perspective. We spoke with the Regional Director of Convention of States, David Schneider who gave an overview. David expands on why they… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- South Dakota tourism is coming off a record year for visitors and spending and planning for more. Tourism Department Secretary Jim Hagen says he was surprised by last year’s numbers. Hagen says visitation also jumped. Hagen says they are getting better returns on their targeted messaging. Hagen says they are focused on their… Read more »

SOUTH DAKOTA(WNAX)- Helping those helping people with dementia issues is a priority for the South Dakota Alzheimer’s Association. Executive Director Leslie Morrow says they are working with state agencies and the legislature on funding and finding respite care. Morrow says finding enough respite care workers is also a problem. Morrow says those health care workers… Read more »

RAPID CITY, S.D.(KOTA)- What was Valentine’s Day for many Americans was much more somber for about 20 residents of the Black Hills, who braved the cold for a candlelight vigil last night hosted by the Red Ribbon Skirt Society. The group, head by Lily Mendoza, cried, prayed, and smudged themselves in sage in remembrance of… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(KCCR)- A Republican-backed measure to expand Medicaid in South Dakota and keep it from the ballot this fall has failed to move farther than the South Dakota Senate.  Senator Wayne Steinhauer says expanding Medicaid is already at a 60-percent approval in the public’s eye before any campaigning has started. Senator John Wiik of Big… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(Press Release) – Governor Kristi Noem is now accepting applications for the Governor’s Office Summer 2022 internship programs. Student interns will work with staff on various projects depending on interests and strengths. Additional duties include aiding the governor’s general counsel, constituent services, and communications team; conducting policy research; preparing policy briefings; and staffing events.… Read more »

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 »