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Tuesday, February 18, 2025

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White House says Elon Musk isn't in charge at DOGE, but 'advising' the president; CA schools brace for harmful cuts to Medi-Cal; Report says AR students still struggle with COVID-19 learning loss; and UT enacts controversial labor union law.

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The SAVE Act, requiring proof of citizenship to vote, is moving in the U.S. House. Environmental groups want the U.S. Senate to kill a bill they say falsely claims to slow climate change, and the agriculture industry is concerned about mass migrant deportations.

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Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

South Dakota

Through a legislative proposal, South Dakota agriculture officials are trying to generate an extra $350,000 in permitting fees, so they can maintain oversight of concentrated animal feeding operations. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, February 17, 2025

South Dakota poised to boost fees that help regulate CAFOs

Rural communities in the U.S. remain at the center of debate about the growing presence of large livestock operations. South Dakota lawmakers are …

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With the inclusion of workforce certificates and certifications, South Dakota's overall rate of educational attainment has increased by 16.9% since 2009. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, February 17, 2025

Degree attainment numbers in SD look good; more progress sought

South Dakota has made notable progress in boosting the number of working-age adults who hold a degree or credential beyond high school. That's …

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A new study looking at drought impacts on grasslands found that such lands in China saw a 43% reduction in annual productivity, compared with just a 25% reduction in North America under the same conditions. (Adobe Stock)
SD grasslands might be more vulnerable to drought than other regions

Grasslands are considered a vital component of South Dakota's landscape. But on the heels of new research, an expert suggests they might not fare as …

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Ted Blakey (right) has long been admired for his civil rights work in South Dakota. State historians are hoping to get more artifacts related to Blakey and other prominent Black figures donated as they continue with a museum renovation. (African American Registry)
Short on artifacts, SD historians ask for help recognizing Black trailblazers

Events for Black History Month are being held around the U.S. In South Dakota, leaders of the state's main history museum, which is currently under …

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Opponents of a South Dakota bill that would require the Ten Commandments be posted in all public school classrooms say it would be an unfunded mandate. (Adobe Stock)
'Ten Commandments' in public schools debate reaches South Dakota

A South Dakota House committee takes up a controversial bill today that would require all school districts in the state to display the Ten Commandment…

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Hundreds of protesters, worried about the barrage of executive orders signed by President Donald Trump, gathered at Michigan's state Capitol Wednesday. Similar demonstrations were held across the country. (Photo courtesy of Kelsey Brianne)
Initial Trump actions spark nationwide protests

In rural states such as South and North Dakota and large urban centers around the U.S., protests were held Wednesday amid fears about the first wave …

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According to the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress, only 29% of eighth grade students in South Dakota reached the proficient level for reading. (Adobe Stock)
Solutions sought with lack of big turnaround in student test scores

South Dakota saw mixed results in a new national report measuring academic progress. Key voices in the world of education hope troubling trends seen …

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Research firms said staffing shortages and not enough technology upgrades are making it harder for state and local governments to keep up with fraudsters eyeing services funded by taxpayers. (Adobe Stock)
SD among states debating tricky issue of combating government fraud

A South Dakota legislative committee Monday debated proposals designed to help combat government fraud and there were clear differences of opinion on …

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Even in a digital age, advocates for public libraries say branches continue to prove their worth, including online databases for research, as well as free Wi-Fi in areas with broadband gaps. (Adobe Stock)
SD library services on state budget chopping block

South Dakota lawmakers will soon resume debate on a budget-cutting plan targeting library services within the state. Legislative committees are …

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Larger livestock operations have become a flashpoint in Midwestern states, with backers saying they are modernized to feed the world at lower costs. But some local communities and environmentalists remain skeptical, with air and water quality concerns. (Adobe Stock)
SD pushes to keep certain CAFO details nearly out of reach

Larger livestock operations can be a thorny issue in rural areas and South Dakota lawmakers are proposing restricting feedlot details with more commun…

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Policy experts say rural residents tend to have lower incomes and less access to employer-sponsored health coverage, making programs such sa Medicaid a more prominent option for health insurance. (Adobe Stock)
Report: Rural America would feel pain of deep Medicaid cuts

Congressional Republicans are taking a hard look at Medicaid as they pursue spending cuts and a new report shows how the public health program is prev…

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Federal incentives are being offered for carbon capture projects, including a multistate pipeline proposal for the Midwest involving ethanol emissions. However, skeptics said the project's designs are too big for unproven technology. (Adobe Stock)
Carbon pipeline and landowner rights take their seat again in SD's capitol

South Dakota lawmakers begin a new legislative session today and are already hearing from worried landowners about their rights as a private company k…

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