State News
Friday, April 24, 2026 · Jackson & Bennett Region
Lionel Messi's Argentina Career: A Look Back
ESPN conducted interviews with key figures to explore Lionel Messi's international career with Argentina. The oral history investigates the circumstances surrounding his choice to play for Argentina.
MLB and MLBPA Meet to Discuss Collective Bargaining Agreement
Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association convened this week to start negotiating terms for the next Collective Bargaining Agreement. Key topics under discussion include the possibility of a salary cap and mechanisms to prevent a potential lockout.
Friday, April 24, 2026
LeBron James' Future with Lakers Uncertain Despite Playoff Appearance
LeBron James' performance and the Lakers' playoff run have highlighted the complex relationship between the star player and the franchise. While a return seems logical, several factors could influence James' decision for the upcoming season.
Friday, April 24, 2026
Steelers Await Rodgers' Decision Amid Deadline Reports
The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly seeking a commitment from quarterback Aaron Rodgers by a specific deadline. The team aims to finalize their quarterback plans before the upcoming season. Rodgers' decision will significantly impact the Steelers' strategy.
Friday, April 24, 2026
Reigns and Fatu Sign Contract, Brawl on WWE Raw
Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu formalized their World Heavyweight Championship match for Backlash with a contract signing on WWE Raw. The event ended with a physical altercation as Fatu executed the Tongan Death Grip.
Friday, April 24, 2026
Dante Fowler Signs With Seahawks After Lawrence's Super Bowl Pitch
Dante Fowler Jr. signed with the Seattle Seahawks after DeMarcus Lawrence reportedly convinced him he could win a Super Bowl with the team. Fowler and Lawrence were teammates on the Dallas Cowboys from 2022-2023.
Friday, April 24, 2026
Arsenal Edges West Ham 1-0 After VAR Disallows Late Equalizer
Arsenal defeated West Ham 1-0 after a late West Ham goal was disallowed by VAR for a foul on the Arsenal goalkeeper. The win puts Arsenal five points ahead of Manchester City in the Premier League standings.
Friday, April 24, 2026
Projected NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Field Released: Florida Holds Top Seed
The first projected 76-team field for the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament is out. Florida currently holds the top overall seed, according to bracketologists.
Friday, April 24, 2026
Top 25 Teams: Potential Award Candidates
Several players across the top 25 teams are emerging as potential candidates for prestigious national awards. Each team has a standout player whose performance places them in contention for individual accolades.
Friday, April 24, 2026
Penn State Football Undergoes Changes in Campbell's First Four Months
Head Coach Matt Campbell has implemented changes within Penn State's football program during his first four months. The focus is on player development and a renewed emphasis on recruiting. The impact on the team's performance remains to be seen.
Friday, April 24, 2026
Power Four Football: Top Newcomers to Watch in 2026
Several new faces are expected to play key roles for Power Four football programs in 2026. These additions, whether through recruiting or the transfer portal, could significantly impact team performance.
Friday, April 24, 2026
NCAA Proposal Grants Bowl Eligibility Flexibility to 5-7 Teams Meeting Academic Standards
The NCAA football oversight committee approved a proposal granting conferences flexibility in selecting 5-7 teams for bowl games. These teams must meet specific academic requirements to be considered. The measure aims to fill bowl vacancies when not enough traditionally eligible teams are available.
Friday, April 24, 2026
POET Partners with Summit on Carbon Capture at 5 SD Ethanol Plants
Sioux Falls-based POET LLC announced a pivotal partnership Monday with Summit Carbon Solutions to deploy carbon capture technology at five South Dakota ethanol plants. The collaboration aims to sequester CO2 from biofuel production, bolstering the state's renewable energy leadership amid federal incentives. This move signals a new era for South Dakota's ethanol industry, the nation's largest per capita producer.
Friday, April 24, 2026
Keystone Cashes In as Mount Rushmore Draws Record Spring Crowds to Black Hills
Mount Rushmore is experiencing a surge of early-season visitors as May 2026 brings ideal conditions and fewer crowds than summer peaks. Local outfitters in Keystone report a 20% uptick in spring bookings, signaling strong momentum for South Dakota's hospitality sector heading into the peak travel season.
Friday, April 24, 2026
Sanford's $200M Sioux Falls Campus Nears First Phase Completion
Construction is well underway on Founder's Crossing, a sprawling 60-acre senior living and healthcare complex in southeast Sioux Falls anchored by the Good Samaritan Society. The first phase opens this spring with 40 villas, marking the beginning of a transformative $200 million development that will reshape healthcare delivery on the city's east side.
Friday, April 24, 2026
Rapid City Rodeo Projects Record 150K+ Crowd for 2026 Black Hills Spectacle
The Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo in Rapid City is gearing up for a blockbuster 2026 season with expectations of over 150,000 visitors, shattering past records. This cornerstone of South Dakota's cowboy culture promises sold-out nights, ranch rodeo thrills and an economic jolt for local businesses. Organizers hail it as a milestone amid the state's rodeo heritage.
Friday, April 24, 2026
Brookings Jacks Claim 4th Straight Summit League Crown
South Dakota State's women's basketball team dominated North Dakota State 64-51 to secure their fourth consecutive Summit League tournament title. Senior Brooklyn Meyer earned MVP honors with 26 points, nine rebounds and four blocks in Sioux Falls. The victory sends the Jackrabbits to their 14th NCAA Tournament.
Friday, April 24, 2026
USD Rolls Out Fast-Track Teacher Certification for SD Math, Science Gaps
The University of South Dakota has launched a streamlined certification program targeting the state's critical shortage of math and science educators. As rural classrooms struggle to fill positions, this initiative aims to place more teachers in high-need areas quickly. With 112 teacher candidates already placed regionally, USD is stepping up to combat South Dakota's ongoing educator crisis.
Friday, April 24, 2026
South Dakota Flu Season Winds Down After 25 Deaths, 16K Cases
South Dakota's 2025-2026 flu season, dominated by a severe H3N2 strain, has finally peaked and begun to decline, but not before claiming 25 lives and hospitalizing 905 residents. Health officials report activity trending downward since February, yet warn of lingering risks in rural clinics. With cases well above historical averages, vaccinations remain the top defense even post-peak.
Friday, April 24, 2026
Sioux Falls police arrest suspect in downtown burglary spree
A 28-year-old man is in custody after Sioux Falls police linked him to multiple commercial break-ins across the capital city's downtown corridor. The arrests mark a significant development in a crime wave that has rattled business owners and prompted increased police patrols in recent days.
Friday, April 24, 2026
South Dakota Legislature OKs $50M Rural Broadband Boost
In a win for South Dakota's vast rural stretches, lawmakers approved a $50 million bill to deliver high-speed internet to underserved areas. The initiative targets economic growth and better education in places like the Black Hills and Plains. Construction could start soon, bridging the digital divide that's long plagued the Mount Rushmore State.
Friday, April 24, 2026
Second Amendment's 'The People': Courts Grapple with Definition
The Second Amendment guarantees the right of 'the people' to bear arms, but the courts are actively debating who exactly constitutes 'the people.' Recent rulings are examining the inclusion of felons, minors, and non-citizens in this definition.
Friday, April 24, 2026
Dakota Gold Strikes Major Discovery Near Lead, SD
Dakota Gold Corp. has unveiled a significant gold deposit near Lead, South Dakota, projecting over $50 million in investments and boosted annual production. This find in the historic Black Hills could revive the region's mining legacy, drawing eyes to the northern Hills. Local leaders hail it as a game-changer for Lead's economy.
Friday, April 24, 2026
South Dakota Tourism Breaks Records with 1.2M Q1 Visitors
South Dakota welcomed over 1.2 million tourists in the first quarter of 2026, shattering previous records and injecting $450 million into the economy. Driven by throngs at Mount Rushmore and the Badlands, the surge signals a blockbuster year ahead despite economic headwinds. Local businesses from Rapid City to Pierre are reaping the rewards.
Friday, April 24, 2026
Sanford's $200M Sioux Falls Senior Living Campus Opens This Spring
Founder's Crossing, a sprawling continuing care retirement community anchored by the Good Samaritan Society, is welcoming its first residents to southeast Sioux Falls after months of construction. The phased 60-acre development represents one of the region's largest healthcare expansions and promises to reshape senior living options across South Dakota.
Friday, April 24, 2026
Pierre Governors Capture SDHSAA Class A Dual Wrestling Crown
In a gripping finale at the state dual wrestling championships, Pierre High School's Governors toppled Brandon Valley to claim the Class A title. The victory cements Pierre's dominance on the mats in the capital city. Local wrestling fans erupted as the Governors secured their hardware Saturday in Pierre.
Friday, April 24, 2026
USD Women's Track Dominates Big Sky Indoor Crown in Pocatello
The University of South Dakota women's track and field team crushed the 2026 Big Sky Indoor Championships, racking up 180 points for the title. Multiple Coyotes snagged individual medals in Pocatello, Idaho, showcasing Vermillion's rising power in the conference. Standout performances propelled USD past rivals like Montana State.
Friday, April 24, 2026
Jackrabbits Claim Fourth Straight Summit Title in Sioux Falls
South Dakota State's women's basketball team captured their fourth consecutive Summit League championship Sunday, defeating top-seeded North Dakota State 64-51 at the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls. Senior Brooklyn Meyer led the Jackrabbits with 24 points and earned Championship MVP honors in the dominant performance.
Friday, April 24, 2026
RSV Surges Early in South Dakota, Straining Pediatric Wards
An unusually early and aggressive RSV wave is overwhelming South Dakota's children's hospitals, with Sanford and Avera systems reporting a sharp rise in admissions since late October. Health officials warn of strained pediatric ICUs as vulnerable infants battle severe breathing issues. Vaccinations and prevention remain critical amid the ongoing threat.
Friday, April 24, 2026
Noem's Executive Order Targets Black Hills Wildfire Threats
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem signed Executive Order 2025-03, mandating controlled burns and infrastructure upgrades to shield the Black Hills from devastating wildfires. As the region's densely populated forests face growing risks, the order rallies state agencies to act swiftly. Local communities from Rapid City to Custer stand to benefit from proactive prevention.
Friday, April 24, 2026