State News
Saturday, May 2, 2026 · Jackson & Bennett Region
Rapid City Eyes Revival: Ground Breaks on Ex-Albertsons Redevelopment
A long-vacant eyesore at a prime Rapid City intersection is being reborn as a vibrant commercial hub, with national brands already lining up. Dream Design International broke ground on the 45,000-square-foot site at Omaha Street and Mount Rushmore Road, signaling fresh economic momentum for the Black Hills region. Demolition is underway, with grand openings eyed for early 2026.
Black Hills Bookings Surge to Record Highs in South Dakota
South Dakota's Tourism Board is celebrating unprecedented spring reservations for Mount Rushmore and Black Hills hotspots, signaling a tourism boom. Officials credit pent-up demand and aggressive marketing for the spike. Local economies from Keystone to Rapid City stand to gain millions.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Sioux Falls' BitGo Eyes Expansion After Past $15M Series B Boost
BitGo, the digital asset powerhouse headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, made waves years ago with a $15 million addition to its Series B funding round. The investment from heavyweights like Goldman Sachs fueled its rise as the largest independent digital asset custodian. Today, with over $100 billion in assets, BitGo anchors South Dakota's growing tech scene.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
SDHSAA Sets Qualifying Standards for May State Track Meet in Sioux Falls
The South Dakota High School Activities Association has unveiled the qualifying standards for the 2026 state track and field championships, setting the stage for high school athletes across the state to chase glory at Howard Wood Field. With automatic and provisional marks based on years of state meet data, competitors from Rapid City to Sioux Falls must hit precise times and distances at sanctioned regular-season meets. As the May 28-30 event nears, the pressure is on for the top 24 entries per event.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Augustana Vikings Punch Regional Ticket with Hot 7-3 Start
Sioux Falls' Augustana University women's volleyball team has stormed into regional playoff contention, boasting a 7-3 record early in the 2025 season. Key wins over Black Hills State and Chadron State highlight their spring surge. South Dakota fans eye a deep postseason run for the Vikings.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
SDSU Jacks Top USD in Thriller for Summit League Lacrosse Crown
In a fierce in-state showdown, South Dakota State University's men's lacrosse team outlasted rival University of South Dakota to claim the Summit League championship. The victory in Sioux Falls ignites Jackrabbit pride across South Dakota. Fans from Brookings to Vermillion are celebrating the program's growing dominance.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Sioux Falls doubles down on STEM: District expands pipeline to tech careers
The Sioux Falls School District is leveraging multiple grant programs and specialized curricula to build a robust pathway from elementary classrooms to high-tech careers. The push comes as South Dakota competes nationally for STEM workforce talent and expertise.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Pollen Surge Hits South Dakota as Spring Allergies Peak
South Dakota residents are battling one of the state's most intense allergy seasons as tree and grass pollen counts surge across the region this May. Health experts report that about 1 in 3 adults and 1 in 4 children nationwide are experiencing symptoms, with local conditions expected to remain elevated through June.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Pierre PD Launches Youth-Focused Safety Program in SD Capital
The Pierre Police Department has rolled out a new Community Resource Officer program targeting youth engagement to curb crime in South Dakota's capital. Aimed at building trust and preventing incidents before they occur, the initiative emphasizes proactive community ties over reactive enforcement. Local leaders hail it as a vital step for Pierre's 14,000 residents amid rising concerns over juvenile offenses.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
South Dakota House Advances Bill Curbing Aquifer Overuse in Drought Fight
As drought grips South Dakota's farmland, the Legislature is moving to shield aquifers vital to agriculture by banning withdrawals beyond natural recharge rates. The measure, advancing on a 9-4 vote, scraps a controversial 'greenhorn exception' that allowed excess pumping. Farmers from the Missouri River basin to the Black Hills watch closely for water security.
Saturday, May 2, 2026