State News
Sunday, May 3, 2026 · Jackson & Bennett Region
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.
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.
Sunday, May 3, 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.
Sunday, May 3, 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.
Sunday, May 3, 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.
Sunday, May 3, 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.
Sunday, May 3, 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.
Sunday, May 3, 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.
Sunday, May 3, 2026
Rapid City Police Nab 25-Year-Old in Downtown Shooting
Rapid City police arrested a 25-year-old man after a shooting injured two people near Main Street, sending shockwaves through the Black Hills tourist hub. The suspect faces serious charges as the investigation unfolds amid a pattern of parole violations. Local leaders urge calm while authorities probe for motives.
Sunday, May 3, 2026
South Dakota Legislature OKs Tax Credits for Private School, Homeschooling
South Dakota families soon can claim property tax credits for private school tuition and homeschooling under a newly passed bill. The measure, sponsored by Sen. David Carley, offers up to 80% relief on school taxes, targeting over 21,000 eligible students statewide. Critics warn of millions in lost revenue for public districts amid growing school choice momentum.
Sunday, May 3, 2026