State News
Monday, May 4, 2026 · Jackson & Bennett Region
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.
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.
Monday, May 4, 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.
Monday, May 4, 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.
Monday, May 4, 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.
Monday, May 4, 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.
Monday, May 4, 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.
Monday, May 4, 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.
Monday, May 4, 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.
Monday, May 4, 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.
Monday, May 4, 2026