South Dakota News & Events

South Dakota Republican are on the verge of doing something that backfired spectacularly for congressional Republicans earlier this year: Getting rid of an independent ethics commission.

Despite government treaties guaranteeing health care for federally recognized tribes, the feds have stuck South Dakota with half the bill for Medicaid reimbursements for the state’s nine tribes.

Other concerns for closing down a school include the changes it could bring to the community.

Forbes praised Sioux Falls for its diversified economy, parks and special events as well as a "young, educated workforce." It noted the city’s healthcare, financial services and retail jobs.

The Data-Driven Justice Initiative has city, county, and state governments taking data-driven approaches to reduce the jail population and address the prevalence of people behind bars who have a mental illness.

Change tends to happen gradually in state government. But South Dakota could see rapid — and sweeping — change to its electoral laws next year. That is, if voters there approve a raft of ballot measures in November.

The city hopes the new workshops will create a welcoming atmosphere for young entrepreneurs, not unlike that of Silicon Valley.

The program’s goal is to help businesses all over rural South Dakota become more successful, put more people in their community to work, and help entrepreneurs better manage their businesses so they don’t burn out.

Speaking on USA TODAY and Wells Fargo’s Real Economy panel in South Dakota, state commissioner of economic development Pat Costello talked why the state is investing so much in growing the biosciences industry.

"It’s unfortunate regardless to whom it happens,"