Heartland Signal
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KATHLEEN SHANNON Greater Dakota News Service
Education
South Dakota libraries face future of stricter policies, slashed budgets
South Dakota librarians are implementing new policies for young readers in the new year and they are expecting future challenges, with the governor’s proposed funding cuts for 2026. Both ...
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Democracy
South Dakota voting advocates hope to avoid ballot challenges seen in primary
Just a few months after some South Dakota absentee ballots were illegally challenged, officials are concerned slow mail delivery could affect outcomes on Election Day. Members of the National ...
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Environment
Indigenous-led public service program in South Dakota secures more funding
The Department of the Interior is disbursing $7 million to offices throughout the country for Indigenous-led conservation projects. The Indian Youth Service Corps initiates public service projects, ...
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Education
Opponents: Ballot measure would have ‘drastic’ impacts on South Dakota schools
A coalition of South Dakota groups is voicing its opposition to a ballot measure intended to end a state sales tax on consumables. If passed this November, Initiated Measure 28 would repeal the ...
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Infrastructure
New federal funds earmarked for South Dakota rural water projects
Some rural South Dakotans struggle to get good drinking water but the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has awarded two local communities with grants to help change it. Nearly $13 million in WaterSMART ...
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Environment
Most South Dakota surface waters fall below state quality standards
There are nearly 150,000 miles of rivers and streams in South Dakota, but new data show many of those don’t meet state standards for safe water quality. According to the state’s 2024 ...
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Health care
Report: South Dakota Medicaid expansion enrollment remains low
Last year’s Medicaid expansion in South Dakota increased eligibility to another 51,000 adults but a new report showed among people across the state who qualify, only 39% are enrolled. Groups ...
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Democracy
Measure to end sales tax on groceries could go to South Dakota voters
South Dakotans face high prices at the grocery store and some are working to ease the burden. A new report from the Federal Trade Commission finds some grocery retailers used the supply-chain ...
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