pierre
South Dakota’s Political Prominence Brings Change and Uncertainty
In the wake of the 2024 general election, South Dakota has seen some of its politicians sent to prominent positions. Senator John Thune won a bid to become the Senate Republicans next leader, replacing Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. “I wasn’t surprised by that at all,” said political science professor Julia Hellwege. “I think has […]
South Dakota Has No Place for CO2 Pipelines
Last Wednesday, the state’s Public Utilities Commission (PUC) denied a permit for a CO2 pipeline in five South Dakota counties. Earlier this year, Navigator CO2 Ventures, a Texas-based carbon management company, announced plans to build a carbon dioxide pipeline from North Dakota to Illinois. The pipeline would carry carbon dioxide from around two dozen facilities […]
Suspension Over for Sen. Frye-Muller
After being placed on indefinite suspension, the South Dakota Senate voted to reinstate Sen. Julie Frye-Mueller following the recommendation of a committee regarding her comments to a staffer. This follows a complaint made on Jan. 25 against the Rapid City senator by a Legislative Research Council staffer in the wake of a conversation between her, […]
Noem’s Proposal Clarifies Expenses on Pregnant Parents
On Jan. 19, Gov. Kristi Noem requested amends to Senate Bill (SB) 75 that will provide for all pregnancy expenses to be covered by both of the child’s parents, which is clarifying an existing law. Gov. Noem along with Sen. David Wheeler and Rep. Mike Stevens, hope this new bill will lessen the financial burden […]
SHED lobbies South Dakota Legislature in Pierre
Students in Higher Education Days (SHED) is a student lobbying group that goes to Pierre during the legislative session to encourage the legislature to pass certain bills. SHED takes place on Jan. 30 and 31. The first day students get training on how to lobby and they get together for a social. On day two, […]
Trans Rights March held in response to House Bill 1217
In seven cities across South Dakota, people gathered Saturday morning to make a statement and to protest a bill against trans lives and their future in sports. All events had mandatory mask requirements and were held in Pierre, Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Brookings, Watertown, Eagle Butte and Vermillion. The protests were led by The Transformation […]
New bill to make gender affirmation surgeries and procedures illegal
Lawmakers in Pierre began the first set of hearings on Monday to decide on a new bill that will, if passed, affect doctors and transgender minors. The bill would make it a first-class misdemeanor if doctors conduct gender affirmation surgeries and treatments The Vulnerable Child Protection Act (VCPA), also known as House Bill 1057, is […]