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South Dakota’s courts are set to shake things up by merging the Fourth and Seventh Judicial Circuits to boost efficiency—here’s how it affects you and how to weigh in before decisions are finalized. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Re...

BankWest welcomes Jackson Childs as their new Trust Officer in Pierre, bringing a finance-focused education and a passion for personalized wealth planning. Originally from Mitchell, SD, Jackson’s family legacy of education fuels his dedication to helping clients turn their financial visions into reality. With a focus on listening and community, he’s eager to connect with locals and balance his lov...

Baseball chaos reigns as the Tigers obliterate the Phillies 10-2, Guardians edge Marlins 3-2, Yankees cruise past Nationals 5-3, and Red Sox rout Mets 6-2. The Blue Jays also notch a 5-3 win over the Padres. In AL action, Orioles, Rays, White Sox, Rangers, and Angels all deliver thrilling wins — including a 14-2 demolition by the White Sox. NL games saw weather delay, suspended contests, and drama...

The Pierre Swim Team just delivered a powerhouse performance at home, with their 9-10 year old boys sweeping the top five spots. Now, the focus shifts to two crucial weekends: Bismark and the Rising Stars meet in Sioux Falls, where seven swimmers are racing to hit state qualifying times for the State A Championship in Rapid City. Young stars like Davidia Frederick, Aria Reimer, and Arianna Bell al...

Kenny Anderson Senior is set to be immortalized on Sioux Falls’ Wall of Notability — a historic mural honoring civic leaders — after winning a landslide community vote, becoming the first African American on the City Commission and a true trailblazer. Local artist Wyatt Dickson will add his name to the growing tribute next Saturday at Sunny’s Pizzeria during the Bazaart Local Art Show, making him...

Sioux Falls is hosting its first-ever free, family-friendly convention called Izzi’s Con on July 18th, packed with inflatables, gaming tournaments, card battles, crafts, face painting, and even a reptile exhibit—all designed to bring big convention vibes right to your hometown without the travel or ticket costs. Perfect for kids and adults alike, this all-ages event aims to become an annual tradit...

A fire broke out Friday afternoon in Sioux Falls, quickly engulfing a yard shed and threatening a nearby garage—thanks to swift action by Fire Rescue, no one was injured and the damage was contained. While the shed was a total loss, the garage avoided total destruction. Investigators are now on the case, with no confirmed cause yet—could be faulty wiring or something else. Stay tuned as they dig d...

South Dakota just cracked down on fake service animals with two new laws: one bans harming real service dogs, the other lets businesses penalize those who lie about their pets being service animals—potentially with a misdemeanor charge. But here’s the key: only dogs trained for specific tasks qualify, and businesses can ask just two questions to verify—no paperwork or disability details required....

Lewis Drug stores in Sioux Falls and Harrisburg are launching a July donation drive to support the Children’s Home Shelter for Family Safety, aiming to “Drive Out Domestic Violence.” They’re collecting essential items like shampoo, toothpaste, and body wash—critical for shelter residents who often arrive with nothing. The shelter serves around 1,000 people annually and relies on donations for 70%...

Sioux Falls is about to transform its downtown with The Switchyard — a major new development featuring a five-story office building, 270 apartments, and retail space, set to break ground in late 2026. After four years of planning, this project marks a pivotal step in revitalizing the East Bank and boosting the city’s economy, with officials highlighting its role in strengthening downtown’s tax bas...

Lallycooler Music Festival is in full swing at the Birdcage in Sioux Falls, with Friday’s lineup featuring Weston Frank, Graham Barnham, Braxton Keith, and headliner Darius Rucker. Saturday’s action includes Goodroad, Josh Ross, Gavin DeGraw, Bow Wow, and Jason Derulo closing things out. Big energy, solid acts, and a fresh venue — don’t miss out. Tickets and details at Lallycooler.com. Listen in c...

The Trump administration is launching a federal pushback against state AI laws it deems ideologically biased, proposing new FTC guidelines that could redefine how AI companies are held accountable for manipulating outputs—potentially opening the door to deceptive trade practice claims. This move follows Colorado’s revised AI law and a lawsuit from xAI backed by the DOJ, with Trump’s 2025 executive...

A state program paying landowners to plant protective buffers along streams is exploding in popularity, with 130 projects now covering 379 miles of shoreline—and more farmers lining up to join. Created in 2021, this “working buffer” initiative lets farmers keep using their land while protecting water quality and wildlife habitats, with key restrictions like keeping livestock off buffer zones from...

The U.S. Election Assistance Commission is now leaderless and empty, with all four board members gone—two Democrats fired by Trump and one Republican resigning—just as critical elections loom. Created after 2000 to help states modernize voting, the agency’s collapse alarms voting rights advocates who see it as part of a broader strategy to tilt elections. The White House insists its goal is electi...

Fifteen states are rallying to stop proposed cuts to school mental health funding—a program born after Parkland and expanded after Uvalde, now under threat from the Trump administration’s decision to halt grants that support hiring and training counselors in K-12 schools. Despite a 2022 bipartisan $1 billion boost and a court order last year to keep funding alive, the Education Department continue...

Homeowners in Black Hawk, South Dakota, who lost homes to a 30-foot sinkhole won’t get state compensation — the Supreme Court ruled Friday that the state isn’t liable. The sinkhole, which erupted in April 2020 in the Hideaway Hills neighborhood, forced 13 homes to be evacuated and damaged others, all built on land once mined for gypsum. Though the state once owned and operated the mine and later s...

Blind Grammy-winning jazz pianist Matthew Whitaker electrified Sioux Falls this past Friday as part of Disability Pride Month, celebrating his artistry alongside Dakotabilities and Levitt at the Falls. Already a headliner at Carnegie Hall and the Apollo Theater, Whitaker shared heartfelt moments about the joy of connecting with audiences — and his excitement to return to South Dakota. He’ll be joi...

Kristi Noem’s mother confirms her daughter’s divorce from husband Bryon after 34 years, following explosive revelations about Bryon’s online behavior—including cross-dressing, sex worker interactions, and private messages expressing a desire to transition. While Kristi was reassigned within the State Department after her DHS tenure, experts speculate Bryon’s activities may have exposed her to blac...

South Dakota’s brand-new women’s prison in Rapid City just opened with a razor-wire ribbon-cutting by Governor Larry Rhoden, set to welcome its first inmates next month. Spanning nearly 103,000 square feet, the facility features three 96-bed housing units and a special 12-bed unit for moms and babies. Designed around rehabilitation, it offers drug treatment, education, and job training partnership...

A family in Pierre is honoring their late son Hunter with a heartfelt raffle called “Wish Upon a Rod,” offering two custom fishing rods made in his memory—with all proceeds going to Make-A-Wish. Inspired by Hunter’s love of fishing and his cherished trip, the Bible-Propst family hopes to create another magical experience for a child in need. Tickets are $20 each, 600 total, with a draw July 19th b...

A decade-long manhunt is still underway for David Allen Bonness, a 53-year-old fugitive on the U.S. Marshals’ top 15 most wanted list, with a $25,000 reward for any tip leading to his capture. Wanted for child rape and fleeing justice in South Dakota, he’s considered armed and dangerous. The case began in 2008 when a 17-year-old girl accused him of five years of assault; he was questioned, gave a...

Get ready for “Little Wings on the Prairie” this Saturday, July 11th, from 9 AM to noon at Oahe Downstream Recreation Area—where butterflies, pollinators, and fun collide! Enjoy honey tastings, a migration maze, DIY pollinator crafts, and a guided garden tour. Don’t miss the 10:30 AM Pollinator’s Parade—kids and adults can strut in bug or bird costumes. Experts from Game, Fish & Parks, SDSU Extens...

South Dakota’s new $87 million women’s prison in Rapid City opens next month, offering 288 beds, specialized mother-baby housing, addiction treatment, and vocational training — all designed to heal, not just incarcerate, and break cycles of crime with dignity and respect. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai T...

South Dakota just unveiled its brand new women’s prison in Rapid City — where Governor Larry Rhoden literally cut through razor wire instead of a ribbon. This 100,000-square-foot facility isn’t just about locking people up; it’s a full-scale rehab hub with drug treatment, faith-based programs, education, and even a mother-infant unit. With 97% of incarcerated women battling substance use, this is...

South Dakota’s Highway Patrol is hitting the roads with 19 sobriety checkpoints across the state this July, from Brule to Brookings, to crack down on drunk driving and keep everyone safe. Funded by the Office of Highway Safety and coordinated with local police, the campaign urges drivers to always have a sober ride—whether it’s a friend, taxi, or ride-share. It’s a statewide effort to make roads s...