The potential reopening and expansion of gold mining in South Dakota's Black Hills, driven by rising gold prices, could bring economic benefits but poses significant environmental and cultural risks, including landscape alteration, water contamination, and opposition from Native tribes who consider the land sacred.
'Americana' is a violent, Tarantino-style neo-Western film set in South Dakota, featuring a mix of genre-blurring elements, stylized dialogue, and a plot centered around a sacred ghost shirt. The film explores themes of violence, marginalized characters, and Native American culture, with a nonlinear narrative and a high body count, showcasing promising but somewhat derivative filmmaking. Sydney Sweeney delivers a compelling performance amidst a convoluted plot involving theft, revenge, and gunfights.
During the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, 18 crashes occurred over one day, including one fatality and multiple injuries, alongside numerous arrests for DUI and drug offenses, with extensive citations and warnings issued by the Highway Patrol.
The 85th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota attracted hundreds of thousands of riders, featuring performances like ZZ Top, parades, and various festivities along Main Street and at the Buffalo Chip, showcasing a vibrant motorcycle and music culture.
A dangerous derecho with wind gusts over 75 mph is expected to form in the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest, particularly affecting South Dakota and Minnesota, bringing severe storms, hail, tornadoes, and potential flash flooding.
Eight new measles cases have been reported in Lincoln County, South Dakota, bringing the state's total to 12, with one hospitalization. Most cases involve unvaccinated individuals, and the outbreak is part of a nationwide rise in measles cases, the highest since 1992, due to declining vaccination rates.
South Dakota reports its first measles case of the year, highlighting the importance of vaccination, especially before international travel, as the CDC updates its guidance. The infected adult had traveled abroad and visited medical centers in South Dakota, prompting health officials to advise vigilance for symptoms. The CDC emphasizes that the MMR vaccine is highly effective and recommends vaccination for those without immunity to prevent the spread of this highly contagious disease.
A case of whooping cough has been confirmed at Lincoln High School in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, prompting the school district to alert families and advise them to monitor for symptoms. The state has reported 170 cases of whooping cough this year, a significant increase from the five-year average of 33 cases. The illness, which spreads through respiratory droplets, is particularly dangerous for infants, children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. Parents are urged to contact their physician if symptoms appear.
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has been chosen by President-elect Donald Trump as his homeland security secretary, signaling a strong stance on immigration. Noem, a long-time Trump ally, gained national attention for her controversial actions and statements, including her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and a memoir revelation about shooting a family dog. Her appointment aligns with Trump's immigration crackdown, and if confirmed, she will work closely with immigration hardliners in the administration. Noem's political career includes serving as a congresswoman and governor, where she has taken several anti-immigration steps.
In recent cannabis legalization votes, Florida and South Dakota rejected measures to legalize recreational marijuana, with Florida's proposal failing to meet the 60% threshold despite majority support. North Dakota also voted against a similar measure. However, Nebraska approved two measures to legalize and regulate medical marijuana, though these results may face legal challenges regarding the validity of collected signatures. The federal process to reschedule marijuana as a less dangerous drug continues.
Southeastern South Dakota is bracing for another round of heavy rain, with 2 to 5 inches expected on top of already significant rainfall. The National Weather Service has issued multiple flash flood warnings, with the heaviest rain anticipated after 5 p.m. Friday. Areas most affected include Sioux Falls, Canton, and other regions south of Interstate 90 and east of Highway 81. Residents are advised to stay updated on weather conditions and avoid travel in heavily flooded areas.
Major flooding has impacted all areas of KELOLAND, causing road and business closures. The article features a photo gallery of the flooding submitted by viewers.
Former Centerville mayor Jay Ostrem has been charged with the murder of three men after his wife claimed she was sexually assaulted by a neighbor. Ostrem allegedly became enraged and left their home with firearms, leading to the fatal shootings of Paul Frankus, Zach Frankus, and Timothy Richmond. Ostrem was arrested shortly after the incident and is being held on a $1 million bond. The investigation is ongoing.
Three rural South Dakota counties will vote on whether to count ballots by hand, driven by unfounded conspiracy theories from the 2020 presidential election. Despite concerns over cost, accuracy, and staffing, supporters believe hand counting ensures more secure and transparent elections. Election officials and experts argue that machine tabulation is more efficient and accurate.
Former South Dakota mayor Jay Ostrem has been arrested on charges of first-degree murder for allegedly killing three people, including a man who was on a 911 call at the time. Ostrem reportedly claimed the shootings were in retaliation for a sexual assault on his wife. He is being held on $1 million bail and could face the death penalty if convicted.