Reporter and host Meghan O’Brien works with other South Dakota Searchlight journalists to take listeners inside politics and policy in The Mount Rushmore State, including the annual legislative session.

After three years, $14 million in funding from state lawmakers and $2 million from donors, the museum at South Dakota’s Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre opened its doors again to the public this week. The renovations include upgraded museum exhibits and additional space for the State Historical Society to continue collecting for decades to come. The South Dakota Historical Society Foundation is still hoping to raise another $2 million for more new exhibits.Searchlight Report host Meghan O’Brien got a first-look tour with Museum Director David Grabitske and Curator of Collections Katy Schmidt to learn more about the new ways visitors can interact with South Dakota history — including a “masterwork of Native American art” that is now more prominently displayed, and a collection of traditional Native American clothing that had a remarkable journey to the museum.

After three years, $14 million in funding from state lawmakers and $2 million from donors, the museum at South Dakota’s Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre opened its doors again to the public this week. The renovations include upgraded museum exhibits and additional space for the State Historical Society to continue collecting for decades to come. The South Dakota Historical Society Foundation is still hoping to raise another $2 million for more new exhibits.
Searchlight Report host Meghan O’Brien got a first-look tour with Museum Director David Grabitske and Curator of Collections Katy Schmidt to learn more about the new ways visitors can interact with South Dakota history — including a “masterwork of Native American art” that is now more prominently displayed, and a collection of traditional Native American clothing that had a remarkable journey to the museum.

An insider’s tour of South Dakota’s state museum renovation and the wonders within

While many people are looking ahead to next week’s celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday, including a <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2026/04/10/environmental-tribal-concerns-persist-as-fireworks-bring-rock-concert-in-phone-booth-to-rushmore/">fireworks display</a> with <a href="http://southdakotasearchlight.com/2026/06/25/trump-will-attend-july-3-mount-rushmore-fireworks-display/">President Trump at Mount Rushmore</a>, many Native Americans on the Great Plains have been focused on <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2026/06/24/great-plains-tribes-focus-on-a-different-anniversary-as-us-celebrates-its-250th/">a different anniversary</a> this week: the 150th commemoration of the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Also known as the Battle of the Greasy Grass, it was a major Native American victory during the United States’ encroachment on their land after gold was discovered in the Black Hills — an area that now includes Mount Rushmore.In this episode, Searchlight Report Host Meghan O’Brien and numerous sources break down how the two anniversaries and the fireworks spark diverse emotions in different people.This episode has been updated to clarify Trina Lone Hill's position in tribal government.

While many people are looking ahead to next week’s celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday, including a fireworks display with President Trump at Mount Rushmore, many Native Americans on the Great Plains have been focused on a different anniversary this week: the 150th commemoration of the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Also known as the Battle of the Greasy Grass, it was a major Native American victory during the United States’ encroachment on their land after gold was discovered in the Black Hills — an area that now includes Mount Rushmore.
In this episode, Searchlight Report Host Meghan O’Brien and numerous sources break down how the two anniversaries and the fireworks spark diverse emotions in different people.
This episode has been updated to clarify Trina Lone Hill's position in tribal government.

Trump, Rushmore, fireworks, Little Bighorn and how it’s all related

Nathan Sanderson, executive director of the 4,000-member <a href="https://www.sdra.org/">South Dakota Retailers Association</a>, wants to “make state government boring again.” He joins Searchlight Report host Meghan O’Brien to explain why, and to talk about how another major turnover in South Dakota’s Legislature — including the recent <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2026/06/03/republican-voters-once-again-opt-to-oust-incumbents-from-south-dakota-legislature/">ousting of 16 incumbents</a> — could help make it happen.

Nathan Sanderson, executive director of the 4,000-member South Dakota Retailers Association, wants to “make state government boring again.” He joins Searchlight Report host Meghan O’Brien to explain why, and to talk about how another major turnover in South Dakota’s Legislature — including the recent ousting of 16 incumbents — could help make it happen.

As pendulum swings away from populists, lobbyist hopes to ‘make state government boring again’

Republican political commentator Pat Powers has been writing about South Dakota campaigns for more than 20 years on his <a href="https://dakotawarcollege.com/">South Dakota War College</a> blog. He joins Searchlight Report host Meghan O’Brien to break down what he calls “the fatal error” in the race for the Republican nomination for governor. After four Republicans sought their party’s nomination, none succeeded in getting the 35% needed to win outright. Instead, the top two candidates — Gov. Larry Rhoden and businessman Toby Doeden — will face each other in the state’s first runoff election for a statewide office.Advance voting for the runoff is underway, voter registration is open until July 13 and the runoff election is July 28. The winner will face Democrat Dan Ahlers in November.To learn more about the top two Republican candidates, check out our prior episodes on <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/podcasts/ep-16-we-owe-it-to-society-to-rehabilitate-inmates-gov-rhoden-says-amid-campaign-debates-about-prison/">Rhoden</a> and <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/podcasts/ep-15-how-governor-candidate-toby-doeden-says-hell-phase-out-property-taxes/">Doeden</a>.

Republican political commentator Pat Powers has been writing about South Dakota campaigns for more than 20 years on his South Dakota War College blog. He joins Searchlight Report host Meghan O’Brien to break down what he calls “the fatal error” in the race for the Republican nomination for governor. 
After four Republicans sought their party’s nomination, none succeeded in getting the 35% needed to win outright. Instead, the top two candidates — Gov. Larry Rhoden and businessman Toby Doeden — will face each other in the state’s first runoff election for a statewide office.
Advance voting for the runoff is underway, voter registration is open until July 13 and the runoff election is July 28. The winner will face Democrat Dan Ahlers in November.
To learn more about the top two Republican candidates, check out our prior episodes on Rhoden and Doeden.

The ‘fatal error’ in the Republican governor primary campaign, and a look ahead to the runoff

Longtime South Dakota journalist and Searchlight commentary writer <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/author/kevinwoster/">Kevin Woster</a> joins Searchlight Report host Meghan O’Brien to discuss the race for South Dakota’s Republican nomination for governor. The race is headed for South Dakota’s first-ever top two runoff in a statewide contest. No candidate reached the 35% of voters needed to secure a win Tuesday night.Advance voting for the runoff will begin June 10. Voter registration is open until July 13. The runoff election is July 28. The winner will face Democrat Dan Ahlers in November.To learn more about the top two Republican candidates, check out our prior episodes on <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/podcasts/ep-16-we-owe-it-to-society-to-rehabilitate-inmates-gov-rhoden-says-amid-campaign-debates-about-prison/">Gov. Larry Rhoden</a> and <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/podcasts/ep-15-how-governor-candidate-toby-doeden-says-hell-phase-out-property-taxes/">businessman Toby Doeden</a>. You can read <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2026/06/03/votes-that-cost-johnson-in-the-primary-will-stand-up-well-to-the-scrutiny-of-history/">Woster's commentary</a> on the four-candidate race now at <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com">southdakotasearchlight.com</a>.

Longtime South Dakota journalist and Searchlight commentary writer Kevin Woster joins Searchlight Report host Meghan O’Brien to discuss the race for South Dakota’s Republican nomination for governor. The race is headed for South Dakota’s first-ever top two runoff in a statewide contest. No candidate reached the 35% of voters needed to secure a win Tuesday night.
Advance voting for the runoff will begin June 10. Voter registration is open until July 13. The runoff election is July 28. The winner will face Democrat Dan Ahlers in November.
To learn more about the top two Republican candidates, check out our prior episodes on Gov. Larry Rhoden and businessman Toby Doeden. You can read Woster's commentary on the four-candidate race now at southdakotasearchlight.com.

Previewing South Dakota’s first-ever statewide runoff election with journalist Kevin Woster

In this episode of Searchlight Report, host and reporter Meghan O’Brien talks with Samantha Chapman of the American Civil Liberties Union of South Dakota about the things voters need to know for the primary election: why they might have something to vote on even if they think they don’t, what to do when their rights are questioned, what to know about new laws regarding citizenship, why it’s smart to bring a sample ballot, and more. The Republican nominations for governor and U.S. House and Senate are all up for grabs, and many voters will have other items on their ballot such as legislative primaries and races for city, school and county offices.The primary election is Tuesday, June 2. Voters can use the secretary of state’s <a href="https://vip.sdsos.gov/VIPLogin.aspx">Voter Information Portal</a> to find their polling place and view a sample ballot. Voters can also track their absentee ballot through the portal. More information is available in South Dakota Searchlight’s <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/voter-guides/2026-primary-election/">Voter Guide</a>.

In this episode of Searchlight Report, host and reporter Meghan O’Brien talks with Samantha Chapman of the American Civil Liberties Union of South Dakota about the things voters need to know for the primary election: why they might have something to vote on even if they think they don’t, what to do when their rights are questioned, what to know about new laws regarding citizenship, why it’s smart to bring a sample ballot, and more. 
The Republican nominations for governor and U.S. House and Senate are all up for grabs, and many voters will have other items on their ballot such as legislative primaries and races for city, school and county offices.
The primary election is Tuesday, June 2. Voters can use the secretary of state’s Voter Information Portal to find their polling place and view a sample ballot. Voters can also track their absentee ballot through the portal. More information is available in South Dakota Searchlight’s Voter Guide.

What South Dakotans need to know about new laws and their rights before they vote in the primary election

In this special edition of the Searchlight Report, host Meghan O’Brien interviews U.S. Rep. <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/tag/dusty-johnson/">Dusty Johnson</a>, one of four people running for the Republican nomination for governor of South Dakota.In a series of <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/tag/2026-gop-governor-primary-interviews/">four episodes</a>, O’Brien asked <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/voter-guides/contests/2026-republican-gubernatorial-primary/">all four candidates</a> the same set of questions on topics including abortion, relationships with tribal nations, climate change, taxes and Medicaid. She also asked each candidate to share a “big idea” for South Dakota.South Dakota’s <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/voter-guides/2026-primary-election/">primary election</a> is June 2.

In this special edition of the Searchlight Report, host Meghan O’Brien interviews U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson, one of four people running for the Republican nomination for governor of South Dakota.
In a series of four episodes, O’Brien asked all four candidates the same set of questions on topics including abortion, relationships with tribal nations, climate change, taxes and Medicaid. She also asked each candidate to share a “big idea” for South Dakota.
South Dakota’s primary election is June 2.

How governor candidate Dusty Johnson says he would ‘strike the right balance’ on data centers

In this special edition of the Searchlight Report, host Meghan O’Brien interviews <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/tag/jon-hansen/">Jon Hansen</a>, speaker of the state House and <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/voter-guides/contests/2026-republican-gubernatorial-primary/">one of four people running</a> for the Republican nomination for governor of South Dakota.In a series of four episodes, O’Brien asked all four candidates the same set of questions on topics including abortion, relationships with tribal nations, climate change, taxes and Medicaid. She also asked each candidate to share a “big idea” for South Dakota.South Dakota’s primary election is June 2.EDITOR'S NOTE: Hansen's campaign said a noticeable irregularity in the quality of his voice during this episode was due to "minor technical difficulties."

In this special edition of the Searchlight Report, host Meghan O’Brien interviews Jon Hansen, speaker of the state House and one of four people running for the Republican nomination for governor of South Dakota.
In a series of four episodes, O’Brien asked all four candidates the same set of questions on topics including abortion, relationships with tribal nations, climate change, taxes and Medicaid. She also asked each candidate to share a “big idea” for South Dakota.
South Dakota’s primary election is June 2.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Hansen's campaign said a noticeable irregularity in the quality of his voice during this episode was due to "minor technical difficulties."

Governor candidate Jon Hansen calls state’s approach to economic development a ‘breeding ground of corruption’

In this special edition of the Searchlight Report, host Meghan O’Brien interviews <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/tag/larry-rhoden/">Gov. Larry Rhoden</a>, <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/voter-guides/contests/2026-republican-gubernatorial-primary/">one of four people</a> running for the Republican nomination for governor of South Dakota. In a series of four episodes, O’Brien asked all four candidates the same set of questions on topics including abortion, relationships with tribal nations, climate change, taxes and Medicaid. She also asked each candidate to share a “big idea” for South Dakota. South Dakota’s primary election is June 2.

In this special edition of the Searchlight Report, host Meghan O’Brien interviews Gov. Larry Rhoden, one of four people running for the Republican nomination for governor of South Dakota.
In a series of four episodes, O’Brien asked all four candidates the same set of questions on topics including abortion, relationships with tribal nations, climate change, taxes and Medicaid. She also asked each candidate to share a “big idea” for South Dakota.
South Dakota’s primary election is June 2.

‘We owe it to society’ to rehabilitate inmates, Gov. Larry Rhoden says amid campaign debates about prisons

In this special edition of the Searchlight Report, host Meghan O’Brien interviews <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/tag/toby-doeden/">Toby Doeden</a>, an Aberdeen businessman and <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/voter-guides/contests/2026-republican-gubernatorial-primary/">one of four Republicans</a> running for their party's nomination for governor of South Dakota. In a series of four episodes, O’Brien asked all four candidates the same set of questions on topics including abortion, relationships with tribal nations, climate change, taxes and Medicaid. She also asked each candidate to share a “big idea” for South Dakota. South Dakota’s primary election is June 2.

In this special edition of the Searchlight Report, host Meghan O’Brien interviews Toby Doeden, an Aberdeen businessman and one of four Republicans running for their party's nomination for governor of South Dakota.
In a series of four episodes, O’Brien asked all four candidates the same set of questions on topics including abortion, relationships with tribal nations, climate change, taxes and Medicaid. She also asked each candidate to share a “big idea” for South Dakota.
South Dakota’s primary election is June 2.

How governor candidate Toby Doeden says he’ll phase out property taxes

This week’s episode of Searchlight Report features Reporters Joshua Haiar and Makenzie Huber and Editor Seth Tupper in conversation with host Meghan O’Brien about <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/tag/sales-taxes-up-and-property-taxes-down-what-it-means-for-you/">their series</a> on how and when South Dakotans will be impacted by new laws that use higher sales taxes to reduce property taxes.

This week’s episode of Searchlight Report features Reporters Joshua Haiar and Makenzie Huber and Editor Seth Tupper in conversation with host Meghan O’Brien about their series on how and when South Dakotans will be impacted by new laws that use higher sales taxes to reduce property taxes.

Higher sales taxes for lower property taxes: How South Dakotans will be affected

In this week’s episode of Searchlight Report, reporter and host Meghan O’Brien takes listeners through the expense and unease surrounding <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2026/04/10/environmental-tribal-concerns-persist-as-fireworks-bring-rock-concert-in-phone-booth-to-rushmore/">a fireworks celebration</a> at Mount Rushmore, including an ongoing drought and potential harm to endangered species, as well as resistance from Indigenous groups in the Black Hills. Also, <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2026/04/27/candidates-diverge-on-school-plans-in-third-republican-governor-debate/">a final debate</a> between the state’s four Republican gubernatorial candidates <a href="https://www.thedakotascout.com/p/watch-the-replay-final-gop-debate?utm_source=substack&amp;utm_medium=email#media-71e0d483-773d-4285-b90a-92b2ab392b1f">hosted by Sioux Falls Live and The Dakota Scout</a> features disagreements about education, and the state’s only Democratic candidate for governor responds.

In this week’s episode of Searchlight Report, reporter and host Meghan O’Brien takes listeners through the expense and unease surrounding a fireworks celebration at Mount Rushmore, including an ongoing drought and potential harm to endangered species, as well as resistance from Indigenous groups in the Black Hills. Also, a final debate between the state’s four Republican gubernatorial candidates hosted by Sioux Falls Live and The Dakota Scout features disagreements about education, and the state’s only Democratic candidate for governor responds.

Big concern and big bucks for fireworks, a final debate for GOP governor candidates, and a Democratic candidate’s take

In this week’s Searchlight Report podcast episode, host Meghan O’Brien talks to both sides in a <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2026/04/07/historical-cultural-and-environmental-tensions-mount-ahead-of-uranium-exploration-hearing/">dispute over proposed drilling</a> for uranium in South Dakota’s Black Hills. She also explains Gov. Larry Rhoden’s $10 million in grants to <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2026/04/08/state-providing-6-million-to-grow-national-security-jobs-governor-announces/">spur defense contracting</a> and <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2026/04/14/4-million-for-gunsmithing-program-is-latest-economic-development-grant-from-governor-amid-campaign/">bring a gunsmithing program to the state</a>, plus a legislative board’s decision to raise the pay of the state investment officer <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2026/04/14/lawmakers-approve-pay-and-bonus-package-for-investment-manager-despite-concerns-about-returns/">despite concerns about underperformance</a>. And she shares audio highlights from the <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2026/04/13/three-candidates-pledge-changes-on-medicaid-ag-taxes-and-education-while-governor-touts-results/">second debate</a> in the race for the Republican nomination for governor.

In this week’s Searchlight Report podcast episode, host Meghan O’Brien talks to both sides in a dispute over proposed drilling for uranium in South Dakota’s Black Hills. She also explains Gov. Larry Rhoden’s $10 million in grants to spur defense contracting and bring a gunsmithing program to the state, plus a legislative board’s decision to raise the pay of the state investment officer despite concerns about underperformance. And she shares audio highlights from the second debate in the race for the Republican nomination for governor.

Uranium drilling concerns, state money for defense and guns, and highlights from another governor debate

This week, reporter and Searchlight Report host Meghan O’Brien brings listeners the key moments — <a href="https://www.keloland.com/video/keloland-news-republican-gubernatorial-debate/11658092/">courtesy of KELO-TV </a>— from <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2026/03/31/republican-candidates-for-governor-clash-over-sales-tax-increases-in-first-debate/">the first debate</a> in the race for South Dakota’s Republican nomination for governor. She also has highlights from the <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2026/03/30/lawmakers-fail-to-override-vetoes-of-lab-grown-meat-ban-and-in-home-care-regulations/">Legislature’s Veto Day</a>, including the fate of legislation on lab-grown meat, in-home care and a <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2026/03/30/lawmakers-commit-more-money-to-prevent-catastrophic-failure-at-dam-near-aberdeen/">deteriorating dam</a>.

This week, reporter and Searchlight Report host Meghan O’Brien brings listeners the key moments — courtesy of KELO-TV — from the first debate in the race for South Dakota’s Republican nomination for governor. She also has highlights from the Legislature’s Veto Day, including the fate of legislation on lab-grown meat, in-home care and a deteriorating dam.

One candidate’s tax cut is another’s increase, Noem gets mixed reviews, and more governor debate highlights

In the 10th episode of Searchlight Report, reporter and host Meghan O’Brien has interviews from the streets of Pierre during a <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/briefs/enough-of-the-tyranny-no-kings-protesters-take-to-the-streets-in-south-dakota/">No Kings protest</a> against the Trump administration. She also explains <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2026/03/26/south-dakota-governor-signs-law-requiring-proof-of-citizenship-for-new-voter-registrations/">what new voters in South Dakota will need to know</a> about proving their citizenship for the upcoming election. Reporter Makenzie Huber spoke with a state lawmaker about <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2026/03/23/prison-rehabilitation-recidivism-quickly-forgotten-by-lawmakers-this-session-legislator-says/">what was neglected</a> in this year’s legislative session. Plus, “<a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/briefs/plaque-unveiled-at-south-dakota-capitol-for-100-year-old-medal-of-honor-recipient/">a South Dakotan everyone can be proud of</a>.”

In the 10th episode of Searchlight Report, reporter and host Meghan O’Brien has interviews from the streets of Pierre during a No Kings protest against the Trump administration. She also explains what new voters in South Dakota will need to know about proving their citizenship for the upcoming election. Reporter Makenzie Huber spoke with a state lawmaker about what was neglected in this year’s legislative session. Plus, “a South Dakotan everyone can be proud of.”

A No Kings protest in SD’s capital, voting citizenship changes and the Legislature’s ‘quickly forgotten’ topic

A white-knuckle drive around a state training course highlights the end of the 101st South Dakota legislative session in this week’s episode of the Searchlight Report. Lawmakers also approve <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2026/03/12/lawmakers-adopt-7-5-billion-budget-with-1-4-increase-for-schools-state-workers-health-providers/">the state’s budget</a>, finding money to increase funding for education, Medicaid providers and state employees — the state’s “big three.” Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2026/03/12/governor-signs-bills-to-reduce-homeowner-property-taxes-with-higher-sales-taxes/">approves two major bills</a> in a property tax relief plan, trading lower property tax for higher sales tax. Reporter and Searchlight Report host Meghan O’Brien visits a different kind of legislative event at the Emergency Vehicle Operation Course, and catches sound from the ringing in of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, with South Dakota’s own liberty bell.

A white-knuckle drive around a state training course highlights the end of the 101st South Dakota legislative session in this week’s episode of the Searchlight Report. 
Lawmakers also approve the state’s budget, finding money to increase funding for education, Medicaid providers and state employees — the state’s “big three.” Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden approves two major bills in a property tax relief plan, trading lower property tax for higher sales tax. 
Reporter and Searchlight Report host Meghan O’Brien visits a different kind of legislative event at the Emergency Vehicle Operation Course, and catches sound from the ringing in of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, with South Dakota’s own liberty bell.

Landing the ‘budget plane,’ slamming the gas (literally) and other sights and sounds from the final legislative week

As the 2026 South Dakota legislative session winds down, the push for property tax relief is coalescing around plans to provide that relief with money from higher sales taxes, after lawmakers reduced sales taxes just three years ago. But how did we get here? Searchlight Report host Meghan O’Brien takes a look back at what pushed the state toward the need for property tax relief in recent years, the various ways lawmakers and leaders have tried to address the problem, and how the conversation about property taxes has consistently revolved around sales taxes.

As the 2026 South Dakota legislative session winds down, the push for property tax relief is coalescing around plans to provide that relief with money from higher sales taxes, after lawmakers reduced sales taxes just three years ago. But how did we get here? Searchlight Report host Meghan O’Brien takes a look back at what pushed the state toward the need for property tax relief in recent years, the various ways lawmakers and leaders have tried to address the problem, and how the conversation about property taxes has consistently revolved around sales taxes.

How a sales tax roller coaster could lead to property tax relief for South Dakotans

In this special episode of Searchlight Report, journalists Meghan O’Brien and Joshua Haiar recap an unusually chaotic and contentious week in the South Dakota Senate, including a failed search for state Sen. John Carley during a key day of the session, resulting in the defeat of a pair of data-center related bills.

In this special episode of Searchlight Report, journalists Meghan O’Brien and Joshua Haiar recap an unusually chaotic and contentious week in the South Dakota Senate, including a failed search for state Sen. John Carley during a key day of the session, resulting in the defeat of a pair of data-center related bills.

The search for a state senator: a Searchlight Report special edition

In the sixth episode of Searchlight Report, Meghan rounds up the fight to incentivize or restrict <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2026/02/18/data-center-restrictions-earn-lawmaker-endorsement-as-fight-continues-over-tax-incentives/">data centers</a>, and the flurry of <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2026/02/15/winners-losers-begin-to-emerge-from-south-dakotas-property-tax-scrum/">property tax relief bills</a> that are moving through the Legislature. An education committee advances a bill that would <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2026/02/17/bill-to-allow-publicly-funded-charter-schools-in-south-dakota-narrowly-advances/">allow charter schools</a> in the state, and a major Sioux Falls meatpacking plant is <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2026/02/16/deal-to-move-pork-plant-from-downtown-to-northern-sioux-falls-includes-50-million-sanford-gift/">finding a new home</a> in the city. Also, a bill that would have established data collection for “assisted reproductive technology” founders in the state House of Representatives, and the state Senate welcomes a “guest gaveler” with plenty of gusto.

In the sixth episode of Searchlight Report, Meghan rounds up the fight to incentivize or restrict data centers, and the flurry of property tax relief bills that are moving through the Legislature. An education committee advances a bill that would allow charter schools in the state, and a major Sioux Falls meatpacking plant is finding a new home in the city. Also, a bill that would have established data collection for “assisted reproductive technology” founders in the state House of Representatives, and the state Senate welcomes a “guest gaveler” with plenty of gusto.

Lawmakers torn over tax bills and data centers, all about that odor in Sioux Falls, and gaveling with gusto

The South Dakota legislative session crosses the halfway mark in the fifth episode of Searchlight Report. Meghan covers the governor’s <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2026/02/09/governor-vetoes-bill-that-would-ban-lab-grown-meat-but-says-hed-support-a-moratorium/">veto</a> of a lab-grown meat ban, updates on <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2026/02/11/federal-judge-declines-to-intervene-in-south-dakota-attorney-generals-fight-against-abortion-ads/">dueling lawsuits</a> over an abortion-rights advertising campaign, and a new proposal that would require schools to show <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/briefs/legislation-passes-state-house-that-would-require-students-to-watch-prenatal-development-videos/">a prenatal development video</a>. One lawmaker wants <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/briefs/south-dakota-house-backs-e-verify-use-by-all-employers-to-check-citizenship-immigration-status/">employers to use E-Verify</a> to check all employees’ citizenship, while another wants to allow health care providers to <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/briefs/state-house-halts-health-care-provider-conscience-exemption-bill/">refuse to perform services</a> that violate their conscience. Also, the Democrats have a <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2026/02/10/democratic-candidate-for-governor-plans-to-lean-on-south-dakotas-core-values/">new candidate for governor</a>, and lawmakers have <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2026/02/12/higher-revenue-estimate-sparks-talk-of-increases-for-schools-state-workers-medicaid-providers/">more money for the state budget</a> than they thought.

The South Dakota legislative session crosses the halfway mark in the fifth episode of Searchlight Report. Meghan covers the governor’s veto of a lab-grown meat ban, updates on dueling lawsuits over an abortion-rights advertising campaign, and a new proposal that would require schools to show a prenatal development video. One lawmaker wants employers to use E-Verify to check all employees’ citizenship, while another wants to allow health care providers to refuse to perform services that violate their conscience. Also, the Democrats have a new candidate for governor, and lawmakers have more money for the state budget than they thought.

Lab-grown meat, prenatal videos, and other highlights of the Legislature’s halfway point

In the fourth episode of Searchlight Report, Meghan chronicles the fate of South Dakota legislative bills dealing with<a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2026/02/05/state-house-rejects-liability-protections-for-unapproved-covid-therapies/"> alternative COVID-19 treatments</a>, a <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2026/02/04/data-center-tax-break-proposal-fails-in-south-dakota-legislative-committee/">50-year sales tax break</a> for data centers, <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2026/02/02/bills-to-loosen-gun-restrictions-fail-in-sd-committee-after-on-target-questions-from-lawmaker/">guns</a> at colleges and schools, and lab-grown meat. Also, Republicans <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/tag/phil-jensen/">suspend</a> one of their own for remarks about Democrats and God, and Gov. Larry Rhoden talks about that time he forgot his twin’s birthday.

In the fourth episode of Searchlight Report, Meghan chronicles the fate of South Dakota legislative bills dealing with alternative COVID-19 treatments, a 50-year sales tax break for data centers, guns at colleges and schools, and lab-grown meat. Also, Republicans suspend one of their own for remarks about Democrats and God, and Gov. Larry Rhoden talks about that time he forgot his twin’s birthday.

The lawmaker who takes ivermectin, a Republican rift over data centers, and more from legislative week 4

In this week’s episode of Searchlight Report, Meghan recaps criticisms of “woke” grant funding that derailed a pretrial program, a resolution asking South Dakotans to pray for the state, and a proposal to limit the liability utilities face for wildfires. Meanwhile, former South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem continues to appear in national headlines, and her successor continues to back her actions. Searchlight Reporter Makenzie Huber explains a series of stories examining the impact, barriers and concerns regarding efforts to build data centers in the state.

In this week’s episode of Searchlight Report, Meghan recaps criticisms of “woke” grant funding that derailed a pretrial program, a resolution asking South Dakotans to pray for the state, and a proposal to limit the liability utilities face for wildfires. Meanwhile, former South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem continues to appear in national headlines, and her successor continues to back her actions. Searchlight Reporter Makenzie Huber explains a series of stories examining the impact, barriers and concerns regarding efforts to build data centers in the state.

‘Woke’ money, wildfires and more from the Legislature’s third week; plus: ‘The Data Center Divide'

This week in the Legislature, lawmakers discussed hemp and kratom regulation, an ethics bill based on South Dakota Searchlight reporting and an eminent domain issue that could end up on the ballot in November. A committee meeting was interrupted by a disagreement about seating arrangements. Gov. Larry Rhoden announced a bill to increase the punishment for threats or acts of violence that disrupt religious services. And an old hydroelectric plant in Spearfish Canyon could become a new museum for visitors to the area.

This week in the Legislature, lawmakers discussed hemp and kratom regulation, an ethics bill based on South Dakota Searchlight reporting and an eminent domain issue that could end up on the ballot in November. A committee meeting was interrupted by a disagreement about seating arrangements. Gov. Larry Rhoden announced a bill to increase the punishment for threats or acts of violence that disrupt religious services. And an old hydroelectric plant in Spearfish Canyon could become a new museum for visitors to the area.

God, ice cream and tea: Legislature’s second week brings hemp debate, committee kerfuffle and more

In the first episode of Searchlight Report, <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/">South Dakota Searchlight</a> audio reporter Meghan O’Brien dives deeper on the first moves made in the 2026 legislative session, on issues including property rights, medication abortions, the state’s controversial Future Fund and an ethics bill inspired by Searchlight reporting. Meghan also shares archival audio from Don Barnett, who died recently at age 83. Barnett is the former mayor who guided Rapid City’s recovery from a 1972 flood that killed 238 people.

In the first episode of Searchlight Report, South Dakota Searchlight audio reporter Meghan O’Brien dives deeper on the first moves made in the 2026 legislative session, on issues including property rights, medication abortions, the state’s controversial Future Fund and an ethics bill inspired by Searchlight reporting. Meghan also shares archival audio from Don Barnett, who died recently at age 83. Barnett is the former mayor who guided Rapid City’s recovery from a 1972 flood that killed 238 people.