PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – As South Dakota lawmakers wrap up the second week of the 2021 session, more issues are emerging. House Minority Leader Jamie Smith of Sioux Falls says marijuana will get a lot of attention. Smith says the budget and spending will get more than the usual consideration. Smith says despite their small… Read more »

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WNAX) – With Democrats in control of both houses of Congress, Republicans may find two years of opposition ahead. South Dakota Congressman Dusty Johnson says President Biden could create a working coalition if he avoids the extremes. Johnson says the President could find cooperation if he reaches out. Johnson says there are a… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem defended President Trump’s legacy while avoiding placing any responsibility on him for the Jan. 6 mob that overran the US Capitol. She says Trump’s policies were an overall benefit. Noem says Trump followed up his campaign promises. Noem says the attack on the Capitol can’t happen… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has published the final rule in the federal register about Domestic Hemp Production. South Dakota Industrial Hemp Association Executive Director Katie Sieverding says they are pleased with the final rule and that the USDA extended the rule for sample collection from 15 days to 30  days.… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – The $1.9 trillion economic rescue plan released by President Joe Biden includes bumping up the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour. South Dakota Retailers Association Executive Director Nathan Sanderson says that’s just one small piece of a huge proposal. Sanderson says most businesses view the current state minimum wage of… Read more »

YANKTON, S.D. (WNAX)- The Lewis & Clark Regional Water Project will be able to restart construction this spring. Executive Director Troy Larson says they got official notification of their federal funding. Larson says they have some projects to continue and some to start. Larson says the funding keeps them close to their timeline.

PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – The Small Business Administration has opened the application portal for the next round of Paycheck Protection Program loans. Karl Adam, President of the South Dakota Bankers Association, says most banks are ready to help their customers. The program was reauthorized in the economic stimulus plan passed by Congress just before Christmas.… Read more »

ALCESTER, S.D. (Press Release) — A 68-year-old man from Alcester, S.D., has died from injuries sustained in an ATV crash that occurred on Monday, Jan. 18, near Alcester. A 2009 Arctic Cat ATV was westbound on 301st Street near the intersection with 478th Avenue when the driver lost control. The vehicle partially rolled and came… Read more »

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — A New York City man accused of killing three people in Rapid City made his first appearance in Pennington County Court, nearly five months after the alleged triple homicide. Thirty-six-year-old Arnson Absolu is charged with three counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Charles Red Willow, Ashley Nagy and… Read more »