Native American university enrollment

SEARCHLIGHT NEWS

South Dakota universities’ Native American enrollment rises to pre-pandemic level

by Makenzie Huber

Native American student enrollment at South Dakota public universities has returned to its pre-pandemic level, according to a new report. Black Hills State University in Spearfish had 227 Native American students during the 2025-26 school year, up 49 from 178 the year before. That 28% increase was a major factor in the 6% systemwide growth […]

SEARCHLIGHT WEEK IN REVIEW

Our most-read news and commentary

Amid criticism, candidate spokesperson says property tax elimination plan is only for homeowners | Joshua Haiar
Commentary: Put down the bratwurst. The Legislature says you’re supposed to be fasting. | Dana Hess
More inmates denied early release as more parolees return through crackdown | John Hult
Black Hills counties among first to adopt new sales tax option for homeowner property tax reduction | Makenzie Huber
State leaders mourn loss of 'greatest philanthropist in South Dakota history' | Searchlight staff

Podcast: South Dakota’s journey to a historic runoff election

by Meghan O'Brien

South Dakota’s first statewide runoff election is Tuesday. Leading up to the polls opening, Searchlight Report host Meghan O’Brien takes listeners back to the beginning of the campaigns for the Republican nomination for governor, through debates and polling and to the final days leading up to Election Day. After a close four-way race, political outsider […]

COMMENTARY

Only you — and the government — can prevent forest fires at Mount Rushmore

by Seth Tupper

It’s easy to imagine people taking government warnings about forest fires less seriously after their government explodes $700,000 worth of fireworks over a forest. That’s one of many problems with July fireworks displays at Mount Rushmore — problems that will apparently be ignored as long as Donald Trump is in the White House. On July […]

FROM STATES NEWSROOM

USDA union leaders rally against proposed DC downsizing

by Sam Gauntt

A group of current and former U.S. Department of Agriculture employees are calling on the Trump administration to halt the mandated relocation of more than 2,500 employees from its Washington, D.C., headquarters to five regional offices across the country. In an online briefing hosted by federal union leaders Thursday, speakers said the reorganization process USDA […]

D.C. NEWS

Trump imposes new host of tariffs on trading partners, alleging they use forced labor | Ashley Murray
Suit alleges Homeland Security targeted people observing, protesting immigration agents | Jacob Fischler

NATIONAL NEWS

Federal judge says certain abortion drug restrictions are unlawful | Stateline
As national death rate dips, some states did better than others | Stateline
Democratic panel recommends South Carolina lead 2028 presidential nominating calendar | Sam Gauntt
‘More than a bridge’: Canada celebrates Gordie Howe bridge as Trump looms over Monday’s opening | Michigan Advance

MORE NEWS FROM THE STATES

AROUND THE REGION

Judge denies feds’ request to pause bison plan lawsuit | Daily Montanan
Sharp monthly drop in Nebraskans receiving public food aid sounds alarm for advocates | Nebraska Examiner
Iowa sales tax holiday is Aug. 7-8 | Iowa Capital Dispatch
Independent earns progressive endorsements in Montana Senate race | Daily Montanan
Gap in federal grant money threatens North Dakota’s only fair-housing organization | North Dakota Monitor

SD NEWS FROM OTHER MEDIA

FREE

Big paydays result from $50M auction of SD T. rex skeleton | South Dakota News Watch
Gov. Rhoden awards $31.5 million in rural health grants | KOTA
Portions of Southwest South Dakota see worsening drought conditions | Rapid City Post
Near-record heat forecast this weekend; hear from experts about extreme heat | KOTA

MAY REQUIRE A SUBSCRIPTION OR AN ACCOUNT

Black Hills Stage 2 fire restrictions in effect due to weather and drought | Rapid City Journal
Attorney General Jackley releases 2028 draft ballot explanation regarding homemade dairy products | Mitchell Republic

South Dakota weather:

West | Central/Northeast | Southeast

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