
SEARCHLIGHT NEWS

A January 2025 view of the South Dakota State Capitol in Pierre. (Photo by Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)
By Meghan O’Brien
The deposit of a $69 million budget surplus has grown South Dakota’s state government reserve funds to $325 million, according to an announcement from Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden’s office Monday.
The surplus is from the end of the state’s 2026 fiscal year on June 30.

Nineteen-year-old Madison Grimm, of Wallace, South Dakota, tends to ducklings at Second Chance Flight. (Courtesy of Madison Grimm)
By Joshua Haiar
South Dakota farmers who run into the nests of pheasants, grouse or prairie chickens in their fields can now call someone to rescue the eggs, thanks to a teenager and a new state law.
Nineteen-year-old Madison Grimm, of Wallace, started Second Chance Flight to rescue viable wild duck eggs from nests destroyed when farmers harvest hay from a field. She hatches and raises the ducklings, and releases them into the wild.
By Makenzie Huber
SIOUX FALLS — Roblox, a gaming platform popular with children, will pay South Dakota nearly $10 million over four years and implement new protections for young users under a settlement announced Monday by state Attorney General Marty Jackley.
The settlement also requires Roblox to implement age verification. The company plans to use facial age estimation software and government-issued IDs to confirm users’ ages.
By States Newsroom
Significant changes to Medicaid are expected to put new pressures on states, healthcare providers and those who depend on the coverage. Join healthcare policy experts from KFF and journalists from States Newsroom who cover these issues at the state and national level for an in-depth discussion on the impacts that federal funding cuts, work requirements and state policy are having on healthcare in the U.S. They’ll explain the latest developments and discuss the political debate around these changes.
Audience Q&A to follow.
Thursday, July 23
11 a.m.-Noon CT / 10-11 a.m. MT
(Zoom link provided with registration)
FROM STATES NEWSROOM

Mainers protest in Mechanics Park in Biddeford after a fatal ICE shooting earlier in the day on July 13, 2026. (Photo by Emma Davis/ Maine Morning Star)
By Emma Davis and Eesha Pendharkar/Maine Morning Star
Hundreds in force, Mainers marched through downtown Biddeford on Monday hours after immigration agents fatally shot a man.
“I thought something like this would be coming our way,” said Zack Beaulieu, noting the uptick in ICE activity in Maine as of late.
MORE NATIONAL NEWS
Pingree, King say man killed by ICE not the target of warrant | Maine Morning Star
SC governor appoints Sen. Lindsey Graham’s sister to fulfill his term | South Carolina Daily Gazette
President Trump shrinks Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante — again | Utah News Dispatch
Michigan leads nation as it reports 2,640 cases in cyclosporiasis outbreak | Michigan Advance
Trump hosts top IndyCar racers to promote D.C. streetrace | States Newsroom

AROUND THE REGION
SD NEWS FROM OTHER MEDIA
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After 34 years, Kristi Noem is divorcing, says mother | Argus Leader
Jamie Smith to detail plans in recount for Sioux Falls mayor on Tuesday | Sioux Falls Live
Hill City 1880 Train derails near Keystone, tickets remain on sale | Rapid City Journal
South Dakota weather:
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