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South Dakota Lawmakers Weigh Medical Marijuana Restrictions
PIERRE, S.D. – A South Dakota House committee split Tuesday on two medical marijuana bills. The Health Committee rejected a complete repeal of the state’s medical marijuana program but approved changes requiring patient registry cards for legal defenses. Bill sponsor Representative Travis Ismay says the program needs stricter controls, while opponents warn it could block legitimate patient access. The full House will now consider requiring medical cards for court defenses while the voter-approved framework remains intact. According to testimony, the state’s medical marijuana program currently serves 11,000 South Dakotans.
South Dakota Senate Committee Backs Bill Targeting Pornographic Websites
PIERRE, S.D. – A South Dakota Senate committee endorsed a bill today to get tough on pornographic websites. Lawmakers spent the summer studying the issue of holding websites responsible for providing age verification, to protect minors from the harm caused by viewing pornography. Forensic Examiner Holly Strand of the Pennington County Sheriff’s office deals with that issue as part of her work and says the bill is needed. Committee members voted unanimously to endorse a bill that’s already passed the State House. It now goes to the full Senate for consideration.
South Dakota Launches New Vehicle Registration System, 605Drive
RAPID CITY, S.D. – Monday was the launch of a new software program to process vehicle registrations in South Dakota. It’s called 605Drive. According to the state Department of Revenue’s website, the previous system was outdated and needed to be replaced. The DOR says after making the switch, vehicle registration renewals are once again available at DMVNow Kiosks, online, and through county treasurer offices.
Barnes & Noble Set to Open in Rapid City This Summer
RAPID CITY, S.D. — South Dakota lawmakers are engineering a push for Amtrak expansion in the state. The State House has laid out a resolution in show of support for the passenger rail service to come through South Dakota in the near future. House Resolution 60-08 gives approval to a route connecting Denver and Minneapolis-St. Paul that would pass through Rapid City, Pierre, and Sioux Falls. It also cites the energy efficiency and economic benefit of passenger rail service. There’s no request for any state funding to support the expansion in the resolution.
Investigators Probe Delta Air Lines Crash at Toronto Airport
TORONTO (AP) — Investigators are working to determine the cause of a Delta Air Lines flight crash at Toronto Pearson International Airport on Monday. Dramatic video footage shows the jet’s rear landing gear collapsing upon impact, causing the right wing to shear off in a fireball. Aviation experts are saying that modern aircraft design and improved seat safety helped prevent more severe consequences. While the incident has sparked renewed fears about flying, analysts emphasize that commercial air travel remains historically safe, with the past 15 years seeing fewer fatalities on scheduled flights than any previous 15-year period.
Middle East latest: Netanyahu appoints an adviser with Trump ties to lead ceasefire talks
An Israeli official said that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appointed a close confidant to lead negotiations for the second stage of the ceasefire with Hamas. The U.S.-born Ron Dermer is a cabinet minister who’s widely seen as Netanyahu’s closest adviser. He previously served as Israel’s ambassador to the U.S. and is a former Republican activist with strong ties to the Trump White House. Israeli and Hamas have yet to negotiate a second and more difficult phase of the ceasefire. Palestinians and Arab countries have universally rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to remove the Palestinian population from Gaza and take over the territory.
Measles Outbreak in West Texas Grows to 58 Cases
WEST TEXAS – Health officials have reported at least 58 measles cases in an ongoing outbreak in West Texas, including some individuals who were vaccinated. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, most cases are in children ages 5 to 17, and officials warn the highly contagious disease could continue to spread. Measles is an airborne virus that can cause rash, fever, red eyes, and cough. Severe cases may lead to blindness, pneumonia, or encephalitis, a dangerous brain swelling. In some instances, it can be fatal. The CDC reports 285 measles cases nationwide in 2023, the highest annual total since 2019.
Trump officials want to ban junk food from SNAP. Past efforts show it’s not easy to do
A push to ban sugary drinks, candy and more from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program may soon get a boost from new Trump Administration officials. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the new health secretary, and Brooke Rollins, the new agriculture secretary, favor stripping such treats from the program previously known as food stamps. The $113 billion SNAP program helps about 42 million low-income Americans pay for nutritious food. Such changes have been proposed many times in past decades, but never approved. But policy experts say this moment could be different. Excluding any foods would require Congress to change the law — or for states to win waivers.
