The most powerful undergrad in America? Rep. Kristi Noem , who just completed coursework for a political science degree and will officially graduate from South Dakota State University in May. Noem, 40, dropped out of college when she was 22 to run the family farm after her father died. She took courses here and there but life — marriage, kids, business, politics — kept her from finishing until now. Read full article > >

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Rep. Kristi Noem, America’s most powerful undergrad, on track to get college degree

Former Senator George McGovern was flown to a hospital in Sioux Falls after he fell and hit his head Friday. His condition was not yet made public.

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George McGovern Hospitalized After Fall

George McGovern, the 1972 Democratic presidential nominee, was hospitalized after falling at a South Dakota university, a library staff member told CNN.

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George McGovern taken to hospital after fall

EMPORIA, Kan. — Tyson Fresh Meats Inc. is recalling about 131,300 pounds of ground beef because a family in Ohio fell ill after eating meat produced by the company that was contaminated with E. coli, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported Wednesday. The recall involves Kroger, Butcher’s and generic beef products that the South Dakota-based company produced at its plant in Emporia, Kan., on Aug. 23, the USDA said in a news release. Read full article > >

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Tyson Fresh Meats recalls about 131,300 pounds of ground beef that might contain E. coli

The male pronghorn stood perfectly still, as if posing for the Jeepful of tourists madly snapping his picture. We were marveling at his regal stature, the graceful U-shaped horns, when . . . “He’s pooping!” exclaimed my friend Amanda. “Right in front of us! That’s very rude,” quipped our fellow tourist Harriet Coorssen. Of course, here in Custer State Park’s backcountry, the animals don’t have to mind their manners. This is their turf — all 71,000 acres of it. Luckily, the Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour goes into the heart of that territory, showing you pronghorn, deer, bighorn sheep, mountain goats and, of course, the star attraction — buffaloes. The wildlife reserve is home to roughly 1,300 of the shaggy beasts, one of the biggest publicly owned herds in the world. I’m an animal lover, so the buffalo adventure was the first activity I booked when Amanda and I decided to spend four days exploring the Black Hills of South Dakota in July. Read full article > >

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The Impulsive Traveler: Shuffling off to see the buffalo in South Dakota’s Black Hills

Following the announcement of the budget deal on Friday night, South Dakota Sen. John Thune told Politico, “The debate is now on our side of the field. This is just the opening act. But these upcoming debates are not going to be about whether we’re going to reduce the cost and size of government, but how much. That’s very good ground for Republicans to fight on.”

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Zelizer: GOP is winning budget debate

South Dakota becomes the first state to require all women seeking abortions to first attend a consultation at a “pregnancy help” center.

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S.D. Requires Visit to Pregnancy Center Before Abortion

PIERRE, S.D. — South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard signed a law Tuesday requiring women to wait three days after meeting with a doctor to have an abortion, the longest waiting period in the nation.

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SD governor signs bill requiring women to wait 72 hours for abortion, longest wait in nation

Senator John Thune, Republican of South Dakota, has decided not to run for president in 2012, according to a statement on his Facebook page.

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The Caucus: Thune Passes on 2012 Presidential Run

As new candidates dip their toes in the water for the 2012 Republican nomination, one contender is getting out of the pool. John Thune, a senator from South Dakota, announced on his website Tuesday afternoon that he’s not entering the presidential…

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Thune Not Running for President

A bill in the South Dakota state legislature aimed at expanding the definition of justifiable homicide has been killed after it drew national attention and sharp criticism. The law, approved by the state’s House Judiciary Committee in a 9-3 party-line…

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S. Dakota Shelves Abortion Bill

The phrasing of state legislation to expand the definition of justifiable homicide had drawn concern that it would put abortion providers at greater risk.

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South Dakota Shelves Bill Aimed at Defending Unborn

The South Dakota House of Representatives will soon vote on a bill that would expand the definition of justifiable homicide to include killing to protect the life of a fetus. The plain language of the bill would appear to legalize the murder of abortion providers for performing legal abortions on women who request them. Kate Sheppard explains in Mother Jones: read more

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South Dakota’s Legislative Attack on Abortion Providers

On Tuesday afternoon, the South Dakota House of Representatives will debate a proposed law that stands to prevent pregnant women from harm-and could legalize the killing of abortion providers in the state. The unprecedented bill was unearthed in late…

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S. Dakota Bill Stirs Abortion Controversy

On Tuesday afternoon, the South Dakota House of Representatives will debate a proposed law that stands to prevent pregnant women from harm-and could legalize the killing of abortion providers in the state. The unprecedented bill was unearthed in late…

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S. Dakota Bill Stirs Abortion Controversy