C.j. Keene

Omaha, Rapid City

Reporter at South Dakota Public Broadcasting

Sports fan, movie guy, into radio.

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Articles

Four Bands funding Cheyenne River entrepreneurs

6 days ago | sdpb.org | C.j. Keene

When Native-owned businesses first begin navigating the market, it can be a challenge. However, one organization is providing more than financial support to business owners. The Four Bands Community Fund offers support, alongside loans for indigenous-owned businesses, and these programs directly impact the lives of Cheyenne River tribal members. Members like Bonnie LeBeaux, who used their resources to successfully grow her quilt making business.
Career and technical education investments made across state

1 week ago | sdpb.org | C.j. Keene

Over $600,000 is being designated for schools across the state to support career and technical education, or CTE, programs. CTE is a resource to help students learn specific job skills. Beresford is receiving $50,000 for new computer routers for ag, food, and natural resource classes. In Brandon Valley, $13,000 is being invested for new plant growth systems.
Real ID mandate goes into effect for fliers

1 week ago | sdpb.org | C.j. Keene

Fliers now have new regulations to follow before they can depart. With Real ID laws in place, updating your license could lead to a smoother takeoff. Real ID is designed to enhance security of identification cards like a license, and in South Dakota it’s marked by a small star in the upper right-hand corner of the card. A federal requirement to require it to board domestic flights went into effect Wednesday.
State reinstates human remain ban at Bear Butte

1 week ago | sdpb.org | C.j. Keene

Lawmakers have moved to ban the interment of human remains at Bear Butte State Park. This ruling includes the spreading of ashes at the site. The ban was previously instituted over 20 years ago before being repealed in 2019. The legislative rules review committee reinstated it in a meeting Tuesday. Bear Butte, or Mato Paha, is considered a sacred site to the local indigenous population, and this ban was first put in place after consultation with tribal leaders.
Self-defense questions remain after Brave Heart receives 30 years

1 week ago | sdpb.org | C.j. Keene

A Rapid City man convicted of first-degree manslaughter, has received a 30-year prison sentence. Derrek Brave Heart’s case raised questions of self-defense and how criminal charges are filed. Three decades was the ultimate judgement for Derrek Brave Heart, who claimed self-defense after being struck multiple times in his vehicle by Jonathan Odom. Brave Heart fatally shot Odom during the altercation.
Mines student facing deportation wins extension in time for graduation

1 week ago | sdpb.org | C.j. Keene

An international student at a South Dakota university faced with deportation can stay in the country a while longer. Priya Saxena, a 28-year-old Indian doctoral student at the School of Mines, has received an extension on her visa that will allow her to walk the graduation stage. Last month, she was shortlisted for deportation after her visa was revoked and her student status was terminated.
Tariff consequences felt in most recent Midwest economic report

1 week ago | sdpb.org | C.j. Keene

Tariffs and prices are on the minds of average American consumers, but also employers and manufactures. A new economic report says say it’s a mixed bag for the Midwest, so far. The Mid-America Business Conditions Index declined on the back of lost jobs and wholesale price rises, however growth remained above .5, or neutral. Creighton University economics professor Ernie Goss compiles the monthly report.
Knudson family donation matched at Augustana for cultural exchange

1 week ago | sdpb.org | C.j. Keene

Augustana University has dedicated the De and Dave Knudson Center for Global Engagement following a million-dollar matching gift to the institution. Previously, this was the International Programs Office. The Knudsons initially offered the university a million-dollar gift, and the match was finally met April 1. In a statement, the family and university say they hope the center will be a place of intercultural exchange for South Dakota.
South Dakota rises to 46th in national teacher pay rankings

2 weeks ago | sdpb.org | C.j. Keene

With the ever-present teacher pay battle front of mind for many, South Dakota has once again climbed the national rankings. South Dakota is now ranked number 46 in America for teacher pay, according to the National Education Organization. While a step up from recent rankings in last, it’s still well behind the curve of the rest of the nation. Despite this, South Dakota Education Association public affairs director Sandra Waltman said its an undeniable step in the right direction.
Oglala Sioux Tribe cancels 2025 Wacipi

2 weeks ago | sdpb.org | C.j. Keene

The Oglala Sioux Tribe has voted to cancel the 2025 Oglala Lakota Nation Wacipi. This comes after a shooting at last year's event killed 57-year-old Tom Thunder Hawk on Aug. 2, 2024. Despite concerns, the powwow continued after Thunder Hawk’s shooting. Instead, the tribal council has allocated a small fund for each of the nine districts to host local powwows.