• Big news for the aquarium. Sanford Health this week announced a $2 million donation to the Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium's campaign to build a world-class aquarium, expanded education center and a reimagined butterfly garden. In recognition of this donation, the aquarium's shark exhibit will be called the Sanford Health Shark Reef Habitat.
    • With that donation, the zoo's "We Can't Wait" campaign has officially surpassed $46 million in total funds raised, and the hope before the end of the year is to raise the remaining funds needed to start aquarium construction.
  • Big money for tech school. Southeast Tech announced this week that it's raised $38.5 million to support students and workforce development. The fundraising was part of "Campaign NEXT," a five-year comprehensive campaign, which had an initial goal of $25 million. Funds will support scholarships, facilities, equipment and help strengthen high-demand programs. Read the full news release here.
  • ☀️Let the sun shine! It's Sunshine Week – which means folks across the country are working to educate the public on the right to know what government officials are up to. South Dakota News Watch and the state media association have some resources here to help you learn more about open meetings, public records requests and how South Dakota fares in terms of transparency (spoiler: not great).