For the second week in a row, the coronavirus pandemic is forcing a record number of South Dakotans onto unemployment rolls. 

There were 6,645 claims for unemployment assistance filed last week in South Dakota. That’s the most-ever in the available data from the U.S. Department of Labor, which goes back to 1987. 

The SDPB News Podcast is where we bring you South Dakota's top news and politics headlines from the past 24 hours.

Each day SDPB's journalism team works to bring you pertinent news coverage. We then compile those stories into one neatly formatted daily podcast so that you can stay informed. Enjoy.

In The Moment ... April 1, 2020 Show 786 Hour 2

In The Moment ... April 1, 2020 Show 786 Hour 2

In The Moment ... April 1, 2020 Show 786 Hour 1

In The Moment ... April 1, 2020 Show 786 Hour 1

Governor Kristi Noem has already issued a state of emergency in response to the coronavirus. But many are waiting for her to declare a public health emergency. 

That distinction is frustrating local leaders—especially after lawmakers defeated a bill that would have granted more specific authorities during a public health emergency. 

A state of emergency gives the governor more flexibility to work with federal partners. It also triggers certain state resources. For instance, the governor declared a state of emergency last year to help responses during major flooding. 

South Dakota lawmakers have added another option for small-business owners who need help getting through the coronavirus pandemic. 

The SDPB News Podcast is where we bring you South Dakota's top news and politics headlines from the past 24 hours.

Each day SDPB's journalism team works to bring you pertinent news coverage. We then compile those stories into one neatly formatted daily podcast so that you can stay informed. Enjoy.

City leaders around the state are discussing options to address the COVID-19 outbreak. The discussion comes after House lawmakers failed to pass a bill to give cities and counties emergency authority.