Stu Whitney

Stu Whitney

Title: investigative reporter; expertise: politics, justice, education, health care, demographics, immigration, sports; language spoken: English; contact: 605-759-4576 / stu.whitney@sdnewswatch.org

Homeownership part 2: Experts say developing more affordable homes is biggest need in South Dakota housing market

A greater focus on increasing availability of affordable housing in South Dakota is needed to enable more young people to reach their dream of owning a home, according to a panel of experts on the state real estate and mortgage industries. Steve Ennis, a senior mortgage officer at CU Mortgage

Controversy surrounds plan to end food tax by ballot measure

If Gov. Kristi Noem doesn’t fulfill her campaign pledge to repeal the South Dakota sales tax on food during the 2023 legislative session, voters may get a chance to decide the issue on the 2024 ballot. But there’s already controversy about the wording of a proposed ballot measure

South Dakota retailers adapt to online shopping trend by improving in-person experience

South Dakota retailers hope to take advantage of a national trend toward increasing in-store shopping this holiday season by enhancing customer experience and blending online offerings into their business model. An annual survey by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insight & Analytics found that of an estimated 115 million

RSV infections spreading quickly and causing severe illness among South Dakota

An earlier-than-normal and more virulent strain of RSV infections in South Dakota is causing severe illness in young children, sparking concerns that pediatric intensive care units could become strained, especially if combined with a winter spike in influenza or COVID-19 cases. RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a common, highly contagious

Push for greater Native American voting access could impact South Dakota race for governor

A recent court ruling that found South Dakota violated federal voting registration laws has reignited the long-standing concern over Native American ballot access as the state braces for a 2022 gubernatorial election that could hinge on Indian Country precincts. In a state with nearly 78,000 Indigenous residents, comprising 8.

How Kristi Noem rode shifting political winds to Pierre and possibly back to DC

“She’ll shift her views or positions if she sees that someone or an idea is popular. She can very easily transition.”

Improving civility in America begins with better behavior by leaders, panelists say

Improving civility in America begins with better behavior by leaders, panelists say

Holding elected leaders accountable for boorish or coarse behavior is one strategy to help restore civility to American politics, according to a panel of South Dakota experts in public discourse. In a recent poll commissioned by South Dakota News Watch, 79% of 500 registered voters said civility in America has