Stu Whitney
Total 135 Posts
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
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
New scholarships seen as path to slowing “brain drain” of South Dakota graduates leaving state
South Dakota is playing catch-up when it comes to stemming the so-called “brain drain” of college graduates leaving for careers in other states, with declining college enrollment related to the COVID-19 pandemic adding to the urgency.
Major employers such as First Premier Bank and Sanford and Avera hospitals – whose operations
In contrast to some elected leaders, poll shows SD voters support more gun restrictions
Editor’s note: This is the third in a series of articles based on a July 2022 statewide poll conducted by South Dakota News Watch and the Chiesman Center for Democracy at the University of South Dakota, and is the latest segment in the ongoing “South Dakota Matters” series of
New poll: Majority of South Dakotans oppose total ban on abortion and want voters, not lawmakers, to make the rules
Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of articles based on a July 2022 statewide poll conducted by South Dakota News Watch and the Chiesman Center for Democracy at the University of South Dakota, and is the latest segment in the ongoing “South Dakota Matters” series of
Burn pit legislation passed by Congress, but challenges await veterans needing care
Combat veterans in South Dakota are encouraged by new legislation in Congress to expand treatment and benefits for soldiers exposed to toxic burn pits during deployment overseas, but questions remain about the federal government’s ability to effectively provide the needed health care.
Those questions partly explain why Republican senators