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

Democratic U.S. House candidate Sheryl Johnson stands on Main Street in Burke, S.D., during a campaign stop

'People need a choice:' Democrat Sheryl Johnson's improbable dream

The former Republican who believes in limited government and a strong border faces long odds against incumbent Dusty Johnson.

A female surgical tech wearing blue scrubs poses for a photo in a surgical room.

Build Dakota Scholarships fill jobs with homegrown talent

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the grants for students to attend tech schools in Watertown, Mitchell, Rapid City and Sioux Falls, the result of a partnership among the state, First Premier Bank and industry.

A man stocks groceries in the cereal aisle of a grocery store.

Q&A: South Dakota's food tax repeal measure

What key issues should voters consider before casting a vote on Initiated Measure 28? Glad you asked.

A woman stands at a table as her voter registration information is checked by two women during an election in Sioux Falls

Vote South Dakota forum aims to shed light on 'complicated' election

Students will team up with journalists to ask questions at the forum, which will feature PUC candidates and representatives from both sides of ballot measures to be decided in November.

South Dakota Sen. John Thuen stands and smiles in front of a row of American flags after being re-elected to the Senate

South Dakota's top 5 campaign war chests

What it means for 2026: Fundraising sheds light on what could be one of the state's most contested and consequential election cycles.

A woman walks into the South Dakota Department of Social Services building in Sioux Falls..

Medicaid work requirements in South Dakota? Only if Trump wins.

South Dakota voters will decide on Amendment F, a legislative effort to allow employment criteria to be used for able-bodied adults to receive Medicaid benefits.

A person places their ballot in an election box

How South Dakota and Michigan took different paths to 'election integrity'

Democratic-controlled Michigan expanded voting opportunities through ballot measures while Republican-led South Dakota restricted access with legislative action. Both states believe that they're on the right track.