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

South Dakota Senate door in Pierre.

SD Senate's GOP power balance at stake: 5 primary races to watch

Republican Party divide between establishment and far-right factions comes to a head in June 4 primary elections. Here's what to watch for.

South Dakota judicial nominees pass committee, head to full US Senate vote

South Dakota judicial nominees pass committee, head to full US Senate vote

Camela Theeler and Eric Schulte, both of Sioux Falls, were nominated by President Joe Biden and supported by Republican Sens. John Thune and Mike Rounds.

Travis Entenman stands next to the Big Sioux River in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Sioux Falls growth forces question: Can Smithfield and Big Sioux River co-exist?

The pork slaughterhouse has a new treatment plant to reduce the amount of toxic waste it dumps in the river. Developers and environmentalists want more progress.

Abortion medication

Supreme Court case could impact out-of-state abortions for South Dakotans

Minnesota doctor says her Just the Pill organization could use mobile units to serve South Dakota residents who cross the border.

Opera students practice at the University of South Dakota

Opera on the prairie? University of South Dakota program raises its voice

Traceyln Gesteland arrived in Vermillion in 2008 with doubts about whether opera could thrive on the prairie. Now she knows that the show will go on.

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem speaks in front of a wall of books with the American flag in the background

Who leads South Dakota if Noem runs for vice president? 'I still get to be governor' she says.

Noem is among Donald Trump’s top picks for his running mate. The South Dakota Constitution might keep her from doing both jobs at once.

Poll workers put ballots into a tabulation machine in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Hand counting vs. voting machines: Debate rages in South Dakota

Nearly 90% of county officials who administer elections in the state don't find hand counts effective or efficient. Activists counter that they don't trust the machines.