Latest

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

As lawmakers raise questions, election officials in South Dakota defend state’s electoral system

Despite the concerns of some lawmakers and citizens, South Dakota election officials are “very confident” that the state electoral process is sound and that the 2022 general election results will be accurate and valid. As is the case in almost all states, the South Dakota electoral process has come under

News Watch to host online panel discussion on civility in government and politics on Sept. 29, 2022

News Watch to host online panel discussion on civility in government and politics on Sept. 29, 2022

In response to recent polling data showing that 79% of registered South Dakota voters believe that civility in America has declined over the past five years, and that only 2.3% of poll respondents said civility is improving, South Dakota News Watch will host an online panel discussion with civility

As 2022 election approaches, vast majority of South Dakota voters see civility declining in America

As 2022 election approaches, vast majority of South Dakota voters see civility declining in America

Editor’s note: This is the fourth and final article based on a recent 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 polls and panel

An artist's rendering of a Sanford research building showing about three floors with lots of glass construction.

Experts: Timing is right for Sanford Health’s $350M expansion in telemedicine

For those who have watched the slow but steady evolution of telemedicine in South Dakota and across the U.S., the recent announcement by Sanford Health that it is building a $350 million virtual health center in Sioux Falls might seem a bit perplexing. After all, the telemedicine services provided

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

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