Justice

CEO of large SD non-profit agency remains in his job despite federal sexual harassment settlement

CEO of large SD non-profit agency remains in his job despite federal sexual harassment settlement

Editor’s note: This article is the result of a reporting collaboration between South Dakota News Watch Content Director Bart Pfankuch and Kristi Hine, editor of the True Dakotan newspaper in Wessington Springs. WAGNER, S.D. – The director of one of the largest non-profit social service agencies in South Dakota

Dangerous, potentially deadly distracted driving remains a hard habit to break in South Dakota

South Dakota lawmaker Doug Barthel, a former police chief in Sioux Falls, tried to make state roadways safer from distracted drivers by spearheading passage of a law in 2020 to restrict cell phone use behind the wheel. The South Dakota law allows cell phone use in a vehicle, but only

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

Statewide poll shows referendum on recreational marijuana legalization in SD could fail in November

Statewide poll shows referendum on recreational marijuana legalization in SD could fail in November

Editor’s note: This is the second 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

Fraudulent farmers live lavishly until caught

BELLE FOURCHE, S.D. – Farmers and brokers who commit organic grain fraud have shown a propensity to spend big money on lavish lifestyles until the authorities catch up with them. When Belle Fourche organic grain broker Kent Duane Anderson turned to fraud, he made millions of dollars and used the

Fraud and weak USDA oversight chip away at integrity of organic food industry

Trey Wharton of Sioux Falls has made numerous sacrifices in his life in order to maintain a healthful lifestyle centered around a vegan diet and consistent consumption of organic foods. To afford organic products that are sometimes double or triple the cost of conventionally grown foods, Wharton works two jobs,

South Dakota’s 24/7 Sobriety program could be rolled out nationwide

A zero-tolerance testing approach to reducing drunken driving and other alcohol-related crimes that started in South Dakota could broaden its reach nationally, despite concerns from critics that it restricts the constitutional rights of some participants. The 24/7 Sobriety program, pioneered by former South Dakota Attorney General Larry Long, requires