Politics

Noem’s ‘demanding’ style sparks staff turnover, turmoil: ‘It’s a tough gig’

Noem’s ‘demanding’ style sparks staff turnover, turmoil: ‘It’s a tough gig’

Lee Schoenbeck, a power broker in the South Dakota Legislature as President Pro Tempore of the Senate, had a telling response when asked about the record pace of staff turnover in Gov. Kristi Noem’s administration, including a prolonged search for a sixth chief of staff less than five years

Two federal judge seats remain open in South Dakota despite busy caseload

Two federal judge seats remain open in South Dakota despite busy caseload

For the past 20 months, South Dakota’s U.S. District Court has had a judicial vacancy waiting to be filled by President Joe Biden’s administration, prompting political scrutiny of the process and a shuffling of workloads for other federal judges. Now the situation enters a new realm of

Is proposed abortion amendment ‘far more extreme’ than Roe v. Wade?

Is proposed abortion amendment ‘far more extreme’ than Roe v. Wade?

Editor’s note: This is the third in a series of South Dakota News Watch stories providing analysis of potential South Dakota ballot initiatives for the 2024 election. It’s no coincidence that South Dakotans are well-versed in direct democracy. The state was the first in the nation to adopt

Gov. Kristi Noem pulls support for grocery tax measure over jeopardized tobacco money

Gov. Kristi Noem pulls support for grocery tax measure over jeopardized tobacco money

Editor’s note: This is the second in a series of South Dakota News Watch stories providing analysis of potential South Dakota ballot initiatives for the 2024 election. A citizen-led campaign to eliminate South Dakota’s state grocery tax through a measure on the 2024 ballot won’t have the

Ballot effort would allow more South Dakotans to choose candidates. But can it pass?

Ballot effort would allow more South Dakotans to choose candidates. But can it pass?

Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of South Dakota News Watch stories providing analysis of potential South Dakota ballot initiatives for the 2024 election. It’s a well-worn adage that politics are about timing, and that’s especially true when it comes to citizen-led ballot measures

Long-held rural values at odds in South Dakota gun range debate

Long-held rural values at odds in South Dakota gun range debate

RAPID CITY, S.D. – An effort to build a huge gun range and shooting complex north of Rapid City has created divisiveness and hard feelings between two of South Dakota’s most iconic populations. The values run deep and histories stretch long among people in the two groups – those devoted

Updated: Tension between governor and GOP-led Legislature stalls $200 million workforce housing program

Steve Westra, head of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, announced in April that he is resigning from his position effective May 22, 2023. No formal reason for the resignation was given, though Gov. Kristi Noem said in a statement: “South Dakotans are building the strongest economy in America