Politics

Poll shows strong statewide support for Gov. Noem, except on marijuana legalization

Poll shows strong statewide support for Gov. Noem, except on marijuana legalization

With nearly three years as governor complete, and as she kicks off a reelection campaign, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is enjoying strong statewide support for her performance, according to a new poll. The poll of 500 registered voters conducted in late October showed that a majority of South Dakotans

Home heating costs high and getting higher in South Dakota

Many South Dakota consumers already facing high prices for gasoline and groceries should also expect to pay far more to heat their homes this winter, with prices for propane and heating oil already far higher than last year and rising fast. Some experts worry the high prices could push some

Poll shows strong public support for removal of SD attorney general

Poll shows strong public support for removal of SD attorney general

As the South Dakota Legislature prepares to undertake impeachment proceedings against Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg, who killed a pedestrian with his car in 2020, a new poll shows that a strong majority of state residents is in favor of removing him from office. The late October poll of 500 registered

Investigation part 3: Lawmakers call for inquiry into Cammack COVID grants

Two South Dakota legislators are calling for further investigation into more than $700,000 in state COVID relief grants given to Chris Cammack, son of Senate Majority Leader Gary Cammack. The calls for deeper inquiry into the grants follow an Oct. 11 South Dakota News Watch investigation that raised questions

Investigation part 4: Federal government relied largely on local lenders to vet more than $800 billion in COVID loans

Investigation part 4: Federal government relied largely on local lenders to vet more than $800 billion in COVID loans

Significant direct oversight of the federal Paycheck Protection Program, which provided more than $800 billion in forgivable loans to U.S. business during the pandemic, was placed in the hands of the community banks and lending institutions that issued the loans. Jaime Wood, South Dakota director for the U.S.

Investigation Part 2: South Dakota outsourced management and auditing of COVID relief grants

The state Bureau of Finance and Management is not conducting its own auditing of individual grant applications or grants awarded under the Coronavirus Relief Fund, according to Colin Keeler, director of financial systems in the department. The state hired an independent firm to manage both the application and award process

Despite sales tax hike, average teacher pay in South Dakota returns to near bottom in nation

In 2016, South Dakota set a goal to put more money into the K-12 public school system after years of ranking last in the nation for teacher pay. The plan included a sales tax hike with new revenues directed to school districts to raise teacher salaries and be competitive with