Title: Reporter
Contact: 605-736-4396 / emily.decock@sdnewswatch.org
Language spoken: English
Demographic expertise: South Dakota and rural areas
Topic expertise: Higher education, civic programs and local government
Biography: Emily DeCock grew up in southwest Minnesota and graduated in 2026 from South Dakota State University in Brookings, where she lives. She interned for News Watch in 2025 after receiving the SDSU Foundation's Jeffrey B. Nelson Investigative Journalism Endowed Internship, and the Chuck Raasch and Sandy Johnson Scholarship. As an intern, DeCock wrote investigative and data-centered news stories. Many focused on how federal funding and policy changes affected South Dakota programs and residents. In 2025-2026, she was the editor-in-chief of Collegian Media at SDSU and heavily involved in expanding Collegian Media’s platforms, helping to establish a weekly newscast and newsletter. DeCock has reported on higher education, criminal investigations, local government and more. In her full-time position at News Watch, DeCock reports stories and leads social media efforts.
Professional memberships: Investigative Reporters and Editors
Archive of work: South Dakota News Watch; Collegian Media
Emily DeCock
Total 38 Posts
Poll: Sen. Rounds leads challenger Bengs 56-37%
Race includes second-time Senate hopeful Independent Brian Bengs challenging incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds, who's seeking his third term.
Poll: Jackley leads Gronli 60-32% for US House
Republican Marty Jackley is South Dakota's attorney general. Democrat Nicki Gronli was formerly the state's director for the Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development program.
Individual donations fund Democratic candidates
Democratic secretary of state candidate outraises 2022 candidate, gets Republican incumbent's endorsement. Governor candidate reports no out-of-state or federal PAC money.
Poll: Gov. Rhoden leads challenger Ahlers 56-36%
Scientific survey sponsored by South Dakota News Watch and Chiesman Center for Democracy at USD also shows half of voters have a favorable view of Larry Rhoden and half of registered independents support Dan Ahlers.
National Civics Bee winners - and how to get involved next year
Brandon student represented South Dakota, but those from Colorado, Florida and Michigan took home prizes.
Fact brief roundup: US House debate
A check of statements made during the Oct. 1 debate between Democrat Nikki Gronli and Republican Marty Jackley.
Ticket sales up at SD's 2 professional symphony orchestras
“People seem to feel that they need to know something about it before they can come. There's also a perception that you have to dress up, like tuxedos or dresses and this sort of thing. Neither of those things are true.”