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# '250+ years of American civics and news'
- URL: https://www.sdnewswatch.org/south-dakota-civics-media-politics-voting-series/
- Published: 2026-08-05T07:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-08-14T13:07:15.000Z
- Description: Nonpartisan events include a discussion about civic responsibilities and how to find fact-based news and information.
- Author: SD News Watch
- Tags: Government/Politics, News Watch, Justice, News/Investigations

While most Americans know it's among their civic responsibilities to be informed and vote, a lot of people are checking out of both. 

As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, organizers of an interactive presentation hope to increase engagement by delving into the role civics and communications – from Revolutionary War papers to podcasters – have played in the nation's history. That includes the separation of powers among the branches of government and the system of checks and balances, the various civic duties and responsibilities of being an American, and how to find trusted sources of news and information. 

The hourlong sessions, titled "250+ Years of American Civics and News," have received positive audience feedback in [Yankton](https://www.yankton.net/community/article%5F93cdbeb4-601c-44af-8655-9e37242bc1ce.html?ref=sdnewswatch.org), [Rapid City](https://www.kotatv.com/2026/03/23/civics-media-literacy-event-aims-strengthen-democracy/?ref=sdnewswatch.org), [Pierre](https://www.kccrradio.com/2026/03/25/south-dakota-news-watch-brings-presentation-on-civics-and-news-to-pierre-tuesday-night/?ref=sdnewswatch.org), Brookings, [Vermillion](https://www.plaintalk.net/local%5Fnews/article%5F28b35cc0-ec51-4b37-a3ca-5cb8495eff57.html?ref=sdnewswatch.org), [Watertown](https://watertowncurrent.com/voting-being-informed-remain-at-the-heart-of-u-s-democracy/?utm%5Fsource%5Fplatform=mailpoet&ref=sdnewswatch.org), [Mitchell](https://kornradio.com/news/a-fresh-perspective-of-american-civics-and-news/?ref=sdnewswatch.org) and Sioux Falls. 

Here are details of the next stop:

**Brandon, Sunday, Oct. 25, 6 p.m.** – Performing Arts Center at Brandon Valley High School, 301 S. Splitrock Blvd. 

The series is sponsored by **News Watch**, **SDPB,** the **League of Women Voters of South Dakota**, the **Chiesman Center for Democracy** at the University of South Dakota and the **Mike Huether Public Service Academy** at South Dakota State University. 

**To schedule a session** with your school, service club or other organization, contact Walker at 605-610-9366 or [carson.walker@sdnewswatch.org](mailto:carson.walker@sdnewswatch.org).

[South Dakota voter guideWhat South Dakotans need to know about voting in statewide elections, and who and what are on the ballot.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/cb/ab/cbabab5e-2dc6-462c-94a0-b72956c0d224/content/images/icon/SDNW-Logo-Vertical-d4f2a55a-bbaa-4d34-82c2-7f41734a02f0.jpg)South Dakota News WatchMolly Wetsch![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/cb/ab/cbabab5e-2dc6-462c-94a0-b72956c0d224/content/images/thumbnail/2026-06-02-Signs-outside-Downtown-Library--Sioux-Falls-36f91ce2-9cf0-424d-ba04-30f67f439023.JPG)](https://www.sdnewswatch.org/south-dakota-voter-guide-primary-general-election/)

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