Government/Politics
Total 302 Posts
South Dakota News Watch is one of the few news organizations in the state with a full-time reporter who lives in Pierre. These stories explain how what happens in the Capitol impacts all residents, hold publicly elected leaders accountable, investigate complex issues and help voters make informed choices when they go to the polls through accurate, balanced reporting.
Some local governments waiting to spend $9.6M in opioid dollars
Why South Dakota counties and cities haven't used their share of opioid settlement fund money. “You don’t want to be the guy who spends it all on something and then it’s like, ‘No, that was wrong.’”
Showing our math: The numbers behind the latest poll
In the final story of this week's series examining the latest results of a new poll by News Watch and the Chiesman Center, we look back at the main takeaways and provide an explanation on the methodology. "South Dakota voters are poll friendly."
South Dakota crime reporting guide
A resource for journalists, students and members of the public who are interested in the judicial system at all levels: state, federal and tribal.
Poll: Majority of South Dakotans unsatisfied with current state of democracy
Most South Dakotans are unhappy with how democracy in working in America but believe state lawmakers are being held accountable, according to a new poll sponsored by South Dakota News Watch and the Chiesman Center for Democracy at the University of South Dakota.
Lengkeek re-elected as Crow Creek chairman; other tribal elections in 2026
Which tribes in South Dakota are holding elections for leadership positions in 2026.
Poll: Nearly half of South Dakotans disapprove of property tax plan
The recently passed legislation gives counties the option to raise sales taxes in exchange for lowering property taxes, according to a new poll.
Poll: Most South Dakotans approve of Trump's firing of Noem
Rhoden and Rounds maintain job performance level, but Thune's numbers dip because of majority leader role.