Stu Whitney
@stuwhitney.bsky.social
Reporter: South Dakota News Watch. Author: The Covid Chronicles. Proud Motor City native.
We’ve got the first poll of the 2026 Republican primary race for South Dakota Governor, based on Mason-Dixon survey of 500 registered GOP voters.
U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson and Gov. Larry Rhoden are setting the pace so far.
www.sdnewswatch.org/poll-dusty-j...
U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson and Gov. Larry Rhoden are setting the pace so far.
www.sdnewswatch.org/poll-dusty-j...
South Dakota governor poll: Johnson, Rhoden set pace
Survey of 500 Republicans shows Jackley in third place as contenders begin to emerge for 2026 primary showdown.
www.sdnewswatch.org
April 29, 2025 at 1:43 PM
We’ve got the first poll of the 2026 Republican primary race for South Dakota Governor, based on Mason-Dixon survey of 500 registered GOP voters.
U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson and Gov. Larry Rhoden are setting the pace so far.
www.sdnewswatch.org/poll-dusty-j...
U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson and Gov. Larry Rhoden are setting the pace so far.
www.sdnewswatch.org/poll-dusty-j...
Aberdeen businessman Toby Doeden has used Trumpian tactics to try to trounce the South Dakota Republican establishment.
How far can his money and movement take him?
www.sdnewswatch.org/tony-doeden-...
How far can his money and movement take him?
www.sdnewswatch.org/tony-doeden-...
Toby Doeden makes establishment nervous. So what's next?
The Aberdeen businessman boosted Republican populist candidates in last year's legislative primaries and is exploring his own run in 2026.
www.sdnewswatch.org
April 17, 2025 at 1:25 PM
Aberdeen businessman Toby Doeden has used Trumpian tactics to try to trounce the South Dakota Republican establishment.
How far can his money and movement take him?
www.sdnewswatch.org/tony-doeden-...
How far can his money and movement take him?
www.sdnewswatch.org/tony-doeden-...
An opera based on Ole Rolvaag's classic Norwegian pioneer novel "Giants in the Earth" was presented in 1951 and then largely forgotten.
Here's the story of how it was unearthed to be performed by the South Dakota Symphony — just in the nick of time.
www.sdnewswatch.org/south-dakota...
Here's the story of how it was unearthed to be performed by the South Dakota Symphony — just in the nick of time.
www.sdnewswatch.org/south-dakota...
South Dakota Symphony pulls 'Giants in the Earth' opera out of the shadows
Production based on classic novel about Norwegian settlers will be performed April 26-27 at the Washington Pavilion in Sioux Falls.
www.sdnewswatch.org
April 10, 2025 at 4:10 PM
An opera based on Ole Rolvaag's classic Norwegian pioneer novel "Giants in the Earth" was presented in 1951 and then largely forgotten.
Here's the story of how it was unearthed to be performed by the South Dakota Symphony — just in the nick of time.
www.sdnewswatch.org/south-dakota...
Here's the story of how it was unearthed to be performed by the South Dakota Symphony — just in the nick of time.
www.sdnewswatch.org/south-dakota...
I did a deep dive on what dismantling the U.S. Department of Education could mean for South Dakota’s K-12 school districts and universities.
Federal money will still flow, but who determines where it goes?
www.sdnewswatch.org/south-dakota...
Federal money will still flow, but who determines where it goes?
www.sdnewswatch.org/south-dakota...
US Department of Education's impact on South Dakota: Q&A
Supporters and critics of the plan to eliminate the department weigh in on how it could affect the state of South Dakota.
www.sdnewswatch.org
April 2, 2025 at 4:32 PM
I did a deep dive on what dismantling the U.S. Department of Education could mean for South Dakota’s K-12 school districts and universities.
Federal money will still flow, but who determines where it goes?
www.sdnewswatch.org/south-dakota...
Federal money will still flow, but who determines where it goes?
www.sdnewswatch.org/south-dakota...
South Dakota's reliance on agricultural trade makes it vulnerable to the risks of tariffs and trade wars.
For farmers in this Trump-favoring state, there's a fine line between patience and pain.
www.sdnewswatch.org/president-tr...
For farmers in this Trump-favoring state, there's a fine line between patience and pain.
www.sdnewswatch.org/president-tr...
Trump's tariffs: South Dakota farmers prepare for impact
Uncertainty surrounding American trade policies could rattle an already fragile agricultural outlook.
www.sdnewswatch.org
March 10, 2025 at 2:20 PM
South Dakota's reliance on agricultural trade makes it vulnerable to the risks of tariffs and trade wars.
For farmers in this Trump-favoring state, there's a fine line between patience and pain.
www.sdnewswatch.org/president-tr...
For farmers in this Trump-favoring state, there's a fine line between patience and pain.
www.sdnewswatch.org/president-tr...
The structure of the Summit League tournament seems to take student fan involvement out of the equation, a notable development since student presence/energy is one of the defining features of college basketball.
March 9, 2025 at 5:44 PM
The structure of the Summit League tournament seems to take student fan involvement out of the equation, a notable development since student presence/energy is one of the defining features of college basketball.
Hard not to be moved by Colman Domingo’s performance in “Sing Sing,” a raw examination of finding spirit through expression in the worst of surroundings. I’m sticking with Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan for Best Actor, but Domingo’s second career nomination was well-deserved.
March 1, 2025 at 2:46 AM
Hard not to be moved by Colman Domingo’s performance in “Sing Sing,” a raw examination of finding spirit through expression in the worst of surroundings. I’m sticking with Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan for Best Actor, but Domingo’s second career nomination was well-deserved.
The death certificate of a man killed in a U.S. Marshals raid on his family's house on the Yankton Sioux Reservation in November sheds light on his fatal injuries, while leaving other questions unanswered.
www.sdnewswatch.org/zander-zephi...
www.sdnewswatch.org/zander-zephi...
Former marshal: Shots fired in reservation raid 'consistent with training'
Questions remain about Zander Zephier's death, including the use of pepper spray and the decision to enter the house without more negotiation.
www.sdnewswatch.org
February 28, 2025 at 2:07 PM
The death certificate of a man killed in a U.S. Marshals raid on his family's house on the Yankton Sioux Reservation in November sheds light on his fatal injuries, while leaving other questions unanswered.
www.sdnewswatch.org/zander-zephi...
www.sdnewswatch.org/zander-zephi...
RIP to Gene Hackman, one of the true greats. His turn as a worldly and wanting patriarch in “The Royal Tenenbaums” is a personal favorite.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5Hb...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5Hb...
The Royal Tenenbaums - Kids are alright
YouTube video by The Final Cut
www.youtube.com
February 27, 2025 at 2:30 PM
RIP to Gene Hackman, one of the true greats. His turn as a worldly and wanting patriarch in “The Royal Tenenbaums” is a personal favorite.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5Hb...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5Hb...
Part 2 looks back at a judge’s decision that “not in my backyard” doesn’t prevail when a project’s necessity outweighs interests of surrounding landowners.
“A prison, like a jail, is a necessary government function, and it must be located somewhere.”
www.sdnewswatch.org/south-dakota...
“A prison, like a jail, is a necessary government function, and it must be located somewhere.”
www.sdnewswatch.org/south-dakota...
SD prison project faces legislative, legal hurdles
"A prison, like a jail, is a necessary government function, and it must be located somewhere," a state circuit judge ruled. Part 2 of a three-part series.
www.sdnewswatch.org
February 18, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Part 2 looks back at a judge’s decision that “not in my backyard” doesn’t prevail when a project’s necessity outweighs interests of surrounding landowners.
“A prison, like a jail, is a necessary government function, and it must be located somewhere.”
www.sdnewswatch.org/south-dakota...
“A prison, like a jail, is a necessary government function, and it must be located somewhere.”
www.sdnewswatch.org/south-dakota...
Part 1 of my three-part series on different perspectives that surround South Dakota’s plan to build a new men’s prison in rural Lincoln County.
“It’s an emotional subject. We’re building something that’s meant to last another hundred years.”
www.sdnewswatch.org/south-dakota...
“It’s an emotional subject. We’re building something that’s meant to last another hundred years.”
www.sdnewswatch.org/south-dakota...
SD prison project draws strong views, harsh criticism
Perspectives from neighbors, policy analysts and law enforcement show division surrounding plan to build prison in rural Lincoln County.
www.sdnewswatch.org
February 17, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Part 1 of my three-part series on different perspectives that surround South Dakota’s plan to build a new men’s prison in rural Lincoln County.
“It’s an emotional subject. We’re building something that’s meant to last another hundred years.”
www.sdnewswatch.org/south-dakota...
“It’s an emotional subject. We’re building something that’s meant to last another hundred years.”
www.sdnewswatch.org/south-dakota...
Gov. Larry Rhoden announces that he will hold weekly press conferences during the legislative session, reviving a decades-old tradition cast aside by his predecessor, Kristi Noem.
February 6, 2025 at 7:17 PM
Gov. Larry Rhoden announces that he will hold weekly press conferences during the legislative session, reviving a decades-old tradition cast aside by his predecessor, Kristi Noem.
Elon Musk went after Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota and other groups involved with refugee resettlement, calling federally appropriated funds “illegal payments.”
Now LSS is pushing back.
www.sdnewswatch.org/lutheran-soc...
Now LSS is pushing back.
www.sdnewswatch.org/lutheran-soc...
LSS calls Musk's illegal claims 'completely baseless'
Tech billionaire Elon Musk accused refugee resettlement programs of receiving federal funds illegally, even though Congress approved the spending.
www.sdnewswatch.org
February 4, 2025 at 11:38 PM
Elon Musk went after Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota and other groups involved with refugee resettlement, calling federally appropriated funds “illegal payments.”
Now LSS is pushing back.
www.sdnewswatch.org/lutheran-soc...
Now LSS is pushing back.
www.sdnewswatch.org/lutheran-soc...
“They’re attempting to orchestrate the death of direct democracy by a thousand cuts. They keep trying and trying because when people organize and use their voice, they become a threat to the political establishment.”
www.sdnewswatch.org/south-dakota...
www.sdnewswatch.org/south-dakota...
Ballot measure battle could curtail SD's direct democracy
Since 1898, state voters have had the power to propose a law or amendment at elections. Some Republican legislators want to make the process harder.
www.sdnewswatch.org
February 3, 2025 at 6:17 PM
“They’re attempting to orchestrate the death of direct democracy by a thousand cuts. They keep trying and trying because when people organize and use their voice, they become a threat to the political establishment.”
www.sdnewswatch.org/south-dakota...
www.sdnewswatch.org/south-dakota...
Greg Sands overcame years of addiction and a prison stint to become a leader in the Sioux Falls business and philanthropic community.
He received a presidential pardon in 2001.
So when will be ready to forgive himself?
www.sdnewswatch.org/greg-sands-w...
He received a presidential pardon in 2001.
So when will be ready to forgive himself?
www.sdnewswatch.org/greg-sands-w...
How Greg Sands overcame addiction and prison to find success
The founder of Sands Wall Systems went from nearly ruining his life to helping others, but the pain is still there. "He still feels shame about it," says his wife.
www.sdnewswatch.org
January 27, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Greg Sands overcame years of addiction and a prison stint to become a leader in the Sioux Falls business and philanthropic community.
He received a presidential pardon in 2001.
So when will be ready to forgive himself?
www.sdnewswatch.org/greg-sands-w...
He received a presidential pardon in 2001.
So when will be ready to forgive himself?
www.sdnewswatch.org/greg-sands-w...
Meet the new boss.
Photo released by South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden’s office shows him fully embracing his Meade County ranching background.
Not just a new chief executive but also a re-shuffling of the 2026 gubernatorial race, with Rhoden as incumbent.
Photo released by South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden’s office shows him fully embracing his Meade County ranching background.
Not just a new chief executive but also a re-shuffling of the 2026 gubernatorial race, with Rhoden as incumbent.
January 25, 2025 at 8:24 PM
Meet the new boss.
Photo released by South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden’s office shows him fully embracing his Meade County ranching background.
Not just a new chief executive but also a re-shuffling of the 2026 gubernatorial race, with Rhoden as incumbent.
Photo released by South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden’s office shows him fully embracing his Meade County ranching background.
Not just a new chief executive but also a re-shuffling of the 2026 gubernatorial race, with Rhoden as incumbent.
Biggest Oscar snub among the movies I’ve seen?
No Margaret Qualley for Best Supporting Actress in “The Substance”
But Demi Moore is up for Best Actress, one of five nominations for the quasi-horror take on Hollywood’s beauty mystique, including Best Picture.
No Margaret Qualley for Best Supporting Actress in “The Substance”
But Demi Moore is up for Best Actress, one of five nominations for the quasi-horror take on Hollywood’s beauty mystique, including Best Picture.
January 23, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Biggest Oscar snub among the movies I’ve seen?
No Margaret Qualley for Best Supporting Actress in “The Substance”
But Demi Moore is up for Best Actress, one of five nominations for the quasi-horror take on Hollywood’s beauty mystique, including Best Picture.
No Margaret Qualley for Best Supporting Actress in “The Substance”
But Demi Moore is up for Best Actress, one of five nominations for the quasi-horror take on Hollywood’s beauty mystique, including Best Picture.
Even with Governor Noem's looming departure, the 100th edition of the South Dakota Legislature is more about issues than eras.
Here are key things to watch as the session kicks off Tuesday.
www.sdnewswatch.org/south-dakota...
Here are key things to watch as the session kicks off Tuesday.
www.sdnewswatch.org/south-dakota...
South Dakota Legislature: Property taxes, pipelines, prisons (and more)
What to watch for as the state's 105 lawmakers convene in Pierre on Tuesday for the 100th session.
www.sdnewswatch.org
January 13, 2025 at 2:33 PM
Even with Governor Noem's looming departure, the 100th edition of the South Dakota Legislature is more about issues than eras.
Here are key things to watch as the session kicks off Tuesday.
www.sdnewswatch.org/south-dakota...
Here are key things to watch as the session kicks off Tuesday.
www.sdnewswatch.org/south-dakota...
One thing’s for certain: 2025 is going to be a wild and wacky year in South Dakota politics.
Starting right now.
www.sdnewswatch.org/south-dakota...
Starting right now.
www.sdnewswatch.org/south-dakota...
Main theme for South Dakota politics in 2025? Buckle up.
Noem, Thune prepare for new roles in Washington as South Dakota awaits a new governor and early 2026 election intrigue.
www.sdnewswatch.org
January 6, 2025 at 2:59 PM
One thing’s for certain: 2025 is going to be a wild and wacky year in South Dakota politics.
Starting right now.
www.sdnewswatch.org/south-dakota...
Starting right now.
www.sdnewswatch.org/south-dakota...
Building a winning football culture means playing hard all the time. You can’t play hard when trying to avoid injuries, or even thinking about them.
The Lions had a football game to play and outmanned the soft-hearted Niners.
Vikings up next.
The Lions had a football game to play and outmanned the soft-hearted Niners.
Vikings up next.
December 31, 2024 at 5:18 AM
Building a winning football culture means playing hard all the time. You can’t play hard when trying to avoid injuries, or even thinking about them.
The Lions had a football game to play and outmanned the soft-hearted Niners.
Vikings up next.
The Lions had a football game to play and outmanned the soft-hearted Niners.
Vikings up next.
Reposted by Stu Whitney
"Why can't you tase him, you know, or find some other way of getting him to where you can handcuff him and take him to jail?" Federal officers used pepper spray then shot and killed a #SouthDakota man moments after he livestreamed himself brushing his teeth.
Family seeks justice after man killed in raid
Zander Zephier was shot after law enforcement used pepper spray and entered the basement of his family's home on the Yankton Sioux Reservation.
buff.ly
December 18, 2024 at 2:00 PM
"Why can't you tase him, you know, or find some other way of getting him to where you can handcuff him and take him to jail?" Federal officers used pepper spray then shot and killed a #SouthDakota man moments after he livestreamed himself brushing his teeth.
Federal officers used pepper spray and shot and killed a young man with a criminal history in the basement of a tribal housing unit on the Yankton Sioux Reservation on Nov. 27.
His family is seeking answers — and they have security camera footage.
www.sdnewswatch.org/zander-zephi...
His family is seeking answers — and they have security camera footage.
www.sdnewswatch.org/zander-zephi...
Family seeks justice after man killed in raid
Zander Zephier was shot after law enforcement used pepper spray and entered the basement of his family's home on the Yankton Sioux Reservation.
www.sdnewswatch.org
December 18, 2024 at 2:52 PM
Federal officers used pepper spray and shot and killed a young man with a criminal history in the basement of a tribal housing unit on the Yankton Sioux Reservation on Nov. 27.
His family is seeking answers — and they have security camera footage.
www.sdnewswatch.org/zander-zephi...
His family is seeking answers — and they have security camera footage.
www.sdnewswatch.org/zander-zephi...
South Dakota’s public schools have one of the highest rates of Native American absenteeism in the country.
Meet some people who are seeking solutions rather than playing the blame game.
www.sdnewswatch.org/native-ameri...
Meet some people who are seeking solutions rather than playing the blame game.
www.sdnewswatch.org/native-ameri...
Native American absenteeism challenges S.D. educators
Family involvement, cultural emphasis among strategies to boost attendance. "It really comes down to engagement."
www.sdnewswatch.org
December 9, 2024 at 2:18 PM
South Dakota’s public schools have one of the highest rates of Native American absenteeism in the country.
Meet some people who are seeking solutions rather than playing the blame game.
www.sdnewswatch.org/native-ameri...
Meet some people who are seeking solutions rather than playing the blame game.
www.sdnewswatch.org/native-ameri...
“Good One” is a bracing directorial debut from India Donaldson about a daughter’s growing awareness of her father’s fallibility during a hiking trip in the Catskills. Deliberate pace and striking camerawork highlight Lily Collins’ understated lead role. Streaming on Apple TV.
December 8, 2024 at 3:28 AM
“Good One” is a bracing directorial debut from India Donaldson about a daughter’s growing awareness of her father’s fallibility during a hiking trip in the Catskills. Deliberate pace and striking camerawork highlight Lily Collins’ understated lead role. Streaming on Apple TV.
Ran into my freshman dorm floor mate from Michigan State at Williams Arena on Wednesday, ready to watch Sparty win its Big Ten basketball opener. Snyder-Phillips forever!
December 5, 2024 at 2:45 PM
Ran into my freshman dorm floor mate from Michigan State at Williams Arena on Wednesday, ready to watch Sparty win its Big Ten basketball opener. Snyder-Phillips forever!