Dakota Political Junkies

In light of recent shootings, we explore a poll that showed a troubling rise in the percentage of people who said political violence could be "justified."

Our Dakota Political Junkies discuss the two candidates in the running for the 2026 governor's race (so far): Jon Hansen and Toby Doeden.

Former legislators Jean Hunhoff and Linda Duba unpack what they found unsurprising in the new prison report. Plus, a look at bureaucracy in the state. Do we need a DOGE?

Our Dakota Political Junkies discuss why Secretary Kristi Noem's commencement address at Dakota State University sparked protests. Plus, a "raid" on a Madison business.

For Republicans thinking about re-election, our Dakota Political Junkies say they have to carefully weigh their words and actions in the current environment.

The Dakota Scout's Jonathan Ellis breaks down his coverage of the dropped charges against the Maude family. He also discusses the crowded race for South Dakota's next governor.

Our Dakota Political Junkies take a look at how Trump's actions have deviated from the presidential norm. They also explore what we can really glean from the latest polls.

Secretary Kristi Noem appeared in several news headlines over the weekend. South Dakota Searchlight's Seth Tupper takes a look at how she works coverage in her favor.

Jon Hunter and Michael Card, Ph.D., scrutinize Thune's performance as majority leader. They round up national headlines and stories about the South Dakota congressman.

Patrick Lalley says property taxes aren't the biggest concern for Sioux Falls residents. He shares who you should really call if you're dissatisfied with your tax bill.

Former legislators Linda Duba and Jean Hunhoff take a look at how Rhoden's proposals on property taxes and the prison fit into the budget.

Lisa Hager, Ph.D., and David Wiltse, Ph.D., discuss the challenges that Trump's executive actions are facing in the courts, especially in regards to education.

Since 1985, journalist Bob Mercer has left his mark on 40 South Dakota legislative sessions. He discusses his time as a reporter and as a governor's press secretary.

Kevin Woster and Brad "Murdoc" Jurgensen discuss the surprises and frustrations of South Dakota's 2025 legislative session, from the ingestion bill to government funding.

Jon Hunter and Michael Card explore the impact of a contentious 2024 primary, the ongoing debate over direct democracy, and the role of legislative mentorship.

The Dakota Scout requested former Gov. Kristi Noem's state credit card records last year. Jonathan Ellis shares why and how the story has developed since.

South Dakota Searchlight's Seth Tupper unpacks his commentary on the politics behind the teacher shortage.

Our Junkies discuss what they expect from the new governor. Plus, do taxpayers have a right to know how governors spend their money? Even when it's on a credit card?

Former state lawmakers Jean Hunhoff and Linda Duba bring their years on the appropriations committee to analyze what current legislators are up against.

Our Dakota Political Junkies analyze how Trump wants to reshape the government and its implications for federal employees and state governments.

Rep. Tony Venhuizen has been named Gov. Larry Rhoden's pick for second-in-command. He shares how he'll bring his conservative values to the office.

Gov. Larry Rhoden took the oath of office on Monday. Our Dakota Political Junkies explore how his administration could be different from Noem's.

Seth Tupper of South Dakota Searchlight and Jonathan Ellis of The Dakota Scout share how they would sum up Gov. Kristi Noem's political rise.

Two former state lawmakers provide their insights into what Gov. Kristi Noem said — and what data she didn't provide —during her State of the State address.

The State of the State felt like a farewell address from a governor on her way to Washington. Our Dakota Political Junkies take a closer look at Noem's latest top 10 list.

Sen. John Thune starts his new leadership position. Gov. Kristi Noem's confirmation hearing starts next week. And Rep. Dusty Johnson is a powerful voice in the House.

Rep. Linda Duba and Sen. Jean Hunhoff step in as our Dakota Political Junkies to share what they're watching for in the state's next legislative session.

Our Dakota Political Junkies unpack the priorities that Noem laid out in her budget address. And we look at the legacy she leaves in her wake on her way to Washington.

Noem stood before legislators on Tuesday and laid out her proposals for the next state budget. Our Dakota Political Junkies provide their analysis.

A gubernatorial press release lays out new training and oversight for state employees. Our Dakota Political Junkies explore the content and timing of the announcement.

Lisa Hager, Ph.D., and David Wiltse, Ph.D., discuss the latest national news about South Dakota's political leaders and what to expect next year in politics.

Our Dakota Political Junkie explores the political futures of a few of our most powerful state leaders, as well as the many ballot measures that failed last week.

Seth Tupper from South Dakota Searchlight and Jonathan Ellis from The Dakota Scout round up their Election Day reporting with us.

Former President Donald Trump is returning to the White House. Our Dakota Political Junkies analyze the 2024 polls, campaigns and presidential candidates.

Jon Hunter and Michael Card, Ph.D., break down Tuesday's results, Election Day surprises and what happens next.

Seth Tupper from South Dakota Searchlight and Brad "Murdoc" Jurgensen from the Dakota Town Hall podcast share the latest news leading up to the election

Jonathan Ellis and Tom Dempster unpack the history of marijuana in the state. Plus, the view from the press balcony and floor of U.S. Sen. Tim Johnson's funeral.

U.S. Sen. Tim Johnson passed away on Tuesday evening. We hear from Stephanie Herseth Sandlin and Drey Samuelson. Plus, our Dakota Political Junkies look back on the legacy of Sen. Karl Mundt.

Our Dakota Political Junkies bring their analysis to the race between Sheryl Johnson, Democrat, and incumbent Rep. Dusty Johnson, Republican.

South Dakotans will vote on the abortion issue this November. Our Dakota Political Junkie looks at what voters and legislators have said about abortion in the past.

Our Dakota Political Junkies take us to the floors of the Republican and Democratic National Conventions. We examine the differing tones and messages from these events.

In the wake of two recent South Dakota financial scandals, Rich Sattgast joined "In the Moment" to share how we got here. Our Junkies provide their commentary.

In the 80s, police found heroin in Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s luggage on a flight to Rapid City. Our Dakota Political Junkies re-examine his conviction.

Gov. Kristi Noem was on Trump's VP shortlist before he eventually chose J.D. Vance. Our Junkies discuss what may have happened if two different Midwesterners were on the ballot.

There are seven ballot questions before South Dakota voters this fall. From abortion to work requirements to marijuana, we explore the questions and their implications.

President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 election this weekend. We ask our Junkies if there's a constitutional roadmap for what comes next.

Our Dakota Political Junkies ask what happened to Gov. Kristi Noem's social media profiles. They discuss the political impacts of the unexplained deletion.

We learn how the Supreme Court's decision on presidential immunity will impact our Dakota Political Junkie's syllabus this fall. Lisa Hager, Ph.D., is a professor at SDSU.

Our Dakota Political Junkies analyze the state government's response during and after weekend flooding submerged parts of southeastern South Dakota.

Jonathan Ellis, co-founder of The Dakota Scout, discusses the latest staffing news in Gov. Kristi Noem's office. Plus, we talk about the new newspaper of record for Sioux Falls.

Several incumbents lost their seats during Tuesday's primaries. Our Dakota Political Junkies look at what to expect in November and for the next legislative session.