Category: Politics

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Iowa Lt. Governor Adam Gregg is leaving his position to focus on family

Gary Dickson

Iowa’s Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg resigned to prioritize family, praised by Gov. Reynolds and Iowa AG Bird. Reynolds to appoint replacement. Graduated from Central College and Drake University Law School. Previously ran for Attorney General of Iowa and served as Iowa State Public Defender. Married to Cari, with two children. Resignation effective September 3, 2024. Continue reading Iowa Lt. Governor Adam Gregg is leaving his position to focus on family

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As fentanyl ravages Iowa, activists push for the legalization of fentanyl test strips

Gary Dickson

A majority of the 300 overdose deaths in Iowa in 2022 involved fentanyl. Activists are pushing for the legalization of fentanyl test strips to prevent accidental overdoses. Despite concerns, supporters believe these strips can save lives and provide valuable information about drug supply. Legalization faces resistance due to stigma and fear of enabling drug use. Continue reading As fentanyl ravages Iowa, activists push for the legalization of fentanyl test strips

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Iowa Lottery announces record annual sales

Gary Dickson

The Iowa Lottery reported a record $489.9 million in sales for the 2024 fiscal year, representing a 1.7% increase from the previous year. Despite a slight decrease in proceeds to the state, prizes to players reached a record $312.6 million, and lottery sales commissions to Iowa businesses grew by 2%. The highest-selling lottery products were scratch games, followed by Powerball and Mega Millions. Proceeds support important state causes, including the Iowa Veterans Trust Fund and programs for law enforcement and firefighters. Dana Wingert, Des Moines chief of police, commended the lottery’s efforts to promote National Gambling Awareness Month and provide services for gambling addiction disorders. Continue reading Iowa Lottery announces record annual sales

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Referred pipeline law puts company’s permit quest in limbo

Gary Dickson

The permit process and ballot referral highlight the emergence of carbon pipelines and landowner rights as political flashpoints in South Dakota. Summit Carbon Solutions seeks a permit for a network of carbon capture pipelines, and a citizen-led referral challenges a legislative package known as the “Landowner Bill of Rights.” The referendum will give voters a direct say in pipeline policy. Continue reading Referred pipeline law puts company’s permit quest in limbo

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Trump ‘honored the Constitution,’ Noem says in convention speech

Gary Dickson

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem praised former President Donald Trump’s commitment to the Constitution at the Republican National Convention, without acknowledging his criminal indictment for subverting it. She also highlighted South Dakota’s economy and policies, but faced criticism from the Democratic Party. Trump was formally nominated for president, and U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance was announced as his running mate. Continue reading Trump ‘honored the Constitution,’ Noem says in convention speech

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Prouty swamps Headid in sheriff’s race.

Gary Dickson

Jim Prouty secures 79% of the vote, defeating Rich Headid in the Republican primary for Union County Sheriff. With no Democratic primary, Prouty is poised to complete the late Sheriff Dan Limoges’ term. Prouty’s extensive experience and widespread support across precincts underscore his victory. Additionally, Sydney Davis, Chris Kassin, and William Shorma win GOP legislative primaries. Continue reading Prouty swamps Headid in sheriff’s race.

Commentary, Government, Politics8 Comments

Immigrants are not the problem. Don’t believe the propaganda.

Gary Dickson

My folks floated over the pond with the cattle down below in steerage. One was an indentured servant, another a prison guard, others were among an army of Irish who helped drive the Native people off the Mississippi River near Dubuque to claim the lead mines. Still another branch settled the sloughs around Emmetsburg about the time the last Dakota were being driven out.

Immigrants. Good and not so good. The Mulroney brothers were not a welcome sight to the existing indigenous people when Fort Dodge was still a fort.

It cannot be avoided. It’s who we are, a nation of immigrants determined to write a new story for ourselves: That we came by it all fair and square; we did not. That we earned it; we stole it. And now that we are in control, we would rather keep others out. Until we need the cheap labor. Continue reading Immigrants are not the problem. Don’t believe the propaganda.

Government, Politics, South DakotaLeave a comment

Who leads South Dakota if Noem runs for vice president? ‘I still get to be governor’ she says.

Gary Dickson

Standing next to a row of bookcases in the Mitchell High School library, South Dakota’s lieutenant governor was asked about taking the reins of state government.

It’s a sensitive subject for Larry Rhoden, who has embraced his supporting role as Gov. Kristi Noem’s second-in-command since entering office in 2019 following 16 years in the state Legislature.

“I try not to bring it up,” said the Union Center rancher when asked by News Watch about how his duties might change if Noem is chosen as Donald Trump’s vice presidential nominee on the Republican ticket. “I don’t want to make it look like I’m thinking about it.”

Despite that political prudence, the subject is hard to avoid.

Continue reading Who leads South Dakota if Noem runs for vice president? ‘I still get to be governor’ she says.

Government, Politics, South Dakota2 Comments

Noem slings accusations about tribes while signing education bills

Gary Dickson

Gov. Kristi Noem leveled accusations against Native American parents and political leaders Wednesday while saying she wants to help Native American students succeed.

She made the comments during a town hall meeting in Mitchell, where she signed two education bills into law, and at a later town hall in Winner.

“We’ve got some tribal leaders that I believe are personally benefitting from the cartels being here, and that’s why they attack me every day,” she said. Continue reading Noem slings accusations about tribes while signing education bills

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Hand counting vs. voting machines: Debate rages in South Dakota

Gary Dickson

Most of the county officials who administer elections in South Dakota don’t consider hand counting to be an effective or efficient method of tabulating votes.

That’s the result of a South Dakota News Watch survey that saw input from 49 of the state’s 66 county auditors. Auditors are elected officials who supervise county, state and federal elections as well as maintain financial records and other duties.

The hand count debate comes as South Dakota is viewed as a proving ground by election reformists who claim that recent elections across the county were marred by hacking or fraud, allegations repeatedly rejected by courts of law as well as Democratic and Republican election leaders. Continue reading Hand counting vs. voting machines: Debate rages in South Dakota