Tag: Politics

Agriculture, Commentary, GovernmentLeave a comment

Neighbors and city policymakers cry fowl about backyard chickens

Gary Dickson

Cheryl Tevis discusses the resurgence of backyard chicken raising amid recent food supply chain disruptions and inflation. She shares personal anecdotes and observations about the trend, highlighting the economic benefits and implications on industrial egg production. The piece also addresses regulatory challenges and public health considerations, while emphasizing the enduring appeal of raising chickens for many Americans. Continue reading Neighbors and city policymakers cry fowl about backyard chickens

Education, Government, JusticeLeave a comment

Regents change political activity policy to allow employees to run for Legislature

Gary Dickson

The South Dakota Board of Regents, in a meeting, changed its policy to allow public university employees to run for state legislative office, following a state Supreme Court decision on the matter. This change brings more diverse perspectives to the legislative process, allowing voters to address any potential conflicts of interest. The decision is seen as a victory for citizen representation in the state’s legislature, providing clarity and closure for those affected. Continue reading Regents change political activity policy to allow employees to run for Legislature

Commentary, Education, Justice2 Comments

It’s time for WITCC to stop the song and dance routine

Gary Dickson

Western Iowa Tech Community College has settled lawsuits with international students from Brazil and Chile, who were allegedly misled about their programs and forced to work in meatpacking plants. President Terry Murrell took responsibility, but the college denies wrongdoing. Critics question the settlements and demand accountability from the college’s board. The community seeks transparency and proper redress. Continue reading It’s time for WITCC to stop the song and dance routine

PoliticsLeave a comment

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

Economy, Government, South DakotaLeave a comment

‘We have nothing’: Flood victims say government failures continue after botched flood warning

Gary Dickson

Residents in McCook Lake, South Dakota were caught off guard by a devastating flood on June 23, 2024, despite inadequate warning from authorities. The flood caused extensive damage, and relief efforts have been disorganized, leaving residents uncertain about the future. Many lack flood insurance and are waiting for potential FEMA assistance. Continue reading ‘We have nothing’: Flood victims say government failures continue after botched flood warning

PoliticsLeave a comment

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

Government, Justice, South DakotaLeave a comment

Counties hit with $74,000 in plaintiffs’ attorney fees for trying to restrict petition circulators

Gary Dickson

The Minnehaha County Courthouse and Lawrence County violated the First Amendment rights of petition circulators. They had to pay $74,000 in attorney fees and costs. The circulators were gathering signatures for measures related to abortion rights and state sales taxes. Lawyer Jim Leach represented the group in their successful lawsuit. Continue reading Counties hit with $74,000 in plaintiffs’ attorney fees for trying to restrict petition circulators

Government, HealthcareLeave a comment

Judge finds that Board of Medicine withheld information from accused doctor

Gary Dickson

A judge ruled that Iowa licensing officials failed to provide all necessary information to a physician accused of incompetence. Dr. Giovanni Ciuffo faced charges of professional incompetence and misleading representation. A judge stayed the proceedings due to the board’s failure to consider Ciuffo’s arguments for a continuance. Another physician, Hamza Alsayouf, also took the Board of Medicine to court for failing to provide complete information. Continue reading Judge finds that Board of Medicine withheld information from accused doctor

Government, Healthcare3 Comments

Iowa’s licensing boards shut off access to information on charges

Gary Dickson

Iowa’s licensing boards may now keep secret the alleged misconduct tied to charges of professional incompetence, ethical violations, patient abuse, and criminal convictions, restricting public access to information. Disclosure of charges against practitioners has been greatly limited since October 2021, following a ruling by the Iowa Supreme Court to keep investigative information confidential until final rulings. This has led to inconsistencies in public disclosure by various licensing boards, prompting concerns about transparency and access to information. Continue reading Iowa’s licensing boards shut off access to information on charges

Environment, Government, JusticeLeave a comment

Ruling that dilutes regulatory power could ripple through farm and ranch country for years

Gary Dickson

The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Loper Bright Enterprises vs. Raimondo has overturned the 40-year precedent known as the Chevron doctrine, limiting deference to federal agency expertise. This ruling will impact farmers and ranchers in South Dakota, allowing them better standing to challenge agency rules. The decision is expected to lead to more consistency in regulations and an increase in lawsuits over federal regulations. Continue reading Ruling that dilutes regulatory power could ripple through farm and ranch country for years