Politics
South Dakota’s Political Prominence Brings Change and Uncertainty
In the wake of the 2024 general election, South Dakota has seen some of its politicians sent to prominent positions. Senator John Thune won a bid to become the Senate Republicans next leader, replacing Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. “I wasn’t surprised by that at all,” said political science professor Julia Hellwege. “I think has […]
What’s Up With the Traffic Lights on Cherry Street?
Every morning, I wake up, get dressed and drive to campus. During this drive, I ask a question in my head as I drive south on Dakota Street: how long will it take to cross Cherry Street? Some days, I wait very little, others, much longer. Once in a blue moon, I roll up on […]
Restore Abortion Rights in South Dakota
Besides the presidential election, South Dakotans should pay attention to a key amendment they’ll find when they go to the ballot box in 2024: enshrining the right to an abortion in the state constitution. I urge all students at USD to vote in 2024, and to vote in favor of restoring this right. There’s been […]
Say No to Unsafe, Dishonest Abortion Petition
Last June, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. This decision allows each state full autonomy over the legality of abortion. Abortion has shown to be a controversial and motivating influence in past elections. Currently, signatures are being gathered to amend the state’s constitution to allow for nearly unregulated abortions during an entire pregnancy. This […]
Missing Trump: a Twitter Wasteland
Neither my roommate nor I voted for Trump. If we ever wore the famous red MAGA cap, it would probably be as a joke. And yet, lately, we can’t help but feel there’s something missing from our lives. News still happens of course, but it feels strangely hollow, like there’s nothing undergirding it. I have […]
“Chartthrobs” keep America engaged during long election
Through the whirlwind election, Americans found unique ways to entertain themselves through the four days of ballot counting. As eyes were glued to the screen, one of the only things keeping people engaged were the political correspondents. Across the networks, the political correspondents kept Americans on the edge of their seats with their smartboards and […]
Former Antifa activist speaks at TPUSA event
Gabriel Nadales, a former Antifa activist, gave a speech in Aalfs Auditorium for a newly formed student organization at USD, Turning Point USA-USD (TP-USA-USD), on Tuesday, Oct. 27. Nadales is a conservative activist who travels to college campuses around the United States to spread his ideas and recently published a book titled “Behind the Black […]
USD political student organizations prepare for 2020 election night
With 2020 Election Night less than a week away both the USD College Democrat and USD College Republican student organizations are preparing for the big night as well as events following the election. Both groups have undergone new leadership in the last two years and have underclassmen as presidents. Melody Beaulieu, a sophomore political science […]
Vermillion mayor and USD alumnus Jack Powell passes
After a five-year battle with cancer, Mayor John E. (Jack) Powell, retired USD professor and Vermillion, passed away on Monday, April 20. Powell was elected mayor in 2010 after serving three terms on the city council, according to the Vermillion Plain Talk. He was elected again in 2014 and 2018, serving the city for a […]
South Dakota primary set for June, absentee voting available
South Dakota’s primary election will take place on June 2 this year. In response to the continued rise in COVID-19 cases, legislation was prompted earlier this month — making this the first time residents will receive absentee ballots via mail. The application for absentee voting is now officially open. Every South Dakotan will receive an […]