The South Dakota Standard

Greetings.

Welcome to the launch of The South Dakota Standard! Tom Lawrence and I will bring you thoughts and ideas concerning issues pertinent to the health and well-being of our political culture. Feel free to let us know what you are thinking.

As the new year arrives, South Dakota Democrats face an old problem — they stand no chance in presidential campaign

Jan 2

Jan 2 As the new year arrives, South Dakota Democrats face an old problem — they stand no chance in presidential campaign

Let’s resolve to raise South Dakota teacher salaries. They're among the lowest paid in the nation and deserve better.

Jan 1

Jan 1 Let’s resolve to raise South Dakota teacher salaries. They're among the lowest paid in the nation and deserve better.

The economy gave Biden a big thumbs-up in ‘23. Will it last through ‘24? There’s always an “X” factor, but the trend is Biden’s friend

Dec 31

Dec 31 The economy gave Biden a big thumbs-up in ‘23. Will it last through ‘24? There’s always an “X” factor, but the trend is Biden’s friend

Republicans once understood the need to protect the environment but now, they cheer ‘drill, baby, drill’

Dec 30

Dec 30 Republicans once understood the need to protect the environment but now, they cheer ‘drill, baby, drill’

Tim Giago: Lakota people will never forget the Dec. 29, 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre, nor should anyone

Dec 29

Dec 29 Tim Giago: Lakota people will never forget the Dec. 29, 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre, nor should anyone

Rapid City financial advisor Rick Kahler: What is a financial therapist, and how do you know when you need one?

Dec 28

Dec 28 Rapid City financial advisor Rick Kahler: What is a financial therapist, and how do you know when you need one?

Gov. Noem will be trying out for vice president next week during an appearance at a MAGA rally in Iowa.

Dec 27

Dec 27 Gov. Noem will be trying out for vice president next week during an appearance at a MAGA rally in Iowa.

Trump eyeing Gov. Kristi Noem as running mate — maybe that’s something she would actually care about

Dec 26

Dec 26 Trump eyeing Gov. Kristi Noem as running mate — maybe that’s something she would actually care about

Some tips on how to enjoy Christmas and make it a merry and truly memorable day for you and your loved ones

Dec 25

Dec 25 Some tips on how to enjoy Christmas and make it a merry and truly memorable day for you and your loved ones

‘Bad blood?’ Trump’s ignorant, hateful rhetoric makes him recall a joyous Christmas service with African immigrants

Dec 24

Dec 24 ‘Bad blood?’ Trump’s ignorant, hateful rhetoric makes him recall a joyous Christmas service with African immigrants

Environmental researcher Don Carr returns to hometown Sioux Falls to launch his first novel, ‘The Midnight Rambler’

Dec 23

Dec 23 Environmental researcher Don Carr returns to hometown Sioux Falls to launch his first novel, ‘The Midnight Rambler’

A lesson from Dickens: Avoid the “Scrooge syndrome.” Don’t confuse financial success with a full and happy life

Dec 22

Dec 22 A lesson from Dickens: Avoid the “Scrooge syndrome.” Don’t confuse financial success with a full and happy life

Buffer strips are working in Iowa and Minnesota, and could have a positive impact on Big Sioux Watershed

Dec 21

Dec 21 Buffer strips are working in Iowa and Minnesota, and could have a positive impact on Big Sioux Watershed

Writer/editor Kevin Abourezk: Almost all of us suffer from some form of trauma. How we heal is up to us

Dec 20

Dec 20 Writer/editor Kevin Abourezk: Almost all of us suffer from some form of trauma. How we heal is up to us

South Dakota Democrats announce slate of candidates to try to hold three legislative seats in Sioux Falls

Dec 19

Dec 19 South Dakota Democrats announce slate of candidates to try to hold three legislative seats in Sioux Falls

SDDP adding staffers, lobbying Biden and Harris to fill judgeships, and optimistic about party’s future

Dec 18

Dec 18 SDDP adding staffers, lobbying Biden and Harris to fill judgeships, and optimistic about party’s future

Noem and Walz have similar backgrounds but very different approaches to politics and government

Dec 17

Dec 17 Noem and Walz have similar backgrounds but very different approaches to politics and government

Former Aberdeen Mayor Mike Levsen on the good, bad and kind people and comments after a big snowstorm

Dec 16

Dec 16 Former Aberdeen Mayor Mike Levsen on the good, bad and kind people and comments after a big snowstorm

Native-American activist organization NDN Collective responds to Grand Gateway Hotel’s apology

Dec 15

Dec 15 Native-American activist organization NDN Collective responds to Grand Gateway Hotel’s apology

Rapid City's Grand Gateway Hotel issues apology for racist comments in long-running controversy

Dec 14

Dec 14 Rapid City's Grand Gateway Hotel issues apology for racist comments in long-running controversy