Charlie Hoffman

It has been a bad legislative session for those who value open government in South Dakota.  When the Legislature had the chance to make police records and booking photos open records, they said no.  When the Legislature had the chance to repeal the...

You the reader can let your legislators know whether you support or oppose a ban on texting while driving a motor vehicle. You can also let your legislators know whether you want a ban on texting while governing. This question — should...

PIERRE — With one member missing, the state House of Representatives fell shy by one yes vote Tuesday of approving a major expansion of South Dakota’s open-government laws.  The vote was 35-34 in favor but the measure needed 36 yes votes for...

Editor's note: As part of the coverage of the 2013 legislative session, the American News will provide, on most days, a list of 10 pieces of information helpful to understanding what is — and sometimes isn’t — happening at the state...

The state Public Utilities Commission would be allowed to put new financial reporting, monitoring and bonding requirements in place for grain buyers and grain warehouses in South Dakota as soon as possible, under a measure that cleared the state House...

Lobbyists for grain elevators, agricultural cooperatives and South Dakota Farmers Union gave their support Thursday to reforms sought by the state Public Utilities Commission for grain-buying and grain-warehouse regulations.  PUC chairman Chris Nelson...

PIERRE - Lobbyists for grain elevators, agricultural cooperatives and South Dakota Farmers Union gave their support Thursday to reforms sought by the state Public Utilities Commission for grain-buying and grain-warehouse regulations. PUC chairman...

Editor's note: As part of the coverage of the 2013 legislative session, the American News will provide, on most days, a list of 10 pieces of information helpful to understanding what is - and sometimes isn't - happening at the state Capitol during the...

Editor's note: As part of the coverage of the 2013 legislative session, the American News will provide, on most days, a list of 10 pieces of information helpful to understanding what is — and sometimes isn’t — happening at the state...

The battle over texting while driving in South Dakota is on: A lawmaker from Davison County introduced legislation Tuesday that would ban it in most cases.  “I’m looking at changing the culture. I understand up front it’s difficult...

Thirty-one candidates for the 105 seats in the South Dakota Legislature were automatic winners Tuesday because they didn’t have opponents in the general elections. They included 12 of candidates for the 35-seat Senate and 19 of the candidates for...

 With the general election less than a month away, many local voters are contemplating their choices.  In the weeks to come, the American News will publish more election-related stories with an emphasis on local races and topics. Below is a list of...