Dakota Political Junkies

'Political Junkies' is a fan-favorite companion to SDPB's "In The Moment."Join host Lori Walsh as she discusses the top political headlines with journalists, former legislators, and political scientists from around the state. Select conversations broadcast on the air once a month on SDPB's "Morning Edition."

Analysis: Poll offers hints into GOP primary

Fifty-seven percent of Republicans who responded say if the primary were held today, they would cast their vote for Marty Jackley. SDPB's Dakota Political Junkies offer analysis on the limitations of those numbers.

11-05
34:24

Analysis: No end in sight for the government shutdown

Our Dakota Political Junkies discuss how the government shutdown started, how both parties are playing the blame game, and how it could one day end.

10-30
24:24

Analysis: Defense Secretary says Wounded Knee medals won't be rescinded

U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth took to social media to announce that the medals awarded after the Wounded Knee Massacre won't be recalled. Journalist Seth Tupper takes listeners into his coverage.

10-30
14:53

Analysis: A closer look at the tone of political messaging

Our Dakota Political Junkies explore how political messaging has changed over time, and they preview how candidates may talk about their opponents in the next election.

10-22
26:18

Analysis: New prison task force will focus on rehabilitation programs

Our Dakota Political Junkies share news from the governor's officer. They offer their analysis of the next step in South Dakota's prison plan.

10-09
33:19

Is Rapid City a Christian city?

Kevin Woster recently saw a shirt proclaiming, "This city belongs to Jesus." He and fellow Dakota Political Junkie Seth Tupper discuss how religion intersects with government.

09-18
26:24

Analysis: How national economic policies & indicators impact our finances

Our Dakota Political Junkies preview the upcoming special legislative session. Plus, what legislators watch for nationally when planning for the state's budget.

09-03
25:42

Analysis: Who counts as an American hero?

The White House wants states to remember our heroes. Our Dakota Political Junkies explore who could be memorialized in a new statue garden in the Black Hills.

08-27
36:14

Analysis: The not-so-distinct messaging of 2026's candidates

Michael Card, Ph.D., and Jon Hunter examine your potential 2026 ballot. What messages are candidates sharing now to sway your vote?

08-20
16:48

Analysis: Newspaper closures and the future of South Dakota journalism

Long-time journalist Kevin Woster analyzes the impacts of shuttering newspapers in Brookings, Huron, Redfield and Flandreau.

08-14
29:28

Analysis: Is Operation Prairie Thunder about public safety or politics?

Our Dakota Political Junkies take a closer look at the goals of South Dakota's new immigration enforcement initiative. And based on those goals, how do we know it's working?

08-06
23:07

Analysis: The shifting model of U.S. presidential authority

Our Dakota Political Junkies explore how President Trump may be claiming more spending power than previous administrations.

08-01
24:28

Analysis: Project Prison Reset causes some budgetary woes

Two former appropriators who were on the first prison committee unpack the final recommendations from the Project Prison Reset committee.

07-23
32:27

Analysis: How the One Big Beautiful Bill might impact South Dakota

President Donald Trump's budget bill will enact much of his domestic agenda. Our Dakota Political Junkies discuss how the tax and program cuts could be felt here at home.

07-09
21:59

Analysis: Secretary Kristi Noem's finances face fresh scrutiny

A ProPublica investigative report alleges Noem took a cut of political donations and didn't disclose it. Our Dakota Political Junkies offer their analysis.

07-02
23:27

Analysis: Too many headlines can distract voters

Our Dakota Political Junkies discuss how some political actions are being buried right in barrage of stories and headlines.

06-27
25:16

Analysis: Concerning poll results & shocking political violence

In light of recent shootings, we explore a poll that showed a troubling rise in the percentage of people who said political violence could be "justified."

06-20
12:22

Analysis: Early 2026 gubernatorial announcements sees similar candidates

Our Dakota Political Junkies discuss the two candidates in the running for the 2026 governor's race (so far): Jon Hansen and Toby Doeden.

06-12
17:46

Analysis: New report says state will need another prison in 10 years

Former legislators Jean Hunhoff and Linda Duba unpack what they found unsurprising in the new prison report. Plus, a look at bureaucracy in the state. Do we need a DOGE?

05-29
30:55

Analysis: A speech, a protest & an ICE 'raid' in Madison

Our Dakota Political Junkies discuss why Secretary Kristi Noem's commencement address at Dakota State University sparked protests. Plus, a "raid" on a Madison business.

05-22
23:08

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