Surprise: Republican endorses Democrat

SEARCHLIGHT NEWS

By Seth Tupper

Four years after refusing to acknowledge the legitimacy of a Democratic president’s electoral victory, the Republican who serves as South Dakota’s top election official has endorsed a Democratic candidate to succeed her.

“I understand that this decision will disappoint some people in my party and anger others,” Secretary of State Monae Johnson said Saturday in a written statement.

COMMENTARY

By Dana Hess

As they cast their ballots now through Election Day on Nov. 3, voters will decide on four constitutional amendments, all courtesy of the South Dakota Legislature. Three of the amendments reflect their origins in a Legislature that’s top-heavy with Republicans. Those three deal with popular Republican topics: tinkering with voting rights, looking to squeeze out expanded Medicaid and making it tougher for citizens to have their say in changes to the state constitution.

FROM STATES NEWSROOM

By David Lightman

WASHINGTON — The rare 2026 issue that draws huge support from Republicans and Democrats in Congress is the same one that’s mobilized many Americans: restrictions on giant data centers.

The House has overwhelmingly passed legislation forcing state regulators to consider requirements that data centers absorb the cost of the electricity they use.

But there’s more to be done, say data center critics, and they’re finding there is no easy or even obvious answer about what to do next.

AROUND THE REGION

SD NEWS FROM OTHER MEDIA

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