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Winter Clothing Drive Organized Amid Federal Budget Cuts
RAPID CITY, S.D. — A grassroots organization is collecting winter clothing donations for vulnerable community members as federal budget cuts affect programs across South Dakota. Indivisible Rapid City organized the winter gear donation drive during a Saturday protest to support Good Medicine Lodge. The group is seeking new or gently used hats, gloves, socks, coats and blankets. The group says the “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act” passed by Congress last year cut funding for programs including SNAP assistance, Medicaid coverage and student loan programs. Organizers say working families are feeling the impact.
Applications Sought for Historic Sign Review Committee Vacancy
RAPID CITY, S.D. — The deadline to apply for a vacancy on the City’s Historic Sign Review Committee is fast approaching. Rapid City is seeking to fill one (1) vacancy on the committee. The vacant Committee position is set aside for a downtown property/business owner and the term is for three years. Interested citizens are encouraged to apply by submitting a Citizens Interest Application online. Application deadline is next Friday, February 13 at 5 p.m. The Historic Sign Review Committee meets on an as-need basis to review and approve sign permits located within any historic district or on property listed and regulated by the National Register of Historic Places.
Senate Panel Advances Mobile Sports Betting Measure
PIERRE, S.D. — A Senate committee voted 4-3 on Friday to send Senate Joint Resolution 504 to the Senate floor. The proposal would ask voters whether to amend the state Constitution to allow mobile sports betting. Sen. Casey Crabtree, R-Madison, the prime sponsor, said the proposal will allow voters to decide the issue while giving the Legislature control over future regulations. Most tax revenue would be dedicated to property tax relief.
Lawmakers Move Forward With Property Tax Relief Fund
PIERRE, S.D. — A Senate committee moved forward with a bill creating a homeowner tax reduction fund. However, it killed a companion proposal that would have required the state to deposit at least 100 million dollars a year starting in fiscal 2028, using revenues from the temporary 4.2 percent sales tax cut. Supporters of SB118 said it would provide permanent property tax relief. Opponents warned it could limit future budget flexibility.
Venezuela frees several opposition members after lengthy politically motivated detentions
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuela’s government has released several prominent opposition members from prison, including one of the closest allies of Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado. These releases come as acting President Delcy Rodríguez faces pressure to free those detained for political reasons. The move follows a visit from representatives of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. On Sunday, Foro Penal confirmed the release of at least 30 people. Machado’s ally Juan Pablo Guanipa, a former governor, and her attorney, Perkins Rocha, were among the released. The ruling party-controlled National Assembly is debating an amnesty bill that could lead to more releases. (Full Story)
Voters are worried about the cost of housing. But Trump wants home prices to keep climbing
WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is trying to show it’s lowering the cost of living, but President Donald Trump has said he doesn’t want to see the price of homes come down. He wants to keep values high. That’s something in the interest of existing homeowners and they’re a key part of his political base. And older voters tend to show up to vote more than do younger people, so Trump’s position on housing could be a factor in the November elections. But Trump’s aversion to policies that would expand housing supply and lower prices risks alienating younger voters and could hurt the chances for his Republican Party to expand its voting base. (Full Story)
Investigation continues a week after Savannah Guthrie mother was reported missing
TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — The investigation into the apparent kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie, mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, continues. Authorities believe she was taken last weekend. Savannah Guthrie addressed potential kidnappers in a social media video, stating the family is prepared to pay for her safe return. The FBI is reviewing a message sent to a Tucson TV station. Multiple ransom letters have been received, but their credibility is unclear. Concerns grow for Nancy’s health due to her need for daily medication. The case has captured national attention. (Full Story)
