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Thune Addresses Midterm Outlook, Economy and Epstein Files During Rapid City Visit
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Senate Majority Leader John Thune spoke in Rapid City about a recent article predicting Republican setbacks in the midterm elections, saying elections without a presidential candidate on the ballot often center on economic issues. Thune said voters in the political middle focus on “kitchen table” concerns such as income, safety and opportunity. He pointed to legislative accomplishments, including the Big Beautiful Bill, lower inflation and efforts aimed at addressing housing challenges, as signs of economic growth and increased investment. When asked about the Epstein files, Thune said he supports transparency and believes information should be made public so Americans can draw their own conclusions.
Rapid City Council Approves $44 Million for Airport Expansion and $39 Million for New Maintenance Facility
RAPID CITY, S.D. — The Rapid City Council approved $44 million in Vision Fund dollars to support a $100 million expansion at Rapid City Regional Airport that will add five new gates and reduce delays when multiple airlines arrive at once. The Legal and Finance Committee previously approved the initial funding, with officials noting local investment is required to secure federal funds. The council also approved $39 million for a new fleet maintenance and fire facility to consolidate public works, fire and parks operations. Airport officials plan to break ground on the terminal expansion within 12 to 24 months, while the first phase of the project, including baggage automation and TSA expansion, is already halfway complete.
Attorney General Reports Statewide Crime Decrease in 2025
PIERRE, S.D. — South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that the overall number of reported criminal offenses statewide in 2025 decreased by 6.03 percent compared to 2024. The Crime in South Dakota 2025 Report includes 64,261 criminal offenses in 2025 compared to 68,388 in 2024. Drug offenses decreased 6.25 percent in 2025 compared to 2024. There were 6,358 drug offenses in 2025 compared to 6,782 in 2024. The more serious crimes, known as Group A, which include such offenses as homicides, sex offenses, and aggravated assaults, saw a 7.78-percent decrease. The number of less serious offenses, known as Group B and which include such crimes as DUI and disorderly conduct, saw a 2.09 percent decrease from 2024.
House Committee Defeats Grocery Sales Tax Cut Proposal
PIERRE, S.D. — A South Dakota House committee has killed a bill that would have cut the sales tax on groceries to zero — but raised the overall sales tax rate and cigarette taxes to pay for it. Backers said the plan would help families and create a zero-interest school construction loan fund. Opponents said it would raise overall taxes and limit budget flexibility. The committee voted 11-to-1 to send the bill to the 41st day.
Nevada pays $100K to woman convicted for miscarriage under 1911 law
Nevada has agreed to pay a South Dakota woman $100,000 after she was wrongly convicted under a rare state law that treats some abortions as manslaughter. The state Board of Medical Examiners recently approved a settlement with Patience Rousseau without comment. Rousseau is the only person ever charged under a 1911 statute. It targets people who take drugs to end a pregnancy after 24 weeks. She delivered a stillborn baby in 2018 and police later arrested her. She pleaded guilty and spent two years in prison. A judge vacated her conviction in 2021 due to ineffective assistance of counsel. Her case was dismissed in 2025. The law has not been changed. (Full Story)
HUD Proposes Rule Limiting Public Housing to Citizens and Eligible Noncitizens
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on Thursday proposed a rule that would limit public housing assistance primarily to U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens, requiring all residents in HUD-funded housing to provide proof of citizenship or qualifying status. The measure would bar mixed-status families from receiving assistance and expand documentation requirements to all residents, including those 62 and older. HUD Secretary Scott Turner said the rule is intended to ensure only eligible tenants receive benefits. Housing advocates criticized the proposal, citing estimates that up to 20,000 families, or as many as 80,000 people, could lose assistance if the rule takes effect. The proposal is set to be published in the Federal Register, and HUD has not provided a timeline for implementation. (Full Story)
Former Prince Andrew arrested and held for hours on suspicion of misconduct over ties to Epstein
LONDON (AP) — The former Prince Andrew was arrested and held for hours by British police on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to his links to Jeffrey Epstein. The arrest Thursday was an extraordinary move in a country where authorities once sought to shield the royal family from embarrassment. It was the first time in nearly four centuries that a senior British royal was placed under arrest, and it underscored how deference to the monarchy has eroded in recent years. King Charles III took the unusual step of issuing a statement on the arrest of his brother, saying the law must take its course. The former prince was released about 11 hours later. (Full Story)
