Incoming Senate Majority Leader Senator John Thune led action in the Senate to put the brakes on plans by Democrat Leader Chuck Schumer to load the Senate’s remaining schedule for the year with Democrat judicial nominees
Senate Republicans opted to delay votes and draw out floor action on Monday night after Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., sought to stack additional judicial confirmation votes on the calendar ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Two sources familiar told Fox News Digital that the plan to slow down the Senate was spearheaded by Senate Minority Whip John Thune, R-S.D., who was recently elected as the next Republican Senate leader.
“If Sen. Schumer thought Senate Republicans would just roll over and allow him to quickly confirm multiple Biden-appointed judges to lifetime jobs in the final weeks of the Democrat majority, he thought wrong,” Thune told Fox News Digital in an exclusive statement.
Building Pathways for South Dakota’s Future: Summit Carbon Solutions Advances with Statewide Permit Application Company Celebrates Collaborative Efforts with Landowners as Permit Application Begins Formal Review Process
Ames, Iowa [November 19, 2024] – Summit Carbon Solutions announced today the submission of its permit application to the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (PUC), marking a major milestone in its effort to develop a transformative infrastructure project that benefits landowners, agriculture, and communities statewide. This filing reflects extensive engagement with South Dakotans to create a pipeline route shaped by direct stakeholder feedback, supporting agriculture and advancing energy innovation.
“This project represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen South Dakota’s agricultural future while advancing energy innovation,” said Lee Blank, CEO of Summit Carbon Solutions. “By working hand-in-hand with landowners and communities, we’ve developed a project that balances progress with respect for those directly involved. Together, we’re creating a pathway to new markets and lasting economic growth for generations to come.”
The 2,500-mile pipeline, including 700 miles in South Dakota, will transport CO2 from 57 ethanol plants across five states, including 14 in South Dakota and Gevo’s planned SAF plant near Lake Preston. The majority of CO2 volume will be safely and permanently stored in North Dakota via Class VI injection wells, but excess capacity will be available to support next-generation fuels like e-SAF and green methanol, along with uses in water treatment, food processing, and dry ice production, driving regional economic growth.
“To lead in domestic energy production and support local farmers, we should advance critical infrastructure like the Summit pipeline—driving economic growth and strengthening rural communities around Lake Preston,” said Patrick Gruber, CEO of Gevo. “This pipeline will help unleash homegrown energy solutions and benefit hardworking Americans.”
The application also highlights major reroutes in Spink, Brown, McPherson, and Lincoln Counties, along with numerous micro-adjustments, resulting from more than a year of one-on-one work with landowners to find mutually agreeable solutions.
“With the submission of this application, we’re one step closer to realizing tremendous opportunities for South Dakota’s biofuels industry, as well as for our farmers and communities,” said Jeff Lautt, POET President and COO. “This milestone moves us forward in strengthening our agricultural economy, enhancing local markets, and positioning South Dakota as a leader in low-carbon energy solutions for years to come.”
This submittal comes on the heels of a North Dakota Route Permit from the NDPSC last week. Summit Carbon Solutions plans to begin construction in early 2026, with operations starting in 2027. The company remains committed to working collaboratively with South Dakota landowners and communities to develop a project that strengthens the state’s agricultural legacy while paving the way for energy innovation.
About Summit Carbon Solutions:
Summit Carbon Solutions is driving the future of agriculture by expanding economic opportunities for ethanol producers, strengthening the marketplace for Midwest-based farmers, and creating jobs. In developing the largest carbon capture and storage project in the world, the company seeks to connect industrial facilities via strategic infrastructure to store carbon dioxide safely and permanently in the Midwest United States. For more information, visit www.SummitCarbonSolutions.com.
The winds of change are sweeping through South Dakota politics, and with the changing weather will come lot of opportunities for advertisers to get their message out to “those in the know” of South Dakota politics and and community opinion leaders as we count the days until the next legislative session, and we begin the 2026 cycle with all of it’s potential races!
In the 2025 legislative session, there will be literally a third of the legislature who has never been there before, as well as a few who returning who have been absent for a few years, or a decade or more. So they are going to be information hungry. Add to those the rest who regularly monitor the pulse of the process as readers – whether they love the website or hate it – and that’s a lot of legislators to get your message in front of. Not to mention the thousands who are clicking on this website daily for the latest in political news, gossip, and whatever else the state’s leaders are up to.
In February, South Dakota War College will celebrate an incredible 20 years of keeping an eye on political leaders, and offering commentary from a conservative Republican point of view. Whether people in the Republican Party like me or not at any given moment. So, for those who love me, and those who hate me, either way you can trust that I’m. not. going. anywhere.
Advertisers – I have a number of spots open, and questions on ad prices, ad positions, and ad commitments may be directed to the webmaster by clicking here. Lots of open space available at the moment, such as the #1 spot on the left available, as well as spots #2, 3 on the right, and spots on both sides lower on the page. Ads run in their position through the site, meaning they are not rotated. Advertising is available on a first-come first-served basis, and discounts are provided for extended commitments.
“Each day’s news is a reminder that we live in a dangerous world – and that while we never invite conflict, we have to be prepared for it.”
Click here or on the picture above to watch the video.
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today called on Majority Leader Schumer to prioritize the National Defense Authorization Act, which would strengthen national security, address concerns about U.S. military readiness, and ensure our armed forces are equipped to meet evolving threats.
Hot off of my phone, a text message supposedly from Representative-Elect Chris Reder is resonating out there, telling people that it is his intent to resign from the legislature before he is sworn into office:
The messages in reply were from Rep. Julie Auch and Logan Manhart’s cell numbers, so I think it’s safe to say that this should be considered pretty seriously. I’m told that Sen-elect Carl Perry was also in the text chain spouting gibberish about getting the precinct people together, which illustrates his ignorance of the process (much like his ignorance of many other things).
Because at this juncture if Chris Reder fails to take office, it has nothing to do with the Republican organizational hierarchy but the Governor at the time. Party replacements are only during the election process for candidates. Once we’ve hit a certain point (called an election), Article III, Section 10 of the South Dakota Constitution says:
§ 10. Filling legislative vacancies. The Governor shall make appointments to fill such vacancies as may occur in either house of the Legislature.
If it’s before Governor Noem takes her new job, it will be her appointment. If it’s after a new Governor is sworn in, it would be Larry Rhoden’s. So, either it will be Kristi’s last appointment, or Rhoden’s first. And the process is run as the Governor deems fit. Period.
My only other thoughts in the matter are “is there something coming we need to watch for when it comes to Rep-Elect Reder?” Because people usually don’t quit before they take office without an outside reason.
The opinions expressed here are the author’s and do not reflect the views of the Board of Regents, the University of South Dakota, its Knudson School of Law, their employees, faculty, or administrators. The foregoing represents Simmons’ views as a private citizen.
Guest Column: Bedtime for Bolsheviks (Movie Review)by Thomas E. Simmons
My first memories of Ronald Reagan are tethered to memories of my father. My dad and I shared an impression: inklings of a Reagan as a man with guts, determination, and a clarity of vision; a vision about what was right and what was wrong. We liked his leadership, my dad and me. We liked that Reagan operated under a moral framework.
That’s no easy thing, developing a morality that can guide one’s actions. In fact, for most men and women, it’s a very difficult thing. But the best of us learn to practice it, sensing that therein reside the secrets of a worthwhile life. The efforts to hone a personal moral vision to guide one’s family, one’s community, and the world are efforts well-spent.
That is what both my dad and I perceived in Reagan’s 1979 campaign, his third presidential bid. And that’s my first memory of Reagan.
The film Reagan (2024) condenses the life of a man (who lived to the age of ninety-three) into two hours twenty-one minutes. We shouldn’t expect an exhaustive exploration, At most, a film presents a theme linked to conflict and resolution. We’ve only got a bit over two hours to work with. But critics have seen the film as flawed because it omits sizable chunks of Reagan’s life.
Here are a few such comments: “Reagan the movie has a strained relationship with reality.”
“The new biopic leans into this nostalgia with ahistorical bravado and selective story-telling.”
“Reagan can’t even trace the broad outlines of your stock biopic.”
“Reagan is an insubstantive [sic] Greatest Hits compendium.”
“Reagan’s dedication to narrow themes proves limiting.”
It’s fair to note that the film does not explore Ronald Reagan’s life in the same depth as a book. The film cannot, for example, compete with Bob Spitz’s Reagan: An American Journey (2018), though Spitz allows himself 880 pages to explore the rich, nuanced life of the 40th president (the equivalent of a 20-hour book-on-tape).
So, yes, the film is selective; its theme, focused – yet important. The primary lens through which the film presents a drama is Ronald Reagan’s anti-communism. Reagan saw communism as a totalitarian threat as serious as the German Nazis, the Italian Fascists, or the Imperialist Japanese. This same theme is considered in The Crusader: Ronald Reagan and the Fall of Communism (2006) by Paul Kengor.
Kengor, who also wrote God and Ronald Reagan: A Spiritual Life (2004)) penned the script for Reagan. (Tellingly, Chauncy K. Robinson’s review of Reagan for “People’s World” (a/k/a “The Daily Worker”) refers to Kengor’s second book by omitting the first two words of said title (i.e., God and – and I doubt that the omission was accidental.)
Kengor’s assessment of Ronald Reagan in term of Reagan’s anti-communism (and, to a lesser extent, Reagan’s spiritualism), permeates the film, Reagan. The film offers an abridged Reagan biography told by a KGB agent named Petrovich (a composite of actual KGB operatives who observed Ronald Reagan’s routines over several decades). Through this lens it presents a coherent narrative, somewhat inspirational, though admittedly not the greatest movie of all time.
My biggest nails-on-the-chalkboard complaint of Reagan is the CGI. Filmed in Oklahoma, the film digitally reconfigures the Oklahoma City Capitol Building as the U.S. Capitol and a masonic lodge as the White House. It’s a fakery that incorrectly insinuates that the film’s story is similarly contrived. The film’s truths should not be shrouded in computerized flimflam.
The film’s score is similarly unnerving. Repeatedly, President Reagan (played by the excellent Dennis Quaid) will offer a quip and the orchestra will endorse it in swelling strings. The instrumental emphasis is overdone, cheap, and preachy. It reminded me of Gandhi (1982). Ronald Reagan’s words, actions, and moral vision do not need clunky underscoring to hit home.
See the film. But also devote some effort to the study of the moral vision of Ronald Reagan without all the Hollywood limitations – and the schmaltz.
Thomas E. Simmons University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law Vermilion, SD
Apparently, Meade County isn’t exactly aggressive about pursuing domestic abuse cases .
Shad Olson was arrested earlier this year and charged because of an alleged incidence of violence that took place at his home north of Rapid City. He was taken into custody by the Meade County Sheriff’s office. The two felony charges were for domestic abuse and aggravated assault involving serious bodily injury, and another for strangulation. Both were dropped, according to court documents
and..
“The state has agreed to dismiss the felony charges currently pending and has agreed to a remand of this matter to magistrate court for further proceedings on the remaining misdemeanor charges,” Love wrote in his motion. He declined to comment when contacted by The Dakota Scout.
A Pivotal Week for South Dakota’s Leadership By Rep. Dusty Johnson November 15, 2024
BIG Update
After Hurricanes Helene and Milton, it was reported that a Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) employee who was tasked with leading recovery efforts in Florida directed FEMA workers to avoid homes with Trump campaign signs. This is wholly un-American and contradicts FEMA’s mission to respond to disasters. The instruction to avoid homes with Trump signs was in a best practices email to FEMA workers in the area. The employee was fired a couple weeks after the statement, yet she claims her actions were not out of line.
I joined 35 colleagues to ask the FEMA Administrator for all information regarding these communications and reiterate that FEMA should aid all Americans in need after a disaster, regardless of who they vote for.
BIG Idea
Federal regulations have slowed the development of energy projects in America. This week, I voted to pass the HEATS Act to expedite geothermal energy projects on non-federal lands. The bill removes the requirement to go through the burdensome federal permitting process that slows down project completion.
Energy prices are high, and we need a greater domestic energy supply to help bring down the cost. Congress and the incoming Trump Administration must remove federal regulations that are barriers to effective and efficient development.
BIG News
It was a big week for South Dakota’s leaders! President Trump’s selection of Governor Noem for the Department of Homeland Security is an excellent choice. Governor Noem works hard to protect our land from adversaries like China and protect our communities from the consequences of Biden’s border crisis.
Johnson and Noem
Senator Thune’s election to Senate Majority Leader is a demonstration of the Senate’s trust in him. I know he will work closely with President Trump and the House to deliver wins for America and South Dakota. I’m excited for my friends Kristi Noem and John Thune in their new roles.
Johnson and Thune
On Wednesday, President Trump joined House Republicans during a meeting to hear from leadership candidates. The President outlined his priorities like cutting regulations, unlocking American energy, securing the border, and pushing back against China. I’m excited to work with our leadership and get America on the right track.
Senator Mike Rounds WEEKLY ROUND[S] UP: November 11-15, 2024
Welcome back to another edition of the Weekly Round[s] Up. It’s been a while! The Senate has been out of session for the past six weeks, which means I was able to work from South Dakota. While my home is in Fort Pierre, I was able to make trips around the state to attend different meetings and visit with South Dakotans. Just to give you a snapshot of my month: I visited with a political science class at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, I spoke at a roundtable discussion hosted by students at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, I hosted a coffee and conversation with residents in Yankton, I spoke at a dinner hosted by the Black Hills Area Habitat for Humanity in Rapid City, attended meetings with the Sioux Falls Rotary Club and Sioux Empire Realtors Association in Sioux Falls and celebrated our law enforcement at the South Dakota Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner.
Now we’re back in Washington to hit the ground running after what’s been a huge week for Republicans both in South Dakota and across the nation. Once everyone is sworn into office in January, we will have Republican majorities in both the Senate and House, as well as President Trump and his new administration in the White House. In case you missed it, my seatmate and our fellow South Dakotan Senator John Thune is our next Senate Majority Leader. Take all of this together and we’re looking at the opportunity to accomplish a lot of priorities over the next couple of years. All of this and more coming up in my Weekly Round[s] Up:
Meetings this week: Luis Elizondo, former director of the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program; and Youssef Amrani, Morocco’s Ambassador to the United States. I spoke at a reception hosted by the UAP Disclosure Fund. I also attended a celebration for the 249th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps.
Most of our time this week was spent on Senate Leadership Elections. As I mentioned, Senator Thune was elected as our next Senate Majority leader. I was honored to give the seconding speech for his nomination in our meeting. I believe Senator Thune is the right guy for this job and our conference agrees. John embodies the principles and leadership qualities that our nation needs at a critical time. With him leading us in the Senate, Speaker Johnson in the House and President Trump in the White House, Republicans are now positioned to spend at least the next two years getting our country back on track. I couldn’t be more excited for my friend John Thune. We’re ready to get to work!
Votes taken: 8 – all of these were on nominations to judge positions in Florida and Illinois, as well as positions on the U.S. Tax Court and in the Office of Government Ethics.
Hearings: I had one closed hearing with the Select Committee on Intelligence.
Classified briefings: I had one classified briefing with General Timothy Haugh, the Commander of U.S. Cyber Command.
My staff in South Dakota visited: Aberdeen, Brookings, Deadwood, Lead, Milesville, Philip, Rapid City, Sioux Falls and Sturgis.
Steps taken this past week: 53,386 steps or 26.8 miles.
Video of the week: I had the opportunity to visit with Linsey Davis on ABC Prime Time following the Senate Leadership elections:
The winds of change are sweeping through South Dakota politics, and with the changing weather will come lot of opportunities for advertisers to get their message out to “those in the know” of South Dakota politics and and community opinion leaders as we count the days until the next legislative session, and we begin the 2026 cycle with all of it’s potential races!
