This paid advertisement was in my twitter stream today:

Toby Doeden is out there with a paid ad on Twitter declaring that every vote matters.   If that’s the case, then up until last year, why did he skip every Republican Primary election and a couple of general elections for most of his life, if you recall my prior post on the topic.

Read that here.

Really?

I think the only thing worse would be trying to claim you’re the state’s Republican thought leader after being a Democrat for almost all of your adult life.

Ope!

Just saying.

Thune: Senate Republicans to Overturn Biden Administration Anti-Energy Regulations

 “[T]he American people called for a new direction this past November, and the Trump administration and the Republican majorities in Congress have wasted no time getting to work to provide relief from burdensome regulations, especially when it comes to energy.”

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor:

Click here to watch the video.

 

Sen. Rounds Co-Sponsors Bill to Keep AM Radio in New Vehicles
By Todd Epp, Northern Plains News

South Dakota Sen. Mike Rounds has joined a bipartisan effort to ensure AM radio remains available in all new vehicles, citing the medium’s importance for rural communities and emergency communications.

Rounds is among 60 senators now co-sponsoring the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, which would require automakers to maintain AM radio capability in new vehicles at no additional cost to consumers.

“I grew up listening to KCCR on 1240 and KGFX on 1060, especially when I delivered newspapers throughout the Pierre area. It made the time go by quick!” Rounds said in a 2023 news release when he initially co-sponsored the legislation. “Free AM broadcast radio has been an important resource for decades. Whether someone is in their car or tractor, AM radio is a valuable tool to share local news and emergency information.”

The bill, originally introduced by Sens. Ed Markey, D-Mass., and Ted Cruz, R-Texas, has now reached a critical threshold with 60 co-sponsors – enough to overcome a potential filibuster in the Senate, according to a statement from Markey’s office. Sens. Markey and Cruz reintroduced the legislation in January 2025 as the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025. It had 62 co-sponsors, including Sens. John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., and Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, DFL-Minn.

“AM radio is a lifeline for people across the country for news, sports, and especially emergency information,” Markey said in a press release last month. “Tens of millions of listeners across the country have made clear that they want AM radio to remain in their vehicles. Our AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act heeds their words and ensures that this essential tool doesn’t get lost on the dial.”

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has been a vocal supporter of the legislation. In October 2024, Jackley joined 11 other attorneys general in urging Congress to pass the bill.

“Hurricane Helene, like the severe weather we see in South Dakota, has demonstrated again the importance of AM Radio as a vital communication device that provides life-saving information to our citizens,” Jackley said in an Oct. 4, 2024, news release. “AM Radio is important in rural states like South Dakota where people can turn to for severe weather updates and emergency information along with local news and sports.”

In June 2023, Jackley joined with counterparts in 16 other states to encourage Congress to pass the legislation. “AM radio serves an important role in rural states such as South Dakota,” Jackley said at the time, according to Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network.

South Dakota U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson was among more than 100 lawmakers who signed a letter to automakers in May 2023 expressing concerns about the removal of AM radio receivers in vehicles. The letter highlighted the need for rural Americans to access AM radio, given limited internet and cell phone connectivity.

Several major automakers have already begun removing AM radio from their vehicles, particularly electric models. BMW, Mazda, Volvo, Volkswagen, Tesla, and Ford are among the manufacturers that have either eliminated or announced plans to phase out AM radio from their newer vehicles, according to a March 2023 statement from Markey’s office.

Manufacturers typically cite electromagnetic interference as the primary reason for removing AM radio from electric vehicles. “Electric motors can interfere with AM radio signals, causing undesirable static noise during broadcasts,” The Hill reported last year.

However, automakers and tech industry groups have recently stepped up their opposition to the mandate. In a joint letter to Congress, the Zero Emission Transportation Association (ZETA), Consumer Technology Association, Alliance for Automotive Innovation, and TechNet argued that “requiring manufacturers to use a particular technology will slow innovation and reduce consumer preference.”

“Requiring the installation of analog AM radios in automobiles is an unnecessary action that would impact EV range, efficiency, and affordability at a critical moment of accelerating adoption,” said Albert Gore, executive director of ZETA, in a statement to Reuters. “Mandating AM radio would do little to expand drivers’ ability to receive emergency alerts.”

The Consumer Technology Association compared the mandate to requiring outdated technology in a statement to The Washington Post.

“Mandating AM radio would be like mandating CD or cassette players in new vehicles,” CTA said. “This outdated and counterproductive measure will stifle innovation and impose unnecessary costs on automakers, ultimately increasing prices for consumers.”

John Bozzella, president and CEO of Alliance for Automotive Innovation, and other industry leaders, warned in their letter that “to accommodate analog AM radio, certain carmakers may need to scrap advanced safety features.”

According to the bill text, the legislation would direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to require all new vehicles manufactured or imported for sale in the United States to include AM broadcast radio receivers at no additional cost. It would also provide small vehicle manufacturers at least four years after the Department of Transportation issues the rule to comply. The measure would also require automakers to inform consumers, during the period before the rule takes effect, that their vehicles do not maintain access to broadcast AM radio.

“NAB applauds the Senate Commerce Committee for rapidly advancing the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act with overwhelming bipartisan support,” Curtis LeGeyt, NAB president and CEO, said in a statement. “In just one week since its introduction, this legislation has already gained nearly half of the Senate as co-sponsors and cleared a key committee, demonstrating the broad recognition of AM radio’s vital role in keeping Americans informed and safe.”

FCC Commissioner Nathan Simington also weighed in on the agency’s website.

“The Commission should not be shy about asking auto manufacturers to serve the public interest by continuing to serve AM radio listeners,” he wrote.

The National Association of Farm Broadcasting’s Board of Directors issued a warning in a public statement.

“Failure to approve this critical AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act will allow automakers to eliminate access to critical information to the people we serve,” they said. “Rural and urban residents should not be forced to subscribe to an unreliable data stream for urgent information.”

FEMA Integrated Public Alert & Warning System Program Manager Manny Centeno has emphasized that AM radio is the backbone of the nation’s public warning system. Nearly 80 AM radio stations across the country are Primary Entry Points for emergency alerts distributed by FEMA and the National Weather Service, covering approximately 90% of the U.S. population.

The bill now awaits further action in the Senate.

–30–

Todd Epp is the editor and publisher of Northern Plains News, LLC in Harrisburg, S.D., an independent news organization.

Gov. Rhoden and Colleagues Thank President Trump
For Supporting Senate’s Amendment to the House Budget Resolution

PIERRE, S.D. –  Today, Governor Larry Rhoden and 21 fellow Republican governors wrote President Donald Trump to express their gratitude for his support of the Senate’s amendment to the House Budget Resolution. You can find the letter here.

“We are on your side in supporting the Senate’s amendment to the House budget resolution because we know that failure cannot be an option,” wrote Governor Larry Rhoden and his colleagues. “Congress must deliver to your desk a reconciliation bill that reinforces your executive actions and codifies in permanent law policies to secure the border, unleash American energy, restore military supremacy, fight wasteful spending, prevent a debilitating tax hike on working class Americans, and prevent a debt default.”

The Governors also thanked President Trump for the myriad of strong decisions he has already made on behalf of the American people.

“Your promises to reinstitute fiscal sanity, fight against the weaponization of the justice system, secure our borders, and achieve energy dominance are unmatched. As we have all seen, promises made, promises kept,” continued Governor Larry Rhoden and his colleagues. “Again, we thank you for supporting this budget so Congress can start putting pen to paper on the one, big, beautiful bill that will Make America Great Again.”

The budget resolution has passed both chambers and now awaits final consideration in the United States House of Representatives.

Governor Rhoden was joined in signing the letter by Indiana Governor Mike Braun, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, Idaho Governor Brad Little, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves, Missouri Governor Mike Parson, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen, North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Utah Governor Spencer Cox, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice, and Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon.

###

If you read my post from yesterday regarding District 1 State Representative Chris Reder, asking where in South Dakota he supposedly lives, the 15 second version is that there are questions about where he actually lives, given that he has sold that property, despite his voter registration being tied to that address. And that there is information which indicates that he has a new address in Minnesota.

Hot off the press, a reader provided a link to the property tax records for his new property. And again – very interesting:

Single Family – Owner Occupied.  Now, that’s for occupancy purposes, and I’m not familiar with Minnesota Real Estate law, so I can’t speak as to whether there was an affidavit filed noting that he’s living there for a purpose of reduced taxes.

BUT – I do note that the date of sale was 7/7/23. Long before Rep. Reder ran for the South Dakota House, and information that would have been nice to know that he appeared to have a residence in Minnesota at the time he was a candidate for office, versus the barn and land which he has listed as his voting residence.

Of course, you can find the link to find out more about Representative Reder’s Minnesota home here, where you can read for yourself.

Medicare Advantage is a Lifeline for South Dakota Seniors
By Lori Jorenby

Seniors across South Dakota rely on Medicare Advantage as an essential resource for their health and well-being. Medicare Advantage is more than just an insurance plan for them – it’s a critical program that fosters independence, provides comprehensive care, and ensures financial security for those who need it most.

Unlike traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage offers a range of benefits that make health care more accessible while still bringing costs down. This comprehensive coverage – from appointments with top-tier doctors to robust prescription drug benefits – ensures that enrollees receive care without facing overwhelming expenses. Further, the program’s focus on preventive measures and care coordination helps keep individuals healthy, reducing medical emergencies and the need for costly hospitalizations. In a state like South Dakota, where access can be limited, Medicare Advantage provides essential services like telehealth and transportation assistance, ensuring that care is never out of reach.

Medicare Advantage serves not only seniors, but people with disabilities as well. By offering them customized care solutions, the program helps pave the way for their long-term health and independence. Medicare Advantage also helps enrollees stretch their incomes further, protecting them from the financial burden of unexpected medical expenses. Without it, many would struggle to afford the care they need in the immediate or long-term future.

Unfortunately, recent funding reductions have already impacted seniors leading to higher premiums and fewer plan options. With the rising cost of living, the last thing our communities need is further cuts to a program that has proven to be effective and fiscally responsible. Medicare Advantage isn’t just good health care policy – it’s smart budgeting too. By emphasizing preventive care and reducing unnecessary hospital visits, the program saves taxpayer dollars while still improving health outcomes.

From my personal experiences, I’ve seen how Medicare Advantage delivers undeniable successes for South Dakotans. That’s why I urge South Dakota’s leaders in Washington – Senators John Thune, Mike Rounds, and Representative Dusty Johnson – to defend and strengthen it. Now is the time to ensure the program remains a stable resource so that the thousands of South Dakotans who rely on it, including seniors, people with disabilities, and their families, continue to receive the care they deserve.

—

Lori Joreby is a retired nurse who continues to reside on her family farm and live independently while being in her 80s. She has seen first-hand the role Medicare Advantage has taken to ensure her medical and independent living remains intact.

With Julian Beaudion filing paperwork to start a committee to run against Mike Rounds, I did a check for anyone else. And there was another Democrat who has filed for office that slipped by me:

A Scott Schlagel of Dell Rapids filed a Statement of Candidacy to run as a Democrat for Congress back on March 12th.

Apparently he is a former correctional officer at the State Pen. Beyond that we don’t really know a thing. So, we’ll see.

Not taking this as a serious effort at this point.

Thune: Democrats Distract While Republicans Act

 “[T]he resolution we passed this weekend – and, I might say, over the objections of my Democrat colleagues, who are apparently perfectly okay with allowing taxes to rise for working families – was a major step forward on delivering on our agenda, and I’m looking forward to arriving at a final bill.”

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor:

Click here to watch the video.

Gov. Rhoden Visits Standing Rock Sioux Tribe alongside ND Gov. Armstrong

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden visited the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe on his Open for Opportunity Tour. He was joined on the visit by North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong. This is the first time in over a decade that both the South Dakota and North Dakota Governors were on the Standing Rock Reservation simultaneously.

“My job is to be governor for all South Dakotans, including our Native American people. We are at our strongest when we work together for our people,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “I am grateful to Chairwoman Alkire and the tribal council leaders for hosting me today. And I am grateful to Governor Armstrong and excited about how we can work together to benefit the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. This meeting was a great step towards rebuilding trust, and I look forward to many more to come.”

Governors Rhoden and Armstrong met with Standing Rock’s Chairwoman and tribal council leaders. They discussed several key topics, including education, economic development, water permits, and the effects of federal funding.

“Collaboration with our tribal nations is key to North Dakota’s success, and with our neighbors in South Dakota we share a commitment to strengthening government-to-government partnerships and relationships,” said North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong. “We appreciate Chairwoman Alkire, Gov. Rhoden, and the Tribal Council for today’s meaningful engagement and discussion about ways we can work together for the prosperity of all our citizens.”

“It was our honor to host these gentlemen alongside state legislators to discuss various issues that the Tribe faces,” said Standing Rock Chairwoman Janet Alkire. “Though there are many things that we don’t agree upon, being able to come to the table with a good heart and openness to compromise, we can work together in diplomacy to achieve success, provide opportunities to those we serve, and build lasting relationships with our neighbors, the state governments of North and South Dakota.”

The governors also toured a few locations on the reservation and stopped by the local school district.

###

South Dakota Democrat Julian Beaudion filed paperwork this afternoon to take on incumbent Republican US Senator Mike Rounds in the US Senate race, potentially beginning an 18-month campaign battle for the highest office on the 2026 ticket against the two-term Senator and two-term Governor:

Julian for US Senate by Pat Powers on Scribd

Oddly, Beaudion participated in a Press Conference earlier today with South Dakota Democrats, but nothing was said about his potential entry into the race.

A bio for Beaudion notes:

“Julian Beaudion is the co-founder and executive director of The Hub SD, a nonprofit that shares sustainable business and professional resources to support the success of entrepreneurs and business professionals from underrepresented communities

Julian is also the current executive director of the South Dakota African American History Museum, vice president of the local NAACP chapter, and the president of Juneteenth Sioux Falls. Julian spent over a decade as a South Dakota law enforcement officer.”

Read the entire bio here.

Beaudion was also selected as the Biden nominee to be the U.S. Marshal for the Territory of South Dakota, but did not go through the Senate confirmation process.

Game on.