Rounds’ Bill to Preserve Wounded Knee Massacre Grounds Unanimously Passes Senate

Legislation now heads to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law

 WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, today issued a statement following unanimous Senate passage of his legislation, the Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act. The bill passed the House in January 2025 and now heads to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law.

Rounds’ bill would place 40 acres of land at the site of the Wounded Knee Massacre into restricted fee status, making certain that the land is held by both the Oglala Sioux and Cheyenne River Sioux tribes for generations to come.

“I am pleased that the Senate has passed the Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act,” said Rounds. “We’ve been working to pass this legislation for almost three years. Our persistence has paid off. The Wounded Knee Massacre represents a devastating low point in U.S.-Lakota relations. The land at this symbolic and sacred site will now be held in possession of both the Oglala Sioux and Cheyenne River Sioux tribes to be preserved for future generations. We will continue to tell the story of this dark day in our nation’s history.”

BACKGROUND:

Rounds first introduced the Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act in June 2023. Ryman LeBeau, Chairman of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, and Frank Star Comes Out, President of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, testified on the legislation in a Senate Committee on Indian Affairs hearing. The committee later unanimously passed legislation, but was blocked from passing the full Senate.

Rounds later reintroduced the bill to the 119th Congress in January 2025. The Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act unanimously passed the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs in March 2025. This legislation is cosponsored by Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.). Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) introduced companion legislation in the House.

Click HERE to read full bill text.

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Rebuilding Community Spirit
by Christine Erickson

Since announcing my candidacy for Mayor of Sioux Falls, I’ve been walking this city with fresh eyes. I’ve met small-business owners who share both their successes and their struggles. I’ve listened to parents speak with equal parts of fear and hope. I have watched neighbors lean in close to share what they love most—and what they worry most—about the place we call home.

What stands out most is the deep love people have for Sioux Falls. There is an unmistakable energy here: a shared desire for progress, for business development, and for thoughtful, responsible growth. Yes, we face divisions, and that must be addressed with respectful dialogue and steady leadership. But we also share values that unite us—values that too often get drowned out by the divisive noise of politics.

As we enter the holiday season and look toward the year ahead, I keep coming back to a simple question: How can we strengthen Sioux Falls—making it safer, stronger, and smarter? And, just as importantly, how can we unite as a city? Must we wait for moments of hardship to come together, or can we take small, deliberate steps to reconnect around something bigger than ourselves?

This coming July, our nation will celebrate its 250th birthday—an extraordinary milestone. For two and a half centuries, America has aspired to be a beacon of freedom and opportunity. This anniversary is a moment to reflect, to honor those who’ve served, and to celebrate our shared future. It presents a perfect opportunity for the people of Sioux Falls to join together as one. That’s why I believe the time has come to bring back our Fourth of July parade.

Growing up, my family didn’t have a lot. But every summer, that parade felt like a gift from the whole city—open to everyone, no ticket required. It was simply ours. I remember walking downtown from our home, hearing the distant roll of drums, the flags catching in the wind, the bright shimmer of sun on brass instruments. I remember how the world seemed to slow as the parade came into view, carrying with it a feeling of belonging—of being part of something larger, something hopeful.

Today, we need those moments of unity more than ever. We need spaces that remind us of what we have in common and of the future we can build together. Reviving this parade would be more than a tradition restored. It would be a celebration of community, history, and gratitude. A celebration of America, and of the people who make Sioux Falls what it is. A reminder that we share far more than we realize.

Dedicated volunteers are already working to bring this tradition back, a testament to why Sioux Falls remains strong: its people never stop caring. Events like this take months of planning, and the holidays are an ideal time to begin thinking about how we can contribute—through time, support, or simply spreading the word.

Let me be clear- my vision for Sioux Falls extends far beyond simply bringing back a parade. I recognize the real challenges we face as a city. Serving eight years on the city council, I know all too well the challenges of a growing city, and I’m committed to working together to address them. In the weeks to come, I’ll be sharing my ideas on how City Hall can work better for all of us. But I wanted to put this idea out now, given the time required to plan such an event. I’m well aware that a parade won’t solve the critical issues we face, but it can offer a moment of renewal- bringing our community together, lifting spirits, and reminding us of what we can achieve when we’re united. Embracing that opportunity is an important part of strong, optimistic leadership.

The Fourth of July offers a moment to pause, reflect, and honor our shared values. Let’s bring back this tradition not only as a parade, but as an opportunity to reconnect and remind ourselves of the unity that binds us.

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Christine Erickson is a candidate for Mayor of Sioux Falls. Find out more at ChristineforSiouxFalls.com

Thune Joins Hannity, America’s Newsroom

“There are lots of flaws in Obamacare, but all the promises, none of them came to fruition. It was all a big lie, and I think the American people are onto it.”

  

 Click here to watch Hannity and here to watch America’s Newsroom.

 WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) joined Hannity and America’s Newsroom on Fox News.

This facebook post has state political social media chattering a bit this AM:

Toby Doeden’s favorite renter, and one of South Dakota’s worst State Representatives has changed her logo from being specific for District 3 into being less specific “for South Dakota.”   After buying property in the hills, there was chatter that State Representative Brandei Schaefbauer might run from District 31, where she’s set up her cozy cabin, llc, to spend an inordinate amount of time with disgraced former newsreader Shad Olson, parroting him on social media at every opportunity.

Since that time, back in the District she pretends to still represent, at least one challenger, Spencer Sommers, has already announced that he’s running. Which would show Brandei the way out of the legislative chambers, and raise the collective IQ of the body by several points.

Buying property out in the hills, set for a challenge in the District where she makes her rented home, what’s an embattled Majority Whip going to do?

I’ve been told in the past that she views herself in the same mold as former Governor Kristi Noem. So it’s not outside of the realm of possibility that when she changes her logo to be a more generic “South Dakota,” she may be moving her goalposts, believing that she can run for higher office.  No, seriously.

The only question is.. why? Does she really think that South Dakotans are looking for someone who promotes unregulated horse dewormer Invermectin to be in Washington representing them?

Whichever way it goes, State House or Congress, I’m sure Brandei will continue to provide off-the-wall nutty content to share for clickbait.

Johnson’s South Dakota, Women’s Sports, Tough on China Priorities Included in Annual Defense Bill

Washington, D.C. – Today, the House passed the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which included several of U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson’s (R-S.D.) priorities. The bill includes provisions to strengthen deterrence against China, prohibit men from competing in women’s sports at military academies, and robust funding for B-21 aircraft procurement. Johnson voted to pass the legislation.

“This defense package ensures America’s military remains the strongest in the world. It keeps our military men and women focused on military readiness and ensuring peace through strength,” said Johnson. “I’m grateful for its investment in South Dakota and the B-21, which will be an incredible addition to our fighting force.”

Johnson priorities included in the 2026 NDAA:

• Provides $3.45 billion for B-21 aircraft procurement.
• Provides $378 million for military construction for Ellsworth Air Force Base.
• Provides $28 million for the Watertown Complex’s National Guard Vehicle Maintenance Shop.
• Johnson’s bill to prohibit biological men from competing in women’s sports at military service academies.
• Johnson’s provision to strengthen deterrence against China by supporting defense industrial cooperation with U.S. allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Authorizes $50 million in Impact Aid assistance.
• Raises servicemember pay by 3.8% and improves benefits for military families.
• Fights drug trafficking.
• Ends $40.5 million of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs at the Department of Defense (DoD).
• Prohibits funding for the teaching, training, or promotion of Critical Race Theory in the military, including at service academies and DoD schools.
• Cuts more than $1 billion of Green New Deal programs at the DoD.
• Provides nearly $20 billion in savings.

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Thune: Health Care 101: How Democrats’ Policies Fail Patients and Families

“[A] three-year extension without reforms, and furthermore, a three-year extension that actually backtracks on some of the reforms that have been made earlier – and that also is in Democrats’ bill – creates more fraud, more waste, more abuse, higher prices, and a higher cost for the American taxpayer.”

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.

What the hell did I just watch?

I had a loyal reader forward me the links for the Clay County Commission website, and the last 2 Clay County Commission meetings where former, and likely future, D17 Republican State House candidate Robin Shiro stopped by on December 2 and December 9 to tell the Clay County Commission about the meth that’s being smoked in her house, the young girls in her attic, the checks being returned from her Republican Women’s group, and other topics.

She claimed in both meetings that Speaker of the House Jon Hansen told her he’d start a drug task force, and would act as their attorney.  .. ( I think?).   And in the other that they need to take care of that Republican women check issue. Because if they don’t she’ll get the First Lady Sandy Rhoden involved.

This gets even more interesting when you consider that she lives in Elk Point. Which is in Union County. So, I’m not sure why she’s haranguing the Clay County Commissioners.  Which I’m sure they’re wondering as well.

If you think this is out there, I’d direct you to her written testimony to the Woodbury, IA County Commission from last February that talks about her trying to turn in terrorists, GPS units in her and her dog’s eyes, and the device in her bra.

It’s a free country and all, but some people should not be running for office. It’s a good example of the political landscape we face in 2026.

It’s kind of out there.

Attorney General Jackley Sends Cease and Desist Letter Ordering Stop to Deceptive Abortion Pill Advertising in South Dakota

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has sent a letter to Mayday Health ordering the company to immediately cease and desist the deceptive advertising of the sale of abortion pills in South Dakota and said the state may bring a lawsuit against the company if it does not comply.

Abortions are banned in South Dakota except for specific, extenuating circumstances. State law also prohibits the administering or procuring of any medicine, drug or substance to perform an abortion.

Attorney General Jackley said Mayday Health’s advertisements do not state the prohibitions listed in state law.

“Your advertisement directs South Dakota consumers to resources that insinuate abortion-inducing pills are legal in South Dakota, while also urging women not to seek medical care after taking abortion pills and to keep their abortion a secret,” wrote Attorney General Jackley.

Attorney General Jackley launched an investigation into the advertisements at the request of Gov. Larry Rhoden. Attorney General Jackley said his investigation indicates that the company is misleading the public through deceptive information and advice provided in the advertisements.

“Based on this information, it appears that your business practices constitute a deceptive act or practice under SDCL Ch. 37-24, the South Dakota Deceptive Practices and Consumer Protection Act,” wrote Attorney General Jackley.

If South Dakota does file a lawsuit, Mayday Health could face felony criminal consequence or civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation.

Gov. Rhoden thanked Attorney General Jackley for his immediate action.

“South Dakota moms and babies deserve to be protected from deceptive advertising,” said Gov. Rhoden. “The Attorney General wasted no time responding to my request, and I thank him for his quick action.”

Attorney General Jackley’s letter to Mayday Health can be read here:

From KOTA News, State Senator Helene Duhamel was recently honored by ELEVATE Rapid City for her public service to the citizens of Rapid City:

Elevate Rapid City presented State Senator Helene Duhamel with the 2025 Distinguished Public Service Award Tuesday night.

“She has been a force for good in Rapid City and has left an indelible mark,” Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun said. “We are better because she has existed. We are so grateful for Helene, and it’s great to be able to celebrate her today.”

and..

“I’ve stood on their shoulders and tried to follow in their footsteps,” Duhamel said. “It’s a great honor.”

Other legislators say Duhamel stands out among her peers in Pierre.

Read the entire story here.

Despite coming out separately on the measure, according to a press report, Senator Casey Crabtree & Governor Larry Rhoden will be working together on a suppressor bill this next session:

Governor Rhoden and State Senator Casey Crabtree will be working to remove suppressors from the list of controlled weapons in South Dakota. Removing suppressors from the state’s controlled weapons list would still mean they are regulated under federal law and purchasers would still need to go through background checks on other measures.

and..

State Senator Crabtree and Rhoden both initially announced their own individual proposals before announcing they would work together on Tuesday. Crabtree said in a press release, “Thanks to President Trump and Republican Leaders, the One Big Beautiful Bill was a major win for gun owners purchasing suppressors. This session, we will update South Dakota law to reflect this Second Amendment victory.”

Read the entire story here.