June 21, 2025

Trump’s big gamble in Iran is a risky moment after his pledges to keep US out of ‘stupid wars’

June 21, 2025

President Donald Trump has expressed certainty that his big gamble to directly assist the Israelis delivered a knockout blow to Iran’s nuclear program — even as many of his supporters and detractors are warning that U.S. military action could lead the United States into an expansive regional conflict. In Trump’s remarks to the nation on Saturday evening from the White House, he said the strikes “obliterated” three critical Iranian enrichment facilities and “the bully of the Middle East must now make peace.” But it’s a risky moment, Trump has belittled his predecessors for tying up America in “stupid wars” and has repeatedly said he’s determined to keep the U.S. from getting involved in another messy conflict.

Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, speaks to reporters at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, June 10, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Trump ignites debate on presidential authority with Iran strikes and wins praise from Republicans

June 21, 2025

President Donald Trump’s bombardment of three sites in Iran has quickly sparked debate in Congress over his authority to launch the strikes, with Republicans praising Trump for decisive action even as many Democrats warned he should have sought congressional approval. The response came after Trump had publicly mulled the strikes for days and many congressional Republicans had cautiously said they thought he would make the right decision. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Saturday evening that “as we take action tonight to ensure a nuclear weapon remains out of reach for Iran, I stand with President Trump and pray for the American troops and personnel in harm’s way.”

In this image provided by the White House, President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, right, sit in the Situation Room, Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the White House in Washington. (The White House via AP)

White House photos show rare look inside the Situation Room as Trump authorizes strikes in Iran

June 21, 2025

The White House published a series of photos from inside the Situation Room on its X account as President Donald Trump authorized strikes that hit nuclear sites in Iran. The photos from Saturday portrayed Trump with senior members of his team, including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio — doubling as Trump’s national security adviser — White House chief of staff Susie Wiles and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. They are gathered around a large wooden table in the main conference room of the Situation Room, known as the “JFK Room” — named for the president who was in office when the Situation Room was established.

LSU starting pitcher Kade Anderson (32) throws against Coastal Carolina in the first inning of Game 1 of the NCAA College World Series baseball finals in Omaha, Neb., Saturday, June 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)

Anderson’s 3-hitter against Coastal Carolina in CWS finals opener puts LSU 1 win away from title

June 21, 2025

Kade Anderson pitched a three-hitter in his second straight dominant start, and LSU moved within a win of its second national championship in three years with a 1-0 victory over Coastal Carolina in Game 1 of the College World Series finals. The Chanticleers lost for the first time in 27 games and must win Sunday to force a third and deciding game Monday night. LSU made Steve Milam’s RBI single in the first inning stand up with Anderson getting stronger as the game progressed.

Thune Issues Statement on U.S. Airstrikes on Iran Nuclear Sites

June 21, 2025

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – June 21, 2025 – U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today released a statement following

Transcript of Trump’s speech on US strikes on Iran

June 21, 2025

A transcript of President Donald Trump’s speech on U.S. airstrikes on Iran, which he delivered at the White House on Saturday night. Trump said, “Our objective was the destruction of Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity and a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world’s number one state sponsor of terror.” He said, “I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success. Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated. Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace. If they do not. Future attacks would be far greater and a lot easier.” The president added that he wants to “congratulate Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu” of Israel.

Trump: Iran nuclear facilities ‘completely and totally obliterated’ in U.S. strike on 3 sites

June 21, 2025

A B-2 Stealth Bomber performs a fly over before the NFL game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore

Lexi Thompson looks for her ball after an errant shot on the first hole during the third round of the Women's PGA Championship golf tournament Saturday, June 21, 2025, in Frisco, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Lexi Thompson recovers from opening triple-bogey top and shank in 3rd round at Women’s PGA

June 21, 2025

Lexi Thompson nearly got blown over to start the third round of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. She recovered from that opening triple bogey and goes into the final round tied for third place. She topped her second shot Saturday out of the fairway, then had a shank on the way to a triple bogey on the first hole in windy conditions. She may have been out of balance on her second shot on the 517-yard par-5 first hole that went only 117 yards, then the ball she then hit to the right into a thick native area was never found.

Minjee Lee has 1st bogey-free round at windy Women’s PGA to take 4-shot lead into final day

June 21, 2025

Two-time major champion Minjee Lee has taken over the lead with the first bogey-free round for anyone during the wind-swept KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. Her 3-under 69 in the third round Saturday put her four strokes ahead of Jeeno Thitikul. The Australian who lives in nearby Irving got to 6-under 210 after beginning the round three strokes behind Thitikul, the world’s No. 2-ranked player who led after each of the first two days. Lee and Thitikul are the only players still under par at Fields Ranch East at PGA Frisco.

Tommy Fleetwood, of England, lines up his put on the ninth green during the third round of the Travelers Championship golf tournament at TPC River Highlands, Saturday, June 21, 2025, in Cromwell, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

Fleetwood seizes control after Scheffler blowup and leads Travelers by 3

June 21, 2025

Tommy Fleetwood has a three-shot lead at the Travelers Championship and his best chance to finally add a PGA Tour title to his impressive worldwide resume. He shot a 63 in extreme heat. That wasn’t a surprise with so many low scores. The shocker was Scottie Scheffler and Justin Thomas having one hole wreck their rounds. Scheffler celebrated his 29th birthday by making triple bogey on his opening hole. Thomas took a quadruple-bogey 9 on the 13th hole. They were out of mix. Keegan Bradley shot 63 and Russell Henley had a 61 to share second place behind Fleetwood.

New York Yankees pitcher Clarke Schmidt reacts as he heads to the dugout in the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Saturday, June 21, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)

Clarke Schmidt pitches seven hitless innings, Yankees lose no-hit bid vs. Orioles in the eighth

June 21, 2025

Clarke Schmidt walked off the mound after getting through his seventh hitless inning and exchanged a glance with New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone in the dugout. That was it for Schmidt. Done for the day. While the right-hander was disappointed, he certainly understood Boone’s decision to take him out of the game even with a no-hitter going. Schmidt was pulled after tying a career high with 103 pitches, and the Yankees lost a no-hit bid Saturday against the Baltimore Orioles when Gary Sánchez singled to start the eighth off JT Brubaker.

A granite Ten Commandments monument stands on the ground of the Texas Capitol, Thursday, May 29, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

New Texas law will require Ten Commandments to be posted in every public school classroom

June 21, 2025

Texas will require all public school classrooms to display the Ten Commandments under a new state law that will make the state the nation’s largest to attempt to impose such a mandate. The measure is expected to draw a legal challenge from critics who consider it an unconstitutional violation of the separation of church and state. Two other states, Louisiana and Arkansas, have similar laws. Louisiana’s is on hold as federal courts have ruled it unconstitutional. The Ten Commandments laws are among efforts in conservative-led states to insert religion into public schools.

San Francisco Giants' Rafael Devers, middle right, circles the bases after hitting a two-run home run off of Boston Red Sox pitcher Brayan Bello, left, during the third inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Saturday, June 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Rafael Devers hits first home run for Giants against former team Red Sox

June 21, 2025

Rafael Devers hit his first home run for the Giants, connecting against his former Boston Red Sox team just six days after being traded to San Francisco. Devers began his first series against the Red Sox by going 0 for 5 on Friday and grounding out in his first at-bat Saturday. He then delivered just want his new team had been expecting when he hit an opposite-field drive off Brayan Bello over the left-field fence for a two-run homer in the third inning. Devers got loud cheers from the big crowd in San Francisco as he rounded the bases for his 216th career home run.

Mamelodi Sundowns' Ronwen Williams sits dejected after Borussia scored during the Club World Cup Group F soccer match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Borussia Dortmund in Cincinnati, Saturday, June 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)

Dortmund beats Mamelodi Sundowns 4-3 in blistering hot Club World Cup match

June 21, 2025

Borussia Dortmund was gifted an easy goal at the beginning of the match and held off a late response from the Mamelodi Sundowns on a fiercely warm day to win 4-3 in the Club World Cup group stage. Both teams and the crowd of 14,006 at TQL Stadium sweat through high temperatures that forced a heat advisory and cooling breaks called at the referee’s discretion. The Sundowns opened the scoring early on an impressive breakaway that Lucas Ribeiro Costa finished in the 11th minute. Dortmund evened the score in the 16th minute when Sundowns goalie Ronwen Williams inadvertently passed to Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha right in front of the net.

FILE - Hall of Fame driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. looks on prior to a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Darlington Raceway, Sept. 3, 2023, in Darlington, S.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley, File)

Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. wins NASCAR national series debut as crew chief at Pocono

June 21, 2025

Dale Earnhardt Jr. won his NASCAR national series debut as a crew chief in Saturday’s Xfinity Series at Pocono Raceway. Pressed into unexpected service, Earnhardt called the shots for 18-year-old prospect Connor Zilisch in the No. 88 Chevrolet and they both landed in victory lane. Earnhardt made a pit stop from his day job as team owner at JR Motorsports with normal crew chief Mardy Lindley suspended one race because of a lug nut infraction earlier this month at Nashville.

FILE - Immigrants seeking asylum walk at the ICE South Texas Family Residential Center, Aug. 23, 2019, in Dilley, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)

New insight into Texas family detention reveals adults fighting kids for clean water

June 21, 2025

A new court filing in an ongoing legal dispute with the federal government reveals the psychological and physical trauma endured by children and families held at Texas family detention centers. Advocates for the immigrant families conducted site visits at the detention centers in Dilley and Karnes, Texas. Families shared testimony detailing medical failures, dirty drinking water, and the psychological effects on their children of prolonged detention. The court filing made Friday evening is attempting to persuade a federal court not to terminate a 90s era policy that requires safe and sanitary conditions for immigrant children in federal custody.

Activists with the Poor People's Campaign protest against spending reductions across Medicaid, food stamps and federal aid in President Donald Trump's spending and tax bill being worked on by Senate Republicans this week, outside the Supreme Court in Washington, Monday, June 2, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

GOP’s food stamp plan is found to violate Senate rules. It’s the latest setback for Trump’s big bill

June 21, 2025

The Senate parliamentarian has advised that a Republican proposal that would shift some food stamp costs from the federal government to the states would violate the chamber’s strict rules. It’s another procedural blow to President Donald Trump’s tax and spending cut bill. Republicans were counting on savings from cutting back food stamps to help offset the lost revenue from the trillions of dollars of tax breaks in the bill. The GOP leadership is scrambling days before voting on the legislation is expected to begin. Trump wants the package passed into law by the Fourth of July.

Fans wait for the beginning of the Club World Cup group D soccer match between Chelsea and Los Angeles FC in Atlanta, Monday, June 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Club World Cup crowds have wildly fluctuated, from swathes of empty seats to ‘hostile’ atmospheres

June 21, 2025

The opening week for the monthlong Club World Cup has seen some wildly fluctuating attendances across the United States. A crowd of 3,412 watched Mamelodi Sundowns and Ulsan in Orlando. At the other end of the spectrum, more than 80,000 watched Champions League winner Paris Saint-Germain vs. Atletico Madrid at the Rose Bowl in Pasadenam California. While there was not a sellout game in the opening week, 10 of the first 24 matches have seen crowds in excess of 40,000, for an average of around 36,000. But optics, not just numbers, matter for a tournament FIFA hopes will become one of the most important in sport.

Colonial soldiers prepare to face the British during a reenactment in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill, Saturday, June 21, 2025, in Gloucester, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

The US commemorates 250th anniversary of the ‘great American battle,’ the Battle of Bunker Hill

June 21, 2025

As the U.S. marks the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill, it might take a moment — or more — to remember why. Start with the very name. “There’s something percussive about it: Battle of Bunker Hill,” says prize-winning historian Nathaniel Philbrick. Much of the world looks to the Battle of Lexington and Concord, fought on April 19, 1775, as the start of the American Revolution. But many scholars cite Bunker Hill and June 17 as the real beginning, the first time British and rebel forces faced off in sustained conflict over a specific piece of territory.

Omar al-Hobi, 43, from Rafah, unpacks a bag of food he collected at a distribution center run by private contractor the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation in the southern Gaza Strip, as he arrives at his family's tent in Khan Younis, Tuesday, June 10, 2025. At left are his children and his wife, Anwaar Saleh.(AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Israeli-backed group seeks at least $30 million from US for aid distribution in Gaza

June 21, 2025

An American-led group has asked the Trump administration to step in with an initial $30 million so it can continue its much scrutinized and Israeli-backed aid distribution in Gaza. That’s according to three U.S. officials and the organization’s application for the money. That application, obtained by The Associated Press, offers some of the first financial details about the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation and its work in the territory. The group says it’s provided millions of meals in southern Gaza since late May. But the effort has seen near-daily fatal shootings of Palestinians trying to reach the distribution sites. Humanitarian groups accuse the foundation of cooperating with Israel’s objectives in the war against Hamas.

Crowds dressed in inflatable costumes participate in the 'Rhino Rumble Road Race' to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the film 'Jumanji' in downtown Keene, N.H. on Saturday, June 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Leah Willingham)

New Hampshire city in ‘Jumanji’ marks 30th anniversary with animal costume race

June 21, 2025

A New Hampshire city that served as the backdrop for “Jumanji” is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the film this weekend. A “Rhino Rumble Road Race” saluting the film’s stampede scenes of elephants, rhinos and zebras is a highlight event planned Saturday around Keene’s Central Square. Runners have to wear inflatable animal costumes. The movie about a mysterious jungle adventure-themed board game starred Robin Williams. It turned back the clock to 1969 in Keene for the early scenes, and then later made it look rundown years later. About 125 residents were cast as extras in several scenes, including the stampede moments.

Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice kisses the Stanley Cup trophy after defeating the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

For back-to-back champ Panthers, the celebrations will continue before an important offseason begins

June 21, 2025

The Florida Panthers’ Stanley Cup championship festivities have included an all-night celebration at a popular beach bar; crowd surfing, pole climbing and impromptu karaoke at a Miami nightclub; a Brad Marchand appearance at Dairy Queen; a few team dinners and a boat ride. That’s just so far. Their chaotic celebratory escapades have been all over social media. The Panthers also partied hard after winning the franchise’s first title a year ago. But some players have described those days as a surreal whirlwind of first-time experiences. This time, the celebrations are different, as the reality of what they accomplished set in.

New York Yankees pitcher Clarke Schmidt (36) throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Saturday, June 21, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)

Clarke Schmidt pitches 7 hitless innings in Yankees 1-hitter, 9-0 rout of Orioles

June 21, 2025

Clarke Schmidt pitched seven hitless innings and the New York Yankees held the Baltimore Orioles to one hit in a 9-0 rout. JT Brubaker gave up a single to Gary Sánchez to open the eighth for the Orioles’ only hit. Schmidt was bidding to throw New York’s first no-hitter since Domingo Germán threw the Yankees’ major league-leading fourth perfect game on June 28, 2003. The Yankees had not thrown a no-hitter at home since David Cone’s perfect game on July 18, 1999, against the Montreal Expos. Schmidt exited after throwing 21 pitches in the seventh.

Indiana Pacers center Tony Bradley (13) looks towards Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) after a foul as guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) looks toward Bradley during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Finals basketball series, Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

The final act of the NBA Finals: 2 teams, 1 game, 1 trophy. Pacers at Thunder will decide a champion

June 21, 2025

It started with 30 teams, most of them fairly optimistic about their chances when the season began eight months and 1,320 games and 35,543 3-pointers and 299,608 points ago. Only two teams remain. For one game. Game 7. The NBA season ends on Sunday night when the Indiana Pacers visit the Oklahoma City Thunder to decide which team will hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy, take over for the Boston Celtics as champions and become the league’s seventh different title-winner in the last seven years. It’s the first winner-take-all game in the NBA since 2016, when Cleveland beat Golden State.

Atlanta Braves pitcher Chris Sale (51) fields a ball hit by New York Mets' Juan Soto (22) in the ninth inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Braves place reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Sale on injured list with fractured rib cage

June 21, 2025

The Atlanta Braves placed reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Chris Sale on the 15-day injured list because of a fractured left rib cage. Manager Brian Snitker said before the Braves’ game Saturday that Sale felt discomfort while doing exercises Friday. Tests revealed the fracture that sidelined Sale. In his previous start, Sale sprinted off the mound and made a diving stop of a grounder hit by the Mets’ Juan Soto and threw him out for the first out in the ninth. He then struck out Pete Alonso and was lifted after allowing a single to Brandon Nimmo. Sale is 5-4 and has a 2.52 ERA through 15 starts this season.

Carson Hocevar is introduced to fans prior to a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Sunday, May 25, 2025, in Concord, N.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley)

Stenhouse has vowed retaliation on rival Carson Hocevar. Will NASCAR payback be delivered at Pocono?

June 21, 2025

Carson Hocevar walked around Pocono Raceway without a scratch on his face. His polo shirt looked more tailored than tattered and the Spire Motorsports driver was ready to race rather than rumble. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. hadn’t socked Hocevar with a right hook quite yet after his threat to beat up his rival after last week’s race. Their beef has little chance of getting squashed any time soon, a dispute that started three races ago when Hocevar wrecked Stenhouse early at Nashville. Hocevar sent Stenhouse spinning last week in Mexico City, which ignited a postrace melee on pit road.

Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga signs autographs before a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies Monday, May 26, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)

Lefty Shota Imanaga will rejoin the Cubs next week in St. Louis

June 21, 2025

Left-hander Shota Imanaga will rejoin the Chicago Cubs early next week in St. Louis following a sharp Triple-A rehab start on Friday. Manager Craig Counsell wasn’t sure when Imanaga would be slotted into Chicago’s rotation, but he said before Saturday’s game against Seattle that the 31-year-old “is gonna make his next start in the big leagues.” Imanaga, who went 15-3 with a 2.91 ERA as a rookie last season, is coming back from a left hamstring strain. He got hurt covering first base during a May 4 loss at Milwaukee. He is 3-2 with a 2.82 ERA in eight starts for the Cubs this season.

Gun-industry companies and groups give $2 million to help build state-owned shooting range

June 21, 2025

A rendering of a state-owned shooting range under construction north of Rapid City. (Courtesy of South Dakota GF&P) A list

FILE - Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, speaks during the confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)

Mike Lee’s posts about the Minnesota shootings incensed fellow senators. They refused to let it go

June 21, 2025

Sen. Mike Lee posts thousands of times, often late at night, about politics. Colleagues have grown accustomed to the Utah Republican’s online persona, mostly brushing it off. That is, until this past week, after his posts about the killing of a Minnesota lawmaker and her husband incensed fellow senators. Lee has since deleted the posts but has yet to apologize. Minnesota’s two Democratic senators confronted Lee last week, and one of them, Tina Smith, said he seemed “surprised” to be called out. The backlash came at a tense moment in a bitterly divided Senate.

Legion Baseball Friday – Post 320 drops two, Post 22 splits

June 21, 2025

RAPID CITY, S.D. – In legion baseball on Friday, Rapid City Post 320 dropped a pair of games in play

Sturgis Titans Baseball win two at Chadron

June 21, 2025

CHADRON, Neb. – The Sturgis Post 33 Titans won two games in Chadron Friday. Sturgis won their first game by

Delivering for South Dakota

June 21, 2025

Republicans are moving closer to finishing work on a bill that fulfills our promise to make America stronger and more

SD Legislature removes lawmaker addresses from website after MN shootings

June 21, 2025

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota legislative leaders recently ordered the removal of lawmakers’ home addresses from the Legislature’s website in

Hiker rescued from Hippie Hole area Friday afternoon

June 21, 2025

ROCERKVILLE, S.D. – The Rockerville Volunteer Fire Department and Keystone Ambulance were paged Friday to the Hippie Hole area for a rescue. The patient was experiencing heat related issues and […]

Benchmark Bourbon: The Best Whiskey You’re Not Drinking (Yet)

June 21, 2025

By Mark Houston | Rapid City Post RAPID CITY, S.D. – On a recent episode of the Whiskey@Work podcast, co-hosts

Melyssa Rivas poses for a photo at a location where she witnessed masked federal agents detaining a person earlier this month outside Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Downey, Calif., on Friday, June 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

Many Americans are witnessing immigration arrests for the first time and reacting

June 21, 2025

With the Trump administration aggressively trying to increase the number of immigration arrests, raids are now being conducted at all hours and more Americans are witnessing people being hauled off. Previously such arrests were largely carried out late at night or in the pre-dawn hours by agents waiting outside people’s homes as they left for work or outside their work sites when they finished their day. Americans who rarely or never practiced civil disobedience now say they are intervening by recording the actions on their phones and staging impromptu protests. Arrests at immigration courts have also prompted emotional scenes as masked agents have turned up to detain people going to routine appointments and hearings.

San Francisco Giants' Rafael Devers (16) reacts after striking out against the Boston Red Sox during the ninth inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Friday, June 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Rafael Devers explains why he is willing to play first base for the Giants but not the Red Sox

June 21, 2025

Rafael Devers had a consistent mantra when he addressed the Boston media for the first time since his surprising trade from the Red Sox to the San Francisco Giants five days ago. He kept repeating that the “past is in the past” when asked about his time with the Red Sox and why the relationship deteriorated so much this season that the team traded him less than two years into a 10-year, $313.5 million contract he signed in 2023. Devers did say he would have been willing to move to first base in Boston if the Red Sox had asked him in spring training. He went 0 for 5 as the Giants lost to the Red Sox 7-5 on Friday night.

June 21, 2025.

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