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Rapid City man sentenced to 10 years for sexual contact
RAPID CITY, S.D. — A 35-year-old Rapid City man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for sexual contact. Hunter Plumain pleaded guilty in April after initially being charged with fourth-degree rape. Prosecutors said Plumain sexually assaulted a woman who was unable to give consent. Seventh Circuit Judge Eric Kelderman said Plumain showed no remorse and called him a danger to the community before imposing the maximum sentence.
Rapid City mayor to attend ribbon cutting for Shepherd Hills pump station
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Mayor Jason Solomon will join community and development officials Tuesday morning for the ribbon cutting of the Shepherd Hills Regional Water Booster Pump Station. The event is scheduled for 10 a.m. at 1851 East Anamosa Street, near East Philadelphia Street. The booster station went online in April and is serving one of Rapid City’s fastest-growing neighborhoods.
Rapid City man sentenced to 20 years in federal drug case
RAPID CITY, S.D. — A Rapid City man has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to a drug conspiracy charge. Michael Cole, 34, was convicted of distributing meth and fentanyl in the Rapid City area between January and February of last year. Prosecutors said Cole was already on supervised release for a previous drug conviction at the time. His sentence also includes five years of supervised release.
Rapid City Regional Airport receives funding boost
RAPID CITY, S.D. — South Dakota’s two busiest airports are receiving new state funding for expansion projects. The Aeronautics Commission approved more than $760,000 in leftover funds from Senate Bill 144, splitting the money between Sioux Falls and Rapid City. Rapid City Regional Airport will receive about $413,000. Airport Director Patrick Dame said the funding will help advance the next phase of a multi-year, multi-million-dollar terminal upgrade.
Trump fires Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook
WASHINGTON (AP) —President Donald Trump fired Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook late Monday, intensifying his push to exert more influence over the central bank. Trump announced the decision in a letter on his Truth Social platform, citing mortgage fraud allegations made last week by Bill Pulte, a Trump appointee to the agency overseeing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Southwest Airlines to change policy for plus-size travelers
DALLAS (AP) — Southwest Airlines will soon require plus-size travelers who cannot fit within the armrests of a single seat to buy an additional seat in advance. The policy, effective Jan. 27, coincides with the airline’s switch to assigned seating. Refunds for extra seats will still be possible but not guaranteed, Southwest said in a statement.
Israeli strike hits Gaza hospital, kills at least 20
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli airstrikes struck Nasser Hospital in the Gaza Strip on Monday, killing at least 20 people and wounding dozens, according to local health officials. Witnesses said the first strike hit the top floor of the hospital, followed minutes later by another blast as journalists and rescuers rushed to the scene. Israel’s prime minister called the incident a tragic mishap.
Venus Williams returns to U.S. Open at 45
NEW YORK (AP) — Venus Williams played her first Grand Slam match in two years Monday night at the U.S. Open, facing 2023 French Open runner-up Karolina Muchova. Williams, 45, is the oldest singles player to compete at the tournament since Renee Richards in 1981. The seven-time Grand Slam champion has won the U.S. Open twice, in 2000 and 2001.
Commanders, McLaurin reach $96 million deal
ASHBURN, Va. (AP) — The Washington Commanders and wide receiver Terry McLaurin agreed to a three-year, $96 million contract extension, according to a person with knowledge of the deal. McLaurin, who turns 30 in September, was entering the final year of his contract. Drafted in the third round in 2019, he has posted more than 1,000 receiving yards in five of six seasons.