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Rapid City Man Sentenced to 65 Years for Cornerstone Rescue Mission Stabbing
RAPID CITY, S.D. — A Rapid City man has been sentenced to 65 years in prison in connection with the fatal stabbing of a man outside the Cornerstone Rescue Mission in June of last year. Michael Flores Jr., 33, was originally charged with murder in the stabbing death of Douglas Cole but pleaded guilty but mentally ill to first degree manslaughter last month. Flores was already on parole at the time of the stabbing for assaulting law enforcement officers and possession of a controlled substance.
McCall Woman Dies in Motorcycle Crash Near Keystone
RAPID CITY, S.D. — The Highway Patrol has identified a McCall, Idaho woman who died in a single motorcycle crash seven miles south of Keystone, SD Saturday evening. Preliminary crash information indicates 27-year-old Kayla Ann Faul, the driver of a 2015 Husqvarna motorcycle, was traveling eastbound on US Highway 16A and began to pass a group of motorcycles. Entering a sharp curve, Faul lost control and became separated from her motorcycle, sliding off the road. She was wearing a helmet. Faul was transported to a Rapid City hospital where she died from her injuries.
Attorney General Cracks Down on Vape Shops Selling Drugs to Minors
RAPID CITY, S.D. — South Dakota’s Attorney General is cracking down on vape shops selling drugs to minors, calling it a growing public safety concern. Marty Jackley says these products, including Delta 8 and Delta 10 THC, have led to overdoses and need stricter enforcement. Lawmakers closed many legal loopholes last year, but Jackley insists law enforcement will step up statewide. In Rapid City, officers have been testing products from local stores over the summer. Jackley says penalties can range up to ten years depending on the substance and circumstances, and officials are emphasizing public safety as they crack down.
Proposed Federal Education Cuts Could Impact South Dakota Schools
PIERRE, S.D. — South Dakota schools are facing big changes if Congress follows President Trump’s proposed budget for the Department of Education. Education Law Center Research Director Danielle Farrie says cuts could cost Rapid City one-point-four million, and smaller districts like Eagle Butte hundreds of thousands of dollars. Senator Mike Rounds says the Senate plan boosts funding slightly above the President’s proposal but still comes in over 97-million dollars below last year’s level.
Sturgis, Meade County Finalize Roadway Transfer Agreement
STURGIS, S.D. — The City of Sturgis and Meade County are finalizing a Memorandum of Agreement to transfer portions of certain roadways from the county to the city. Sturgis Public Works Director Rick Bush says this transfer is being completed in accordance with new legislation passed by the Legislature, which requires secondary highways on the boundary line of a municipality to be assigned to the municipality. Upon transfer, the city of Sturgis assumes full responsibility for maintenance, repair and associated costs. Sturgis will begin full maintenance in 2026.
Rapid City Approves 2026 Budget with Funding Increases for Fire and Police
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Rapid City has approved a 2026 budget that is $3 million dollars less than last year. The new budget comes in at $337 million compared to last year’s $340 million. Despite the drop in the overall budget, the city still tallies a 4.4 percent increase in the general fund. City leaders say that difference will continue to pay for local day to day operations. The Rapid City Fire Department will see a near-nine percent increase with a $21.2 million budget. Likewise, the Police Department will operate just shy of $30 million, which tallies a 2.7 percent increase of funding.
Trump enjoys royal pageantry during second UK state visit
President Donald Trump is relishing the glow of a British royal spectacle during his visit to Windsor Castle. He was greeted on his state visit Wednesday by King Charles III, military honor guards and mounted troops before paying a private tribute at Queen Elizabeth II’s tomb. No U.S. president, or any other world leader, has ever had the honor of a second U.K. state visit. The pomp and pageantry are deliberate, meant to bolster ties with Trump at a time when his America First policies are putting pressure on trade and security arrangements around the globe.
ABC suspends Jimmy Kimmel after comments on Charlie Kirk’s Assassination
NEW YORK (AP) — ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show indefinitely after comments he made about conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination drew backlash from affiliates. Nexstar Communications Group, which operates 23 ABC stations, said it would not air Jimmy Kimmel Live! beginning Wednesday, calling the remarks “offensive and insensitive.” Kimmel criticized what he called partisan efforts to politicize the attack, leading to criticism from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr and conservative groups who accused him of misleading the public about the suspect. Kimmel, on air since 2003, has not commented; his contract runs through May 2026.
Ukraine expects $3.5 billion fund for US weapons to sustain fight against Russia, Zelenskyy says
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine expects to have a $3.5 billion fund by next month to buy weapons from the U.S. and sustain its fight against Russia’s invasion. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the amount Wednesday. The fund is known as the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List. It pools contributions from NATO members excluding the U.S. to purchase American weapons. Zelenskyy mentioned that the first shipments will include missiles for Patriot air defense systems and munitions for HIMARS. A U.S.-Ukraine fund to boost investments in Ukraine’s mineral sector is also set to launch with $150 million. This fund aims to spur reconstruction and military aid.
Israeli troops press forward into Gaza City as more Palestinians flee and death toll passes 65,000
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli troops and tanks are pushing deeper into Gaza City as more people flee the devastated area. Strikes cut off phone and internet services on Wednesday, making it harder for Palestinians to summon ambulances during the military’s new offensive. Meanwhile, the Palestinian death toll in the Israel-Hamas war surpassed 65,000. The Israeli military said air force and artillery units had struck the city more than 150 times in the last few days, ahead of ground troops moving in. The offensive began Monday and aims to take full control of the city.