Matt Brown, Author at The Rapid City Post

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz listens as President Donald Trump speaks about TrumpRx in the South Court Auditorium in the Old Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House campus, Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

‘Take the vaccine, please,’ a top US health official says in an appeal as measles cases rise

February 8, 2026

A leading U.S. health official is urging people to get inoculated against the measles at a time of outbreaks across several states. The appeal is from Dr. Mehmet Oz, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator. And it comes as the United States is at risk of losing its measles elimination status and as Oz’s boss, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has raised suspicion about the safety and importance of vaccines. Oz was interviewed Sunday on CNN and he said, “Take the vaccine, please. We have a solution for our problem.”

FILE - Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., is seen before a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, Oct. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Allison Robbert, File)

Republicans rarely criticize Trump in his second term. A racist post briefly changed that

February 7, 2026

President Donald Trump is facing rare criticism from his Republican Party over a racist video. Trump’s White House removed a video that contained a racist image of former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama after a bipartisan blowback from lawmakers on Capitol Hill. The condemnation from congressional Republicans marked a rare moment of pushback from GOP lawmakers, who otherwise rarely criticize Trump in public. Trump said that he did not support the racist parts of the video and declined to apologize. Democrats and supporters of the Obamas rallied to the former first couple’s defense

FILE - Signs welcomes voters Nov. 4, 2025, in Del Mar, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull, File)

Immigration raids, election office search stir midterm concerns for Democratic election officials

January 29, 2026

Aggressive immigration enforcement in Minnesota, which resulted in the shooting deaths of two U.S. citizens by federal agents, and this week’s FBI search of an election office in Georgia have Democratic election officials concerned about what could be in store for this fall’s midterm elections. During an annual gathering of state election officials on Thursday, several Democratic secretaries of state said they had begun planning for a range of ways the Trump administration might seek to interfere with voting or how they run elections. That could include putting immigration agents near polling places or attempting to seize voting equipment, they said. The White House did not immediately return a request for comment.

Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-D.C., speaks during a hearing of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Longtime DC Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton is ending her reelection campaign for Congress

January 25, 2026

The District of Columbia’s longtime delegate is closing out her career in Congress. Eleanor Holmes Norton filed paperwork Sunday to terminate her campaign for reelection. The 88-year-old veteran of the Civil Rights Movement is the oldest member of Congress. The 18-term delegate has been an advocate for her city’s interests in Congress since 1991. But her effectiveness as the district’s sole voice in Congress came under scrutiny after President Donald Trump’s intervention in the city last year. Norton’s retirement opens up a likely competitive primary to replace her in the overwhelmingly Democratic city.

EDS NOTE: OBSCENITY - People march and gather near the post office during a protest, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

After Minneapolis, Democrats confront political vulnerabilities to battle Trump on immigration

January 20, 2026

Democrats are rethinking their midterm election strategy due to the controversial immigration crackdown in Minnesota. The killing of an American mother by federal agents has sparked outrage, but the party is divided on how to respond. Some are calling to abolish ICE, echoing “defund the police” rhetoric from President Donald Trump’s first term. Others are proposing legislation to curb alleged abuse, which activists criticize as insufficient. The party faces pressure to balance immigration issues with core messages on health care and affordability. Republicans, meanwhile, feel confident in their stance on immigration and crime.

FILE - United States Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller reacts on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein), File)

In his own words: Stephen Miller’s arguments for White House actions in US cities and abroad

January 14, 2026

Deputy White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller has argued for years that the Venezuelan government has intentionally orchestrated mass migration into the United States. His rhetoric and ideas influenced the talking points of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign and now guide White House policy on issues ranging from immigration to anti-drug trafficking to military action. Foreign leaders, U.S. lawmakers and the general public are paying closer attention to Miller’s ideology and rhetoric. A U.S. military operation to depose former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro took place following Miller’s comments justifying greater intervention in the South American nation.

Democratic National Committee chair Ken Martin speaks during an interview with The Associated Press at DNC headquarters, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Allison Robbert)

Democrats will spend millions to shift voter registration strategy ahead of the midterm elections

January 13, 2026

The Democratic National Committee plans to spend millions of dollars to consolidate voter registration efforts, traditionally handled by nonprofits and individual campaigns. The initiative is being announced Tuesday and begins in Arizona and Nevada with at least $2 million for training organizers. The DNC says it could become its largest-ever push to sign up new voters, focusing on young people, people of color and those without college educations. These groups drifted away from Democrats in the last presidential race. DNC Chair Ken Martin says the party needs more Democrats to win elections. The program will also coordinate national days of action and encourage state parties to compete in voter registration efforts.

Erika Kirk speaks during Turning Point USA's AmericaFest 2025, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Jon Cherry)

Turning Point USA’s Erika Kirk backs Vice President JD Vance’s potential 2028 presidential bid

December 19, 2025

Erika Kirk, the widow of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk and current CEO of the conservative youth group, endorsed the potential presidential bid of Vice President JD Vance in the 2028 election. Erika Kirk promised to support President Donald Trump’s efforts to maintain GOP-control of Congress and vowed to “get my husband’s friend JD Vance elected” in the 2028 presidential election. The late Kirk and Vance were close friends.

Jared Isaacman, President Donald Trump's pick to be NASA Administrator, speaks during a hearing of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Senate confirms Jared Isaacman as NASA administrator in do-over after Musk feud

December 17, 2025

The Senate has confirmed billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman to serve as NASA administrator. Isaacman’s nomination was revoked and then reintroduced by President Donald Trump as part of a feud with tech billionaire Elon Musk. The vote Wednesday was 67-30. Isaacman has promised to bring a business-minded approach to transforming NASA’s operations. Republicans have welcomed some of his proposals and some new senators strongly advocated for his confirmation. But Democrats balked at Isaacman and Trump’s plans, including the proposed costs of some projects and overall priorities for the agency.

Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, joins activists demonstrating against the policies and conduct of President Donald Trump where he hints the possibility of bringing articles of impeachment against as he did in 2017, at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

House squashes second attempt to impeach Trump from Rep. Al Green

December 11, 2025

The House has voted to dismiss an effort to impeach President Donald Trump. The impeachment resolution brought by Democratic Rep. Al Green of Texas failed in a 237-140 vote with 47 Democrats voting present. The result was expected, but the resolution garnered more Democratic support compared to an similar measure that Green brought in June. Democratic leaders declined to formally oppose it, instead voting “present.” Republicans have begun to warn that Democrats are determined to impeach Trump a third time if they win the majority next year. They dismissed Thursday’s vote as a distraction.

Rep. Matt Van Epps, R-Tenn, left, takes part in a ceremonial swearing-in with Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, in Washington. Holding the Bible is Van Epps' wife, Meg Wrather, and their daughter, Amelia Van Epps. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)

Republican Matt Van Epps is sworn in as the newest House member days after winning election

December 4, 2025

Republican Matt Van Epps of Tennessee has been sworn as the newest House member. It comes two days after Van Epps won a closely watched special election that helped maintain his party’s slim grip on power. The swift seating of Van Epps comes at a time when talk of House resignations has been swirling. And it’s also in stark contrast to the seven-week delay in swearing in the newest Democrat, Rep. Adelita Grijalva of Arizona. Speaker Mike Johnson had refused to swear her into office during the government shutdown, and that infuriated Democrats.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang listens as President Donald Trump speaks during the Saudi Investment Forum at the Kennedy Center, Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang visits Republicans as debate over intensifying AI race rages

December 3, 2025

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is making the rounds in Washington. Huang met with separately President Donald Trump and Senate Republicans on Wednesday to talk about the future of artificial intelligence amid ongoing efforts by top Silicon Valley executives to secure favorable terms for their industry. Huang warns that any restrictions on AI will halt its advancement. That’s despite mounting concerns about AI’s potential pitfalls or how foreign rivals like China may use American hardware. The Trump administration in May reversed Biden-era restrictions that had prevented Nvidia and other chipmakers from exporting their chips to a wide range of countries.

FILE - People talk with National Guard soldiers on the Ellipse, with the White House in the background, Oct. 17, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul, File)

A federal judge blocked Trump’s National Guard deployment to DC but troops aren’t leaving just yet

November 21, 2025

A federal judge on Thursday ordered a temporary end to President Donald Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops in the nation’s capital. But the judge’s decision to allow for 21 days before the order takes effect underscores how intensive and legally contentious it will be to roll back the deployment. The order is unlikely to be the end of the battle between the administration and local D.C. leaders over whether the president can deploy troops to assist in law enforcement and immigration activities. An appeal in the case is likely. The case may also have implications for how other cities may experience federal troop deployments in the future.

House reprimands Illinois congressman over succession plan, angering Democrats

November 19, 2025

The House has voted to reprimand Illinois Rep. Chuy Garcia over an eyebrow-raising succession plan for his congressional seat. The move has divided Democrats who were furious with a member of their own caucus for triggering the vote. Garcia was rebuked after quietly backing a succession plan that may help his chief of staff succeed him in Congress. Democratic Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp-Perez of Washington brought forward the resolution criticizing Garcia. She says it’s important to oppose “election subversion” in both parties. Democrats have defended Garcia as a progressive leader who has advocated for his Chicago-area constituents on issues like immigrant rights.

FILE - Kevin Roberts, president of The Heritage Foundation, speaks at the National Religious Broadcasters convention at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center Feb. 22, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, File)

Heritage Foundation head defends Tucker Carlson for hosting white nationalist with antisemitic views

October 31, 2025

The president of a prominent Republican-aligned think tank defended conservative media personality Tucker Carlson after he hosted a conversation with a far-right activist known for pushing white nationalist and antisemitic views. Heritage Foundation President Kevin Robert posted a video to social media in which he denied that the group was “distancing itself” from the former Fox News host after Carlson hosted Nick Fuentes, whose followers see themselves as trying to preserve America’s white, Christian identify. In his video, Roberts called Carlson “a close friend” of the think tank and said the Heritage Foundation would not be “cancelling our own people or policing the consciences of Christians.” Some Democrats and Jewish Republicans expressed outrage at Roberts’ support of Carlson.

A statue of Confederate general Albert Pike has been reinstalled in a park near the headquarters of the Department of Labor, Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul)

A Confederate statue is restored as part of Trump’s efforts to reshape how history is told

October 29, 2025

The Trump administration has restored a memorial to Confederate General Albert Pike in Washington, D.C. Demonstrators took it down during racial justice protests in the summer of 2020. The statue is the only outdoor monument to a Confederate leader in the nation’s capital. The National Park Service announced plans to restore it in August, following executive orders by President Trump. Critics argue the statue endorses Pike’s views, while some conservatives see its removal as vandalism. Eleanor Holmes Norton, D.C.’s non-voting representative in Congress, called the restoration “morally objectionable” and proposed legislation to remove it permanently.

FILE - Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., speaks during the Democratic National Convention Aug. 19, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

Democrats needed a new approach on a key House committee. Then came the uproar over Jeffrey Epstein

October 29, 2025

The top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee has sought to rally his committee as a center of Democratic messaging and response to the Trump administration’s agenda. Rep. Robert Garcia has seized on matters like the Jeffrey Epstein files, immigration enforcement and alleged corruption as issues to grab attention and galvanize Democrats. Oversight Democrats have leveraged public pressure to pass some key votes in recent months on the release of the Epstein files and other issues related to the Trump administration. Garcia hopes that the effort will help his party craft a more compelling message to voters for next year’s midterm elections and later conduct investigations into the Trump administration.

House Republicans preparing report on Biden’s use of autopen after months of investigation

October 20, 2025

House Republicans are preparing to release a report about President Joe Biden’s mental state and the alleged misuse of the presidential autopen during his term. Republicans on the House Oversight Committee sought interviews with more than a dozen former senior Biden staffers to investigate what they have alleged was a “cover-up” of his mental state. Democrats have dismissed the probe as a distraction from the Trump administration’s actions. While Republicans have so far produced no evidence that the autopen was misused, the report may be used to present legal challenges to Biden-era policies that Republicans oppose.

FILE - New York State Attorney General Letitia James speaks during the New York State Democratic Convention in New York, Feb. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)

Trump’s indictment of New York attorney general Letitia James stirs concerns for Black women leaders

October 11, 2025

The indictment of New York Attorney General Letitia James on allegations of mortgage fraud has raised alarms among her allies and Black leaders, who condemned it as a politicization of the justice system for President Donald Trump’s personal grievances. James, who had previously prosecuted the Trump Organization for business fraud, has called the charge “baseless” and “a grave violation of our constitutional order.” The claims against her drew parallels with recent efforts by Trump to remove a Federal Reserve Board governor, Lisa Cook, from her post over similar allegations. Some Black leaders say the move carries symbolic weight to Black families, where property ownership has historically been restricted by the legal system through outright and implicit discrimination.

FILE - Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., speaks during the Democratic National Committee Winter Meeting, Feb. 4, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

At annual legislative conference, Black lawmakers confront Trump-era cuts and civil rights setbacks

September 26, 2025

The Congressional Black Caucus has gathered for its annual legislative conference in Washington this past week. Lawmakers moderated panels with business leaders, policy experts and activists on a wide range of issues. The future of American democracy and the impacts of the Trump administration’s agenda were top of mind for lawmakers. Several members of Congress delivered remarks urging attendees to organize in response to the administration and think creatively about what a path back to power may look like. Other members argued that the caucus’ agenda needed to be prepared for the realities of a changed country after the Trump presidency.

FILE - Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve member Lisa Cook, speaks during a conversations with leaders from organizations that include nonprofits, small businesses, manufacturing, supply chain management, the hospitality industry, and the housing and education sectors at the Federal Reserve building, Sept. 23, 2022, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)

Trump’s push to oust Fed’s Lisa Cook unites anti-DEI effort, bid to control independent institutions

August 26, 2025

Donald Trump’s vow to fire Federal Reserve Board Governor Lisa Cook is at the intersection of the Republican president’s efforts to consolidate power and purge diverse voices from the higher ranks of American leadership. Cook, an economist who has focused much of her research on economic innovation and discrimination, is the first Black woman to serve on the Fed’s board of governors. Trump’s move to fire her comes after he sought to fire multiple high-profile Black federal leaders, drawing the condemnation of Black leaders in Washington and beyond.

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser speaks during a news conference on President Donald Trump's plan to place Washington police under federal control and deploy National guard troops to Washington, Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Trump’s Washington police takeover echoes history of racist narratives about urban crime

August 11, 2025

President Donald Trump has taken control of the District of Columbia’s law enforcement and ordered National Guard troops to deploy onto the streets of the nation’s capital. He argued Monday the extraordinary move is a response to an urgent public safety crisis. But his rhetoric echoed that of conservative politicians going back decades who have denounced American cities, especially those with majority non-white populations or led by progressive politicians, as lawless or crime-ridden and in need of outside intervention. Advocates in Washington’s Black community say they had been preparing for a potential federal crackdown in the district since 2020, when Trump deployed U.S. troops during racial justice protests after the murder of George Floyd.

FILE - People stand in line during the last day of early voting, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart, file)

Democrats try again to revive the Voting Rights Act but face long odds

July 29, 2025

Democrats are again trying to revive the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965. But they face long odds in the Republican-controlled Congress. Senate Democrats reintroduced legislation Tuesday that would renew and expand parts of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 amid renewed debate over the future administration of American elections. Sen. Raphael Warnock of Georgia was joined by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York and four other senators during a news conference outside the Capitol. The push for the bill comes at a precarious moment for the Voting Rights Act. The enforcement mechanisms of the original law have been removed or hampered by two decades of court rulings and lapsed congressional reauthorizations.

FILE - Marc Morial, center, President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Urban League, talks with reporters outside the West Wing of the White House in Washington, July 8, 2021, following a meeting with President Joe Biden and leadership of top civil rights organizations. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)

Urban League declares a ‘state of emergency’ for civil rights in the US in response to Trump

July 16, 2025

The National Urban League has declared a “state of emergency” over civil rights policies in response to the Trump administration. In its annual State of Black America report that’s being released Thursday the group accuses the administration of undermining decades of progress in civil rights. The report highlights efforts to weaken federal agencies, reverse diversity policies, and promote a hard-right agenda. Urban League President Marc Morial warns of white nationalist politics becoming mainstream. The report calls for a “new resistance” to counter these changes, urging civil rights advocates to rally and protect multiracial democracy. The Trump administration argues that policies that seek to address disparities between different demographics are themselves discriminatory.

FILE - First lady Jill Biden talks with senior adviser Anthony Bernal before her speech at the Carondelet Palace in Quito, Ecuador, May 19, 2022. (Erin Schaff/The New York Times via AP, Pool, File)

Jill Biden aide invokes Fifth to decline testimony in Republican investigation

July 16, 2025

A former senior aide to first lady Jill Biden has declined to answer questions as part of a House Republican probe into former President Joe Biden’s mental state. Anthony Bernal invoked his Fifth Amendment right Wednesday before the House Oversight Committee. Chair James Comer vowed to continue the Republican probe and did not rule out requesting interviews with Jill Biden or former Vice President Kamala Harris. Republicans question whether actions Biden took in office may have been invalid. Biden has denied claims that he was not aware of decisions made during his term. Democrats have dismissed the investigation as political theater.

FILE - Congresswoman Rep. LaMonica McIver, D-N.J., exits the grounds at Delaney Hall, an ICE detention facility, May 9, 2025, in Newark, N.J, (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis, File)

Democrats wrestle with how to conduct oversight as Trump officials crack down

June 28, 2025

Congressional Democrats are grappling with how to conduct oversight of the Trump administration after some colleagues were arrested and face charges for attempting to observe the administration’s conduct. Lawmakers have increasingly reached out to researchers, local activists, lawmakers and business leaders to gain insights into the administration’s actions. But Democrats concede that they have little ability to compel information from the Trump administration without gaining more power in Congress. Congressional Republicans have largely dismissed Democrats’ behavior as inflammatory and inappropriate.

FILE - Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., speaks at the California Democratic Party's 2025 State Convention at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Calif., May, 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)

Rep. Robert Garcia elected top Democrat on Oversight panel, setting new path for party’s opposition

June 24, 2025

There’s a new top Democrat on the influential House Oversight Committee. Rep. Robert Garcia of California won the job in a closed-door vote Tuesday, defeating Rep. Stephen Lynch of Massachusetts. Garcia will be in the spotlight as Republicans conduct several high-profile investigations on the committee, including one into Democratic President Joe Biden’s health in office. Garcia’s victory also marks a moment of generational change for the party after previous ranking member Rep. Gerry Connelly of Virginia died following treatment for esophageal cancer. Many Democratic lawmakers were swayed by Garcia’s experience as a former mayor and his promise to focus on helping Democrats win in next year’s elections.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., leaves the chamber as Republican senators meet to find a way to help President Donald Trump cancel $9.4 billion in spending already approved by Congress, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, June 11, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

House passes bill to to combat fentanyl trafficking, sending it to Trump’s desk

June 12, 2025

The House has passed bipartisan legislation aimed at cracking down on fentanyl. The bill approved Thursday permanently reclassifies analogs of the synthetic opioid fentanyl as Schedule I drugs, making it easier to prosecute drug traffickers for their possession. The bill now heads to President Donald Trump for his signature. Proponents of the legislation argue that the bill will make it easier to stop drug traffickers by making the federal emergency rules permanent. Opponents says it does little to stem the epidemic and warn the bill will worsen longstanding problems in the criminal justice system.

FILE - Rep. Stephen Lynch, D-Mass., speaks during a House Committee on Oversight and Reform hearing on gun violence on Capitol Hill in Washington, June 8, 2022. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, Pool, File)

Democrats look for reinvention and a new playbook against Trump in key committee race

June 11, 2025

House Democrats are searching for a new leader on the powerful House Oversight Committee after the untimely passing of their previous ranking member. The race has brought in four lawmakers on the panel who each bring different skill sets and visions for how to best use the high-profile position. The ranking member will immediately have a long to-do list. Republicans have positioned the committee to be a political battleground this summer with hearings and investigations over issues like immigration, abortion, LGBTQ rights and President Joe Biden’s mental condition. Lawmakers in both the progressive and moderate wings of the Democratic caucus are most interested in who can best lead the party back to power and counter President Donald Trump’s agenda.

Subcommittee Chairman Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, gives his opening remarks during a Senate Committee on the Judiciary joint subcommittee hearing to examine District Judges v. Trump, on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, June 3, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)

Senate Republicans revise ban on state AI regulations in bid to preserve controversial provision

June 6, 2025

Senate Republicans have made changes to their party’s sweeping tax bill in hopes of preserving a new policy that would prevent states from regulating artificial intelligence. Republicans are proposing to block states from receiving federal funding for broadband if they regulate AI. That’s a change from a provision in the House’s bill that simply banned any current or future AI regulations by the states. Senators unveiled the revised language Thursday night. The proposed ban has angered state lawmakers in Democratic and Republican-led states and alarmed some digital safety advocates. But leading AI executives warn a “patchwork” of state AI regulations would cripple innovation.

Matt Brown.