Mike Schneider, Author at The Rapid City Post

FILE - Trucks come and go from the "Alligator Alcatraz" immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades, Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025, in Collier County, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell,File)

Lawyers say access to ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ is still hard to get as a judge weighs the case

February 12, 2026

Attorneys say detainees at Florida’s “Alligator Alcatraz” still struggle to reach their lawyers, despite state claims that access problems are fixed. On Thursday, two lawyers filed statements with a federal court that their clients cannot call them using staff cellphones. They also say they still cannot make unannounced visits. A private contractor testified late last month that both options exist. A judge has not ruled on a request to match access at federal detention centers. The lawsuit says the rules force visits to be booked three days ahead. It says delays and transfers block legal help. State and federal officials deny rights violations.

FILE - People walk past posters encouraging participation in the 2020 Census in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood, April 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)

Census Bureau plans to use survey with a citizenship question in its test for 2030, alarming experts

February 5, 2026

The U.S. Census Bureau plans to use a survey form with a citizenship question for its 2030 census practice test. The test being conducted in Huntsville, Alabama, and Spartanburg, South Carolina, uses questions from the American Community Survey, not recent census forms. The ACS includes a citizenship question while the census form does not. This decision follows the Trump administration’s failed attempt to add such a question to the 2020 census. Experts express concern about using ACS questions, saying they won’t provide a valid test for 2030 census operations.

The Carolinas emerge as new population boom states. Affordability and lifestyle drive growth

January 31, 2026

North Carolina and South Carolina have become two hot spots for growth in the United States. North Carolina was the top destination for domestic migrants in the U.S., attracting 84,000 people from other states last year. South Carolina had the highest overall growth rate at 1.5%. Florida, previously a top choice for domestic residents, fell to eighth place as more people chose to move elsewhere. Texas saw a year-to-year decrease in domestic migration, with 67,300 new domestic residents. North Carolina’s appeal includes its location, job opportunities and diverse landscapes. Despite changes in domestic migration, Texas and Florida still had the highest number of new residents overall.

FILE - A sign at a UHaul store looking to hire employees is also offering a bonus, Thursday, May 20, 2021, in Boynton Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier, File)

Texas leads the nation in supplying new residents to other states

January 22, 2026

Texas has become the top source of new residents for nine other states, despite its own population growth. The U.S. Census Bureau released figures showing Texas as the leading source of residents moving to states like Alaska, California, and Oklahoma. With 31 million residents, Texas gained 2.1 million people between 2020 and 2024. Other populous states like California, Florida, and New York also contributed significantly to interstate migration. Factors such as job opportunities and rising real estate costs in states like Florida may influence these moves. The Census Bureau plans to release new population estimates for 2025 next week.

Immigration activists rally outside the Supreme Court as the justices hear arguments over the Trump administration's plan to ask about citizenship on the 2020 census, in Washington, April 23, 2019. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

Lawsuits by Trump allies could shape how the 2030 census is done and who will be counted

January 11, 2026

The next U.S. census is four years away, but two lawsuits playing out this year could affect how the head count will be done and who’ll be counted. Allies of President Donald Trump are behind the lawsuits challenging various aspects of the once-a-decade count by the U.S. Census Bureau that’s used to determine congressional representation and federal aid to states. The lawsuits align with parts of Trump’s agenda, even as his administration must defend the Census Bureau and its methods in court. Democratic-aligned groups are trying to intervene because of concerns over whether the Justice Department will defend the bureau vigorously.

FILE - A loader holds a sign reading "Alligator Alcatraz" in its bucket as workers install it at the entrance to a new migrant detention facility at Dade-Collier Training and Transition facility, July 3, 2025, in Ochopee, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Officials withheld evidence on Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ funding, environmental groups say

January 8, 2026

Environmental groups claim federal and state officials withheld evidence about funding for an immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades. The facility, known as “Alligator Alcatraz,” remains open in part because an appellate court relied on arguments that Florida hadn’t sought federal reimbursement, which would trigger federal environmental law requirements. Now emails obtained through public records requests show Florida had taken steps to get federal funding — including a grant application that was accepted weeks before the appellate ruling. The environmental groups argue this evidence should influence the court’s final decision.

Federal judge denies request to close Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’

December 18, 2025

A federal judge has denied a request to close an immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades known as “Alligator Alcatraz.” The decision came Thursday from a federal judge who said a detainee, identified as M.A., failed to show irreparable harm. U.S. District Judge Kyle Dudek stated that M.A. hadn’t met the high burden required for a preliminary injunction. M.A.’s lawsuit is one of three challenging practices at the center, built this summer by the state of Florida. M.A.’s lawsuit argues that Florida lacks the authority to operate the facility under federal law. Other lawsuits focus on environmental impact and detainees’ access to legal help.

FILE p In this imaged released by the Martin County, Fla., Sheriff's Office, law enforcement officers arrest Ryan Routh, the man suspected in the apparent assassination attempt of Donald Trump, Sept. 15, 2024. (Martin County Sheriff's Office via AP, File)

Man who tried to assassinate Trump on golf course requests attorney for sentencing

December 15, 2025

Ryan Routh, convicted of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump, has decided to use an attorney for his sentencing. The hearing in Fort Pierce, Florida, has been moved from this week to early February. Routh represented himself during most of the trial. In September, chaos erupted in the courtroom when jurors found him guilty. Routh tried to stab himself with a pen but was stopped by officers. Prosecutors say he spent weeks plotting to kill Trump. Routh aimed a rifle at Trump on a golf course but was stopped by a Secret Service agent.

FILE - Guests ride on the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Epic Universe Theme Park at Universal Resort Orlando, April 10, 2025, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux, file)

Man’s death on roller coaster at Universal Studios in Orlando ruled accidental

December 12, 2025

The death of a 32-year-old man after riding a high-speed roller coaster at Universal Studios has been ruled accidental. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office in Florida closed the investigation on Friday. Security video showed Kevin Rodriguez Zavala was alert at the start of the ride but unresponsive at the end. Zavala had severe facial trauma and was stuck in his seat for 10 minutes. His family said he used a wheelchair due to a spinal disability. The medical examiner ruled the death an accident from blunt impact injuries. The roller coaster reaches speeds up to 62 mph.

FILE - Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during a news conference Aug. 12, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara, File)

Florida’s CAIR vows lawsuit against DeSantis over ‘foreign terrorist’ label

December 9, 2025

Gov. Ron DeSantis has labeled the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as a “foreign terrorist organization.” Leaders of CAIR’s Florida chapter announced on Tuesday that they plan to file a First Amendment lawsuit, arguing the state lacks legal grounds for the designation. Hiba Rahim, the chapter’s deputy executive director, criticized the order as an attack based on conspiracy theories. DeSantis, speaking in North Miami Beach, stood by his decision and welcomed the lawsuit. The order also targets the Muslim Brotherhood and prevents state agencies from engaging with these groups. CAIR plans to challenge the order in court.

FILE - Guests arrive at Disney's Magic Kingdom theme park in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., June 15, 2016. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)

What to know about changes to Disney parks’ disability policies

December 7, 2025

Disney’s changes to a program for disabled visitors are facing challenges in federal court and through a shareholder proposal. The Disability Access Service program, which allows disabled visitors to skip long lines, was overhauled last year. Disney now mostly limits the program to those with developmental disabilities like autism who have difficulty waiting in lines. The changes have sparked criticism from some disability advocates. A shareholder proposal submitted by disability advocates calls for an independent review of Disney’s disability policies. Disney plans to block this proposal, claiming it’s misleading. It’s the latest struggle by Disney to accommodate disabled visitors while stopping past abuses by some theme park guests.

FILE - Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Horizon cruise ship is shown docked at PortMiami, Friday, April 9, 2021, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee,File)

Teenage stepbrother of 18-year-old who died on Carnival cruise now a suspect, say court papers

November 20, 2025

The teenage stepbrother of an 18-year-old woman who died on a Carnival cruise ship is a suspect in the FBI investigation, according to court papers filed this week. In sworn statements, his parents say the 16-year-old, referred to as “T.H.,” is a suspect in the death of Anna Kepner, a high school cheerleader from Florida’s Space Coast. Kepner was traveling with her stepmother, Shauntel Hudson, and her children. Shauntel Hudson’s attorney confirmed the investigation and requested a court hearing delay. A memorial service for Kepner was scheduled for Thursday. Carnival Cruise Line is working with the FBI to investigate the incident.

FILE - Workers install a sign reading "Alligator Alcatraz" at the entrance to the migrant detention facility at Dade-Collier Training and Transition facility, July 3, 2025, in Ochopee, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, file)

Judge pushes for resolution in lawsuit over legal access at ‘Alligator Alcatraz’

November 19, 2025

A federal judge in Florida is pushing for a resolution in a lawsuit over detainees’ access to attorneys at an immigration detention center in the Everglades. U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has ordered a two-day conference next month in her Fort Myers courtroom. The lawsuit challenges whether detainees at “Alligator Alcatraz” are getting adequate legal access. Attorneys for the detainees are seeking a preliminary injunction to improve communication with their clients. They claim current practices make it difficult to meet before key deadlines. This case is one of three federal lawsuits challenging practices at the facility.

FILE - Dalton Trumbo, left, Hollywood screenwriter, shouts from the witness stand as he tries to make a statement before the House Un-American Activities Committee, Oct. 28, 1947, in Washington. At right is his attorney Robert Kenny. Trumbo was excused from further testimony when he refused to state whether he is or has been a communist. (AP Photo/Byron Rollins, File)

Critics warn Florida’s new teaching standards rehabilitate aspects of the anti-communist Red Scare

November 14, 2025

Critics are warning that Florida’s new social studies standards rehabilitate aspects of McCarthyism and the anti-communist Red Scare. Mitzi Trumbo, whose Hollywood screenwriter father was blacklisted during the McCarthy era, finds the standards appalling. Approved Thursday, the standards say using terms like “McCarthyism” and “Red Scare” is slander against anti-communists. The standards soften criticism of Senator Joseph McCarthy, who led efforts to root out communists in various communities during the late 1940s and early 1950s. Many accused, including Dalton Trumbo, faced career bans. Mitzi Trumbo emphasizes that history should not be rewritten to fit current politics.

Retirees and students in Florida are seeking to defend 2020 census results against a GOP challenge

October 28, 2025

Two Florida college students and an advocacy group for retirees are asking a federal judge to let them intervene in a lawsuit to defend census methods used to protect privacy and fill in missing data. The data determines congressional seats, Electoral College votes and guides $2.8 trillion in federal spending. Young Republican groups have challenged some of the census methods in court. Normally it would be up to the president’s administration to defend the census, but the students and retirees say the are concerned the Trump administration won’t do the job vigorously. Those advocates are now asking a federal judge to let them step in on the lawsuit and defend the census methodology.

Florida officials didn’t disclose funding request for ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ facility, lawsuit says

October 14, 2025

Florida officials have been accused of failing to disclose their application for federal reimbursement for an immigration detention center in the Everglades known as “Alligator Alcatraz.” A public records lawsuit filed Monday by Friends of the Everglades says this led to a false impression before an appellate court panel, which put on hold a judge’s order to wind down operations at the facility. Florida applied for federal funding in August but didn’t inform either a federal district court or an appellate court panel. Federal officials confirmed that a $608 million reimbursement had been approved for the center earlier this month.

FILE - President Donald Trump, Gov. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and others, tour "Alligator Alcatraz," a new migrant detention facility at Dade-Collier Training and Transition facility, Tuesday, July 1, 2025, in Ochopee, Fla. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

DOJ contradicts DeSantis: Some detainees at ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ likely never in removal proceedings

October 6, 2025

U.S. government lawyers say detainees at the Florida Everglades immigration detention center, known as “Alligator Alcatraz,” likely include people who have never been in removal proceedings. This contradicts Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’s claims since the facility opened in July. The U.S. Department of Justice made this admission Thursday in a court filing. They argue that detainees don’t have enough in common to be certified as a class in a lawsuit over access to attorneys. Civil rights groups allege detainees have been denied proper access to legal counsel, violating their constitutional rights. DeSantis’s office hasn’t responded to requests for comment.

Woman sues Universal Orlando over injuries from same roller coaster in which man died after ride

September 25, 2025

A woman has sued Universal Orlando Resort, claiming she was injured on a roller coaster at its newest theme park. Sandi Streets filed the negligence lawsuit Wednesday in Orlando, a week after a man died from injuries on the same ride. Streets says she was invited to Universal’s Epic Universe theme park before it officially opened in May. She claims the dual-launch coaster caused her head to shake violently, resulting in permanent injuries. The lawsuit states she has suffered disability and medical expenses. Universal has not responded to request for comment.

A police officer urges Art Sennholtz, 80, center, and Christy Howard, 70, of Just Us Volusia to be careful of fast-moving traffic as they hold protest signs outside the entrance to an immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades known as "Alligator Alcatraz," Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025, in Collier County, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

DeSantis’ step toward victory on ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ sets up a funding dilemma for Florida

September 9, 2025

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is facing a dilemma over the immigration detention center built in the Florida Everglades. Last week his administration won an interim victory when an appellate court panel halted a lower court’s order to shut down the facility known as “Alligator Alcatraz.” Now Florida may be forced to choose between forgoing federal reimbursement for the detention center or accepting the money and facing an environmental review that would risk shutting down the facility. The judges ruled 2-to-1 that federal law requiring such a review doesn’t apply at this point because Florida has yet to receive federal funding for the project.

FACT FOCUS: DeSantis’ misleading claims about why Florida missed out on a congressional seat

September 3, 2025

Gov. Ron DeSantis claims the 2020 census numbers for Florida need fixing to grant the state another congressional seat. He blames the U.S. Census Bureau for shortchanging Florida, which gained only one additional seat for a total of 28 in the House of Representatives. DeSantis argues that an undercount of almost 3.5% missed around 761,000 residents. However, experts say the overcount and undercount numbers can’t change congressional seat allocation. The U.S. Constitution requires an actual count for apportionment. Experts say Florida may have itself to blame for the undercount, since it provided fewer resources for census participation than other states.

First hearing held on detainees’ legal rights at ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ after judge orders wind down

September 3, 2025

Attorneys are fighting for the legal rights of detainees at an immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades. They were meeting with state and federal government defendants in court on Thursday. This is the first meeting since a federal judge in a separate environmental lawsuit ordered operations at the facility, known as “Alligator Alcatraz,” to wind down. The legal rights lawsuit claims detainees have been denied the right to meet privately with their attorneys. The facility, built in the Everglades, was intended to aid deportation efforts. The state and federal governments have appealed the judge’s ruling and asked that it be put on hold.

Rana Mourer waves an American flag outside of the migrant detention facility dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz," at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition facility, Saturday, July 12, 2025 in Ochopee, Fla. (AP Photo/Alexandra Rodriguez)

Florida updated agreement on handling detainees at ‘Alligator Alcatraz,’ but a month after it opened

August 8, 2025

Florida’s corrections agency and ICE updated an agreement on handling federal immigration detainees, but they did it more than a month after ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ opened. This update was made public Thursday in court documents. The facility built in the Florida Everglades has faced criticism for allegedly restricting detainees’ access to attorneys and immigration courts. A civil rights lawsuit has been filed, and a federal judge has ordered officials to clarify who has legal authority over detainees. Another judge in a separate lawsuit temporarily halted construction on Thursday while she considers whether it violates environmental laws. Florida claims detainees have had access to legal counsel.

A protester stands outside the migrant detention facility dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz" at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Facility, Saturday, July 12, 2025, in Ochopee, Fla. (AP Photo/Alexandra Rodriguez)

Judge orders Florida, federal officials to produce ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ agreements

August 4, 2025

A federal judge has ordered officials to produce agreements showing who has legal authority at “Alligator Alcatraz,” an immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades. The order, issued Monday, is part of a civil rights lawsuit claiming detainees’ rights are being violated. Officials must provide documents by Thursday. The facility was hastily constructed over a month ago. The lawsuit says detainees are being held without charges and are barred from meeting attorneys. Environmental groups have also sued over the facility, arguing the project didn’t follow environmental laws. The Archdiocese of Miami celebrated the first Mass at the center on Saturday.

FILE - Brian Littrell, of the Backstreet Boys, attends a meeting with fans for the presentation of the album 'In A World Like This' at 40 Cafe in Madrid, Spain, Nov. 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Abraham Caro Marin, file)

Backstreet Boys’ Brian Littrell sues Florida sheriff’s office over beach trespassers

July 16, 2025

Backstreet Boys singer Brian Littrell says a local Florida sheriff’s office isn’t doing enough to protect his multimillion dollar beachfront property from trespassers and is asking a judge for an order commanding deputies to do so. The petition filed last month by Littrell’s company in a Florida Panhandle county touches on a perennial tug-of-war between usually-wealthy oceanfront property owners and beach-loving members of the public, especially in Florida, which has 825 miles of sandy beaches. A spokeswoman for the Walton County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday that the office doesn’t comment on pending litigation.

Pulse nightclub: A haunting look inside before the mass shooting site is razed

June 16, 2025

Nine years after a gunman opened fire in an LGBTQ+-friendly nightclub in Florida, bullet holes can be seen in walls. And glittering disco balls and lit up bulbs on dressing room mirrors make it seem frozen in time. The Associated Press and other media outlets were allowed Monday to see the inside of the Pulse nightclub for the first time since gunman Omar Mateen opened fire there during a Latin night celebration on June 12, 2016, killing 49 people. The viewing came days after survivors and family members of the dead were allowed to walk through the nightclub before it’s demolished this year to make way for a permanent memorial.

Christine Leinonen, whose son, Christopher "Drew" Leinonen was killed in the Pulse nightclub massacre in 2016, talks to reporters after walking through the venue as part of a group of survivors and family members of those killed, on Wednesday June 11, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (AP Photo/Mike Schneider)

Pulse massacre survivors revisit the nightclub before it’s razed for a permanent memorial

June 11, 2025

Survivors and family members of the Pulse nightclub massacre nine years ago are getting a chance to walk through the long-shuttered, gay-friendly venue this week. The central Florida club will be razed this week and replaced with a permanent memorial. In small groups over four days, the massacre survivors and family members of those who were killed can spend half an hour inside the space where Omar Mateen opened fire during a Latin night celebration on June 12, 2016. The shooting left 49 dead and 53 wounded. At the time, it was the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history. Mateen was killed after a three-hour standoff with police.

Florida agency tells newspaper to halt reporting angle on foundation associated with governor’s wife

June 9, 2025

Florida’s child welfare agency has sent a letter to a newspaper telling it to “cease and desist” its reporting on foster families for a story about a nonprofit associated with Gov. Ron DeSantis’ wife. The foundation is the subject of an investigation. The Orlando Sentinel received the letter on Friday from the Department of Children and Families. The letter claims the newspaper’s Tallahassee reporter intimidated foster families who had received money from the Hope Florida Foundation when he contacted them for interviews. The welfare program is the signature initiative of Casey DeSantis, Florida’s first lady. Orlando Sentinel Executive Editor Roger Simmons says the agency’s characterization is “completely false.”

FILE - In this Thursday, Sept. 21, 2017, photo, the remains of damaged and overturned trailers sit at the Sunshine Key RV Resort and Marina, in Big Pine Key, Fla. Monroe County is asking mobile home park owners to allow FEMA to set up temporary housing on their properties. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)

What keeps the safety director of the most vulnerable spot in US up at night before hurricane season

May 23, 2025

No place is more vulnerable to hurricanes in the 50 U.S. states than the Florida Keys. The chain of islands celebrated by singer Jimmy Buffett in his odes to tropical escapism is surrounded by water. The Gulf and Atlantic Ocean are on either side of the islands that jut out 120 miles southwesterly from Florida’s mainland. Making sure that members of the Conch Republic stay safe during hurricane season is Shannon Weiner. She is the director of emergency management for Monroe County, Florida. Hurricane season starts June 1. The county has some new weapons this season, including a brand-new emergency operations center and a new seawater desalination water treatment plant.

Mike Schneider.

Mike Schneider

Article Archive