Steven Sloan, Author at The Rapid City Post

President Donald Trump speaks with reporters aboard Air Force One after leaving the World Economic Forum in Davos for Washington, Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Trump stirs talk of ‘new world order’ as leaders signal shifting global alliances

January 23, 2026

President Donald Trump has revoked an invitation to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to join his Board of Peace. This decision follows Carney’s critical remarks about U.S. foreign policy. Trump also threatened tariffs on Switzerland and pressed Denmark to support U.S. control of Greenland. Critics say Trump’s actions are undermining the rules-based order that has governed U.S. foreign policy since World War II. Carney and other leaders are pushing back, advocating for a united front against Trump’s tactics. Concerns are growing that Trump’s approach could damage U.S. standing globally and strengthen ties between other countries and China.

FILE - President Donald Trump speaks during a signing ceremony in the Oval Office of the White House, Dec. 11, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

Donald Trump thanks you for your attention to these matters in his second term

January 20, 2026

President Donald Trump has commanded attention during his second term. From military interventions to controversial social media posts, the Republican has rewritten the presidency’s role in a divided country. Trump’s actions can spark diplomatic crises and stir public debate. Despite low approval ratings on issues including health care, Trump remains a dominant force, using social media to maintain his presence. Meanwhile, Democrats are also leveraging digital media to capture attention, with figures such as California Gov. Gavin Newsom and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani leading the charge.

President Donald Trump speaks at the Detroit Economic Club Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026 in Detroit. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

The health care debate is back in Washington. It never really went away

January 14, 2026

The ongoing debate over health care in the U.S. remains as contentious as ever. Since President Harry Truman’s failed attempt to establish a national health care program in 1945, every president has grappled with the government’s role in health care. This issue is especially urgent now, as millions face rising costs after Congress allowed Affordable Care Act tax credits to expire. President Donald Trump has urged Republicans to be flexible, but no alternative plan has been proposed. The ACA remains popular, and efforts to repeal it have failed. Health care costs continue to be a major concern, with bipartisan negotiations ongoing.

President Donald Trump listens to a question during a news conference at Mar-a-Lago, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, in Palm Beach, Fla., as Secretary of State Marco Rubio watches. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

US intervention in Venezuela could test Trump’s ability to hold GOP together in an election year

January 4, 2026

President Donald Trump’s military intervention in Venezuela is testing his ability to hold the Republican coalition together. Concerns have emerged even as many Republicans initially backed the mission to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Trump’s comments about the U.S. “running” Venezuela have raised fears that he’s abandoning his “America First” philosophy. Outgoing Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has criticized this approach, as has moderate Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick. Despite Trump’s dominance in the GOP, his grip has faced challenges. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is suggesting the U.S. wouldn’t manage Venezuela daily, but concerns remain about the fallout from Washington’s intervention.

New signage, The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center For The Performing Arts, is unveiled on the Kennedy Center, Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Kennedy Center criticizes musician who canceled performance after Trump name added to building

December 26, 2025

The president of the Kennedy Center is criticizing musician Chuck Redd for canceling a Christmas Eve performance. Redd withdrew after the White House announced President Donald Trump’s name would be added to the venue. On Friday, the center’s president, Richard Grenell, called the decision “classic intolerance” and threatened to seek $1 million in damages. Redd, a drummer and vibraphone player, has led holiday “Jazz Jams” at the center since 2006. The renaming, approved by Trump’s board, reportedly violates a law prohibiting changes to the center’s dedication to President John F. Kennedy.

A street scene in Allentown, Pa., Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Steven Sloan)

Trump’s ‘A+++++’ economy collides with the reality in a Pennsylvania city critical to the midterms

December 20, 2025

Idalia Bisbal moved from New York City to Allentown, Pennsylvania, hoping for a cheaper life. Three years later, she feels disappointed by high prices for essentials like food and gas. Vice President JD Vance recently visited the area and blamed the Biden administration for the affordability crisis. This economic anxiety affects both political parties, especially in competitive districts such as Allentown. Many residents, including business leaders, agree prices are too high. The area remains a political battleground, with Republicans and Democrats vying for control. The economy remains a key focus for voters heading into 2026 and midterm elections that will determine control of Congress.

Photos of Bill Clinton included in newly released Epstein files

December 19, 2025

Newly released files from the Justice Department investigation into Jeffrey Epstein include several photos of former President Bill Clinton. Some show him on a private plane and in a pool with Ghislaine Maxwell. Faces in the photos are redacted, and the context is unclear. White House officials have highlighted these photos on social media. Clinton spokesman Angel Ureña stated Friday the investigation is not about Clinton and emphasized that Clinton cut ties with Epstein before his crimes were known. Clinton has never been accused of misconduct by Epstein’s victims.

President Donald Trump speaks during a signing ceremony in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Trump led Republicans to power in 2024. But 2026 could be a different story

December 11, 2025

President Donald Trump has successfully harnessed voter anxiety over the economy, immigration and crime to retake the White House. However, Republicans face challenges replicating that success. With Trump off the ballot, the GOP has lost several elections recently, including a historic Miami mayor’s race and a special election in Georgia. Concerns grow as Trump’s approval on key issues declines. Republicans are uneasy about repeating the dynamics of Trump’s first midterm, where Democrats gained 40 seats. Despite the challenges, Trump remains confident about the party’s prospects, but the GOP’s messaging struggles continue.

President Donald Trump speaks at the Mount Airy Casino Resort in Mount Pocono, Pa., Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

WTF? Embracing profanity is one thing both political parties seem to agree on

December 10, 2025

The language of politicians has become more vulgar in recent years. Leaders in both parties are openly using vulgarities. President Trump recently referred to alleged drug smugglers with an expletive during a Cabinet meeting. Vice President JD Vance and former Vice President Kamala Harris have also used to coarse language in public. Experts say this shift reflects changes in political discourse, increased media coverage, and social media’s influence. On social media or other digital platforms, posts or video clips that evoke the strongest emotions are often rewarded with the most engagement.

Kennedy Center says it’s being paid $7.4 million ahead of the World Cup draw

November 21, 2025

The Kennedy Center is receiving $7.4 million ahead of the World Cup draw next month. Roma Daravi, the Kennedy Center’s vice president of public relations, says FIFA is donating $2.4 million and providing sponsorship opportunities worth an additional $5 million. Senate Democrats are scrutinizing the deal, questioning whether the Kennedy Center leadership gave friends and allies access to the venue at reduced or no cost. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse released documents showing FIFA has “exclusive” use of the facility from Nov. 24 through Dec. 12 at no cost. Kennedy Center President Richard Grenell says FIFA is covering all event expenses.

FILE -Former Harvard University president Larry Summers waves during Harvard commencement exercises, May 24, 2018, in Cambridge, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File)

What to know about Larry Summers, who has taken leave from Harvard due to Epstein emails

November 19, 2025

Larry Summers, once a prominent figure in Washington and academia, has stepped back from his teaching post at Harvard University. This decision follows the release of emails revealing his continued relationship with Jeffrey Epstein after Epstein’s 2008 guilty plea for soliciting prostitution from an underage girl. Summers, a former U.S. treasury secretary, expressed regret over his association with Epstein, calling it a “major error in judgment.” Summers has also resigned from the board of OpenAI and other organizations. His career has included significant roles in the Clinton administration and a controversial tenure as Harvard’s president.

Steven Sloan.