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Murder Trial Tentatively Set in 2024 Rapid City Apartment Shooting
RAPID CITY, S.D. — The trial for a man charged with murder in connection with a shooting at a local apartment complex in March of 2024 is tentatively set to start on April 27th. Luke Birch, 23, is charged with first degree murder in the shooting death of 24-year-old McGarland Walker. Earlier this week, Judge Jeffrey Connolly denied the state’s motion to reconsider his ruling that said the state has the burden of proof to show the shooting was not self defense, rather than Birch having to prove that it was. In a hearing Wednesday, a Rapid City Police detective testified that in an interview with Birch after the shooting, Birch initially said he didn’t know what happened but later said he shot McGarland after McGarland got aggressive and showed his own gun. (Full Story)
Robbinsdale Park Playgrounds Closed for Equipment Replacement
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Effective this week, the playgrounds at Robbinsdale Park in Rapid City are closed to public access as Rapid City Parks and Recreation Department crews replace aging equipment with new features. The existing equipment at the park’s two playgrounds are three decades old and Parks officials indicate it has been increasingly difficult to find parts and pieces for repairs and upkeep. Demolition of the existing equipment began Monday and it will take a few weeks for crews to get all of the equipment, concrete footings, pea gravel and edging removed. (Full Story)
Governor Signs Executive Order Establishing Guardrails for South Dakota’s Future Fund
PIERRE, S.D. — Gov. Larry Rhoden has signed an executive order establishing formal guardrails for South Dakota’s Future Fund. The order requires reimbursement-based grants, itemized invoices, written agreements, conflict-of-interest policies, and public posting of grants on the state’s OpenSD website. It also calls for regular reports to legislative appropriations committees. Rhoden says the changes increase accountability while keeping economic development decisions flexible. (Full Story)
Bill Increasing Penalties for Drugs in State Prisons Advances from Committee
PIERRE, S.D. — The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced a bill increasing penalties for drugs inside South Dakota prisons after divided testimony. Attorney General Marty Jackley cited eight overdose deaths and 117 pending prison drug investigations. Citizen testifier Hailey Baker warned lawmakers that tougher sentences could worsen addiction and raise incarceration costs. The bill now moves to the Senate floor. (Full Story)
Former Rapid City Mayor Don Barnett Dies; Remembered for Leadership After 1972 Flood
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Former Rapid City Mayor Don Barnett has died, with word of his passing reaching City Hall Thursday. Mayor Jason Salamun said Barnett provided steady leadership during the city’s darkest days following the 1972 flood, guiding recovery efforts that reshaped Rapid City by preventing rebuilding on floodplains and transforming damaged areas into a greenway of parks and pathways. Barnett served as mayor from 1971 to 1975 and, at age 28, was the youngest person elected to the office. A Vietnam War veteran, he helped lead early flood recovery efforts and was instrumental in advancing construction of the Civic Center, later The Monument. (Full Story)
Venezuela’s Machado says she presented her Nobel Peace Prize to Trump during their meeting
WASHINGTON (AP) — Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado says she presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to President Donald Trump. She described it as a recognition of his commitment to Venezuela’s freedom. The White House hasn’t confirmed if Trump accepted the medal. Machado met with Trump on Thursday to discuss Venezuela’s future, despite his doubts about her leadership. She greeted supporters after the meeting, expressing confidence in Trump’s support. The meeting comes amid U.S. efforts to control Venezuela’s oil following the capture of Nicolás Maduro. Machado has been a key figure in opposing Venezuela’s ruling party since 2004. (Full Story)
Grok blocked from undressing images in places where it’s illegal, X says
BANGKOK (AP) — Elon Musk’s X says its AI chatbot Grok won’t be able to edit photos of real people in revealing clothing in places where that is illegal. The announcement followed a backlash over sexualized images of women and children, including bans and warnings by some governments. A statement posted on X said it has taken technological measures to stop users from editing images to show real people in bikinis, underwear and other revealing attire. It said the rule applies to paid subscribers as well as others. It added that any image creation or editing will now be available only to paid subscribers so those who abuse the technology can be held accountable. (Full Story)
Minifridge recall expands to 964,000 Frigidaires after fire reports
NEW YORK (AP) — An appliance distributor is expanding a minifridge recall that now covers roughly 964,000 Frigidaire-branded products sold in the U.S., after multiple fire reports. Following a recall of about 634,000 minifridges last year, Canada-based Curtis International is now recalling another 330,000 of different model. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warns that these products have electrical components that can short circuit and ignite. Owners are urged to stop using the fridges and visit the company’s website for refund instructions. The recalled fridges were made between January 2020 and December 2023. (Full Story)
