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RC Annual Cleanup Week Kicks Off with Over 100 Volunteer Teams
RAPID CITY, S.D. (Rapid City Post) — Rapid City’s annual city-wide cleanup week is set to begin Monday, April 21 with over 100 teams already registered to participate. Over half of the spots around town that Rapid City Solid Waste is trying to cover this year have been assigned, but teams can still sign up, even during the week. Rapid City Solid Waste has put out a map to quickly check which spots are available. Volunteers participating in this year’s cleanup will be easily identified by the distinctive pink bags they will be carrying. These bags are available for pickup at the Solid Waste Division’s administration building. Ria Hannon, the Outreach Coordinator for Rapid City Solid Waste, emphasized the crucial role of volunteers in the success of the annual event.
Federal Judge Blocks Deportation of SD Mines Student
RAPID CITY, S.D. — A federal judge Friday afternoon issued a temporary restraining order blocking the U.S. Department of Homeland Security from removing a foreign graduate student at South Dakota School of Mines. Judge Karen Schreier also ordered that actions the government took earlier this month against Priya Saxena be reversed. Those included revoking her F-1 student visa and reinstating her student status in a federal database that monitors foreign exchange students in the United States.
Rapid City Council to Vote Tonight on Stricter Downtown Banner Rules
RAPID CITY, S.D. — A decision on increasing restrictions for downtown banners will be made at tonight’s Rapid City Council meeting. A resolution, approved by the city’s Legal and Finance Committee last week, proposes stricter guidelines that would limit banner displays to official government messages. Concerns have been raised about the potential impact on the annual veteran banner display in Rapid City. The Rapid City Common Council is expected to vote on the matter at its regular meeting, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. today, April 21, 2025, according to The Rapid City Post.
Prescribed Burn This Week in Robbinsdale Park
RAPID CITY, S.D. (Rapid City Post) — Where there is smoke, it might be a prescribed fire. That is the case in Rapid City Tuesday through Thursday as the Rapid City Fire Department conducts a prescribed burn in the Robbinsdale Park area. In a release, the RCFD stated that the burn is a vital part of our fire prevention and land management efforts. It helps reduce hazardous fuels, manage vegetation, and promote a healthier ecosystem. People in the area will see and smell smoke but do not report this unless there is an issue outside of the prescribed burn area. The fire department will have crews and equipment on the site to monitor the burn.
Ellsworth to Hold Active Shooter Drills This Week
ELLSWORTH AIRFORCE BASE, S.D. — Airmen at Ellsworth Air Force Base are conducting active shooter preparedness drills through Friday to evaluate the 28th Bomb Wing’s emergency response capabilities. Residents in Box Elder may hear announcements over the base’s “giant voice” system and sirens but are advised not to be alarmed. While traffic disruptions are not anticipated, individuals entering or exiting the base may experience minor delays. These exercises are part of routine training to enhance readiness and ensure the safety of personnel and the surrounding community.
Spring Break Ends for Rapid City and Box Elder Schools; Classes Resume Tomorrow
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Spring break for both Rapid City Area Schools and Box Elder Schools ends today. Students and staff from both districts will return to classes tomorrow, April 22. The break, scheduled annually, provides a short respite during the school year. Classes will resume as normal, with summer vacation set to begin in late May for both districts. The last day of school for RCAS is scheduled for Thursday, May 22 and Box Elder School District’s last day Friday, May 30.
SD Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Air National Guard Members
PIERRE, S.D. (Rapid City Post) — The South Dakota Supreme Court has ruled in favor of seven Air National Guard members who sued the state’s adjutant general over denied employment benefits. The lawsuit, the first of its kind in the U.S., argued that the guardsmen, comprising civilian employees, state workers, and enlisted personnel, were wrongfully denied benefits after being involuntarily activated. The court found that the adjutant general, Mark Morrell, failed to provide sufficient legal justification for denying the benefits, including military leave accrual while in Title 10 status. The ruling highlighted the protections offered to service members under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), which was designed to favor Guard members in legal disputes. The case has been sent back to lower courts for further proceedings.
Global Tributes Pour in Following Death of Pope Francis at 88
LYON, France (AP) — Pope Francis, the first pope from Latin America, has passed away at age 88, with tributes flooding in from around the world. The Vatican confirmed his death on Monday, a day after his final public appearance on Easter Sunday. World leaders, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance, King Charles III, and French President Emmanuel Macron, honored his efforts to address poverty, conflict, and environmental issues. Pope Francis’ leadership as a champion for marginalized groups, including his support for LGBTQ+ rights, was widely praised, though some critics noted his resistance to ordaining women. His legacy as a man of humility, deep faith, and dedication to peace continues to resonate globally, with reactions coming from figures such as Israeli President Isaac Herzog, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
China warns countries against making trade deals with the US unfavorable to Beijing
BEIJING (AP) — China is warning other countries against making trade deals with the United States to China’s detriment. Governments including those of Taiwan, Japan and South Korea have begun negotiations with Washington after President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs against most of America’s trading partners on April 2. The import taxes were mostly paused after markets panicked, but he increased his already steep tariffs against China. The Commerce Ministry said Monday that China “firmly opposes any party reaching a deal at the expense of China’s interests” and China would retaliate if that happened. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said earlier the countries currently negotiating trade deals with the U.S. should “approach China as a group” together with Washington.
April Theory Gains Popularity for Goal Setting
The “April Theory,” a growing trend popularized on social media, suggests that spring, rather than the new year, is the best time to set and pursue personal goals. Advocates of the theory point to the emotional and biological benefits of spring, including longer daylight hours and improved mood, which can boost motivation and productivity. Experts in psychology and self-improvement emphasize the importance of setting realistic, small goals and using the season’s energy to foster personal growth. The trend has gained traction, especially on platforms like TikTok, where users share tips and experiences related to goal-setting in April.
