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Two Men Sentenced in 2025 Beating Death of Michael Ladeaux

RAPID CITY, S.D. — Two men have now been sentenced for their roles in the 2025 beating death of 24-year-old Michael Ladeaux in Rapid City. Twenty-five-year-old Joshua Thunder Hawk received a 40-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to aiding and abetting first-degree manslaughter. Prosecutors identified Thunder Hawk as the primary aggressor in the assault. In a related case, Dustin Yatsayte (YUH SAW TAY) was sentenced to 15 years in prison after also pleading guilty to aiding and abetting first-degree manslaughter. As part of his plea agreement, the man admitted to kicking Ladeaux during the assault.

Police Identify Victim and Suspect in Fatal Rapid City Shooting

RAPID CITY, S.D. — The victim of an Oct. 27 shooting in the 1500 block of Kellog Place has been identified as 19-year-old Jason Brave of Rapid City. According to Rapid City police, based on information garnered from additional witness interviews, along with physical evidence recovered during the investigation, police have determined 19-year-old Antwon Longvisitor of Rapid City to be the shooter responsible for Brave’s death.

Wellmark Disputes Sanford Health's Claims Amid Contract Negotiations

Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield fired back at Sanford Health on Wednesday disputing Sanford’s case for planning to leave the Wellmark network. On Tuesday, Sanford Health announced publicly that it plans to leave Wellmark’s network beginning on July 1, 2027 citing Wellmark’s unwillingness to compromise on its demands for exclusive control of decisions affecting patient care. Wednesday, Wellmark said they have worked in good faith with Sanford Health to renew the longstanding contract and believes the disagreement comes down to how much Sanford Health wants to be paid. Negotiations between Sanford and Wellmark will take place over the next eight months.

Rapid City Driver Arrested Following Fatal Skyline Drive Rollover

RAPID CITY, S.D. — The driver of the vehicle involved in the October 23rd rollover crash on Skyline Drive has been identified as 19-year-old Maricel Barrientos of Rapid City. Police have been notified one of the occupants of the vehicle has died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash. Barrientos has since been placed under arrest for one count of Vehicular Homicide and one count of Vehicular Battery in relation to the incident.

Conservative activists O'Keefe, Higby charged with unlawful voting in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Conservative activists James O’Keefe and Cam Higby have been charged with unlawful voting and identity theft in Minnesota after a prosecutor said they gave false names to poll workers during the state's primary election. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced the charges on Wednesday. The men wore costumes similar to attire worn by some Muslims and used fake accents during the incident, which they recorded for a YouTube video. Moriarty said they used registered voters' names while attempting the "vouching" process on Aug. 11. Poll workers noticed their behavior and alerted election officials, who contacted police. Moriarty said the system worked well to identify and respond to misconduct. O'Keefe's organization claims the video aimed to expose flaws in the vouching system. (Full story)

Judge orders 30-year prison sentence for key figure in Minnesota food fraud

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A man who played a major role in defrauding a federal food program in Minnesota has been sentenced to 30 years in prison. It's the latest punishment in a scheme to collect millions of dollars during the COVID-19 pandemic by claiming to have fed needy children. Salim Said, who operated a restaurant that received government money for claims it provided thousands of meals, expressed remorse Wednesday. President Donald Trump has blamed Minnesota's Democratic governor for failing to catch the fraud. Said was accused of vastly overstating the number of meals when seeking payment for providing food to needy children. (Full story)

Netanyahu and top rival face postelection choices that could redefine Israeli politics

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israelis are deep in political uncertainty as they await final election results. There's a possibility of Jewish and Arab parties forming a coalition to unseat Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Final results could arrive by Thursday evening, but no clear winner is expected to emerge. Arab-led parties have made a historic showing, but it's unclear if other opponents of Netanyahu's far-right government will form a coalition with them. Netanyahu has warned against a government that includes Arab parties. If no majority coalition is formed, new elections could be held early next year. (Full story)