From USA Today, former Governor Kristi Noem’s family is confirming that former Governor Noem and her husband Bryon are planning to divorce after public allegations of Bryon patronizing on-line adult entertainers:

Kristi Noem plans to divorce her husband of 34 years, Bryon Noem, her mother said, bringing a public end to a marriage that came under new scrutiny this year after allegations about his private life surfaced in a tabloid investigation.

Corinne Arnold, Noem’s mother, told the Daily Mail that the former Homeland Security secretary shared the decision with family members this spring. The revelation comes months after a Daily Mail report alleged Bryon Noem paid adult entertainers and cross-dressed during role-playing encounters, which left the family “blindsided,” according to a spokesperson.

You can read the story here.

Please keep the family in your thoughts.

More Opportunities for the Next Generation
By Sen. John Thune

There’s almost nothing parents won’t do for their kids. From the moment they hand you that little bundle, your whole life becomes about giving them a better life. For many of us, that’s the essence of the American Dream: to give your children a better life than you had.

Last year, in the Working Families Tax Cuts, Republicans worked to make it easier for parents to set their kids up for success. This bill opens new education pathways, helps parents save for their kids’ education, and creates new investment accounts to empower parents to give their kids a nest egg for the future – money they can use down the road to get a head start on their American Dream.

Parents know that a good education is the foundation of their kids’ success. For decades, the 529 savings plan has been a powerful tool for parents to save and invest in their kids’ education. At first, 529s could only be used for college. Then, in 2017 Republicans expanded them to include K-12 expenses too. And in last year’s Working Families Tax Cuts, Republicans again expanded 529s so parents can use them for things like tutoring, vocational education, homeschool materials, and continuing education. And in addition to these new flexibilities, we doubled the amount that you can withdraw from a 529 account to $20,000 per year.

For postsecondary education, the Working Families Tax Cuts implements reforms and accountability measures to put downward pressure on the cost of college degrees. On top of those measures, it also makes permanent a policy I’ve long championed that allows employers to repay a portion of an employee’s student loans each year without the employee having to pay federal taxes on that income.

The Working Families Tax Cuts also creates a new Workforce Pell grant program, which supports students pursuing shorter-term training programs that prepare them for in-demand jobs. This promising new program began just this month, and I’m proud that South Dakota has begun working to identify programs in our state that will be eligible for the Workforce Pell program and will enable South Dakotans to seize new opportunities and strengthen our local workforce and economy.

In addition to supporting education, the Working Families Tax Cuts created Trump Accounts, a new tax-advantaged investment account designed to allow parents to save for their children’s future beyond their education: to give kids a nest egg, help them buy a home, or start a business. If they choose not to withdraw money once they reach adulthood, they can also use these accounts to kickstart their retirement savings. And to get savings started, parents can opt in for an initial deposit of $1,000 from the government for kids born between 2025 and 2028. Millions of Americans have already signed up their children for Trump Accounts, and parents can enroll their kids online or by downloading the Trump Accounts app.

As we celebrate 250 years since our nation’s founding, we’re especially mindful that America is a land of opportunity. The Working Families Tax Cuts helps create new opportunities and empowers the next generation to seize them and enjoy even greater success. The Working Families Tax Cuts is about our country’s future, and it’s helping to strengthen the American Dream for the next generation.

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Responding to Devastation
By: Gov. Larry Rhoden
July 10, 2026

Natural disasters are devastating, but they also provide opportunities for our state to show what we are made of. I’ve served as a volunteer firefighter my entire life, and my administration is ready to respond to any emergency.

Most recently, Sandy and I have been on scene in Hyde and Beadle counties after record setting straight line winds. Everywhere we looked, there were neighbors helping each other, folks from the next town bringing needed equipment, and businesses offering goods and shelter. The volunteer efforts have just been incredible.

I’m always amazed by how well our state agencies work together and with local officials to respond quickly. In both recent storms, state agencies responded within hours of the damage – and they stuck around for a week of long hours from seven agencies.

In both Huron and Highmore, our public safety officials are on the ground providing security and traffic control. Transportation crews are helping with road closures and heavy equipment. We have crews of inmates cleaning up debris at no cost to the communities. While all that is happening, the Department of Social Services is working with community partners to make sure residents have access to the resources and support they need, and the Department of Human Services is working with nursing homes across the region to place displaced residents in facilities that have offered to provide care.

My immediate visits are always worth the time. It is important to me to look people in the eye and let them know we are doing everything we can to put their lives back together.

The National Weather Service has now confirmed a tornado touched down in Huron. Even before that confirmation, we were working with FEMA to receive a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration, which will hopefully draw down federal support. These communities are continuing to assess the full extent of the damage and calculate recovery costs. Although it is too early to determine whether the disaster will meet the thresholds necessary for FEMA, we will continue to put in the work to help get these communities back on their feet.

There are many more heroes to mention, but a special thanks to our electric companies. A natural disaster often comes with loss of power for some of our citizens. This is when linemen become heroes. They are out at all hours and in all conditions getting power back to as many customers as possible as fast as possible.

In addition to the seven agencies responding to storm damage, we have National Guard and the Bureau Information and Technology helping Pennington County through a cybersecurity incident. The GRIT task force I created last year has had countless benefits for our preparedness as a state, including the strengthening of partnerships between state agencies and our communities. The investigation is still underway, but GRIT has laid a foundation for a faster and more robust response to these types of situations. I am proud of the work of our soldiers and technology professionals. Their specialized expertise in cybersecurity has been critical to this response.

South Dakotans always look out for one another, especially when times are tough. Thank you to everyone lending a hand and praying for those who have been impacted. We can be thankful that neither of these storms resulted in a loss of life. We’ll continue working together to help our fellow South Dakotans rebuild.

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Investing in America
By Rep. Dusty Johnson
July 10, 2026

BIG Update

It’s been a little over a year since the Working Families Tax Cuts became law. This landmark legislation prevented the largest tax hike in American history, preserves the American Dream for the next generation, and supports workers, parents, seniors, and main street businesses. As this bill is implemented, families and workers across the country are starting to see the benefits. If you’re curious about how this legislation will impact you, visit Working Families Tax Cuts to see the benefits to your family and Americans across the country.

BIG Idea

Global demand for biofuels supports farm incomes and drives investment in our rural communities. S&P Global Energy predicts biofuel production could triple over the next 25 years, and the United States is well positioned to supply a growing share of that demand. If America doesn’t meet growing global biofuel demand, other countries will. The benefits of biofuels extend beyond supporting farmers by providing consumers with a more affordable option at the pump. Permanent, year-round sale of E15 has already passed the House with my support. I wrote an op-ed in The Hill outlining the need for biofuel policy that supports American agricultural and energy needs.

Click here or the image above to read Johnson’s op-ed

BIG News

The Hot Springs Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Clinic’s dialysis center has resumed serving patients after I engaged with Secretary Doug Collins to share the importance of this critical service for veterans in western South Dakota. For many veterans, traveling more than 100 miles round trip multiple times each week for dialysis created an unnecessary burden on those already facing serious health challenges. I’ve remained engaged with VA leadership, urging continued investment in the services South Dakota veterans rely on and working to ensure they have access to quality care closer to home. Dialysis is lifesaving treatment. While it took longer than I hoped, I’m grateful the VA restored this service, allowing more veterans to receive the care they need without spending hours on the road.

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Coming off of their election night victory, the Doeden for Governor campaign seemed to have found it’s footing, picking up a few endorsements from fellow Republican candidates, and clipping along. But as we get closer, they seems to be going back to some bad habits they had from the primary. This week we’ve seen somewhat undisciplined activity and what appears to be an outright false attack as the race tightens moving towards the finish line.

What am I talking about?  First off, on Wednesday we were treated to this text message blast from Toby’s captive Political Action Committee that he funds to the exclusion of nearly all other funding, Dakota First Action.

The text message blast claimed that former Democrat legislator Nancy Turbak, a pro-choice advocate, is funding Rhoden’s campaign because they reported a check from the Turbak law office .

The problem with that assumption is that there’s people running that office other than Nancy.

Via Fred Deutsch, confirmation from the Turbak Law Office that Nancy sold her office and isn’t there anymore. I’m presuming she’s enjoying retirement, and has nothing to do with who or what the office named for her supports anymore.

I don’t think that the error has forced the Doeden campaign to do anything in terms of an “oops” or change the attack, but it ends up looking a bit silly that they can’t get it right.

Then yesterday, there was unforced error #2.

Corey DeAngelis apparently endorses Toby Doeden, and it looks like they put together a graphic declaring this. Apparently, this guy is a self-declared “school choice evangelist.”

They problem is, he also appears to have been a gay porn actor:

A school-privatization activist and frequent Fox News guest whose work has been praised by former President Donald Trump was placed on leave by his conservative nonprofit employer after reports that he had appeared in gay pornography videos surfaced.

and..

A person who resembles DeAngelis and performs under the name “Seth Rose” appears in at least three gay adult films on the pornography site GayHoopla dating to 2014. In the videos, “Seth Rose” does not have sexual contact with other performers; rather, he appears in scenes masturbating solo or alongside other men. The existence of the videos was first reported last week by the blog Str8 Up Gay Porn, which shares gay porn and articles about sex.

Read that report from NBC News.

and…

Following allegations that “parental rights” activist Corey DeAngelis has appeared in gay adult films, the right-wing school choice organization American Federation for Children (AFC) has placed DeAngelis on leave, the organization confirms to Them.

Read that here.

Is gay porn – or any porn for that matter – part of the school choice debate?  I’m told he has endorsed other insurgent republicans in recent months, and “they chased him out of town.”

It really makes a person ask who is making the decisions on the attacks and endorsements? Does no one vet these things?

18 days to go. I don’t know if it can come soon enough.

 

Erickson Declared Winner of Recount

SIOUX FALLS–Sioux Falls Mayor-elect Christine Erickson released the following statement upon being certified the winner of the mayoral election recount.

“The results were clear on June 23 and again today after the recount. I won the election and I will be the next mayor of Sioux Falls. Thank you to everyone who has stood by my side throughout this entire campaign. I’m ready to get to work as mayor,” said Erickson.

The final recount tally for Erickson was 18,281 and 18,277 for Smith.

In the days ahead, Erickson will continue to prepare to assume the position of mayor.

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Tourism Coalition of South Dakota Endorses Governor Larry Rhoden in July 28 Republican Gubernatorial Runoff 

YANKTON, S.D. – The Tourism Coalition of South Dakota (TCSD) today announced its endorsement of Governor Larry Rhoden in the July 28 Republican gubernatorial runoff election. 

Tourism is one of South Dakota’s largest industries, supporting nearly 60,000 jobs, thousands of small businesses, and communities across the state. TCSD believes South Dakota needs a Governor who understands the significant impact the visitor economy has on businesses, families, and communities—and Governor Rhoden has demonstrated that understanding throughout his years of public service. 

During his time as a legislator, Lieutenant Governor, and now Governor, Rhoden has supported South Dakota’s tourism industry and recognizes its role as a major economic driver. Tourism generates state and local tax revenues, supports small businesses, strengthens communities, and helps reduce the tax burden on South Dakota residents. 

“Governor Rhoden understands that tourism benefits every South Dakotan,” said Carmen Schramm, Executive Director of the Tourism Coalition of South Dakota. “Our industry has worked hard to build a strong visitor economy, and we need a Governor who understands its impact, values the people behind it, and will continue working with us to protect and grow it.” 

The Tourism Coalition of South Dakota believes Governor Larry Rhoden has the experience, understanding, and proven record needed to continue moving South Dakota and its tourism industry forward. 

TCSD proudly endorses Governor Larry Rhoden for the Republican nomination for Governor and encourages voters to make their voices heard on or before Tuesday, July 28. 

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Attorney General Jackley Announces Pierre Woman Pleads Guilty to Defrauding South Dakota Medicaid Program

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that a Pierre woman has pleaded guilty to one felony count of Grand Theft after earlier being charged with defrauding the South Dakota Medicaid Program of more than $588,000 in federal and state funds.

Sharon Laraye Monson, 49, entered the guilty plea Thursday in Hughes County Circuit Court. She faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison when sentenced Aug. 25.  As part of a plea agreement, she has agreed to pay $500,000 in restitution to the South Dakota Department of Social Services.

Monson stole the money when she was the owner of At Home Nursing in Pierre. The charges occurred from May 1, 2018 to Jan. 1, 2024.

The case was investigated and prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud, Abuse and Neglect Services Unit.

This release is provided in compliance with the federal Stevens Amendment: The South Dakota Medicaid Fraud Control Unit receives 75% of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant award totaling approximately $1,033,972 for Federal Fiscal Year 2026. The remaining 25%, totaling approximately $334,656 for Federal Fiscal Year 2026, was funded by the State of South Dakota.

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State Senator Tom Pischke is preparing to become “plea deal Pischke” with regards to the charges brought against him by the Minnehaha County State’s Attorney for falsifying election documents:

The case may not reach such a hearing, tentatively scheduled for August, if a plea deal is reached.

“I believe we have a plea deal” for Pischke, said Minnehaha County State’s Attorney Daniel Haggar. He did not elaborate.

After the hearing, Kolbeck confirmed that plea deal discussions are ongoing but said a deal is not yet “imminent.” Pischke declined to comment.

Read the entire story here.

 

Gov. Rhoden Receives Funding from Trump Administration for ICE Support

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden announced that the Trump Administration has provided $150,418 to the South Dakota Highway Patrol (SDHP) for SDHP’s 287(g) agreement with Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The state anticipates further funding under the agreement as operations continue.

“Public safety is my number one priority, and I am grateful that President Trump shares the same commitment to keeping our state and all of America safe,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “Our partnership with ICE has delivered strong results, and I look forward to continuing to partner with the Trump Administration as we work to keep South Dakota strong, safe, and free.”

This financial support is directly allocated toward personnel payroll, specialized field equipment, and information technology (IT) stipends to support the agency’s coordinated enforcement efforts. Currently, the SDHP has 40 state troopers participating in the program. On May 18th, Governor Rhoden announced the expansion of troopers who would be trained under the partnership.

State Troopers have assisted in more than 204 immigration-related arrests involving individuals unlawfully present in the United States who were encountered during routine patrols across South Dakota. Those enforcement actions included individuals accused of a wide range of criminal offenses, including murder, assault on law enforcement, and felony and misdemeanor drug crimes.

“The 287(g) framework gives our troopers the training and access to federal resources needed to properly identify individuals we encounter during the course of our duties,” said Colonel Casey Collins, Superintendent of the South Dakota Highway Patrol. “These cases have involved individuals accused of serious violent offenses as well as drug-related crimes. This program is a strong example of the partnerships that help us protect South Dakota’s communities.”

The Department of Corrections (DOC) and the South Dakota National Guard (SDNG) have also continued to work with ICE as part of this state-federal partnership.

DOC submitted additional inmates for parole to federal custody and deportation. So far, 25 inmates have been paroled directly to ICE custody. Four additional inmates were approved at the parole board meeting in June and are in process, and four more will be considered in July. Removing illegal criminal aliens saves South Dakota taxpayers an average of over $34,000 in annual cost per inmate.

The SDNG deployment of seven guardsmen has continued since last fall. These active-duty soldiers in Sioux Falls and Rapid City are helping process deportations, acting as a force multiplier for South Dakota ICE officers. Through July 2, the SDNG has assisted directly in processing 807 illegal immigrants who have been deported out of South Dakota. The guard costs have been paid directly with federal funds.

Governor Rhoden previously activated the SDNG and sent letters of intent to establish the 287(g) agreements. You can find the DOC letter here and the SDHP letter here.

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