Topline

South Dakota is the latest state to include a ballot measure in the upcoming election that seeks to protect the right to an abortion, joining three other states in what Democrats hope will boost voter turnout as the party continues to attack Republicans over the issue.

Key Facts

What We Don’t Know

Signature drives are underway in Arkansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska and Nevada for ballot issues that would expand access to abortion. Several states have dueling measures in the works, including Colorado, where one measure would ban abortion access and another would enshrine the right to abortion in the state constitution.

What To Watch For

South Dakota’s proposed amendment is expected to face legal challenges, according to multiple local outlets, and NBC News reported such challenges can be filed through June 17. In New York, Attorney General Letitia James said she would appeal the decision to block the ballot measure.

Key Background

Democrats have continued to capitalize on the backlash to Roe v. Wade’s reversal in 2024 by highlighting Republicans’ support for the consequential ruling, while the ballot issues are expected to draw more Democrats to the polls in November. Democrats have also targeted Republicans over the controversial Alabama Supreme Court ruling that effectively curtailed access to in vitro fertilization, blaming Roe v. Wade’s reversal for empowering states to make their own decisions on reproductive rights. Former President Donald Trump on Monday clarified his stance on abortion, declaring it should be an issue decided at the state level and on Wednesday said he wouldn’t sign a federal abortion ban into law if he were elected again.

Chief Critic

The Biden campaign is targeting Trump’s role in Roe v. Wade’s reversal in Florida and Arizona in the wake of the recent high-profile state state Supreme Court rulings there that would allow stricter abortion laws to take effect. “Because of Donald Trump, millions of women lost the fundamental freedom to control their own bodies,” President Joe Biden said in an Arizona ad aired Thursday as part of a seven-figure ad buy in the state.

Tangent

Voters have approved a string of abortion rights ballot issues since Roe v. Wade’s reversal, including in red states like Kansas and Ohio, underscoring the issue’s significant sway with voters more than a year after the Supreme Court decision. Democrats also pointed to an obscure state house race in Alabama as a harbinger for how reproductive rights issues could weigh on the November election after Democrat Marilyn Lands, who campaigned heavily on the IVF ruling, cruised to victory last week after losing the race for the seat in 2022.

Further Reading

Abortion Rights Victories Continue: Here Are All The Wins In Major Elections Since The Supreme Court Overturned Roe (Forbes)

Here’s Where Abortion Rights Are On The Ballot In The Midterms (Forbes)

15-Week Abortion Bans In Spotlight After 2023 Elections—Here’s What To Know About Them (Forbes)

Judge Nixes New York’s Abortion Rights Amendment From November Ballot—Blocking Democrats’ Voter Turnout Strategy (Forbes)

Hosting golden prairies, rolling hills, lush forests, and crisp rivers, South Dakota is truly an underappreciated gem in the US West. Additionally, with famous historic landmarks such as Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial, the state recounts important details of the American story. For those thinking about how to make their upcoming summer unforgettable, look no further than some of South Dakota’s coolest small towns. These incredible destinations promise an experience so memorable that reminiscing about the trip will endure for years to come.

Keystone

Surrounded by lush forests, historical monuments, and granite tunnels, Keystone has scenery that belongs on the front of a postcard. In less than a ten-minute drive from Keystone’s center, travelers can arrive at the world-renowned Mount Rushmore to appreciate the majestic, colossal carvings of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln in person. If Mount Rushmore was not enough reason to visit, Keystone also sits in the center of the Black Hills National Forest, a gorgeous accumulation of forested mountains and hills where hikers can explore canyons, streams, wide grasslands, and more. For visitors who want to learn more about presidents after visiting Mount Rushmore, the National President Wax Museum contains wax replicas of all 46 presidents that immerse its visitors in iconic moments from their presidencies.

Custer

Neighboring Keystone is Custer, a lively town encompassed by natural beauty. Visitors will love the cozy downtown area, filled with boutiques, galleries, gift shops, and local cuisine. Additionally, a short drive away lies Jewel Cave National Monument, one of the longest caves in the world at over 215 miles of known passages which visitors can immerse themselves in with a guided tour. The Crazy Horse Memorial, the longest mountain carving in the world, is also nearby. Lastly, nature lovers can check out Custer State Park, which hosts an abundance of rolling plains, granite peaks, and mountain waters and has opportunities to hike, bike, camp, swim, and more.

Deadwood

Having been a key part of the Wild West narrative in the 19th century, the entire town of Deadwood is a National Historic Landmark. Although centuries have passed, the town maintains much of its Wild West town historic vibe. Lodging in the excellently located, historic 1899 Inn is a great way for travelers to start off their vacation immersed in the town’s history. Visitors can begin their day by visiting the historic district, lined with cobblestone streets and historic buildings that house antique and jewelry shops, boutiques, sweet shops, and more. Deadwood has a variety of wineries and breweries that are perfect for sipping a drink on a summer evening, such as Belle Joli Winery Sparkling House, featuring a gorgeous patio overlooking the vineyards. The surrounding Black Hills are filled with natural beauty and feature lush, lively forests with many opportunities to hike, picnic, and see native wildlife.

Wall

Wall, serves as a gateway to a variety of South Dakota natural attractions. Its Western spirit and small-town charm immerse visitors in peace and relaxation. Strolling down its main street, visitors can visit quaint local businesses, such as jewelry stores, wine and fudge shops, souvenir shops, and more. Perhaps one of its most well-known attractions is Wall Drug, an oasis in the middle of the West that draws in an estimated two million visitors per year and offers activities, dining, souvenirs, gifts, and more, guaranteeing fun for the whole family. A mere 10-minute drive from Wall sits Badlands National Park, a park with stunning geological formations, fossil beds, and wildlife such as bison, prairie dogs, bighorn sheep, and ferrets.

Brookings

Brookings is a vibrant college town, home to South Dakota State University, and hosts a variety of attractions for all kinds of travelers. Visitors can see cultural attractions such as the South Dakota Art Museum and families can enjoy an afternoon of fun at the Children’s Museum of South Dakota. The cuisine in Brookings will pleasantly surprise you, with mouthwatering restaurants such as George’s Pizza, which in addition to pizza, serves delicious Greek dishes such as gyros and baklava! A night would not be complete without a stop at the cozy Mosaic Wine Bar, which offers an array of wines and beers. Brookings also has its fair share of natural attractions, such as the McCrory Gardens, an immaculate set of gardens featuring an impressive variety of native and exotic plants.

Hot Springs

For those looking for a relaxing, stress-relieving destination, Hot Springs is the perfect town. A morning soak in the Moccasin Springs Natural Mineral Spa, with waters varying between 88°F to 102°F, will leave visitors feeling refreshed and relaxed. For lunch or dinner, travelers must try the beloved Wooly’s Grill & Cellar, a family-owned restaurant and coffee bar providing homemade food. History and archeology fans must visit the Mammoth Site, the biggest active dig site in the Western Hemisphere. If you are visiting on the weekend, finish off the evening with a film and buttery popcorn at the Hot Springs Theater, a community favorite.

Pierre

While Pierre is the capital of South Dakota, it has a population of around 14,000 people, making it the second smallest capital in the US. This results in the city having a more laid-back and relaxing small-town vibe that visitors will love for a summer vacation. The best way to start the day in Pierre is with fresh coffee from one of Pierre’s many coffee shops, such as Scooter’s Coffee in the downtown area. While in the downtown area, visitors can appreciate the historic central area, with tree-lined roads, boutiques, and all kinds of restaurants. A short drive away, travelers can visit natural beauties such as the Oahe Dam, the fourth biggest man-made lake in the US, or Fort Pierre National Grassland, composed of prairies, rolling hills, creeks, and an abundance of unique native plants and wildlife.

Mitchell

Mitchell, with its mild summers, golden prairies, and scenic Great Plains landscapes, is the perfect destination for those seeking a memorable trip to the American West. The town celebrates its history through facilities such as the Prehistoric Indian Village, a museum that showcases indigenous artifacts and acts as a live excavation site that visitors can see in action. History buffs can continue their exploration of Native American culture by visiting the Dakota Discovery Museum. Mitchell’s Corn Palace is also an unmissable landmark, as it is a building decorated with intricate designs made of corn and native grasses. For nature lovers, Lake Mitchell is mere minutes from the downtown area, where visitors can partake in a variety of recreational activities.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, South Dakota offers an array of picturesque landscapes and rich historical sites, making it the perfect destination for an unforgettable summer adventure. From the iconic Mount Rushmore to the tranquil prairies of Mitchell and the historic charm of Deadwood, each town tells a unique story. Whether appreciating natural wonders, exploring cultural attractions, or simply savoring local cuisine, travelers are sure to create lasting memories that will last for years to come in the heart of South Dakota’s coolest small towns.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. House passed legislation Thursday rebuking President Joe Biden’s decision to withhold some military assistance from Israel amid its ongoing war in Gaza.

The 224-187 vote (including a yes vote from South Dakota Republican Dusty Johnson) approved a bill released over the weekend by a handful of Republicans that, in part, “calls on the Biden Administration to allow all previously approved arms transfers to Israel to proceed quickly to ensure that Israel can defend itself and defeat threats from Iran and its proxies, including Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis.”

The measure says withheld military assistance “shall be delivered to Israel not later than 15 days after” the bill becomes law and requires the secretaries of Defense and State to obligate all funding for Israel within 30 days of the bill becoming law.

The legislation now goes to the Senate, but it’s unlikely that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, will bring it up for a vote. The White House issued a veto threat for the bill.

“The president has already said he’d veto it, so it’s not going anywhere,” Schumer said Wednesday.

At a Thursday morning press conference outside the U.S. Capitol, House Speaker Mike Johnson accused Biden of emboldening Iran and “using his authority to defend himself politically.”

“Israel needs to finish the job and America needs to help Israel extinguish the flame of terror that is wrought by Hamas. It wasn’t that long ago when President Biden called for the elimination of Hamas. But he’s not doing that anymore. And now it’s clear that Biden and Schumer have turned their back on Israel. They’re carrying water for Iran and its proxies,” Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, said.

House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole, of Oklahoma; Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Ken Calvert, of California; State-Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Mario Díaz-Balart, of Florida; and Financial Services Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman David Joyce, of Ohio, released the nine-page bill this weekend.

Quiet pause

The legislation comes weeks after the Biden administration quietly paused one shipment of heavy bombs to Israel over concerns that more civilians in Gaza could be killed by U.S.-supplied weapons.

The death toll has reached more than 35,000 in Gaza, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Biden is facing severe opposition from progressives, including high-profile protests on college campuses, over Israel’s continued offensive following Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack.

The previously scheduled single shipment that was paused in late April contained 1,800 2,000-pound bombs and 1,700 500-pound bombs, according to a Pentagon update on May 9.

Pentagon spokesman Gen. Pat Ryder told reporters on May 9 that the administration has “not made a final determination on how to proceed with this shipment.”

“And as you know, we’ve provided billions of dollars in security assistance to Israel. We’ve supported their efforts to defend themselves, most recently (during) Iran’s unprecedented attack. So there should be no question that we will continue to stand by Israel when it comes to their defense,” Ryder said during a press conference.

The U.S. and allies shot down dozens of drones and missiles launched by Iran at Israel in mid-April, according to the Pentagon.

Israel has been the largest cumulative recipient of financial support from the U.S. since World War II, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service.

Some House Democrats, including Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida, expressed concern over the administration’s paused shipment, though she voted against the bill Thursday.

“President Biden has been ironclad in his commitment to Israel over the last seven months. His Administration must stay the course and avoid any impression that our support is wavering,” Wasserman Schultz said in a statement Friday.

“Targeting remaining Hamas fighters while minimizing harm to civilians will require the best of our combined efforts. I share the President’s concern for Palestinian civilians used as human shields and understand the risks posed by a full-scale invasion of Rafah. However, we must remember that Hamas is eager to sacrifice as many Palestinian lives as possible and wants to maximize the civilian toll of this operation as part of their cowardly PR campaign,” she continued.

Numerous media reports are citing congressional aides who say the White House is poised to sign off on a $1 billion arms transfer to Israel.

When asked by reporters Thursday about the reported deal, Johnson criticized it as “window dressing” to provide Biden with “political cover.”

White House ‘strongly’ opposes bill

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Monday during the press briefing that the administration didn’t support the legislation.

“We strongly, strongly oppose attempts to constrain the president’s ability to deploy U.S. security assistance consistent with U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives,” she said.

Jean-Pierre added the Biden administration plans “to spend every last cent appropriated, consistent with legal obligations.”

White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said during the same press briefing the administration had “paused a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs because we do not believe they should be dropped in densely populated cities.”

“We still believe it would be a mistake to launch a major military operation into the heart of Rafah that would put huge numbers of civilians at risk without a clear strategic gain,” Sullivan said. “The president was clear that he would not supply certain offensive weapons for such an operation, were it to occur.”

Sullivan said the Biden administration was working with the Israeli government “on a better way to ensure the defeat of Hamas everywhere in Gaza, including in Rafah.” He also noted that the U.S. is “continuing to send military assistance” to Israel.

The White House released a statement of administration policy on Tuesday further criticizing the legislation and issuing a veto threat.

“The bill is a misguided reaction to a deliberate distortion of the Administration’s approach to Israel,” it states. “The President has been clear: we will always ensure Israel has what it needs to defend itself.”