John Thune

WASHINGTON -- The prospects seemed strong Thursday for Penny Pritzker becoming Commerce secretary after a two-hour confirmation hearing, as she drew praise from both Democrats and Republicans. Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., the top Republican on the Senate...

— There are many reasons why Chicago billionaire Penny Pritzker seems bound for the top job at the Commerce Department, after dodging potential conflict during a Senate confirmation hearing Thursday. Pritzker, 54, a Democratic mega-donor who...

Three envelopes without return addresses were sent to Aberdeen offices of South Dakota's congressional delegation, causing emergency officials to block off streets and a hazardous materials team to investigate Friday.  About 20 people were evacuated...

The Friday incident of strange substances sent to Congressional members' Aberdeen offices is the most recent example of journalists "showing their work."  Rather than slowly file a story for the next day's print version and maybe — just maybe...

Tests conducted by the South Dakota State Health Department's laboratory revealed there were no hazardous materials in the envelopes sent to Aberdeen offices of South Dakota's congressional delegation, said Capt. Dave McNeil of the Aberdeen Police...

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - A Senate bill that would transfer the ownership of nine historic cemeteries in the Black Hills from the U.S. Forest Service to local communities has passed the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.   Sens. Tim Johnson and John...

Congress needs to pass a farm bill this summer -- not only to support agriculture, but to ensure national independence and self-reliance, Rep. Kristi Noem, R-S.D., said on May 9. "I believe we have a national security interest in ensuring we can produce...

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) introduced legislation that would modify crop insurance premium assistance for insured crops grown on native sod converted to cropland and land that a producer cannot...

We are now a year from the June 3, 2014, primary elections in South Dakota. That is significant because South Dakota voters will choose a new U.S. senator next year.   So far voters don’t have a choice. The only declared candidate is Republican...

Chicago business executive Penny Pritzker was nominated by President Barack Obama to become the new Secretary of Commerce on Thursday, in an expected move that could prove controversial for the longtime political supporter and fundraising heavyweight....

Five air traffic control towers in Maryland that had been scheduled to shut down in June as a result of federal budget cuts are now expected to remain open, lawmakers said Wednesday — easing fears that the closures could back up flights at BWI...

PIERRE -- This week, the U.S. Senate is expected to vote on Internet sales-tax legislation that is strongly supported by retail businesses in South Dakota. If it eventually becomes law, the state treasury and municipal governments throughout South...