• SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) -- Two U.S. Senate candidates on opposite sides of the political spectrum called a joint news conference Monday to protest the Republican frontrunner's out-of-state fundraising.
• Democratic candidate Rick Weiland and Republican state Rep. Stace Nelson stood side-by-side accusing former Gov. Mike Rounds of trying to buy the race, but the focus of their statements diverged greatly.
• Weiland talked about the dangers of big money's influence on the political process.
• Nelson called out Rounds for ducking debate opportunities, then used the platform to segue into a criticism of Rounds' record as a conservative.
• Rounds took in more than $516,000 in campaign contributions during the final three months of 2013, far outpacing his fellow candidates in the race.
• Rounds campaign spokesman Rob Skjonsberg (SHAWNS'-berg) says strong grassroots support has led to fundraising success.
•

• PIERRE, S.D. (AP) -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency has released updated guidelines on a new law to lessen the blow of flood insurance premium hikes.
• The guidelines could potentially affect more than 1,600 South Dakotans with subsidized flood insurance.
• A 2012 federal policy sought to make the cost of national flood insurance rates reflect actual risk causing rates to spike.
• President Barack Obama signed a policy in March to ease the rate transition with annual increases.
• FEMA's document explains that the policy change will take time to implement.
• Some people will receive refunds for excess premiums they paid after the 2012 law took effect.
• And a new surcharge will be added to flood premiums. Policies for people's primary residence with include a $25 surcharge. A $250 surcharge will be added to other policies.

(Continued on page 17)