The Sickening Persecution of a South Dakota Rancher | 4/18/25

We begin today with a free-for-all Friday, going through an assortment of news of the day. Also, there is new data regarding the decline of religion in America, and it’s not pretty. Next, we turn to the persecution of Charles and Heather Maude, a South Dakota ranching family facing up to 10 years in prison for simply maintaining a fence that was built before they were born. Given that the Maudes are under gag order, we’re joined by Heather’s parents, Tom and Randi Hamilton, who discuss how the Maudes were given no warning of how to rectify the land dispute with the U.S. Forest Service and instead were served an indictment without the presentation of evidence. Their lives have been upended for a year. We’re also joined by South Dakota House Speaker Jon Hansen, who speaks about his efforts to raise awareness with local elected Republicans and how this is a part of a broader assault on ranchers. Why is the Trump administration continuing this indictment three months into the new presidency? You can donate to the Maudes here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-maude-family-preserve-their-legacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices