The Daily Slice, your Black Hills news podcast in under 10 minutes. Delivered every morning Monday-Friday at homesliceaudio.com/dailyslice
Rapid City Teen Pleads No Contest to Arson, Awaits Sentencing
RAPID CITY, S.D. — A Rapid City teenager pleaded no contest Monday to a second degree arson charge.Police say Colin Whiting, along with two other teens, broke into a Rapid City home and started a fire before fleeing out a broken window. As part of a plea agreement reached with prosecutors, a third degree burglary charge against Whiting will be dropped. Whiting’s court proceedings have been separate from the other two defendants due to him undergoing a mental competency evaluation. Whiting is currently out on bond pending his sentencing hearing, scheduled for April 14.
29 Vision Fund Projects Move Forward as Rapid City Committee Begins Review
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Rapid City just passed the deadline for Vision Fund applications and 29 are moving forward for consideration. Rapid City’s citizen’s Vision Fund committee will be meeting for the first time this week to discuss the Vision Fund project applications. Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun says a large portion of the proposed applications were parks and recreation themed. The Vision Fund citizens committee will make official recommendations to the city council by late May or early June.
South Dakota Legislature Advances Bill Regulating Bathroom Use in Public Facilities
PIERRE, S.D. — A bill aiming to regulate who can use which bathroom in schools, courthouses, and libraries is advancing in the Legislature. While some contend it’s a measure for safety, others say the bill unfairly targets the transgender community. HB 1259 was amended on the floor and ultimately passed on a 27 to 6 vote. Assuming House lawmakers agree on these amendments, it then heads to the desk of Gov. Larry Rhoden. The bill requires individuals to use public restrooms or changing rooms that match their biological sex.
SD Lawmakers Approve Resolution to Raise Threshold for Constitutional Amendments
PIERRE, S.D. — A resolution asking voters to change the percentage a constitutional amendment must receive in a general election from 50% to 60% has been approved by the Legislature. Proponents criticize the current model, saying it’s too easy to change the state’s foundational document, especially considering the low voter turnout in some South Dakota elections. Opponents say a supermajority would make it nearly impossible for both lawmakers and their constituents to pass any amendments. The resolution passed on the Senate floor 29-4. The decision now heads to the voters at the next general election.
Trump Increases Tariffs to Boost U.S. Manufacturing
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has raised tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports to 25%, aiming to strengthen U.S. manufacturing and create jobs. This move eliminates previous exemptions and is part of his broader strategy to reshape global trade. While Canada, the European Union, and other trading partners have announced countermeasures, Trump believes the tariffs will encourage companies to invest in American factories. The White House highlighted that major automakers like Volvo, Volkswagen, and Honda are considering expanding their U.S. operations. Despite concerns about rising costs, Trump sees this as a step toward revitalizing domestic production.
U.S. Resumes Military Aid to Ukraine as Ceasefire Talks Gain Momentum
KYIV, Ukraine — The United States has resumed arms deliveries to Ukraine following the Trump administration’s decision to lift a temporary suspension, reinforcing Kyiv’s efforts against Russia’s invasion. Ukrainian officials have signaled openness to a 30-day ceasefire, a move backed by Washington to facilitate negotiations for a lasting peace. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the decision now rests with Russia, while Moscow awaits further details before responding. Meanwhile, intense fighting continues in Ukraine’s Kursk region, with both sides making strategic moves. Diplomatic efforts are underway, with Trump’s special envoy expected to meet Russian officials, as Washington pushes for a peaceful resolution.
Measles Cases Rise in West Texas, Spreading to New Mexico and Oklahoma
Health officials report that the measles outbreak in West Texas has expanded to New Mexico and Oklahoma, with a total of 258 cases across the three states. Most cases remain in West Texas, but New Mexico now classifies it as a “regional outbreak.” Measles, a highly contagious airborne virus, poses risks even after an infected person leaves the area. While the majority of cases involve unvaccinated individuals, a few vaccinated people have also been affected. Last month, Texas recorded its first fatality in the outbreak—a school-age child with no underlying conditions—highlighting the importance of vaccination efforts.
U.S. Department of Education Reduces Workforce Amid Efficiency Push
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Education is cutting nearly 50% of its workforce as part of President Trump’s broader initiative to streamline the federal government. Education Secretary Linda McMahon emphasized the department’s commitment to efficiency and ensuring resources benefit students, parents, and teachers. Senior officials assured that federal student aid will remain unaffected, though experts question the agency’s ability to maintain its responsibilities with such a significant reduction. The move aligns with recent layoffs across federal agencies under the Trump and Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency’s efforts to reduce government size.
Health Secretary Kennedy Targets Ultraprocessed Foods in Bid to Combat Chronic Diseases
WASHINGTON — As part of the Trump administration’s initiative to “Make America Healthy Again,” Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the new health secretary, has singled out ultraprocessed foods as a major cause of chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. These foods, which make up about 60% of the U.S. diet, are often linked to negative health effects such as heart disease and depression, and Kennedy aims to remove them from programs like SNAP. While the connection between ultraprocessed foods and health issues is still being studied, they are often criticized for being high in sugar, fat, and salt, contributing to poor health. However, food manufacturers defend processing as a way to ensure safety and affordability. Despite the concerns, practical advice on reducing ultraprocessed food consumption remains unclear given their widespread presence in the food supply.
