The Daily Slice, your Black Hills news podcast in under 10 minutes. Delivered every morning Monday-Friday at homesliceaudio.com/dailyslice
Authorities Identify Remains of Missing Box Elder Woman, Investigation Continues
HILL CITY, S.D. — A woman missing since August 2024 has been identified as the human remains found March 4 in Pennington County, the county sheriff’s office said on Wednesday.
Sahela Sangrait, 21, of Box Elder, was reported missing on Aug. 10, 2024. Her death is being investigated as a homicide. Authorities said they were working with a forensic dentist and had conducted an autopsy. Sangrait’s decomposed body was found south of Hill City by a hiker. Officials say they are continuing to jointly investigate this case.
Rapid City Committee Approves TIF District for Housing and Infrastructure in Rapid Valley
RAPID CITY, S.D. — The Rapid City Legal and Finance Committee has approved Pennington County’s creation of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District to support the construction of 144 market-rate apartments, improved water and sewer infrastructure, and a new traffic signal in Rapid Valley. Rapid City Tax Increment Finance Planner Mike Dugan said city and county staff agreed it was best for the county to manage the TIF, calling the decision a “win-win” for both entities. The proposal now heads to the full Rapid City Council for consideration next Tuesday.
Federal Grant Fuels Growth of Rapid City’s Downtown Innovation District
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Rapid City’s downtown innovation district is set for major growth, driven by a federal tech hub strategy grant. Elevate Rapid City, in collaboration with South Dakota Mines and other partners, is leading efforts to transform the area east of 5th Street to the Mines campus into a thriving center for tech, engineering, and mining firms. The initiative aims to boost economic development and position Rapid City as a leader in innovation.
South Dakota Lottery Introduces Mobile Prize Claiming
PIERRE, S.D. — The South Dakota Lottery is now giving players the ability to claim qualifying prizes through its mobile app. South Dakota Lottery players may now claim instant and lotto prizes from $101 to $5,000 through mobile cashing. After a mobile claim has been processed, players will receive their prize via ACH transaction. Players will need to have SD Lottery’s mobile app on their phone. Prior to the implementation of mobile cashing, players were required to claim all prizes more than $100 or more by visiting a South Dakota Lottery validation center or by mail.
Senate Races to Avert Government Shutdown as Deadline Looms
WASHINGTON — With just hours remaining before a partial government shutdown, the Senate faces tough choices in its efforts to keep the government running. Democrats must decide whether to support a bill that grants President Donald Trump broad spending discretion or reject it. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer allowed days of debate but signaled he would not permit a shutdown. Meanwhile, Trump is weighing his next steps after two federal judges ordered his administration to reinstate thousands of probationary federal workers. He also plans a Justice Department rally to promote his tough-on-crime agenda and has petitioned the Supreme Court to limit a nationwide order protecting birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment.
Putin, U.S. Envoy Discuss Ceasefire Proposal as War in Ukraine Intensifies
MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin met with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff to discuss a proposed 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, signaling potential progress toward ending the conflict. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Friday that Putin conveyed key concerns to be relayed to Washington and expressed cautious optimism about negotiations. While Ukraine has endorsed the truce, analysts suggest Russia may hesitate as its military gains momentum. A potential phone call between Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump could follow after Witkoff’s return to Washington. Meanwhile, Russian air defenses intercepted four Ukrainian drones over Moscow, causing minor damage but no injuries. U.S. officials plan to continue ceasefire discussions next week as diplomatic efforts unfold.
Senate Set to Approve Harsher Penalties for Fentanyl Trafficking
WASHINGTON — The Senate is poised to approve the HALT Fentanyl Act, a bill aimed at imposing tougher prison sentences on fentanyl traffickers, as lawmakers from both parties push to curb the distribution of the deadly drug. The bill, which has already passed the House, would permanently classify fentanyl-related substances as Schedule 1 drugs, increasing criminal penalties while also expanding research opportunities. Senate Majority Leader John Thune prioritized the legislation, calling it a critical tool for law enforcement. While the bill has bipartisan support, some Democrats argue it focuses too much on punishment rather than addressing the root causes of addiction. President Donald Trump has indicated he will sign the bill once it reaches his desk.
