The Daily Slice, your Black Hills news podcast in under 10 minutes. Delivered every morning Monday-Friday at homesliceaudio.com/dailyslice
Arrest Made in Death of Missing Box Elder Woman
RAPID CITY, S.D. — The Pennington County Sheriff’s office says the investigation into the death of Sahela Sangrait has led to the arrest of a 24-year-old suspect. Authorities say Quinterius Chappelle has been arrested on federal charges for 2nd Degree Murder and is being held at the Pennington County Jail. Chappelle is an active-duty Airman currently stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base. It has been determined Sangrait was murdered on the base. Due to the jurisdiction of the crime, the case will be prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office. Sangrait’s remains were found by a hiker south of Hill City on March 4. The Box Elder woman was reported missing in August of last year.
RCAS Board to Vote on New Superintendent
RAPID CITY, S.D. — The RCAS Board of Education is scheduled to vote on hiring Dr. Jami Jo Thompson as the district’s next superintendent during the board meeting on Tuesday, March 18th. Dr. Thompson, who currently serves as the superintendent of Norfolk Public Schools, is a seasoned educational leader with extensive experience in school administration. Officials say she emerged as the leading candidate after a comprehensive search and interview process.
South Dakota’s Jobless Rate Holds Steady at 1.9%
PIERRE, S.D. — New labor department figures indicate that South Dakota’s jobless rate stayed at 1.9 percent in January, well below the national 4.1 percent rate. South Dakota added 8,600 jobs since last January. Construction work jumped 7.5 percent with 1,900 new jobs, even with the usual winter slowdown. Healthcare grew 3 percent, adding about 2,100 jobs across the state. Workers in the state make $57,141 on average. Despite the typical winter job cuts, the report says South Dakota’s labor market is still looking solid and heading toward spring.
Trump Administration Defends Deportation of Alleged Gang Members
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration has defended its decision to deport hundreds of immigrants to El Salvador, despite a federal judge’s order temporarily blocking such actions. The deportations, carried out under a wartime-era law invoked by President Donald Trump, targeted alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. While U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg issued a hold on the deportations, two flights were already en route to El Salvador and Honduras at the time of his ruling. The administration maintains it did not violate the order, emphasizing its commitment to removing “dangerous individuals” from the country. Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele confirmed his country will detain the deported individuals in its high-security prisons. A legal battle over the scope and legality of Trump’s declaration is ongoing, with a court hearing scheduled for Friday.
Trump, Putin to Discuss Ukraine War in Upcoming Call
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is set to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday in what could be a pivotal moment in efforts to end the war in Ukraine. Trump, who disclosed the call while traveling on Air Force One, said discussions would focus on land and power plants as part of a broader negotiation to resolve the conflict. The Kremlin confirmed the planned conversation but did not provide details. Meanwhile, European allies remain cautious of Trump’s stance on Ukraine and his rapport with Putin. The call follows a visit to Moscow by Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, aimed at advancing peace talks.
Canada’s Carney Meets Macron, Reaffirms Sovereignty Amid U.S. Tensions
PARIS — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met with French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday during his first overseas trip, reinforcing ties with a key ally as U.S. President Donald Trump challenges Canada’s sovereignty and economy. Macron, without directly addressing Trump’s trade threats, emphasized that fair trade is more effective than tariffs, which fuel inflation. Carney, sworn in Friday, reaffirmed Canada’s independence, declaring it will “never, ever” become part of the U.S. He will next visit Britain to meet Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles III before traveling to Canada’s Arctic to highlight national security.
Congo to Hold Peace Talks With M23 Rebels in Angola Amid Escalating Conflict
DAKAR, Senegal — Congo’s government will engage in peace talks with the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group in Angola on Tuesday, marking a shift in its previous stance against direct negotiations. Delegations from both sides have arrived in Luanda for the discussions, mediated by Angola. The conflict in eastern Congo has intensified, with M23 capturing key cities, displacing over 7 million people. Rwanda, under increased international pressure, recently severed diplomatic ties with Belgium. Meanwhile, the U.S. has expressed interest in a mining partnership with Congo, linking investment to the country’s stability.
St. Patrick’s Day brings boisterous parades and celebrations to New York and other cities
NEW YORK (AP) — St. Patrick’s Day is being marked in cities across the country with boisterous parades and celebrations. New York City hosts one of the largest and oldest parades in the U.S. It steps off today along Manhattan’s famed Fifth Avenue with some 150,000 participants. Major celebrations are also planned in Savannah, Georgia, and other American communities. But some major cities have already held their parades. Chicago’s celebration was Saturday. Boston and Philadelphia marked the occasion Sunday. St. Patrick’s Day parades are meant to commemorate Ireland’s patron saint but have become a celebration of Irish heritage globally. In Rapid City, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place today at 2 p.m. along Main Street.
