The Daily Slice, your Black Hills news podcast in under 10 minutes. Delivered every morning Monday-Friday at homesliceaudio.com/dailyslice
Ellsworth Airman Charged with Murder Makes First Court Appearance
RAPID CITY, S.D. — An Ellsworth Air Force Base airman charged with murder made his first court appearance Monday. Quinterius Chappelle is charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of 21-year-old Sahela Sangrait of Box Elder. Chappelle, 24, was arrested over the weekend after Sangrait’s remains were found near Hill City by a hiker two weeks ago. Investigators believe Sangrait was killed on base, although they are still trying to piece together how her body ended up over 50 miles away. Sangrait was reported missing in August of 2024.
Rapid City Council Approves Funding for New North Precinct
RAPID CITY, S.D. — The Rapid City Council voted unanimously Monday night to approve more than $1.8 million in funds to locate a new police precinct in North Rapid City. Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun brought the item to the council and says Monday’s action allocates potential funding for the precinct. Mayor Salamun says more information is expected to come soon regarding the exact location of the north precinct. Rapid City’s two existing precincts are located at the Public Safety building on Kansas City Street and a smaller auxiliary precinct on the corner of Catron Boulevard and Sheridan Lake Road.
EPA Reissues Permits for Proposed Uranium Recovery Project in Southern Black Hills
HOT SPRINGS, S.D. — The Environmental Protection Agency has reissued permits for a proposed uranium recovery project in the southern Black Hills after a review board requested additional records. The agency reissued two permits late last week—one allowing injection wells to extract uranium deposits and another permitting fluids to be injected into or above underground sources of drinking water. In September, the Environmental Appeals Board sent the permits back to the EPA, instructing the agency to include documents predating the project’s 2012 application.
Governor Rhoden Proposes Black Hills Site for National Garden of American Heroes
PIERRE, S.D. — Governor Larry Rhoden sent a letter to President Donald J. Trump proposing a location in the Black Hills in site of Mount Rushmore National Memorial as a location for the “National Garden of American Heroes.” Rhoden, in a release, says the President had mentioned such a site during his visit to Mount Rushmore in 2020 and former Governor Kristi Noem offered the Black Hills as a potential location for the garden. Rhoden said Chuck Lien and his family own a tract of land in site of Mount Rushmore, which they are willing to donate to the project. The release from the Governor says George Washington, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Harriet Tubman, Babe Ruth, and other notable Americans from all walks of life would be among those honored in the National Garden of American Heroes.
Trump and Putin Agree to Pause Strikes on Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed Tuesday to pause strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, marking a step toward peace, according to the White House. The agreement, which came after a lengthy call between the leaders, signals the beginning of efforts to end the ongoing conflict. However, Putin stopped short of endorsing a broader 30-day ceasefire, as proposed by the U.S. administration. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed caution, calling for transparency in negotiations. The leaders also discussed a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, furthering diplomatic efforts for a resolution.
U.N. Staffer Killed, Israel Prepares for Continued Effort to End Hostilities
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — An international U.N. staff member was killed, and five others were wounded in a blast in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, though the cause remains unclear. The attack occurred after Israel launched heavy airstrikes, marking the start of an intensified campaign to dismantle Hamas and free hostages. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed that Israel would continue its efforts until all objectives are met. The Gaza Health Ministry reported over 400 deaths in Gaza, including many women and children, during the recent strikes, making it the deadliest day since the war began. Despite the challenges, efforts to resolve the conflict continue, with an emphasis on long-term peace.
JFK Assassination Records Released, Many Redactions Removed
DALLAS — More than 63,000 pages of records related to President John F. Kennedy’s 1963 assassination were released Tuesday following an order from President Donald Trump, with many previously redacted files now available. The release includes about 2,200 documents from the U.S. National Archives, which holds more than 6 million pages related to the event. Historians have long debated the details surrounding Kennedy’s assassination, and the newly available records shed light on various aspects of the investigation. Some files offer insight into Lee Harvey Oswald’s activities and interactions with the Soviet Union and KGB. While some records, including new FBI and IRS files, remain withheld, the release marks a significant step toward full transparency, fueling ongoing interest in the case.
Attacks on Tesla Increase Amid Political Tensions
SEATTLE (AP) — Tesla has become a target for vandalism and attacks, with incidents occurring across the U.S. and overseas. Cybertrucks have been set ablaze, and bullets and Molotov cocktails have been aimed at Tesla showrooms, vehicles, and charging stations. While no injuries have been reported, law enforcement is dealing with a growing number of incidents. Experts say it’s unclear whether this will develop into a long-term trend. Many of the attacks have been concentrated in left-leaning cities such as Portland and Seattle, where anti-Trump and anti-Musk sentiment is prevalent. The White House has pledged to investigate the attacks and impose severe consequences for those behind them, while Musk has condemned the violence. Despite the damage, some Tesla owners remain loyal to the brand, emphasizing their preference for electric vehicles over political affiliations.
