The Daily Slice, your Black Hills news podcast in under 10 minutes. Delivered every morning Monday-Friday at homesliceaudio.com/dailyslice
South Dakota Eyes TikTok Headquarters Amid $47.45 Billion Acquisition Bid
RAPID CITY, S.D. — South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden is in talks with Rasner Media to potentially bring TikTok’s U.S. headquarters to the state following the company’s $47.45 billion bid to acquire the platform. Rasner Media, led by Wyoming entrepreneur Reid Rasner and backed by private equity investors, aims to buy TikTok’s U.S. operations from Chinese parent company ByteDance. The proposal includes creating a U.S. Sovereign Wealth Fund and compensating users for data use. Rhoden said the move would be “poetic,” referencing the state’s earlier ban of TikTok on government devices. The South Dakota Retailers Association and State Chamber of Commerce have voiced support, citing potential job growth and digital security.
Dog Poisoning Cases Spark Outrage in Antelope Ridge; $1,000 Reward Offered for Information
BOX ELDER, S.D. — People living in a large neighborhood next to Ellsworth Air Force Base are raising concerns after multiple dogs were poisoned in recent weeks. Multiple people living in the neighborhood have reported finding green cakes of rat poison in public parks and on private property. Half a dozen dogs in Antelope Ridge recently ingested rat poison, and at least three of them have died. Save Them All Rescue Service Founder Michelle Brock says her no-kill shelter is offering a $1,000 reward to anyone who provides information leading to the arrest of individuals responsible for the poisonings. Brock mentioned she has cared for many animals that went on to be adopted by families living in Antelope Ridge. Those with information regarding dog poisonings should reach out to the Box Elder Police Department’s non-emergency line at (605) 923-1401.
Trial Date Set for Cole Younger in Deadly May 2024 Murder and Carjacking Case
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Per The Rapid City Post, the man accused of killing a woman and carjacking a rideshare driver in May of 2024 appeared in court Wednesday where a trial date was set. On May 12, 36-year-old Cole Younger allegedly killed 41-year-old Brandi Snow Fly at the Rodeway Inn and robbing a rideshare driver in Rapid City. Younger is charged with first degree murder and robbery in the first degree. He would go on to plead not guilty to both counts last June. Younger faces a mandatory life sentence if he’s found guilty on the murder charge and 25 to 50 years if convicted on the robbery charge. His jury trial is set for Sept. 15-19.
Silent Protest Greets Sen. John Thune During Private GOP Event in Rapid City
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Senate Majority Leader John Thune was in Rapid City this week for an invitation-only meeting with a Republican women’s group. In response, protesters came out to make their voices heard—in a unique way. Protesters with Indivisible Rapid City tripled their numbers from last Wednesday’s event while silently protesting at the corner of Main and Mountain View in Baken Park, near the restaurant where Thune was speaking. The group said its frustration with not being heard by the Senate Majority Leader inspired it to protest silently. Kris Owen, the public relations team leader for Indivisible Rapid City, said that protest numbers are growing. “People are out, people are angry, people want to be heard,“ he said.
Rapid City Man Arrested for Attempted Murder After Tuesday Night Stabbing
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Per The Rapid City Post, Jacob Sharp, a 31-year-old man from Rapid City, is facing an attempted murder charge following a stabbing incident Tuesday night. Police responded to a report of a fight around 6:52 p.m., discovering that a domestic disturbance had escalated into a physical altercation that moved outside onto the street. The victim, whose name has not been released, was taken to Monument Hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries, According to The Rapid City Post. Sharp is currently being held without bond in the Pennington County Jail and is expected to make his initial court appearance this morning.
50501 Movement Plans 400+ Events Nationwide on April 19
The 50501 Movement will host over 400 events across the United States on Saturday, April 19, aimed at promoting democratic values and fostering community support. Among the events is a gathering at the Washington County Courthouse in Fayetteville, Arkansas, which will include demonstrations, donation drives, and community discussions. The movement, which began on February 5, seeks to build a united, positive community to address concerns over policies impacting marginalized groups.
Rubio says the US will drop Ukraine-Russia peace efforts if no progress within days
PARIS (AP) — Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the U.S. may “move on” from efforts for a Russia-Ukraine peace deal if there is no progress in the coming days. Rubio spoke in Paris after landmark talks among U.S., Ukrainian and European officials. He said the discussions had been constructive and produced an outline for steps toward peace. French officials said a new meeting in the same format is expected to take place in London in the coming days. The U.S. and Ukraine also signed a memorandum for a possible long-awaited minerals deal.
Thousands of pilgrims trek through New Mexico desert to historic adobe church for Good Friday
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Thousands of Catholics are making the trek to a historic adobe church in the hills of northern New Mexico as part of a Holy Week tradition spanning generations. El Santuario de Chimayó just north of Santa Fe is one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage centers in the U.S. It culminates Friday in displays of faith, reflection and repentance on backcountry highways. The church at Chimayó is renowned for a tiny indoor well of holy dirt thought to have curative powers. The site also is significant because of the Nuestro Señor de Esquipulas crucifix, which was found on the site in the early 1800s.
