The Daily Slice, your Black Hills news podcast in under 10 minutes. Delivered every morning Monday-Friday at homesliceaudio.com/dailyslice
Former State Legislator Mike Diedrich Dies at 73
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Former state representative Mike Diedrich, who served District 34 in the South Dakota House after being appointed in 2017, passed away Saturday after battling colon cancer and other health issues. Diedrich was known for his public service and commitment to community causes. Mayor Jason Salamun remembered Diedrich as a mentor and friend, praising his grace, honor, and dedication to Rapid City and South Dakota.
Boat Explosion on Sheridan Lake Prompts Emergency Response and Hazmat Cleanup
HILL CITY, S.D. — Emergency crews rushed to Sheridan Lake Thursday afternoon after a boat explosion and fire triggered a multi-agency response. Firefighters from the Hill City Fire Department, with assistance from Pennington County deputies, reached the burning vessel via patrol boat, secured it, and towed it to shore where the blaze was extinguished. The Rapid City Hazmat team was later deployed to manage fuel contamination in the water. No injuries have been reported, and the cause of the explosion remains under investigation.
Drowning Victim Recovered at Hippie Hole
RAPID CITY, S.D. — The Pennington County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a drowning that occurred Saturday night at Hippie Hole, a popular swimming and diving area in the Black Hills. Authorities responded to reports of a possible drowning shortly after 8 p.m. and recovered the body of 23-year-old Jaden White Plume of Box Elder between 10:30 and 11 p.m. Officials confirmed alcohol was involved, and the victim was found entangled in underwater debris.
Fish Die-Off Prompts Cleanup at Memorial Park Lake
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Cleanup efforts continued Sunday at Memorial Park Lake after a significant fish die-off, with Rapid City Parks crews on site and state Game, Fish and Parks teams expected to join Monday. State and local officials have been collecting water samples and assessing the situation since Saturday. Residents are advised to avoid contact with the lake water while the investigation continues.
Air Force Seeks Public Input on Airspace Changes
RAPID CITY, S.D. — The U.S. Air Force plans to hold a series of public meetings to discuss proposed changes to the Powder River Training Complex, which spans parts of South Dakota, Montana, and North Dakota. Used by aircraft such as the B-1 bomber from Ellsworth Air Force Base, the complex may undergo updates involving training routes and environmental considerations. Meetings begin July 28 in Harding, Montana and conclude August 14 in Rapid City.
Pure Pactola Swim Draws 128 Competitors, Celebrates Local Talent and Scenic Challenge
RAPID CITY, S.D. — The annual Pure Pactola open-water swim brought 128 athletes from across the U.S. to the pristine waters of Pactola Reservoir Saturday, where participants aged 7 to 76 competed in distances ranging from 0.5 to 5 kilometers. Rapid City locals dominated several events, including brothers Nathan and Aaron Ainslie in the 5k, and Marissa Renaud in the 2.4-mile race. The event featured divisions by wetsuit and gender, and was supported by dozens of volunteers, including kayakers and safety crews. Full results and future volunteer info are available on the Pure Pactola Facebook and RegXT sites.
Game, Fish and Parks Sets Fees for New Shooting Complex Near Rapid City
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission has established usage fees for the new Pete Lien and Sons Shooting Sports Complex north of Rapid City, slated to open in October. Most of the facility, including 140 of 160 shooting stations and the archery range on the south end, will remain free to the public. However, limited-access areas like the shotgun and long-range sections will carry fees, including $20 for a day pass, $100 for an annual individual permit, and $500 for club access. Officials say the modest fees will help support maintenance and federal funding efforts.
Trump to Meet with NATO Chief as U.S. Plans Arms Sales to Allies Supporting Ukraine
BRIDGEWATER, N.J. – President Donald Trump is set to meet with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte this week amid plans to sell U.S. weapons to NATO allies for transfer to Ukraine. Rutte will also meet with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Trump said the weapons will be fully paid for by allies. The visit comes as support grows for using frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine and for bipartisan legislation to impose tariffs on nations buying Russian oil. Trump is expected to make a major statement on Russia Monday.
Dozens Killed in Gaza Amid Aid Chaos and Airstrikes; Ceasefire Talks Stall
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — At least 59 Palestinians were killed Saturday, including 31 fatally shot en route to an aid distribution site and 28 more in Israeli airstrikes, as ceasefire talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu failed to yield a breakthrough. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation site near Rafah saw dozens wounded by gunfire, overwhelming medical teams, while strikes in Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis killed civilians including children, according to local hospitals. Protests in Israel called for a ceasefire and criticized government leadership.
‘Superman’ and DC Studios fly to a $122 million opening
NEW YORK (AP) — In a bid to kickoff a new era for DC Studios, James Gunn’s “Superman” opened with $122 million in U.S. and Canada ticket sales over the weekend. DC and Warner Bros. had a lot riding on “Superman.” The superheroes of DC have recently found mostly kryptonite in theaters. Films like “Joker: Folie à Deux,” “The Flash” and “Shazam! Fury of the Gods” all flopped. But “Superman” is intended as a new start. It’s the first release fully steered by Gunn and Peter Safran since they were handed the keys to DC’s superhero cinematic universe. The roughly on-target opening was the third largest of 2025. Ticket sales were relatively soft for “Superman” overseas. In 78 international markets, it grossed $95 million.
