The Daily Slice, your Black Hills news podcast in under 10 minutes. Delivered every morning Monday-Friday at homesliceaudio.com/dailyslice
South Dakota Board of Regents Adopts Concealed Carry Policy for Public Universities
RAPID CITY, S.D. — The South Dakota Board of Regents has adopted a policy officially enacting a new law allowing concealed carry at the state’s public universities. Senate Bill 100 went into effect July 1. It allows students, staff, and others to carry concealed handguns, mace, and stun guns on college campuses. Previously, firearms were banned on campus except those carried by law enforcement. At the latest Board of Regents meetings, the board voted to implement the policy, effectively putting regental rules in line with the new law.
988 Helpline Sees Surge in Calls From Young People This Summer
PIERRE, S.D. — More young people are turning to the 988 Helpline this summer as mental health challenges rise during the break from school. The Helpline Center says June was its busiest month ever, with a sharp increase in calls, texts, and chats. Many from those under 20. Staff say the lack of school structure, meals, and daily support from teachers can make summer especially tough for kids. They urge anyone struggling to reach out to 988, a parent, or a friend because help is always available, and no one has to face it alone.
Senior Affordable Housing Complex Proposed for Rapid City
RAPID CITY, S.D. — A senior affordable housing complex may be on its way to Rapid City after the Legal and Finance Committee this week approved a TIF for the Sun Ridge Senior Affordable Housing District. The housing project is proposed for the 300 block of North Street. Blue Line Development, a Montana-based real estate company, applied for a Tax Increment Financing District with $4.6 million in proposed project costs, including financing. The resolution now moves to the full council for approval on Monday.
Pennington County Jail Expansion Discussed Amid Capacity Concerns
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Rapid City’s law enforcement leaders spoke this week on the need for expansion at the Pennington County Jail. Sheriff Brian Mueller, Police Chief Don Hedrick, and State’s Attorney Lara Roetzel all say the jail has been at capacity since 2014. Mueller says the lack of room at the jail comes amid challenges at the current facility troubling both staff and inmates, including full beds, sewage issues, and problems with the HVAC unit. The jail expansion’s designs are expected to come this fall with a completion date goal of 2029. The project could cost more than $100 million.
Rapid City Fire Station 1 Expansion Prioritizes Speed, Safety, and Firefighter Wellness
RAPID CITY, S.D. — A major renovation to Fire Station 1 in downtown Rapid City is nearing completion, doubling its size and transforming it into a state-of-the-art facility focused on faster emergency response and firefighter health. The $16.1 million upgrade adds 20,000 square feet, including new sleeping quarters, decontamination rooms, and modern amenities to improve functionality and wellbeing. Designed with input from firefighters and city leaders, the expanded station also improves inclusivity and team cohesion. Fire Chief Jason Culberson said the redesign reflects a community investment in public safety and the mental and physical health of emergency responders.
Fitness Classes Extended at Rapid City’s FitLot Park Following Strong Community Support
RAPID CITY, S.D. — The Rapid City Parks and Recreation Department is extending its outdoor summer fitness classes at the AARP FitLot Park through August 15 due to high attendance, with additional sessions scheduled August 18–29 during the Roosevelt Swim Center’s annual maintenance closure. Water exercise classes will also be offered during that time. A fall fitness series is planned for September 8 to October 4. All sessions are led by certified instructors and include low-impact cardio, strength, and endurance training. Registration is available online or at the Roosevelt Swim Center.
White House: President Trump Diagnosed With Common Vein Condition, No Serious Health Concerns
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump was recently diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency after experiencing mild leg swelling, according to the White House. The condition, common among older adults, causes blood to pool in leg veins due to weakened valves. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said additional testing ruled out serious issues such as blood clots or heart failure. Bruising on Trump’s hand was attributed to frequent handshaking and aspirin use. Trump is reportedly not experiencing discomfort, and his doctor affirmed the president remains in excellent health.
Britain will lower its voting age to 16 in a bid to strengthen democracy
LONDON (AP) — Britain has announced plans to lower the voting age from 18 to 16 before the next national election. The government announced the move on Thursday as part of efforts to boost democratic participation. Scotland and Wales already allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in local elections. Britain will join the short list of countries where the voting age is 16, alongside the likes of Austria, Brazil and Ecuador. Additional reforms include automatic voter registration and allowing bank cards as voter ID. Officials also aim to tighten campaign financing rules in an attempt to prevent foreign interference. The changes still require parliamentary approval. The next election is due by 2029.
Wall Street cruises to more records as PepsiCo and tech stocks rally
NEW YORK (AP) — Wall Street rose to more records following some better-than-expected updates on the economy. The S&P 500 climbed 0.5% Thursday, beating the all-time high it set last week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.5%, and the Nasdaq composite gained 0.7%. PepsiCo jumped 7.5% after delivering revenue and profit that topped Wall Street’s expectations. A strong profit report from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. lifted tech stocks. That helped offset drops for some big health care companies following their latest profit reports. Treasury yields were mixed in the bond market following better-than-expected reports on retail sales and unemployment claims.
Felix Baumgartner, the first skydiver to fall faster than the speed of sound, dies in crash in Italy
MILAN (AP) — Extreme athlete Felix Baumgartner, the first skydiver to fall faster than the speed of sound more than a decade ago, died in a crash Thursday along the eastern coast of Italy. The mayor of the city where the crash occurred confirmed Baumgartner’s death in a social media post. Italian firefighters who responded said a paraglider crashed into the side of a swimming pool in the city of Porto Sant Elpidio. Baumgartner was born in Austria and became known as “Fearless Felix.” He stunned the world in 2012 when he became the first human to break the sound barrier with only his body after jumping from a capsule more than 24 miles over New Mexico.
