The Daily Slice, your Black Hills news podcast in under 10 minutes. Delivered every morning Monday-Friday at homesliceaudio.com/dailyslice
Black Hawk Man Sentenced to Over 5 Years for Receipt of Child Pornography
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Matthew Charles Ratliff, 51, of Black Hawk, was sentenced to five years and three months in federal prison for receipt of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced Friday. U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier also ordered five years of supervised release and $20,000 in restitution to identified online victims. The case began with a Cybertip alerting authorities to Ratliff’s illegal downloads, leading to the discovery of approximately 280 images of child sexual abuse. Ratliff pleaded guilty in April and was immediately remanded to U.S. Marshals custody.
Sturgis Police Arrest Suspect After High-Speed Pursuit
STURGIS, S.D. — Sturgis Police were involved in a high-speed pursuit early Sunday morning. Sturgis Police Chief Geody Vandewater says police attempted to stop a Dodge pickup for speeding and equipment violations. The vehicle failed to stop, and a pursuit ensued going through town, hitting residential streets before heading up over Sly Hill at a high rate of speed. The vehicle continued northbound until it lost control and went into the ditch at the intersection of Bighorn and Bear Butte Road. Vandewater reports the subject then ran from officers, and after a short foot pursuit, they were able to catch him and take him into custody. The suspect, who was not identified, was arrested for DUI and multiple other traffic violations.
Rapid City Mayor to Present 2026 Budget Proposal in Special Session
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun will present the 2026 City budget proposal to the Rapid City Council in a special session Monday, July 28 at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. The special budget meeting will include the mayor’s budget presentation followed by questions from the Council. Although a quorum of the Council may be present, no votes will be taken during the special session. The City Council may set dates for additional special sessions for discussion, consideration, and votes on the proposed budget.
Pennington County Prosecutors Advocate for Expanded Diversion Programs
RAPID CITY, S.D. — As legislators look to lower the rates inmates return to prison, one option is to key in on the point of entry into the prison system. At a recent legislative task force meeting, Pennington County prosecutors said one of their programs could be looked at to expand statewide. Since 2020, roughly 90% of all inmates assessed at intake in the state’s prison system were found to have a substance abuse disorder. The primary focus to people with such disorders has been drug and alcohol courts. Lara Roetzel, Pennington County State’s Attorney and President of the SD State’s Attorney Association, said while specialty courts do work, they face sustainability issues. Instead, she said a better solution is to look at diversion programs, something Pennington County runs for first-time adult felons and offenders.
Rapid City Regional Airport Sees Significant Growth in Passenger Numbers
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Rapid City Regional Airport is booming, with passenger numbers up more than 13 percent this quarter compared to last year. The airport’s marketing efforts to promote the Black Hills as a top travel destination are paying off, attracting visitors from large cities across the country. Travelers and staff alike are praising the airport’s ease of use, even as construction continues to expand and improve the facility. Airport leaders say they’re ready to handle the upcoming influx of Sturgis Motorcycle Rally visitors, calling the growth a great problem to have for the community.
Sturgis Gears Up for Historic 85th Motorcycle Rally with Gloria Struck as Grand Marshal
STURGIS, S.D. — The 85th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, set for August 1–10, promises a milestone celebration of motorcycling, culture, and community. Thousands of riders from around the world will gather for concerts, rides, and events, highlighted by 100-year-old Gloria Tramontin Struck leading as Grand Marshal. Struck, a Motor Maids member since 1946, symbolizes the Rally’s spirit and history. Opening day features a Main Street parade led by the Budweiser Clydesdales, with other key events including the Chief’s Ride, Mayor’s Ride, and a B-1 flyover on Military Appreciation Day. Full details at www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com.
Officials say 85 Palestinians seeking aid are killed in Gaza as Israel widens evacuation orders
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Gaza’s Health Ministry says the territory has experienced its deadliest day for aid-seekers in over 21 months of conflict, with at least 85 Palestinians killed while seeking aid. On Sunday, Israeli forces reportedly opened fire on crowds near aid convoys, killing dozens in northern Gaza. The U.N. has confirmed massive crowds gathered as 25 aid trucks entered the area. Israel’s military claims it targeted groups posing threats and accused Hamas of creating chaos. Meanwhile, new evacuation orders for central Gaza have alarmed residents and disrupted aid efforts. The ongoing conflict has killed over 58,800 Palestinians, with Gaza facing a catastrophic humanitarian crisis.
Syria’s armed Bedouins say they have withdrawn from Druze-majority city after weeklong fighting
MAZRAA, Syria (AP) — Armed Bedouin clans have withdrawn from the Druze-majority Syrian city of Sweida after a week of deadly clashes. A U.S.-brokered ceasefire has brought cautious calm, allowing humanitarian aid convoys to enter the area. The fighting between Druze militias and Sunni Bedouins killed hundreds and displaced over 128,000 people. Sectarian violence, including targeted attacks on Druze civilians, escalated tensions. Government forces intervened but were perceived as supporting the Bedouins. Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa urged the Bedouins to respect the ceasefire and leave. The U.N. and U.S. have called for an end to hostilities, warning the violence threatens Syria’s fragile postwar recovery. Tensions remain high.
Russia insists on achieving Ukraine goals despite Trump’s ultimatum
Russia says it’s open to peace with Ukraine but insists achieving its goals remains a priority. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated Russia’s demands on Sunday, including Ukraine withdrawing from Russia-annexed regions and abandoning its NATO aspirations. Kyiv and its allies have rejected those terms. Meanwhile, Russia continues escalating drone attacks on Ukrainian cities, with analysts predicting further intensification. U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened Russia with severe tariffs unless a peace deal is reached within 50 days. He also announced increased U.S. weapons shipments to Ukraine, including Patriot air defense systems.
Tech company CEO resigns after controversy over video captured at Coldplay concert
A tech company CEO has resigned after controversy over a video captured on the big screen at a Coldplay concert. Andy Byron resigned from his job as CEO of Astronomer Inc., according to a statement posted on LinkedIn by the company Saturday. “Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding. Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability, and recently, that standard was not met,” the company said in its post on LinkedIn. The move comes a day after the company said that Byron had been placed on leave and the board of directors had launched a formal investigation into the incident, which went viral.
