The Daily Slice, your Western South Dakota podcast news in under 10 minutes delivered every morning Monday-Friday at https://snd.click/dailyslice
Pennington County and Absentee Voting Law Violation
RAPID CITY, S.D. – New findings are revealing Pennington County broke a South Dakota absentee voting law this past election season. And it’s possible that other counties didn’t comply either.
State law sets a 46-day period for absentee voting.
South Dakota Board of Elections member Scott McGregor of Rapid City told other state election board members, including South Dakota Secretary of State Monae Johnson, during a meeting yesterday that the Pennington County auditor’s office was closed on Friday, September 30th when it should’ve been open by the law.
Pennington County Auditor Cindy Mohler noted that auditor offices in some other South Dakota counties routinely were closed on Friday afternoons.
McGregor suggested that state law should be amended so offices are at least available in a limited capacity to accept absentee ballots or applications.
Federal Fraud Charges in Rapid City Case
RAPID CITY, S.D. – One of two people facing federal fraud charges for allegedly scamming an elderly Rapid City woman out of $110,000 dollars made a court appearance this week.
Shalinee Vyas, 45, has plead not guilty to wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Vyas and 32-year-old Abdul Waheed Mohammed are accused of calling the woman several times and coercing her to send money and gold.
Mohammed was arrested when he arrived to pick up gold from the victim. Vyas is accused of communicating with Mohammed and instructing him about the scheme.
Possible Changes for Summer Nights in Rapid City
RAPID CITY, S.D. – Some major changes may lie ahead for the popular Summer Nights program in Rapid City.
Over the past year, the Summer Nights Board, City Council, Visit Rapid City, some downtown businesses, and a mediator have been discussing a location change due to its impact on local businesses being a point of contention.
Judd Nielsen, president of Summer Nights, says they have discussed a location change, but so far, have not been able to agree what could work. He says they submitted their application to the Rapid City Council asking for one more year at the current location. However, if it’s denied, he says that would be the end of Summer Nights.
Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Comes to an End
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The global phenomenon that is Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour is coming to an end after the popstar performed more than 150 shows across five continents over nearly two years.
Since launching the tour in 2023, Swift has shattered sales and attendance records. It’s even created such an economic boom that the Federal Reserve took note.
But for many who attended the concerts, and the millions more who eagerly watched on their screens, the tour also became a beacon of joy. It’s become a chance not only to appreciate Swift’s expansive music career, but also celebrate the yearslong journey fans have taken with her.
Police Release New Photos in Search for Gunman in UnitedHealthcare CEO Killing
The CEO of UnitedHealthcare, Brian Thompson, was killed in a targeted attack on a Manhattan sidewalk. Authorities revealed that the gunman used ammunition with the words “deny,” “defend,” and “depose” etched on it, possibly referencing insurance tactics.
Thompson was ambushed while heading to an investor conference, and the shooter remains at large. The motive for the killing is still unknown.
Musk and Ramaswamy Bring Trump’s DOGE to Capitol Hill
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy visited Capitol Hill as part of their role in leading President-elect Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Their mission is to reduce the size of the federal government by firing workers, cutting programs, and slashing regulations, aligning with Trump’s second-term agenda. Speaker Mike Johnson commented that these efforts would bring significant changes to Washington.
Hegseth Faces Senate Concerns Over Behavior and Women in Combat Views
Pete Hegseth, nominated to lead Trump’s Department of Defense, is facing scrutiny over allegations of excessive drinking and sexual assault, as well as his views on women in combat.
While Hegseth acknowledges the contributions of women in the military, his comments suggesting they shouldn’t serve in frontline combat roles have raised concerns among both Republican and Democratic senators during his confirmation process.
