The Daily Slice, your Black Hills news podcast in under 10 minutes. Delivered every morning Monday-Friday at homesliceaudio.com/dailyslice
Police Detain Armed Man After Medical Call Escalates in West Rapid City
RAPID CITY, S.D. — There was a large law enforcement presence in Western Rapid City Wednesday night after a routine medical call turned dangerous. Medics responded to a home near Willow Avenue. When they entered, they were threatened by a man with a gun. The medical crew backed out safely, and officers were called in. The man was detained without incident. Charges were pending. (Full Story)
Fire Destroys Senior Apartment Complex on Pine Ridge Reservation, Dozens Displaced
KYLE, S.D. — A fire was reported around 5:30 a.m. Thursday destroyed a senior apartment complex on the Pine Ridge Reservation, displacing more than 60 residents and sending at least one person to the hospital. First responders evacuated 22 units as crews battled the fire for much of the day, prompting the American Red Cross to activate its disaster response team and assist with temporary relocation at a nearby school. According to Oglala Sioux Tribe Emergency Management, local organizations are also providing relief, and community donations are being accepted through the Oyate Tetca Project for items including hygiene supplies, blankets, sleeping bags, towels and nonperishable food as colder weather approaches. (Full Story)
Rapid City Area Schools Reminds Families to Check Meal Balances Before Jan. 30
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Rapid City Area Schools is urging families to check student meal account balances before Jan. 30, 2026, when unpaid negative balances may be referred to a collection agency under a parent or guardian’s name. District officials said the notice sent to families does not necessarily mean money is owed and emphasized that students will continue to receive a reimbursable lunch regardless of balance. Unpaid accounts currently total about $187,000, affecting the self-supporting Student Nutrition Program. The district said collections are a last resort and assistance options such as payment plans and help applying for free or reduced-price meals are available. (Full Story)
Rapid City Council Terminates Mount Rushmore Road Business Improvement District Plans
RAPID CITY, S.D. — The Rapid City Council is terminating plans for a Business Improvement District on Mount Rushmore Road. The vote follows a petition by landowners that was recently sent to the city. City Attorney Joel Landeen says it was the city’s only option, according to state statutes. The vote to terminate the project was unanimous. Councilors thanked the five members of the Mouth Rushmore Road Business Improvement District Board for their efforts to make the project a reality, despite the termination. (Full Story)
Public Input Sought on Federal Funding Proposal for Red Pesek Baseball Field Renovations
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Rapid City is seeking public comment on a proposal to use more than $500,000 in federal grant funding to renovate and restore Red Pesek Baseball Field. City officials are recommending $505,000 in fiscal year 2026 Community Development Block Grant funding for improvements to the aging field, which is located at the corner of East New York Street and Herman Street. The project would aim to return the field to safe and playable conditions for youth baseball. The proposal will be reviewed by the city’s Legal and Finance Committee at its Feb. 11 meeting. (Full Story)
South Dakota Tourism Industry Reports Record Visitor Spending in 2025
PIERRE, S.D. — The South Dakota tourism industry is basking in a record year in 2025. New figures released by the Department of Tourism say nearly 15-million visitors spent more than five-billion dollars in the state last year. They add that tourists contributed to more than 406-million in state and local tax revenues and helped support nearly 60-thousand jobs. The top draws included Mount Rushmore, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and pheasant hunting. The Department of Tourism says they expect another banner year in 2026 for America’s 250th birthday celebration. (Full Story)
Massive Winter Storm Threatens Ice, Snow and Power Outages Across Eastern U.S.
ATLANTA (AP) — A massive winter storm is barreling toward the eastern U.S., threatening to bring severe ice and snow from Texas to Boston. Forecasters warn the storm could rival a hurricane in damage to power lines and trees, especially in areas with heavy ice. The storm is expected to start Friday in New Mexico and Texas, moving east through the South and then up the coast into New England. Bitterly cold air could follow, with wind chills dropping to minus-50 degrees Fahrenheit in parts of Minnesota and North Dakota. Utility workers are on alert and supplies like bread and salt are flying off shelves. (Full Story)
Second Lady Usha Vance Announces Pregnancy With Fourth Child
WASHINGTON — Second Lady Usha Vance announced that she and Vice President JD Vance are expecting their fourth child, a baby boy, due in late July 2026. The couple said both mother and baby are doing well and shared their excitement about the upcoming addition. They are already parents to three children: Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel. The couple expressed gratitude for the medical care and support they have received and said they are looking forward to welcoming their son later this summer. Usha Vance’s pregnancy is uncommon, as it is rare for the spouse of a sitting U.S. vice president to be pregnant while serving as second lady. She will be the first sitting Second Lady to bear a child in over 150 years. (Full Story)
What to know about FDA’s review of new Zyn advertising proposal
WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans who smoke may soon be hearing a lot more about Zyn. That’s the flavored nicotine pouch that’s generated billions in sales while going viral on social media. The Food and Drug Administration convened a public meeting Thursday to consider whether Philip Morris International should be allowed to advertise its pouches as a less-harmful alternative for adults who smoke cigarettes. Government documents and presentations made at the meeting suggest regulators are leaning toward approving the request. But independent experts asked pointed questions about the company’s research, the risks of underage use and whether the new marketing language would really steer smokers away from cigarettes. There’s no deadline for a decision. (Full Story)
