The Daily Slice, your Black Hills news podcast in under 10 minutes. Delivered every morning Monday-Friday at homesliceaudio.com/dailyslice
Vice President JD Vance Arrives in the Black Hills Ahead of Independence Day
RAPID CITY, SD —Vice President JD Vance is expected to touch down in Rapid City today as he and his family begin their Fourth of July celebrations in the Black Hills. While details of his schedule remain under wraps, the Federal Aviation Administration has issued temporary flight restrictions over Rapid City, the regional airport, and the Mount Rushmore area through this morning. Vance’s visit comes amid growing excitement for the 250th anniversary of American independence, with a fireworks display already planned at Mount Rushmore for July 3, 2026. South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden has also offered land in the Black Hills for President Trump’s proposed National Garden of American Heroes. Vance, 39, a Marine Corps veteran and father of three, has frequently traveled with his family since taking office, underscoring the administration’s family-first image.
Mount Rushmore and Keystone Celebrate Independence Day with Full Slate of Festivities
KEYSTONE, S.D. — Mount Rushmore National Memorial is hosting a packed Fourth of July celebration today, following a day of historical reenactments and performances that took place yesterday. Visitors can enjoy Lakota hoop dancing, Native storytelling, presidential reenactors, and another performance from The Air Force Academy Band. The celebration will conclude with the Evening Lighting Program. In Keystone, patriotic fun continues with local attractions, zipline and helicopter tours, a historic walking tour, live music at Grapes & Grinds, and a special holiday offer from Cruizzi Ebikes. It’s a full day of family-friendly events honoring America’s independence in the heart of the Black Hills.
Lead Veteran Ricky Allen Reflects on Powerful Midwest Honor Flight Experience
LEAD, S.D. — On July 2, longtime Sanford Lab employee and Marine Corps veteran Ricky Allen returned home from an unforgettable journey to Washington, D.C., as part of Midwest Honor Flight #25. Allen, who has served in the Marine Corps, National Guard, and worked decades at Homestake and SURF, visited the nation’s war memorials alongside fellow World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam veterans. The experience brought healing and reflection, especially for Allen, who carried the memory of his late brother, also a Vietnam veteran with him. From visiting the Korean War Memorial to receiving heartfelt letters during a surprise mail call, Allen called the experience a moment of closure. “The Honor Flight was healing, and it was an awakening,” he said. The trip was sponsored by Seed for Success in Sioux Falls.
Ohio Man Sues Harley-Davidson and Deadwood Chamber Over Pool Jump Injuries
DEADWOOD, S.D. — An Ohio man is suing Harley-Davidson and the Deadwood Chamber of Commerce after a belly flop contest at the 2022 Deadwood Sportster Show left him with serious injuries. Zachary Hamilton, who jumped from a Genie lift into a small above-ground pool at Outlaw Square, claims he was pressured into participating and suffered multiple fractures after hitting the pool’s side or bottom. His lawsuit alleges the stunt was unsafe, poorly supervised, and promoted by representatives of Harley-Davidson and the Chamber, who were also collecting money from the crowd to raise the height of the jumps. Hamilton says he never signed a waiver, was sober at the time, and is now seeking damages for negligence and reckless conduct. His wife, Chelsea, is also suing for loss of consortium.
Scott and Susan Peterson Named 2025 Black Hills Roundup Parade Marshals
BELLE FOURCHE, S.D. — Scott and Susan Peterson have been named the 2025 Black Hills Roundup Parade Marshals, a recognition that honors their decades of business leadership, community involvement, and deep ties to the Belle Fourche area. The couple, originally from Revillo, South Dakota, founded Scott Peterson Motors in 1988 and later ran a successful Ford and Chrysler dealership for 30 years. Now operating Scott Peterson Sales, they continue to serve the region in equipment sales. Known for their volunteerism, they’ve contributed to numerous local boards and helped launch the Purple Pride scholarship program. They’ve also been longtime supporters of the Black Hills Roundup and raised their two children in the heart of rodeo culture. “We are very humbled to receive this award,” said Susan. “We feel very lucky to live and have a business in Belle Fourche.”
Rapid City Fireworks Show Set for Tonight with Music, Concert, and Safety Reminders
RAPID CITY, S.D. – Rapid City’s annual fireworks display is set for tonight at approximately 9:30 p.m. from Executive Golf Course, with a 20 to 25-minute show choreographed to music broadcast on 104.7 The Cowboy. A pre-show concert by the Rapid City Municipal Band will begin at 8 p.m. at the Memorial Park Band Shell, where families are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for an evening of patriotic celebration. Mayor Jason Salamun said the holiday is “a great time for families, fireworks shows and food,” and urged everyone to enjoy the day safely. Fire Chief Jason Culberson reminded residents that only novelty fireworks are allowed within city limits and to keep water sources nearby when using sparklers or grills. Police Chief Don Hedrick encouraged everyone to plan ahead and avoid impaired driving. Additional fireworks displays will be held throughout the weekend at Elks Golf Course, Arrowhead Country Club, Black Hills Speedway, and during the Post 22 Firecracker Tournament. Viewers are encouraged to arrive early and consider locations like The Monument, Memorial Park, or Skyline Drive for the best views.
City Services Closed, Fireworks Scheduled for Rapid City’s Fourth of July Observance
RAPID CITY, S.D. — In observance of Independence Day, most City of Rapid City offices and services are closed today. City Hall, the Rapid City Landfill, and the Public Library are all closed, with landfill operations resuming Saturday. Trash collection runs on a modified schedule this week, with Tuesday through Friday pickups occurring a day early. Public transportation, including RapidRide and Dial-A-Ride, is paused for the holiday but will resume Saturday. The Monument remains closed through the weekend due to no scheduled events, though tickets for future shows are available online. City outdoor pools are open today until 4 p.m. Emergency services remain active, while administrative offices at the police, fire, and airport departments are closed.
Wareing Motors Honors First Responders and Celebrates “Bears for the Brave” Success
STURGIS, S.D. — Wareing Motors hosted a reception to honor local first responders and celebrate the success of its “Bears for the Brave” drive. The event highlighted community support at both the Sturgis and Belle Fourche locations, where stuffed animals and blankets were collected for children in crisis. Tim Kugler, general manager of the Sturgis dealership, credited receptionist Marsha Moore for her leadership in the effort. The reception emphasized Wareing Motors’ continued commitment to supporting children and first responders in the community.
Trump, Putin to hold phone call Thursday amid shift in Ukraine weapons policy
MOSCOW (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are scheduled to speak by phone Thursday at 10 a.m. EDT, marking their sixth publicly confirmed conversation since Trump’s return to office. The call comes amid efforts by both leaders to improve U.S.-Russia relations during the ongoing war in Ukraine and follows the Pentagon’s recent decision to pause some weapons shipments to Ukraine pending a review of U.S. stockpiles. The nature of Thursday’s discussion has not been disclosed.
U.S. Adds 147,000 Jobs in June as Unemployment Dips to 4.1%
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. employers added 147,000 jobs in June, showing unexpected strength in the job market despite mounting uncertainty around President Donald Trump’s economic policies and global tariff moves. The unemployment rate edged down to 4.1% from 4.2%, while average hourly wages rose a modest 0.2% from May. Gains were driven by hiring in healthcare and state and local governments, though private-sector job growth slowed.
Long-Lost 1847 Anti-Slavery Scroll Found in Massachusetts Archive
A 5-foot-long handwritten scroll denouncing slavery and signed by 116 New England ministers in 1847 has been rediscovered in a Massachusetts archive after being lost for over a century. Jennifer Cromack, a retired teacher volunteering at the American Baptist archive in Groton, found the pristine document tucked in a slim box among 18th and 19th century journals. The scroll, titled “A Resolution and Protest Against Slavery,” was last seen in a 1902 history book and reflects early religious opposition to slavery in the Northeast, predating the Civil War by 14 years.
