The Daily Slice, your Black Hills news podcast in under 10 minutes. Delivered every morning Monday-Friday at homesliceaudio.com/dailyslice
Spearfish Woman Indicted on Charges Involving Minor
SPEARFISH, S.D. — A Spearfish woman is charged with first-degree rape of a minor under the age of 13 and sexual contact with a minor under the age of 16. Court documents indicate both charges against Sarah Hazeldine stem from an incident involving the same alleged victim. The minor was 3 years old when the crime allegedly occurred in August 2024. At the time, Hazledine worked at a Spearfish daycare. Hazledine posted a $75,000 bond after being indicted by a Lawrence County grand jury and subsequently arrested.
Fire Crews Contain South Rockerville Wildfire at 39 Acres
KEYSTONE, S.D. — Fire crews from surrounding agencies battled a wildfire late Saturday afternoon that led to the temporary evacuations of some homes outside Rockerville. The South Rockerville Fire was reported just before 3:00 p.m. about a mile northeast of Keystone. Rockerville units supported Battle Creek Fire on the wildland fire which was located just north and west of the S Rockerville Rd and Hwy 40 intersections. Due to the dry conditions and gusty NW winds, evacuations were in place for a few hours. Resources from throughout Pennington County as well as USFS and State units were on scene. Solid work from all resources allowed this fire to be held at 39 acres
South Dakota Tourism Outlook Remains Strong for 2025
RAPID CITY, S.D. — The South Dakota Department of Tourism is tracking positive travel trends for the year, with Secretary Jim Hagen reporting that 33% of travelers feel better off financially than a year ago and around 60% prioritizing travel. While the department has yet to see major impacts from President Trump’s recent tariffs, Hagen says it’s too early to determine any long-term effects. Tourism remains the state’s second-largest industry, following agriculture.
U.S., Russia Discuss Black Sea Ceasefire in Saudi Talks
WASHINGTON — U.S. and Russian officials met in Saudi Arabia on Monday to discuss a potential Black Sea maritime ceasefire, aiming to secure shipping routes and advance peace talks in Ukraine. President Donald Trump has intensified efforts to end the three-year conflict, engaging with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. While European leaders remain skeptical of Russia’s willingness to compromise, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism, saying Putin wants peace. The talks focused on maritime safety, verification measures, peacekeeping, and humanitarian concerns.
U.S. Accuses Columbia Student of Concealing UNRWA Work on Visa Application
NEW YORK —The U.S. government has accused Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student, of hiding his previous work with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) on his visa application, claiming it could pose a foreign policy risk. Khalil, a Syrian-born student with Algerian citizenship, entered the U.S. in 2022 on a student visa and applied for permanent residency in 2024. He was detained on March 8 in Louisiana, where he is awaiting legal proceedings. His supporters argue that the detention is politically motivated, raising concerns over freedom of speech.
Trump Administration Appeals Ruling to Rehire Fired Workers
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is asking the Supreme Court to halt a ruling ordering the rehiring of thousands of federal workers let go in mass firings across several agencies. In an emergency appeal filed Monday, the Republican administration argued the ruling should be put on hold because the judge didn’t have the authority to order some 16,000 probationary employees be hired back. The order came from U.S. District Judge William Alsup in San Francisco, who found the firings didn’t follow federal law. The judge required immediate offers of reinstatement be sent. The agencies include the departments of Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Defense, Energy, the Interior and the Treasury.
23andMe Files for Bankruptcy, CEO Anne Wojcicki Resigns
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. (AP) — 23andMe, the genetic testing company offering DNA services for health and ancestry insights since 2006, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Sunday. The company, which has struggled to establish a sustainable business model, is seeking a sale to resolve its financial difficulties. CEO and co-founder Anne Wojcicki also officially resigned. It remains unclear what will happen to the genetic data currently held by 23andMe if the sale is completed.
