The Daily Slice, your Black Hills news podcast in under 10 minutes. Delivered every morning Monday-Friday at homesliceaudio.com/dailyslice
Man Pleads Not Guilty to Rape and Kidnapping Charges
STURGIS, S.D. — A man accused of drugging, raping and kidnapping a 15-year-old girl is pleading not guilty in his case. Michael Wilson is facing twelve charges involving aggravated assault, kidnapping, rape, solicitation of a minor and more. He appeared in court last week to enter his plea and is expected to return in mid-November.
State to Receive $100 Million in Opioid Settlement Funds
RAPID CITY, S.D. — South Dakota is expecting a significant payout from recent opioid manufacturing settlements. Now, the question turns into how to best manage that money. The total windfall following this settlement approaches $100 million for the state, though there are questions about how this money should be managed and divided. The projects anticipated to get the most funding have three criteria – statewide impact, problem solving, and innovative solutions.
City Seeks Applicants for Air Quality Board Vacancy
RAPID CITY, S.D. — The City is continuing to accept applications to fill one vacancy for the Business Representative position on the Air Quality Board. Interested citizens are encouraged to apply by submitting a Citizen Interest Application online. Application deadline is November 3 at 5:00 p.m. The Air Quality Board meets quarterly with a goal of maintaining compliance status with the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards, to prevent adverse health and environmental effects that result from fugitive dust emissions and smoke from wood burning and open burning. This is a three-year term.
Governor Proposes Funding for Airport Expansions
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Gov. Larry Rhoden announced his plan to provide state funding toward the Rapid City and Sioux Falls airport expansions. He plans to bring legislation in the upcoming legislative session to help the growing airports. Gov. Rhoden said he wants to provide 0% interest loans of up to $15 million to each airport to support their existing airport expansion plans. Funds for the project would move from the state’s housing infrastructure fund into the state’s Revolving Economic Development and Initiative, or REDI, fund.
Flights to Los Angeles International Airport halted due to air traffic controller shortage
The Federal Aviation Administration says flights departing for Los Angeles International Airport were halted briefly due to a staffing shortage at a Southern California air traffic facility. The FAA issued a temporary ground stop at one of the world’s busiest airports on Sunday morning soon after U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy predicted that travelers would see more flights delayed as the nation’s air traffic controllers work without pay during the federal government shutdown. The hold on planes taking off for LAX lasted an hour and 45 minutes and didn’t appear to cause continued problems. The FAA said staffing shortages also delayed planes headed to Washington, Chicago and Newark, New Jersey on Sunday.
US warship docks in Trinidad and Tobago, putting more pressure on Venezuela
PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago (AP) — A U.S. warship has docked in Trinidad and Tobago’s capital as the Trump administration increases military pressure on Venezuela and its President Nicolás Maduro. The USS Gravely’s arrival Sunday is in addition to the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, which is moving closer to Venezuela. Maduro criticized the movement as a U.S. attempt to fabricate “a new eternal war” against his country. The warship will remain in Trinidad until Thursday for training exercises. The visit comes after a warning from the U.S. Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago for Americans to avoid U.S. government facilities due to a reported threat.
Russia has tested a new nuclear-capable missile, Putin and top general say
MOSCOW (AP) — Russia has tested a new nuclear-capable cruise missile, moving closer to deploying it, according to President Vladimir Putin. The Burevestnik missile, which has been in development for years, reportedly covered 8,700 miles in a key test last Tuesday. Putin claims the missile has an unlimited range and can evade missile defenses. However, many experts are skeptical, citing potential reliability and environmental concerns. The missile reportedly suffered an explosion in 2019, causing fatalities and a brief spike in radioactivity. Putin has directed preparations for deploying these weapons to Russia’s armed forces.
‘Chainsaw Man’ anime film topples Springsteen biopic and ‘Black Phone 2’ at the box office
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A big-screen adaptation of the anime “Chainsaw Man” has topped the North American box office, beating a Springsteen biopic and “Black Phone 2.” The movie earned $17.25 million in the U.S. and Canada this weekend. “Black Phone 2” fell to second place with $13 million. Two new releases, the rom-com “Regretting You” and “Springsteen — Deliver Me From Nowhere,” earned $12.85 million and $9.1 million, respectively. “Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc” is based on the manga series about a demon hunter. It’s another win for Sony-owned Crunchyroll, which also released a “Demon Slayer” film last month that debuted to a record $70 million.