The Daily Slice, your Black Hills news podcast in under 10 minutes. Delivered every morning Monday-Friday at homesliceaudio.com/dailyslice
Police Search for Suspect After Two People Shot at North Rapid Apartment Complex
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Police in Rapid City are searching for a suspect accused of shooting two people. Police responded to a shots fired call around 7:40 p.m. Tuesday at the La Crosse Estates apartment complex in North Rapid. Two victims were taken to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Police are reviewing security camera footage in the area to try and identify the suspect. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Rapid City Police Department. (Full Story)
Former Rapid City Gymnastics Coach Reaches Plea Deal in Federal Child Porn Case
RAPID CITY, S.D. — A former Rapid City gymnastics coach facing child porn charges has reached a plea agreement with federal prosecutors. Hayden Sengua was originally charged with three counts of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Court documents say Sengua has agreed to plead guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography. He’s scheduled to make that plea in court on Jan. 21. With the plea, Sengua would face a mandatory minimum of five years in federal prison and a maximum of 20 years behind bars. (Full Story)
Meade 46-1 School Board Approves New Bus Service Contract
STURGIS, S.D. — The Meade 46-1 School Board this week approved a change in bus service for the coming year. The district currently contracts with Harlow’s bus service, but their service has been under scrutiny the past year due to several issues. Last year, Superintendent Wayne Wormstadt said the bus company had not been fulfilling their contract obligation of 25 routes for the school year. Harlow’s told the board they had hired six drivers and two office staff to make sure they provide the district with safe proficient drivers. However, the board decided to go a different route, and approved a contract with Dakota Bus Service. (Full Story)
Chief Justice Signals Future Criminal Justice Reforms in South Dakota
PIERRE, S.D. — South Dakota’s Chief Justice is signaling future changes to the state’s criminal justice system, including expanded indigent defense and new pretrial services. In his State of the Judiciary address, Chief Justice Steven Jensen said the court system is laying the groundwork for a statewide approach to indigent defense and plans a pretrial services pilot in Pennington County. Jensen said no major funding requests are being made this session, but called the efforts long-term investments in fairness, efficiency, and public safety. (Full Story)
Rapid City Area Schools to Celebrate Central High Library Renovation with Ribbon Cutting
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Rapid City Area Schools will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 10:45 a.m. to mark the completion of renovation work at the Central High School library. The project, which began this summer, includes long-awaited updates to the space, highlighted by the removal of the green carpet and the creation of a refreshed, modern learning environment for students and staff. Following the ceremony, the district will hold a community open house, inviting families and community members to tour the library, explore its resources, and learn how the space supports student learning. National Honor Society students will provide guided tours and assist visitors. Superintendent Dr. Jami Jo Thompson said the project reflects the district’s commitment to improving school facilities and supporting student success. Media and community members are encouraged to attend. (Full Story)
NASA sends 4 astronauts back to Earth in first medical evacuation
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — An astronaut in need of medical care is on the way back to Earth. The ailing astronaut departed the International Space Station with three crewmates on Wednesday. Their SpaceX capsule is due to splash down into the Pacific off the coast of San Diego early Thursday. They should have remained on the space station until late February, but NASA cut their mission short to seek treatment by doctors. It’s the first medical evacuation by NASA in 65 years of human spaceflight. Officials have refused to identify the astronaut who needed medical attention last week and are not divulging details about their health. The astronauts launched from Florida last August. (Full Story)
What to know as New York City nurses strike for a 3rd day
NEW YORK (AP) — New York City nurses are striking for a third day with both sides seemingly preparing for a protracted walkout. None of the three major hospital systems affected by the walkout have met with union negotiators since before the strike, but one said it will sit down with nurses Thursday. Nurses rallied Wednesday at a Bronx hospital where they accused hospital officials of mischaracterizing their demands. Hospital administrators say they plan to keep temporary nurses hired to fill work gaps at least through next week. The walkout involves about 15,000 nurses at the Mount Sinai, Montefiore and NewYork-Presbyterian hospital systems. (Full Story)
Venezuela’s acting president vows to continue releasing prisoners detained under Maduro
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez vows to continue releasing prisoners detained under former President Nicolás Maduro. She made the remarks Wednesday during her first press briefing since Maduro was ousted by the United States earlier this month. Rodríguez served as Maduro’s vice president since 2018, running Venezuela’s feared intelligence service and managing its crucial oil industry. A 56-year-old lawyer and politician, Rodríguez was sworn in as interim president two days after the Trump administration snatched Maduro from his fortified compound and claimed the U.S. would be calling the shots in Venezuela. President Donald Trump said he held his first conversation with Rodriguez since Maduro’s ouster and that “we’re getting along very well with Venezuela.”. (Full Story)
