The Daily Slice, your Black Hills news podcast in under 10 minutes. Delivered every morning Monday-Friday at homesliceaudio.com/dailyslice
Police Investigate Unattended Death Near I-190 in Rapid City
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Police in Rapid City are investigating an unattended death reported on Monday. Police were dispatched to the I-190 bridge just west of Central High School for a report of an unresponsive male subject. Upon arrival, police located the deceased individual. Evidence was collected on scene by the Rapid City Criminal Investigation Division and investigation into the death is underway.
Rapid City Police Arrest Two for DUI in Separate Incidents
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Rapid City police arrested two drivers for DUI in separate incidents on Saturday, March 22. In one incident, 25-year-old Skeet Grass Rope was arrested after driving the wrong way on Saint Joseph Street. The second incident involved an S.U.V. that had crashed into a tree near Dunsmore Road and Kerry Drive. When officers arrived on scene, they found the driver stumbling and slurring his speech. Daniel Pelczarski of Rapid City was arrested after a breath test showed his blood alcohol level nearly four times the legal limit. Both drivers were taken to the Pennington County Jail.
Federal Judge Denies Appeal of South Dakota Death Row Inmate
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — A federal judge is rejecting the appeal of South Dakota’s lone death row inmate to overturn his guilty plea. Prosecutors say Briley Piper and two other men kidnapped, tortured and murdered Chester Allen Poage in 2000. Piper claims his counsel was ineffective during his sentencing trial where he received the death penalty. US District Judge Roberto Lange is rejecting that appeal after a hearing last month. Attorney General Marty Jackley called the ruling a “step forward” in ensuring justice for the Poage family.
Intelligence Officials Testify on Security Threats and Leak Investigation
WASHINGTON — Top U.S. intelligence officials testified before Congress this week on national security threats, addressing concerns over a recent security breach involving mistakenly leaked war plans. The Senate Intelligence Committee questioned officials, including FBI Director Kash Patel and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, about the handling of classified information. Lawmakers from both parties emphasized the need for stricter security protocols. Meanwhile, the hearings also focused on countering fentanyl trafficking, cyber threats, and shifting U.S.-Russia relations amid diplomatic negotiations.
Israeli strikes on Gaza killed at least 23 people overnight
Palestinian medics say Israeli strikes have killed at least 23 people in the Gaza Strip. Nasser Hospital says the dead include three children and their parents who were killed in a strike on their tent. Hospitals in Gaza have been flooded with dead and wounded since Israel resumed heavy bombardment last week, shattering the ceasefire that had halted the 17-month war. In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, an Oscar-winning Palestinian director is set to be released a day after he was badly beaten by Jewish settlers and detained by Israeli forces. And in Israel, the parliament passed a crucial state budget, shoring up Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s governing coalition.
Postmaster General Louis DeJoy Resigns After Nearly Five Years
WASHINGTON) — U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy resigned Monday after nearly five years, during which he oversaw delivery consolidations, price adjustments, and workforce reductions. Under his leadership, the price of a First-Class domestic postage stamp increased from 55 cents to 73 cents, and a reorganization plan reduced 30,000 jobs with more voluntary retirements expected. President Trump signaled further reforms, suggesting oversight by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, a move some see as a potential step toward privatization of the U.S. Postal Service.
U.S. Consumer Confidence Falls Amid Economic Concerns
WASHINGTON — U.S. consumer confidence dropped for the fourth consecutive month in March, with the Conference Board’s index falling 7.2 points to 92.9. A sharp decline in short-term economic expectations led to the lowest reading in 12 years, fueling concerns about inflation, tariffs, and job market uncertainties. However, despite anxiety about the future, consumers showed a surprising increase in plans to purchase big-ticket items. Consumer spending remains a key economic indicator, and these shifts are being closely monitored by economists.
This Ramadan, relief and hope bump against violence and uncertainty in the new Syria
DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — For Syrians observing Ramadan, this Muslim holy month is their first in their homeland since the end of the Assad family’s iron-fisted rule. For many, that means relief, joy at new freedoms and hope for their country even as challenges remain. But Ramadan has also been marred by particularly bloody violence that has fueled fears about sectarian strife despite reassurances from the new authorities. During the Muslim holy month, Syrians marked the 14th anniversary of the start of their country’s civil war. Many Syrians grieve the missing and killed and contend with the pain of families divided by the exodus of millions as refugees.
5 lions rescued from the war in Ukraine settle into a new life in England
SMARDEN, England (AP) — Five traumatized lions rescued from the war zone in Ukraine who are settling into a new home in England after an international effort to bring them to safety. Male African lion Rori and lionesses Amani, Lira and Vanda arrived this month at the Big Cat Sanctuary southeast of London. They join lioness Yuna, who arrived in August. All five were found near the front line in Ukraine, neglected and abandoned by their owners. They were brought to England after a fundraising campaign raised 500,000 pounds, about $650,000, to build a new Lion Rescue Center at the sanctuary. Managing director Cam Whitnall says staff are delighted with the progress the lions have made since they arrived.
