The Daily Slice, your Black Hills news podcast in under 10 minutes. Delivered every morning Monday-Friday at homesliceaudio.com/dailyslice
Disruptive Passenger Forces United Flight to Divert to Rapid City
RAPID CITY, S.D. — United Airlines flight 1292, en route from Chicago to Vancouver, was diverted to Rapid City Regional Airport on Tuesday morning due to a disruptive passenger, according to The Rapid City Post. The Rapid City Police Department responded at 10:30 a.m. after the flight crew reported that a passenger was non-compliant and causing disturbances in the cabin. Upon landing, officers boarded the plane and identified the individual as George Zoitas, 42, of New York. Authorities said Zoitas remained uncooperative after exiting the aircraft and continued to cause disruptions in the terminal. He was arrested for disorderly conduct and booked into the Pennington County Jail at 12:59 p.m. The flight was delayed by 1 hour and 57 minutes.
Man Hospitalized After Stabbing on 12th Street in Rapid City
RAPID CITY, S.D. — A man was hospitalized with serious injuries after being stabbed during a fight Tuesday evening on the 700 block of 12th Street. Police responded to the scene around 6:52 p.m. following reports of a disturbance that began inside a home and escalated into a physical altercation in the roadway. One man involved was detained, though no names have been released. The investigation remains ongoing.
Sen. Thune to Attend Amazon Delivery Station Ribbon-Cutting in Box Elder
BOX ELDER, S.D. — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) is scheduled to participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. Thursday for Amazon’s new delivery station located at 479 East Mall Court in Box Elder, The Rapid City Post reports. The 40,000-square-foot facility, situated along I-90 and Elk Vale Road, is expected to create nearly 100 jobs and enhance Amazon’s delivery operations in the region. City officials have noted that the site’s proximity to major transportation routes allows for efficient logistics while minimizing traffic disruptions in residential areas. Following the event, Sen. Thune is also slated to speak at the Pennington County Republican Women’s luncheon in Rapid City.
Pennington County Commission Declines Data Center Moratorium After Debate
RAPID CITY, S.D. — After discussion, the Pennington County Commission Tuesday did not pass a motion on a moratorium or data centers. The commission recently determined that data centers and their potential impact on public health, safety and welfare should be studied.
Commissioners Tuesday discussed whether there should be a six-month moratorium on the issuance of permits for data centers. Planning and Zoning officials had urged the moratorium to establish specific guidelines that data center applicants wanting to move to the area must meet.
Commissioners, however, saw a motion for a moratorium die for lack of a second.
South Dakota Libraries Halt Courier Program After Federal Funding Cut
BOX ELDER, S.D. — Checking out some books through local libraries could soon cost more than a standard library card fee. Libraries were instructed Monday to immediately suspend use of the state’s interlibrary loan courier program. The courier service transports books and other library materials across South Dakota from the libraries that have them to those that don’t, typically faster and more efficiently than would be possible though the U.S. Postal Service. The State Library relies on federal funding from a federal agency that president Trump ordered a cut to its operations.
Sturgis Emergency Health Workers Vote to Unionize with Teamsters Local 120
STURGIS, S.D. — A group of 15 paramedics, EMTs, and other emergency health professionals employed by the City of Sturgis has voted to unionize with Teamsters Local 120, according to a statement from the union. Casey Baker, a paramedic and new member, expressed excitement about joining the Teamsters, emphasizing the need for strong representation in negotiating fair compensation and better working conditions. James Heeren, a business agent for Local 120, welcomed the new members, praising their vital work and promising to secure a favorable first contract. Local 120 represents over 15,000 workers across several states, including South Dakota.
South Dakota Board Adopts Native American Curriculum Standards Despite Tribal Concerns
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — The South Dakota Board of Education Standards unanimously adopted new standards for Native American curriculum Monday morning. That came over the objections of a number of Tribal members involved in education. Sarah White of the Oglala Lakota Tribe said the planning discussions didn’t include a formal process of getting input from all nine tribes in the state. White and other tribal members asked the Board to pause adopting new standards. But, Education Secretary Joe Graves pressed for their adoption, calling it an open process that welcomed everyone who wanted to be involved.
U.S. Autism Rates Reach Record Levels, Early Diagnosis Shows Promising Trends
Rates of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among U.S. children reached a record high in 2022, with 1 in 31 8-year-olds diagnosed, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This marks a continued rise in ASD prevalence, up from 1 in 36 in 2020 and 1 in 44 in 2018. The increase may reflect improved awareness, broader diagnostic criteria, and earlier identification of the disorder, particularly in regions like California and Pennsylvania, which have robust screening programs. While the exact causes behind the rise are unclear, experts suggest that a combination of genetic and environmental factors play a role. The data also reveals that ASD is more commonly diagnosed in boys and among Asian/Pacific Islander, Black, and Hispanic children. The growing recognition of ASD at younger ages holds promise for earlier interventions and better outcomes for affected children.
China Willing to Negotiate with U.S. Amid Trade War Tensions
BEIJING — China has signaled a willingness to enter negotiations with the United States amid the ongoing trade conflict, following a significant tariff increase by President Donald Trump. According to Bloomberg, China has outlined conditions for talks, including respect from the U.S., a more consistent U.S. stance, and addressing concerns over U.S. sanctions and Taiwan. Additionally, China is calling for the appointment of a U.S. official endorsed by Trump to lead the trade discussions, potentially paving the way for a deal between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
