The Daily Slice, your Black Hills News podcast in under 10 minutes. Delivered every morning Monday-Friday at https://snd.click/dailyslice
Meade 46-1 School Board Discussed Governor’s Proposed School Voucher System
STURGIS, S.D. – The Meade 46-1 School Board met for their December meeting last night, and the Governor’s proposed school voucher system was on the agenda. Superintendent Wayne Wormstadt and the board discussed the system, and passed a letter of opposition to the plan. He says there are several concerns. The Governor is proposing Education Savings Accounts that could be used for students attending private schools or being home schooled. Noem says the program would not be a detriment to public education funding.
Rapid City Man Sentenced to Nearly 20 Years in Prison
RAPID CITY, S.D. – A Rapid City man has been sentenced to nearly 20 years in prison for dealing meth. Travis Orr, 35, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance in November. Orr is accused of being part of a drug conspiracy ring to distribute meth in South Dakota. The ring moved approximately 30 pounds of meth during Orr’s involvement. Once serving his sentence, Orr will be required to serve five years of supervised probation..
US warns Russia may be ready to use new lethal missile against Ukraine again in ‘coming days’
A U.S. intelligence assessment has concluded that Russia may use its lethal new intermediate-range ballistic missile against Ukraine again in “coming days.” That’s according to a U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity on Wednesday. The experimental Oreshnik missile is seen by U.S. officials more as an attempt at intimidation than a game-changer on the battlefield in Ukraine. The U. S. official said Russia has only a handful of the missiles and that they carry a smaller warhead than other missiles that Russia has regularly launched at Ukraine.
Man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare’s CEO shouts on way into courthouse and fights extradition
The man charged with murder in the killing of the CEO of UnitedHealthcare has made it clear he isn’t going to make things easy for authorities. Luigi Mangione shouted unintelligibly and writhed in the grip of sheriff’s deputies as he was led into court Tuesday. And he objected to being taken to New York to face trial. The displays of resistance aren’t expected to significantly delay legal proceedings for Mangione. He is charged in last week’s Manhattan killing of Brian Thompson. Little new information has come out about a possible motive. But writings found in Mangione’s possession hint at a vague hatred of corporate greed.
Civil War in Syria
Syrians are celebrating the unexpected ousting of longtime dictator Bashar al-Assad, with a rebel-linked caretaker government appointed to lead the transition. The country faces significant challenges, as factions and remnants of the regime remain active after years of civil war. Meanwhile, Israel launched an intense military campaign, striking nearly 500 targets in Syria, including weapons stockpiles and the Syrian Navy. The UN’s special envoy for Syria has called on Israel to cease its strikes, urging stability during the fragile transition period.
Kroger
A federal judge in Oregon has blocked Kroger’s proposed $25 billion merger with Albertsons, citing concerns about reduced competition and potential harm to consumers. The merger, which would have combined major grocery chains like Safeway, Vons, and Fred Meyer, faced scrutiny for possibly disadvantaging smaller competitors. Both companies expressed disappointment with the ruling and are exploring options to appeal. The decision significantly complicates efforts by Kroger and Albertsons to counter the dominance of Walmart and Amazon in the grocery industry.
