The Daily Slice, your Black Hills news podcast in under 10 minutes. Delivered every morning Monday-Friday at homesliceaudio.com/dailyslice
Man Accused in Monte Gakin Killing Pleads Not Guilty, DNA Testing Delayed
RAPID CITY, S.D. – The man accused of killing Monte Gakin in August 2025 is pleading not guilty. Kane Youngman submitted two not guilty pleas to murder charges in court on Tuesday. Youngman’s criminal record was discussed during the appearance and lawyers also raised concerns about DNA testing. The judge ruled that DNA testing should be put on hold until at least the next hearing, scheduled for May 5th. Youngman is being described by prosecutors as a habitual repeat offender with previous convictions that include escape from custody and assault with a dangerous weapon.
Rapid City Cracks Down on Graffiti, Urges Public to Report Incidents
RAPID CITY, S.D. – Rapid City says they plan to take aggressive actions to remove graffiti on the city’s park bathrooms, businesses, utility boxes and vacant buildings. City leaders say the markings deface public and private property, may contain obscene language or gestures, and are often part of gang-related activity. The City is asking the public to report any graffiti they see on city-owned property using the ‘Report A Problem’ feature on the city’s public works page. Graffiti removal would be done in many instances by the IGNITE team through the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office or Rapid City Public Works staff.
Rapid City Man Arrested After DNA Links Him to Robbery and Car Theft
RAPID CITY, S.D. – A Rapid City man is in custody after DNA evidence linked him to a robbery. Deaudrea Janis is facing robbery, grand theft and aggravated assault charges for allegedly forcing a man to send him a payment using a phone app and then stealing the victim’s car at knife point. Police linked Janis to the case after the vehicle was tracked down to a towing center in Kadoka. Police swabbed the vehicle for DNA and hit a match with Janis, while the victim was able to identify the suspect from a booking photo lineup. Janis is being described by authorities as a 21-year-old parole absconder.
South Dakota Flu Death Toll Rises to 31 as Cases Continue to Climb
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Health reports three more people have died from the flu. According to a news release from the SD Department of Health, as of Wednesday there have been three new deaths, seven new hospitalizations, and 210 new cases. That brings the totals to 31 deaths, 953 hospitalizations, and 17,760 cases for the 2025-2026 flu season. Meade County’s season total reached 438 cases this week, along with 25 hospitalizations and one death. Pennington County has reported 1,830 cases along with 122 hospitalizations and two deaths. Lawrence County has reported 257 cases and 10 hospitalizations.
Former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax Dies in Murder-Suicide
ANNANDALE, Va. (AP) — Former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax fatally shot his estranged wife, Dr. Cerina Fairfax, before killing himself at their home, according to police, as the couple was in the midst of a divorce and facing a court-ordered move-out deadline; officers found both bodies after their son called 911, and authorities said Fairfax shot his wife in the basement before going upstairs and taking his own life, with court records showing ongoing marital tensions, financial struggles and declining mental health following past political setbacks and sexual assault allegations that derailed his career.
10-Day Ceasefire Begins Between Israel and Lebanon Amid Ongoing Tensions
BEIRUT, Lebanon (AP) — A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has taken effect following weeks of fighting between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants, with the agreement announced by President Donald Trump after diplomatic talks in Washington, though Israel said its troops will remain in southern Lebanon and retain the right to defend against threats, while Hezbollah signaled it could respond to any Israeli strikes, leaving uncertainty over how long the truce will hold as displaced residents begin returning despite warnings and broader negotiations continue involving the U.S., Iran and regional mediators.
Europe May Face Jet Fuel Shortage Within Weeks Amid Iran War
PARIS (AP) — Europe could have as little as six weeks of jet fuel remaining if oil supplies continue to be blocked by the Iran war, according to International Energy Agency Director Fatih Birol, who warned the disruption of energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz could lead to flight cancellations, higher fuel and electricity costs and broader global economic impacts, with nearly 20% of the world’s oil normally passing through the strait and officials cautioning that prolonged disruption could result in inflation, slowed growth or recession, particularly affecting developing nations, as damage to regional energy infrastructure may take months or years to repair.
