The Daily Slice, your Black Hills news podcast in under 10 minutes. Delivered every morning Monday-Friday at homesliceaudio.com/dailyslice
Emergency Management Prepares for America 250 Events in Rapid City
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Rapid City-Pennington County Emergency Management is using FirstNet, high power user equipment and mobile cell sites to support communications during the Real America Birthday Bash and America 250 events July 1-5, when about 40,000 spectators are expected. Emergency Management Director Dustin Willett said the technology will help first responders maintain communications during large crowds. Officials are preparing for severe weather, flash flooding, vehicle crashes, wildland fires and possible civil disturbances. Willett also urged attendees to be patient, use caution with ignition sources and prepare for extended time outdoors amid red flag conditions. (Full story)
Jeep Freedom 2026 begins at Buffalo Chip in Sturgis
STURGIS, S.D. — Jeep Freedom 2026 runs through July 4 at Buffalo Chip South Dakota, bringing Jeep enthusiasts from the Rapid City area and across the country together for vehicle displays, trail rides, live music, receptions and patriotic ceremonies. Featured vehicles include the 2026 Jeep Wrangler Sport America 250 Buzz Model, the all-electric Jeep Recon 548 and the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Guests participating in vehicle walk-arounds will receive a Jeep-branded gift while supplies last and be entered into the 2026 Stellantis National Sweepstakes for a chance to win $100,000 toward an eligible Stellantis vehicle. (Full story)
ACTS dissolves after 20 years supporting Central High theatre students
RAPID CITY, S.D. — The Advocates for Creative Theatre Students, known as ACTS, dissolved effective July 1 after a unanimous vote by its board. The decision follows the retirements of Central High School theatre educators and co-founders Justin Speck and Joey Lore, who established the organization in 2006. During its 20 years, ACTS funded theatre workshops, guest artists, community productions, scholarships and educational travel for local students. Remaining funds will be gifted to the Central High School Theatre program, its incoming directors and students. Board members said they will continue supporting the Rapid City theatre community. (Full story)
Exterior storage container fire prompts response at Cornerstone thrift store
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Firefighters responded to a fire at the Cornerstone thrift store at about 11 a.m. Thursday after heavy smoke was reported coming from an exterior storage container. The Rapid City Fire Department said the fire was confined to the container outside the business. Additional resources, including Ladder Truck 1 and Engine 11, were dispatched to assist crews. Emergency personnel established a perimeter around the property and asked motorists to avoid the area while firefighters worked to contain the fire. No injuries were reported. (Full story)
Couple charged with felonies for Empire State Building climb-turned-proposal
NEW YORK (AP) — Prosecutors say a skyscraper-scaling daredevil told police that he and his girlfriend climbed the Empire State Building’s antenna and unfurled a banner about love and peace because he wanted to “do something special” for their engagement. The couple was arraigned on felony reckless endangerment, burglary and other charges Thursday, a day after the spectacle at the skyscraper. A court complaint noted the danger to officers who climbed part of the way up the antenna to intercept the two. Known as Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, they were the subjects of a 2024 Netflix documentary called “Skywalkers: A Love Story.” As they left court, Beerkus told journalists that, in his words, “We believe in love.” (Full story)
Vatican excommunicates schismatic bishops and priests, and warns their followers
VATICAN CITY (AP) — The Vatican has responded aggressively to a traditionalist society that consecrated bishops without the pope’s consent. The Vatican on Thursday declared that the Society of St. Pius X had formally broken with the Catholic Church and it excommunicated its bishops. It also warning its faithful they also could face the harsh sanctions. The Vatican went above and beyond the minimal sanctions foreseen by the church’s canon law to respond to the consecrations Wednesday of four new bishops at the society’s seminary in Switzerland. The Vatican has excommunicated the four new bishops and the two bishops that participated in the ceremony. It declared that the society had created a schism, or intentional rupture with the church. (Full story)
The Declaration’s forgotten (non)signer: John Dickinson’s missing 1776 signature haunts his legacy
NEW YORK (AP) — Jane Calvert has spent 25 years championing John Dickinson, a lesser-known Revolutionary War figure. Known for not signing the Declaration of Independence, Dickinson was a key voice against British taxation and wrote “The Liberty Song.” Despite his contributions, he sought peace with Britain and abstained from the independence vote. Calvert argues Dickinson’s concerns about unpreparedness and lack of legal protections were valid. Though he later supported the U.S. Constitution and served in public roles, his reputation remains overshadowed. Some historians agree with Calvert’s view, while others see him as a secondary figure. (Full story)
