The Daily Slice, your Black Hills news podcast in under 10 minutes. Delivered every morning Monday-Friday at homesliceaudio.com/dailyslice
Grass Fire Burns Thousands of Acres in Northern Custer County
FAIRBURN, S.D. — A large grass fire kept fire and air crews busy over the weekend in northern Custer County. The 79 Fire charred an estimated 6,000 acres before fire crews could stop its forward progress. The fire was fanned by extremely dry conditions and warm winds. It was located east of Highway 79, north of Buffalo Gap. No structures were lost, although several were threatened by the fire. The fire’s cause was under investigation. (Full story)
Water Line Break Impacts Dozens of Rapid City Homes
RAPID CITY, S.D. (KBHB) — Rapid City Public Works crews were busy again over the weekend fixing another water line break. The latest break was located on E. Wyoming Street, between Maple Avenue and Arizona Street. The break affected around 30 homes. Repairs were completed by early Saturday afternoon.
South Dakota Schools Receive “F” in Phone-Free Schools Report Card
RAPID CITY, S.D. (KBHB) — The Phone-Free Schools Report Card is giving South Dakota schools an “F.” It follows the legislative session where lawmakers voted against a bill to ban cellphones in South Dakota schools. However, a report card evaluator said even if the bill would have passed, it would have actually lowered the state’s score. Emily Rapp with Phone-Free Schools says the only states that got an A were the ones that require students to store phones in inaccessible locations from bell-to-bell. She says allowing phones for emergency situations can actually make students less safe.
South Dakota Receives Federal Disaster Declaration for December Windstorm
PIERRE, S.D. — South Dakota has received a presidential disaster declaration following a record-breaking winter windstorm that struck western South Dakota on Dec. 17 and 18, 2025, bringing sustained winds and gusts exceeding 90 mph that downed trees and power lines, damaged infrastructure and left thousands without power for days, with the Black Hills region heavily impacted; Gov. Larry Rhoden said the declaration will provide federal assistance to support recovery and reduce the financial burden on local governments, with Public Assistance funding available for Custer, Fall River and Pennington counties after damage assessments in January confirmed more than $4.6 million in public infrastructure damage, while Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding will be available statewide to strengthen infrastructure against future events.
NASA already has next Artemis flight in its sights following astronauts’ triumphant moon flyby
HOUSTON (AP) — With NASA’s lunar comeback a galactic-sized smash, the space agency already has the next Artemis flight in its sights. In a mission recently tacked on for next year, Artemis III’s yet-to-be -named crew will practice docking their Orion capsule with a lunar lander in orbit around Earth. Then it will be on to Artemis IV’s astronaut moon landing in 2028. NASA threw a Texas-sized welcome home party in Houston on Saturday for the four Artemis II astronauts who flew around the moon last week. The three Americans and one Canadian returned to Earth on Friday to close out humanity’s first lunar voyage in more than a half-century. (Full story)
Fellow Democrats urge Swalwell to quit California governor’s race and resign from Congress
WASHINGTON (AP) — Fellow Democrats are abandoning Eric Swalwell’s campaign for California governor in droves after allegations surfaced that he sexually assaulted a former staffer,. A growing number are urging the congressman both to quit the race and resign his seat in Congress. Swalwell has denied the allegations, which he has said “are absolutely false.” They surfaced after he became a leading contender in the race for California governor to replace outgoing Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom. Among those demanding Swalwell’s resignation are fellow California Reps. Jared Huffman, Ro Khanna and Sam Liccardo. (Full story)
Oil prices rise after the US says it would block Iranian ports starting Monday
NEW YORK (AP) — Oil prices are rising in early market trading after the U.S. said it would blockade Iranian ports beginning Monday. The price of U.S. crude oil rose 8% to $104.24 a barrel and Brent crude oil, the international standard, rose 7% to $102.29. Brent crude has swung dramatically during the Iran war, rising from roughly $70 per barrel before the war in late February to more than $119 at times. On Friday, ahead of the peace talks, Brent for June delivery fell 0.8% to $95.20 per barrel. Iran has been effectively controlling the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil shipping. (Full story)
