The Daily Slice, your Black Hills news podcast in under 10 minutes. Delivered every morning Monday-Friday at homesliceaudio.com/dailyslice
Tentative Labor Deal Brings Hope for Rush Hockey Return in Rapid City
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Rapid City Rush games scheduled for Saturday and Sunday were postponed due to a players strike by the Professional Hockey Players’ Association, but play could resume as early as Wednesday after the ECHL and the union announced a tentative agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement. The deal still requires ratification by players and approval from the league’s Board of Governors, but players are expected to report to teams in good faith while final steps are completed. The Rush are currently scheduled to host the Tahoe Knight Monsters on Wednesday at The Monument, with puck drop set for 7:05 p.m. (Full Story)
Fallen Trees Creating Hazards on Black Hills Hiking Trails
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Custer County Search and Rescue is advising people hiking and walking popular trails in the Black Hills that fallen trees in the area may cause delays for responders. CCSAR posted photos on Facebook showing Trail 9 from Sylvan Lake to Black Elk Peak and Trail 4 from Black Elk Peak down to Little Devils Tower covered with fallen trees following a recent windstorm. Winds with gusts over 100 mph caused thousands of trees to blow over in the Black Hills, and many remain on trails throughout the area. (Full Story)
Rapid City Offers Christmas Tree and Light Recycling After Holidays
RAPID CITY, S.D. — With Christmas over, Rapid City residents are being reminded of the city’s annual drop off site for real Christmas trees and its recycling program for broken or tangled Christmas lights. Last year, the city collected nearly 19 tons of trees, and more than 13 tons of Christmas lights have been recycled over the past four years. Broken or tangled lights can be dropped off at more than 13 locations across Rapid City. (Full Story)
Ceremony Planned at Wounded Knee on 135th Anniversary of Massacre
WOUNDED KNEE, S.D. (Darren Thompson) — A ceremony will take place Monday morning at the Wounded Knee site marking the 135th anniversary of the massacre. On December 29, 1890, more than 250 tribal men, women and children and 25 U.S. soldiers were killed. The Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act was signed into law on December 19, 2025, directing the U.S. secretary of the interior to place the 40 acres in restricted fee status as part of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, jointly owned by the Oglala Sioux Tribe and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. (Full Story)
Report Ranks South Dakota Among States With Weak Road Safety Laws
RAPID CITY, S.D. — South Dakota is one of nine states listed in “Danger Mode” for inadequate road safety laws, according to a new report examining traffic fatalities. Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety gave most states mediocre grades but were more critical of South Dakota, citing limited safety statutes and a long list of recommended changes, including making seatbelt violations a primary offense. A key state lawmaker responded that personal responsibility remains a priority over additional policy changes. (Full Story)
Trump says Ukraine and Russia are ‘closer than ever’ to peace after talks with Zelenskyy
PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President Donald Trump says Ukraine and Russia are “closer than ever before” to a peace deal, but he acknowledges that negotiations could still break down and leave the war dragging on for years. Trump spoke Sunday as he hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his Florida resort. Earlier Trump had what he described as an “excellent,” two-and-a-half-hour phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump insisted he believed Putin wants peace, even as Russia launched fresh attacks on Ukraine while Zelenskyy flew to the United States. Trump and Zelenskyy both acknowledged thorny issues remain, including whether Russia can keep Ukrainian territory it controls.(Full Story)
Thailand and Cambodia sign a new ceasefire agreement to end border fighting
BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand and Cambodia have signed a ceasefire agreement to end weeks of fighting over border disputes. The agreement, effective Saturday at noon, halts military movements and airspace violations. Thailand had conducted airstrikes in Cambodia as recently as Saturday morning. The deal includes the repatriation of 18 Cambodian soldiers held by Thailand after 72 hours of ceasefire. Both countries have suffered civilian and military casualties. The ceasefire aims to allow displaced civilians to return home. The agreement also addresses land mine concerns and calls for joint demining operations. Malaysia’s Prime Minister praised the agreement, emphasizing restraint for civilian safety. (Full Story)
Winter storm sweeps across US with snow, ice and severe weather
A powerful winter storm driven by a rapidly intensifying cyclone is sweeping east from the Plains, bringing heavy snow, ice and rain to much of the country. Forecasters warned of possible blizzard conditions and whiteouts in parts of the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes, where snowfall could exceed a foot and reach 2 feet near Lake Superior. The system is expected to deliver freezing rain in New England, thunderstorms across the South and East, and widespread strong winds. The storm follows some flight disruptions during the busy holiday travel period. (Full Story)
