The Daily Slice, your Black Hills news podcast in under 10 minutes. Delivered every morning Monday-Friday at homesliceaudio.com/dailyslice
Box Elder Man Arrested After Allegedly Firing Gun From Pickup
RAPID CITY, S.D. — A Box Elder man was arrested early Tuesday morning following a report of gunshots heard in the area of the 100 block of Monroe Street. Rapid City Police say 22-year-old Joseph Stevens was facing several charges in relation to the incident. Police say Stevens was seen in a pickup firing shots from a handgun out the window. He was spotted by police in the 100 block of Waterloo Street and fled the pickup truck with a handgun. He was apprehended after falling to the ground and dropping the gun, which police grabbed before he could retrieve it. Police noted Stevens was exhibiting signs of alcohol impairment as he was being apprehended. (Full story)
Black Hills Community Foundation Creates Permanent Conservation Endowment
RAPID CITY, S.D. — The Black Hills Area Community Foundation has announced a permanent endowment for its Beautiful Black Hills Initiative, bolstered by a $500,000 investment from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust over the next three years. Foundation officials unveiled the endowment during a June 28 event at Outdoor Campus West in Rapid City. Additional matching contributions from local donors and partners have helped strengthen the fund. Since launching in late 2025, the initiative has awarded more than $200,000 in grants to organizations focused on conservation, outdoor recreation and community engagement across the Black Hills. Another round of grant funding is planned for next year. (Full story)
Five Sworn In to Rapid City Council, New Leadership Elected
RAPID CITY, S.D. — The Rapid City Council on Monday night swore in five individuals for three-year terms, including four incumbents and the addition of Laura Armstrong. Also sworn in were Josh Biberdorf, Lindsey Seachris, Kevin Maher and John Roberts. Each was elected at the June 2 municipal election. Following the swearing-in ceremony, Stephen Tamang was elected to serve as council president with Callie Meyer chosen to serve as council vice president. Both Tamang and Meyer were elected to the council in 2025. (Full story)
Rhea Crane Named New Sturgis City Administrator
STURGIS, S.D. — Sturgis has announced the appointment of a new city administrator. Rhea Crane, the current Meade County Executive Director, will assume the post in mid-August. She will replace Aaron Jordan, who is stepping down from the position later this month. Crane has extensive city and county government experience, with stints at Meade County Auditor and city council in the past. (Full story)
Yard Waste, Recycling Containers Temporarily Removed for Baseball Tournament
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Yard waste and recycling containers at the remote collection site next to Fitzgerald Stadium will be removed beginning Wednesday for the Dave Ploof Legacy baseball tournament and are scheduled to return Monday, July 13. The Rapid City Council approved removing the containers during four summer baseball tournaments to provide additional parking. During the temporary closure, residents are asked to use the Nickel Street site, the Rapid City Landfill or schedule drop-offs before or after the tournament period. (Full story)
Investigator says video shows defendant going onto roof to kill Charlie Kirk
PROVO, Utah (AP) — An investigator says the man charged with killing Charlie Kirk strolled Utah Valley University in shorts and a T-shirt and bought a meal at Chick-fil-A on the morning of the conservative activist’s assassination. The investigator testified Tuesday that defendant Tyler Robinson later returned to the campus in different clothes to shoot Kirk from a rooftop. Prosecutors are seeking to convince a Utah judge to put Robinson on trial on a charge of aggravated murder. They intend to seek the death penalty. Robinson has not yet entered a plea. His attorneys have sought unsuccessfully to get the death penalty taken off the table. (Full story)
Manhattan high-rise is still unstable after columns buckle, forcing evacuations
NEW YORK (AP) — Officials say an under-construction high-rise in Manhattan remains unstable after columns buckled and floors sagged. Officials said Tuesday that the building, a former Pfizer headquarters being converted to luxury apartments, was still moving. Nearby buildings, including a school, were evacuated. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani says engineers are working to stabilize the structure, using drones for monitoring. The Fire Department of New York Chief John Esposito confirmed the building continues to move, making it a dangerous situation. Builders say the 37-story tower is part of the city’s largest office-to-residential conversion project, with over 1,600 planned units. (Full story)
US airlines are redesigning travel around their highest-paying passengers
America’s biggest airlines are expanding their premium cabins and adding more luxury perks to attract high-paying passengers. Experts say airline competition for customers who are willing to pay comfortable seats, chef-designed food and access to exclusive airport lounges has accelerated since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Analysts say first-class, business-class and premium-economy seats now generate a disproportionate share of airline revenue. Critics say the new era of luxury travel is widening the gap between premium and economy passengers. The CEO of United Airlines has argued that the industry isn’t just courting big spenders but working to improve the experience of all travelers. (Full story)
