The Daily Slice, your Black Hills news podcast in under 10 minutes. Delivered every morning Monday-Friday at homesliceaudio.com/dailyslice
Former OST Treasurer Faces Federal Fentanyl Trafficking Charges
RAPID CITY, S.D. — A former Oglala Sioux Tribe treasurer is facing federal charges in connection with an alleged fentanyl trafficking operation spanning several years. Federal prosecutors say Misty Standing Bear, 49, is accused of orchestrating a scheme that brought thousands of counterfeit fentanyl pills into the Rapid City and Pine Ridge areas. She has pleaded not guilty. Authorities allege Standing Bear reportedly traveled out of state to acquire drugs for distribution. Investigators also claim some purchases were funded with fraudulent tribal assistance checks while a co-defendant held the position of tribal treasurer. (Full story)
Belle Fourche Teen Identified Following Reservoir Drowning
BELLE FOURCHE, S.D. — We now know the name of the teen who died following a tragic incident at the Belle Fourche Reservoir this past weekend. Kline Funeral Chapel says memorial services for 15-year-old Sawyer Eck of Belle Fourche will be held Friday, June 5th, at Connection Church in Belle Fourche. Authorities say Eck had become separated from his paddleboard in windy, rough conditions on Friday, before disappearing into the water. Bystanders unsuccessfully attempted to help him before first responders arrived. Pennington County Search and Rescue was brought in and the boy was recovered Friday evening. (Full story)
Julian Bear Runner to Be Released From Jail
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Former Oglala Sioux Tribe President Julian Bear Runner will be released from jail. This comes after a decision by a federal court on Friday. Bear Runner was convicted in 2024 of wire fraud, larceny and embezzlement from an Indian tribal organization. A petition was filed by U.S. Probation to revoke his supervised release, accusing him of violating the sentencing conditions by using marijuana and falling behind on restitution payments. A final hearing on the probation filing is scheduled for July 10th.
South Dakota Mines Participates in Statewide 605 Day Scholarship Campaign
RAPID CITY, S.D. — On Friday, June 5, South Dakota Mines will join universities across South Dakota for 605 Day, a statewide day of giving dedicated to one shared mission: funding futures through scholarships. Named after South Dakota’s 605 area code, 605 Day brings together all South Dakota Board of Regents universities in a collaboration that rarely happens. While each institution serves its own students and communities, they are united on this day by a common goal: making higher education more accessible and affordable for South Dakota students. Now in its second year, 605 Day shines a spotlight on the transformative role scholarships play in helping students pursue their education, reach their potential, and prepare for meaningful careers.
Police investigate Iowa man suspected of killing 6 of his relatives and then himself
MUSCATINE, Iowa (AP) — Authorities in Iowa are investigating the fatal shootings of six people. They believe a relative, Ryan Willis McFarland, killed them before taking his own life when confronted by police Monday. Police were called to a home in Muscatine, where they found four people fatally shot. Officers later found McFarland on a trail in the city. Two other men also believed to be McFarland’s relatives were found fatally shot elsewhere in the city. Authorities have not released the victims’ names. The police department continues to investigate and has asked anyone with information to contact them. (Full story)
Nvidia bets on AI personal computers with new ‘superchip’ powering Windows laptops
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Nvidia has unveiled powerful new chips to bring advanced artificial intelligence to Windows laptops and desktops. These superchips will be powering new personal computer models from brands like Microsoft and Dell, and are set to roll out in the fall of this year, according to Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. Huang spoke at the annual Nvidia GTC conference in Taipei on Monday. Nvidia and Microsoft are aiming to reinvent the personal computer, he said, and the new laptops and desktops will be able to run AI agents locally. Analysts say Nvidia’s move could revolutionize the PC market, drive AI applications at home, and offer more choices for consumers. (Full story)
YouTuber box office boom: ‘Backrooms’ and ‘Obsession’ draw Gen Z to theaters
An indie horror with internet origins has beaten the legacy franchise Star Wars at the box office this weekend. According to studio estimates on Sunday, “Backrooms” made an astonishing $81.4 million in its first weekend in theaters. It easily topped the box office over “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu” which fell sharply in its second weekend, earning $25 million to take third place. Second place went to another indie horror, “Obsession,” which has continued its unprecedented run, making more money in its third weekend than it did in its first. (Full story)
