News
7 hours ago in National
Trump executive order tries to rename the Department of Defense as the Department of War
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday aiming to rebrand the Department of Defense as the Department of War — a long-telegraphed move aimed at projecting American military toughness around the globe.
8 hours ago in Sports
MLB’s regular season enters its final 3 weeks. Here’s a look at the playoff picture and awards races
The 2025 season has produced a surprising show of parity through the first five months of the regular season. While most of the league's big spenders — teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees and New York Mets — are in good position to make the playoffs and do damage in October, they haven't been as dominant as many expected.
8 hours ago in Entertainment, Music
This year’s song of the summer is a ballad, not a banger. Here’s what that says about us
For the past 14 weeks and counting, the top Billboard spot has been held by a love ballad: Alex Warren's "Ordinary." As Berklee College of Music professor and forensic musicologist Joe Bennett notes, the February release is "a fair bit slower than the mean average for the Hot 100, or for a historical song of the summer."
14 hours ago in Sports
Defending champion Eagles edge Cowboys 24-20 in wild, lightning-delayed NFL season opener
Through spit and rain, a ceremony and a setback, Jalen Hurts and the Super Bowl champion Eagles weathered the storm and showed why they're again a favorite to hoist a second straight Lombardi Trophy.
14 hours ago in Sports
Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka will face Amanda Anisimova in the U.S. Open women’s final
On Saturday, when she faces No. 8 Amanda Anisimova in the final, the No. 1-seeded Sabalenka will be trying to become the first woman to claim consecutive championships at Flushing Meadows since Serena Williams got three in a row from 2012 to 2014.
14 hours ago in Entertainment
Julia Roberts, Anna Wintour, Ralph Lauren and more pay tribute to Giorgio Armani
Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani's work spanned the worlds of celebrity, fashion and power. His death announced Thursday at age 91 has elicited an outpouring of tributes.
14 hours ago in Entertainment
Al Roker lends his voice and meteorology skills to the new PBS Kids animated show ‘Weather Hunters’
This fall, everyone's favorite weatherman is getting a kick out of launching his own educational cartoon TV show — "Weather Hunters," which premieres Monday on PBS Kids.
14 hours ago in College, High School,
Sports Roundup: Friday 9/5/25 (Kernel Bowl Weekend)
Area Sports Tonight’s Football Games Wagner @ Hot Springs at 6pm MT/7pm CT Dell Rapids @ Madison at 7pm Scotland/Menno…
Judge Weighs ‘Stand Your Ground’ Defense in Tea Murder Case
A Lincoln County judge is weighing whether to dismiss a murder charge under South Dakota’s “stand your ground” law. Timothy Overton of Tea claims he shot contractor Isaiah Morales in self-defense during a June confrontation at his home. Prosecutors allege Overton attacked Morales with brass knuckles before firing the fatal shot, while the defense argues he was assaulted first. Testimony in the case resumes today in Canton.
Governor Rhoden Seeks Nominations for District 16 House Seat
Governor Larry Rhoden is seeking nominations to fill the vacant District 16 House seat following the passing of Representative Richard Vasgaard. Community members can apply or nominate someone through a link at MitchellNow.com, with nominations due by September 7.
Sioux Falls Tourism Sees Summer Slowdown
Sioux Falls tourism numbers fell this summer, with visits down 9% in June and 6% in July compared to last year. Experience Sioux Falls reports fewer travelers at Falls Park and other attractions, citing economic uncertainty and reduced international travel.
Sioux Falls Faces $10 Million in Future Cuts Under Property Tax Restrictions
The Sioux Falls City Council is wrapping up work on the 2026 budget, but officials warn new property tax limits will force $10 million in cuts over the next decade. Finance Director Shawn Pritchett says the legislature’s property tax task force is weighing even deeper restrictions, raising concerns for the city’s long-term finances.
Local Governments Struggle With New Property Tax Limits While Finalizing 2026 Budgets
As South Dakota cities finalize their 2026 budgets, local officials say new property tax restrictions are creating major challenges. The changes, approved by the legislature earlier this year, are drawing criticism from Sioux Falls Finance Director Shawn Pritchett, who testified during summer Task Force hearings.
Record Number of Build Dakota Scholarships Awarded
South Dakota Lt. Governor Larry Rhoden announced a record 630 Build Dakota Scholarships awarded in 2025, helping students train for high-demand careers in healthcare, construction, law enforcement, and other vital industries. The full-ride scholarships require recipients to live and work in South Dakota for at least three years, strengthening the state’s workforce. Since its launch in 2015, more than 4,500 students have benefited from Build Dakota, a program designed to keep talent in-state and support economic growth.
Sioux Falls Choir Teacher in Running for National Classroom Heroes Award
George McGovern Middle School choir teacher Erin McFarland has been named a finalist in the national Heroes of the Classroom contest, sponsored by Kleenex. Former students say McFarland made a lasting difference during their challenging middle school years.
Friends of Firesteel Push Lake Mitchell Fundraising to $3M Goal
Friends of Firesteel is rallying Lake Mitchell residents to help raise $3 million in support of the city’s $25 million lake restoration project. With $1.7 million already pledged from major foundations and private donors, the nonprofit is playing a key role in backing the long-awaited dredging effort. Mayor Jordan Hanson says while the city has secured full project funding, community donations will be recognized with a plaque once work begins in 2026 to restore Lake Mitchell’s health and vitality.
1 day ago in Entertainment, Music
Justin Bieber announces ‘Swag ll’ will arrive Friday
Never say never... again? In July, Justin Bieber surprised fans by releasing his seventh studio album, "Swag," hours after he teased it on billboards and social media posts. It turns out, he wasn't done yet. On Thursday morning, Bieber shared that "Swag II" will arrive on Friday.
1 day ago in Entertainment, Trending
Giorgio Armani, who dressed the powerful and famous from boardroom to Hollywood, dies at 91
Giorgio Armani, the iconic Italian designer who turned the concept of understated elegance into a multibillion-dollar fashion empire, died Thursday, his fashion house confirmed. He was 91.
2025 Sports Book Locations
THE 2025 SPORTSBOOKS ARE HERE! YOU CAN PICK UP YOUR FREE COPY AT SPONSOR LOCATIONS WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. YOU WILL…
Mitchell Hires Contractor for Corn Palace Mural Installation
The Mitchell City Council has approved a $75,420 contract with Pro Contracting to install nine new Corn Palace murals this fall. Work will begin after October 1 and finish by November 15, funded through the city’s Corn Palace fund. Officials say using a contractor for the first time will ensure the murals are ready for the 2026 semiquincentennial celebration, themed “250 Years of America.”