South Dakota

South Dakota leaders speak on latest in the Middle East

Published

7 months ago

June 15, 2025

South Dakota leaders speak on latest in the Middle East

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – Since Israel’s preemptive attacks on Iran this week, Iran fought back with a barrage of missiles at several cities late Saturday. Nuclear talks between the United States and Iran have been canceled.

South Dakota leaders provided their thoughts on the conflict.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune told Dakota News Now on Saturday that President Trump would be “more than happy” to lead Iran peace negotiations. He joined Fox News Sunday to discuss a variety of topics, including President Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ and conflict in the Middle East.

“I think President Trump is all about trying to keep America out of wars and to try to find paths toward peaceful outcomes and peaceful solutions,” Thune told Fox News. “I think he’s tried to do that with Iran. Iran has grown, I think, increasingly defiant of late in these talks, these discussions, but what this comes down to is action taken by Israel to defend themselves and their people. They view Iran’s nuclear capabilities, as do we, as a non-starter.”

South Dakota Rabbi Mendel Alperowitz told Dakota News Now on Friday that the preemptive strikes on Iran were the right thing to do. He called the success of the strikes a “miracle.”

“How amazing that was,” remarked Alperowitz. “With limited damage, they were able to strike those facilities and we pray that there would be continued miracles, that any retaliation from Iran not be harmful to Israel’s citizens and to Jewish people around the world.”

The Rabbi is aware that in the current political climate and the growing tensions of the Middle East, Israel’s actions might not be approved by everyone.

“Even if it may not be so popular always in political or diplomatic circles, if the goal is to save lives and not just receive compliments, taking a preemptive strike and acting decisively is what ultimately will save lives,” Alperowitz said. “While some in the international community may not appreciate it right now, history has shown that ultimately, they too will appreciate what Israel has done and that Israel took the initiative to act.”

Concerns grow about possible attacks on Americans during this conflict, with an alert issued by the U.S. Embassy in Iraq. Senator Thune responded to that threat.

“Iran should be prepared for all of America’s might to descend upon them if they go after and target Americans or American bases or installations in the Middle East,” warned Thune.

Stick with Dakota News Now on air and online for more updates on conflict in the Middle East.

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South Dakota

Iowa football lands explosive running back L.J. Phillips Jr.

Published

11 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Press Room

Iowa football lands explosive running back L.J. Phillips Jr.

IOWA CITY — South Dakota transfer running back L.J. Phillips Jr. has committed to Iowa football, he announced on Jan. 11.

Phillips had a breakout 2025 season, rushing for more than 1,900 yards, along with 19 touchdowns. He also added 28 catches for 195 yards receiving and one touchdown. Phillips was named a second-team FCS All-American by Phil Steele.

Phillips, listed at 5-foot-9 and 225 pounds, will come to Iowa with two seasons of eligibility remaining.

After rushing for more than 4,100 yards in his high school career, Phillips spent three seasons at South Dakota. During his time with the Coyotes, Phillips rushed for nearly 2,220 yards, along with 23 touchdowns. A majority of that production came in 2025. Phillips rushed for 96 yards while maintaining his redshirt in 2023 and then 176 yards as a redshirt freshman in 2024.

But his numbers exploded last season with some ridiculous performances. Phillips rushed 35 times for 301 yards and two touchdowns against Northern Colorado. He had four rushing touchdowns in two separate games. That includes a 244-yard, four-touchdown outing against Murray State. Phillips finished the season averaging 6.5 yards per rush.

Iowa has seen a pair of departures via the transfer portal in its running back room — Jaziun Patterson and Terrell Washington Jr. Patterson ranked third on the Hawkeyes in rushing yards during the 2025 season with 296.

Iowa still projects to have a talented running back room for the 2026 season. Kamari Moulton, who led Iowa with 878 rushing yards last season, still has two seasons of eligibility remaining. Nathan McNeil showed potential in his true freshman season. Xavier Williams tallied 285 yards on the ground as a redshirt freshman.

And now, Iowa adds another weapon to that room in Phillips. The Hawkeyes’ running back unit looks to be stacked entering the 2026 season.

Follow Tyler Tachman on X @Tyler_T15, contact via email at ttachman@gannett.com

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South Dakota

Pictures of semi-truck, name of woman released in Minnehaha County fatal crash

Published

23 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Press Room

Pictures of semi-truck, name of woman released in Minnehaha County fatal crash

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – The South Dakota Department of Public Safety has released the name of the woman who was killed in a fatal crash in Minnehaha County last week.

64-year-old Patricia Archambeau of Mitchell died on January 5 due to her injuries in a crash that took place in the early hours of Saturday, January 3.

Archambeau’s 2012 Chevrolet Traverse was traveling eastbound on I-90 near mile marker 379, about four miles west of Humboldt, when she attempted to pull off on the side of the road.

At the same time, the Traverse was struck by a semi-truck, also traveling eastbound, and pulling a trailer. The truck continued driving east after the crash and has yet to be located.

On Sunday, the South Dakota Highway Patrol released two images of the semi-truck suspected of hitting Archambeau’s Traverse. The two photos were taken on I-29 near 41st Street in Sioux Falls at 2:25 a.m., about 12 minutes after the crash west of Humboldt.

The South Dakota Highway Patrol has released two images of a semi-truck believed to be involved in a fatal crash that took place last Saturday in Minnehaha County.(South Dakota Highway Patrol)

Highway Patrol is seeking more information about a red Freightliner Cascadia semi-truck, missing its passenger-side headlight. If anyone has information, they’re asked to contact Highway Patrol at 605-367-5700.

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South Dakota

South Dakota knocks off Denver 82-72

Published

1 day ago

January 10, 2026

Press Room

VERMILLION, S.D. (AP) — Cameron Fens scored 23 points as South Dakota beat Denver 82-72 on Saturday.

Fens also contributed 12 rebounds and four blocks for the Coyotes (9-9, 1-2 Summit League). Isaac Bruns scored 20 points while going 8 of 12 and 3 of 4 from the free-throw line and added six rebounds. Jordan Crawford went 5 of 11 from the field (3 for 7 from 3-point range) to finish with 13 points.

Gabe Oldham led the Pioneers (8-11, 1-3) in scoring, finishing with 24 points, 13 rebounds and two steals. Denver also got 19 points from Zane Nelson. Carson Johnson also put up 11 points and six assists.

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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