South Dakota
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.
Copyright 2025 Dakota News Now. All rights reserved.
South Dakota
South Dakota extends AD Jon Schemmel through 2030-31 academic year
The University of South Dakota announced on Wednesday, April 22, that Athletic Director Jon Schemmel has received a five-year contract extension running through the 2030-31 academic year.
Schemmel has been in his position since January 2024 and was South Dakota’s senior associate athletic director for development from 2012-2017.
Advertisement
“The University of South Dakota and Vermillion community is where our family wants to be,” Schemmel said in a press release. “I am humbled and grateful for the continued trust from President (Sheila) Gestring and the South Dakota Board of Regents to continue leading this athletics program. Coyote Nation has the best fans and donors, and we have a group of coaches, staff and student-athletes who are committed to competing for championships and continuing their excellence in the classroom and community.”
The athletics department has raised $49 million since Schemmel took over as AD, including $35 million in the 2025-26 academic year.
The Coyotes have won a Missouri Valley Football Conference championship and Summit League volleyball and men’s indoor track and field titles with Schemmel at the helm.
“USD’s athletic programs continue to thrive under Jon’s leadership,” Gestring said. “His knowledge of Division I athletics, forward-thinking vision for our teams and strength in fundraising have all been assets to our university. Our program is in great hands, and I am looking forward to seeing what Jon, his staff and our student-athletes achieve in the next five years.”
This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: South Dakota extends AD Jon Schemmel through 2030-31 academic year
South Dakota
SD Lottery Mega Millions, Millionaire for Life winning numbers for April 21, 2026
The South Dakota Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at April 21, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Mega Millions numbers from April 21 drawing
01-36-43-56-58, Mega Ball: 07
Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from April 21 drawing
01-04-40-47-58, Bonus: 04
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize
- Prizes of $100 or less: Can be claimed at any South Dakota Lottery retailer.
- Prizes of $101 or more: Must be claimed from the Lottery. By mail, send a claim form and a signed winning ticket to the Lottery at 711 E. Wells Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501.
- Any jackpot-winning ticket for Dakota Cash or Lotto America, top prize-winning ticket for Lucky for Life, or for the second prizes for Powerball and Mega Millions must be presented in person at a Lottery office. A jackpot-winning Powerball or Mega Millions ticket must be presented in person at the Lottery office in Pierre.
When are the South Dakota Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 10 p.m. CT on Tuesday and Friday.
- Lucky for Life: 9:38 p.m. CT daily.
- Lotto America: 9:15 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Dakota Cash: 9 p.m. CT on Wednesday and Saturday.
- Millionaire for Life: 10:15 p.m. CT daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a South Dakota editor. You can send feedback using this form.
South Dakota
Tim Begalka seeks re-election to South Dakota Senate
Clear Lake businessman Tim Begalka is running for re-election to the South Dakota Senate for District 4. Begalka served two terms in the State House and two terms in the Senate.
He and his wife Rhonda live in Clear Lake. Their have three adult children also live in the state.
Begalka has owned Sodak Gardens, a local greenhouse and nursery, for the past 30 years. The business was started by his late father Leon Begalka in 1954. Begalka is a graduate of Clear Lake High School and South Dakota State University, and is a fifth generation Deuel County resident.
While in the legislature, Begalka served on the agriculture, education and commerce committees and was vice-chairman of the Judiciary Committee. In his release he said he has always looked out for the “little guy,” whether that be an individual, family, township, small-town, farm, business or school. He is a defender of property rights, the 2nd amendment and the right to life, he said in a release.
“While in Pierre, I frequently witnessed the bigger businesses, schools, and government entities try to take advantage of the little guys,” Begalka said in a release. “The big guys already have more money, power, numbers, and lobbyists. The little guys need a Senator with a backbone to stand up for them. That’s what I promise to continue to do, represent the citizens of District 4.”
He has never lost an election, and his winning philosophy, he said, is “Always tell the truth, and try to be nice to everyone”.
Begalka will be on the ballot for the June 2 Republican Primary. In order to vote in that primary, you need to be a registered Republican in District 4 by May 18th. District 4 includes all of Deuel, Grant, and Hamlin Counties, greater Codington, southeastern Roberts, and all of Clark County except the southwest corner.
-
New York11 minutes agoGunman Who Killed Baby in Brooklyn Was Targeting Her Father, Police Say
-
Detroit, MI41 minutes ago
How these Detroit farmers are fighting for neighborhood food security
-
San Francisco, CA53 minutes agoS.F. hospital stabbing analysis confirms Mission Local reporting on security lapses
-
Dallas, TX59 minutes agoIt’s a big week for restaurant openings and closings in Dallas
-
Miami, FL1 hour agoCain, Kushner launch South Florida JV with plans for Edgewater rental tower
-
Boston, MA1 hour agoMBTA Green Line trains out from Kenmore to Boston College on B branch through April 30
-
Denver, CO1 hour agoNuggets vs. Timberwolves | 3 keys to a Denver win in Game 3
-
Seattle, WA1 hour agoThe Honorable Brandon Lee Gowton Picks for Seattle at #32 | Field Gulls