Smarter, easier local news about Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Your week, simplified: Oct. 29, 2025

Literally so many events are happening for Halloween, I'm not sure how you'll choose. Oh, and there's like, news, and stuff.

City

Why a downtown convention center plan is on 'pause'

It's not goodbye – it's see you later. That was the vibe during a Monday afternoon Riverline District Steering Committee.

Super Simplified

Super Simplified: Airport money, parks plans and overdose prevention

Your TL;DR news for the week.

Education

Who's enrolled in Sioux Falls' public schools

The Sioux Falls School District saw slightly fewer students this year, but overall there's an increase in diversity, an increase in the number of students receiving special education services, and about half of kids qualifying for free or reduced lunches.

Events

Stuff to do: Halloween edition

Choose your level of spook, and there's definitely some fun to be had this weekend.

Newsletter

Your weekend, simplified: Oct. 24, 2025

This weekend, you'll get a peek into some discussion bubbling up about the structure of Sioux Falls government and whether it's time to look at a change. Plus, you'll meet a theatre company you probably know but don't know you know.

City

Should the mayor be part of the Sioux Falls City Council? Voters may decide.

Former Mayor Rick Knobe told the Charter Revision Commission that having Sioux Falls' top executive sit on the City Council was the "biggest political mistake" he advocated for earlier in his career.

Community

Meet the 'new' statewide theatre company that's been here for decades

You probably know Theatre 605 – just not by that name. The Black Hills Playhouse has long had a Sioux Falls presence, but with a new name and a new brand, it's leaning into the statewide nature of its work.

Super Simplified

Super Simplified: Recycling, donations and an update on One Stop

Your TL;DR headlines for the week.

Newsletter

Your week, simplified: Oct. 22, 2025

This week, you'll get the latest on the parks department's five-year plan. Plus, remember the neighborhood building a ballpark? It's even cooler than expected.

Community

How a neighborhood ballpark exceeded expectations

What started the year as an empty green space has been transformed into a baseball diamond thanks to an idea and a group of neighbors committed to making it all happen.

City

Why the city is looking for more leeway to up park fees

As the parks department completes its master plan for the next five years, the city is looking for more authority to increase park fees without City Council approval – as well as a more strategic approach citywide to what costs money to use, and what doesn't.

Super Simplified

Super Simplified: Arts, resignations and a baby name

Your TL;DR local news this week

Events

Stuff to do: Oct. 22-28

Here's a look at all sorts of Halloween-y fun happening this week.

Newsletter

Your weekend, simplified: Oct. 17, 2025

This week, you'll get an update on how the city and nonprofit partners are collaborating to serve unhoused folks. You'll also get a peek inside the new juvenile justice center before it opens later this month. Plus, catch a couple Super Simplified stories to take you into the weekend.

County

Get a look inside the new juvenile justice center

Minnehaha County is nearly ready to open its new, $42 million juvenile justice center, and before the kids in custody move to their new digs, the county invited media to tour the facility Thursday morning.

City

How Sioux Falls is serving its homeless population

Collaboration between the city and various social service providers is showing promising results, Homelessness Services Coordinator Michelle Treasure told the City Council earlier this week.

Simplified Presents

This book helps families talk openly about miscarriage

A new children's book written by Evermore Blooms Founder Chelsey Schnell will publish next week. The hope is it'll be a resource for families to open up conversations about siblings who were lost to miscarriage.

Super Simplified: More money, more mayoral candidates

Another 10-year deal with Midco and another candidate in the 2026 mayoral race.

Newsletter

Your week, simplified: Oct. 15, 2025

Meet a Sioux Falls woman who has made it her mission to share stories from people experiencing homelessness. Plus, you'll find an update on Christ the King Elementary, several other Super Simplified Stories and a ton of fall events happening this week.

Community

Meet the storyteller documenting homelessness in Sioux Falls

When people talk about homelessness in Sioux Falls, it's often seen or described as one big homogeneous issue. Jackie Barr is trying to change that narrative with a storytelling project to shine a light on the individual people who make up the unhoused community.