In the Moment

SDPB explores the science happening at SURF, a massive laboratory housed deep inside a former gold mine in the northern Black Hills.

The Project Prison Reset task force considered 14 sites for the new men's prison. After weighing costs and the public's input, the committee recommends prison placement in Sioux Falls.

The South Dakota Art Museum's new exhibit spotlights old, founding favorites. "The Founding Gifts" showcases pieces from Harvey Dunn, Ben Reifel and an SDPB artist.

Bill Even, commissioner of the Governor's Office of Economic Development, and Joe Santos, Ph.D., explain the state's economy and where it could go in the future.

Zachary Lau, a senior microbiologist at SDSU, tests meat for various bacteria. He talks about why he gets strange looks during his monthly trip to the meat aisle.

Our Dakota Political Junkies recap the reporting from the investigative news nonprofit ProPublica. Seth Tupper and Brad "Murdoc" Jurgensen unpack what's alleged in the article.

Dusty Johnson unpacks his key issues going into the 2026 race. Plus, 45 years ago the Supreme Court ruled the Black Hills had been stolen from the Sioux Nation.

South Dakota may see less Medicaid coverage use if the One Big Beautiful Bill passes. And declining vaccine rates may increase measles cases in the state.

Diane Knutson talks about the value of a dark sky. Hank Fridell shares what you could see through a telescope tonight. And Ellie Davenport takes you stargazing.

Sen. Karl Mundt spent more than three decades in Washington. Historian Sean Flynn discusses the politician's time on the House Un-American Activities Committee and more.

USD's coordinator of international studies unpacks the precedence for the weekend's strikes. Tim Schorn, Ph.D., discusses whether the move violated international law.

There are two South Dakotans in the 2025 Bush Fellowship cohort. We speak to the director of Native recruitment at USD and the founder of the First Peoples Fund.

The owner will close or sell Outside of a Dog Books and Games this summer. Mike Phelan shares why his family is leaving South Dakota.

We're in the middle of Black Hill State University's Joy of Learning series. The events invite the public back to school to learn something new from local experts.

Our Dakota Political Junkies share what concerns them most about the weekend attacks on two Minnesota state lawmakers and their spouses.

Historian and author Sally Roesch Wagner passed away at age 82. We return to a 2019 Brown Bag Book Club with the pioneer in women's studies.

The "In the Moment" visits the McGovern Center on DWU's campus and learn about the prison debate. Plus, local voices discuss the attacks on Minnesota lawmakers.

Veteran Bonnie Schmidt says she can still smell the blue ink of the pens she used to fill out forms in basic training. She shares this and other experiences while serving.

A U.S. Army nurse who served in the Vietnam War shares her story. Lucy Middleton talks about her experience overseas and how her service changed her.

Speaker of the House Jon Hansen is the first to announce in the 2026 governor's race. We get analysis from our Dakota Political Junkies and hear from the candidate himself.

Bethany Brookshire, author of "Pests," discusses the definition of a pest and why elephants qualify. Plus, the pests of South Dakota: Beavers, coyotes and prairie dogs.

An ornithologist discusses the birds that sweeten South Dakota's skies with song. He shares his favorite chirps and also explores how birds are adapting to hotter winters.

Mitchell can now listen to SDPB on a new full-power radio station. We learn more about KWSD 89.1 FM and the people who make up the Mitchell community.

Russ Swanson stumbled on a piece of history on his family's land. It led him down several different roads — and a few rabbit holes — pursuing outlaws of the past.

Trevor Ryan recounts the life of a historic building that now houses a one-of-a-kind comedy club in Rapid City. And Nathan Hults shares his comedic journey in Sioux Falls.

After state political leaders visited the southern border, they announced a new partnership between the Division of Criminal Investigation and ICE. We learn the specifics.

The Farmers Business Network says the recent trade deal delays a potential rise in retaliatory tariffs, but prices are still going to go up.

Two-time Grammy-nominated Divinity Roxx headlines the first Levitt at the Falls concert. We explore how the series is growing and talk to Roxx ahead of her performance.

Moody's Investors Service changed its rating of the U.S. sovereign debt last week. Joe Santos, Ph.D., breaks down the symbiotic relationship behind the downgrade.

We explore South Dakota's mental health care landscape, including an art installation that battles stigma and the healing sounds of a singing bowl.

Elon Musk recently called Social Security a "Ponzi scheme." Wealth advisor Rick Kahler says it's not and shares how much trust you can really put into the benefits system.

A Black Hills performer invites listeners to a frog pond in Rockerville. Cory Cavill also asks you to chirp, hoot and — most importantly — howl.

Professor Alex Dececchi shares why a series of footprints from a sparrow-sized dinosaur could hint at early flight. Plus, exploring a feathery prehistory.

Many of President Trump's early actions have been challenged in court. Mike Thompson, J.D., discusses the most significant cases — including one centered on the term "invasion."

Gina Benz and Jackie Wilber speak to educators about recharging during summer break. Plus, a police chief gives reminders for navigating construction season.

Author Rebecca Clarren discusses finding her place in history while researching her memoir, "The Cost of Free Land: Jews, Lakota, and an American Inheritance."

What was one of America's largest gold mines is now one of the world's deepest underground research facilities. We spend the hour exploring the mine's the lasting impacts.

Sioux Falls Police Chief Jon Thum brings us an update on the city's crime trends. He also shares why he says mentorship programs are important to the community as a whole.

The Red Ribbon Skirt Society held its annual Red Dress Gala this weekend. Hear some of the night's public remarks from advocates, women and two-spirit people.

We dedicate the hour to treatments, resources and challenges for Alzheimer's patients and their loved ones. Medical providers, caretakers and advocates join us.

We return to our conversation with U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón as her time as America's poet comes to a close. She discusses her anthology "You Are Here."

Marty Two Bulls Jr. is the interim executive director of the Rapid City Arts Council. He shares his journey into arts advocacy and why fundraising has gotten tougher.

Our Dakota Political Junkies analyze Trump's first 100 days of his second term. Plus, how the administration is creating a "new normal" for the federal judiciary.

The PBS Independent Lens documentary on public libraries premieres Tuesday night on SDPB. We return to our interview with the filmmakers and the South Dakota State Library.

A poet and rancher introduces listeners to a cow who holds a grudge. And a bookstore-owner-slash-poet digs into the politics of dog pork.

Bert Malcom has spent much of his life with a guitar on his back. He brings it into the Rapid City studio to share his spoken word poetry, music and talent with SDPB.

Mike Rounds discusses the administration's first 100 days in office, including his hopes that Trump will modify tariffs and his concerns about Secretary Hegseth.

Seth Tupper analyzes how Noem's leadership style translates to the national stage. Plus, the Secretary of the Department of Corrections discusses the new prison plans.

Ecology-minded South Dakotans convened in Sioux Falls last week to spend a day thinking about the city's river. Hear highlights from the Big Sioux Stewardship Summit.

Norma and Jerry Wilson discuss caretaking one of the oldest log houses in the state. And an Augustana researcher takes us back to the 1893 Chicago World Fair.

Our Dakota Political Junkies look at how the national news is scrutinizing Leader John Thune's leadership style. Plus, where do deportees go when they can't go home?