In the Moment

SDPB and South Dakota News Watch partnered to host candidate conversations with the two men seeking the Republican nomination in the South Dakota gubernatorial race.

The professional recording of the opera "Giants in the Earth" is available now. Maestro Delta David Gier considers "what's next" for the orchestra.

The healthcare industry has grown to become a major player in South Dakota economic development. Economist Tracy Dice, DBA., shares her research.

Outgoing Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken led a citywide sustainability effort, then shifted gears on what the final report should say. But he has a message for the next mayor of Sioux Falls: Sustainability needs to be central to every future project.

A pandemic-era public art project became a way for long-time residents and newcomers alike to play, perform, and belong. What happens now that the piano has been retired?

We take you a mile underground at the Sanford Underground Research Facility to learn about some of the mind-bending science taking place deep inside the Black Hills.

It's been 30 years since the black-footed ferret was reintroduced to the wild after being presumed extinct. Biologist Travis Livieri offers an update on how drought, plague, and federal funding uncertainty is impacting recovery efforts on public land.

From the intersection of gun rights and property rights to a signal to Congress about who counts as a U.S. citizen, the court tackled some of the biggest issues of our time this term. Mike Thompson provides insight into the impact of the opinions.

The U.S. Central Bank is tasked with keeping inflation low and steady. Macroeconomist Joe Santos says in order to do that, the Fed needs to consider what's known as the true expected inflation rate. SDPB's Lori Walsh asked Santos to explain how macroeconomic forces show up in our daily lives.

Perhaps no public servant is more able to enact change than the local mayor. But mayors across the world have various degrees of authority, autonomy, and acuity. Alexander Heffner set out to learn more about the "Mayors of the World" for "The Open Mind" on PBS.

She wanted to meet her father. He wondered whatever happened to his daughter. Then a stuffed panda from a county fair showed them love had been closer than they realized.

This novel by Elin Anna Labba chronicles the generational struggle of Sámi women to preserve culture, language, and a semblance of home.

South Dakota Poet Laureate Bruce Roseland discusses "Our South Dakota," a new collection that features 90 South Dakota poets.

U.S. Rep. Dusty Johson recaps his failed primary campaign for governor, then looks ahead to the future of an America that embraces AI's promise and disruption.

Underground, something valuable is hidden. Not oil, not mineral resources, but something more human. At dig sites across the state, archeologists are recovering pieces of our history. And at one site near Sturgis, they're uncovering the memories of women lost to time.

Wealth advisor Rick Kahler says AI, family advice, and overheard conversations can muddy your financial picture. Here's how to sort through all the advice to your financial advantage.

Republican voters have eight more weeks to learn what kind of governor Larry Rhoden has been and to explore what kind of governor Toby Doeden might be. SDPB's Dakota Political Junkies analyze the state primary results.

SDPB reporters recap primary election night.

As the war in Iran continues to put pressure on prices, macroeconomist Joe Santos urges the central bank to get clear-eyed about interest rates.

South Dakota music legend Hank Harris has a new album. He talks with SDPB's Lori Walsh about things broken, mended, forgotten, and remembered.

SDSU journalism student Jenny Albers used her personal experience with pregnancy loss to report on mental health as a Pulitzer Reporting Fellow.

A new mental health program is already showing promise through a pilot program at the biggest school district in South Dakota.

South Dakota author Scott Simpson's latest novella introduces songwriter Aubrey Larkin and a town of gently bent-not-broken humans.

Marcella Remund survived her stroke. Then came the arduous recovery. We talk with Remund about her latest poetry collection and check in with South Dakota's efforts to streamline stroke services to save lives.

Mike Thompson, J.D., says a recent temporary restraining order that halted Pe'Sla mining exploration offers insight into treaty rights and need for environmental impact information.

Attorney General Marty Jackley says there are over 100 missing persons cases in South Dakota, and more than half involve Native individuals. Jackley talks about ways the state is trying to improve how these cases are investigated.

Our modern screen-filled lives may have impacts on our health in unexpected ways. A new book explores the implications.

Lt. Gov. Tony Venhuizen provides an update from the governor's Corrections Rehabilitation Task Force.

Christine Erickson wants to be the next mayor of Sioux Falls. She talks about youth diversion programs, literacy initiatives, and 'thoughtful investment' in neighborhood growth.

Greg Jamison is a business leader and state legislator. Now he wants to be mayor of Sioux Falls. He lays out his plan for public safety and fiscal accountability.

David Zokaites says his research on more than 200 public presentations has built the knowledge he needs to lead the state's largest city into the future.

Jamie Smith wants to be the next mayor of Sioux Falls. He talks about leadership, housing, and how to keep the city a welcoming place for people across the region.

Urban planner Joe Batcheller wants to be the next mayor of Sioux Falls. He talks about improving transportation and helping neighborhood organizations create the city they want to live in.

Macroeconomist Joe Santos explains why a transitory problem might call for a hike in interest rates as the Fed seeks to remain independent policy makers.

South Dakota's premiere orchestra heads to a season finale with music from the Middle East, a piano concerto, and a showcase of the orchestra's musicians.

The 2026 South Dakota State Arts Conference kicks off this week. Keynote speaker Christopher Bailey shares stories of arts, healing, and the ways we become fully human.

A new polls on the South Dakota Republican gubernatorial primary race shows an increase of support for Congressman Dusty Johnson and state lawmaker Jon Hansen. We talk with South Dakota News Watch reporter Alexander Rifaat about the results.

The Dakota Conference on the Northern Plains envisions the future of the region. We talk with Christel Gollnick about the "Stone Soup" metaphor of community abundance.

Minnesota poet Emily Bright talks about the influence of Mary Oliver and the need to respond to difficult historical and cultural events in her poems.

Early voting in South Dakota begins on April 17. Gov. Larry Rhoden makes his case to voters for national defense and gun-related industry.

Dan Ahlers is executive director for South Dakota's Democratic Party. He's running for governor. He says fair taxes, investments in education, and affordability are three key areas of concern for voters.

Four Republicans gathered to debate policy issues in the latest primary debate, hosted by SDPB and South Dakota News Watch.

People whose names do not match their birth certificates may face administrative challenges when registering to vote. Sara Lampert, Ph.D., explains how new rules impact married women and transgender people.

Author Laurie Hertzel grew up in a house crowded with siblings, stories, and the occasional ghost. She reflects on the stories that bind families together and stories that tear them apart.

After more than 50 years, people are headed back to the moon. Author Patrick Hicks considers what's at stake for America's latest moonshot.

Artist Deborah Mitchell watched her Black Hills art studio burn after an arsonist set it ablaze. Then she got to work turning the whole thing into art.

The SAVE America Act and SB175 are both designed to ensure noncitizens (who are not allowed to vote in U.S. elections) do not cast ballots. But how might they affect South Dakota voters during the upcoming primary?

Data center companies didn't get the tax incentives they wanted out of Pierre. SDPB's Jackie Hendry explains how frustrated citizens and companies without customers collided to create uncertainty around the future of an industry.

The South Dakota Humanities Council has weathered a year of funding uncertainty and disruption. Executive Director Christina Oey provides an update.

Only U.S. citizens can vote in U.S. elections. But how might attempts to verify citizenship impact how South Dakotans exercise their constitutional rights for the first time?

Sanford Health's Jeremy Cauwels, M.D., explains how doctors are closing their computer screens and letting the exam room aid in record keeping.