In the Moment

The U.S. struggled to find a unique voice in the classical music canon. The White Spruce Chamber Players bring examples of early efforts to the stage in honor of America's 250th birthday.

Not every South Dakota bride wants a Boho wedding dress. Hannah Wolf discusses her business dreams and the advice her grandmother gave her about opening a bridal shop in Belle Fourche.

"We're all doing great ... and other lies" showcases standup comedy that intersects with addiction recovery. Producer Joe Huisman talks about laughing together through pain and chaos.

A party in Perkins County explores reciprocal relationships and how to be part of a nation of gatherers. We talk with Eliza Blue and Garrett Bucks.

When the moon goes dark in an eclipse, the stars burn brighter. Hank Fridell and Emily Berry share what's happening in the night sky and how to safely watch.

A strong profile in wind and hydropower makes the state more appealing to big tech companies. But South Dakotans are working hard to navigate the pitfalls of power and avoid problems that have plagued other states.

Lt. Gov. Tony Venhuizen outlines the work of the Governor's Resilience & Infrastructure Task Force. He talks about the disasters the state can prepare for and the limitations of preparations.

Journalist Bart Pfankuch shares his research into the cybersecurity threats facing the state after several attacks hit communities large and small.

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley offers an update on litigation against social media giant Meta. He also explains his reasons for appealing a judge's decision regarding Mayday Health.

Two key bills from the 2026 legislative session will shift how local governments are funded. Economist Kyle Kopplin explains how counties that share borders will decide "who votes and who pays."

An appeals court affirmed the state legislature had overstepped when it shortened the time citizens can gather signatures on ballot question petitions. But the state is pushing the legal battle forward. We explore the nuances of the debate.

A gathering at Good Earth State Park promises budget-friendly play while learning about the power of the prairie. We talk with Laura Kahler of the South Dakota Grassland Initiative.

Jazz vocalist and bandleader Alyssa Allgood stops by the SDPB studios alongside Jim Spiers and Daniel Heier. The trio talks jazz, community, and creative practice.

A pilot program has created GLP-1 access for Medicare Part D beneficiaries at a fixed cost of $50. But that's only the first thing to know about how the popular drugs are used for weight loss.

Fifty years ago this August, scientists proved that some monarch butterflies traveled 3,000 miles in a complex migration ritual. Will Wright, Ph.D., explores the complexity of discovery and the challenges of protecting international migration corridors.

In South Dakota, if you want to get to work, you usually need a reliable vehicle. Lee Strubinger looked into how high fuel prices, auto loan interest rates, insurance premiums, and public transit routes impact Rapid City residents.

From a massive balance sheet to the way the Fed communicates, Fed Chair's Kevin Warsh's new task forces will take a comprehensive look at U.S. monetary policy. Macroeconomist Joe Santos weighs in on the complicated work of reform now before the Fed.

Levitt at the Falls seeks to bring joy to South Dakotans through free concerts and music programming. Levitt leaders discuss how spending down a philanthropy fund can act as a catalyst for change.

The "Tremors & Soar" showcase highlights the artistry of the LiRa Dance Theatre Company. Co-founders Lisa Conlin and Raena Rasmussen talk about the art and business of dance.

A research team at Dakota State University is surveying and identifying microplastics in the state's bodies of water. We explore the state's first comprehensive search for microplastics.

Haiti Alive was co-founded by Brue Blumer and Dr. William Hyppolite. As Haitian Temporary Protected Status is set to expire, the group plans for the future amidst uncertainty in Haiti and at home.

Author Richard Louv's groundbreaking book "Last Child in the Woods" had a generation of parents rethinking screen time. His latest book features the science (and imagination) of bioenchantment.

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.