South Dakota Focus in January

Host Stephanie Rissler leads in-depth discussions about issues and events impacting South Dakota. Watch live each Thursday evening on SDPB1 and SDPB.org/live.

The Future of Faith

Thursday, Jan. 9, 8pm (7 MT) Attendance at traditional churches and megachurches is shifting. What is the future role of faith traditions in the state? Religious and spiritual leaders reflect on the ways in which South Dakotans worship is changing.

2020 Legislative Leadership

Thursday, Jan. 16, 8pm (7 MT) Legislative leaders join us live from the Rotunda at the State Capitol in Pierre to discuss the topics lawmakers and South Dakotans are discussing and debating this legislative season.

Industrial Hemp

Thursday, Jan. 23, 8pm (7 MT) Governor Noem opposes industrial hemp and has said, “Legalizing industrial hemp legalizes marijuana by default.” Working off the failed 2019 bill that would have legalized industrial hemp, the legislative Hemp Study Committee has been working to re-introduce industrial hemp legislation in 2020. Meanwhile, thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill that allows tribes to manage hemp programs separate from the states, several SD tribes have been implementing industrial hemp enterprises. We’ll check in with proponents and opponents on this ongoing issue.

Special Needs Education

Thursday, Jan. 30, 8pm (7 MT) We’ll explore changing curriculum, funding for Special Education (SPED) classes, and legislation aimed at better assisting students with special learning needs.

(Topics are subject to change. Please see SDPB.org for most up-to-date schedule.)