South Dakota Public Broadcasting

Both of South Dakota’s most prominent airports are requesting more funds for expansion projects. Rapid City and Sioux Falls Regional leadership say construction is the path forward to keeping terminals up to standard. The executive directors of both airports made their requests to the state Aeronautics Commission, urging additional support as tourism and commuter air traffic grows in the state. This is on top of $15 million loans authorized in the prior legislative session for both airports.

See the audio attached above to listen to the full news update/podcast. Each day, SDPB brings you statewide news coverage. We then compile those stories into a daily podcast. Subscribe on Appleand Spotify. ______________________________________________________________________________________ Below is a transcript of today's podcast: With SDPB News, I'm Jackson Dircks. It's Friday Aug. 21; here are today's stories. We begin with devastating news out of the Aberdeen community.

South Dakota is a state looking to strengthen its reach on the international trade market. Representatives of other nations the state is looking to grow partnerships with tell SDPB they see opportunities. South Dakota only exported more goods than one other state last year. South Dakota has been in the bottom of rankings for the largest state exporters of goods. That tune changes to the top half of the country when looking at agricultural exports.

"When you come to the Rosebud Fair, bring an open heart and a willingness to learn." The Rosebud Fair isn’t just a celebration—it’s a living reflection of Lakota heritage, community, and generosity. From the mid-summer harvest traditions and feeding the public as a community honor, to the deep spiritual connection of every dance step at the powwow grounds—this gathering is about coming together as one. Rural Life and History Rosebud Sioux TribeNative American History

While a new Farm Bill hasn’t been signed to law since 2018, a path forward on its current iteration isn’t clear. However, the Republican majority leader and Senate Ag Committee member said “all options” are on the table to push it forward. Many call politics the art of the possible, and U.S Sen. Mike Rounds said the Farm Bill may not be possible in the Senate, which needs 60 votes to move forward. U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds at Dakotafest in Mitchell, SD, on Aug. 19, 2026.

See the audio attached above to listen to the full news update/podcast. Each day, SDPB brings you statewide news coverage. We then compile those stories into a daily podcast. Subscribe on Appleand Spotify. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Below is a transcript of today's podcast: This is SDPB News, I'm Susie Hanson. Here are today's stories. Rapid City officials announced water restrictions will remain in place year-round.

Authorities say a child was killed in a paragliding crash involving the mayor of Aberdeen. The Brown County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Aberdeen Mayor Travis Schaunaman was hurt in the crash. His eight-year-old son was killed. Another son, age 10, was injured. It happened Wednesday morning northeast of Aberdeen, according to a report from the Brown County Sheriff’s Office. Officials said the youngest child died at the scene.

The State Unified Judicial System has announced the dates for public input on the potential consolidation of two judicial circuits. These two circuits are the Fourth and Seventh, which would create by far the largest judicial district in the state by area. These forums are on Wednesday, Aug. 26. The Rapid City forum is at the courthouse from 8:30 to 9:30. In Sturgis, that event is at the Meade County Courthouse from 11:00-noon.

Staying active is one of the best ways to support your health, independence, and quality of life at any age. Join Allison Norman, Director of Clinical Services at Blue Stone Therapy, for an engaging presentation exploring the role of movement in healthy aging. You’ll learn how strength, balance, and mobility can help reduce fall risk, maintain muscle health, and support everyday confidence.

One of South Dakota’s U.S. senators introduces a bill incentivizing ranchers to convert cropland back to grassland. Though, the land could still be grazed and hayed under emergency conditions. The bill is in response to the smallest U.S. cow herd size in multiple decades. Grasslands in South Dakota have also dwindled over time. The state lost over 2.5 million acres of intact grassland from 2018 to 2019, according to a 2021 report.