Good morning, Rapid City.

Barnes & Noble will open its new store at Rushmore Crossing on July 16, and local best-selling author Sean Covel will cut the ribbon + sign copies of his books, including his newest title “Who is the Super Ultra Mega Special Super Guest?”, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Conservative commentator Ann Coulter posted a six-word phrase — 'We didn’t kill enough Indians' — on social media this past weekend, and Native leaders including NCAI President Mark Macarro condemned the remark for echoing a long history of violence against Indigenous peoples.

Native organizations are asking for the tweet to be removed while legal experts say it remains protected by the First Amendment.

Rapid City Area Schools held a conference on July 8 at Rapid City Alternative Academy with about 350 educators (250 from the district and 100 from nearby districts) to discuss better ways to support unhoused students whose numbers nearly doubled since COVID.

Education consultant Dr. Ruby K. Payne led the discussion, explaining how stress in low-income environments affects behavior, though some critics said her methods may feed stereotypes.

The Rapid City Council approved raises—saying that a delay in processing them did not count as a denial.

Dakota Plains Legal Services launched the Justice Bus to offer legal aid in rural South Dakota areas where residents face barriers to access; the mobile office, funded by a $125,000 state grant, has already visited towns like Pierre, Winner and Gregory and will serve at Eagle Butte’s Hometown Days on July 17.

City officials have invited residents to apply for committee and commission positions as the new 2025-26 Rapid City Common Council term begins + officials want a diverse group of voices to help guide decisions.

Rapid City officials advanced plans for a proposed $55 million sports complex while one council member criticized the project as a misuse of funds—many others supported the proposal.

City leaders expect further reviews in upcoming meetings.

Live Music: Jimmy Ray & The Stingers

1-11:59 p.m. — Lost Cabin Beer Co. - Hill City Beer Garden — Cost not specified — Enjoy live blues music, fresh beer, and delicious food in a vibrant beer garden setting.

Hills Alive Festival

Time TBA — Memorial Park — Free entry — Celebrate faith with uplifting music and community during this beloved Christian festival.

Rapid City Car Auction

12 PM — 2170 Seger Dr, Rapid City, SD — Registration required — Discover over 200 vehicles at this exciting car auction event.

SPARK Men's Retreat

4 PM – 9 AM — Cedar Canyon Camp — $175 — A transformative weekend for men to reignite their faith and build community.

Picnic - A new kind of branding workshop

Picnic helps businesses and professionals hone a brand that aligns with their voice, values, and message. It creates brands that are easy for audiences to connect with—and that make work feel purposeful. Through hands-on exercises, Picnic invites you to listen, challenges you to be curious, and helps you think creatively. You'll leave with insights and techniques to keep your team inspired and your brand feeling fresh, day after day.