Good morning, Rapid City.

Gus, a T. rex fossil from Harding County’s Hell Creek Formation, sold for $50,130,000 at Sotheby’s on Tuesday, July 14 in New York after a fierce 10-minute bidding war — the record price resets market expectations for dinosaur finds.

Rapid City Regional Airport reported its strongest first half in 2026 — recording 206,010 enplaned passengers and 419,553 total travelers.

Officials credited staff and airline partners for managing growth and said they plan to invest in airport infrastructure for rising travel demand.

The South Dakota Mines research team is the only representative from the Great Plains and northwest to complete the NSF I-Corps Program and is now advancing to commercialize NanoGuard, a nearly invisible nanometer-thin shield that protects devices from biological buildup.

South Dakota Mines names five longtime faculty members to leadership roles as the fall semester nears.

The change will support academic growth + ensure a smooth transition as students prepare to return.

Two grants will fund after-school and summer learning programs for local students over the next four years—covering both Rapid City and Philip.

Rapid City firefighters have contained the wildfire near Floormann and Skyline Drive by stopping its forward progress, and they continue to monitor the area for any changes in conditions.

Rapid City Fire Department contained a grassfire near the railroad tracks by the Lacrosse Fields and East Boulevard North shortly before 3 p.m. Monday, and officials issued a safety reminder for the area.

Governor Larry Rhoden said the state closed FY2026 with a $69 million surplus, including $30 million in extra revenue and $39 million in spending reversions.

The surplus was added to the state reserve fund, which now totals $325 million (12.7% of the FY2027 budget).

LifeLight Hills Alive Festival

4-10 p.m. — Memorial Park — Free entry — Experience two full days of worship, music, and family fun at this vibrant community festival.

From Rails to Trails: A Journey Through History

6-7 p.m. — The Journey Museum — Free entry — Discover the transformation of the Black Hills railways into stunning recreational trails through engaging films.

Black Hills Yoga Festival

8 AM - 1 PM — Cohort Craft Brewery - Black Hills — Free entry — Celebrate yoga, music, food, and community in the magical Black Hills.