Good morning, Rapid City.

Communities across South Dakota have welcomed motorcyclists as the 85th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally began August 1 and will continue through August 10 under Travel South Dakota’s Rally Rush initiative — nearly 40 communities are hosting events with discounts and cookouts to welcome riders — officials say the program boosts local tourism and economic impact.

A 70-year-old man from Pompano Beach, Florida died in a motorcycle crash on U.S. Highway 14A just before 7:00 p.m. Thursday when he left the roadway and entered a ditch near Deadwood — he was riding a 1999 Harley Davidson.

Meade County Sheriff’s Office and the South Dakota Highway Patrol arrested a man on a sport bike after he led them on a high-speed chase Friday morning along I-90 — his bike ran out of gas near Exit 44 as he weaved through Black Hawk, Summerset, and Piedmont.

Rapid City Police are investigating a shooting on July 31 just after 7:00 p.m. on Farlow Avenue that seriously injured a man—witnesses identified 29-year-old Kenneth Norman from Sioux Falls, who is on parole, as the suspect, and he remains at large with police warning he is armed and dangerous.

A Rapid City woman charged with attempted 1st degree murder and aggravated assault pleaded not guilty in court on Thursday after she allegedly tried to strangle a victim during a meeting at Destiny Foursquare Church on July 8 (she is held on a $250,000 bond) (if convicted she could face up to 25 years in prison).

Film director Kate Beecroft made East of Wall—a docu-fiction about ranch owner Tabatha Zimiga and her family dealing with hard times in South Dakota.

The film won an Audience Award at Sundance and will have its South Dakotan premiere on Aug. 12 before showing nationwide on Aug. 15.

Out-of-state bikers traveled along Interstate 90 into South Dakota for the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, with many riders expressing excitement after long trips from their hometowns.

Experienced riders advised first-timers to ride with someone familiar with the Black Hills—local drivers are urged to be extra careful amid the surge of motorcycles.

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.

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.

Lil Jon Live in Concert

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Central States Fair, Inc. — Tickets available — Get ready for a night of crunk with Lil Jon and the hype of Mike Jones.