• Meta money. South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley this week announced the details of a settlement in a multi-state lawsuit alleging Meta's social media platforms are addictive and harmful to children. South Dakota is expecting to get $52.6 million – or as much as $73.4 million – as a result. South Dakota Searchlight has the full story.
  • 🗳️Voter registration lawsuit. Also announced this week, the ACLU, the League of Women Voters and other voting rights filed a lawsuit against the state of South Dakota. The suit alleges that the state's new law (formerly known as Senate Bill 175) requiring new voters to provide documentation of their U.S. citizenship has created confusion and created unnecessary barriers to registering to vote. The suit also alleges South Dakota's documentation requirements violate federal law. You can read a copy of the complaint on the ACLU website.
  • Parents of young kids, this one's for you. Siouxland Libraries is teaming up with a number of community professionals to host a five-week series of workshops for parents and caregivers of kids ages 1 to 3. The series, which kicks off Sept. 3, will include sessions on early literacy, emotional learning, the importance of play, parenting resources and car seat safety. Programming is free to attend, and registration is required. Learn more here.
  • 🚌Back-to-school bus route changes. Sioux Area Metro is switching up some bus routes to help students get to class. Here's a look at the changes:
    • Pink Route: Adding an extra 7:30 a.m. trip to support students traveling to Horace Mann Elementary, Robert Frost Elementary, Patrick Henry Middle School, and Lincoln High School.
    • Purple Route: Adding an extra 7:30 a.m. trip to support students traveling to Anne Sullivan Elementary, Laura B. Anderson Elementary, Whittier Middle School, and Washington High School.
    • In addition to the new morning student runs, SAM is also adding four new stops to the Black Route, expanding public transit access for residents and commuters in neighborhoods north of the city.
  • What should we put in a time capsule? The State Historical Society is looking for items to be placed in a time capsule that'll be buried in November and opened in 2076. The ideal items are metal, pottery, stone or something durable that'll stand the test of time, as well as being about the size of a wristwatch or business card.
    • Folks who want to provide an object for consideration can mail it to David Grabitske at the South Dakota State Historical Society. The mailing address is South Dakota State Historical Society 900 Governor’s Drive Pierre, SD 57501. The submission deadline is Friday, October 16th.
  • Polar Bites under new ownership. The rolled ice cream business on East 41st Street has new owners – including Sunny's Pizzeria owner and Orion Pub co-owner Jon Oppold. The new ownership will also mean an extended season, maybe even into November. The shop is expected to reopen in early September with hours starting at 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 12:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on weekends.