Happy Friday! Megan here.
First things first, this newsletter is brought to you by Midtown Coffee Radio Hour.
- Midtown Coffee Radio Hour is kicking off their sixth season on Friday, Sept. 4 at the Orpheum Theater with, "Midtown: A River Runs Through It," presented by Riverfest! This show will bring songs, skits, and stories (loosely) about the Big Sioux River to the stage! Don't miss the boat and Get your tickets here!
Weather check: Hot and wet
This week, you'll learn a lot about how funding cuts at the federal level are impacting folks locally – both when it comes to school lunches and supporting victims of crimes. Plus, there's a ton of Super Simplified Stories, including a look at some big lawsuits relevant to the state.
And now, news:
EDUCATION
Why thousands of kids are at risk of losing free school lunch
Simplified: Changes at the federal level now require families who previously automatically qualified for free school lunches to now apply for that same benefit. That means more than 2,700 students could stop receiving free lunches if the proper paperwork isn't filled out by early October.
Why it matters
- The changes relate directly to the "One Big Beautiful Bill" that passed Congress last summer, which cut funding to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, while also adding stricter requirements to the program
- Those changes also mean that families who used to automatically qualify for free lunches through the Sioux Falls School District via SNAP now have to fill out the application and, in some cases, verify their income.
- There's a 30-day grace period for families to get their paperwork in, but Child Nutrition Coordinator Gay Anderson told school board members Monday that there are more than 2,700 students who previously received free lunches whose families have not yet applied this year.
"It's a huge drop for us," Anderson said, who said so far the district has received about 6,800 free lunch applications, but at the end of last year there were nearly 12,000 students who received free or reduced lunches. "We know we've got a long way to go."
Tell me more
COMMUNITY
How federal funding cuts are leaving crime victims with fewer resources
Simplified: Federal funding cuts are creating a major funding gap for Solace, a Sioux Falls nonprofit providing crisis care and long-term healing for victims of sexual assault, domestic abuse, human trafficking and child abuse. Here's what you need to know.
Why it matters
- Solace formed last fall as a combination of three nonprofits offering similar services: The Compass Center, Move to Heal and Family Services, Inc. The consolidated organization's goal is to meet people in crisis, walk alongside them in recovery, and supporting their journey to wellness.
- Last year, the organization provided more than 1,000 crisis services, several movement programs and about 900 outpatient therapy services. But funding cuts have limited the ongoing recovery resources and therapy for victims and left more than a dozen on a waitlist.
- Historically, federal funding has accounted for about half of the organization's budget – which was about $800,000 last year. So far this year, those funds have been cut by about 75%, though some funding is still unknown, Solace Executive Director Patty Brooks said.
"As of today, we have one crisis therapist who's available," Brooks said. "The wait list keeps growing. When I go to bed at night, I'm thinking: there are people in crisis who can't see a counselor for free."
Tell me more
TL;DR
Super Simplified Stories
- 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.
More Super Simplified Stories
- 🚌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.
THIS AND THAT
What I'm falling for this week:
ICYMI
More Simplified Stories
Megan Raposa
Megan Raposa
Megan Raposa
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Oh, by the way
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Special thanks to Midtown Coffee Radio Hour!
Don't miss "Midtown: A River Runs Through It" on Sept. 4, or, plan ahead and get your season pass today. Find dates and tickets here.
