Happy Friday! Megan here.

Weather check: Sunny and 75

Status check: It's been awhile since I've said this, but I really do appreciate you reading. This little news outlet wouldn't exist without you, and the future of Sioux Falls Simplified depends on folks like you supporting this work and spreading the word about the importance of smarter, easier local news.

• Anyway, you're cool. If you're able/willing, consider offering financial support to ensure this news outlet can stick around long-term.

This weekend, it's another short and sweet issue for you because it was so newsy earlier in the week. You'll find a reminder of what was covered ICYMI, an update on how budget talks are going in the city and some Super Simplified Stories.

• A quick note: I spent a fair amount of time seeking out the cheapest school supplies for a redo of last year's story. But I've had some hangups about publishing, and ultimately am deciding against it.
  • Obviously the businesses with the most opportunity for economies of scale – i.e. Walmart, Amazon, etc. – are going to have the cheapest option. That said, as a local small business owner seeing my fellow small businesses struggling, it's hard for me to recommend spending at those large chains that don't give back to the community in the same way as a more local/regional spot like Lewis (or maybe even getting some supplies at local toy stores/electronics places/clothing stores).
  • All that to say (in this not-so-quick-after-all note), if you're in a position where lowest cost is the only option, by all means take advantage of those lower prices at Walmart/Target/Amazon.
  • If a few cents here and there don't make as much of a difference to your bottom-line budget, consider keeping dollars as local as you can. (Not just with school supplies, but with other stuff like, idk, local news.)

And now, news:

CITY

Three things we've learned so far in city budget talks

Simplified: The City Council is working all month on figuring out how the city will spend money in 2025. Here are some early takeaways from the budget hearings.

Why it matters

• The council is working from a $781 million budget that Mayor Paul TenHaken unveiled in late July. You can get a closer look at that here.
• This week, councilors got a general overview, as well as a more in-depth look at the proposed budget from the mayor's office, the council and – likely most interesting to the public – the parks and recreation budget.

Here's a look at three big takeaways from the first hearing

ICYMI

More Simplified Stories

Why a convention center? A closer look at the work behind the Riverline District

A consultant report obtained by Sioux Falls Simplified shows more details on how the city went from discussing a sports stadium to a convention center at the Riverline District.

Sioux Falls SimplifiedMegan Raposa

There’s a new music festival in town. Meet Lallycooler.

A new, multi-genre music festival is coming to town next summer thanks to the work of the Washington Pavilion and Great Bear Ski Valley. Here’s what you need to know about Lallycooler.

Sioux Falls SimplifiedMegan Raposa

Stuff to do: Aug. 7-13

Piglet storytime to Flo Rida -- here’s a look at what’s happening this week in Sioux Falls.

Sioux Falls SimplifiedMegan Raposa

THIS AND THAT

What I'm falling for this weekend:

• Aesthetic bouncy houses
• Shopping local
• Melody – I swear if one of you doesn't adopt this kitten, I'm going to have to, and I can't handle another pet. Please. Get on it.

WANT TO FEEL THIS SMART ALL THE TIME?

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Reach out

What story do you want to see simplified? Falling for something local? Send any news tips, attaboys, missed typos or hot coffee on a brisk morning to megan@sfsimplified.com.

Thank you

Thank you to Sioux Falls Simplified sponsors, including Dakota Adventure Supply, the Sioux Falls Development Foundation, the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, Panther Premier Print Solutions, Barre3 Sioux Falls, the Great Plains Zoo, and the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance. When you support them, you're also supporting Sioux Falls Simplified.