USDA Waivers: The USDA extended its free lunch program through the 2021 school year. The implementation of this policy, among other free lunch assistance programs, began at the start of the pandemic when schools closed during lockdowns last year in March. The USDA reimbursed schools for lunch costs, allowing schools to provide free lunches during the school year and over the summer.
Significance: This policy is extending to the school district for the district’s 2021 school year. The USDA allows schools participating in the national school lunch program to offer lunches for free. While only economically disadvantaged students received discounted or free lunches previously, all elementary and intermediate school students can now receive free school lunches.
Rainfall in Greenland: Rain fell at the highest point of the Greenland ice sheet for nine hours on Aug. 14 for the first time. The rain occurred because of a warm pressure system moving over Greenland, raising the temperature. The summit of the ice sheet rarely experiences temperatures above freezing; however, this is the third time in a decade that the National Science Foundation’s Summit Station recorded above freezing temperatures.
Significance: Climate scientists cited the rainfall in Greenland as proof that global warming is affecting weather systems. As ice continues to melt in Greenland, scientists express concern that this will cause increased sea levels, which can lead to the submersion of low lying coastal cities.
