Longfellow Nokomis Messenger

Protect Yourself and Others This Flu Season

(NewsUSA) - Several seasonal celebrations are nearly upon us, but an unwelcome time of year also awaits—flu season.The “flu,” short for influenza, is a viral respiratory illness that often …

5 Meaningful Holiday Gifts That Give Back All Year

(BPT) - The holidays are approaching, which means it's time to start thinking about what you'll give your loved ones. This year, go beyond traditional presents and give your friends and family a …

3 Ways Coaches Can Cultivate Joy and Confidence in Young Athletes

(Feature Impact) Youth sports can change lives - building confidence, resilience and lifelong friendships among the kids and teens who play. In fact, winning games is often the least important part of the experience. Creating an environment where young athletes feel seen and appreciated is its own reward. Consider these tips highlighting three ways coaches can help their players feel like they belong.

Can we get a little commotion for vanilla? It's having a moment – and Minnesota is here for it

Chocolate may get most of the attention, but vanilla is quietly making a statement — and Minnesota is helping lead the way. A new University of Minnesota College of Food, Agricultural and …

A chair-shaped bean bag available for the public to borrow from the Fraser Sensory Lending Library is displayed at Fraser Richfield. (Photo by Melody Hoffmann)

Sensory tools available to public at Fraser

Loud noises, bright lights, and crowded areas can be overwhelming for anyone. A person’s anxiety and stress levels can elevate if they stay in these environments for too long. Fraser Richfield is …

Soul of the Southside 2026

In honor of Juneteenth, the people of Minneapolis came together for the Soul of the Southside Annual Festival, a free event hosted on E. Lake Street, 27th and Minnehaha Ave. Soul of the Southside …

New E-Ride safety guide helps families navigate fast-growing trend this summer

As e-bikes and e-scooters surge in popularity, AAA – The Auto Club Group is launching its new “E-Ride Ready” campaign to help parents better understand the …

The Debre Selam Medhanealem Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church is located at 2601 30th Avenue South. (Photo by Margie O’Loughlin)

Debre Selam Medhanealem Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church finds new home in Seward

If you’ve been anywhere near the intersection of 26 th Street and 30 th Avenue South in the last year, you can’t have missed seeing the construction of the new Ethiopian church there. Most …

Why does some rain fall harder than other rain?

A downpour or a drizzle: What causes the difference?

Some rainstorms drench you in a second, while others drop rain in a nice peaceful drizzle. A meteorologist explains how rainstorms can be so different.

MPS proposes school closures to optimize buildings

Minneapolis Public Schools parents filled the John B. Davis Center meeting room Tuesday night as the school board listened to an opaque presentation from district administration on suggested school closures across the district.

Community split on new school building

Over 100 people gathered in the Sanford School auditorium on July 8, 2026 to learn more about Minneapolis Public School (MPS) plans for building a new Anishinabe Academy school on the Cooper School …

Members of the Cimarron Rowing Club and Long Lake Rowing Club at the US Rowing Youth Nationals Championship in Sarasota, Florida held June 12-15, 2026.

Rowers compete at youth nationals

Minnesota is known for its lakes and rivers, and here in the Twin Cities, people are very familiar with the bodies of water in the area. But there are some who are more familiar with these lakes and …

Left to right: Signe Boler, Lila Dominguez, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, and Thora Anderson. (Photo submitted)

Roosevelt students honored

On Thursday, May 28, U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar visited Roosevelt High School and presented to a small group of students, staff, and parents, the congressional record that officially recognized …

Neighbors celebrated the reopening of the Cooper School playground on May 16. The building has been closed since 2005.

MPS plans to demolish Cooper, build $90-105 million facility for Anishinabe Academy

Plans to demolish Cooper School and the newly rebuilt playground that the community raised funds for to construct a new building for Anishinabe Academy are moving forward despite the district’s $50 million projected deficit.

A Lesson in Kindness, Inclusion and How Kids Eat Differently

(Feature Impact) The school year brings new classmates, routines and opportunities for children to learn about people whose experiences may be different from their own.

Inside Disasterville: The Army National Guard brings hometown disaster relief missions to high school gyms this fall

(BPT) - Key takeaways: Disasterville, a mixed-reality experience, shows students how Army National Guard Soldiers respond to natural disasters in their home states.Students spend time inside three of …

Online college for working adults: What to look for

(BPT) - Sponsored by University of PhoenixKey takeaways:Key factors to consider when comparing online colleges include: recognized institutional accreditation, schedule flexibility, transparent …

“Sharing is caring” and other lessons children learn in pre-K that lead to kindergarten success

(NewsUSA) - Many parents think kindergarten readiness starts with learning letters, numbers and how to write a name. Those skills matter, but educators know that the social-emotional and executive …

Toys for Tots’ Operation Turn the Page Unlocks Futures Through Books

(NewsUSA) - Across the Nation, millions of children are preparing to head back to school—filled with excitement, opportunity, and promise. But for far too many children, the year begins with a …

Growing more than school readiness

(NewsUSA) - The back-to-school season isn't just for school-age children. For many families with preschoolers, late summer is a time to evaluate early learning programs and consider which experiences …

Be a Summer Santa: Support Toys for Tots’ Year-Round Mission

(NewsUSA) - The magic of Christmas doesn’t wait until December—and neither does Marine Toys for Tots. Nationally recognized as America’s flagship children’s Christmastime charity, Toys for …

Reel Moments Make Real Impact: Marine Toys for Tots Encourages Outdoor Play

(NewsUSA) - June marks the start of summer—a season defined by adventure, exploration, and the simple joys of childhood. June also highlights National Fishing Week, celebrated June 6-14, making it …

Different styles, same goal — creating a strong foundation for your family

(BPT) - Parenting today isn't about following a single, rigid rulebook — it's about adaptability. As families celebrate National Family Day this fall, modern parents are moving away from the …

How to manage the rising costs of being a pet parent

Current reports on managing rising costs as a pet parent, noting expenses for caring for pets range widely, with recommendations for emergency funds and insurance.

Uncover your kibble: 5 things to look for in your dog’s food

K9 Natural reports five key factors to consider when choosing dog food: protein quality, digestibility, ingredients, whole-body health, and avoiding unnecessary fillers.

What ingredients to look for in fresh dog food

Ollie reports that fresh dog food prioritizes real, recognizable ingredients like human-grade meats, vegetables, and healthy fats, ensuring quality and transparency.

How long does fresh dog food last in the fridge?

Ollie reports that fresh dog food lasts in the fridge for four days (unopened and opened), while leftovers should be consumed within 24 hours.

Barkitecture: 12 dog-friendly landscaping ideas for your backyard

Lawn Love reports on "Barkitecture," a trend for dog-friendly backyards, featuring designs that cater to dogs' natural behaviors while preserving landscaping.