Curious Kids

Who was the first pirate?

A 1915 edition of ‘Treasure Island’ illustrated Long John Silver with iconic pirate features.
The first mention of a pirate by name may be in a Greek book from 2,500 years ago. But sea-raiding has been around since the very first boats traversed the world’s waterways.

If people stopped having babies, how long would it be before humans were all gone?

When the population plunges, it can get pretty lonely.
Even though there are 8 billion people on Earth today, a catastrophe could send that number much lower within a few decades.
AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD
An illustration of a draft Hiawatha Links design (2025)
Open house on new Hiawatha Links Design Concepts set for Aug. 14
An open house on new Hiawatha Links design concepts will be held on Aug. 14, 6:30-8 p.m., at the Lake Nokomis Community Center (2401 E Minnehaha Parkway). Drop by any time between 6:30 and 8:00 pm to …
Rep. Samantha Sencer-Mura
Rep. Samantha Sencer-Mura Responds to Republican-Proposed Bill Repealing Ethnic Studies in Minnesota Schools
Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives Education Policy Committee will hear legislation  authored by Ron Kresha (R - Little Falls) repealing Minnesota’s ethnic studies program …
The Minnesota Toy Library is for parents, grandparents, educators, occupational therapists, and mostly, for kids, to come and choose toys that are fun and that help them learn. MTL Executive Director Rebecca Nutter said, “We can’t just keep consuming things. We need to do better.” (Photo submitted)
Minnesota Toy Library opens third metro location
The Minnesota Toy Library (MTL) is a toy lending program for families with children ages birth to five years. Members can check-out up to five toys at a time, and take them home for 2-4 weeks. And …
Mark Rivard, at right, holds up the first skateboard art he drew with a sharpie. Next to him, his mom, Lorelli Byrne, holds up an iconic piece he did on another skateboard. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)
Disrupting education with skateboards, art, and experiential learning
By Eric Ortiz Mark Rivard is not your typical educator. He never went to college. He was not that good a student in high school. And he calls himself “uneducated.” But he has found a …
Mark Rivard of Do Rad Things
Hear from Mark Rivard, creator of Do Rad Things, at 'Let's Connect' event in February
Every artist has an interesting origin story. But nothing compares with how Mark Rivard got started. Rivard began illustrating skateboards with Sharpie markers in the early 2000s. That led to an …
Kids & Family

From pre-op to wake-up: Trust in anesthesia care starts here

(BPT) - Each year, millions of people undergo surgical and diagnostic procedures requiring anesthesia care. No matter what kind of surgery you're facing, the process can produce anxiety. Receiving …

Are you ready to pay for fall tuition? How to shop for student loans

(BPT) - Parents, important tuition deadlines are quickly approaching! Are you and your college student prepared to make your first tuition payment? If you have a financial gap, now is the time to …

School smartphone bans reflect growing concern over youth mental health and academic performance

New laws that ban smartphones or social media for youth are being introduced across several Western nations.

Across the US, parents are leading the charge to limit cellphone use in schools.

Considering anesthesia for a tattoo? What anesthesiologists say you need to know

(BPT) - Tattoos have gone mainstream — about one in three U.S. adults has at least one. Some people consider the pain of getting a tattoo part of the experience or a rite of passage. Others may …

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD
“I have an amazing family supporting me,” said HHH Job Corps graduate Nikoli Fitzgerald, pictured with several family members after the commencement ceremony held on May 22. He completed HBI’s Building Construction Technology trade at the St. Paul, Minn. center before enrolling in advanced Overhead Line training at Oneonta Job Corps in New York. Fitzgerald now works full-time as a lineman for Miller Electrical in Hasting, Minn.
HHH Job Corps celebrates 120 graduates during ceremony
On Thursday, May 20, 2025, Hubert H. Humphrey Job Corps (1480 Snelling Ave.) celebrated 120 graduates. Of those, 65 returned to participate in the ceremony. Those who couldn’t attend were …
Rosalind Smith
From our kitchen to your plates:
The Roosevelt High School (RHS) Community Meals are a way for friends, family, and other community members to celebrate our aspiring chiefs at Roosevelt. If you would like to know more about what …
There's a summer camp for every kid
Summer camp season will be here before parents know it. While children anxiously await the last day of school, adults know that it can be challenging to keep kids occupied and mentally stimulated …
Minneapolis Public School bell schedules prevent students from taking CTE classes
Who gets career training in high school?
Minneapolis Public Schools Career and Technical Education (CTE) program aims to match students with real-world skills, but some high schools are restricting access. Even though students register, …
Parents flood school board meeting to demand solutions to overcrowded classrooms
On Tuesday evening, Dec. 10, 2024, parents, caregivers, and teachers packed the Davis Center board room and the overflow space to voice concern over ballooning class sizes and shrinking numbers of …
More news about your kids and family

Family Meals Fill Hearts and Minds as Well as Plates

Family Meals Fill Hearts and Minds as Well as Plates
(NewsUSA) - Family Meals Nurture Civility and Connection at the TableWhether it’s laughing over spaghetti or tackling tough conversations, family meals offer more than just food. They foster …

5 ways to be more prepared this hurricane season

(BPT) - As this year's hurricane season gets underway, it's a good idea to make sure you've done everything you can to prepare your home and family for weather emergencies. Even if you've gotten …

Families Are Hitting the Road for Summer Travel: How to Maximize Every Travel Dollar

(BPT) - With summer in full swing, families are hitting the road for vacations, choosing cars over planes for everything from camping weekends to family reunions. Car travel remains the top choice, …

20 Years of Smiles: How One Soccer Program Is Building Confident Kids

20 Years of Smiles: How One Soccer Program Is Building Confident Kids

(NewsUSA) - Grass-stained sneakers. A shiny, round ball. A handful of four-year-olds laughing and clapping nearby. And then, for Soccer Shots participant Ben, a big moment — his very first kick.For …

1 in 3 Florida third graders have untreated cavities – how parents can protect their children’s teeth

Many Florida children lack access to routine dental care.

Florida is one of the worst states in the US when it comes to access to affordable dental care – and children are suffering as a result.

Summer Organization Made Easy: 5 creative ways to simplify a busy summer

(Family Features) Keep stress at bay and bring a sense of order to your summer adventures with these simple, creative hacks.

(Family Features) Celebrate Mom and other special women in your life with a Mother's Day gift that makes a lasting impact for children.
Read more.
Warm Weather Cleaning: How to Tackle Mold & Mildew and Keep Your Home Fresh
(BPT) - As we gear up for the excitement of summer – backyard gatherings, vacations and longer days – there also comes the challenge of keeping your home clean and guest-ready. Warm …
Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Whole Home Air?
(BPT) - Choosing energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment, scheduling regular maintenance appointments and changing the furnace filter can all help contribute to a more comfortable and …
Climate Adhesive Sticks Up for Building Safety
Climate Adhesive Sticks Up for Building Safety
(NewsUSA) - Violent weather events cause substantial loss of life and property damage throughout the world. Although we can’t control the weather, we can control how we prepare. Climate® Non-Slump …
Beat the heat: Urban Air offers special pass for unlimited summer fun for kids
(BPT) - Summer is made for play — but when the temperatures rise, outdoor fun can turn into indoor boredom fast. If your kids are bouncing off the walls, take the energy somewhere it belongs …
Moving to a new climate zone? Keep your cool
(BPT) - Relocating from a Northern region to a Southern U.S. state can provide a mild respite from frigid winters. However, if problems exist within your new home's energy infrastructure, moving to a …
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