Longfellow Nokomis Messenger

Help Marine Toys for Tots Deliver Hope to Children Experiencing Poverty

(NewsUSA) - As National Child Poverty Day approaches on October 17th, Marine Toys for Tots is shining a light on the challenges faced by millions of children living in poverty and the importance of …

Survey finds working moms are not getting the support they need to breastfeed

Aeroflow Breastpumps reports that a survey reveals many working mothers lack support for breastfeeding at work, with 79% wanting to continue breastfeeding after returning.

Has having kids become a luxury purchase?

Intuit TurboTax reports that economic concerns are causing many to view having kids as a luxury, with 68% of adults feeling unable to afford raising children.

It's cold and flu season and time to protect your household against it

(BPT) - As the weather gets colder, it's important to remember that cold and flu season swiftly follows. Respiratory illnesses typically rise in October and peak into winter, according to the Centers …

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.

School board candidates answer your questions

The at-large Minneapolis Public Schools school board candidates were interviewed for 30 minutes and asked questions based on suggestions by Southwest Voices readers. MPS School board Director …

Minneapolis City Council joins growing consensus of local, state and federal elected officials who oppose the MPS 'transformation plan'

On Oct. 8, 2026, Minneapolis City Council announced a resolution coauthored by 10 Council Members demanding Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) leadership stop the Transformation Plan, joining an …

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 …

Dry, Cracked Hands That Won’t Go Away? 5 Things to Know About Chronic Hand Eczema

(BPT) - Do you often experience itchy, red and painful skin on your hands? Or experience dryness, cracking and flaking so bad it interferes with your daily life? You may be one of the 1 in 10 people …

8 simple ways to prepare your family for cold and flu season

(BPT) - Autumn is in full swing … and so is cold and flu season. As you settle into your fall routines, it's time to start thinking about how you can help your family stay healthy, weather the …

Living with ADHD? Three ways to find support and feel less alone

(BPT) - Sponsored by Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc.ADHD Awareness Month is an opportunity to help individuals and families find trusted resources, build support networks and have more productive …

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 …

“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 …

The mental load of modern parenting and why so many parents feel overwhelmed

BetterHelp reports highlight the overwhelming mental load modern parents face, juggling invisible tasks and stressors like work, finances, and social pressures.

Your dog's microbiome is the secret to good dental health

(BPT) - Your dog's breath may not always smell fresh, but persistent bad breath can be a sign that their oral health could use some extra attention. Just like the gut, the mouth has its own …

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.

How to keep pets fed and families together this September and beyond

(BPT) - Food insecurity can affect anyone, from seniors living on a fixed income to parents managing increasing grocery costs. And when humans face hunger, their pets often do, too.Nearly 48 million …

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.