Kids & Family

Help Marine Toys for Tots Deliver Hope to Children Experiencing Poverty

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 …

A breastfeeding travel guide for new moms this holiday season

Aeroflow Breastpumps reports a travel guide for breastfeeding moms this holiday season, offering tips on planning, packing, and managing feeding routines while traveling.

How parents can help children practice empathy in a digital world

Aflac reports on the importance of teaching empathy to children in today's digital world, offering strategies for parents to foster compassion daily.

How to help prepare for your child's unpredictable future

(BPT) - Your children's career opportunities and education pathways may look very different from the ones you knew. Learn about practical steps that can help families keep more possibilities within …

What's going on in the Florida housing market today?

(BPT) - Key takeaways:Current Florida Realtors® data shows today's housing market continues to stabilize.Steady pricing, consistent sales and balancing inventory mean buyers have time to weigh …

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Tyner honored with Nancy Latimer Award for advancing early childhood education and literacy justice
Dr. Artika R. Tyner, award-winning author, educator, attorney, and founder of Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute (PPGJLI), has been honored with the Nancy Latimer Award at the 2026 …
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 …
Kennadi Watkins performs on the main stage at Soul of the Southside, 2026 (Photo by Alanna Voelker)
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 …
Curious Kids

Why haven’t farm animals evolved against humans? A biologist explains why there won’t be a chicken uprising anytime soon

What will it take for the chickens on the farm to stage a revolt?
From domesticated foxes to tuskless elephants, humans have directly and indirectly influenced the evolution of a wide range of animals.

How much rain can a hurricane make, and does the storm size matter?

Hurricane Harvey dropped several feet of rain on Texas, stranding trucks, people and their pets.
Storms big and small can produce a lot of rain. What matters most is how fast they’re moving, as an atmospheric scientist and educator explains.
AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Data from Minnesota Secretary of State
Frazier elected County Attorney, Crabtree and Beachy earn at-large school board seats, Dryden new MPS Board District 5 member
In the closest local race, Cedrick Frazier won the Hennepin County attorney seat with 50.55% of the vote. Andres Folk received 48.92% of the vote–a difference of 8,300 votes.  Incumbent Mary …
Work on the CTE wing at Roosevelt High school is estimated to be $14 million. It is part of a district-wide consolidation of CTE programs at three main sites. The district began with a $88 million renovation of North High School, and has allotted about $3 million for the Edison site. (Illustration courtesy of Minneapolis Public Schools)
New CTE wing being built at Roosevelt High School
In July 2026, construction on the northeast side of Roosevelt’s building began on the Career and Technical Education (CTE) wing. Construction is ongoing as the wing expands onto the previous staff …
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. 
More news about your kids and family
The 74 reports on nontraditional hour childcare, highlighting providers like Sharon Jackson and Desiree Reid catering to families with unconventional work schedules, often offering flexible care during evenings and weekends.
(BPT) - Recent severe weather pummeled regions across the United States, bringing catastrophic flooding, destructive winds, and widespread, prolonged power outages that strained local infrastructure. …
(BPT) - Key takeaways:Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) affects more than half of postmenopausal women.Learn seven symptoms of GSM, which can occur with menopause or after certain medical …
Protect Yourself and Others This Flu Season
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
“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
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 …

(BPT) - Is this a familiar scene in your home? Your child is worrying over a worksheet at the kitchen table. They write an answer, pause and stare at the page as you watch their irritation grow. …
About our Furry Friends
What is the best meat for dogs? Healthiest dog food protein options
Ollie reports on the best meats for dogs, emphasizing high-quality options like chicken, beef, salmon, and turkey for balanced nutrition. 
How to dog-proof your car
Husky Liners reports on dog-proofing your car with tips like using custom floor liners, seat covers, and cleaning hacks to keep vehicles safe from muddy paws and fur.
Is fresh dog food safe?
Ollie reports that fresh dog food is safe when made, stored, and served correctly. Proper handling is crucial to prevent contamination and spoilage.
The ultimate guide to Halloween dog safety: Treats, tricks, and peace of mind
Ollie reports key Halloween safety tips for dogs, including managing door traffic, securing candy, choosing safe costumes, and knowing when to call a vet.
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 …