Longfellow Nokomis Messenger

What is the universe expanding into if it’s already infinite?

The universe is full of stars, galaxies and planets − it's expanding every day.

The universe is constantly expanding, but how do scientists think about what it’s expanding into?

If traveling into the past is possible, one way to do it might be sending people through tunnels in space.

Is time travel even possible? An astrophysicist explains the science behind the science fiction

Scientists are trying to figure out if time travel is even theoretically possible. If it is, it looks like it would take a whole lot more knowledge and resources than humans have now to do it.

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 …

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 …

Begin planning kids' summer recreation now

Due in part to high demand, parents who want to place their kids in summer rec programs or summer camps should being vetting such programs and camps well in advance of summer. The following are a …

Southwest Connector launches 'Let's Connect,' a new community speaker series

Minneapolis is filled with great local people doing great things in the world. The Southwest Connector will showcase them with "Let's Connect," a new community speakers series. Every month, the …

How to help prevent the spread of germs this cold and flu season

(BPT) - Chilly temperatures and winter weather aren't the only burden that comes with this time of year — it's also the peak of cold and flu season. Cold and flu germs can lurk on hundreds of …

5 fun ways to organize your life with color

(BPT) - The holiday season is a big, joyous whirlwind of hustle and bustle. By getting (and staying) organized, you'll have your home feeling like an efficient holiday hub to not only make life …

Prioritize your health this holiday season by getting vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia and invasive pneumococcal disease

(BPT) - The holiday season can be a wonderful time — from gathering with family and friends to enjoying some time off work and even indulging in all the yummy treats. The last thing we want is …

Navigating Changes as a Family

(Family Features) Every family experiences changes. Some are planned, others are unexpected. Some are joyful, others are marked by pain or uncertainty.

5 ways to engage your kids in the magic of the season

(BPT) - For busy families, the holidays can be a blur. With office parties, gifts to buy, kids' holiday programs to attend at school, moving the holiday elf around the house, and invitations for …

The Bright Horizons Foundation for Children marks 25 years helping families

(BPT) - Bright Horizons, a leading education and care company, was built on the belief that doing well is firmly intertwined with doing good. For 25 years, the Bright Horizons Foundation for Children …

Ultimate gift guide to spark endless creativity in kids

(BPT) - The best holiday gifts keep kids engaged and creatively entertained for hours. So, if you're looking for exciting new gifts to spark the imagination of the kids in your life, check out the …

Roosevelt High School comes together to help fellow families during the annual Operation Holiday Basket. An estimated 15,000 baskets have been given out in 54 years as students compete to raise the most donations. Last year's volunteers are shown above. (Photo submitted)

54 years of giving

What does the term ‘holiday season’ mean to you? To many it means spending time with family; eating a large dinner with inlaws and extended family, watching seasonal movies, sitting …

Roosevelt CTE students reveal rat rod gokart

Roosevelt Career & Technical Education (CTE) students debuted a rat rod go-kart they constructed on Friday, June 21 at the “50th Annual MSRA Back to the Fifties Weekend” classic and …

South Minneapolis residents partner with school and artists to transform bridge and celebrate Latinx cultures

36th ART (Avenue Revitalization & Transformation), a resident-led community improvement initiative in South Minneapolis, is deepening its partnership with the Hiawatha Collegiate High School to …

Student abroad experience sparks lifetime of travel, book for Nokomis resident

In a touching exploration of a life enriched by wanderlust, Nokomis author Autumn Carolynn invites readers to journey with her in her first book "Traveling in Wonder: A Travel Photographer's Tales of …

New principal at South High School: Ahmed Aden Amin

Ahmed Aden Amin is the new principal at South High School. In 2021, he was hired as the principal at Sanford Middle School, where he attended school himself. He graduated from Roosevelt High …

USC study finds connection between pollution and decreased memory in kids

The LA Post shares insights from a recent USC study that revealed that exposure to air pollution can harm children's learning and memory.

Contributing to college funds could be this year's best gift

(BPT) - Did you know the cost of a four-year college education has increased 38% at private schools and 32% at public colleges/universities over the past decade?[1] Between these increasing college …

Reap the Rewards of Shared Family Meals

(Family Features) Addressing the epidemic of loneliness can be as easy as sharing one more meal with family members each week. This National Family Meals Month, commit yourself to reaping the benefits of shared meals.

Donate to Marine Toys for Tots on Giving TOYSday!

(NewsUSA) - As the holiday season approaches, people around the world unite in a Global Day of Giving—Giving Tuesday—on December 3rd to support the charitable causes they respect and admire. For …

The power of your eyes: How your eyes compare to the latest tech, and tips to keep them at their best

(BPT) - In today's tech-driven world, staying up to date with the latest gadgets has become essential, with 77% of Americans prioritizing new technology. If you love everything today's smartphones or …

Gear Up for Holiday Road Trips with Winter Prep Tips from Mercury Insurance

(BPT) - As the holiday season gets underway, millions of Americans are planning road trips to visit loved ones or enjoy seasonal getaways. AAA projects that nearly 80 million travelers will journey …

Emerging adult children and their parents can experience growing pains as they navigate a changing relationship.

Gen Z heads home: How to navigate the evolving parent-child relationship as kids become adults

Parenting’s ultimate goal is raising healthy, happy, successful children. Figuring out how to keep parenting once the kids are adults is just another transition.

5 DIY Holiday Gift Ideas to Make the Season Extra Special

(BPT) - Looking to create unique, heartfelt woodworking gifts for your friends and family this holiday season? With Minwax®, crafting personalized gifts and decorations is easier than you think! …

- Kids like free school meals. States are trying to reel in the costs.
  
  Chalkbeat reports on the circumstances surrounding free school meal initiatives across the U.S.
- Kids who use ChatGPT as a study assistant do worse on tests
  
  The Hechinger Report compares math progress of almost 1,000 high school students to determine the effects of ChatGPT use on learning.
- How teen drug use compares by state
  
  Substance Use Treatment Facilities examined data from SAMHSA and other sources to see how teen drug use varies by state and how much it's …