News | Southwest Connector

Thi Synavone works as the executive director at Standpoint. (Photo submitted)

Thi Synavone came to the U.S. in 1979 as a Laotian refugee. After living in many states, her family settled in Minnesota in 1988. Synavone said that growing up, domestic and sexual violence was never … more

By Talia Mcwright | 9/28/23

Four ward 13 candidates face off

The four city council candidates running in Ward 13 shared their viewpoints in a forum on Sept. 6, 2023 at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church. Attending were Linea Palmisano, Kate Mortenson, Zach Metzger, … more

By Cam Gordon | 9/21/23

Katie Bradley (left) and Norm Muñoz (middle) perform in the “Kung Fu Zombies Saga: Shaman Warrior & Cannibals” at the Luminary Arts Center. A two-part show, it tells the story of Akha and Lao women faced with challenges that force them to connect with their cultural experiences.

Theater mu reclaims genres for Asian artists in Minnesota

As a child, Saymoukda Vongsay wrote herself into stories of Little House on the Prairie, Sweet Valley High and The Babysitters Club, as a side character. In middle and high school, she was a known … more

By Talia McWright | 9/21/23

Little Mekong through eyes of artist Katie Ka Vang

Community members smiled as they tasted different dishes and snacks from local businesses of the Little Mekong cultural district on University Avenue on Sunday, July 2, 2023. The event was artist … more

By Talia McWright | 9/21/23

Volunteers are key to pulling together the annual Woofstock event in Linden Hills. The energy they put into the community event helps it run smoothly.

Positive energy meets canine energy

I think about energy a lot. I wonder: How much energy does it take to bark!? I mean, it kind of looks like it would take a lot of energy, if I were to suddenly yell that loud and urgently. . . I … more

By Larry LaVercombe | 9/21/23

Fourteen-year-old Graham Bennet volunteers at The Kenwood once a week. (Photos submitted)

Local teen volunteers to help seniors with technology

Graham Bennett, 14, is a tech wizard who goes to The Kenwood Retirement Community once a week to help residents with their phones, iPads, laptops, and computers. His path to the Kenwood was a natural … more

9/21/23

Donald L. Hammen is a longtime south Minneapolis resident, and serves on the All Elders United for Justice steering committee.

Summertime celebrations continued

It’s August 2023. A theme is emerging out of my life experiences to date. The theme can be captured in two words: self care. My life as it is unfolding in 2023 is revolving around self care. I … more

By Donald L. Hammen | 9/21/23

Knute Nelson, Walker Methodist to merge jan. 1

Faith-based, nonprofit healthcare and housing organizations look to expand options for customers, team members, and communities Knute Nelson, based in Alexandria, Minn., and Walker Methodist, based … more

9/21/23

Michele Rae, RPh, MA, NBC-HWC is the founder of The Center Within, LLC and author of “Living From the Center Within: Co-Creating Who You Are Becoming.” She provides holistic coaching designed to accelerate and support personal, professional, and organizational transformation.

Take time for self-care essentials

The cornerstone of wellbeing, for yourself, your family, and your community is self-care. Staying in balance, vibrant, rested, nourished, connected and strong requires daily attending and … more

By Michele Rae | 9/21/23

WACSO: Old Car

Saw this old dude jump off his bike to grab a photo of a cool old vintage car driving around Lake Harriet. (Illustration by WACSO) more

9/21/23

Business coming to White Castle building

Business briefs

Picnic moving to former Clancy’s spot A women-owned neighborhood bar is coming this winter to the former Clancy’s location in Linden Hills (4307 Upton Ave. S). Picnic is owned by … more

9/21/23

Hennepin-dunwoody Bikeway Project

PROJECT GOALS • Build a two-way, multi-use trail on Dunwoody Boulevard and Hennepin Ave. The trail will run from Linden Avenue to the west of 17th St. The trail will be above the … more

9/21/23

City briefs - September 21

New Community Safety Commissioner On Sept. 11, Mayor Jacob Frey nominated Hennepin County Chief Judge Todd Barnette to serve as the city’s next Community Safety Commissioner. If his … more

Briefs compiled by Cam Gordon | 9/21/23

Neighborhood news - September 21

MPLS For a Better Police Contract The organizations and individuals involved with MPLS for a Better Police Contract spent the spring and summer reviewing the Minneapolis Police Federation … more

9/21/23

Elections: how they work

How do our elections work and why are they are fair and accurate? Skim this resource or dig into specific aspects/issues for a deeper dive. Go to Elections 411 more

9/13/23

Judicial candidates in Minnesota: What to know before you head to the polls

LWVMN does not invite judicial candidates to participate in the Vote411 Voter’s Guide due to the number of candidates across the state and associated administrative costs. This combined with … more

9/13/23

During design for a mural at the Lake Harriet trolley tunnel, Jacqui Rosenbush researched water quality control. She included lily pads and cattails in her mural after discovering the large role they play in filtering water.

Parks for all

Kao Lee Thao and Ash Kubesh spent 66 hours over 10 days painting two new murals that represent Thao’s Hmong heritage at Boom Island Park. The artwork is part of the Minneapolis Parks and … more

By Talia McWright | 9/9/23

A painting by Diane Mach. Her work is on exhibit at Jones Coffee at Upton and 43rd.

It was fantastic. you should go, too.

I cannot recall in my lifetime having more instances of friends telling me: “You have to go see the Walker Exhibit.” Word on the street was, “Oh my god, it’s fantastic.” … more

By Larry LaVercombe | 9/9/23

Destigmatizing Mental Health Conversations

To engage broader communities and understand their experience surrounding mental health stigma, we connected with Cultural Brokers from Watercourse Counseling Center (WCC) and the Somali American … more

By Jessica Torres Estrada | 9/9/23

WACSO: Patio season

Patio season. Book Club. because it’s winter near 6 months a year, we hit patio season hard and enjoy it more than just about anyone else I imagine. (Illustration by WACSO) more

9/9/23