News | Southwest Connector

Under the Hood columnist, Susan Schaefer, shares her spectacular view of the Mississippi River. (Photo by Susan Schaefer)

HyggeCertainly, the long, cold, dark Minnesota winters can spark a melancholia for some. Yet frigid temperatures and spare daytime hours can also create the mood to hibernate, as other creatures of … more

By Susan Schaefer | 1/19/23

Dr. Saida Abdi, assistant professor at the University of Minnesota School of Social Work is the CIRCLE project director. (Photo submitted)

Bridging community and culture

Refugee and immigrant children in the U.S. often face trauma and systemic barriers including a lack of linguistically and culturally appropriate services, affordability, and stigma. These compounding … more

By Jessica Torres Estrada | 1/19/23

Tips to help kids struggling with social media

Social media is a big part of young people’s lives. It has its benefits, and being able to keep in touch with friends and family remotely was one of the saving graces in the early stages of the … more

1/19/23

Tenants win with new set of agreements

After over two years of tenants organizing together, the Minneapolis City Council passed a comprehensive list of agreements entered into by Progress Residential, the manager for Front Yard … more

1/19/23

Luminaries lit on king’s highway for dap

This year marked the 24th annual Dupont (King’s Highway) luminary lighting on Christmas Eve. The six blocks between 42nd and 47th Street participated, as well as 46th Street down to Lake … more

1/19/23

Want to be a trolley driver in linden hills?

Have you ever wanted to do something totally unique? How about operating a trolley car? The Minnesota Streetcar Museum, one of the few “living history” museums in the Twin Cities, needs … more

1/19/23

Exploring purpose for health and wellness

Did you know that living with a clear purpose can improve your resilience, health, and relationships? The beginning of 2023 may be a perfect time to reflect on what gives you direction, why you get … more

By Michele Rae | 1/19/23

Art shanty projects initiates plan beach due to poor ice conditions

Due to rapidly deteriorating ice on Bdé Umáŋ / Lake Harriet, Art Shanty Projects’ annual program will be presented as “Plan Beach” this year instead of … more

1/19/23

Neighborhood news

PLASTIC FREE CHALLENGEBe part of the solution to reduce waste, protect water and wildlife, address climate change, and look after the health of ourselves and future generations by joining the … more

1/19/23

East Harriet is hiring

East Harriet Neighborhood Association (EHNA) is seeking a Neighborhood Coordinator.• Part time (10-15 hours a week)• Flexible hours that include day meetings (with the city and/or the … more

Megan Nolan, coordinator | 1/19/23

City briefs

Public school superintendent searchThis year, the Minneapolis Public School Board will be hiring a new superintendent who is expected to start working in July. The school board is seeking community … more

1/19/23

Lowry Hills getting more police patrols thanks to private funding of public workers

Lowry Hills will be getting more police patrols next year thanks to a nonprofit that will pay the city $112 an hour. Some are questioning this buyback program while there are staffing shortages.On … more

By Cam Gordon | 12/13/22

Madison Weissenborn holds three-month-old Llasa prior to a free adoption day event on Dec. 9, 2022 meant to clear out the shelter before Christmas. Weissenborn is the volunteer and community partnership coordinator at Minneapolis Animal Care and Control. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)

Not the pound you think you know

The Minneapolis city animal control facility isn’t the grim place many picture.“For a long time, this place would have been called a pound with all the negative aspects that … more

By Tesha M. Christensen | 12/13/22

Author Erin Soderberg hikes on the Superior Hiking Trail with her then-13-year-old son Henry in 2021 while researching and writing “Just Keep Walking.” Henry previously delivered copies of the Southwest Connector and Southwest Journal.

Inspired by the north woods

Erin Soderberg Downing never wanted to be a writer when she was a kid. In fact, she didn’t really like writing all that much. But she did love the adventures books could take her on, and her … more

By Chloe Peter | 12/13/22

Something under the hood is not immediately apparent or obvious. This column will uncover stories that span the neighborhoods covered by TMC Publications. | Susan Schaefer is a widely published independent journalist, creative writer, and poet. Her articles appear in the Minneapolis Star Tribune, PBS’ online magazine, Next Avenue, Next Tribe, and beyond. She was columnist and features writer for Minneapolis’ Southwest Journal and Minnesota Good Age magazine.

Warming up for winter

Ever been accused of having a thin skin? When it comes to maintaining proper body temperature, this old adage is no joke. As we age, our metabolic rate decreases and our skin literally thins. Often, … more

By Susan Schaefer | 12/13/22

Park Board levy up 5.4%

At their Dec. 6 meeting, the Board of Commissioners adopted a 2023 Budget for the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) that focuses on building safer communities, caring for park assets, … more

12/13/22

Updated Cedar lake parkway closure/ trail detour

As part of the construction of the Kenilworth LRT Tunnel in Minneapolis, Cedar Lake Parkway has been closed to vehicle traffic since May 2022. For the duration of this closure, the project has … more

12/13/22

2023 property tax levy rising 6.5%

On Dec.6, after making 26 amendments to Mayor Jacob Frey’s proposal, the council approved a 2023 budget that totals $1.66 billion and increases the property tax levy by 6.5%. The amendments … more

By Cam Gordon | 12/13/22

Ice shanties return Jan. 21-Feb. 12

After a successful festival with pandemic and climate change adaptations last winter, Art Shanty Projects is returning to the frozen water of Bdé Umán/ Lake Harriet in South Minneapolis … more

12/13/22

Artists (left to right) Diver Van Avery, Miré Regulus, and Lacey Prpic Hedkte have created a system where money raised from the sale of lawn signs goes towards the African American Community Land Trust, putting money into the hands of those who were hurt by racial covenants.

Erasing racial covenants, writing new future

In the wake of George Floyd’s murder and the Uprising, artists Diver Van Avery, Lacey Prpic Hedtke and Miré Regulus created an art project called Free the Deeds. It invites the … more

By Chloe Peter | 12/1/22