Southwest Connector

Big Upgrades for Small Spaces: Renovate your bathroom for style and function

(Family Features) Home renovations happen for a variety of reasons. Among the most popular upgrades homeowners tackle, bathroom renovations can be a smart and worthwhile investment.

5 POOL TRENDS MAKING WAVES IN 2025

(NewsUSA) - Backyards are getting a serious glow-up—and pools are leading the charge. From modern designs with resort-worthy features to automation that practically runs the show, today’s pools …

How to purify your home's water

Long's EcoWater Systems discusses the various ways to purify water regardless of your budget, water test results, space and maintenance requirements.

The Great Outdoors Has Good News for You

(NAPS)—Greening urban spaces can help improve the health and happiness of everyone in the neighborhood.

Spruce up your space: Remodel with the right mini-split

(BPT) - The COVID-19 pandemic spurred a surge in home renovations as people spent more time at home. Many tackled DIY projects, like converting garages or building tiny homes, to meet new needs and …

Summer is coming: How to keep pesky mosquitoes away

(BPT) - Did you know that mosquitoes are active as early as late March in some regions of the country? And by May, they're a widespread nuisance across most of the United States. Mosquitoes are not …

How to shop for high-quality designer furniture at affordable prices

DreamSofa offers a guide that explains what makes furniture "designer," how to discern high quality, and how you can find affordable prices on top quality furniture brands.

6 Essential Steps to Prepare Your Home Ahead of a Fire

(BPT) - You can't predict where or when a fire will strike. However, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your family and home. Don't know where to start? Follow these six crucial steps to …

The Right Equipment Readies You For Storms, Unpredictable Spring Weather: Are You Prepared?

(NAPSI)—Weather is more unpredictable than ever before, and homeowners should take stock of the outdoor power equipment they have in their garages and sheds to handle ensuing damage left behind. …

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

Minding my body by celebrating my feet

With warmer weather coming, I have been able to get outside and walk more. Walking more is causing me to be aware that it is so easy for me to take my feet for granted. So, in this column, I am …

Veteran Gary Pashaibn asked protesters to sign his large poster reading "Veterans Earned Their Benefits."

400 protest federal cuts at VA

A rally was held on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 outside the VA at E 54th St and Minnehaha Ave. Gov. Walz and Mayor Frey spoke to about 400 protesters about Trump's threats to VA staff and medical care.

‘Good Ancestors’ recognized by Elders Climate Action

The Twin Cities chapter of Elders Climate Action honored three local activists with its annual Good Ancestor award, recognizing their legacies of community-centered climate action. Elders Climate …

Medicare Annual Update on Oct. 9

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is partnering with MN Senior LinkAge to host a free class to help people learn about Medicare. “Medicare Annual Update” on Wednesday, Oct. …

Minneapolis for a lifetime? Debatable

I recently attended my first Minneapolis Advisory Committee on Aging meeting. I am convinced that in the city of Minneapolis elders/seniors don’t exist. There is such a thing as the …

Wherever you spend the school break, you can help your children have an enjoyable and productive time while on vacation.

Top Tips To Keep Children Busy And Engaged During School Break

(NAPSI)—When the final bell rings for the school year, many parents have concerns about how to keep their children active and engaged without the structure of attending class. In 2025, the …

Three Essential Questions to Ask Your Contractor for a Successful Staining Project

(BPT) - It won't be long before spring has sprung, bringing ideal weather for tackling outdoor home improvement projects. One of the top ways to elevate the look of outdoor wooden surfaces is with a …

How 4 simple ergonomic office changes can support wellness

(BPT) - Sponsored by Office Depot OfficeMaxDo you feel uncomfortable when you work? Imagine a workspace that not only boosts your productivity but also supports your physical wellness. By creating an …

Breathe easier at home and on the road with these 5 tips

(BPT) - How often do you think about your indoor air quality? While many might assume the risk of encountering pollutants and allergens only exists outside, these harmful toxins can't be left at the …

How to soften your home's water

Long's EcoWater Systems helps you understand the most popular ways to make hard water soft in order to choose an appropriate method for your home.

Caring for your home and family

4 Reasons Municipalities Are Choosing PVC Pipe Systems

(BPT) - By Ned MonroePVC pipe has played a key role in water conveyance around the world for more than 70 years. As U.S. municipalities face aging infrastructures and ensuing, costly water loss, PVC …

How to Save Money and Stay Warm This Winter

(BPT) - Do you find yourself putting on an extra sweater or pair of wool socks to avoid turning up the thermostat and increasing your utility bill? According to the U.S. Department of Energy, up to …

Home ideas

Make a Smart Home Investment with an All-Climate Heat Pump

(Family Features) Between rising energy costs and concerns about the efficiency of conventional systems, many homeowners are exploring alternatives. One popular solution is an all-climate heat pump.

Storage Stunners for Every Room of Your Home

(NewsUSA) - Trying to be better organized and looking to overcome your storage dilemma with more than a dull metal rack or a makeshift cubby? Take your cue from these design pros. Throughout the …

Financial Wellness in 2025: Start with These Simple Steps

(NAPSI)—Now that 2025 is here, it’s time to tackle resolutions for a financially healthier year. The self-improvement journey can be expensive so go for goals that will help keep you on track, …

Defend Your Home from Harsh Winter Conditions: 7 pro tips to avoid long-term damage

(Family Features) Harsh winter elements like snow, ice and wind can wreak havoc on your home - if it's not properly prepared and maintained.

Reclaim your kitchen space: New refrigerator design reduces clearance constraints

(BPT) - If you live in a home or apartment with minimal kitchen space due to its wall and cabinet configurations, you probably know how challenging it is to replace major appliances. For example, …

Need a winter DIY project? Time to level up your uneven basement flooring

(BPT) - Stuck indoors? Winter is the perfect time to address indoor issues that affect the functionality, safety, appearance and value of your home. One great example: A basement or other room with …

Keep Your Home Safe from Fires and Other Emergencies This Winter

(NAPSI)—While the winter season brings many joyful moments, it can also bring increased safety risks—but you can protect yourself, your home and your family. Who Can Help Volunteer fire …

Top Backyarding Trends for 2025

(NAPSI)— The popularity of backyarding will continue to increase in 2025, says the TurfMutt Foundation , which has encouraged outdoor living and caring for green spaces for the last 15 years. …

Homeowners' Handbook: Navigating new HVAC refrigerants

(Family Features) Homeowners may not realize it, but one compound impacts their lives nearly every day: refrigerant. Here's what homeowners need to know.

A health checklist for your home’s HVAC system

(BPT) - If you're like most people, you spend up to 90% of your life indoors. That means you are constantly affected by indoor air quality — including the air in your home. While you may not …

Need a new vacuum? These 3 will transform how you clean

(BPT) - Cleaning your home is a necessary but often tedious part of life. However, it doesn't have to be. Using the right products and technology can make household cleaning easier and more …

How to level up your cleaning routine in 2025

(BPT) - If you have struggled with fingerprints all over your stainless steel or stubborn stains on your cooktop, now is the time to take your cleaning routine to the next level and upgrade to …

Want a luxury bathroom? Opt for modular designs

(BPT) - Bathrooms are more than just a necessity of modern living. It's true that they're practical spaces, but practicality doesn't mean you have to sacrifice luxury.Creating a bathroom that …