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Curious Kids

Who was the first pirate?

A 1915 edition of ‘Treasure Island’ illustrated Long John Silver with iconic pirate features.
The first mention of a pirate by name may be in a Greek book from 2,500 years ago. But sea-raiding has been around since the very first boats traversed the world’s waterways.

If people stopped having babies, how long would it be before humans were all gone?

When the population plunges, it can get pretty lonely.
Even though there are 8 billion people on Earth today, a catastrophe could send that number much lower within a few decades.
AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD
An illustration of a draft Hiawatha Links design (2025)
Open house on new Hiawatha Links Design Concepts set for Aug. 14
An open house on new Hiawatha Links design concepts will be held on Aug. 14, 6:30-8 p.m., at the Lake Nokomis Community Center (2401 E Minnehaha Parkway). Drop by any time between 6:30 and 8:00 pm to …
Rep. Samantha Sencer-Mura
Rep. Samantha Sencer-Mura Responds to Republican-Proposed Bill Repealing Ethnic Studies in Minnesota Schools
Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives Education Policy Committee will hear legislation  authored by Ron Kresha (R - Little Falls) repealing Minnesota’s ethnic studies program …
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 …
David Walcher of Urban Boatbuilders instructs Masyn May to lace ribs to the frame of a canoe. Urban Boatbuilders teaches youth how to build boats through paid internships. Gretchen Wilbrandt of Urban Boatbuilders says they seek to let companies know they have employable youth. She cites COVID, global wars, and a mental health crisis as stressors that can make youth feel hopeless.
How can the community help youth succeed?
What are the biggest barriers to young people succeeding in the Twin Cities? Are there enough resources to assist youth facing overwhelming challenges? Are those resources readily accessible? And …
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 …
Kids & Family

Considering anesthesia for a tattoo? What anesthesiologists say you need to know

(BPT) - Tattoos have gone mainstream — about one in three U.S. adults has at least one. Some people consider the pain of getting a tattoo part of the experience or a rite of passage. Others may …

5 ways to be more prepared this hurricane season

(BPT) - As this year's hurricane season gets underway, it's a good idea to make sure you've done everything you can to prepare your home and family for weather emergencies. Even if you've gotten …

School smartphone bans reflect growing concern over youth mental health and academic performance

New laws that ban smartphones or social media for youth are being introduced across several Western nations.

Across the US, parents are leading the charge to limit cellphone use in schools.

Family Meals Fill Hearts and Minds as Well as Plates

Family Meals Fill Hearts and Minds as Well as Plates

(NewsUSA) - Family Meals Nurture Civility and Connection at the TableWhether it’s laughing over spaghetti or tackling tough conversations, family meals offer more than just food. They foster …

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD
“I have an amazing family supporting me,” said HHH Job Corps graduate Nikoli Fitzgerald, pictured with several family members after the commencement ceremony held on May 22. He completed HBI’s Building Construction Technology trade at the St. Paul, Minn. center before enrolling in advanced Overhead Line training at Oneonta Job Corps in New York. Fitzgerald now works full-time as a lineman for Miller Electrical in Hasting, Minn.
HHH Job Corps celebrates 120 graduates during ceremony
On Thursday, May 20, 2025, Hubert H. Humphrey Job Corps (1480 Snelling Ave.) celebrated 120 graduates. Of those, 65 returned to participate in the ceremony. Those who couldn’t attend were …
Dr. Gwendolyn Freed
New president at MCAD
Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) has appointed Gwendolyn Freed, PhD, as the institution’s 20th president, effective June 1, 2025. She was selected by unanimous vote of the Board of …
Nordic Ski team earns state championship
The Washburn High School girls Nordic ski team are state champions for the first time in the school’s history. The team placed first at the Minnesota State High School League Nordic Ski …
The students visiting from Kasugaoka High School in Ibaraki City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan met with Anthony Middle School students. “They were a big hit!,” said Southwest High School teacher Nathan Hamel. (Photo submitted)
Sister schools
During the school week, the students from Japan presented about Japanese culture and joined their host students to experience what school is like in America. On Thursday, the students from Kasugaoka …
Washburn Girls Nordic Ski team earns state championship
The Washburn High School girls Nordic ski team are  State champions  for the first time in the school’s history. The team placed first at the Minnesota State High School League Nordic …
More news about your kids and family

Families Are Hitting the Road for Summer Travel: How to Maximize Every Travel Dollar

(BPT) - With summer in full swing, families are hitting the road for vacations, choosing cars over planes for everything from camping weekends to family reunions. Car travel remains the top choice, …

20 Years of Smiles: How One Soccer Program Is Building Confident Kids

20 Years of Smiles: How One Soccer Program Is Building Confident Kids
(NewsUSA) - Grass-stained sneakers. A shiny, round ball. A handful of four-year-olds laughing and clapping nearby. And then, for Soccer Shots participant Ben, a big moment — his very first kick.For …

1 in 3 Florida third graders have untreated cavities – how parents can protect their children’s teeth

Many Florida children lack access to routine dental care.

Florida is one of the worst states in the US when it comes to access to affordable dental care – and children are suffering as a result.

Summer Organization Made Easy: 5 creative ways to simplify a busy summer

(Family Features) Keep stress at bay and bring a sense of order to your summer adventures with these simple, creative hacks.

Warm Weather Cleaning: How to Tackle Mold & Mildew and Keep Your Home Fresh

(BPT) - As we gear up for the excitement of summer – backyard gatherings, vacations and longer days – there also comes the challenge of keeping your home clean and guest-ready. Warm …

(Family Features) Celebrate Mom and other special women in your life with a Mother's Day gift that makes a lasting impact for children.
Read more.
Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Whole Home Air?
(BPT) - Choosing energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment, scheduling regular maintenance appointments and changing the furnace filter can all help contribute to a more comfortable and …
Climate Adhesive Sticks Up for Building Safety
Climate Adhesive Sticks Up for Building Safety
(NewsUSA) - Violent weather events cause substantial loss of life and property damage throughout the world. Although we can’t control the weather, we can control how we prepare. Climate® Non-Slump …
Beat the heat: Urban Air offers special pass for unlimited summer fun for kids
(BPT) - Summer is made for play — but when the temperatures rise, outdoor fun can turn into indoor boredom fast. If your kids are bouncing off the walls, take the energy somewhere it belongs …
Moving to a new climate zone? Keep your cool
(BPT) - Relocating from a Northern region to a Southern U.S. state can provide a mild respite from frigid winters. However, if problems exist within your new home's energy infrastructure, moving to a …
A whole home approach to energy efficiency
(BPT) - A spike in home energy bills often leads consumers to suspect a problem with their heating or cooling equipment. However, before assuming faulty equipment is the cause of high energy bills, …
More family topics
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