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Curious Kids

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.
During ice ages, ice sheets like the one in Greenland have covered much of Earth's surface.
How many ice ages has the Earth had, and could humans live through one?
The Earth has had at least five major ice ages, and humans showed up in time for the most recent one. In fact, we’re still in it.
The human brain has 86 billion neurons that make trillions of connections.
Can you upload a human mind into a computer? A neuroscientist ponders what’s possible
Science has done many things that seem miraculous. Why not transfer your consciousness to a machine?
AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD
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 …
Mark Rivard of Do Rad Things
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 …
Kids & Family

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, …

How to understand your home energy use — and cut costs

(BPT) - Heating and cooling systems account for around 55% of the average home's energy use, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). And during the warmer summer months, HVAC systems are …

4 ways to celebrate National Mac and Cheese Day

(BPT) - Macaroni and cheese is a quintessential comfort food everyone loves. It's homey, cheesy and tasty, evoking comfort like no other dish. National Mac and Cheese Day is the perfect excuse to …

AI is helping parents lighten the mental load — and reclaim time for what matters most

(BPT) - Anyone raising children knows how challenging it can be. For today's parents, the heaviest load is often mental: navigating household logistics, daily routines, meal planning and more. While …

Is gaming good for kids?

In addition to being fun, video games can build real-world skills.

Research shows multiple social and cognitive benefits of playing video games.

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

Before you book: 5 things parents should know about private coaching

Athletes Untapped reveals that while private sports coaching has long been a behind-the-scenes part of youth athletics, it's become a booming micro-economy—fueled by everyday families looking for something different.

One month with big impact: Magenta Giving in action

(BPT) - If you've ever wondered what a committed group of people could accomplish in one month, wonder no more: During T-Mobile's third annual Magenta Giving Month, employees dedicated themselves to …

(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.
What to Pack for Summer Camp 2025: A Parent-Approved Checklist
(BPT) - With millions of kids attending camp each summer in the U.S., parents are gearing up for the return of swim days, tie-dye crafts, and nature hikes. Whether it's their first camp or their …
Half of Americans say the memories made during vacation are priceless, yet 1 in 3 plan to cut back spending on travel
(BPT) - About half of Americans (44%) say the memories they make when vacationing are priceless, yet economic pressures are reshaping how they approach travel. New Empower research shows that many …
Expected and unexpected changes: How life insurance can help
(BPT) - Life is full of changes — some that you can plan for and others that can't be planned for. However, did you know you and your loved ones can be more prepared with life insurance?Life …
How one foundation's $1 million pledge is changing children’s lives
(BPT) - Every child deserves the chance to play, dream and just be a kid — no matter what their circumstances. That's why the Unleashed Brands Foundation — the charitable affiliate of the …
6 gifts that will have the dads and grads in your life feeling the love
(BPT) - June is a busy month! Whether you're celebrating Father's Day, graduation or both, you'll want to make sure that the dads and grads in your life know how much you love and appreciate …
More family topics
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