Good Things

Snow Days Minnesota Zoo

(Apple Valley, MN– December 24th, 2024 — While the snow may make travel difficult, it’s a welcomed treat for many at the Minnesota Zoo! The recent snowfall brought joy and excitement to the zoo’s residents, with Asian wild horses and camels seen galloping through the fresh powder, and Marty McFly, the fast-as-lightning pine marten, along with the zoo’s pair of wolverines, experiencing the “snow zoomies.” Snow days are an excellent

Dr. Kent Scheff Sports Medicine

(St Paul, MN) —  Dec. 21, 2024  — Dr. Kent Scheff, a renowned physician specializing in Primary Care Sports Medicine, is pleased to announce the launch of the Dr. Kent Scheff Scholarship for Sports Medicine, an annual scholarship program designed to support undergraduate students pursuing a career in sports medicine. The scholarship will be awarded through a competitive essay contest, and the recipient will receive a $1,000 award to help

Sun Country Airlines Minnesota Golden Gopher

(Minneapolis, MN) —  Dec. 21, 2024  — Sun Country Airlines debuted its first custom-designed aircraft livery in celebration of Minnesota Golden Gopher Athletics. Sun Country was named the Official Airline of Gopher Athletics in 2023. In addition, Sun Country has provided charter service for the university’s sports teams since 2012 and has flown nearly 500 charters during the past 12 years. “Sun Country is proud to debut this aircraft design

Blake & Gavin Stahl

(Minneapolis, MN) — This year, Minneapolis was named the 11th most generous city in the US by GoFundMe.Aside from Medical, Memorial, and Emergency causes, the most frequently supported categories in Minneapolis were Family, Community, and Animals. Some of the most notable fundraisers in Minneapolis include:  Support Kristina Folkerts’ Family in Tragedy The community came together to support the family of Kristina Folkerts, who was killed during a tragic accident at

Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys”

(Minneapolis, MN) — December 9th, 2024 — The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) announces the Midwest debut of “Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys,” on view from March 9 to July 13, 2025, in the museum’s Target Galleries. This groundbreaking exhibition marks the first major showcase of the Dean Collection, owned by renowned musicians and cultural icons Swizz Beatz (Kasseem Dean) and Alicia Keys. Organized

Grants Urban Agriculture

(Minnesota) — November 20, 2024 — A new grant opportunity for urban farmers in Minnesota to make conservation-focused improvements is now available, alongside returning grant funding for groups seeking to promote urban youth agricultural education and urban agricultural community development. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is once again offering $1.87 million for this round of its Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Urban Agriculture Grant. In addition, the MDA

Holiday Train Rolls Into Minnesota

  (Minnesota) — December 10th, 2024 — All aboard! The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train is set to stop in 20 Minnesota towns this December, bringing live entertainment and Christmas cheer in exchange for donations to local food banks. This annual tradition has become a beloved event, lighting up the winter nights with its festive spirit. The Holiday Train stretches about 1,000 feet in length and features 14 brightly decorated rail cars. Each car is adorned with hundreds of thousands of LEDs and holiday designs, celebrating the season of giving. The train’s dazzling lights and joyful atmosphere make it a spectacular sight to behold. Depending on the day, visitors can enjoy free musical performances by artists such as

2024 Jingle Bells Telethon

(Alexandria, MN) — December 10th, 2024 — The 76th annual Jingle Bells Telethon brought festive cheer and holiday spirit to Alexandria, MN, on Saturday, December 7, 2024. Held at the Alexandria Area High School Performing Arts Center, the event ran from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m., featuring live entertainment, heartwarming stories, and opportunities for the community to give back. The telethon, organized by the Jingle Bells Foundation, aims to raise funds

Special Olympics Athletes at White House

The President will host a dinner honoring Special Olympics athletes as they prepare to compete at the upcoming Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin in March 2025. (Washinton DC) — Dec. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — President Joe Biden will host a dinner Tuesday evening for Special Olympics and supporters of the organization titled, “A Christmas for All: Celebration of Unity, America and Special Olympics.” The event will recognize the work that Special Olympics, with

Twin Cities Youth Featured JP4 Foundation

(Minneapolis, MN) — December 9th, 2024 —  Access to a positive role model who shares a child’s community and culture can make a lasting difference in the life of a student — as well as in the life of the young adult mentoring them. This is the premise that guides Minnesota-based youth development nonprofit JP4 Foundation, which hosted its annual fundraiser event recently at the Radisson Blu Mall of America.

Wayside Gardens Welcomes the Unique Firefly Petunia: The Glow-in-the-Dark Flower

(Edina, MN) — December 5, 2024 — Wayside Gardens® introduces the addition of the Firefly Petunia. This new bloom, developed through advanced biotechnology, is the world’s first glow-in-the-dark flower, combining the beauty of nature with innovative science. By day, it is a classic white petunia, but as night falls, it transforms into a luminescent wonder. Key Features and Facts About the Firefly Petunia • World’s First Bioluminescent Flower: Developed using naturally

Rasmussen University Community Service

From dedicated volunteer hours to university-wide service initiatives, Rasmussen is providing meaningful support where it is needed most (Minnapolis, MN) —  Dec. 3, 2024 — As the world comes together for Giving Tuesday, Rasmussen University is proud to celebrate its unwavering commitment to community enrichment and service to the public good—core tenets of the University’s mission. Through programs that empower faculty, staff, and students to give back, Rasmussen University exemplifies

The GOD’S CHILD Project Guatemala

SPONSORSHIP DRIVE PUTS FOCUS ON UNLOCKING THE POWER OF EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN IN NEED We are so thankful for the ongoing love, prayers, and financial support of our sponsors” — Patrick Atkinson (Minnapolis, MN) —  December 3, 2024  — The GOD’S CHILD Project, a global organization dedicated to breaking the chains of poverty and providing housing, healthcare, education, and sustainable development to those in need, today announced their MIRACLE MATCH

The Last Rival: A Time of Our Choosing by Kyle Palmer Launches Soon

  (Minneapolis, MN) —  November 29, 2024 — We are thrilled to announce the upcoming release of The Last Rival: A Time of Our Choosing, the latest novel by acclaimed author Kyle Palmer. Set to launch on December 10th 2024, this compelling story offers readers a deep dive into post-World War II tensions, following Lewis Weinman, Jim Bolden, and a group of individuals facing the complexities of an uncertain geopolitical

DigiWish Holiday Giveaway

(Thief River Falls, MN) — Nov. 27, 2024 — DigiKey, a leading global commerce distributor offering the largest selection of technical components and automation products in stock for immediate shipment, is excited to launch its 16th annual DigiWish Giveaway on Dec. 1, 2024. DigiKey is kicking off the holiday season early by selecting 24 lucky winners as part of the company’s continued mission to help engineers, designers and makers accelerate

Minnesota Turkeys Pardoned

NTF Celebrates 77-year Tradition of National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation (Washington DC) — Nov. 25, 2024  — National Turkey Federation (NTF) Chairman John Zimmerman presented the National Thanksgiving Turkeys named Peach and Blossom to President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. today during the National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation at the White House. Peach and Blossom received a formal pardon from the holiday table and will now reside at Farmamerica, Minnesota’s Center for Agricultural Interpretation, in Waseca, Minnesota. This year’s

Eagle Cam Update

Original camera will also remain on   (Minnesota) — November 22nd, 2024 — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources EagleCam, with viewers in all 50 states and more than 150 countries, will feature a new location and pair of bald eagles when it goes live Thursday. The original EagleCam will also remain on during the coming season. The new camera will focus on the nesting behavior of a breeding pair

Kiss the Ground Direct-to-Farmer Grants

(Los Angeles, CA) — Nov. 21, 2024  — In an era where most people have never met a farmer or know where their food comes from, Kiss the Ground, a pioneering nonprofit championing regeneration and soil health, is taking bold steps to connect consumers with the heroes who grow their food regeneratively. Today, the organization announces $500,000 in direct-to-farmer grants alongside a new set of farmer offerings. This initiative, the

Winter anglers Mille Lacs Lake

(Red Lake, MN) — Due to excellent results in the fall netting assessment of walleye on Upper Red Lake, the winter season walleye limit on Upper Red will continue to be a four fish possession limit, with only one walleye longer than 17 inches allowed. “Our fall assessment placed us in a surplus condition, which allows us to set a more liberal target harvest,” said Brad Parsons, Minnesota Department of

Free Entrance to Minnesota State Parks and Recreation Areas on Friday, Nov. 29

  Minnesotans encouraged to explore outdoors with friends and family over the holiday weekend   (Minnesota) — November 18th, 2024 — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is waiving entrance fees to all 73 state parks and recreation areas the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, Nov. 29. This “Free Park Day” is one of four days each year when the DNR waives the requirement for a vehicle permit for state parks

High-Performance Low-Carbon Concrete

Carbon Upcycling, Minnesota DOT and National Road Research Alliance Joint Study Shows High-Performance Low-Carbon Concrete is Stronger than Existing Roadways Carbon Upcycling’s concrete mix demonstrated a 28% increase in strength at 28 days, while reducing cementitious content by 12.3%, setting a new standard for low-carbon sustainable infrastructure   (Calgary, AB) — Nov. 12, 2024  – Carbon Upcycling Technologies, Inc. (Carbon Upcycling), a leader in decarbonization and carbon capture & utilization

Legacy Amendment Small Grants

ST. PAUL, Minn. (November 12, 2024) – The Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) is pleased to announce the newest recipients of 30 Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Small Grants ($10,000 and less), totaling $253,605 in 15 counties. Small grants are awarded quarterly to help nonprofits, educational organizations, government units, and federally recognized tribes to preserve and share Minnesota history. This cycle of awards was approved by the MNHS Executive Council on September 19, 2024.

What Minnesota Deer Hunters Can Expect This Season

(Minnesota) — October 14, 2024 — More than 400,000 deer hunters are preparing for the firearms deer season that opens Saturday, Nov. 9. The season offers opportunities to spend time outdoors with friends and family, find adventure and put venison in the freezer. Deer hunting is the primary tool used to manage deer populations, and hunters help keep deer numbers in line with population goals across the state. Managing deer

The Warner Archive Collection John Ford's "The Searchers"

The Searchers 4k with O-card sleave packaging Newly Remastered and Restored from the Original VistaVision Negative. Available December 17th from the Warner Archive Collection. (Minneapolis, MN) —  November 7, 2024  — Perhaps the greatest collaboration between the legendary director John Ford and his famed leading man John Wayne, the 1956 Warner Bros. classic The Searchers will be arriving on 4K UHD Blu-ray disc, meticulously restored and newly remastered from its

Midwest Autism & Therapy Centers

(St Paul, MN) —  Nov. 4, 2024   — Midwest Autism & Therapy Centers recently welcomed a delegation of Minnesota state legislators to their Edina and Woodbury facilities. Senator Dr. Alice Mann, Senator Nicole Mitchell and House Representative Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger joined Clinical Director Melanie Bren, M.Ed., BCBA for a series of discussions aimed at raising awareness for the needs of families and clinicians supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Promoting Understanding and Support for Autism Therapy Services During their visits,

Split Rock Light House

(Two Harbors, MN) —  (October 28, 2024) – On November 10, Split Rock Lighthouse will hold its annual memorial for the 29 lives lost during the SS Edmund Fitzgerald’s sinking in 1975. For those who cannot attend the ceremony in person, an online livestream will bring the event to the public throughout Minnesota and beyond. The event will be streamed on Split Rock Lighthouse’s Facebook Page, and the Minnesota Historical Society’s YouTube channel.

Native American History Month MIA

(Minneapolis, MN) — Nov 1st, 2024 — In celebration of Native American History Month, the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) presents a suite of exhibitions, displays, and programming that honors Native American culture and artistry. With ongoing and upcoming exhibits featuring influential Native artists, Mia emphasizes its commitment to recognizing Indigenous perspectives through inclusive and community-centered curation. “At the Minneapolis Institute of Art, we are honored to celebrate Native American History

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation

(Eagan, MN) —  Oct. 24, 2024  — The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation has awarded $4.08M in grants to 18 nonprofit organizations in Minnesota, as part of its focus on increasing healthcare coverage across Minnesota, supporting community solutions to accessing equitable care, and increasing awareness about communities most impacted by a lack of healthcare access. Nine grants were awarded through the Foundation’s recent Access to Equitable Healthcare

Snapshots of Everyday Life

(St Paul, MN) — September 27, 2024 – Thousands of photographs that capture a view of community life in Minnesota will be available to the public, following the acquisition by the Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS). The archive of photographs and related material are by artist, writer, educator, and photographer Wing Young Huie.  The first year’s material, 1,000 images and supporting material, is available in the searchable Collections Online database and the Gale

Prevention of Wolf Attacks

(St Paul, MN) — Oct 2nd 2024 — New money is available to Minnesota livestock producers to help prevent wolf attacks. A total of $45,000 will be awarded by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) through the Wolf-Livestock Conflict Prevention Grants. Applications are due January 3, 2025. The grants provide reimbursement for costs of approved practices to prevent wolf-livestock conflicts. Only costs incurred after entering into a grant agreement with

Buckingham Creek Stream Restoration

DNR and partners restore imperiled trout stream through Enger Park Golf Course in Duluth (Duluth, MN) — October 8th, 2024 — Native brook trout will soon benefit from improved habitat as the Buckingham Creek stream restoration project nears completion. Buckingham Creek has the coldest water of Duluth’s 16 trout streams and runs through the city of Duluth’s Enger Park Golf Course. When the city needed to make some improvements to

First Phase of Graco Park Opens on the Northeast Minneapolis Riverfront

(North Minneapolis, MN) — September 25th, 2024 — Graco Park is now open along the Northeast Minneapolis riverfront. The new nine-acre park is located just north of the Plymouth Avenue Bridge, between Boom Island Park and Graco Inc. headquarters. It includes Hall’s Island, which was restored in 2018, plus new trails and walkways, a river landing, public art, picnic tables, and gathering spaces surrounded by hundreds of new trees and

Blue Cross and Blue Shield Center to Combat Racial and Health Inequities

(Eagan, MN) —  Sept. 23, 2024 — As an extension and evolution of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota mission to pave the way for everyone to achieve their healthiest life, the company today announced the launch of the Center for Racial and Health Equity. The Center for Racial and Heath Equity builds on Blue Cross’s longstanding commitment to health equity, with a renewed focus on systemic inequities

Institute of Art Jody Folwell

(Minneapolis, MN) — August 28th, 2024  – The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia), in partnership with The Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia, is thrilled to welcome “O’ Powa O’ Meng: The Art and Legacy of Jody Folwell” as the museum’s latest exhibition, available for viewing from Sept. 14, 2024 – Jan. 26, 2025 in the Cargill Gallery. Jody Folwell is a contemporary potter from Kha’p’o Owingeh

Fall Color 2022

(Minnesota) –September 6, 2024 — To celebrate Minnesota’s most colorful season, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources shares a fall color forecast, typical timing of peak colors, ways for Minnesotans to find where colors are at their peak each week, and autumn trip-planning tips. The 2024 fall colors forecast Fall colors in Minnesota typically peak in mid-to-late-September through mid-October, starting in the northwest and working toward the southeast corner of

Minnesota State Fair Wraps Up the 2024 Great Minnesota Get-Together

(St Paul, MN)  – Sept. 3, 2024  –The 2024 Minnesota State Fair brought people together from across the state of Minnesota to celebrate. Labor Day attendance of 175,889 brought this year’s cumulative total to 1,925,904, making it the fifth best-attended fair ever. Day of the Week Aug. 22 to Sept. 2, 2024 Aug. 24 to Sept. 4, 2023 Aug. 25 to Sept. 5, 2022 Record Daily Attendance (Year) Thursday 138,875*

Minnesota retaining residents 2024

(Minnesota) — September 4th, 2024 —  moveBuddha examined 175k searches for relocations this year to see which states are doing the best job at keeping their residents in their state this year. Inspired by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas’s findings on lifelong stickiness, this report reveals which states relocating residents are stickiest in 2024. The key seems to be affordability. The findings come from a new report we published

Minnesota’s Regular Waterfowl Season

Minnesota DNR reminds hunters about Sunday, Sept. 1 start date for teal, goose seasons (Minnesota) — August 26th, 2024 — Minnesota waterfowl seasons are around the corner and hunters have a wide variety of opportunities to look forward to in 2024, with seasons starting Sunday, Sept. 1. “It’s critical that hunters review the regulations and hunting season dates this year to ensure they are in compliance,” said Nate Huck, Minnesota

Corn Maze 2024 Fall Festival

Located near Lanesboro, Minnesota, Big Springs Farm chose to honor the ancestry of the region with a Norwegian theme for their 2024 Corn Maze and Fall Festival.   Everyone is welcome here. We have created a space on our farm for you and your family to spend time playing together, and we hope you will take that opportunity this fall.” — Justin Brown, co-owner of Big Springs Farm   (Lanesboro,

I Belong Here Mural

1000+ participate in the I Belong Here Mural at the MN State Fair at the Cultural Destinations Boutique featuring cultural gifts from small businesses.   Cultural Destinations is a space to enjoy culture. Culture is Cool.” — Dr. Bruce P Corrie     (St Paul, MN) —  August 30, 2024 — Over a 1000 State Fair Visitors placed their mark of belonging on the Circle of Belonging mural at the

SBA Offers Funding Flooding

(Atlanta, GA) — August 26th, 2024 — The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) encourages small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and private nonprofit organizations in Minnesota with economic losses due to the severe storms and flooding that occurred June 15 through July 4 to apply for working capital disaster loans before the deadline. The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) provide funds for working capital needs caused

DNR 90th anniversary Smokey’s 80th birthday

(Minneapolis, MN) — August 15th, 2024 — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ building and surrounding grounds at the Minnesota State Fair (which runs from Aug. 22 to Sept. 2) will feature new musicians, presentations and activities, in addition to popular attractions from previous years. The Minnesota DNR’s iconic State Fair log building opened 90 years ago in 1934, and its park-like location provides fairgoers with a unique opportunity to

Hunt for History at the Great Minnesota Get Together

The Minnesota Historical Society will host interactive history lessons at the Minnesota State Fair ST. PAUL, Minn (August 13, 2024) – From new activities to perennial favorites, there will be no shortage of opportunities to engage with history at the Minnesota State Fair! The Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) encourages visitors to join in the following activities: MNHS 175 History Hunt The MNHS 175 History Hunt celebrates MNHS’s 175th anniversary with

NMDP Annual LA Gala Fundraiser

(Minneapolis, MN) —  Aug. 13, 2024   —  NMDPSM (formerly Be The Match®) hosted its annual gala in Los Angeles on Friday, August 9 at the Skirball Cultural Center. The critical funds raised will support patient financial assistance and innovative cell therapy research to improve post-transplant outcomes and expand access to treatment so every patient can receive their life-saving cell therapy. In 2023, NMDP provided $5.5 million in grants to more

2024 Park & Ride MN State Fair

  (St Paul, MN) — August 19th, 2024 — The following information is subject to change. Park free and ride for free – serving 31 locations, most of which are close to the fairgrounds! Buses run regularly from 8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. (9:30 p.m. on Labor Day). Times vary based on traffic and crowds. Grandstand shows typically end between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. (On Labor Day, the Grandstand

The Minnesota Autism Center Summer Carnival

  (Bemidji, MN) — August 13th, 2024 — The Minnesota Autism Center (MAC) is excited to announce that we will be hosting a summer carnival on August 17th from 11am to 4pm. We would like to extend an invitation to the community to join us for this fun-filled event. The purpose of this carnival is to strengthen our connections with the Bemidji and surrounding communities and to express our gratitude

MN State Fair App

  (St Paul, MN) — August 13th, 2024 – Be in the know when you’re on the go with the new Official MN State Fair App, now available for download in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. This innovative app allows fair goers to plan their visit from the palm of their hand, offering the latest information on the 2024 Official New Foods, Food Finder, Shopping Finder, daily

Alexandria Resident Milestone Robotic Joint Replacement

  (Alexandria, MN) — August 12th, 2024 — On June 19, Lavern Schmidt, 67, of Alexandria, marked a significant milestone as the 3,000th patient to undergo robotic joint replacement at Alomere Health’s Joint Replacement Center. Schmidt, who received a knee replacement performed by Dr. Dennis Weigel of Heartland Orthopedic Specialists, is now enjoying remarkable results. Schmidt’s surgery utilized the advanced Mako SmartRobotics™ technology, which allows for a personalized surgical experience

New Landmark Emerges; Construction Begins on State-of-the-Art Military & Veterans Museum in Minnesota

(Camp Ripley, MN) — Aug. 01, 2024 —  The Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum officially began construction on a 40,000-square-foot facility at Camp Ripley, Minn. This marks the start of active construction following a ceremonial groundbreaking last September. The facility and surrounding grounds are set for completion and grand opening in the summer of 2026. Army Gen. Joseph Votel, a Minnesota native and the former four-star commander of U.S. Special

Winter anglers Mille Lacs Lake

Early season conditions allow for increased late season fishing opportunity (Mille Lacs, MN) — August 1, 2024 — Effective Friday, Aug. 16, Mille Lacs walleye anglers can harvest up to two walleye through Saturday, Nov. 30. Both fish can be 18-20 inches in length or one can be 18-20 inches and the other must be longer than 28 inches. “With high angler catch rates last fall, we opted for setting