The City of Minneapolis has reported that the impact of Operation Metro Surge has cost Minneapolis communities over $203 million. While there are multiple sectors this impact has had, the highest …

Every spring, as temperatures start to rise, Twin Cities gardeners face the same question: “Is it finally safe to plant?” This can be a complicated decision! Read on to demystify hardiness zones, …

The first column I wrote for the Messenger in 2023 was about universal health care. While that hasn't happened yet, Minneapolis does offer some free mental health services. If you or someone you know …

This column is leading with me fondly remembering Adam Schindler, a favorite acupuncturist of mine when he was practicing at Everspring Health in Uptown. At that time, he knew I was starting to write …

On any given Monday afternoon during the school year, you’ll find a group of highly committed and energetic volunteers waiting and ready to help students through the Homework Help program offered …

Happy spring, south Minneapolis! Welcome to another growing season and another season of the City Gardener. As I’m writing this column, it’s 75 degrees out. By the time you read this, it will …

The first casualty of war is truth. Unless truthtellers are on the ground. Minneapolis has an army of them. And they've been relentless. Over the past several months, residents across the city …

My friend, P, and I had seen the social media videos of Singing Resistance for several days. Dozens, then eventually hundreds, of people walking through the streets of Minneapolis singing short, …

I am among other things at heart a Minneapolis street person. I have just learned that the boss, Bruce Springsteen, has written a song called “The Streets of Minneapolis.” The theme of this …

Minnesota is once again facing unprecedented times with the intrusion of ICE in our cities. And once again, we are seeing the strength, resilience and hope Minnesotans have been known for. This is …

As far as I can tell the writing of this column started the last Friday of December. I was approaching the front door of Turtle Bread intent on participating in Elder Voices (Telling Our …

One of the beauties of the Nokomis East Neighborhood is the variety of home styles, types, and ages in the area. While Hennepin County as a whole has a mix of newer and older homes and an average …

As I’ve tried to describe what’s happening in the Twin Cities to those I know outside the city, I struggle to find words. I’ll echo what others have told me. It’s a war-zone. We see and smell …

The Fort Snelling-Mendota Bridge has a long history with many connections to the sacred and hallowed history of Minnesota. In fact, in many ways, it is at the very center of our collective memory, …

Welcome to 2026 and year five of Stories and Journeys. This time of year I get to experience and celebrate light in the midst of darkness. There is my personal experience of aches and pains somehow …

In his Oct. 5 essay on Substack, Robert Reich observed that many individuals are experiencing symptoms consistent with mental health diagnoses such as anxiety and depression. “But what many of us …

At NENA, we are excited to head into 2026 stronger than ever. Thanks to the amazing residents and business owners of the Nokomis East neighborhood, we are informed on how we can best support the …

I became a writer, advocate, and changemaker as a young teen because I realized how empowered I feel when there are resources to strengthen communities and yourself through service. I’ve …

MY NO KINGS FRONT YARD PROTEST It’s Oct. 18. No Kings protest day. A few days earlier I knew I wanted to do something. It was unlikely I could make it to one of the formally announced protests. …

SEPT. 26: ELDER VOICES EXPERIENCES AN UNEXPECTED MILESTONE I have been showing up for Elder Voices (Telling Our Stories/Sharing Our Journeys) at Turtle Bread for several years going back to 2016. As …