Inviting ALL Young People Back to School in Minneapolis

As school starts in the Minneapolis Public Schools, we are doing something extra this year. With the support of the city's Youth Coordinating Board and our many community partners, we are sending a message to young people who haven't finished school: We Want You Back. We are reaching out to young people and inviting them to come "home" to Minneapolis. We will do whatever it takes to help them finish school and get their diploma. Monday, August 30, 2010

Breaking the Chains: Five Solutions for Ending Foreign Oil Dependence

America doesn't have to depend on overseas sources for its vital national interests. Aside from creating millions of jobs, a move toward energy independence can begin the process of rebuilding the U.S. industrial base. This would allow us to provide one of the most stable and secure energy supplies in the world. Best of all, the new domestic energy can be both renewable and sustainable. Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Proposed Federal Rules Would Help Protect Minority Students from Career Education Rip-Offs

New Web Site Explains What's at Stake; Makes it Easy for Students and Taxpayers to Comment on Proposed Rules: www.ProtectStudentsAndTaxpayers.org Wednesday, August 25, 2010

College Prep Elementary - Food Service Program

The College Prep Elementary will begin its second school year on September 7, 2010, from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., with the mission Starting Young, Staring Strong For a Lifetime of Success. The College Prep Elementary is also participating in the Food Service Program. Meals will be providing to all children. The students who qualify as free will receives free breakfast and lunch, students who qualify as reduced will receive free breakfast and will have to pay $0.40 for lunch. The students who are not qualifying for free a deduced meal will pay $1.75 for breakfast and $2.75 for lunch. Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Experience Green At The Minnesota State Fair Green Street, Energy Star House and Much More

More than 1.5 million people have attended the largest environmental event of its kind in the country, and it is right here in Minnesota. The Eco Experience, a 25,000 square-foot interactive exhibit, returns for its fifth year at the Minnesota State Fair. Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Come Play With Us!

Families attending the Minnesota State Fair are invited to explore new games and kid activities at this year's Eco Experience. Fair goers can learn how a 4,000 year old tree ring can hold information about the climate, become a scientist for a day and explore how to make plastics from plants, or test their skills with the Water Skee game where they'll learn some simple ideas to protect Minnesota's lakes and streams. Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Hmong College Prep Academy to Serve Free Breakfast & Lunch to Students

Hmong College Prep Academy District today announced an amendment to its policy for serving meals to students under the National School Lunch / School Breakfast Programs for the 2010-2011 school year. All students will be served breakfast / lunch at no charge at the following sites: 1515 Brewster Street. St. Paul, MN 55108. Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Tragic Turn in Traffic Stop

Early in the morning on Wednesday, August 18, St. Paul police attempted to pull a man over for a standard traffic violation-failing to stop at a stop sign. The driver Kou Xiong Vang did not stop or speed up. Vang had been in some trouble previously for selling meth. In 2009 he pled guilty to 2 counts of drug possession. Mao Vang, Kou's mother said, "he grew up poor and the only reason he sold what he did was to be a provider for his family." Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Nutritional Supplements: What You Should Know

Men and women should educate themselves and use caution before taking nutritional supplements to reduce their cancer risks, according to experts at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center. Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Mayor Rybak and Brother Ali Team Up To Encourage Young People to Get Back In School

Mayor R.T. Rybak and rap star Brother Ali film public service announcement for the "We Want Your Back" campaign. Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Mushroom Season is Here - But Beware of the Poisonous Varieties

Anna Gerenday grew up in Europe. As a child she recalls picking mushrooms in the fields around her home. The children were always carefully educated on the signs of dangerous mushrooms. Sometimes edible mushrooms and dangerous mushrooms look very similar. Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Stretch Your Back-To-School Budget

State and local government budget cuts have taken their toll on practically every public service, including school districts. As parents, you're probably already being asked to contribute more and more to fund your children's classroom and extracurricular activities. That means when it comes to personal budgeting, we've got to do more with less. Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Minnesota Literacy Council Looking For Tutors

Becoming a tutor with Minnesota Literacy Council is a great opportunity for adults of any age to connect with their community by empowering learners. Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Wilder Foundation Inaugurates New President

History was made on Tuesday, August 17. The Wilder Foundation inaugurated its new president, MayKao Hang. She is the first woman and person of color to run the organization. Robin Hanson, chair of the Wilder Board said, "It is with great pleasure and excitement," that they enter this new phase of their organization. She added that everyone on the board have, "put in a big amount of time on this project ... we are very excited and know she will take us into the future with flying colors." Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Century College Foundation Announces Scholarship Winners for 2010-2011

The Century College Foundation is pleased to announce that 98 students have won scholarships totaling $117,250 for the 2010-2011 academic year. The Century College Foundation this year offered six new scholarships. An additional 93 scholarships were awarded through the Preparing to Achieve a College Education program. Wednesday, August 25, 2010

For-Profit College Accused of Operating Illegally in Wisconsin

Now that she knows Westwood College was never authorized to operate in Wisconsin, Janesville resident Melissa Willes wants her $25,000 back. Wednesday, August 25, 2010

"I Love You With All My Kidney"

According to the National Kidney Foundation, 26 million adults in America suffered from chronic kidney disease and millions of others are at risk. 79,000 people are on the waiting list for a kidney and that number is growing every year. 3,916 people die each year while waiting for a kidney. I am one of the 26 million adults who suffered for 16 years from chronic kidney disease. On April 8th, 2010, I had a kidney transplant from a living donor. My kidney problems started in 1995, when I was a junior in college. It was in the middle of winter and during final exams. I had a sore throat, but I did not think much of it because I was busy studying for final exams. The sore throat went away and two months later, I started having abdominal pain and began feeling really fatigue. I could have gone to the University Health Center for a check-up, but I was stubborn. I thought it was the flu and since I was young, I can overcome it. I was wrong. The pain worsened, and I was having problems walking 3 blocks to classes. At this time, I also noticed that my urine was frothy, reddish brown in color, and it contain small brown sediments. One night, the pain became unbearable and I finally went to the emergency room. Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Physicians Groups Urging Parents to Make Sure Children's Vaccines Are Up To Date Before School Starts

The Children's Physician Network and Minnesota Medical Association (MMA) are encouraging people to make sure their children's vaccines are up to date prior to the start of school. August is National Immunization Awareness Month. Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Men Sentenced in St. Paul Stomping Death

In May 2009, Tai Yang, just 20 years old at the time lost his life outside the Moonlight Bar on Western and Thomas Ave. in St. Paul. Reports from the time of the incident claim that at least 10 other Hmong people were stomping on his head and chest as he lay on the ground outside the bar. When police arrived they, "found Yang, he was lying on the sidewalk with a beaten and swollen face and with blood all over his head. His autopsy found numerous internal hemorrhages in the head and neck; bleeding between the skull and brain; and bruising of his brain. Two other men were shot and critically injured during the same incident. Yang was pronounced dead at the site of the beating." reported Elizabeth Thao of HMONG TIMES. Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Legacies of War Joins International Community to Celebrate Entry into Force of Convention on Cluster Munitions

Legacies of War joins the thousands of cluster bomb survivors in Laos and around the world to celebrate the Entry into Force of the Convention on Cluster Munitions. The Convention on Cluster Munitions is the most significant disarmament and humanitarian treaty in more than a decade; 107 countries have signed the treaty and 37 countries have ratified it. Lao PDR, the most heavily bombed country, per capita, in history, and one of the first countries to sign the treaty, will host the convention's First Meeting of State Parties in Vientiane, Lao PDR, in November 2010. Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Mayor Coleman Launches Rebuild Saint Paul

Taking advantage of more than $1 billion in infrastructure investment, Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman launched Rebuild Saint Paul today, a $15 million project that will leverage more than $100 million in investment and create more than 3,000 new jobs in Saint Paul. Wednesday, August 25, 2010

9th Annual Hmong Arts and Music Festival

Saturday August 21st, for the 9th year in a row, the Western Sculpture Garden (across from Sears on Marion St.) was alive with the sights and sounds of not only great sculpture but film, music and visual arts of all forms. Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Kazoua Kong-Thao Discusses School Changes

Kazoua Kong-Thao has been on the St Paul Public Schools Board for 7 years. During that time she told HMONG TIMES that there has been a trend of declining enrollment. "Actually those who have been on the board for longer than me say the trend has been going on for 10 years now. We had a little burst a few years ago with the new refugees," but that has now evened out. According to Kong-Thao the declining trend will continue for several more years. "We don't have a large population, families are moving out for employment." It is expected to be "5-10 more years before we get another bubble." Wednesday, August 25, 2010

EarthTalk® - Questions & Answers About Our Environment

Dear EarthTalk: I know that local food has health and environmental benefits, but my local grocer only carries a few items. Is there a push for bigger supermarkets to carry locally produced food? Wednesday, August 25, 2010

CitySongs is Growing New Roots on the North Side

Eighteen years ago, a professor in the University of Minnesota's School of Social Work had an idea. What if you could bring kids together to sing in a choir and, at the same time, give them the chance to develop competence, confidence, and individual potential? Wednesday, August 25, 2010

SGU Members Briefed On Burial Rights Bill

Sunday, August 22, members of the Special Guerilla Unit (SGU) gathered at Lao Family Community on Unversity Ave to be briefed on and celebrate the introduction of a new bill by Jim Costa before the U.S. House of Representatives. Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Accidents Happen: Get Your Affairs in Order

Recently, a man stepping off a curb near my office was struck and killed by a passing bus. Only 49, he clearly had many productive years ahead. Reading about it reminded me how quickly unexpected accidents can turn your family upside down, and how vitally important proper planning is. Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Beyond Stressed Out: 7 Early Warning Signs of Mental Health Issues

Bipolar can be hard to catch in its early stages because its symptoms can be "explained away" by so many different reasons, just like the squeaks and rattles in a used car. Wednesday, August 25, 2010

TakeAction MN Sponsors "Hmong Youth and College Students Reach Out Event"

20-25 young, high school and college age students gathered at the Rondo Community Library in St. Paul on Saturday, July 31st for an "empowering" experience. Thursday, August 12, 2010

Reconnecting Families, One Meal at a Time

If busy schedules and digital distractions are getting in the way of family time, help is on the way. Unilever, maker of many leading food brands, recently unveiled The Family Dish, a program aimed at helping busy families discover the joys of cooking together. Thursday, August 12, 2010

DFL Narrows Field in Primary Elections

It was a stormy primary election day on Tuesday August 10th but that didn't stop voters from turning out at the polls and political supporters publicly displaying their favorite candidates on street corners and urging all to vote. Thursday, August 12, 2010

Protest ... Evidenciary Hearing ... Then Freedom for Koua Fong Lee

The system works and Koua Fong Lee has been set free. The judge vacated all charges and ruled that Lee should be given a new trial. The Ramsey County attorney will not retry the case - so the nightmare is over and Koua Fong Lee is reunited with his family. However, a nagging question remains ... Why did it take so long? Trudy Baltazar didn't know Koua Fong Lee personally. She didn't know any of his family or much about his culture before coming across his story on facebook. Something about the story struck a cord with Baltazar and she has since made it her mission to do all she can to get a new trial for Lee. Outside the Ramsey Country Courthouse, prior to the start of the hearing, over 100 people gathered in the growing heat to protest the unfair treatment of Koua Fong Lee. Baltazar was instrumental in organizing the protest. Many carried signs with slogans such as: "Accident Not a Crime," "Put Toyota on Trial," "New Evidence Should = New Trial." Baltazar read a statement from Lee's wife. She recounted having to give birth to their 4th child alone and raise their 4 young children without the father home. Thursday, August 12, 2010

Credit 101 for Your College Freshman

If you've got teenagers heading off to college soon, I hope you've done a good job educating them about the importance of personal financial responsibility and how to build a strong credit history. If not, better do it now. Wednesday, August 11, 2010

The Truth About Uncle Sam's Addiction: Seven Dangerous (and Surprising) Side Effects of the U.S. Dependency on Foreign Oil

The Gulf Coast oil spill has once again raised awareness of America's dependency on foreign oil. It's an addiction that most Americans recognize as bad, but one they don't fully understand. Lewis Reynolds provides an overview of the devastating effects of the U.S. oil addiction. Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Oil Spill's Impact on Boating and Fishing Chronicled in Cabela's Fisherman's Handbook TV Show

A new 13-week television show series aims to show an up close view of the devastating impact of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on Gulf of Mexico boating and fishing communities. Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Six Reasons to Play Golf

Golf is a strange game, particularly, to those who don't understand it. One must ask why so many people want so desperately to play the game as often as possible. With a little thought, at least six reasons emerge for this: Wednesday, August 11, 2010

100 Volunteers Needed for Hennepin County Library's Homework Hub

One hundred volunteers are needed to tutor elementary, middle, and high school students at nine Hennepin County Library Homework Hubs during the fall semester. Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Met Council Contributes $1 Million to Small Business Loan Fund

The Metropolitan Council's latest effort to minimize the disruptive effects of building the Central Corridor light rail transit (LRT) line is the contribution of $1 million to an interest-free loan program to help small businesses during construction. Wednesday, August 11, 2010

New Law Protecting Youth From Tobacco Products

A new state law protecting Minnesota youth from the harmful effects of tobacco products took effect Aug. 1. The Tobacco Modernization and Compliance Act was passed by the 2010 Legislature and signed into law by Governor Pawlenty. Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Library's Computer Classes Now Mobile

The Saint Paul Public Library's Mobile WORKplace is offering ten classes per week this summer around the City of Saint Paul to help residents learn basic computer skills, e-mail and Microsoft Word. Wednesday, August 11, 2010

EarthTalk® _ Questions & Answers About Our Environment

Dear EarthTalk: Within my lawn I have over 100 citrus, mango and avocado trees. When I use Scott's Bonus S Weed and Feed, am I feeding my new fruit any poison? Will the weed killer be taken up by the fruit? Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Hmong Culture and Language Program

Monday, July 25, 400 students gathered at Concordia University in St. Paul for the Hmong Culture and Language Program. For the past 7 years children from around the Twin Cities have enjoyed coming to this unique program that strives to incorporate Hmong language, literacy, culture, community involvement and fun into a program geared for students PreK-12th grade, the "Crossing Cultural Bridges Camp." Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Century Student Receives First Alumni Scholarship

Century College student Youa Kellie Xiong of St. Paul, the first recipient of the new Century College Alumni Association Scholarship, is one of 14 siblings. Tragically, she lost her mother when she was 12 and her father and one brother when she was 18. Wednesday, August 11, 2010

EarthTalk® - Questions & Answers About Our Environment

Dear EarthTalk: What are the most important foods to buy organic? Wednesday, August 11, 2010

'Through Our Eyes' Exhibit At Hennepin County Library - Minneapolis Central

"Through Our Eyes," an art exhibit and poetry-writing collaboration of area teenagers, Hennepin County Library, artists from Juxtaposition Arts, and poet Anh-Hoa Nguyen, will open at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12 in the atrium at Hennepin County Library - Minneapolis Central, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis. Admission is free. Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Ellison Votes to End War in Afghanistan

Congressman Keith Ellison (DFL-Minneapolis) released the following statement following his vote against the Senate Amendment to H.R. 4899, Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2010, which provides continued funding for the war in Afghanistan: Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Minneapolis Public Schools Student Placement Services Center to Extend Registration Hours

If you are new to Minneapolis or have recently moved, the Minneapolis Public Schools Student Placement Services Center will help you find the school that is right for your child. Student Placement Services is located at 1250 W. Broadway in the lower level of Broadway School. Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Century Launches Student Success Initiative

Starting this fall, Century College will launch a pilot program to help students persist in college and earn better grades Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Hmong Burial Bill Introduced in Congress

"Twenty-three members of Congress have introduced legislation to honor Laotian and Hmong veterans who served in combat in defense of the Kingdom of Laos during the Vietnam War. The bill aims to grant burial benefits at U.S. National Veterans Cemeteries,"announced a Press Release from Business Wire. Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Preparing to Make the 2010-11 School Year a Great Year

We are busy preparing to welcome students in grades 1-12 back to school on August 30 and welcome our new kindergarten students on September 1. Wednesday, August 11, 2010