Category: National

African Americans
Stefi Mar

Ashley Bolden Built Lynnmonade on Mindset and Mission

It started with a simple question from a child: Mom, how can I make some money? Ashley Bolden gave her son a choice, mow lawns or sell lemonade. He chose lemonade. What followed was a journey that would transform a backyard hustle into Lynnmonade, a beverage brand rooted in holistic wellness, mental health and the kind of quiet determination that defines Black entrepreneurship in the Twin Cities.

African Americans
Stefi Mar

COMMENTARY: Professors Reflect on Black Progress, and What the Next Decade Demands

Where do Black communities in Minnesota and across the country stand today, and where are they headed? The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder reached out to prominent Black academics to get their assessment. Looking back across the last several decades and forward to the next ten years, their responses were sobering, nuanced, and at times hopeful.

African Americans
Stefi Mar

COMMENTARY: The Politics of the New Civil Law Wars

In the continuing battle for political respect and inclusivity that Black folks in the U.S. have been immersed in since the end of the U.S. Civil War, a little bright bulb of hope and redemption just appeared in the southern sky.

African Americans
Stefi Mar

COMMENTARY: Joy of Educating Black Boys

In this op-ed, Saint Paul Public Schools assistant principal Richard D. Terrell reflects on the joy of educating Black boys, pushing back against narratives focused only on struggle, and calling on educators, parents, mentors, and community leaders to celebrate Black boys’ brilliance, build relationships rooted in care, and create environments where they can thrive.

African Americans
Stefi Mar

IN MEMORIAM: Rest in Power: Hip-Hop Legend Rob Base Dead at 59

Rob Base, born Robert Ginyard and one half of the legendary hip-hop duo Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2026, at age 59 after a private battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy rooted in the 1988 anthem It Takes Two and a pioneering role in bringing hip-hop and house music to mainstream audiences.

African Americans
Stefi Mar

Why More Black Couples Are Turning to Online Couples Therapy

Online couples therapy is giving many Black couples a better way to work on their relationships without having to reschedule their daily duties. They no longer need to travel to a therapist’s office for relationship counseling; they can simply schedule a session and join from home. This is easier, more relaxing, and less intimidating.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Discover 2026’s Home Improvement Trends for a Stylish Upgrade

Cold, flat interiors are fading fast. The strongest home improvement trends for 2026 focus on comfort, personality, and smart function. Homeowners want warmer rooms, richer materials, better storage, and wellness features that make everyday life feel easier and more stylish.

African Americans
Stefi Mar

OP-ED: When Life Gives Us Lemons, We Build Institutions

Since January, I have been exploring and writing about school choice options in Atlanta, Mississippi, and Louisiana. I’ve focused specifically on schools committed to empowering Black students and families. Southern Lab was the first stop on this journey but the last story I decided to publish.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Why Timeless Materials Still Influence Today’s Remodeling Trends

Remodeling trends influence your materials selection and the success of your home remodel. Options like hardwood flooring, natural stone countertops, and marble-inspired tile remain popular among homeowners looking to create spaces that feel both comfortable and stylish. These timeless materials also reduce the need for frequent updates, making them a cost-effective option in the long term.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Why Noise is the Biggest Productivity Killer in Open Offices

Noise is one of, if not the biggest, workplace productivity killers in open office design, as the constant, uncontrollable disruptions it causes can impair workers’ concentration and increase stress levels. Whether it’s loud or subtle, it can also derail cognitive performance, further reducing productivity.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Medical Office Design Mistakes That Cost New Practice Owners Before They See a Patient

Medical office design mistakes that can drain a new practice’s budget include suboptimal space planning, non-compliance with codes and standards, and poor patient flow. These errors push back launch dates, pile on change orders, and impact how patients feel from the moment they enter your facility to the time they leave.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Mastering the Art of Home Downsizing: Strategies and Tips

More people are home downsizing to simplify their lives, cut ongoing costs, and move into spaces that feel easier to manage day to day. Success comes from planning ahead, decluttering with intention, and choosing a home that matches current priorities instead of past habits.