Receive community-focused news and updates in your inbox by signing up for our Vital Connections newsletter.
Read news and insightful learnings and perspectives from Extension's work in Minnesota communities.
Use these blog articles to know and grow your local economies, strengthen community leadership and engagement, and develop tourism. Choose to explore all or filter content by topic.
![Silhouettes of two people at sunrise sitting on chairs outside near a tree.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/silhouette-people-sitting-sunrise-harli-marten-unsplash-1000w.jpg?h=22758488&itok=qYKXBN-c)
How are you doing — really? Your mental health and well-being are essentially your internal bandwidth. Learn how you can check that signal.
![Three Asian American men talking in an Asian grocery store.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/asian-americans-grocery-store-worthington-211-1000w.jpg?h=f6c4ab79&itok=UZI-Yb28)
How much do you know about the history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders? Learn about their stories from a Minnesota perspective.
![A customer making a purchase with a credit card.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/person-making-payment-at-sales-counter-sbv-338258264-1000w.jpg?h=cba35a20&itok=Yfkifwi3)
From inflation to the job market, recent headlines share some stunning economic news. Learn about the data behind this news and how it's impacting our current economy.
![A regional map of McLeod County showing 6,920 people drive into it to work, while 9,527 drive out, and 9,028 people both work and live in the county.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/distance-map-mcleod-county.png?h=9c034537&itok=5jiwNg9N)
No town is a one-stop shop anymore. We live, work, shop and play in a fairly large region. Read how rural communities are rewriting their narrative.
![A father and two sons fishing over a bridge.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/fishing-dad-sons-spring-valley-123-1000w.jpg?h=1f7570a4&itok=1W-UfYBl)
As we celebrate Earth Day, let's reflect on how access to the outdoors enriches visitors’ and residents’ experiences within a community.
Related articles and media
One in 10 Minnesota retail dollars (in taxable sales) is spent outside the state. Learn how the retail market is…
It’s time to take a deep breath. Find resources about a simple breathing practice to give you a sense of calm.
Open your mind. Open your heart. Open your will. Learn about research that will help you be ready to listen for new…
Stay informed
Permission is granted to news media to republish our news articles with credit to University of Minnesota Extension. Images also may be republished; please check for specific photographer credits or limited use restrictions in the photo title.