Thursday 5/17
Eric Church's "Chief" was the best country album of 2011, a potent combination of honky-tonk rambunctiousness, small-town sensibilities and rock 'n' roll heart. It's produced three hits: the obvious "Drink in My Hand," which traveled to No. 1; the offbeat "Homeboy," about a small-town kid who loves hip-hop, and the oddball "Springsteen," about romancing a woman to tunes by the Boss. The 35-year-old North Carolinian combines the cleverness of Brad Paisley, the edginess of Jason Aldean and the party bent of Kid Rock. Church's Blood, Sweat & Beers Tour -- his first arena headline trek -- includes the loud and brash Brantley Gilbert, who has written hits for Aldean, and newcomer Jon Pardi.
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Minneapolis
Pickleball craze breathes new life into old downtown Minneapolis office buildings
After a major tenant bailed, Mike Marinovich transformed the second floor of 1200 Washington Av. S. into the sound-proof Minneapolis Pickleball Club, and it's beckoning people back to the city.
Inspired
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TV & Media
Joe Mauer makes brief appearance on 'The Kelly Clarkson Show'
The Hall of Famer plugged his new book alongside co-author Joe Schmit.
Business
US changes how it categorizes people by race and ethnicity. It's the first revision in 27 years
For the first time in 27 years, the U.S. government is changing how it categorizes people by race and ethnicity, an effort that federal officials believe will more accurately count residents who identify as Hispanic and of Middle Eastern and North African heritage.
Variety
Flo Milli's new album proves the 'Never Lose Me' rising artist's dreams of greatness are coming true
Flo Milli always felt different from her peers growing up, believing she was destined for greatness. For her, the writing was always on the walls — and in the stalls.