Celebrities
September 3, 2015
Stephen Colbert

5 of Stephen Colbert's best out of character moments before 'Late Show' switch

Stephen Colbert is known to the world almost exclusively as the faux-conservative character he played on "The Colbert Report." Before he takes over CBS' flagship late-night talk show Tuesday, here are five of his best moments as just himself.
Variety
September 3, 2015
From left, Marie LaFrance, Elise Elliott and Ireland Dawood, all 14, enjoyed chocolate chip cookies just purchased from Sweet Martha's at the Minnesot

Minnesota vs. Iowa: Which State Fair has better food?

The Star Tribune traveled south recently to see whether Iowa could truly contend with its northern neighbor. We ate our way through both Get-Togethers, and the verdict may surprise you.
Music
September 3, 2015
Photo credit Aaron Fenster The band Murder Shoes

Minneseries at the Nomad World Pub in September: Murder Shoes

Moody Minneapolis quintet heads to the Nomad fresh off its first tour.
Variety
September 3, 2015

Through your eyes: Amazing reader photos from State Fair

We asked, you delivered — and then some. Check out the top reader photos from our Instagram meetup — the "Great Minnesota Gram Together" at the Minnesota State Fair.
Music
September 3, 2015
R&B superstar Patti LaBelle performed at the Grandstand Wednesday night.

Patti LaBelle reigns soulfully at State Fair

There was fun, fashion and frenzy in the 71-year-old's show, but the guiding light was passion.
Books
September 3, 2015

Review: 'Ivory Vikings,' by Nancy Marie Brown; the mystery of the Lewis chessmen

NONFICTION: An intriguing account of the origins and meaning of world's most famous chess pieces.
Local
September 2, 2015

Gallery: Fair welcomes R&B royalty

Rhythm and blues queen Patti LaBelle wowed fans at the State Fair grandstand Wednesday night, with the Commodores as her warmup act.
Eat & Drink
September 2, 2015
From left, Jayne Mapstone, Jane Sorenson, Mariah Husting and Greta Sorenson enjoyed frozen yogurt outside the Dairy Building

Let's chill out at the Great Minnesota Get-Together

The Minnesota State Fair has long been a magnet for ice cream lovers, and this year, the selection is better than ever. Here's a rundown on 15 different ways to turn down the heat at the Great Minnesota Get-Together.
Celebrities
September 2, 2015
Sara Glassman, sglassman@startribune.com The 2011 Upper Midwest Regional Emmy recipients kicked off the evening with a party at Crave in Minneapolis.

C.J.: Mike Binkley holds back retirement news at Lauren Casey's expense

Variety
September 2, 2015

Style stand-outs at the Minnesota State Fair

Looking stylish at the State Fair isn't easy. (Heels and summer whites are definitely out.) These style stars show how you can be comfortable and classy from the midway to the art barn.
TV & Media
September 2, 2015
Mike Binkley

WCCO news anchor Mike Binkley bowing out of TV after 34 years

"I'm looking forward to pursuing other activities and interests while I'm still 'young,' " the news anchor wrote on his Facebook page.
Polls
September 2, 2015

Poll: Which is your favorite Littlest Pet Shop toy name?

Variety
September 2, 2015
Crispy Zucchini Fries With Basil Parmesan Dipping Sauce

'Fried' zucchini made healthier

Bring the fair home, but leave the calories behind by baking veggies coated in breadcrumbs.
Variety
September 2, 2015

Reach for a beet for a versatile ingredient

This versatile ingredient adds flavor and nutrition to your meals.
Variety
September 2, 2015

Recipe: Spicy Panzanella

Eat & Drink
September 2, 2015

Reach for the domestic version of the Oktoberfest beer

There are many great versions of the traditional German fall lager that are made in the U.S.
Variety
September 2, 2015
Review: Replacements satisfy in long-awaited return

Review: Replacements satisfy in long-awaited return

After a 23-year hiatus, Paul Westerberg covered all the bases at Midway Stadium with his reborn and surprisingly no-nonsense band.

Variety

Entertainment, arts and lifestyle news, commentary and features, including things to do and reviews from Minneapolis, St. Paul and Twin Cities venues.