Inspired
'All about family': Movement to reform foster care takes root in Minnesota
As state seeks to change foster care, it looks to Brooklyn Park couple getting it right.
Inspired
Baltimore woman climbed her way out of poverty to become scientist attending MIT
Corshai Williams will take her next step in the fall, when she begins graduate studies in chemistry at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Inspired
Sacramento councilman brings his baby to work, changing perceptions
Eric Guerra isn't doing anything that working women haven't been doing for generations, balancing family, work and child-care constraints.
Inspired
94-year-old woman thanks 'guardian angel' who saved her from sinking car
When Fabio Franca got to Alice Modine's car, the front of her vehicle was mostly submerged, and the water was up to Modine's chest.
Inspired
A Minneapolis salon owner's kindness project honors beauty within
Last fall, Katie Steller launched the Steller Kindness Project to share the stories of local people who lend a hand to others.
Inspired
Skyscraper-climbing raccoon rescued, set free in the wild
The critter was lured to a trap containing wet cat food on the top of the UBS Plaza in St. Paul. It's been set free in the southwest suburbs.
Inspired
Raccoon that scaled skyscraper in downtown St. Paul is safe and sound
The little critter's antics on the exterior of a downtown office tower delighted scores of onlookers in person and online.
Inspired
Scoggins: That viral hug. 'The game isn't as important as our friendship'
Wins and losses matter, but true acts of sportsmanship define participants. A moment this genuine should be required viewing for all athletes.
Inspired
Minnesota pitcher strikes out friend for state tourney berth, consoles him before celebrating
After Mounds View defeated Totino-Grace for a berth in this week's state baseball tournament, the winning pitcher stopped to console his childhood friend before joining his team's celebration.
Inspired
Zero highway deaths? Minnesota officials say it could be possible with these changes
The state's Toward Zero Death (TZD) initiative aims to eliminate highway fatalities in Minnesota. Already they've decreased 45 percent since 2003.
Inspired
94-year-old former firefighter gleefully takes to the skies again
"I'm not at all afraid of going up," he said. "I love being outdoors and I love flying."
Inspired
T-shirt creator models body acceptance for Twin Cities gay community
Justin Levy is hoping to do with the T-shirts what singer/rapper Lizzo has done with such empowering, self-love anthems as "My Skin."
Inspired
Local teen is first American to win prestigious international Qur'an recitation contest
High school junior Ahmed Burhan Mohamed beat out 100 competitors in Dubai.
Inspired
Chicago shop offers coffee and mental health help
When customers come in, the entryway is laced with pamphlets and information cards about mental health services and other outlets for help.
Inspired
Shot outside his home 2 years ago, Chicago man creates a new life
He talks of what happened not as loss but as a learning process.
Inspired
Juxtaposition Arts has shifted the landscape for young artists in north Minneapolis
JXTA, as it's called, has helped 3,000 children and young adults through its training programs.
Inspired
Minnesota students get lessons in engineering, environment in Solar Boat Regatta
The challenge is to build or adapt a boat to run on solar power, and the reward is that most Minnesotan of summer pastimes — getting out on the lake.
Inspired
Music is Wisconsin singer/songwriter's key to coping
With challenges over the past couple of years, music has become an even more crucial part of the family dynamics for Kate Shermach.
Inspired
Habitat for Humanity's new Open Market buying program gives families more choice
Habitat for Humanity finds success in helping families buy homes.
Inspired
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity CEO Sue Haigh retires after 13 years
Her tenure included helping 681 families buy homes, opening two Habitat Restores, and repairing and painting nearly 1,500 homes through its national trailblazing Brush With Kindness program.
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Variety
Entertainment, arts and lifestyle news, commentary and features, including things to do and reviews from Minneapolis, St. Paul and Twin Cities venues.