Inspired
Laptop-controlled robot keeps ill 6th-grader learning with his peers
In September, a 40-pound Beam robot appeared on the scene at Central Middle School in Evergreen Park, Ill. Now 11-year-old Max Castillo can be part of classroom discussions from his home, and see and hear what teachers and his peers are doing.
Inspired
St. Thomas student brings supplies and support to new Gambian mothers
Fatoumata Jaiteh founded a nonprofit called "From Mother To You," which helps Gambian mothers get supplies and resources they need after they have a child.
Inspired
Minnesota families welcome the world into their home, one student at a time
By throwing open their homes — and hearts — these Twin Cities women have learned that the best way to expand their world is by welcoming young people from around the globe into it.
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On record Give to the Max Day, Minnesota charities reap millions in donations
Organizers of the 24-hour online giving marathon aim to beat last year's total of $20.6 million.
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Caregivers find solace, relief in creative escapes
Thousands of fans and followers of Minnesota picture book author Nancy Carlson check out her digital Doodle a Day on her website and on Tumblr, Facebook and Twitter.
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A child of South Africa offers guidance for polarized families
Yvette Erasmus of Edina is a psychologist in private practice who also offers free training on the Nonviolent Communication process.
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A bowl of chicken soup in Miami is saving lives of starving children in Venezuela
Though Obra's menu features dozens of Latin American dishes with unique twists, it's the ordinary sopa de pollo (chicken soup) that's making the biggest impact in the country.
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Couple faces peaks and valleys of life with peaks and valleys
Over the past 14 years, Carol and Greg Onofrio climbed all 53 of Colorado's 14,000-foot peaks.
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Diabetes advocate shares personal journey to inspire hope
Quinn Nystrom of Baxter, Minn., is a national diabetes advocate who travels the country sharing lessons from her own battle with Type 1 diabetes and empowering others to conquer the disease.
Inspired
Travail's acclaimed chef heads to Harmony to help his niece with leukemia
When Matt Brown's 1-year-old daughter, Gabby, was diagnosed with leukemia, there was only one person he knew he could turn to for help with his restaurant.
Cascade Range hiker thought she would die in snowstorm, but a stranger was looking out for her
Nancy Abell couldn't stop thinking about the woman who had insisted that she would be fine in the Cascades without a pair of snowshoes.
Inspired
Brooklyn Park Revive Church does some heavy lifting on hunger relief
The Brooklyn Park church is transformed into a grocery store once a month.
Inspired
U.S. Bancorp's Richard Davis goes west to fulfill a wish
His decision to become CEO of Phoenix-based nonprofit Make-A-Wish America was perplexing to some. It shouldn't have been.
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Stillwater's Friendship Club expands social life for kids with disabilities
Club members join friends for foosball, karaoke, pool and board games in a safe, supervised space.
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Indiana man walks to Indianapolis to bring attention to distracted driving
John Zaboyan, 79, left his Crown Point home early one recent morning, heading alone on foot for Indianapolis.
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Rachel Mairose's Secondhand Hounds is first-class rescue operation for dogs and cats
In just under a decade, the Twin Cities nonprofit has saved nearly 17,000 at-risk dogs and cats.
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For cancer patients, synthetic wigs are growing in popularity
As synthetic wigs win more admirers, a hugely popular national program that offers real-hair wigs for free is winding down efforts to collect donations.
Inspired
Lily the therapy pony retires to the Stall of Fame
After 12 years of working with kids with disabilities, Lily, now 20, has retired at Hold Your Horses, a nonprofit in the west metro area dedicated to equine-assisted therapy.
Inspired
Chicagoan celebrated for his 500th blood donation
Richard Packman, 74, started donating blood in the early 1990s, in a procedure that usually takes less than 30 minutes.
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For 54-year-old hospice nurse and 'skate mom,' luge provides calm and focus
C.J. Wilkinson was introduced to the world of downhill skateboarding and lugeing while following her teenage son in the downhill skateboard race circuit.
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Inspired
Inspirational stories about Minnesotans and our neighbors.
