Inspired
Walser CEO drives home importance of work-life balance
Beginning Jan. 1, Walser will offer paid parental leave as part of its continuing drive toward family-friendly policies.
Inspired
Minnesota-based Reconciliation Project sends 10,000 books to Mosul
The city's prestigious university had been decimated by ISIS terrorists. The library's historical manuscripts, maps, documents and academic texts had been deliberately burned.
Inspired
Pinky Swear Foundation helps families of children with cancer pay the bills
The Minnesota foundation gives away $1 million a year to families facing childhood cancer.
Inspired
Philadelphia's 'Big Dave' is armed with hugs and high fives
Over the past 17 years, Dave Sylvester has clasped hands or squeezed arms with what he estimates to be around 250,000 people in 36 countries.
Inspired
Rural Minnesota doctor sews a baby blanket for every newborn he delivers
Dr. Erik Bostrom of Aitkin isn't an obstetrician. But in rural hospitals, delivering babies is part of a family doctor's job. And for Bostrom, it's become his favorite part.
Inspired
Twin Cities-based movement gives retired men a place to talk, give back and feel valued
The Hopkins-based Men's Shed is part of an international movement to address growing concern about isolation and loneliness, particularly among men post-retirement.
Inspired
Tiny tattooed Torah becomes subject of Ed Asner-narrated film
"The Tattooed Torah" tells the story of a Torah small enough for a child to carry.
Inspired
California bodybuilder fights back from West Nile virus
The rare virus took Michael Rodriguez from a peak of health and professional success to a fight for his life.
Inspired
'It's a gift': Twin Cities nativity pageant gives adults with disabilities chance to shine
For 25 years, the Rev. Don Anderson and his wife, Mary, of Anoka, have joined a committed troupe of volunteers to put on the pageant.
Inspired
Leadership means taking care of everyone
Wy Spano has studied, spoken and written about leadership throughout his professional life.
Inspired
In Minneapolis, Grandma Ruth, 108, remains a 'perpetual volunteer'
Ruth Knelman's mission of volunteerism began 65 years ago, when she, her late husband and young son moved to Minneapolis from North Dakota.
Inspired
Flamingos flock to their annual check-up
Zoo Miami's flamingos receive annual wellness exams and, aside from a little squawking, they seem to take to the treatment with a minimum of fuss.
Inspired
From city halls to State Capitol, Minnesota youths lead the charge on climate
Across Minnesota, students are springing into action to combat climate change — and pushing their local governments to do the same.
Inspired
Ann Bancroft Foundation's new director wants girls to dream big
She's only weeks into her role, but Katie Lauer has been preparing for the job much of her life.
Inspired
![Keren Gudeman lead a group of students during an improv class at United Community School. ] CARLOS GONZALEZ ï cgonzalez@startribune.com ñ November 1](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/AVX43EULQIFUOXGWR6W3VPAK6M.jpg?h=91&w=145&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Improv Parenting takes center stage with upbeat, resilent message
It's a bit of a pushback to many of the driven, competitive, anxiety-ridden parenting styles batted around in pop culture today.
Inspired
Minnesota Children's Museum channels Mister Rogers with exhibit about kindness
The exhibit, which runs through Jan. 6, is "full of activities that help visitors reflect, connect and explore emotions in a positive way."
Inspired
A letter. A $100 bill. And a meeting that changed the lives of two young refugees
The brief encounter on a flight to the Twin Cities changed the lives of two sisters, former Yugoslavian refugees.
Inspired
From falafel to fattoush, resettled refugees cook up Syrian delights
The Rawas family is among a large population of refugees who, after fleeing a homeland overrun by violence and political turmoil, started a business in the United States.
Inspired
A grieving mother trains, swims a mile for her amazing daughter, Grace
Grace Bunke died on March 25, one day shy of her 15th birthday. Her mother, Vicki, knew she needed to honor a promise.
Inspired
Struggling with setting holiday expectations for your kids? Here's help
Marcia Alexander, a Thrivent financial adviser and mother of three boys, says this isn't just prime shopping season, it's prime teaching season.
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Entertainment, arts and lifestyle news, commentary and features, including things to do and reviews from Minneapolis, St. Paul and Twin Cities venues.