Inspired
July 12, 2019
World War II veteran Dan Rankin, 95, shares a laugh with Maria Baker, manager of Dueling Irons restaurant in Post Falls, on Friday, May 10, 2019. Cust

Diner patrons treat WWII veteran to hearty breakfast every day

Patrons have been regularly paying for the 95-year-old's meal to thank him for his service.
Inspired
July 5, 2019
Since 1985, 83-year old Sally Brown has volunteered with Road to Recovery and the American Cancer Society to drive patients to and from their medical

Minn. volunteer hits the road to get cancer patients where they need to be

Road to Recovery's Sally Brown has been a driving force for more than two decades
Inspired
July 5, 2019
Lisa Mer leads the Twin Cities chapter of Sidewalk Talk, which offers free listening sessions.

Something on your mind? Volunteer Twin Cities group will listen without judgment

Sidewalk Talk Twin Cities brings a nonjudgmental ear to public spaces.
Inspired
July 5, 2019
Kate Hersey, executive director of the Minnesota Tool Library showed off some of the tools available in the St Paul location.

Minnesota Tool Library offers savings by sharing 5,000 tools

The nonprofit, among the Twin Cities' best-kept secrets, offers classes to the public as well.
Inspired
July 5, 2019
Ana Garcia Cowan, 45, fought off nerves and won first in the novice division in her first competition.

It took her 22 years, but soldier-turned-body builder finally reached her goal

It all started with an old journal entry.
Inspired
June 28, 2019
Cassie Bonstrom holds a picture of her grandmother, Nancy Jack, who died in 1989.

Two nursing students' lives are linked by controversial death 30 years ago in Edina

The two students discovered that their families are connected through an alleged "mercy killing" from decades ago.
Inspired
June 28, 2019

After years raising her dead sister's five disabled sons, she's gifted with a new minivan

Sixteen years after taking in sister's five disabled sons, she's given new ride.
Inspired
June 27, 2019
Headwaters Relief Organization's Dr. Roshan Khatri.

Golden Valley-based Headwaters offers disaster relief with children's books

Storytelling can be a powerful tool in disaster recovery.
Inspired
June 21, 2019
Susan Gethin shared an embrace with Norman Irving as they arrived in the visitation area at the state prison in Red Wing. ] Aaron Lavinsky ¥ aaro

Once homeless and now in prison, this Minnesotan still has his mentor from years ago in his corner

After landing in prison for aggravated robbery, Norman Irving is trying to turn his life around with the help of an old friend.
Inspired
June 21, 2019
Pianists Noah Johnson (left) and Brandon Leu practiced one of their songs as teacher Diana Bearmon watched and listened. ] Shari L. Gross • sha

MacPhail musicians, one who is blind and one with autism, hit just the right note as a duo

They play off each other, creating "electricity between them."
Inspired
June 21, 2019

When 90-year-old's house caught fire, teens rushed in to save her

Homeowner couldn't find door through three-foot-high flames and smoke.
Inspired
June 17, 2019
Residents of Pelican Rapids, Minn., rallied around a newspaper after it published a column defending the local immigrant community from a racist Faceb

Small-town Minnesota newspaper praised for defending immigrant community

A racist Facebook comment left on a photo of young graduates prompted an outpouring of support for Pelican Rapids' immigrant population.
Inspired
June 17, 2019
Rose Talbot and Caleb Brumley.

On world's largest private hospital ship, a Minn. filmmaker finds his calling — and future spouse

For 40 years, faith-based Mercy Ships has provided safe, free surgical care in West and Central Africa.
Inspired
June 14, 2019
Suzelle Poole received a lifetime achievement award in 2018 at a "Love of Dance" convention in Dallas.

At 78, this ballerina is still going strong: 'It's never too late to do something you love'

At 78, ballet instructor still laces up pointe shoes to teach classical ballet.
Inspired
June 14, 2019
Registered nurse Claudia Lopez, left, reunites with Jacob Roman, 2, center, held by his mother, Vicelis Negron, as his father, Alexander Roman, looks

Mother reunited with 'angel' nurse who saved her baby's life

A grateful mother uses social media to find and thank the nurse.
Inspired
June 14, 2019
From left, Kiski Area High School students Jared Custer, 18; Shelby Glentzer, 18; Haley Custer, 18; Kiski Area High School teachers David Williamson a

Students champion voter registration in the halls of their own high schools

The outreach program encourages teens to vote.
Inspired
June 14, 2019
Monica Gail.

Why more millennials should consider a financial planner

Twin Cities financial planner Monica Eckberg shares her philosophy on how young people should save money.
Inspired
June 14, 2019
The 'Friday Boys' of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Minnetonka (from left) Sandy Erickson, Glen Hohenstein, Phil Brusius, Knute Gilbertson, Ed Sorebo, G

Minnetonka's gray-haired Friday Boys are church's worker bees — and BFFs

For 18 years, the Boys have been showing up on Friday mornings at the Minnetonka campus of Bethlehem Lutheran to tackle odd jobs.
Inspired
June 10, 2019
St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter kissed his father, Melvin Carter Jr., at a prayer service. The elder Carter founded SOS.

Retired St. Paul cop Melvin Carter Jr. helps young black men rewrite their script

Sgt. Carter, father of St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, is the founder and executive director of Save Our Sons.
Inspired
June 7, 2019
Volunteer Tom Belting visited after he served rib dinners to guests Dolores Schmeidel, left, and Mary Jo Mileski at Loaves & Fishes' Hopkins location.

Innovative app helps Minnesota companies get leftover food to folks in need

Across the metro, the app is helping boost the number of companies able to find a home for extra food.

Variety

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