Inspired
A Holocaust survivor lifts neighbors in dark times
Simon Gronowski had committed many acts of bravery and generosity in his 89 years of life, and opening a window in April wouldn't ordinarily have counted among them, but this was no ordinary April.
Inspired
Community advocate praises North Loop's tiny shelter model as first step in combatting homelessness
Community advocate and organizer Sheila Delaney knows we're running out of time.
Inspired
Minnesota kids, young adults with disabilities find confidence and kinship at swim club
Multiple parents of swimmers said Clownfish is among few choices for that transition period between childhood and young adulthood for people with special needs.
Inspired
Mendota Heights doctor finds renewed purpose in virtual medicine
Dr. Carolyn Borow has delivered more than 3,500 babies in her 41 years as a family doctor. But she hasn't delivered one since the coronavirus pandemic began.
Inspired
Neighboring gym provides 90-year-old with entertainment, motivation
The newly rebuilt Tabernacle Baptist Church in Freeport, Bahamas, doesn't see as many parishioners as it would in normal times, because coronavirus concerns keep a number of them from venturing too far from home. So these days, the church arranges delivery of groceries, care packages and health supplies to those in need.
Inspired
Edina middle schoolers keep peers in the know with daily Philosopher's Papers
During the recent rancorous election cycle, two Edina middle school students launched a free online newspaper to give their peers another choice for news.
Inspired
A program to improve health in Twin Cities' Black community begins with healing power of soul medicine
A Minneapolis center partners with counties and health care providers to tap into the resiliency of the Black community to improve health and financial stability.
Inspired
Minnesota's Hearts of Hope Family Grief Camp gives mourning kids a place to connect — and have fun
Long-running family camp continues to help kids facing loss despite pandemic challenges.
Variety
Naturalist David Attenborough says his Instagram record brings 'important hope'
Revered British naturalist strives to reach a younger audience with Netflix, social platforms
Inspired
Hero's welcome home for Bloomington teen who took gunfire for year-old niece
"Miracle Makayla" was shot as she shielded the 1-year-old girl from a neighbor's gunfire.
Inspired
Minneapolis woman saves 200-year-old elm destined for chopping block
The tree, one of the few old elms left in the Twin Cities, towered over a small channel of Minneapolis' Lake of the Isles long before Minnesota was a state.
Inspired
Dakota County program gives homeless youth a safe place
Dakota County, like other places in Minnesota, is seeing a rise in homelessness.
Variety
She was homeless and living in a grocery's parking lot. Then the store hired her.
"You're hired" : Unexpected words gave woman living out of her car new life.
Variety
Texas farm connects special-needs kids with injured animals: 'They're just like me'
Rescue sanctuary sparks "absolutely magical" bonds for children with special needs
Inspired
St. Paul founder of the Good Kid Project says kindness toward animals is key to developing empathy
Want to raise good kids? Then teach them to be kind to animals. That's the goal for Nick Coughlin.
Inspired
Minneapolis corporation aims to upend the cash bail industry by offering bail insurance
Cost-sharing insurance model aims to disrupt entrenched bail industry.
Inspired
People's Laundry volunteers wash and mend clothes for people living in Minneapolis encampments
For months, the People's Laundry has had a simple aim: to wash clothes for folks who could use the help.
Variety
A WWII hero with one leg wanted to pitch in the MLB; in 1945, he got his chance
He didn't want sympathy; he just wanted to play ball.
Inspired
![Camille Nelson left , an employee with Finley's Bakery checked pet snacks as Co-owner of Finley's Angie Gallus looks on.] Jerry Holt •Jerry.Holt@sta](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/6KX6PFUUC7CYUENWWFL7LXOG3M.jpg?h=91&w=145&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Chaska company turns dog treats into jobs, futures for young adults with special needs
Job development is baked into mission of Chaska-based Finley's Barkery
Browse Variety Sections
Latest Columns
Most Read
- Female inductee in Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame is flying high
- Concordia Language Villages confronts an ugly truth head-on as a step toward healing
- St. Paul consultant helps 'solo seniors' deal with dilemmas of aging
- Raccoon that scaled skyscraper in downtown St. Paul is safe and sound
- Minnesota volunteers say they get more than they give: Take our annual reader challenge
Variety
Entertainment, arts and lifestyle news, commentary and features, including things to do and reviews from Minneapolis, St. Paul and Twin Cities venues.
