Variety
July 16, 2017
After a two-year absence, sand castles will return to Lake Calhoun, although they won't be a part of the Aquatennial celebration.

Rosenblum: Sand castles, milk carton boats again bring joy to Mpls.

A new nonprofit has breathed life into the sand castles and the beloved, goofy milk carton boat races once part of the Aquatennial.
Home & Garden
July 15, 2017
Heather Holm has become the go-to expert on native bees. She transformed her yard in Minnetonka to make it pollinator-friendly, using native plants.

Queen of forgotten bees: Minnetonka woman works to save native species

Minnetonka woman is on a mission to save native pollinators — before they're gone.
Music
July 15, 2017
Concertgoers listened to the Minnesota Orchestra perform in Lake Park in Winona Thursday night.

In summer, Minnesota river town of Winona becomes world-class cultural capital

With its summer festivals in full swing, Winona is showing how the arts can help transform a city.
Music
July 15, 2017
Greta Sloan, 8, gets some pre-performance advice from Mike Arturi as she prepares to play guitar and sing at a concert at Universal Music Center

Lovin' Spoonful drummer embraces new beat in Red Wing

Since 2012, Mike Arturi has been running a nonprofit music school.
Variety
July 15, 2017
A lightning show over Lake Harriet in Minneapolis.

Lileks: For real drama, nothing can beat a thunderstorm

We don't have storms anymore. We have "periods of rain" or "life-extinguishing weather pain horror," with nothing in between.
Variety
July 15, 2017
A Fitbit may get walkers to add steps to reach a certain number.

'Gamification' makes a competition out of everyday life

Tech-driven rewards for everyday tasks increasingly foster competition — and influence behavior.
Home & Garden
July 15, 2017
Karen and Emery Koenig's garden in Waconia includes a hosta glade.

See the winners in this year's Star Tribune Beautiful Gardens contest

The six gardens selected in the Star Tribune's annual contest range from small city plots to exurban gardens on a truly grand scale.
Music
July 15, 2017
Singer Adam Lambert, guitarist Brian May, and drummer Roger Taylor took the stage during Friday night's Queen performance at the Xcel Energy Center.

Queen finds new king in singer Adam Lambert, as proven in St. Paul show

Review: Xcel show offers just the right mix of bombast, camp and arena rock.
Celebrities
July 15, 2017
Naruto took this picture in the wilds of Indonesia after a photographer momentarily stepped away from his camera.

PETA lawsuit claims monkey owns rights to selfie it took

A (human) lawyer, arguing on behalf of a monkey named Naruto, argued this week that a primate named Naruto owns the copyright to a grinning, toothy selfie.
Home & Garden
July 15, 2017
Living room of Charles Bachus house

Want a rare peek inside Twin Cities gems of Prairie School architecture?

You've probably walked or driven past some local gems of Prairie School architecture and wished you could peek inside. This week you'll have a rare opportunity to do just that.
Books
July 15, 2017
Author Sherman Alexie cancels much of book tour; Twin Cities' fate unclear

Author Sherman Alexie cancels much of book tour; Twin Cities' fate unclear

Grief and depression have taken their toll, he says on Facebook. It's unclear yet if his planned Twin Cities appearance is affected.
Home & Garden
July 15, 2017

See the winners in this year's Star Tribune Beautiful Gardens contest

The six gardens selected in the Star Tribune's annual contest range from small city plots to exurban gardens on a truly grand scale.
Eat & Drink
July 15, 2017

Wine of the week: Rodney Strong Charlotte's Home Northern Sonoma Sauvignon Blanc 2016

TV & Media
July 15, 2017
Mary McCormack and Jim Howick in “Loaded.”

TV picks for July 16-20: 'The History of Comedy,' 'Loaded,' George Best

Music
July 15, 2017
Jason Isbell at Northrop in Minneapolis in February 2016.

Pick Six: Praise for Jason Isbell, Regina Marie Williams, 'Motown,' more

Pick Six is a half-dozen cool things in music, from two points of view.
Variety
July 15, 2017
A fisherman mulls the weather and the water near M'Pay Bay on Cambodia's Koh Rong island.

In Cambodia, almost paradise

A journey to a quiet fishing village on a remote Cambodian island brought true escape, with a price.
Movies
July 15, 2017
This image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows a scene from, "Kong: Skull Island." A musical version of "King Kong" is hoping to make Broadway go

Home video: 'Kong: Skull Island' puts on a really big show

Books
July 15, 2017

Bookstores recommend books: Common Good on 'Please Kill Me'

Variety
July 15, 2017
Artist J. Cole performs at the Meadows Music and Arts Festivals on Oct. 1, 2016, in Flushing, N.Y.

Best of the week: J. Cole, Blondie & Garbage, National Puppetry Festival, 'Glensheen,' more

TV & Media
July 14, 2017
"I am America's hope and the president's nightmare," Ilhan Omar said.

On 'Daily Show,' Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar invites President Trump for tea

The DFLer from Minneapolis talked about coming to the U.S. from Somalia and the invitation she's extended to President Trump to visit the Twin Cities' Somali community.

Variety

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