Recent content from Katy Read
Historic Minneapolis home built by Pillsbury co-founder on market for $1M
Its most recent owner held many arts and cultural gatherings in the home on the National Register of Historic Places.

St. Louis Park's Shoppes at Knollwood, which is for sale, could lose its Kohl's
Kohl's lease ends next year, and so far the Wisconsin-based department store has not been renewed.

Whimsical house near St. Olaf with ties to philosopher Kierkegaard lists for $850K
The Northfield home has spiral staircases, stone rooms, tree trunks and other touches of whimsy and mystery.

Bloomington's ordinance requiring affordable housing in multi-unit developments has brought mixed results
City has added housing at moderately affordable prices but, like most cities, it struggles to meet needs of its lowest income residents.

Minnesota house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright student lists for $650K
A bank of large windows at the back of the Clear Lake home overlooks the Mississippi River.

1887 Queen Anne mansion on Park Avenue in Minneapolis lists for $599,900
The historic Henry F. Legg House is in a part of the Elliott Park neighborhood that was once home to the city's elite.
JonnyPops triples its footprint, buying Plymouth office building for $10M
Adding to its 80,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Elk River, the frozen treat maker will add the 160,000-squuare-foot space for research and development.

Edina artist making new ketubahs for families who lost everything in L.A. fires
Judy Freeman's artful Jewish wedding contracts were among the prized possessions destroyed.

Opulent 'storybook' mansion in northwestern Minnesota lists at $14M
Owner Allen Arvig heads his family-founded telecommunications company in Perham, where he and his wife also built their dream home.

Posh Nisswa house with access to Grand View Lodge amenities lists for $1.545 million
Homeowners in the North Pines private community may live there full time or rent their "branded residences" to resort visitors.

Light-filled Duluth house designed by prominent Minnesota architect lists for $1.9 million
The home reflects famous Duluth architect David Salmela's signature modernist style.

Custom-crafted log home in northern Minnesota lists for $3.2 million; proceeds will go to charities
Dennis Olsen and Darlene Higgins Olsen put nearly three years of work into the 7,100-square-foot house on Thunder Lake in Remer, Minn.

Grammy hydrangeas have their roots in Minnesota
Newport-based Bailey Nurseries supplied Endless Summer hydrangeas it created for the Grammy Awards red carpet.

1900 Lowry Hill house with 'every single inch' remodeled lists for $1.15 million
Dani Deering had a two-story addition built and made design changes throughout the 4,100-square-foot house in Minneapolis, which has an enlarged kitchen, owner's suite and upstairs laundry.

Luxe 'European-esque' Hastings estate with 4 kitchens and 15 acres lists for $3.2 million
Katie and Scott Iossi built a nearly 9,100-square-foot home with a game room, theater and outdoor kitchen next to Afton State Park.
Review: Can't pay attention to anything? TV host Chris Hayes has ideas.
Nonfiction: In "Sirens' Call," he looks at the forces that fight to draw our eyes and monetize our time.

Dome home in northern Minnesota is energy-efficient, weather-resistant — and listed at $449,000
Family members built the home themselves and have enjoyed the free-flowing open spaces.

1936 Crocus Hill 'limo house' designed by famed St. Paul architect lists for $2 million
The 1936 Crocus Hill mansion, the site of many fancy parties, was built by an heir to the Theodore Hamm Brewing Co. family and designed by Clarence Johnston.

Waconia dream house with fish pond, car showroom and vineyard lists for $3.445 million
The owner, who had admired the bucolic Big Woods location since his childhood, built a luxurious 5,896-square-foot "modern farmhouse" overlooking a 4-acre pond.

Updated 1873 farmhouse with 'oldest standing barn in Anoka County' lists for $975,000
Vintage features mingle with modern amenities in the home that's "right in the heart of Coon Rapids."

Celebrating their first 100 years, members of the St. Paul Optimist Club feel positive about the future
They might have differing opinions, but share a commitment to helping youth and the community.

Two Harbors home on Lake Superior with 'Montana lodge vibe' lists for $4 million
A bar made from bourbon barrels and glass walls made from old windows are among many reclaimed items in the 4,587-square-foot Two Harbors house.

Dignified 120-year-old American foursquare in Minneapolis lists for $649,000
The four-bedroom Lowry Hill East home is filled with elaborate woodwork and features a spacious foyer, kitchen and owners' suite.

100 years later, Phyllis Wheatley center in continues to be a beacon for Black community
The center provided a gathering place in north Minneapolis for those who weren't always welcome elsewhere.

Virtual pen pals: ENGin pairs Ukrainians and Americans for online English conversations
ENGin participants in Minnesota and Ukraine find the exchanges extremely valuable.

Minnesota History Center's 'Girlhood' exhibit examines roles, restrictions and rebellions
The St. Paul museum's show explores issues affecting girls in education, health, work, sports and fashion.

Can Americans discuss political disagreements respectfully? Yes, says this Minnesota pastor.
The Rev. Jerad Morey of the Minnesota Council of Churches specializes helping people politely navigate discussions of divisive issues.

'Harry Potter' Broadway play makes its Minnesota debut at a Plymouth high school
Armstrong students find ways to create magic onstage with "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child."

In St. Paul theater play 'Thank You for Holding,' caregivers perform as caregivers
Wonderlust Productions' play connects stories of the joy and grief that come with caregiving.

This Minnesota council helps people with diseases you've probably never heard of
The Minnesota Rare Disease Advisory Council works to help those with rare diseases get screened, diagnosed and treated.

Giddy-up! Cafesjian's Carousel's original horses at Como Park are still galloping after 110 years.
After a fire and several moves in Minnesota, the vintage merry-go-around retains its original paint and charm.

MacPhail therapists use music to treat a wide range of health issues
Minneapolis program focuses on music's power to affect brain function, mood and behavior.

Why isn't medication that eliminates opioid cravings more widely used?
Despite government approval, the drug still scares some people.
He was the face of addiction recovery. Then he got hooked on opioids.
In a new book, William Cope Moyers, a vice president at Minnesota's Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, tells about how, after years of sobriety, he became addicted to painkillers — and how he got off them.

Mobile Market delivers food to Twin Cities communities in need
Converted school bus is a grocery store on wheels.
Minneapolis woman, losing speech to Parkinson's disease, works to communicate via a documentary
Jackie Hunt Christensen speaks slowly and faintly, but her determination is strong.

Minneapolis musicians play oldies that senior-home audiences remember from their younger days
When the Floras perform, audiences can sing along to songs by Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley and other hits from their youth.

The eagle isn't actually the national bird. An effort launched in Wabasha may change that.
The National Eagle Center is spearheading an effort championed by Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Reps. Angie Craig and Brad Finstad.

New book by St. Paul therapist guides self-examination through journaling
"Unapologetically Healing: A Guided Journal for Reflection and Generational Transformation" is designed for use during, after or instead of therapy.

Three 101-year-old friends recall fond memories in 1940s Alexandria
Virginia Goering, Vera Sims and Viva Froemming have stayed friends for 80 years.
Minnetonka teenager singlehandedly organizes nonprofit and travels to Tanzania to coach girls in running
Maya Mor decided to use her "gap year" constructively.

This rocks! Minnesotans are painting stones with kind messages to spread cheer.
Brightly decorated rocks in yards across the state are part of a "kindness rock" trend.

For Minneapolis assisted-living chaplain, residents' stories are 'a gift'
Annie Lees went from Los Angeles actress to chaplain at Catholic Eldercare so she could spend time talking to people.

Could a system developed by Minnesota high school students reduce school shootings?
Vigilance Safety, a system designed by Wayzata High School students to detect guns, has receive praise from police, educators and even a gun dealer.

Minnesota company helps special-ed teachers around the country
Creatively Focused helps educators organize paperwork and connect with other teachers.

Minneapolis program sparks youth careers through community projects
Spark-Y offers hands-on classroom learning, internships and apprenticeships to help kids achieve their "destiny."

St. Paul club offers 'a lot of fun stuff' for people with developmental disabilities
The Highland Friendship Club was organized by the moms of two members.

Volunteering in hospice helps Macalester students contemplate death's mysteries up close
"Just being there" can be a comfort to people in their final days.

Minnesota music teachers play alongside Minnesota Orchestra members in special concerts
Each of 54 educators sat beside an orchestra member playing the same instrument for a performance of Gustav Holst's "Jupiter" during season sampler concerts.
Two die in Wyoming, Minn., crash
Two others were injured when a vehicle crossed the center line.

Minnesota veteran makes 1,000-mile 'gratitude walk' for program that helps vets
Daniel Crawford hiked in honor of 23rd Veteran, a Duluth program that turns trauma triggers into positive vibes.
What are the financial pros and cons of retiring in Minnesota?
The state has higher taxes. But it is also important to look at the "whole picture."

At 90, Northfield woman looks back on 57 years of blood drives
Cindy Anderson helped recruit volunteers and set up the spaces.
Service dog helps Minneapolis high-school counselor cope with MS
Fortunately, Lambeau's name was no problem for Nora Guerin, an avid Green Bay Packers fan.

Twin Cities exhibit traces 'Unfinished Journey' for people with developmental disabilities
From lifelong confinement to voting rights: Some of the milestones providing more opportunities and independence are disturbingly recent.

Artists offer ideas for improving the health care system
What sounds like a monumental task is doable if lots of people get involved, they say.

Owner of Hopkins doggie day care shares tips for helping pups learn good manners
Every dog has its day at Adventures in Barking.
Twin Cities program helps parents celebrate their babies with Down syndrome
Jack's Basket counters "insensitive" delivery of the news with baskets of baby gifts and family resources.

Women in Twin Cities group help each other develop their careers
TeamWomen's members, representing a variety of career levels and industries, get together to share experiences and strategies.

University of Minnesota researcher studies health effects of sit-stand desks
A University of Minnesota professor partnered with a colleague from Arizona State University to study how sit-stand desks affect workers' health.

Little-known devices restore vision to people who can't be helped by regular glasses
Bioptic telescopic glasses can help people read, walk and see loved one's faces, but hardly anyone has heard of them.

St. Paul woman advocates on behalf of access and equity for other deaf people
Jessalyn Akerman-Frank has won awards for creating innovative programs for the deaf community.

Eden Prairie photographer creates portraits of dogs using AI
Is artificial intelligence a threat to artists or a useful tool? Maybe both, Jim Henderson says.

Twin Cities area clinics offer holistic care to women over 65
Herself Health focuses on women's health and wellness from a perspective that's different from the one used for men.

St. Paul consultant helps 'solo seniors' deal with dilemmas of aging
Linda J. Camp is working for systemic change to help those without close relatives or friends to deal with health care, financial challenges and more.

Rochester woman turns stories of her own struggles into advocacy for others in need
Caregiving challenges, homelessness, chronic disease, drug addiction and lack of medical insurance are among the problems Toni Kay Mangskau's family encountered.

Local leaders welcome pope's statement on LGBTQ couples
Archbishop Hebda says it's a reminder "that all of us are loved by God." Dignity Twin Cities calls it a "landmark decision."

Residents of Edina senior housing meet monthly to write, read, remember
A writing group at the Waters has published four books that share their stories.

An Imax producer shares his travel secrets
"The World Has a Big Backyard," by former Science Museum executive VP Mike Day, is part travel memoir, part advice book.

Minnesota LGBTQ organizations offer support to newcomers seeking trans refuge
With a new Minnesota law making the state a refuge for people seeking gender-affirming care, local organizations are offering support to transgender and nonbinary arrivals.

Formerly homeless Minneapolis brothers develop passion for drawing in Mia class
Through the Vitality Arts projects, they explored their range of interests, from mythology to World War II to Taylor Swift.

Dinners by top Minnesota chefs serve up 'courageous conversation'
Stories Behind the Menu founder Chaz Sandifer wants people to form connections across cultures by breaking bread together.

Exhibit shows progress in lives of Minnesotans with developmental disabilities
Once labeled "feeble-minded" and institutionalized, people with disabilities now have more control over their lives and choices.

Minnesota therapists use virtual reality to help patients conquer fears
Whether it makes you feel like you're playing an enjoyable game or confronting your worst fears, VR is gaining interest as effective therapy.

9 Minnesota coffee shops that pour profits back into the community
These coffee shops have missions that extend beyond their brews.