Life + Culture

Second Chances Start Here

Four Minnesota animal rescues changing lives through compassion, community and countless happy tails Article by Sarah Knieff Every adoption story begins with a second chance, and behind each one is a dedicated team of volunteers, foster families and animal advocates working tirelessly to change lives. Across Minnesota, rescue organizations are doing far more than finding homes for dogs and cats – they're providing medical care, educating communities, supporting pet owners through difficult...

Life + Culture

Bringing Back the Grandfather Fish

Great Lakes Aquarium's sturgeon restoration project is helping revive an ancient species Article by Sarah Knieff Along the shores of the St. Louis River Estuary in Duluth, something remarkable is happening behind the scenes at Great Lakes Aquarium. Inside a specialized stream-side rearing trailer filled with cold river water, thousands of tiny lake sturgeon eggs are beginning a journey that conservationists hope will help restore one of Minnesota’s most iconic native species. For Executive...

Arts + Culture

Creating Art and Forming Bonds

A place for community, fun, and creativity Article by Sue Baldani | Photography by Lucy Hawthorne “Ceramics is the oldest form of art and technology,” says Ralph Nuara, who co-owns Forma Clay along with Michelle Horovitz. “There's almost something instinctually within all of us to make things.” And making things with clay, he explains, is very physical and engaging. “It's very tactile, very grounding, and feels like you’re connected to the earth.”   Michelle agrees. “It's so intense, it's so...

Arts + Culture

Making Waves in Water Safety

Hudson Valley Swim brings personalized, safety-first instruction to the Twin Cities Article by Sarah Knieff | Photography by Andrew Vick In a state defined by its water – nearly 12,000 lakes across Minnesota – learning to swim isn’t just a seasonal pastime, it’s an essential life skill. That belief sits at the heart of Hudson Valley Swim, where owner Tucker S. is bringing a safety-first, highly personalized approach to swim instruction in St. Louis Park. Originally founded in New York in the...

Finance + Legal Services

Practical Brilliance in Action

Marking 100 years of service, this special centennial series goes beyond typical case updates to share interviews and insights from the Best & Flanagan team—highlighting the people, stories, and values behind the work.How Best & Flanagan Turns Complexity Into Clear Next StepsFor 100 years, Best & Flanagan has built a reputation for being smart. But what continues to set us apart is something even more valuable: being useful.In an era when legal matters are increasingly layered with...

Finance + Legal Services

Best & Flanagan Ranked in Chambers USA Guide 2026

Best & Flanagan is pleased to announce the rankings of Dan Nelson, Tim Sullivan, Justin Short, and our Construction Law practice group in the Chambers USA Guide 2026.For the first time, Dan Nelson is recognized as a Band 1 attorney in Minnesota for his Public Finance practice. His expertise in tax-exempt municipal bonds and his representation of municipal securities underwriters and 501(c)(3) organizations highlights his significant impact in this area. Since 2007, Dan has been at the...

Finance + Legal Services

Five Best & Flanagan Attorneys Recognized as North Star Lawyers

Best & Flanagan is proud to announce the recognition of five attorneys as North Star Lawyers by the Minnesota State Bar Association (MSBA). This recognition is awarded to attorneys who offer 50 or more hours of pro bono legal services annually, reflecting a strong commitment to community service and equal access to justice.In 2025, our firm demonstrated this commitment by supporting various organizations, including Volunteer Lawyers Network, The Link, Tubman Family Alliance, Children’s Law...

Auto + Marine

Built Like They Used To

The INEOS Grenadier is bringing back rugged simplicity Article by Graham Johnson Is it too early to be nostalgic about turning a key in the ignition? Between touchscreens, built-in subscription models, and push-to-start buttons, the tech craze that has colonized cars in recent years has left some looking back to what cars once were, nostalgic for physical dials, buttons, and the simple pleasure of a key in the ignition. Among them is Jim Ratcliffe, CEO of INEOS, a British chemical...

Arts + Culture

Postcards From the Coast: Tavola Brings Amalfi to Minneapolis

Italian coastal dining, spritzes, and creative workshops all summer long Article by Sarah Knieff This summer, Tavola at the Elliot Park Hotel is bringing the spirit of southern Italy to Minneapolis with Amalfi: A Postcard Series, a thoughtfully curated collection of dining experiences, workshops and social gatherings inspired by the iconic Mediterranean coast. From communal Italian dinners and spritz-filled evenings to watercolor classes and limoncello tastings, the series captures the...

Arts + Culture

MacPhail’s Contemporary Music Program

A modern hub for jazz, songwriting, and music production Article by Sarah Knieff At MacPhail Center for Music, contemporary music is no longer a side note – it is an expanding creative ecosystem designed for today’s musicians. The Contemporary Music Program brings together songwriting, jazz, rock, pop, blues, R&B, electronic production, and composition under one umbrella. This reflects how music is actually made now: across genres, across technologies, and often beginning with a single idea in...