OK … I’m back today with another crazy idea.

From a historical perspective, Mankato is probably best known for being the location of the largest mass execution in U.S. history when 38 Dakota men and boys were sentenced to death by hanging in 1862 following the U.S.-Dakota War.

Studio Season shows at MSU are typically put on by MFA directing candidates.

Today

This year’s Deep Valley Book Festival, which takes place Oct. 5, will be bringing in some of the New York Times Bestsellers list’s favorites along with many other local writers.

By Walter Roberts

On Thursday the 26th, MSU will host a German filmmaker and a cinematographer for a Q&A session and two foreign film screenings.

Arts Center of St. Peter — “Primitive People: Playful and Predatory: Works by Cyle Gruver” and “Pillow Talk: Works by Pioneer Spinners and Fiber Artists” through Sept. 28 at 315 S.Minnesota Ave., St. Peter. Hours: 1-6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 1-5 p.m. Friday and Sunday and 10 a.m. to 5…

They’ve become a global sensation — “paint and sip” studios where adults can spend evenings out learning to make art in a relaxed, BYOB setting. Thousands of franchises now exist to help us all unleash our inner creative.

WASHINGTON (AP) — She's done a lot with the place.

This time of year, as you are harvesting the fruits of your labor, you may be considering saving seeds for next year.

The Twin Rivers fourth annual site-specific art experience, Starving Artist Under the Bridge will be hosting more than 50 different artists, acts and other assorted talents at their event this year.

Arts Center of St. Peter — “Primitive People: Playful and Predatory: Works by Cyle Gruver" and "Pillow Talk: Works by Pioneer Spinners and Fiber Artists" through Sept. 28 at 315 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter. Reception 3-5 p.m. Saturday. Hours: 1-6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 1-5 p.m. Frid…

You won't find a kinder man or more beloved educator anywhere in Mankato than Pete Bloedel.

There was a time when one of the coolest places to be in Mankato was the living room of Colin Scharf and Laura Schultz.

Bethany Lutheran College’s “Theater Physics” is a show that is always full of surprises and delights.

Friday

Before I get into the guts of what I want to talk about today, let me just say, unequivocally, that I 100% support our troops, love my country think our flag is one of the best in the world. Keep that in mind …

First-time author Megan Peterson was excited. Her first book has been published and, while she’s got plenty of author’s copies at home, she wanted to see “The Liar’s Daughter” on a bookstore shelf. It is, after all, her debut novel.

Two years ago, Andy Beltz and Ryan Rutjes created their record label, Modest Music, in order to give back to charity while fulfilling their love for music. Now, they’re continuing to work toward their dreams by putting on a music festival known as Moonfest.

Sustainability, labor conditions, politics and other issues prevalent in the news have left many consumers wondering how to be socially responsible. For some, this seems like an impossible task.

NEW YORK — There are some things about Bill Gates that are unremarkable. His favorite food: hamburgers. His favorite animal: the dog. But a few minutes into a new TV series on Gates reveals a fascinating insight.

NEW YORK — A small but important exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art explores a little-known facet of architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s creations: his line of wallpapers, printed and woven textiles, and other home goods designed for the public.

LONDON — Margaret Atwood often gets asked if “The Testaments,” her sequel to “The Handmaid’s Tale,” is set in a dystopian world.

The weather is turning. Sweatshirt season is on the horizon. Time to think about bringing in some of your garden annuals for the windowsill or sunroom.

The Associated Press

Five generations

 Pridefest, a major event for the LGBTQ community, takes place this weekend at Riverfront Park in Mankato.

A local musician hopes to break the world record in Mankato for the longest street performance.

When you’ve been a journalist in a town as long as I have (24 years … thanks for the grim reminder, LinkedIn) you tend to make a lot of acquaintances. Most of those relationships stay “surface level” because it’s the job of the journalist to just get the info from a source and run back to th…

As Paul Hustoles wraps up his final year at Minnesota State University, the MSU theater department will be putting on some of his favorite shows.

NEW YORK (AP) — Three years after being fired by NBC due to the infamous “Access Hollywood” tape, Billy Bush is hoping to use his experience in television’s wilderness to his advantage in his new job.

NEW YORK (AP) — Former White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders has a book deal.

Arts Center of St. Peter — “Primitive People: Playful and Predatory: Works by Cyle Gruver” and “Pillow Talk: Works by Pioneer Spinners and Fiber Artists” Friday through Sept. 28 at 315 S.Minnesota Ave., St. Peter. Reception 3-5 p.m. Sept. 14. Hours: 1-6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 1-5 p.m…

When you shop for a new sofa or another piece of furniture, it’s not hard to envision how it might look in your living room. And if you’re considering a new wall color, you can test pretty simply with swatches.

This past week, I had to once again put my plant detective skills to work when more than 100 branch tips from an oak tree were found scattered around the base of the tree.

Q. What’s the story on potatoes? Are they okay to eat? Or should I skip them?

For 10 years, theater lovers across southern Minnesota have had a chance to enjoy an evening (or two) of bite-sized plays in rapid succession during the Minnesota Shorts Festival.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — At her publicist’s office on Music Row, Tanya Tucker was fielding questions from reporters and posing for photos wearing pink hair and a blue, wide-brimmed hat while a documentary crew followed her around. The 60-year-old singer proudly mentioned to a photographer that she…