Recent content from Erica Pearson
Six changes to make your backyard greener life while reducing your carbon footprint
Plant a tree. Or four. And ornamental grasses can absorb three times as much CO2 as a typical lawn.
Here's how a Minnesota chef plans to celebrate Eid at the Hewing. And you can, too.
Tullibee's takeover menu on April 10-11 is inspired by chef Aref Zalatimo's memories of celebrating the holiday back home in Amman. Want a head start? He also shares a recipe.
Help! My kid wants to be a Sephora tween
Skin care products have become status symbols for young kids in Minnesota. A dermatologist and a pediatrician weigh in on the latest trend.
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Not going anywhere for spring break? Try these fun Twin Cities area family activities
Get slimed, grab a joystick, brave a cold plunge.
U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy wants you to exercise your social muscles
As The Loneliness Cure series wraps up, our nation's top expert on the epidemic answers readers' questions.
Finding a sense of purpose and community helps combat loneliness
Joining a choir, a fix-it club or becoming a regular at a coffee shop is better for you (and those around you) than you realize.
What questions do you have for the U.S. surgeon general about loneliness?
Vivek Murthy issued an advisory last year calling loneliness a public health crisis.
Are you a smart cookie? Test your Girl Scout cookie IQ
Think you know all there is to know about the iconic cookies? Take our quiz to see how you stack up.
Daffodils thought spring was here, but it's not
Here's what you can do to protect plants from our winter-like cold snap, (The snow may actually help.)
After Lutsen, what is the state of classic lodges in Minnesota?
These old-time lodges are steeped in history for Minnesota travelers.
Grandma Jen was making a lace tablecloth when she died. A stranger stepped in to finish it.
The Loose Ends nonprofit connects volunteer crafters with unfinished knitting, crochet or sewing projects. Hundreds in Minnesota have signed up to help.
Are you lonely? You're not alone. Here's how to fight the loneliness epidemic.
Our latest public health crisis is growing and impacts our health in surprising ways. But it has an antidote: social connection.
Vatican bars former Archbishop John Nienstedt from public ministry in Minnesota, Dakotas
No crime was found under canon law, but pope calls Nienstedt's behavior "imprudent" and also forbids him from living in the three states.
Why is Gen Z obsessed with Snoopy? These Minnesotans offer a few clues.
Teens and twentysomethings are stalking CVS stores and donating blood to show their love for the 1950s beagle.
What are Minnesotans' most meaningful Christmas Eve traditions?
We mark the holidays with tamales, lefse, the classic movies, even an extended visit from Santa.
Evangelical pastor celebrates women in faith at her Minnesota megachurch
Pastor Becca Ketterling is uniting Pentecostal women at a time when other conservative denominations are limiting female leadership roles.
Share your most surprising and meaningful Christmas Eve traditions
Fondue? Oyster stew? Midnight mass? Family ski? For a story, Star Tribune reporter Erica Pearson is collecting Minnesota Christmas Eve traditions. Share yours.
Showers for caregivers, with gifts, games and support, aren't a thing — yet
Two artists are trying to "culture hack" the idea of honoring caregivers into existence.
Minneapolis' Thanksgiving interfaith service offers unity in divided times
The annual holiday tradition has heightened importance for Jews. Muslims and Christians as war rages in the Middle East.
Minnesota rabbis and imams help communities cope with fallout from the Israel-Gaza war
Local faith leaders are inundated with pleas from members who feel afraid, confused and angry.
Landmark Minneapolis church beat the odds by thriving. Now the 121-year-old building needs some TLC.
The neighborhood mainstay is an architectural gem, but needs help to restore its steeple.
Author Margaret Renkl wants you to fall in love with nature — in your own backyard
"The Comfort of Crows" writer will be in St. Paul for Talking Volumes on Nov. 1.
At Walker Art Center, soon you'll be able to shop for furniture, 'collectible' home goods
The Idea House 3 "collectible design store" will sell furniture, textiles, lighting and tableware.
Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood will build homes for Habitat for Humanity in St. Paul
Thousands of volunteers will build dozens of homes in one block of the Heights redevelopment in 2024.
Minnesota women head to Rome in an effort to open the Catholic Church to female deacons
Pope Francis' monthlong synod also is addressing other sensitive topics, such as blessing gay couples.
Marijuana may help with chronic pain. So may being in Minnesota's medical pot program.
While its effectiveness varies from person to person, using pot may lower long-term pain and curb opioid use.
Dora Zaidenweber, Holocaust survivor and educator, dies at age 99
Zaidenweber gave powerful testimony to Minnesota lawmakers in March.
What's up with the 'JewBelong' billboards in the Twin Cities?
Lines like, "Judaism. Come for your girlfriend. Stay for the lack of hell" are sparking confusion, conversation.
Kid can't sleep? Anxious? Minneapolis yogi and podcaster shares ways to cope
The author of "Meditation for the Modern Family" outlines how children and adults can keep calm.
Minnesota town's Potato Days to skip mashed potato wrestling this year
Past champ called the Barnesville showdowns the "Kentucky Derby" of spud wrestling matches.
Cirque du Soleil's holiday show is coming to Minneapolis for the first time
"'Twas the Night Before" is inspired by the classic Christmas Eve poem.
An aging Minneapolis church gave its building to a younger congregation
New City Church will focus on community and "healing justice."
Do you like lutefisk? Help this Minnesota town celebrate Norsefest competition
To take part in the 50-year-old fest in Madison, Minn., you need to be able to eat lutefisk — and keep it down for one minute.
A church is all this Minnesota town has, and it might be demolished
Parishioners at St. Joseph's in Rosen say the church is their community.
6 ways to celebrate the summer solstice in Minnesota
Minnesotans are embracing gatherings, festivals and quiet rituals to mark the longest day of the year.
Schulze Lake in Eagan closed due to potential viral outbreak
Beach, water activities off-limits in Lebanon Hills Regional Park until further notice
Missing kayaker's body found in Mississippi River in St. Cloud
A boater called 911 to report the discovery at the St. Germain Street bridge.
Minnesota's class of 2023 offered heartfelt advice, crowd-sourced content and humor
Keynote themes include embracing "lived experiences," drawing your own Venn diagram for success
Minnesota humanists take out billboards to spread the secular word
The state's largest group of nonbelievers aims to fight what they see as a push to impose Christian beliefs in government.
Crystals fill a spiritual need for anxious, stressed Minnesotans
In times of anxiety and loneliness, stones like selenite and rose quartz are popular.
Planning a trip to Las Vegas? Here are 4 museums worth gambling on
Spots include a new punk-rock museum with a surprising Minnesota connection.
Minneapolis writer behind CatStronauts graphic novels is ... allergic to cats?
Graphic novelist is set to appear at Talking Volumes event in Rochester.
How did egg coffee become a Minnesota tradition?
This smooth brew was a common offering around the state before the proliferation of modern coffee machines. You can still find it, if you know where to look.
From his Brooklyn Park studio, this dad brings 'Ramadan Camp' to thousands
Amin Aaser founded Noor Kids to help give Muslim children a sense of pride in their religious identity
More Minnesota churches are going all in on everything Easter — even the bunny
Massive egg hunts, petting zoos, even an egg roll food truck are part of a "holistic" approach to the holiday.
This Passover matchmaking service finds spots at Twin Cities seder tables
TC Jewfolk helps people find a seder or extend an invite.
This St. Patrick's Day, it's OK for Catholics to eat corned beef in St. Paul, but not in New Ulm. Why?
Most Minnesota bishops have granted a special dispensation for the holiday, which falls on a Friday.
Don't lose sleep about 'springing forward'
A Twin Cities sleep educator answers all your questions about snoozing.
These Minnesotans are combining faith and fitness in surprising ways
Physical well-being is part of mission of a growing number of churches.
This Mpls. pastor uses his church sign to spread joy — part dad joke, part holy missive
At University Baptist, the Rev. Doug Donley telegraphs his church's mission and some humor.
Children's author Joan Lexau dies at 93; Minnesota was 'heart and home'
Joan Lexau, who died in January at age 93, wrote more than 50 books, including "That's good. That's bad." and "Striped Ice Cream."
Pope's comments answer prayers for Twin Cities LGBTQ community
This week, the pontiff called on bishops to reject laws that criminalize being gay.
Duluth Scout sleeps outside for more than 1,000 nights — and counting
For the 14-year-old, the challenge is "just fun."
Science Museum exhibit shows how bias is part of being human
The Bias Inside Us, a Smithsonian traveling exhibit, will be here through Feb. 24.
Minnesotans set to remember Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
Memorial Masses are planned at the Cathedral of St. Paul and the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis.
One home, three churches — and a shared Christmas in Minneapolis
By banding together, three denominations are sharing a building and brighter futures.
10 novel 'kidsperiences' make great gifts
Dogsledding, llama-hugging, indoor ziplines and more offer fresh thrills for kids of all ages.
Church on Christmas Day? Some Twin Cities pastors are giving it a pass
Dec. 25 falls on a Sunday, but some Protestant churches say members would rather be home on Christmas morning.
These Minnesotans are pushing back against the rising tide of antisemitism
They are combating hate with workshops and conversations.
2 hours, 20 kugels, 1 recipe for kindness: Minnesota synagogue delivers comfort
Bet Shalom group Kugel Kindness gives "a little lift" to fellow congregants with delivered meals.
Pope appoints Indiana native as new bishop in St. Cloud
Pope Francis appointed the Rev. Patrick Neary to succeed Bishop Donald Kettler.
Can you eat your Christmas tree? A Twin Cities forager reveals the answer
Being able to correctly identify edible trees — and reach the branches — is essential.
St. Cloud priest who pleaded guilty to sex abuse is dismissed from priesthood
While serving a prison sentence for criminal sexual conduct, Anthony Oelrich had remained a priest.
Minnesotans gave these three old churches surprising second lives
Abandoned spaces and forgotten altars are reinvented — as a brewery, vacation rental and wedding chapel.
Retha Dooley, recovery leader, dies at 74
A manager at Rolling Soles on Lake Street, she also helped build a community of outdoor skaters.
Toddler shot, wounded in Minneapolis, police say
The girl is hospitalized but not gravely injured.
Task force finds drugs, guns and nearly $100K in northern Minnesota home
The bust took place at a home in Virginia, Minn.
Golden Valley church promotes 'decluttering with a purpose'
A core belief called the "law of circulation" frees space for something new by getting items to those who need them.
Survivor wants to know what will happen to abusive St. Cloud priest once he's out of prison
The Rev. Anthony Oelrich pleaded guilty to criminal sexual conduct, yet is still a member of the priesthood.
The queen of Norway is coming to Minnesota
Queen Sonja will help a Minneapolis church celebrate its centennial, meet the governor and more.
Some Twin Cities faith communities are becoming more vocal in supporting abortion rights
Many Minnesota churches have long been part of the anti-abortion movement, but local religious perspectives on abortion are diverse and often nuanced.
