Recent content from Erica Pearson
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.
Sim Glaser, Minneapolis' rock 'n' roll rabbi, dies at 67
Of all the many memorable sermons Rabbi Simeon "Sim" Glaser gave at Minneapolis' Temple Israel, the one where he brought along his dog trainer stands…
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.
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.
Author and former nun Karen Armstrong reflects on climate change and 'Sacred Nature'
Talking Volumes guest wonders: Is there a spiritual solution to climate change?
What's it like to be Amish? Minnesota man answers all on TikTok
Eddie Swartzentruber ran away from his settlement in Harmony, Minn., as a teen.
First day of school? Dad bod? Unsolicited advice? Twin Cities pastor has a blessing for that
Meta Herrick Carlson's book "Ordinary Blessings for Parents" has a verse for nearly every parental moment.
With drive-in movies, barbecues and ax throwing, Twin Cities churches aim to beckon people back
Disc golf. Board games. Ax throwing. BYOB (bring your own bow) archery shoots.These may not be your typical church events, but they pepper the calendars…
Minnesota's hot dish ministries serve parishioners in need
These volunteers organize comforting meals when church members need them most.
Minnesota State Fair hopes it's 'back to normal' this year, with revived features — and a giant loon
Baby animals, amateur talent, mass karaoke and a giant loon are among the beloved attractions returning or debuting at 2022's Great Minnesota Get-Together.
Pick your own flowers at these U-pick flower farms in Minnesota
A growing number of pick-it-yourself flower farms taking root in Minnesota.
Anoka man arrested, charged with murder of infant daughter
Baby died in his care 13 years ago, police say
How to grow your own majestic sunflower patch
Tips from Minnesota farmers on how to plant and which varieties to choose.
Geraldine 'Gerry' Sell, community activist and neighborhood advocate, dies at 88
Founder of the Field Regina Northrop Neighborhood Group in the 1960s, she was a force for positive change.
The Bleacher Brothers stop at Target Field for a game and a mission
The pilgrimage of the traveling friars will take them to all 30 MLB stadiums to spread a message of "radical hope."
Many Minnesota churches are putting their faith in new names
The change comes as many congregations in Minnesota and across the country reconsider their names in an effort to reflect current sensibilities on history and racial justice. They're also reacting to dwindling numbers in the pews, especially among young people.
The Twin Cities, a hot spot for labyrinths, ships portable paths around the U.S.
Schools, churches and companies use the walkways for workshops and retreats.
Beyoncé Mass comes to Minneapolis
Worship services inspired by star held in Plymouth Congregational Church, set for George Floyd Square
Dale Carlson, Hillside Cemetery superintendent and director at Washburn- McReavy, dies at 72
He took a job with the grounds crew as a teen and rose to become foreman and superintendent before overseeing wider operations.
Minnesota churches host Ukrainian Easter egg workshops and sales to help relief efforts
As Orthodox Easter approaches, they are pitching in with pysanky workshops and fundraisers.
This Easter Sunday, Minnesota church choirs are letting their voices ring again
Easter Sunday's celebratory sounds set to return for singers and congregations.
These Minnesotans are bringing social justice to the Seder table
This Passover, some Jewish families are telling not only the story of the Israelites, but of George Floyd, too.
Muslim teens in Minnesota prepare for holy month with 'Ramadan rehearsal'
Youth leaders at Blaine Muslim Community Center offer spiritual and practical help before fasting begins.
On the go with Minneapolis' pedaling pastor
G. Travis Norvell on his new book and how he got MPR to include daily bike commute reports
Minnesota International Owl Center to hold more auctions to benefit Ukrainian kids
First auction of owl art raised $100,000.
Worship apps prompt Minnesotans to pray every day
Newly popular prayer apps like Hallow and Glorify follow the successful formula of meditation apps.
Art by Ukrainian kids to be auctioned by Minnesota's International Owl Center
The sale of the art, collected through the center's annual art contest, will benefit Ukrainian children.
Minneapolis artist spreads the sacred light to synagogues around the world
Local show celebrates the work of Claude Riedel, who has created ner tamids for more than 175 synagogues.
Some Hastings clergy mark Ash Wednesday with glitter to support LGBTQ faithful
New efforts add sparkle to the solemn first day of Lent.
Why did so many Jewish people move to St. Louis Park decades ago?
The western suburb is famously associated with Minnesota's Jewish population, which built a sizable community there in the latter half of the 20th century.
Generational shift over worship roils some Twin Cities Catholic congregations
Many young priests are more traditional, alienating some older church members.
Every week, Minnetonka rabbi tells stories from the Torah in braided bread
Bet Shalom Congregation's Jill Crimmings illustrates a weekly Torah reading one intricate challah loaf at a time.
Twin Cities Buddhists honor Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh
They join a worldwide outpouring for the influential teacher and peace activist who died Saturday.
Prominent rabbi resigns from south Minneapolis synagogue Shir Tikvah
Michael Adam Latz, a prominent social justice advocate, had "significant issues" with staff interactions
The Rev. Jia Starr Brown resigns from Minneapolis' First Covenant
The senior pastor had been congregation's first woman, first Black person and first gay person to fill the role
Are you a bad sleeper? Even a small break from booze could help
Alcohol has an outsized effect on rest because it worsens sleep in many ways.
Minnesota's outdoor Christmas pageants bring congregations together
More churches have started hosting drive-through events in the pandemic.
One shot near Eagan outlet mall
Police say victim was brought to nearby hospital, but did not provide condition
Hastings man charged with burning friend's dead body in a trash can
Timothy Lee Otto charged Friday in July incident
Bell Museum 'star parties' take Minnesotans to the 'edge of the universe'
For now, the monthly star parties are a virtual experience. A camera at the back of the museum's telescope captures close-up images, which are streamed via Zoom.
Minnesotans reflect on the power of giving thanks before a meal
Whether you say grace, give a blessing or go DIY, dinnertime rituals create connection and mindfulness.
Rosemary "Pinky" Hail Conner, tribal advocate and Marine veteran, dies at 81
In her hometown of Watonga, Okla., Rosemary Hail Conner was teased for wearing hand-me-down clothing. That's why the brand-new pink dress she received as a…
