Recent content from Erica Pearson
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…
Is it possible to end baby-book guilt?
New apps, daily prompts and subscription services aim to help parents complete the beloved books.
The Halloween blizzard stories you've been telling (and retelling) for 30 years
From blizzard babies to sharing shovels, these tales of Minnesota's epic 1991 storm are worth sharing.
Twin Cities theater company films new Spookley puppet show
The square pumpkin is celebrating 20 years and is part of anti-bullying efforts
Is perfectionism making you less happy and less productive? Tips to tackle your inner critic
Once sought after, perfectionism is increasingly being seen as an obstacle to a happy, healthy life.
WCCO Radio host Jordana Green back in studio after cancer treatment
Green, back from a leave to focus on her recovery, had been broadcasting from her bedroom during the pandemic.
The bench from Kao Kalia Yang's 'A Map into the World' has a new home
St Paul author Kao Kalia Yang's poignant picture book tells the story of her neighbor, Bob. His bench has a new home at the East Side Freedom Library.
Is it time to stop drinking? More Minnesotans are asking themselves that question
With dry bars, recovery workouts and a thriving support community, Minnesotans are taking a new approach to sobriety.
Storm threat downgraded for metro area, but rain still coming
Tornado warnings and severe thunderstorm warnings were popping up in southwestern Minnesota after storm warnings earlier in the day.
Sex trafficking suspect arrested in Anoka County
The multistate law enforcement team Operation United Front arrested a Bloomington man.
Minnesota health officials may sink Swimply app
Under state rules, renting out a backyard pool makes it a public pool.
100 hot pepper varieties: Minneapolis gardener and YouTube crooner's front-yard bounty
A Minneapolis man who has turned his love for hot peppers into a YouTube series is partnering with a local hot sauce maker to bottle his peppers.
Minnesotans are flocking to local sunflower fields and paying to snap a selfie in the charming crop
Sunflowers used to be just a crop. Now they've become a destination, luring camera-toting visitors.
What to know before heading to the 2021 Minnesota State Fair
What's new and different at the State Fair after a year off? A fair amount.
Abuse survivor and advocate Mark Douglass dies at age 70
Mark Douglass spoke out about surviving childhood sexual abuse in 1984, when adult victims — especially men — rarely came forward and time limits made…
Pop-up picnic providers set a pretty scene in Twin Cities parks
Forget the musty blankets and cold sandwiches. Pros make picnics posh.
Swimply app lets you rent out a stranger's pool by the hour in the Twin Cities
It includes pools in more than 125 U.S. cities and several locations in Canada and Australia.
Check out 4 renovated vintage RVs in the Twin Cities with their own Instagram accounts
Mural-on-wheels Winnie Cooper RV, Champ the Scamp and other remodeled Minnesota RVs are hitting the road.
Nervous about resuming activities? How to manage 'COVID transition anxiety'
Some people are finding they're hesitant to do the things they had looked forward to doing post-vaccine.
How Minnesotans can beat the heat in practical and kooky ways
It's hot, and it looks like it's going to stay that way. You can hide out in your basement or get creatively cool.
How to revive friendships disrupted by the pandemic
It may take work to reconnect after months of misfired texts and fizzled Zoom brunches.
Mayo Clinic's carillon bell tower performances now ring on livestream
The Mayo Clinic's carillon bell tower performances have been a staple for nearly a century.
Trailblazing businesswoman and Minnesota benefactor Karin Larson dies at 82
Even as she built a life in California, she stayed connected to her Minnesota roots.
Some Minnesota high schools ditch the dance at nontraditional proms
From dance-less dances to outdoor carnivals, Minnesota high schools are opting for creative takes on the traditional prom this year.
Date night is finally returning to Minnesota, thanks to vaccinated babysitters
Forget Netflix-and-takeout dates. With vaccinated grandparents eager to babysit, mom and dad are starting to venture out.
Minnesotans are getting vaccinated in drugstores, shopping malls, even storage facilities
Whether they took epic road trips or drove across town, these readers went for their COVID-19 vaccinations and came away with a dose of gratitude.
These Minnesotans renounced the racial covenants for their homes
These Twin Cities residents discovered their homes were once in "Caucasians only" enclaves. They're confronting history in an effort to fight the homeownership gap.
Need a dose of cute? Minnesota Zoo's Farm Baby webcam shows lambs and kids around the clock
So far, animal babies born at the zoo's farm this spring include 11 piglets, three lambs, two goat kids, and a number of chicks.
Minnesotans' latest pandemic pick-me-up? Hugging llamas
Many are flocking to local llama farms to get a warm, comforting hug.
The Embrace Winter challenge is done! Looking back at our cold-weather accomplishments
Despite the swings in temperatures, we got outside, tried everything from ice climbing to ice yoga and embraced a Minnesota winter.
Fatal shooting reported near George Floyd Square in Minneapolis
One person died after being taken to a hospital.
'Miracle' hockey star Mark Pavelich's brain to be examined for CTE
'Way too much trauma and way too much hurt,' his sister posted.
Alvin Donahoo, D-Day veteran and former Minneapolis Grain Exchange VP, dies at 102
When the Minnesota Vikings honored Alvin Donahoo with a standing ovation as a "Hometown Hero" a day after his 100th birthday, the U.S. Navy veteran…
Embrace Winter challenge: Go bird-watching or stargazing
Enjoy these two slower, quieter ways to experience winter.
The next Embrace Winter challenge: Try a new-to-you winter sport
Working out outside and switching up your activities offers surprising benefits.
Looking for ways to enjoy the cold? Join our Embrace Winter Challenge.
For the next 30 days, we'll spend 30 minutes a day outside to reduce stress, improve our immune systems and see Minnesota's "other" season in a whole new light.
Bloomington father and son turn their firm to making – and giving – masks
Company pivots from producing parachutes for sky divers to live-saving masks.
Father Patrick Griffin, priest who helped create St. Stephen's Human Services, dies at 79
A big-hearted priest with a "constant grin and twinkle in his eye," the Rev. Patrick Griffin believed it was a privilege to serve poor people."His…
Virtual puzzle contest sponsored by Twin Cities impresario
Ready, set, puzzle!This winter, jigsaw enthusiasts by the dozens can gather virtually to spend a few hours puzzling together.There are prizes for putting the puzzle…
Zooming with Santa? Here's how to make the most of it
Virtual visits with Mr. Claus can create real magic if parents do a little prep.
Local alternatives to Amazon abound for safe, convenient holiday shopping
From online holiday markets to virtual personal shoppers, here's how to shop locally for gifts this year.
A Minneapolis mindfulness expert's tips for helping kids find calm
A Minneapolis mom and mindfulness educator has strategies to keep calm and carry on.
Minnesota's Hearts of Hope Family Grief Camp gives mourning kids a place to connect — and have fun
Long-running family camp continues to help kids facing loss despite pandemic challenges.
Minnesotans are decking the halls weeks ahead of the holidays, hoping to boost spirits
Even before the skulls and ghosts from Halloween came down, Christmas lovers across Minnesota were pulling out the ornaments and twinkly lights.
How Gov. Walz's new COVID guidelines will shape Thanksgiving for Minnesotans
It's possible to limit the risks of a large gathering and still keep some of the magic.
Twin Cities photographers rescue school picture day for distance learners
Photographers are hosting shoots outside or in garages: Even in an age when parents' phones are filled with images of their children, the humble school picture still carries meaning.
Meet Minnesota's Woke Coach: Seena Hodges
Seena Hodges works to set her clients on the path to create a more anti-racist, inclusive world.
'Father of modern hot-air ballooning' Don Piccard dies at 94
Piccard organized the country's first hot-air balloon race, launching from a frozen White Bear Lake as part of the 1962 St. Paul Winter Carnival.
Your winter COVID bubble: How can you decide who's in, who's out?
As colder weather sends us indoors, many Minnesotans are shrinking their social circles.
From the safety of your car: It's a drive-thru life during the pandemic
Many activities — from concerts to church to doctor visits — can now be experienced from the safe bubble of our vehicles. But car-first culture comes at a cost.
