Where to find free food, discounts if you've been furloughed
There's no end in sight to the government shutdown -- now the longest in U.S. history -- but these local businesses are stepping up to provide some relief for impacted workers.
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In home of original Sriracha sauce, Thais say Rooster brand is nothing to crow about
The Rooster brand, ubiquitous in the U.S., is now being exported to Thailand, where Sriracha was born. But many Thais who taste the U.S. version are not impressed. "I wanted to gag," says one.
'Baby Shark' has crashed into the pop charts. How did it get there?
The uber-viral children's song "Baby Shark" landed in the top 40 of the Billboard charts this week, years after it debuted on YouTube.
Despite shutdown, Voyageurs National Park gets funding to partially reopen
Voyageurs National Park has received special funding to restore some winter operations for at least the next two weekends, thanks to Voyageurs National Park Association that will give a $5,000 grant to the park.
Oldest person in U.S. has died
Lessie Brown, 114, died Tuesday at her home in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Family members attributed her longevity to her love of sweet potatoes. "I don't think that's it," Brown told media in 2013.
Judge: Minneapolis cannot manage park outside U.S. Bank Stadium
Activist John Hayden and former councilman Paul Ostrow sued in 2017 arguing that the city is not allowed to manage the site because, under the city charter, that's the park board's job.
Quiz: Test your knowledge of memorable local, national stories in 2018
How much do you remember about what happened this year? Take this quiz to test what you know about some big local and national stories that took place in 2018.
Cute aggression: Adorableness overload can lead to violent urges
Adorable babies and cute puppies can make us happy. But researchers say their cuteness can be so overwhelming that it unleashes some ugly thoughts.
What's open, what's closed on New Year's Day in Minnesota
Here's a (noncomprehensive) guide to what's open and what isn't for the first day of 2019.
Five family-friendly options for New Year's Eve around Minnesota
Looking for something to do on Monday night to say farewell to 2018 and welcome 2019? Here are a few family-friendly ideas from around Minnesota.
Martha Stewart's tips for hosting a terrific New Year's Eve
Ice balls melt slowly and impress everyone. Provide toothbrushes and bathrobes for overnight guests. And if your budget is tight, mac and cheese and a bottle of good wine can go a very long way.
Wisconsin wreaths carry invasive insects from eastern states
Wisconsin residents are being asked to burn or bag some Christmas decorations after an infestation of highly invasive tree-eating insects were found on wreaths, swags and other holiday items made with real evergreen boughs.
For 125 years, this Minnesota family has been keeping an eye on the weather
The Opjorden family in Milan, Minn., is among only a handful in the country who has continuously supplied data to the National Weather Service for so many years.
The purge: Get rid of the negative things and people from your life
A professional organizer and a therapist spoke with MPR News host Angela Davis about how good it is to let things go.
Girl finds Santa gifts, despite Trump's 'marginal' comment
A 7-year-old girl who talked to President Trump on Christmas Eve still left out milk and cookies for Santa despite the president telling her it was "marginal" for a child of her age to still believe.
Chronic wasting disease watchers wait for late hunt results and worry
Hunters in southeastern Minnesota shot 420 deer just before Christmas in an effort to slow the spread of chronic wasting disease.
Love the holidays? The Philippines celebrates 4 months of Christmas mania
Counting down from September, nine days of Mass, heaps of roast pig, colorful lights and festivities all over the place — the Filipinos know how to make the season bright, and eternal.
Gingerbread cred: Bakers craft winning edible art down to the last detail
Tiny working gingerbread clock gears, meticulously hand-painted playing cards, scenes that tell stories — all comes into play at the annual National Gingerbread House Competition in North Carolina.
Take a deep breath, smell triggers memories more than other senses
According to psychology professor Bridget Robinson-Riegler, smells have a strong connection to the memory parts of the brain. MPR News host Angela Davis talked to Professor Robinson-Riegler about smells and memories.
Celebrating food traditions
MPR News host Angela Davis talks with two guests about food traditions — how they're shared, why they matter, and what role they play at the holidays.