Lifestyle

Twin Cities tightening COVID bar, restaurant rules as cases climb
With the virus spreading rapidly, Minneapolis and St. Paul will soon require proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID test to enter places serving food and drink. Some worry the plan will spark new confrontations with patrons.
A fundraiser for mental health justice featuring top Twin Cities chefs
An upcoming series of events called Graze 4 Good aims to raise money for mental health justice — by bringing attendees food from top Twin Cities chefs. An organizer and a chef told host Cathy Wurzer more about the project.
Apostle Islands ice caves access not looking promising this winter
While there still are weeks of winter ahead, officials at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in northern Wisconsin say it's not looking promising for access to the park's famed Lake Superior ice caves.
What it's like to keep a restaurant going during the pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has done a number on restaurants across the state and around the globe — so how do you make it in this incredibly difficult time? Paige Alexander and Sophia Munch, the owners of Zettas and Yeah Yeah Taco on Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis, reflected with host Cathy Wurzer.
An animal rescue tries to keep pets with families before they're surrendered
Rachel Mairose, founder and executive director of Secondhand Hounds, has been rescuing pets for years, but now she’s trying to keep pets and families together. Mairose told host Cathy Wurzer why her rescue has merged with a pet food shelf and opened a pet wellness center.
Ann Bancroft Foundation inspires big dreams for girls
Ann Bancroft is the first woman to have crossed the ice to reach both the North and South poles. For 25 years, her foundation has also helped Minnesota girls reach their ambitious goals. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with Bancroft and the foundation’s new executive director about encouraging a new generation of strong women. 
Efforts to reintroduce bison to Dakota County park advancing this winter
Work continues at Dakota County’s Spring Lake Park Reserve to prepare for the arrival next fall of new residents: bison. It's a new part of a statewide effort to maintain a self-sustaining bison herd in Minnesota.
Mama bear, 3 cubs climb tree, take nap in urban Virginia
Wildlife officials say a mama black bear and her three cubs clambered up a tree and napped in the middle of a Virginia neighborhood before voluntarily ambling on hours later. 
Fresh ideas for New Year's fare from a Minneapolis chef and activist
With one big holiday meal out of the way and another just around the corner, does the cooking ever stop? Imani Jackson, the chef behind Chopped and Served, a community catering company based in Minneapolis, joined host Cathy Wurzer with some ideas on what to cook up for New Year's.