Minnesota shops hope for strong holiday sales as they fight through pandemic struggles
Small Business Saturday is always a day that's important for shops and stores across Minnesota and the country. But, this year, the shopping holiday is even more critical for small businesses looking to make it through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Minnesota shoppers show up for Black Friday deals during pandemic
With restrictions in place in Minnesota, stores still saw plenty of foot traffic on Friday, but the COVID-19 pandemic made it a Black Friday like no other.
On Black Friday, Gov. Walz encourages support for small businesses amid COVID-19 pause
Governor Walz is urging shoppers to think local on Black Friday, as a COVID-19 pause is in effect in Minnesota.
Small Business Saturday more critical this holiday season amid coronavirus pandemic
Sandwiched between Black Friday and Cyber Monday is Small Business Saturday, a national initiative to shop local and break away from large box stores. However, this year shoppers will notice a few changes because of COVID-19.
How Black Friday and holiday shopping have changed for 2020
In normal times, Black Friday is the busiest shopping day of the year, drawing millions of shoppers eager to get started on their holiday spending. But these are not normal times.
US economy sprints toward normal in 2021 but with coronavirus scars
With the help of COVID-19 vaccines and, possibly, more government relief, the U.S. economy may return to normal by the second half of next year.
Twin Cities volunteers spend Thanksgiving feeding people at encampments as pandemic drives up need
There's always a need to feed the hungry but the need is especially great this year on this Thanksgiving. Involve MN tells us they’re handing out 1,000 meals between Minneapolis and St. Paul but their work just isn’t on the holiday, it’s every day.
MN Black Box: Minnesota woman is showcasing Black-owned businesses through new endeavor
With small businesses struggling to stay afloat nationwide, the pandemic is hitting Black-owned businesses especially hard. In our Voices for Change series, we are getting a look at how a local entrepreneur is showing support with hopes it pays off.
Oklahoma organization offering $10K if you move to Tulsa for remote work
Tulsa Remote is an incentive program offering $10,000 to out-of-state remote workers who move to Oklahoma.
Unemployment claims rise to 778,000 as COVID-19 pandemic worsens
The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits rose last week to 778,000, evidence that the U.S. economy and job market remain under strain as coronavirus cases surge and colder weather heighten the risks.
Moratorium on evictions set to end this year, worrying renters
The nationwide moratorium on evictions will expire at the end of December, and if the government doesn't extend it, some are concerned we could face a larger homelessness crisis.
Economists urge Congress to send out second round of $1,200 stimulus checks
A group of more than 125 economists is calling on Congress to send out more direct cash payments to American families to help them weather the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent economic downturn.
Metro Meals on Wheels estimates 400% increase in demand amid pandemic, holidays
Ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, Senator Amy Klobuchar is rallying support for nonprofits in the midst of a growing hunger crisis in the state.
Guitar Center files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy amid ongoing COVID-19 pandemic
Guitar Center has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, citing financial hardships due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
'I'm going to do whatever it takes': Minnesota restaurants brace for challenging month ahead
New restrictions announced by Gov. Walz prohibit indoor service at bars and restaurants in Minnesota, forcing businesses to rely entirely on takeout orders for the next four weeks.
Minnesota hospitality group asks governor for financial assistance ahead of 4-week pause
Minnesota’s largest hospitality group sent an urgent letter to Gov. Tim Walz calling for immediate financial assistance for the industry ahead of the month-long shutdown that starts this weekend.
Minnesota movie theaters struggle for survival on eve of four-week closure
Under Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's new executive order, movie theaters are among those businesses that have to temporarily close for the next four weeks.
Red Rabbit restaurant in Minneapolis reopens after fire, now closing due to COVID-19 pause
A new pause due to a spike in COVID-19 cases in Minnesota has many businesses saying goodbye on Friday, as restrictions take effect at the end of the night.
Minnesota bars wind down operations as COVID-19 dial-back measures kick in
Minnesota bars were putting the caps on their kegs on Friday as new restrictions went into effect barring indoor service for at least four weeks.
NorthPoint plans food giveaway in Minneapolis for families struggling through pandemic
As we approach the holiday season, NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center in north Minneapolis is teaming up with a number of organizations to distribute free food as need continues to grow during the pandemic.