Unemployment claims climb to 286,000, the most since October
Jobless claims rose for the third straight week — by 55,000 to 286,000, highest since mid-October, the Labor Department reported Thursday.
COVID-19: Europe considers new strategy of accepting the virus
The idea to deal with COVID-19 in Europe is to move from crisis mode to control mode, approaching the virus in much the same way countries deal with flu or measles.
Twin Cities restaurants make changes with vaccine card requirement in effect
Serving up drinks with a vaccination inquiry on the side, Centro and Vivir manager Jeremy Bue isn’t overthinking the new proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test question he now has to ask all his customers.
AG Ellison sues COVID-19 testing companies accused of faking test results
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has announced a lawsuit aimed at companies who deceived patients looking for a COVID-19 test.
Starbucks ending employee vaccine mandate after Supreme Court ruling
Starbucks is no longer requiring its U.S. workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19, reversing a policy it announced earlier this month.
St. Louis Park adopts mask mandate
The St. Louis Park City Council has adopted an emergency ordinance requiring face coverings, regardless of vaccination status, to help curb the spread of COVID-19.
Free government COVID test kits now available: Everything you need to know
A new federal website to request free COVID-19 test kits -- originally scheduled to launch Wednesday -- is online now.
Minneapolis, St. Paul proof of vax requirement starts today
Starting today patrons at restaurants, bars, and other places that serve food and drinks in Minneapolis and St. Paul will need to either show proof of vaccination or a negative test taken within 72 hours.
St. Paul students stage walkout over COVID-19 issues, call for return to distance learning
While some school districts have returned to distance learning in the middle of the omicron surge, classes at St. Paul Public Schools remain in person.
Surveillance shows drop in COVID-19 viral load in Twin Cities sewage
A wastewater surveillance program in the Twin Cities, that tracks COVID-19 through our sewage, may show the metro has passed the omicron peak.
At-home COVID-19 tests now covered by health plans
Beginning Jan. 15 at-home COVID-19 tests are now covered by most insurance plans.
Minnesota man battling COVID-19 moved to Texas hospital after lawsuit over ventilator
A Buffalo, Minnesota man suffering from a devastating case of COVID-19 is in Texas where his family is hoping and praying doctors there can save his life.
Twin Cities performing arts groups implement new COVID-19 measures
A group of Minnesota performing arts organizations is implementing some of the strictest COVID-19 measures we've seen.
COVID-19 vaccine mandates in Minnesota: What to know
As the omicron variant of COVID-19 continues to surge in Minnesota, vaccine mandates in Minneapolis and St. Paul begin Wednesday, Jan. 19. But what does that mean? Here's a breakdown of what you need to know about the vaccine mandate and its impacts:
Rochester mayor issues mask mandate
Rochester has been added to the growing list of cities throughout Minnesota that are bringing back mask mandates in indoor spaces due to increasing infection rates of the omicron variant.
Minnetonka approves mask mandate
The Minnetonka City Council has passed an emergency ordinance requiring face coverings within specific indoor spaces within the city.
As omicron cases surge, so do breakthrough infections
A fully vaccinated East Atlanta man recently contracted a breakthrough infection, likely caused by the highly contagious omicron variant.
Best Buy CEO sees high worker turnover in US economy lasting 12-24 months
The heads of the Minneapolis Federal Reserve and Best Buy say uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic will cloud the economy in the near term, with supply chain disruptions and a worker shortage likely to continue.
Minneapolis, St. Paul requiring proof of COVID vaccination for restaurants, bars
Minneapolis and St. Paul will start requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test at places were people eat and drink including restaurants, bars and entertainment venues.