How Minnesota's Stay Safe plan changes from Phase 1 to Phase 4
A new dashboard from the Minnesota Department of Health outlines the four phases of reopening Minnesota.
Waconia HS teacher teams up with cabinetry business to bring wood shop home during distance learning
Amid the school closures due to COVID-19, a teacher in Waconia is teaming up with an area business to help give his students a hands-on learning experience.
Cheesecake Funk owner uses social media to reshape her business amid stay-at-home order
With a stay-at-home order now in effect for more than a month, the spread of COVID-19 is crippling many small business owners. The pandemic is also forcing some entrepreneurs to rethink how they do business.
Study: 1 in 4 Minnesotans say they miss their 'work spouse' more than their actual partner
A quarter of Minnesotans say they miss their “work spouse” more than they would miss their actual partner, according to a study.
Twin Cities garbage company sees 17% increase in trash amid stay-at-home order
Minnesota's stay-at-home order isn't just creating a lot of anxiety about when it will be over. One Twin Cities metro garbage company says it is also generating a lot of extra trash.
Minnesota lawmakers push for increased broadband for distance learning amid COVID-19 pandemic
Across every corner of the state, school kids are trying to wrap up the semester from home with computers, but not every home has an internet connection. At the state Capitol, lawmakers are plugging in.
Schools work to expand student outreach amid distance learning equity challenges
With schools now closed for the rest of the school year, the Minnesota governor and lieutenant governor also putting a big focus on the impact the pandemic is having on education.
100,000 Minnesotans return to work Monday as some non-critical businesses reopen
Starting Monday, some non-critical businesses in Minnesota will be able to return to work if it is safe to do so, according to a new order from Governor Tim Walz.
'I am speechless': Anonymous check to Minnesota small business owner provides much-needed boost
A small business owner in Buffalo, Minnesota received an anonymous donation, which is giving her boutique a much-needed boost amid a time when it is desperately needed.
PPP in Minnesota: More than 46,000 applications approved for over $9B
The nearly $350 billion dollar federal loan program, the Paycheck Protection Program, maxed out its funding earlier this week. Newly released data shows how much will be going toward small businesses in Minnesota.
Minneapolis nonprofit helps isolated seniors stay connected with virtual visits
A college freshman in Minneapolis is finding a way to bring volunteers face to face with senior citizens, who are currently isolated in nursing homes. Within a month of launching, the newly formed nonprofit is expanding across the country.
Minnesota order allows septic companies to keep up with increased service calls
One of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's latest executive orders will allow septic service companies to better respond to increased calls due to the stay-at-home order.
Minnesota nonprofit in need of technology donations due to increase in distance learning
Distance learning is underway across the state, but plenty of students still don’t have the equipment they need at their fingertips.
A delicate dance: Wait for unemployment benefits or look for other work?
Those who have been laid off in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic are facing a tough decision. Do you find another job or file for unemployment insurance?
Landscaping businesses awaiting approval to return to work amid stay-at-home order
Landscapers are among some Minnesotans fighting to get back to work. They say they are essential and can stay busy and safe with most of their clients staying at home.
Pet adoptions high during COVID-19 quarantine
Rescue organizations are seeing a large number of pet adoptions as people look for comfort and distraction during the pandemic.
Minnesota driver's education classes get approval to go online during pandemic
When Minnesota Governor Tim Walz issued the stay-at-home order, classes stopped but then eventually started again online. However, that didn’t happen for driver’s education. Those classes were on hold - until now.
Self-employed encouraged to apply for unemployment as Minnesota awaits federal guidance
Those who are self-employed or independent contractors are encouraged to sign up for the state's unemployment insurance, even though they may initially be denied, according to the commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).
Al Mahmood Foundation makes 1,500 masks in one week for health care workers
The Al Mahmood Foundation in Prior Lake, Minnesota is helping to fill a critical supply: 1,500 masks in seven days.
Small businesses assess relief options amid COVID-19 pandemic
In the past 18 days, 320,000 Minnesotans have filed for unemployment, which equates to one-tenth of the state's total workforce.