Mall of America

The state-run community vaccination site at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota is prioritizing 16 and 17 year olds this week to get the Pfizer vaccine, the state Department of Education says.

They say all the world's a stage. For three former stage managers they've found a new one coordinating COVID-19 vaccinations at MOA. Kelly O'Connell has the story of three artists who were forced to switch careers and are now working to end the pandemic.

As businesses struggled with the pandemic and unrest over the summer, the Mall of America opened a space for local, minority-owned businesses to showcase their products. It’s called ‘Community Commons’ and it’s on Level 2 South near Macy’s. Since it opened in October, it’s helped grow 17 brands. This month, they welcomed in a new batch of businesses. One of the tenants, Andre Sackman, came up with his business idea during the pandemic. He began designing clothing under the brand name ‘Love Disorder’ that normalizes discussions about mental health something he never felt comfortable talking about in his youth. https://www.lovedisorder.com/ ARWAY Bags also calls ‘Community Commons’ home now. The founder, Marit Woods was born in Liberia. Her goal is to enact social change through art and to engage Liberian youth in the art sector. She and her team design and create beautiful custom-made bags sourcing their materials from Liberia. https://www.arwaybags.com/ And casual wear is high fashion these days and Daniel Johnson is all about the sweatsuit with his brand, LVLS House of Hoodies. Johnson had a store on Lake Street but rioters burned it down during the unrest. He now has two locations, one in Rochester and the other in the Mall of America. https://lvlshouseofhoodies.shop/

This would typically be the time of year malls would be bustling with holiday shoppers and kids dressed up for their pictures with Santa. But with COVID-19 restrictions in place, there won’t be any in-person visits with Old St. Nick. Still, malls are finding ways to keep the tradition alive, online. The Mall of America constructed the Candy Cane Institute, an interactive virtual experience that starts with a tour of the elves workshop and ends with a Santa visit. The cost for the 10-minute virtual holiday experience is $20 and it runs through December 24.

Santa is still working hard this year at the North Pole getting ready for his big night on December 24th. The jolly elf joined the Buzz with details on how you can Zoom with him through the Santa Experience at the MOA. He also made sure to ask Kelly and Dawn what they'd like for Christmas.