Recent content from Gita Sitaramiah

A fashion doll from 1959 gets a boost from a 2023 blockbuster: Hi, Barbie!
Mattel is capitalizing on the 64-year-old doll via this year's hit movie, toy sales, merchandising and pop-up restaurants.

Sun Country has charged an online booking fee since 2022; passengers just didn't know it
Budget airlines routinely charge such fees to avoid taxes and thus boost profit.

Black Friday shoppers hit Twin Cities malls hunting for deep discounts
Retailers expected consumers to be choosier with their dollars to officially start the holiday shopping season.
Man dies in Minneapolis shooting early Thanksgiving
Minneapolis police are investigating and say they believe the victim knew the shooter.

When you can shop on Thanksgiving, Black Friday
From grocery stores to malls, there are few options open on Turkey Day but plenty of extended hours Black Friday.

The holiday gift puzzle: Who should get a gift, and what should it be?
From family to friend to coworkers, here's how to cope with the sometimes-stressful present-giving tradition.

New leader of Minneapolis Downtown Council says city is ripe for a comeback
The organization, which canceled Holidazzle this year after insufficient funding, aims to attract more workers and visitors downtown.
![Passengers walk in Concourse D in Terminal 1, which is currently under renovation, at Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023. ] LEILA](https://chorus.stimg.co/25083935/merlin_72634489.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Forget pre-pandemic levels: Experts predict record travel for Thanksgiving, holidays
There will likely be more air travel and road trips for Turkey Day this year than ever before thanks to the work-from-anywhere trend.

What are Minnesota's most popular tourist attractions?
State tourism spending has rebounded since the pandemic, but growth has lagged behind the national trend.

Sun Country Airlines unfazed by demand drama as post-pandemic travel normalizes
The Minneapolis-based carrier expects consistent passengers throughout the winter as Minnesotans seek to escape snow and cold.

How Kathy Tunheim built a pillar of the Twin Cities' PR industry
The University of Minnesota Hubbard School of Journalism honored the communications professional with the first Aluminary Award in recognition of her impact.

3 Minnesotans share how student loans have affected their lives
The average student loan debt in Minnesota is $34,000 as federal student loan payments resumed last month after a 3½-year pause.

Americans are spending $700M on Halloween costumes. For our pets.
As Halloween becomes increasingly popular, consumers are including their cats and dogs in the fun.

Downtown Council names new leader as Minneapolis continues pandemic rebound
Adam Duininck, a former Metropolitan Council chair, will replace retiring Steve Cramer.

Delta scales back changes to SkyMiles rewards program
Chief Executive Ed Bastian offered several adjustments to mid-September's changes that had made gaining status more difficult, expensive and exclusive.

Sun Country Airlines to add Montreal, Toronto nonstops from MSP
Next year, the growing Minneapolis leisure carrier will operate 120 routes serving 104 airports.

From dollar stores to DoorDash, 5 creative ways Minnesotans cut their grocery bill
The cost of food rose 11.4% last year, the biggest annual jump in nearly 50 years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported.

Small businesses, shoppers grapple with conundrum of credit card swipe fees
The Credit Card Competition Act of 2023 aims to enhance credit card competition and choice in order to reduce fees.

Twins drive, sports-packed weekend offer much-needed jolt for downtown Mpls.
Fans crowded downtown bars and restaurants on Saturday to watch the first Twins playoff game against the Astros. Sunday sees the second game of that series on TV, plus a Vikings game downtown.

We want to know: How do you plan to shop for the holidays this year?
Share your thoughts on holiday shopping this season with the Star Tribune.

Delta Air Lines to start Turks and Caicos seasonal service from Minneapolis-St. Paul
Nonstop flights from MSP start in January.

Retired Minneapolis police Sgt. Peter Jackson is remembered as courageous investigator with a zest for life
A celebration of life is planned Oct. 17 at the Golden Valley Country Club.

Delta CEO on rewards changes: 'We probably went too far'
Changes to the airline's SkyMiles program drew outrage from loyal airline customers.

MSP loses top spot in ranking of North American airports
Overall customer satisfaction with North American airports increased, despite delays, cancelations and record passenger volume crowding terminals.

Downtown Minneapolis events push summer hotel bookings near autumn 2019 levels
Taylor Swift concerts and the Twin Cities Pride festival were among the events that drew visitors downtown as hotel revenue climbed in the summer.

Why are MSP flights among the most expensive in the country?
Per a study, domestic airfare from the airport came in third highest, averaging $456.

How do you save money on groceries? Share your tips.
As food prices shot up, many households made changes to cope. The Star Tribune would like to learn your tips for where and how to…

Delta changes SkyMiles program: Want status? Spend more.
Delta Air Lines is changing how travelers earn status, starting in January for travel in 2025 and beyond.

Lufthansa to launch service at MSP with nonstop to Frankfurt
The German-based Lufthansa will be Minneapolis-St. Paul's first new trans-Atlantic carrier in more than four years, with new service to Europe.

Delta drops its planned nonstop flights from Minneapolis to Maui
Tourism officials still want people to return; customers with rebooked flights should be eligible for refunds.

Twin Cities retail workers use unions to demand better treatment
The workforce shortage and a desire for pandemic recompense are motivating many retail workers and unions to become more active.

After more than 50 years, iconic Mpls. outdoor retailer Midwest Mountaineering will close
Sales declines in recent years pushed owner Rod Johnson to shut the doors to his Minneapolis store this fall.

Delta, Xcel push for sustainable aviation fuel hub in Minnesota
A manufacturer is needed to make those dreams a reality.

New Coborn's grocery leader brings Target, General Mills experience to St. Cloud chain
David Best started at Coborn's Inc. on Monday and will become president and chief operating officer at year-end.

Cub's dominance wanes as Walmart's prices lure grocery shoppers
Grocers enjoyed a pandemic boom, but inflation has since driven shoppers from across the economic spectrum to Walmart.

A conference for conventions: Downtown Minneapolis markets itself for future visitors
Meet Minneapolis, the city's convention and visitors association, hosted hundreds of meeting and event planners as business travel slowly recovers nationwide.

Travelers dealing with canceled flights, long delays with little recourse
The pilot shortage is easing but not fast enough for airlines to cope with the summer travel frenzy and stormy weather.

Aer Lingus resumes MSP-Dublin nonstop flight after pandemic; Delta adds same route
This has fully restored international service at MSP airport to pre-pandemic levels.

Sun Country Airlines reports most profitable spring in more than half a decade
The Minnesota-based carrier reported a profitable quarter in what's usually a weaker period for the leisure airline. But investors expected a bit more earnings per share.

Kowalski's Markets union workers at six stores ratify new contract, averting strike
The union representing 600 workers in the Twin Cities announced Wednesday night that the new contract was approved.

The student loan pause is lifting soon, now it's time to start managing your debt
Payments come due in October, but borrowers should start strategizing now for how this will impact their budget.

Tentative union agreement averts strike at 6 Twin Cities area Kowalski's grocery stores
Six hundred workers will soon vote on whether to ratify the contract.

Kowalski's union grocery workers in Twin Cities could strike next week
The walkout is planned for Aug. 4-6, though the union is willing to continue negotiating.

There are more cars on Twin Cities lots, but monthly payments hit record highs
Shoppers will find more supply but higher interest rates are pushing monthly payments to an unaffordable level for many.

Sun Country Airlines and flight attendants union seek federal mediation for contract talks
Flight attendants for the Minneapolis-based carrier overwhelmingly rejected a proposed contract earlier this year.

Delta Air Lines workers rally at Minneapolis-St. Paul airport in drive to unionize
Flight attendants and ramp, mechanics, tower and cargo workers gathered to galvanize support for unionizing 45,000 airline employees.

Dreams of Galaxy Drive In pizzeria over as the St. Louis Park icon goes up for sale
Steve Schussler, best known for creating the Rainforest Café, is still working on a pizza restaurant chain with the Famous Dave's founder, Dave Anderson.

How to rent out a room in your home to make extra cash
You can make short-term rental income without owning multiple properties if you follow these tips.

Lunds & Byerlys union workers ratify contract that prevented a strike
The union had planned to strike at 22 of the grocer's 28 Twin Cities stores ahead of the July 4th holiday.

Heading up north? Eased gas prices fuel Minnesotans' July 4th getaways
AAA projects a record number of July 4th holiday road trips nationally, a year after Minnesota's record high price per gallon.
Swift fans gave economic boost to rival Super Bowl, Final Four
Taylor Swift's two concerts — plus the Pride festival and a convention — helped set a record high of 9,888 occupied hotel rooms in Minneapolis on June 23.

Lunds & Byerlys reaches deal with union, averting strike
The deal staves off a strike at 22 Lunds & Byerlys locations ahead of Fourth of July.
Looming worker strike at Lunds & Byerlys could affect July 4th shopping
A strike could run Thursday through Saturday at the local grocery store chain.
Papa Charlie's, longtime Lutsen tavern, lost in fire
Lutsen Mountains, the northeastern Minnesota ski resort, said the tavern and live music venue was destroyed Saturday.

Minneapolis-based Sun Country Airlines named best low-cost airline in North America
Delta Air Lines also took a top ranking in the global aviation awards event in Paris.

Downtown Minneapolis gay bar drops Anheuser-Busch products ahead of Pride
The Saloon replaced Bud Light and other beers with products from local breweries.

Downtown Minneapolis retailer Hubert White to close
Owner Bob White is retiring and will shutter the 107-year-old family business located in the IDS Center along Nicollet Mall in August.

Delta Air Lines to launch nonstop flights from MSP to Maui this winter
The Atlanta-based carrier will run daily nonstops starting in December and running through March.

Job loss and layoffs are scary, but take these steps to stabilize your situation
As 3M, Best Buy, Medtronic and other companies announce layoffs, here are some tips to navigate the tough time.

Payday loans are rising, but a Minnesota proposal might soon put an APR cap on them
A proposal at the Legislature would cap annual percentage rates, which averaged 220% in the state last year, at 36%.

Hy-Vee moves beyond groceries with new diet and exercise subscription
The program is thought to be the first of its kind for a U.S. grocer, per one expert.

U Carlson School of Management instructor Steve Spruth dies at 65
An April 28 memorial service is scheduled to remember the senior lecturer who focused on innovation.

How parents can find the right time to cut the financial cord with their adult children
Parents rely on experts like financial planners and therapists to help navigate money matters with their grown kids.
Delta's luxe new MSP lounge features largest Sky Club deck in U.S.
The new 21,000-square-foot club, about twice the size of its main mall club, features a deck and soundproof workspaces.

Workers at 33 Cub stores ratify new contract with higher wages after calling off strike
Employees will see the pay raises go into effect by next spring.

Cub employees will strike Friday, Saturday at 33 Twin Cities stores
The union authorized the strike earlier this week, a first for Cub, as shoppers prepare for Easter.

Unionized Cub employees at 33 Twin Cities stores vote to strike
The grocer has contingency plans in place to ensure continued availability of products and services.

Many senior women fight to stay above Minnesota's poverty line
The share of older women in poverty in the state has climbed to more than 10%, which is a 40% increase from a decade ago.

Traveling to Tokyo? Delta Air Lines is bringing back nonstop flights from MSP
The Atlanta-based carrier plans to have service at MSP fully restored by summer.

Union sues Sun Country Airlines, claiming retaliation after recent firings
The union representing the Minneapolis-based airline's fleet employees formed in January.

Silicon Valley Bank's collapse: Here's what Minnesotans need to know
Minnesota-based banks' stocks slid this morning despite the federal government stepping in to quell fears. Meanwhile, experts say consumers should rest easy about their money.

Sun Country Airlines, flight attendants reach preliminary agreement for new union contract
The flight attendants have operated on a 2014 contract and 2016 wage deal as negotiations paused during the pandemic.

Recently fired employees of Sun Country Airlines claim retaliation for union support
The Minneapolis-based airline denied the claims of wrongful termination from the three employees.

Incentives and threats: How to avoid scammers 'phishing' for money, personal information
Whether through mail, email, call, text or social media, Minnesotans have lost an average of $700 per scam in recent months.

Minnesotans still planning winter getaways, but not always to a beach
Travelers aren't shying away from higher prices so far. But those who opt to book that last-minute getaway will likely pay more.