Recent content from Gita Sitaramiah
Two men killed in a plane crash near Afton home
Federal officials were investigating Saturday's crash, which killed men from White Bear Lake and Baytown Township.
Downtown Minneapolis gains ground in tourism, 'taking our story back'
Central business district hotel operators say crucial business travel is slow to return.
Wendy's now says it won't start using surge pricing similar to Uber, Lyft
However, the fast-food chain confirmed it is spending $20 million on AI-powered menu boards.
Planning an international trip is complicated. These are the elements to consider.
There's a lot to weigh beyond just destination when you want to travel abroad for your next vacation.
After backlash, Minnetonka moccasins relaunch style with redesign by Indigenous artist
The Minneapolis footwear maker is working to reconcile its use of Native American designs and ideas.
Minnesotans still taking fewer business trips but are tacking on leisure
These "bleisure" travelers are part of why some projections show business travel fully recovering to pre-pandemic spending levels this year.
Did you graduate during the Great Recession? Tell us how you're doing financially
Incomes for young people didn't bounce back after the Great Recession as they did for older generations. Share your story about how you've fared economically and how you view your future.
Delta raises branded credit card fees just months after blowback from changes to SkyMiles
The Atlanta-based carrier sparked controversy last year after making status more costly and lounge access more exclusive.
Sun Country Airlines' staffing boosted its performance but contributed to recent income loss
The Minneapolis carrier experienced a fourth-quarter drop in profit, though it had its highest full-year revenue.
Lorraine Blumenfeld Hertz, who stayed positive through WWII, Alzheimer's, dies at age 100
The former teacher died last month in St. Paul.
Downtown Minneapolis hotels posted stronger year thanks to concerts, events
Meet Minneapolis reported demand for hotels in 2023 was the best since before the COVID-19 pandemic, though still not at 2019 levels.
Lake Street mainstay Soderberg's floral shop reopens, gearing up for Valentine's Day
A St. Paul florist is the new owner of the nearly 100-year-old Lake Street fixture.
Sun Country Airlines enters yet another year of contract negotiations with flight attendants
More than 600 flight attendants are working under a 2014 contract, amended in 2016.
Tattersall Distilling blames hacking for alleged $120K in missing rent
In a hearing Wednesday, a Hennepin County judge agreed to give Tattersall more time to investigate before the eviction case potentially goes to trial, as long as it pays its January rent.
Frontier Airlines will double presence at MSP Airport with five nonstop routes
The Denver-based low-cost carrier will offer a total of 10 destinations served from the Twin Cities by the end of May.
Caribou Coffee hands over roasting operations in $260M deal, focuses on coffeehouses
The company said the Brooklyn Center roastery will still roast all of its coffee.
Fake Facebook ads hit South St. Paul business, scam hundreds
WindRider owner Robert Sanberg said he lost $20,000 a day in revenue in November and December, not to mention damage to his brand.
Sky-high MSP fares coming down to Earth after pandemic heights
Airfares seem to be normalizing as the post-pandemic travel frenzy has calmed, with experts saying prices nationally this year were in line with or lower than 2019.
St. Louis Park's Galaxy Drive In to become dog-friendly burger joint
Craft & Crew Hospitality acquired the landmark, once planned by the founders of Famous Dave's and Rainforest Cafe to be a pizza place.
Local stores expect a boost from Super Saturday's holiday shopping procrastinators
Twin Cities store owners say their customers, fooled by the lack of wintry weather, delayed Christmas shopping.
A new Kowalski's grocery is coming to Minnetonka's Ridgedale in 2025
The Woodbury-based grocery chain is also adding a store at Southdale Center.
Delivery food was a pandemic necessity. It's now a luxury of convenience that's here to stay.
Fast-food chains have opened new locations with smaller or no dining rooms and also added exclusive drive-thru lanes for mobile orders and lobbies for delivery drivers to pick up their orders.
A 24-hour Nicollet Mall? It's one idea to revamp downtown Minneapolis
A Minneapolis Foundation report offered several strategies for how to revitalize the traditional business district after the pandemic.
Delta Air Lines is a top five e-commerce retailer as the affluent keep flying
The carrier's chief executive expects strong demand to continue next year.
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://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/JIT74RZRV5ZUCGHNAL42HTPE54.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.
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.
