Recent content from Emma Nelson
Traveling over Labor Day weekend? Here's what to expect
Crowds might be bigger at the airport and on the road, but prices — including gas — are down from last year.
Inflation is low. Prices are still high. What gives?
Higher prices for many goods and services are likely here to stay.
Gen Z's economic struggles: 'We're trying to fight to keep where we're at'
The U.S. economy has done well on paper in recent years. But Gen Zers, like many Americans, aren't feeling it.
![A model home in the Summerlin neighborhood of Woodbury. ] AARON LAVINSKY ï aaron.lavinsky@startribune.com Home sales in the Twin Cities metro dur](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/BK3O7NY5RVO7B7XWMNTBF36MZ4.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Inflation continues to subside, but Twin Cities housing prices aren't helping
Interest rates, meant to tame inflation, have sidelined buyers and stalled new construction.
Minneapolis consulting firm says workplace 'community' — not 'culture' — is what works
The female-founded Hush Collaborative helps companies navigate big changes, and ultimately, retain their employees.
Is Minnesota one of the worst places to retire? By some measures, yes.
Hint: The weather isn't helping, but it's not the only factor hurting the state in one ranking that just came out.
Greg Marcus still believes in going to the movies — and is coming to a Minnesota theater near you
The Marcus Theatres CEO is known for his pre-show promo appearances at his cinemas.
Minnesota businesses struggle to hire qualified workers, grapple with rising costs
A Fed survey of professional and business-services firms found continued economic pressures but optimism about the future.
Otto Bremer Trust, Bremer Financial agree to end five years of contentious litigation
Trustees and the bank's board "will work together to redefine the relationship" between the trust and the bank.
By land or air, how one reporter returned to MSP — and sought compensation — amid Delta debacle
Business journalist Nick Williams and his family traveled to Texas this past weekend for a family birthday party. Coming home sent them on an Odyssey.
Minnesota's thawing labor market a good sign for the economy's soft landing
State officials said the decline in month-to-month jobs in the state is unlikely to become a long-term trend given recent gains.
Minnesota short-term rental hosts, travelers drawing back from oversaturated market
In Minnesota and elsewhere, traveler demand remains high but supply is outpacing demand.
In the age of digital dollars, there's value to cashing in
"Cash stuffing," or using cash-filled envelopes as a budgeting tool, is having a social media-fueled resurgence as a way to save money for people accustomed to swiping credit cards.
Agriculture losses hit Minnesota's GDP
Growth and consumer spending slowed nationwide in the first quarter and dropped throughout the Midwest, including Minnesota.
Workers at Ann Kim's Uptown Minneapolis restaurant vote to unionize
The Korean-American restaurant is the first of Chef Ann Kim's restaurants to unionize after 65% of workers voted in favor. Kim also owns Young Joni, Hello Pizza and Pizzeria Lola.
Ann Kim steps up opposition to union at Uptown restaurant
The James Beard Award-winning chef has said she does not believe her workers at Korean-American restaurant Kim's in Minneapolis need to unionize.
As dealerships grapple with cyberattack, one Minnesotan travels 700 miles to buy a car
The attack on software provider CDK Global is affecting dealerships across North America.
Minnesota lost 8,600 jobs in May, but labor market remains tight
The state gained nearly 35,000 jobs year-over-year.
From hybrid work to 4-day weeks, employers focus on flexibility
The pandemic allowed companies to test drive programs and policies that give workers greater leeway.
Workers at Daniel del Prado's Colita, Café Cerés seek to unionize
It's the latest in a wave of labor organizing among workers at well-known Minneapolis restaurants and entertainment venues.
Inflation is easing. Why is car insurance still so expensive?
After plummeting in 2020, the average cost of full car insurance has reached about $157 a month in Minnesota.
Chef Ann Kim 'wholeheartedly believes' her Uptown workers don't need to unionize
After filing a petition, employees at Korean American restaurant Kim's will vote June 27 on whether to move forward as a union. The Uptown Minneapolis restaurant would be the first of Ann Kim's to unionize.
Evictions and an alleged bounced check: New Wuollet owner in financial straits
Eric Shogren started buying up neighborhood bakeries in his native Twin Cities in 2016, pledging to preserve their family-owned feel while also attracting the next generation of treat-seekers. But money and quality woes have plagued his businesses.
Workers at chef Ann Kim's Uptown restaurant seek to unionize
Kim's, specializing in Korean American cuisine, would be the first of the James Beard award-winning chef's eateries to unionize. Kim also owns Young Joni, Pizzeria Lola and Hello Pizza.
![President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis Neel Kashkari was photographed at the Federal Reserve Bank on Friday, December 22, 2017. ] Shari](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/TGQFSUEZSFOMKUQL2HMJ6WTZZI.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Interest rates could stay high 'indefinitely,' says Minneapolis Fed president Kashkari
Speaking at a forum Tuesday, Neel Kashkari reinforced that rate cuts this year seem unlikely despite predictions for them at the end of 2023.
Wolves' playoff run brings welcome — and free — economic boost for downtown
Unlike the Super Bowl and Final Four of recent years, the tourism bump required no upfront investment from the city having to bid and prepare for a big sporting event.
Minnesota continues to add jobs as labor market shows signs of loosening
But the state still has two jobs for every job seeker.
The gender wage gap continues to plague Minnesota, U.S.
The gender pay gap exists at all income levels, but it widens as women earn more. Race exacerbates the disparity.
Minnesotans among least likely to climb income ladder in U.S.
New data shows income stagnation is widespread in America, and Minnesotans are among those least likely to move out of their current bracket. Those who start at the bottom tend to stay at the bottom, and those who start at the top tend to stay at the top.
IVF made motherhood possible for these Minnesotans. They want to protect that for others.
After Alabama Supreme Court ruling, patients and providers worry new restrictions could emerge.
What a Trump immigration crackdown would mean for Minnesota's economy
The state's labor shortage is among the country's more severe, with just 51 workers for every 100 open jobs.
Developer of St. Paul's Keg & Case food hall declares bankruptcy
Craig Cohen listed the W. 7th neighborhood project when filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy with more than $11 million in liabilities.
Minnesota added thousands of jobs in March but worker shortage still an issue
The aging population is causing pressure on the job market, though wages on the upswing.
Minnesota child care providers struggle to fill more than 700 open positions
Difficulty finding qualified employees means fewer children served, including more than 2,000 unavailable child care slots statewide, a new survey showed.
Inflation stays stubborn: What the latest numbers mean for you
Prices have been persistent, and that means interest rates will probably stay high, too.
A Japanese cafe tucked into an Edina office park survived a decade on work crowds, then word-of-mouth
Like JK's Table, go-to breakfast, lunch and happy hour spots around the metro that made it through the pandemic have had to evolve in the work-from-home era.
Women's salaries are lower than men's, but the pink tax costs them more. Here's how to push back.
Women pay thousands of dollars more than men each year for necessary items.
Closures show uphill battle for Minnesota's employer-sponsored child-care centers
Though there's demand for workplace child-care centers, they face the same budget woes gutting the larger child-care economy.
Tell us: How has the gender wage gap impacted you?
The median woman working full time in Minnesota earns about 80 cents for every dollar a median man makes, and some earn far less.
Minnesotans are again living with debt after COVID pause
The state had nearly $63,000 in debt per capita at the end of 2023.
Minnesota Taylor Swift fans geared up, tuned in for Chiefs-49ers Super Bowl
Months into her relationship with the Kansas City Chiefs' Travis Kelce, the pop star has had an unprecedented effect on the NFL.
Slower wage growth might be good for the economy, but not everyone is celebrating
Workers and advocates say there's a disconnect between policy and reality.
From the Eras Tour to the NFL, Taylor Swift will be key to teaching students economics
The superstar's relationship with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has already changed consumer behavior.
Jim Crockarell, downtown St. Paul's most prolific property owner, dies at 79
A complicated figure at times embroiled in conflicts with the city, labor unions and more, Crockarell — through his real estate development company Madison Equities — owned some of the most recognizable facades in the state capital's skyline.
Minnesota TikToker films as he gives food to homeless people, and his 5M followers eat it up
Josh Liljenquist has built a following with videos of himself feeding unhoused people, but the more people watch, the more complicated it becomes.
Remote options brought moms back to work. Return-to-office could push them out again.
As companies call employees back to the office, many women will likely leave jobs, presenting long-term consequences for workers, employers and the economy.
Minnesotans take big hits on non-negotiable bills like electricity, insurance
While commodities inflation has declined, services inflation has remained stubborn.
From borrowed attire to skipping showers: How to save money as a guest during wedding season
The average guest spends more than $600 for each wedding they attend.
Minnesota's economy picked up speed in third quarter
The state still trails overall growth in the U.S.
Minnesota job growth outpaces U.S.
The state added 9,500 jobs between October and November, the fifth consecutive month of growth. But employers are still struggling with a worker shortage.
Are we out of the woods yet? What to expect from the U.S. economy in 2024
The Federal Reserve is projecting interest rate cuts next year as inflation continues to decline.
U.S. Bank to pay $36M for blocking access to unemployment benefits during COVID
The Minneapolis-based bank froze tens of thousands of accounts as a fraud-prevention measure.
Are you a woman affected by return-to-office policies? Share your story.
If you are a woman who's working, has stopped working or is thinking about leaving the workforce because of return-to-office policies, we want to hear from you.
Minnesota's economy is still growing, but lags U.S. as a whole
The state's real gross domestic product, or the total value of goods and services, rose 0.7% in the second quarter compared to 2.1% nationwide.
Tell us about the rising costs that you can't trim from your budget
While some parts of a household budget are trimmable, others — like utilities and health and car insurance — are not. And those prices keep going up. Share your experience to help inform an upcoming story.
Did Amelia Earhart play basketball at St. Paul Central High School?
The groundbreaking pilot lived in Minnesota as a teenager.
Star Tribune hires chief product officer with New York Times, the Guardian experience
Aron Pilhofer also co-founded news-related startups DocumentCloud.org, Hacks & Hackers and Tiny News Collective.
Politics colors our perception of the economy, a lightning-rod topic in the 2024 election
Americans view the economy differently based on political beliefs, and as the presidential election approaches, the Republican and Democratic parties are ramping up their messaging.
St. Paul's Keg & Case food hall defaults on loans, is repossessed
St. Paul's Keg and Case Market is in foreclosure, five years after the ambitious W. 7th Street food hall opened its doors.
More than 3 million Minnesotans worked in October, the highest total ever recorded
Minnesota has continued to outpace national job growth.
Star Tribune announces new chief financial officer, adds vice president of brand
Stephanie Ness will serve as CFO; Chris Iles as vice president of brand and communications.
U.S. inflation is cooling faster than expected, a sign interest rate hikes might be done
The consumer price index rose 3.2% year-over-year in October, down from 3.7% in September.
Minnesota unveils $10 million low-interest loan program for small businesses
The Minnesota Expanding Opportunity Fund will provide loans to nonprofits, which then will lend the money to small businesses.
Fed interest rate hikes tame inflation but hit small, often diverse, business owners hardest
Women and people of color, who drove pandemic-era business growth, are especially vulnerable to rising costs.
First Avenue says it will recognize employee union
Workers informed management Thursday of their intent to unionize.
Minneapolis Fed's Kashkari says that 'it's too soon to call' whether interest rates will rise again
The Federal Open Market Committee kept interest rates steady this week.
First Avenue's 200 hospitality workers move to unionize
Employees at the company's seven Twin Cities venues cited low pay, inconsistent training and short-notice scheduling as top concerns.
Minnesota added 8,000 jobs in September, another surge in an already tight labor market
The state has added nearly 50,000 jobs in the past year.
Twin Cities inflation is still lower than U.S.: Here are 5 things to know
Prices rose 2.2% in the Minneapolis-St. Paul region over the past year as of September, compared to 3.7% nationally.
The U.S. labor market is still growing. What does that mean for Minnesota workers?
Unemployment is low and new jobs are plentiful, but there are signs of a coming slowdown.
Strong job growth in U.S. will likely extend to Minnesota
Employers added 336,000 jobs in September, smashing economists' predictions.
Minnesotans are still spending, but the post-pandemic boom is slowing
Nationwide, necessities like housing, utilities and health care drove consumer spending in 2022.
'Struggling' Minnesota child care centers brace for the end of federal aid
After two years and $24 billion, the Child Care Stabilization Grant program is coming to an end, and that has many providers concerned.
Minneapolis Fed's Kashkari: Inflation target in sight, but one more rate hike still likely
The Minneapolis Fed president said in an essay Tuesday the odds are in favor of an economic "soft landing."
