Staff Directory 7663002

Nick Williams

Prep Sports Team Leader | Sports
Phone: 6126734021

Nick Williams is the High School Sports Team Leader at the Minnesota Star Tribune. He joined the Star Tribune as a business reporter in 2021. Prior to his eight years as a business reporter in Minnesota and Wisconsin, he was a sportswriter for 12 years in Florida and New York.

Recent content from Nick Williams
Kim Bartmann, center, owner of Pat's Tap, goes over business with manager Audrey Carter at Pat's Tap in Minneapolis on Aug. 22.

35th and Nicollet was dormant. That changed when these women entrepreneurs took over.

For years, the corner in south Minneapolis was desolate. Now it's a neighborhood destination because of women-owned businesses anchoring the corner.
From left, Ben Johnson, senior director of real estate for the Neighborhood Development Center, Kyle Swanson, Dean of College of Sciences at Metro Sta

Cybercrimes can doom a small business. A new Metro State effort in St. Paul hopes to help.

Schools and small businesses will receive free security consulting and monitoring from Metropolitan State University students at the cyber hub, which also will help the students launch companies.
Delta jets parked at C gates at Terminal 1 of Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport on May 15.

MSP officials wanted more attention from Delta. Here's how they got it.

Atlanta-based airline now spending to add more routes, technology at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, its second-largest hub.
Sun Country’s flight attendants have voted to authorize their union, IBT Local 120, to call for a strike if needed in the future.

Sun Country flight attendants vote to authorize strike as negotiations drag on

Negotiations with airline has been ongoing since 2019, when the collective bargaining agreement became amendable.
The Securities and Exchange Commission’s investigation into Ameriprise Financial and Piper Sandler uncovered widespread practices by personnel at th

Ameriprise, Piper Sandler agree to pay SEC millions in recordkeeping settlement

Regulators found the Minneapolis financial services firms violated recordkeeping provisions of federal securities laws.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have named Sezzle Inc. its new jersey patch partner, with the company's logo now visible on team jerseys.

Fintech firm Sezzle signs sponsorship deal with Minnesota Timberwolves, Lynx

Buy-now-pay-later financing provider becomes first Minnesota brand to sponsor NBA team's jersey patch.
JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon talks to employees as he visits the Edina branch of Chase bank Tuesday.

JPMorgan's Jamie Dimon aims to grow Minnesota footprint, views stock market 'like the weather'

Dimon said at a stop in Edina that long-term government policy action affects economies more than interest rate decisions and stock market changes.
Air travelers at MSP airport in St. Paul Tuesday afternoon, July 23, 2024. Flight cancellations due to the CrowdStrike outage resulted in a $1.5 milli

Sun Country: 'We were literally handwriting boarding passes' during CrowdStrike outage

The Minneapolis-based airline lost $1.5 million due to the problem after grappling with maintenance issues in June that led to flight cancellations.
Ameriprise Financial headquarters in Minnespolis. Star Tribune file photo

Ameriprise Financial lawsuit alleges competitor encouraged poached advisers to steal client data

Ameriprise is seeking damages, claiming LPL Financial caused "irreparable injury."
Pluralytics’ AI model analyzes millions of words and phrases to predict how language appeals to a person’s values.

Another Minneapolis software business acquired for its AI technology

Pluralytics, a language science company started in 2020, is acquired by Dallas marketing company Aletheia
Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez along with Timberwolves and Lynx owner Glen Taylor during a news conference Monday.

Timberwolves, Lynx ownership dispute heading for arbitration in November

The hearing between Marc Lore, Alex Rodriguez and Glen Taylor should last a week, with a ruling from a three-member arbitration panel coming within 30 days.
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Code42, a Twin Cities tech darling, acquired by Massachusetts-based cyber firm

The software company that once considered selling public shares during tech boom now part of Massachusetts-based Mimecast.
An error message on a Delta check-in kiosk at San Francisco International Airport on Friday.

As Delta tries to restore 'normalcy,' here's how customers can get refunds, reimbursements

The airline expects Thursday to be close to normal, but customers stranded during the past week can still get help.
Delta representative Mary Tyson helped Anna McGarthwaite reprint her boarding pass at MSP on Tuesday. “It’s so much better than yesterday,” Tyso

Delta CEO tells travelers that airline mess should be resolved by Thursday

While the worst effects of the CrowdStrike update glitch are over, thousands of passengers are still trying to get reimbursed, and scrutiny on how Delta handled the situation is growing.
A runner looks over her data displayed on a treadmill as people work out over the noon hour at Orangetheory Fitness in Edina.

Willpower aside, exercising requires budgeting time and money

Working out can cost you thousands of dollars in gym memberships and equipment, but the expensive route isn't the only way to achieve your fitness goals.
At a Rotary conference in Singapore, attendees watch an immersive video created by REM5 that shows volunteers in Zambia administering polio vaccines t

St. Louis Park VR company helps Gates Foundation spread awareness to eradicate polio worldwide

REM5 Studios finds niche in creating immersive films for humanitarian campaigns.
U.S. Bank is headquartered in Minneapolis.

Deposits, credit card spending growth lead to increased revenues for U.S. Bancorp

Meanwhile, higher deposit costs and a drop in commercial products hit net income.
Outsell CEO Mike Wethington photographed in 2016.

AI firm bets big on Twin Cities software company in $100M deal

New York tech company Impel acquires Minneapolis-based Outsell to bolster AI sales and marketing system for auto retailers.
JENNIFER SIMONSON ¥ jsimonson@startribune.com Waconia, MN-Dec. 1, 2006 Tonka 1966 Mighty Dump Truck GENERAL INFORMATION: History of the Tonka Toy Com

Toy company that owns Minnesota-made Tonka brand files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection

Tonka Toys Inc. was founded in Mound in the 1940s and had several offices in Twin Cities until Mound plant closed in 1983.
The Timberwolves appear in the Western Conference semifinals in May at Target Center.

Timberwolves' brand is hot, with historic revenue and ticket sales. More deals are in the works.

Search for new jersey patch sponsor could net team substantial increases over the next several years.
A sign spelling “Eastside” rests on a fence on Payne Avenue in the Payne-Phalen neighborhood on in St. Paul on Friday, June 21.

Payne-Phalen corridor builds momentum through local businesses

Economic growth needed to supply a growingly diverse community with essential places to shop.
On the beach in Aruba.

Delta Air Lines adds routes to Aruba, St. Maarten from MSP

The Atlanta-based airline is also increasing its service from MSP to Grand Cayman and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Amazon has been Sun Country’s dedicated cargo customer since 2019, providing pilots, flight crew, maintenance and insurance services for the transpo

Sun Country extends cargo deal with Amazon through 2030

The Minneapolis-based airline has delivered Amazon packages since 2019, a key source of revenue for the carrier.
For the past two decades, president Ken Sorensen has built a culture at Allweather Roof, a commercial roofing company in Golden Valley,  where workers

Building an inclusive culture in small business requires vision and persistence

While smaller offices and fewer people allow room for individual attention and instruction, creating an inclusive culture still requires strategy.
FILE - This July 12, 2019 file photo shows the UnitedHealthcare headquarters in Minneapolis. Federal regulators are suing to block UnitedHealth Group'

UnitedHealth Group's lawsuit against former executives over alleged trade secrets theft dismissed

The suit alleged former executives stole trade secrets to create a rival company in Minnesota.
Ned Litin, the owner of Litin's Party Value, is closing the family business that started more than 75 years ago.

After 77 years, Litin's Party Value in Minneapolis closing this summer

Starting this week, party items will be significantly marked down as part of a total sell-off of the company's inventory.
Delta Air Lines is prepared to take legal action against the U.S. Department of Transportation if the federal agency plans to follow through on its Ja

Delta Air Lines prepared to file suit as 'last resort' if DOT terminates its Aeromexico deal

Analyst: The situation is a case of airlines and customers becoming collateral damage in government-to-government battles.
A Delta Connection Endeavor Air CRJ-900LR departs in Freeland, Mich., on Wed., May 1, 2024.

Flight attendants for Minneapolis-based Endeavor Air demand better pay from parent company Delta

Endeavor's flight attendants say they make, on average, 45% less than Delta's mainline workers, but do the same job.
Sun Country Airlines recently settled a lawsuit filed by a former customer service agent working at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, allegi

Sun Country Airlines settles ex-employee's suit alleging retaliation for pumping breast milk at MSP

Through a jury trial, former employee was seeking compensation for lost wages, emotional distress and mental anguish.
Between tickets, parking, concessions and souvenirs, going to a sporting event can be expensive. The average American family can spend more the $250 t

Are you going to the game? Make sure you bring your wallet

Enjoying a sporting event in person can become expensive fast. Here's tips on how to keep the fun outing affordable.
Minnesota Timberwolves minority owners Marc Lore, Alex Rodriguez during Game 1 of the NBA Western Conference finals at Target Center in Minneapolis, M

As Timberwolves battle for NBA crown, off-court dispute simmers over team's ownership

Glen Taylor sat on one side of the court Monday night during Game 1 of the Western Conference finals, Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez sat on the other.
Sun Country Airlines on Wednesday launched a new mobile app to enhance the travel experience for passengers.

Sun Country Airlines — finally — launches new digital app

The app is the latest product to emerge from Sun Country's research and development process for new digital products,
TrueToForm was started by sisters Margaret and Janice Tam.

Rochester company uses AI to create virtual mannequins for hard-to-fit bodies

Sisters launched company during pandemic when finding clothes became too much of a challenge.
Fans react to a play in the second quarter of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference Semifinals at Target Center in Minneapolis on Thursday.

Wolves vs. Nuggets playoff series splits some household allegiances

For a few Minnesotans, the battle between the Nuggets and Timberwolves has extended beyond the basketball court.
Colette Campbell, Chief People and Culture Officer at Bremer Bank, poses for a photo at the Star Tribune office in Capella Tower in Minneapolis, Minn.

As criticism of DEI grows, Colette Campbell tries to keep it a priority at Bremer Bank

Q&A: Bremer's new people and culture officer talks DEI and why cultural representation matters in the banking industry.
Phillip Timmons fulfills an order at the Dunn Brothers Coffee Freight House location in Minneapolis on Tuesday.

Dunn Brothers Coffee wants to add 250 more locations from Minnesota to Texas

The Minnesota-based coffee shop chain currently has about 50 franchises, though one recently closed in Uptown.
Used cars for sale are lined up on display outside Walser Toyota Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021 in Bloomington, Minn. Used car prices are up 30 percent over

Lower car prices bring better deals, but high interest rates deter some Minnesota buyers

What's working in the favor of today's buyers, though, is the ability to shop around for the best price and not settle as inventory levels rebound, experts say.
Minnesota Timberwolves majority owner Glen Taylor hugs minority share owner Marc Lore while Alex Rodriguez looks on after the team’s win over the Cl

Also at stake in the Timberwolves, Lynx ownership dispute: Financial damages

While key question is whether deal will continue, settling the dispute could raise a number of monetary issues.
From left to right, Odele Beauty founders Shannon Kearney, Britta Chatterjee, Lindsay Holden.

Minneapolis-based Odele grew hair care brand via Target; now, it's eyeing women's sports fans

Women owned and operated hair care company looks to tap into sports fans as latest sponsor of WNBA's Minnesota Lynx.
Image of Sun Country jets on the tarmac at Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport at the airline's maintenance facility.

Sun Country Airlines' profit dented as COVID-era federal funding expires, sending airport fees up

Quarterly revenue was up 5.9% to $311 million, the company's highest for any quarter dating to 2017.
U.S. Bancorp, parent company of U.S. Bank, announced today that Gunjan Kedia will be its new president, reporting to Andy Cecere, who will retain the

U.S. Bancorp names Gunjan Kedia new president

Kedia, whose previous title was vice chair of wealth, corporate, commercial and institutional banking, takes the role previously held by chief executive and chairman Andy Cecere.
Glen Taylor and Alex Rodriguez in January 2023 at Target Center.

After failed mediation, Timberwolves, Lynx ownership dispute heads to arbitration

Arbitration process will take place in Minneapolis and must be completed within six months, according to contract.
Minority team owners Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez attend a Timberwolves game in March at Target Center in Minneapolis.

Taylor, Lore, Rodriguez head to mediation over Timberwolves, Lynx ownership

If parties can't come to a resolution over the cancelled sale, arbitration is the next step.
Jazz Hampton is the chief executive of an on-demand, real-time app that gives drivers access to live legal representation during traffic stops and acc

Minneapolis-made app aims to be embedded in car touch screens

A Q&A with Jazz Hampton, the CEO of Minneapolis-based TurnSignl, an on-demand, real-time app that gives drivers access to live legal representation during traffic stops and accidents.
Software developer Lisa Mabley works from her home office on Monday in Minneapolis. Mabley was laid off from her job a year ago and applied to 300 pla

After hiring bonanza, tech workers now grapple with layoffs and disillusionment

Companies went on a tech hiring spree in the pandemic, but many of those jobs have since been cut.
For the third consecutive year, Delta Air Lines has increased wages for its nonunion ground workers and flight attendants, affecting more than 5,000 o

Delta raises ground worker, flight attendant base pay 5%, affecting more than 5,000 in Minnesota

The carrier is also increasing the minimum starting rate for all U.S. positions to $19 per hour.
Yasameen Sajady, left, Fatimah Sajady and Sheilla Sajady of Maazah.

How to avoid going broke soon after starting a business

From better money management to getting a second job, entrepreneurs share what they do when the business comes first.
Cargill dropped to the No. 2 position on the annual list of the largest privately-owned U.S. companies compiled by Forbes. Photo shows a Cargill grain

Cargill to sell group of grain elevators to CHS Inc.

Cargill called CHS "the right partner for this sale" based on the Minnesota-based organizations' partnership.
U.S. Bank saw deposits increase in the first quarter.

As other banks report decline in deposits, Minneapolis-based U.S. Bancorp experiencing a surge

Time deposits were up 4.6%, and money market savings were up 4.9% in banks first quarter.
Best Buy CEO Corie Barry greeted employees and then customers as the the Richfield Best Buy store opened on Thanksgiving.

Best Buy lays off some Geek Squad, phone support workers while adding AI

CEO of Richfield-based electronics retailer previously said layoffs would give Best Buy "space to reinvest into our future."
Crisp & Green founder Steele Smiley at his Edina location in 2021.

With latest expansion, Minnesota's Crisp and Green will have more than 200 locations

Launched by Twin Cities entrepreneur Steele Smiley, Crisp & Green is set to open about 60 more locations by the end of 2024, with the latest in the Milwaukee and Chicago suburbs.
Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez along with Timberwolves and Lynx owner Glen Taylor during a news conference Monday.

Timberwolves, Lynx sale dispute likely headed to arbitration

Marc Lore said he and partner Alex Rodriguez would fight "with all means possible" against Glen Taylor to complete the last portion of the deal for controlling ownership of the teams.
A BNSF train carrying ethanol and corn syrup derailed and caught fire in the town of Raymond early on Thursday, March 30, 2023.

Rail companies won't pay Minnesota's public safety fees, saying it contradicts federal law

Millions of dollars in fees on railroad operators fund emergency preparedness, training, and staffing costs.
Anthony Edwards (5) of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacted after missing a shot in the final seconds of the game on March 19 at Target Center in Minnea

Can Edwards do for Adidas what Air Jordan did for Nike? Some believe so.

Adidas launched Edwards' signature shoe last year. As Edwards' NBA notoriety rises, so does demand for his high-priced sneaker.
Once inside Target Field, fans will be able to use the MLB Ballpark app to vote on how much money nonprofits receive from the Twins and Fortune 500 fi

Twins, Thrivent deal means baseball fans will help decide where $200K in charitable donations go

As part of its agreement with the Twins, Thrivent also receives naming rights to Target Field's 3,000-seat club level and becomes the presenting sponsor of the Twins' annual season ticket plan.
Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez along with Timberwolves and Lynx owner Glen Taylor during a news conference Monday.

New investor in Wolves/Lynx as Rodriguez, Lore near acquisition

A Washington, D.C.-based investment firm, decided not to move forward in a deal that would have provided structural financing to Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez to buy the teams from Glen Taylor.
Twin Cities clean-energy startup Carba, led by co-founder and CEO Andrew Jones, was selected for Grid Catalyst's 2024 Demonstration Cohort, an acceler

Minnesota Energy Alley aims to support entrepreneurs tackling the state's climate issues

The new statewide initiative is funded through public-private partnerships.
About 80 storefronts in the corridor along Lexington Avenue in Arden Hills and Shoreview were affected by street reconstruction from County Road E to

These businesses survived the pandemic. Road construction was 'nail in the coffin'

Arden Hills and Shoreview storefronts rocked by two years of road construction on Lexington Avenue
Carmichael Lynch headquarters in Minneapolis.

Minneapolis ad agency Carmichael Lynch expands through absorption

Tierney, a marketing communications firm in Philadelphia, will become part of Carmichael Lynch effective May 1.
Winnebago Industries signs a multiyear agreement to become the official Outdoor Adventure Partner of the Minnesota Twins. Shown is a rendering of sign

Winnebago tries to cement its Minnesota identity with Twins sponsorship

Partnership is Eden Prairie-based RV and boat maker's first major marketing deal with a major league sports team.
Minnesota Timberwolves Ownership Group Alex Rodriguez, left, Marc Lore,, second from left, and Glen Taylor, right, pose for a photo with Timberwolves

Timberwolves, Lynx sale reportedly delayed again

It's unclear when the sale will close.
Spencer Johnson, the owner of Sota Clothing helped customer April Yurecko who came in for a gift for her daughter. The city of St. Louis Park invested

Once a ghost town, Walker Lake now heart of St. Louis Park's small business hub

City officials, business owners worked together to increase traffic to the city's original downtown.
NASA astronauts are taking a few Nanodropper eye drop adaptors into space to test them for use in zero gravity conditions.

NASA to use Rochester company's eye drop device

NASA SpaceX Crew8 will bring Nanodropper products to the International Space Station.
DeLonn Crosby, inventor of the ToyBot, spoke into the plush robot’s chest as his family helped assemble and box the various toys at their working sp

Have an idea for an invention but no formal training? Here's how to do it

Minnesota entrepreneurs share ways they turned an idea into a physical, commercial product.
Kowalski's Markets is closing its Eagan store.

Kowalski's closing unprofitable Eagan store

Employees will be offered positions at other stores, including new suburban locations opening this year and in 2025.
Mary Taris, owner of Strive Bookstore, at her shop on Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis.

Why a Black-owned bookstore on Nicollet Mall fits vision for downtown's future

Retail growth must be part of the transformation of downtown Minneapolis, and it must include locally owned small businesses, leaders say.
Pohlad Family Foundation president Susan Bass Roberts

Q&A with Pohlad Foundation's first non-family president

Susan Bass Roberts was recently named the foundation's president, making her the first non-family member to serve in that role.
This photo provided by Anheuser-Busch shows the Budweiser 2024 Super Bowl NFL football spot. The perennial Super Bowl advertiser brought back fan favo

Heartfelt messages, not celebrity cameos, made for best Super Bowl ads, local experts say

In effort to standout, being too elaborate or celebrity heavy muddled the message, according to ad experts from Minneapolis Carmichael Lynch
Entrust CEO Todd Wilkinson.

Minnesota's newest billion-dollar company bets big on ID verification tech

Shakopee-based Entrust enters talks to acquire London identity verification company, which would make it state's newest billion-dollar business.
In addition to the NFL, Sleep Number has individual club deals with teams like Minnesota Vikings and star receiver Justin Jefferson.

Minnesota companies team up with America's biggest sports leagues. It's expensive, but worth it.

From smart bed maker Sleep Number to hair salon franchise Great Clips, companies are increasing brand awareness by attaching themselves to the NFL, NHL and NCAA.
A penguin that was part of the fast-fading ice sculptures of a St. Paul Winter Carnival contest clung Tuesday to a disappearing ice block sitting in t

St. Paul wraps up a Winter Carnival that didn't include a winter

In fact, folks appreciated the warmest "coolest celebration on Earth" many of them could remember.
A Green Line train, shown in St. Paul in 2022.

Passenger shot in St. Paul on light rail in attempted robbery

Male victim suffered injuries not considered life-threatening
With assistance from Edwards Safe Passage co-founder Michael Lynds, right, Burt Cohen demonstrated how a remote controlled seat allows him to get in a

Media mogul Burt Cohen inspires Bloomington company's aid for people with mobility issues

Bloomington tech and ride-service company provides transportation for Burt Cohen, an inspiration for a remote-controlled seat for those who struggle with mobility.
Photo of Jamf Holding on its opening trading day. Image provided by Nasdaq.

Minneapolis tech company Jamf announces layoffs

Jamf — which provides Apple device management and security functions — has more than 2,700 employees around the world.

2023 was mostly a rough year for Minnesota companies raising venture capital

Minnesota companies raised $1.2 billion through 172 deals, ending a three-year streak of exceeding $2 billion in investor capital raised.