Creating a new business plan - Birchwood Cafe owner reflects on COVID-19 changes
In a matter of weeks, Twin Cities restaurant hot spots have worked around the clock to develop a whole new way of feeding guests. Birchwood Cafe owner Tracy Singleton joined the Morning Buzz to chat about pivoting her business to pickup and delivery, selling groceries, and how COVID-19 is impacting plans for a brand new restaurant.
Feeding families in need - Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities stepping up efforts amid COVID-19
It may be quiet at Boys & Girls Clubs locations around the metro, but leaders are working hard to connect with kids and make sure their entire family is not going hungry. Tim Schober with BGCTC joined the Morning Buzz to talk about their family meal kit program and how you can support their mission.
Their doors may be closed, but libraries are still working hard to provide for guests of all ages
From yoga to virtual storytime, metro libraries are still on the clock working to connect with guests. Sally Lederer from the Metropolitan Library Service Agency joined the Morning Buzz with more on what services are available online.
The gift of gab: program connecting isolated seniors with volunteers for a chat
A new organization is hoping to give isolated seniors at nursing homes the gift of gab. Virtual Visit Friend works to connect volunteers with seniors over Zoom for small talk and friendship. Founder Samantha Martin joined the Morning Buzz to explain how you can get involved, and how she hopes to expand her idea even after the COVID-19 crisis is behind us.
Finding a safe place to stay: Domestic violence calls are up & shelters want victims to know they're still open
Domestic violence calls are seeing an increase amid the outbreak and many victims may be wondering where to turn. The Morning Buzz spoke with Tubman CEO Jennifer Polzin about the crisis resources that are still available, including housing and legal services.
Organizing during the pandemic - ideas to tackle your kitchen & pantry
Many of us are tackling projects around the house as we spend more time at home. Organizing expert Louise Kurzeka from Everything's Together has some ideas to transform your kitchen and pantry into the space you've always imagined.
Getting your wildlife fix online - the Minnesota Zoo boosts free offerings amid closure
With nearly every zoo in the country closed due to COVID-19, animal fans are turning to online offerings to get their wildlife fix. The Minnesota Zoo is boosting their learning opportunities online for families and teachers. Education director Liz Gilles joined the Morning Buzz to discuss their online learning corner.
Girl Scout cookie season was cut short! How you can send the remaining cookies to COVID-19 heroes
The Girl Scouts are being forced to pivot online just like any other business, as their cookie season was cut short by COVID-19. The scouts have launched "Cookies 4 A Cause" - which allows fans to send cookies to frontline workers and still support Girl Scout programs. CEO of Girl Scouts River Valleys Tish Bolger joined the Morning Buzz to chat about how it works.
With theaters closed, Twin Cities Film Fest launches its own streaming site with Minnesota flicks
Theaters may be closed across the state, but you can still catch a new movie at home. The Twin Cities Film Fest has debuted TCFF Streams with several options from Minnesota filmmakers. TCFF executive director Jatin Setia joined the Buzz to talk about the streaming launch, and the movies available right now on the site.
Online cooking lessons - local chefs offering inspiration for all that time you're spending at home
If you've been staring at your pantry yearning for inspiration... it's time to start cooking again! Stephanie March from MSP Magazine joined the Buzz with a roundup of local chefs who are offering online cooking lessons.
Mayo Clinic's singing surgeon drops EP in support of COVID-19 efforts
It's been two years since Dr. Elvis Francois first went viral for his musical abilities. Now the orthopedic surgeon is recording music, and has dropped an EP in support of COVID-19 efforts. We chatted with Dr. Francois on the Buzz about how music has played a role in his life and how healthcare workers are feeling during the epidemic.
U of M team invents low-cost ventilator alternative that could save lives around the world
Access to a ventilator could be the difference between life and death for many COVID-19 patients, but at some hospitals they don't have enough. A team at the University of Minnesota has invented a low-cost alternative that was just approved by the FDA. One of the student inventors joined the Buzz to talk about their work.
Summer vacations in limbo - latest on flights, passports & how to protect your trip
If you have a summer vacation on the books it's getting harder by the day to keep your plans in tact. Thrifty Traveler's Kyle Potter joined the Morning Buzz with the latest on flight cancellations, passport offices shutting down, and what you need to know to protect any vacation investment.
Socializing your puppy in a time of social distancing
From dressing up like a stranger to taking car rides, it's important to make sure your new puppy is growing up with the proper social experiences. Certified Animal Trainer Dana Emerson from the University of Minnesota joined the Buzz with tips to training your pup amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
Raiding the pantry - creating a delicious meal with freezer and pantry basics
With many of us stuck at home, meal planning might come off as daunting. Chef Marshall O'Brien raided his own fridge and pantry to come up with an easy, delicious meal idea: sauteed chicken with vegetables & spices.
Supporting local makers during COVID-19
With shops shut down, many local makers are struggling to make money. But there are still ways to support your favorite businesses. Jerrod Sumner from Rose & Loon at Rosedale joined the Morning Buzz to talk about their new gift boxes full of products direct from local makers.
Bringing Minnesota together through a book - Statewide book club launches with classic by beloved MN author
The "One Book | One Minnesota" book club just launched online, inviting all Minnesotans to come together by reading a book. Alayne Hopkins from the Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library joined the Morning Buzz to chat about their first book and how to get your hands on a copy.
The Skin Sisters on recreating your favorite spa treatments at home
We know many of our favorite things are shut down, including spas. If you've been craving a little extra love for your skin, Brooke Moss from the Skin Sisters joined the Buzz with ways to recreate spa treatments from the comfort of your home.
Fighting anxiety with mindfulness - tips to staying present & being in the moment
There's no doubt many of us are dealing with more anxiety amid the coronavirus outbreak, but there are ways to center yourself and hopefully return a sense of calm to your daily routine. Mariann Johnson from the Bakken Center for Spirituality and Healing at the University of Minnesota joined the Buzz with advice on using mindfulness to fight stress during these challenging times.
Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve on this week's virtual draft and when the season might get underway
The WNBA is about to hold its first-ever virtual draft. Lynx head coach and general manager Cheryl Reeve joined the FOX 9 Morning Buzz to talk about the talent they'll be looking for come Friday, and when they hope to get back on the court.