St. Thomas students must decide whether to go home or stay on campus for Thanksgiving Break.

In a November email, President Julie Sullivan urged students to consider remaining on campus over break, following the recent spike in COVID-19 cases across the state. If students who stayed notified the university by Friday, November 19, meals will be provided over break, including a Thanksgiving meal.

Check TommieMedia.com for the full story.

The surge of COVID-19 cases in Minnesota has forced the state to send in the National Guard to help in many nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

90% of nursing homes and 58% of assisted living facilities have active outbreaks, based on the Minnesota Department of Health. Governor Walz’s administration has begun emailing all state employees to consider volunteering in long-term care facilities for two week periods.

Across the United States, applications for unemployment benefits rose for a second straight week, hitting 778,000. The number suggests that the economy and job market will remain under tension as COVID-19 cases skyrocket and cold weather heightens risks.

In March, unemployment shot up to 6.8 million, and remains historically high 8 months later, with many businesses unable to fully reopen.

Kyra Winslow can be reached at kyra.winslow@stthomas.edu.