Evan Ramstad
Columnist
BusinessHe moved to the Twin Cities and joined the Star Tribune in 2013. Ramstad previously worked for The Wall Street Journal in Seoul, Hong Kong and Dallas, and the Associated Press in New York, Washington and Dallas and briefly at the St. Paul Pioneer Press. He grew up in Grinnell, Iowa, where he got a start in journalism at radio station KGRN.
Latest from Evan Ramstad
Ramstad: Picking up what’s left of UCare is the biggest gamble Medica has ever taken
The nonprofit health insurance company is betting a diverse set of products will help it steer through a time of immense turmoil in the industry.
December 22, 2025
Ramstad: Here’s how the Marvins keep the family business in remotest Minnesota
The fourth generation of descendants of George Marvin are teaching the fifth how to lead one of the nation’s biggest makers of windows and doors.
December 20, 2025
Ramstad: The term ‘horrible year’ is inadequate for the pain nonprofits have felt in 2025
Kate Barr, a longtime leader on Minnesota’s nonprofit scene, says a big difference this year is charities have suffered alone.
December 13, 2025
Ramstad: Two lies Minnesotans can’t afford to keep telling
Here’s another cost to the fraud scandals: Minnesotans aren’t paying attention to bigger money problems.
December 11, 2025
Ramstad: Why DigiKey made huge investment in northwestern Minnesota, despite slowing economy
DigiKey seven years ago made a huge bet on staying in Thief River Falls. It built the state’s largest building, adopted new processes and sees no limits to its opportunities.
December 6, 2025
Ramstad: Health care costs drive state spending higher, but fraud opens door to doubt
The political reaction to the state budget outlook played out like a preview of the 2026 election.
December 4, 2025
Ramstad: As uncertainty looms over Minnesota budget, one small town can’t fight the big fires
Minnesota needs a sizable bonding bill next spring, even as lawmakers deal with problems in the state budget.
December 3, 2025
Ramstad: Gift shop, coffee shop in Grand Rapids show full potential of human services programs
Fraud at some human services programs shouldn’t dim the shine of the ones helping people flourish and boosting Minnesota’s economy.
November 29, 2025
Ramstad: What’s worse for farming, great weather or President Trump?
Beautiful weather led to abundant harvests and low prices. Trump’s trade policies depressed demand, keeping a lid on prices.
November 22, 2025
Ramstad: When a pop culture phenom like Kpop Demon Hunters calls, these Target experts answer
No one was ready for the staggering success of the Netflix movie. But the Minneapolis-based retailer quickly responded with merch, just as it does for Taylor Swift, Stranger Things and more.
November 16, 2025
Ramstad: University of Minnesota’s dream hospital evaporates; now it’s time to negotiate
University leaders wanted to unwind a partnership that dates back to the 1990s, but it didn’t find political backing for the costs involved.
November 15, 2025
Ramstad: Sezzle keeps rising, while its stock takes a wild ride
A lot has happened to Minnesota’s most successful fintech this year.
November 10, 2025
