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: 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
Ramstad: At last, the status quo may be changing in Minnesota government
Minnesota businesses are adapting to slow population and economic growth. Now, it looks like county governments are willing to change, too.
November 6, 2025
Ramstad: After Minnesota Rusco failure, private equity ownership is in the hot seat
One prominent Minneapolis firm, Standard Heating & Air Conditioning, continues to reject multiple offers each week from outside investors.
November 3, 2025
Ramstad: The next year is going to be tough for Minnesota governments and politics
Because of economics, the 2026 election is shaping up very differently from 2022’s.
November 1, 2025
Ramstad: Minneapolis shooting and provocative documentary columns sparked reader outpouring
Those columns stirred the most e-mail feedback over the last few months.
October 28, 2025
Ramstad: Rent control proposals are a deal-breaker in Minneapolis city elections
Rent control has brought development in St. Paul to a grinding halt and damaged the reputation of the Twin Cities around the country.
October 26, 2025
