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Kristen Leigh Painter

@kristenpainter.bsky.social
1.9K followers 56 following 38 posts

Business Editor, Minnesota Star Tribune

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Kristen Leigh Painter @kristenpainter.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
Thank you for your kind words, Mary Ann. 💙 I was there at Sandy Hook in the days after and it nearly broke me.
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Reposted by Kristen Leigh Painter
Andrew Krammer @andrewkrammer.bsky.social · 08/09/2025
Vikings players, staffers + coaches are wearing shirts that honor the shooting victims from the Aug. 27 tragedy at Annunciation Church in South Minneapolis. @carlosgphoto.bsky.social with the photo, in which the backs of the shirts read: Be Kind Be Respectful Be Inclusive Be My Best Self Be Brave
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Kristen Leigh Painter @kristenpainter.bsky.social · 29/07/2025
Ramstad: Staggering, swaggering growth gives way to humility at UnitedHealth Group
startribune.com
Ramstad: At UnitedHealth HQ, it was humble pie for breakfast
Returned CEO Stephen Hemsley says nation’s largest health care company needs a “real cultural shift.”
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Reposted by Kristen Leigh Painter
Minnesota Star Tribune @startribune.com · 30/04/2025
President Donald Trump raised a record amount of cash for his inauguration, including donations from several companies with operations in Minnesota.
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Target gave $1M to Trump inauguration fund, a first for the company
President Donald Trump raised a record amount of cash for his inauguration, including donations from several companies with operations in Minnesota.
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Kristen Leigh Painter @kristenpainter.bsky.social · 14/03/2025
The divide between hybrid and return-to-office advocates grows in Minnesota. By downtowns reporter Katie Galioto and economy reporter @emmamarienelson.bsky.social.
startribune.com
The divide between hybrid and return-to-office advocates grows in Minnesota
From federal workers and Amazon at the national level to 3M and U.S. Bank in the state, workplaces are dialing back remote policies. But a return to pre-pandemic norms seems unlikely.
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Kristen Leigh Painter @kristenpainter.bsky.social · 14/03/2025
Calling it quits can pay well for CEOs at big nonprofit groups in Minnesota — particularly for those at health insurance companies. The results of Chris Snowbeck's annual tradition of analyzing the federal tax filings and state documents for health NGOs.
startribune.com
Pay starts flowing when nonprofit CEOs leave the job
In recent years, Medica and Blue Cross of Minnesota provided millions in pay to their chief executives at the end of the road.
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Kristen Leigh Painter @kristenpainter.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
Five years ago, the ventilator was a symbol of the pandemic. Medtronic ramped up production and made blueprints public so others could replicate. Now, it's shuttering that business. Inside the slow rise and sudden death of its lifesaving ventilators. By @vstef.bsky.social
startribune.com
Inside the slow rise and sudden death of Medtronic’s lifesaving ventilators
Medtronic’s Puritan Bennett devices were some of the world’s most important in 2020, but profits dipped as clinical preferences shifted. Experts disagree on what their extinction means for the future...
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Kristen Leigh Painter @kristenpainter.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
Five years ago, the ventilator was a symbol of the pandemic. Medtronic ramped up production and made blueprints public so others could replicate. Now, it's shuttering that business. Inside the slow rise and sudden death of its lifesaving ventilators. www.startribune.com/inside-the-s...
startribune.com
Inside the slow rise and sudden death of Medtronic’s lifesaving ventilators
Medtronic’s Puritan Bennett devices were some of the world’s most important in 2020, but profits dipped as clinical preferences shifted. Experts disagree on what their extinction means for the future...
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Minnesota Star Tribune @startribune.com · 06/02/2025
Minnetonka-based Cargill, Inver Grove Heights-based CHS Inc. and Minneapolis trader Sinamco sold a total of $70 million in sorghum, wheat and peas to the agency’s Food for Peace program, according to records shared with the Minnesota Star Tribune on Thursday.
startribune.com
Shuttering of USAID could mean the end of millions in income for Midwest farm operations
Frozen by Elon Musk’s DOGE personnel, the USAID program purchased $70 million in commodities in 2024 from Minnesota vendors.
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Kristen Leigh Painter @kristenpainter.bsky.social · 09/01/2025
So-called "health and wellness" pulse oximeters don't require extensive testing, despite criticism they're less accurate on darker skin. @vstef.bsky.social spoke w/ MN-based Nonin Medical, which launched the fingertip device in 1995, about its FDA-cleared device and the unregulated (cheaper) market
startribune.com
New FDA rules to reduce racial bias in some common devices measuring oxygen in blood
But so-called “health and wellness” pulse oximeters available at drugstores and online will not be subject to the FDA’s draft guidelines.
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Kristen Leigh Painter @kristenpainter.bsky.social · 11/12/2024
"The six-day gap between the killing of Thompson and the capture of Luigi Mangione led the American public to rampant speculation on the motive for the crime, with a narrative coalescing for some around the idea of a measure of symbolic justice." On Tuesday, new questions arose over class and wealth
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Minnesota Star Tribune @startribune.com · 11/12/2024
The Minnesota Star Tribune’s top editor, Suki Dardarian, is retiring in February after more than a decade at the news organization and 43 years in journalism.
startribune.com
The Minnesota Star Tribune editor Suki Dardarian announces retirement
Her 43-year career in journalism is defined by award-winning coverage and steadfast leadership during times of dramatic change
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Kristen Leigh Painter @kristenpainter.bsky.social · 10/12/2024
startribune.com
UnitedHealthcare CEO’s murder brings criticism of U.S. insurance industry to a boiling point
Greater transparency from health insurers is sought as costs of insurance continue to grow faster than wages.
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Minnesota Star Tribune @startribune.com · 09/12/2024
The suspect, identified as Luigi Mangione, was carrying a manifesto that criticized health care companies for putting profits above care, police said.
startribune.com
Who is Luigi Mangione, person of interest ID’d in UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s killing?
The suspect was carrying a manifesto that criticized health care companies for putting profits above care, police said.
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Kristen Leigh Painter @kristenpainter.bsky.social · 06/12/2024
Related: The CEO slaying is likely to prompt a major reassessment of security for corporate executives.
startribune.com
Large companies likely to beef up security for executives after UnitedHealthcare CEO’s murder
Specialists have seen calls rise in the days after Brian Thompson’s death in Midtown Manhattan.
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Kristen Leigh Painter @kristenpainter.bsky.social · 06/12/2024
Minnetonka-based Medica temporarily closes its headquarters amid swelling anger at health insurers. The manhunt for UnitedHealthcare CEO's killer stretches into Day 3.
startribune.com
Medica shuts down Minn. HQ as manhunt for UnitedHealth CEO killer stretches into Day 3
Citing ‘an abundance of caution,’ the nonprofit health plan’s move responds to safety concerns after shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO
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Kristen Leigh Painter @kristenpainter.bsky.social · 06/12/2024
Health care reporter Jeremy Olson delves into the company's reputation re: claims denials.
startribune.com
Why UnitedHealthcare is a four-letter word to critics
Some mourn the shooting of chief executive but still have scorn for the insurance company he ran.
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Kristen Leigh Painter @kristenpainter.bsky.social · 05/12/2024
Business columnist Evan Ramstad addresses the mood in wake of UnitedHealth exec slaying.
startribune.com
Ramstad: Murder of UnitedHealth exec incites anger — not at the killer, but at him and the company
The lack of empathy over the shooting of a Minnesota executive is emblematic of a new norm in the national conversation. It also shows a sense of powerlessness over health care, one of the most import...
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Minnesota Star Tribune @startribune.com · 05/12/2024
New York police have released a photo showing the face of a “person of interest” in the fatal ambush of Brian Thompson, the UnitedHealthcare executive who was killed Wednesday in New York City. The suspect remained at large as of late morning Thursday.
startribune.com
Police release new photo of ‘person of interest’ in manhunt for UnitedHealthcare CEO killer
Brian Thompson, 50, of Maple Grove was killed in what authorities described as a targeted attack in NYC.
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Kristen Leigh Painter @kristenpainter.bsky.social · 05/12/2024
As the manhunt for UnitedHealthcare CEO's killer stretches into day 2, whether the slaying was ideologically motivated, personal or other remains unconfirmed. Here's the latest:
startribune.com
Manhunt continues for killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO
Brian Thompson, 50, of Maple Grove was killed in what authorities described as a targeted attack in NYC.
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Kristen Leigh Painter @kristenpainter.bsky.social · 04/12/2024
The latest on the father of two, executive from Maple Grove who was killed in what NYPD call a "brazen, targeted attack" with manhunt underway.
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Kristen Leigh Painter @kristenpainter.bsky.social · 04/12/2024
Updated information on what NYC Mayor Eric Adams called a 'targeted murder'
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Kristen Leigh Painter @kristenpainter.bsky.social · 04/12/2024
Breaking:
startribune.com
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson is shot and killed in New York City
Local news outlets reported the killing; executives were meeting for investor conference, which was closed abruptly.
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Kristen Leigh Painter @kristenpainter.bsky.social · 03/12/2024
The comedown following pandemic-era commodity highs.
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Kristen Leigh Painter @kristenpainter.bsky.social · 02/12/2024
Medtech reporter Victor Stefanescu takes us inside a Mayo Clinic cardiac lab — and inside a multibillion dollar innovation race — for a safer, faster treatment of AFib (irregular heart rhythm), which affects 10M Americans.
startribune.com
Inside the procedure at the heart of a multibillion-dollar race to a safer AFib treatment
Medtronic, Boston Scientific and other medtech leaders are competing to commercialize catheter technology with roots in Minnesota that’s making atrial fibrillation treatment safer.
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Kristen Leigh Painter @kristenpainter.bsky.social · 29/11/2024
My guess: Goose Island’s Bourbon County stouts and other limited editions released on Black Friday :)
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Kristen Leigh Painter @kristenpainter.bsky.social · 27/11/2024
Minnesota’s large companies and their emissaries are getting chattier about tariffs.
startribune.com
Minnesota business leaders say Trump’s proposed tariffs would result in higher prices for consumers
Canada, Mexico and China are Minnesota’s biggest trading partners, and the tariffs could disrupt companies from 3M and Cargill to Target and Polaris.
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Kristen Leigh Painter @kristenpainter.bsky.social · 27/11/2024
Forever an airlines nerd 🙋... so loving this column. Don't let the low fares fool you, writes Evan Ramstad. Minneapolis-based Sun Country has quietly refashioned itself. (Spoiler alert: it's working!)
startribune.com
Ramstad: How Sun Country quietly became one of the most profitable airlines in the country
Don’t let the low fares fool you. The Minneapolis-based airline has a business model that works.
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Kristen Leigh Painter @kristenpainter.bsky.social · 26/11/2024
Wanted: irresistible vibes.
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Kristen Leigh Painter @kristenpainter.bsky.social · 26/11/2024
In the words of business columnist Evan Ramstad: The last of the banks from St. Paul’s 20th century heyday came to an inglorious end because of misguided executives, a collision of pride and anger, and a strange ownership structure that was unique in American banking.
startribune.com
Ramstad: Bremer Bank execs said for years they couldn’t sell it. Then they did.
A storied St. Paul bank comes to an inglorious end because of misguided executives and misplaced pride.
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Kristen Leigh Painter @kristenpainter.bsky.social · 25/11/2024
Behind the scenes last week, Mike Hughlett was digging and reporting an enterprise piece on Bremer Bank. We woke up Monday to news of the sale, but he put that background work to use with what this (discounted) sale could mean for employees, charitable giving and more.
startribune.com
Old National acquiring Bremer Financial in $1.4 billion deal, much less than previous estimates
Bremer has been rumored to be up for sale after a legal settlement in July.
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Kristen Leigh Painter @kristenpainter.bsky.social · 21/11/2024
I'm more of a social media lurker than engager, but that doesn't mean I don't want to hear from my community. That's why I'm here, so reach out!
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Kristen Leigh Painter @kristenpainter.bsky.social · 21/11/2024
From Burl Gilyard, general assigment/medtech reporter:
startribune.com
State of Minnesota sues Zaza Cannabis business, seeks destruction of illegal products
Store accused of selling items that far exceeded the legal level of THC in cannabanoid products.
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Kristen Leigh Painter @kristenpainter.bsky.social · 21/11/2024
From Dee DePass, small business reporter:
startribune.com
New campaign with actor Steve McQueen’s family encourages passing down Red Wing boots to heirs
A new McQueen boot is part of a slow-fashion trend, with ads that suggest customers can “will” their boots.
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Kristen Leigh Painter @kristenpainter.bsky.social · 21/11/2024
From Jim Buchta, residential real estate reporter:
startribune.com
A rental reckoning is coming to Twin Cities housing
After a brief lull in renting this fall, apartment construction is going to plummet, causing more competition and higher rents.
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Kristen Leigh Painter @kristenpainter.bsky.social · 21/11/2024
From Mike Hughlett, business accountability reporter:
startribune.com
After many delays, $2B Iron Range project revives quest to create first new taconite mine since 1970s
Mesabi Metallics lost critical state mineral leases last year, leaving an even bigger question mark over its half-built, controversial project in Nashwauk. But the company says it will finish the pla...
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Kristen Leigh Painter @kristenpainter.bsky.social · 21/11/2024
From Brooks Johnson, food industry reporter:
startribune.com
More food companies are getting snatched up, and they all have something in common
Steve Young, managing partner at Manna Tree, explains what is driving the fierce M&A activity in the food industry right now and how Minnesota is part of it.
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Kristen Leigh Painter @kristenpainter.bsky.social · 21/11/2024
From Patrick Kennedy, public companies and innovation reporter:
startribune.com
Arctic Cat lays off workers, suspends snowmobile production in Thief River Falls
The company told its dealers that workforce reductions began Wednesday because of the downturn in the powersports sector.
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Kristen Leigh Painter @kristenpainter.bsky.social · 21/11/2024
From Chris Snowbeck, business of health care reporter:
startribune.com
Minnesota health insurers warn of ‘dire’ premium spikes, lost coverage in 2026
Insurance company CEOs ask the state’s congressional delegation for help extending enhanced tax credits via MNsure. The subsidies are set to expire at the end of next year.
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Kristen Leigh Painter @kristenpainter.bsky.social · 21/11/2024
From Victor Stefanescu, medtech reporter:
startribune.com
Apple headphones can work as hearing aids. Minnesota-based Starkey says it welcomes competition.
Starkey CEO says the patient wins when there’s more competition. “I like competition because that makes you better,” CEO Brandon Sawalich says.
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Kristen Leigh Painter @kristenpainter.bsky.social · 21/11/2024
From Katie Galioto, future of downtowns reporter:
startribune.com
She’s buying downtown Minneapolis office space, sensing ‘greatest opportunity of our lifetime’
Erin Fitzgerald left her job at JLL to found her own commercial real estate firm in hopes of revitalizing downtown Minneapolis.
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Kristen Leigh Painter @kristenpainter.bsky.social · 21/11/2024
and:
startribune.com
Transplant at Mayo Clinic replaces 85% of patient’s face after more than 50 hours of surgery
Mayo’s second-ever face replacement surgery in Rochester involved the work of more than 80 health professionals over three days.
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Kristen Leigh Painter @kristenpainter.bsky.social · 21/11/2024
From Jeremy Olson, public health reporter:
startribune.com
Spine surgeon built Burnsville campus to operate on patients others deemed too risky
Pioneering surgeon has run afoul of Fairview Health Services, though, which suspended his hospital privileges amid an investigation of his patient care.
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Kristen Leigh Painter @kristenpainter.bsky.social · 21/11/2024
Alright, let's do this. Time to introduce myself. My day job is Business Editor of the Minnesota Star Tribune. I love what I do and the people I work with everyday. That's the main reason I'm on this platform, so here are some of the latest pieces from my crew.
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