Consumer reporter | Consumer reporter

Gita Sitaramiah was the Star Tribune consumer reporter.


Two men killed in a plane crash near Afton home

Federal officials were investigating Saturday's crash, which killed men from White Bear Lake and Baytown Township.


Downtown Minneapolis gains ground in tourism, 'taking our story back'

Central business district hotel operators say crucial business travel is slow to return.


Wendy's now says it won't start using surge pricing similar to Uber, Lyft

However, the fast-food chain confirmed it is spending $20 million on AI-powered menu boards.


Planning an international trip is complicated. These are the elements to consider.

There's a lot to weigh beyond just destination when you want to travel abroad for your next vacation.


After backlash, Minnetonka moccasins relaunch style with redesign by Indigenous artist

The Minneapolis footwear maker is working to reconcile its use of Native American designs and ideas.


Minnesotans still taking fewer business trips but are tacking on leisure

These "bleisure" travelers are part of why some projections show business travel fully recovering to pre-pandemic spending levels this year.


Did you graduate during the Great Recession? Tell us how you're doing financially

Incomes for young people didn't bounce back after the Great Recession as they did for older generations. Share your story about how you've fared economically and how you view your future.


Delta raises branded credit card fees just months after blowback from changes to SkyMiles

The Atlanta-based carrier sparked controversy last year after making status more costly and lounge access more exclusive.


Sun Country Airlines' staffing boosted its performance but contributed to recent income loss

The Minneapolis carrier experienced a fourth-quarter drop in profit, though it had its highest full-year revenue.


Lorraine Blumenfeld Hertz, who stayed positive through WWII, Alzheimer's, dies at age 100

The former teacher died last month in St. Paul.