Mike Hughlett
Reporter
EnergyHughlett has primarily covered economics, business and workplace issues for 32 years at five newspapers. He grew up in Brooklyn Center.
Latest from Mike Hughlett
Despite judge’s order, ICE sent an immigrant to Mexico instead of back to Minnesota
The government says the undocumented immigrant voluntarily left the U.S. His attorney is seeking a contempt of court finding as the federal courts remain overwhelmed by immigration cases.
February 5, 2026
Walser Automotive charged with tax evasion in alleged scheme to sell new cars as used
Walser allegedly avoided paying around $350,000 in state sales taxes for vehicles brokered through Montana shell companies.
January 30, 2026
Customers out thousands after Minnesota Sylvan Learning franchisee goes bust
Paul Ripon closed nine Sylvan Learning centers last year and filed bankrupty last month. Some customers are wondering if they’ll ever be reimbursed.
January 12, 2026
Editor's Pick
Big retailers like Target increasingly hit by online refund fraud rings; one Minnesotan charged in one scam
Retailers are losing millions of dollars to fraud, including a case involving a Northfield-area man who’s expected to plead guilty
December 19, 2025
Old National claims rival Bell Bank staged ‘coup d’etat’ at its Brainerd branch
Old National sues Bell and eight former Old National workers in Brainerd and Baxter after Bell hired them earlier this month.
December 17, 2025
Former Minneapolis Chamber CEO pleads guilty to mail fraud in embezzlement case
Jonathan Weinhagen admitted to taking more than $200,000 from the chamber. He could serve between 27 and 33 months in prison.
December 1, 2025
Editor's Pick
Former Minneapolis Chamber CEO’s downfall ‘could make a TV movie’
Erstwhile wunderkind Jonathan Weinhagen hastily left the chamber after an internal investigation discovered $290,000 missing. He is expected to enter a plea Monday on fraud charges.
November 29, 2025
Editor's Pick
Pension fund covering scores of Minnesota Catholic schools has $800M shortfall
The Chicago-based Christian Brothers pension plan has informed the schools and dioceses that the fix will be costly. Some are pulling out, worried about the plan’s future.
November 18, 2025
New York developer loses control of $50M lakeside apartment complex in Duluth
After court ruling, Lazar Ostreicher lost Endi Plaza to lender Fannie Mae after adverse ruling in bankruptcy court.
October 18, 2025
Wells Fargo moves to repossess much of Minnesota boat rental firm’s fleet
A division of the bank sued Your Boat Club over an alleged $4.5 million loan default, and wants a court order for its collateral.
October 2, 2025
Andersen sues contractor, alleging it bungled Dubuque plant renovation, costing millions
The Bayport window maker sued the factory automation firm ATS, alleging it has caused delays in the launch of a new line of business.
October 1, 2025
How insurance industry ‘stranglehold’ blocked Medicare reform
UnitedHealth Group and its peers repeatedly stymied cuts to Medicare Advantage payments, even as government reports and academic research flag the practice as vulnerable to abuse and fraud.
September 27, 2025
