Recent content from Jeffrey Meitrodt
Judge issues stern ruling in feud among one of Minnesota's richest families over $1B estate
The judge concluded that the daughter of pharmaceutical pioneer Ken Evenstad should receive a fraction of the $228 million she sought.
One of state's richest families feuds over $1 billion estate
The five-year legal battle over the Evenstad fortune will culminate in a court ruling later this month, more than a year after testimony in the case concluded.
State revokes licenses of two day-care centers linked to meal program fraud
Department of Human Services officials said they have not completed their investigation of all 50 who have been charged in the meals fraud probe.
John Risdall, ad man who helped create Desert Eagle pistol, dies at 77
Advertising agency founder known among employees, colleagues for generosity, entrepreneurial grit.
Minnesota businessman Marty Davis met Trump, pushed Meadows to fight 2020 election loss
In texts and a White House meeting, Cambria owner urged Trump to fight outcome, vowed 2024 support, a political news site reported.
Figures linked to meals fraud case continue to collect millions in daycare support
DHS officials said they are reviewing ties to everyone charged in the probe but added they can't ban anyone from participating in the department's programs based on unrelated fraud allegations.
Could Minnesota officials have stopped Feeding our Future fraud sooner?
Minnesota's attorney general questions why the federal investigation took so long. But a spokesman said the office could have done more investigating itself.
Twin Cities lawyer faces discipline after sexually harassing 2 employees
Case is raising new questions about the state Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility.
Larry Nelson, co-founder of St. Anthony Main and retailing pioneer, dies at 79
Larry Nelson took an old mattress factory and helped turn it into one of the premiere shopping and dining destinations in the Twin Cities.
Timeline of Feeding Our Future investigation
Here are key events in the history of the nonprofit and its indicted director, Aimee Bock.
Jensen, other GOP hopefuls blast DFL leaders over Feeding Our Future case
The political fallout from the massive federal food fraud investigation shifted Monday to state Education Commissioner Heather Mueller, who now finds herself at the center…
For Feeding Our Future leader, an unlikely path to scandal
Self-professed "rule follower" Aimee Bock has become the face of a $250 million food fraud case
Feeding Our Future charges lead to dispute over 2021 case
At issue is a 2021 lawsuit that led the Minnesota Department of Education to resume payments to Feeding Our Future, the nonprofit that federal prosecutors say was used to orchestrate a $250 million scheme to defraud the federal government of money meant to feed poor children.
How authorities allege Feeding Our Future fraud unfolded
Feeding Our Future, led by founder and executive director Aimee Bock, is accused of accepting bribes and kickbacks from entities in exchange for sponsoring applications for the federal child nutrition program.
Feeding Our Future founder among 48 charged in $250M fraud
Prosecutors say co-conspirators falsely claimed to serve 125 million meals around the state, but instead pocketed federal money for lavish personal expenses.
GOP senator: Education Department's 'derelictions of duty' led to fraud
His report said department leaders "either did not know how to responsibly manage" the federally funded meals program or "found the faithful execution of those duties burdensome and optional."
Lawsuit: Minnesota Department of Education targeted one nonprofit to help another
Partners in Nutrition, which operates as Partners in Quality Care, claims department regulators have forced most of its meal-providing subcontractors to flee the organization
Solar installer sentenced to six months for swindling dozens of clients
Michael Harvey, owner of Able Energy, also must repay customers at least $750,000.
Father sues Dakota County for ignoring warning signs that led to son's death
Suit contends workers ignored warning signs that Eli Hart's mother was mentally ill. She was later charged with killing the boy.
Minnesotans face the 'insanity' of gas at nearly $5 per gallon
Heading into the July 4th weekend, drivers are reducing travel and making other changes to deal with record gas prices.
During milestone Pride parade, calls for political activism
Democratic leaders say recent developments are alarming and must be matched by political action.
Exhibit director who brought sense of theater to Science Museum, expanded its reach dies at 69
Paul Maurer was a big believer in interactive exhibits.
Allegations tangled custody case of boy found slain in mom's car
Eli Hart's mother won custody of her son despite concerns about her mental health. The case highlights what family law attorneys say is a system that can be manipulated by a parent bent on winning custody at all costs.
Mental health records sought by lawyer representing woman accused of killing 6-year-old son
Julissa Thaler won custody of son despite recent concerns over mental problems, court records show
Woman charged with shooting 6-year-old son whose body was found in trunk during traffic stop
Minneapolis man is jailed on suspicion of murder related to the boy's death.
Father was trying to reclaim custody of boy found slain in trunk in Mound
Family says court battle may have precipitated killing.
Man gravely injured after shooting at home in north Minneapolis
Police are seeking three suspects in shooting that took place Friday night in north Minneapolis.
Gov. Tim Walz signs law addressing settlement abuses
Minnesota is the first state to routinely require an independent advisor to protect the interests of someone who sells a structured settlement.
Panel reverses state on cutting funding to St. Paul meals provider
Ruling: Education Department acted hastily by booting nonprofit without letting it fix problems
Records show meals program was ripe for fraud in Minnesota
Federal audits show that Minnesota's Education Department has been repeatedly cited for lapses since 2012.
Bill that gives judges more power over settlement deals goes to Walz
The measure gives Minnesota judges new ways to scrutinize the sale of structured settlement payments.
Target in federal meals program investigation charged with passport fraud
Agents arrested Mohamed Jama Ismail as he attempted to board an overseas flight.
Minnesota senator: 'Something failed' with meal program
Sen. Roger Chamberlain says Education Department could have taken stronger action as far back as 2018.
St. Paul meal provider appeals state funding suspension
Partners in Nutrition made its case Thursday to an internal appeals panel at the Education Department, hoping to overturn the department's suspension of funding.
Supreme Court reappoints director accused of bullying and unprofessional conduct
Court's action takes place despite oversight board's vote against director.
MDE chief defends oversight of federal meals program
Commissioner Heather Mueller was repeatedly chided at a hearing Monday for not sending more inspectors to visit sites sponsored by Feeding Our Future at a time when state officials were concerned over what Mueller called the rapid and "inexplicable" growth of the nonprofit organization.
Feeding Our Future sought Minneapolis aid with the state
This week, after the city released more than 1,000 pages of internal communications and supporting documents in response to a Star Tribune public records request, Mayor Jacob Frey acknowledged that one of his former top advisers passed along information from the executive director to use in a meeting.
Minnesota lawmakers advance bills that would crack down on settlement abuses
A trade group partly joined efforts to reform the business of purchasing settlement payments from accident victims.
Third provider of meals to needy kids is barred from program
Youth Leadership Academy, a newly formed Minneapolis nonprofit, was the top provider in Minnesota of summer meals last year — reporting dishing out 7 million meals.
Minnesota lawmakers divide over limits on settlement-payment deals
A proposal by Democrats appears to be one of the toughest in the nation, but a key Republican lawmaker says it goes too far.
Fraud has plagued federal meals program for years
More than $1 billion in "improper payments" have been billed annually, according to U.S. Government Accountability Office.
Former Frey aide named in forfeiture suit over alleged fraud in meals program
Federal prosecutors move to seize 14 properties owned by people associated with allegations of misappropriation of tens of millions of taxpayer dollars.
Meal distributors in probe have history of legal troubles
Three prime contractors are at the heart of criminal conspiracy, according to the FBI.
Minnesota Department of Education seeks to end nutrition contract with second nonprofit
The department wants to terminate its contract with Partners in Quality Care. The St. Paul-based organization plans to appeal.
Lawyer oversight board again tells Minnesota Supreme Court it should replace director
A review board criticized the head of Minnesota's lawyer discipline agency for "uneven" work.
Legislators call for audit of Minnesota Department of Education over alleged nonprofit fraud
Four Republican state senators are requesting an audit of the Education Department and its oversight of St. Anthony nonprofit Feeding Our Future.
Leader of Twin Cities nonprofit raided by FBI defends organization
Aimee Bock of Feeding Our Future said the investigation of her nonprofit is retribution for a lawsuit against the state Department of Education and that she's done nothing wrong.
Frey, Osman met with Minn. education officials after it halted payments to Feeding Our Future
Nonprofit is being investigated for fraud; Minneapolis mayor, council member said meeting was about food programs in general.
As omicron surged, Minnesotans adjusted quickly, kept going out
Crowds didn't shrink at public events as much, and businesses didn't see as much of a drop as in previous COVID-19 waves.
Investors criticize former owner, bankruptcy trustee in Aspirity Energy fraud claims
Investors are furious trustee did not pursue litigation against former owner who they believe took millions from failed Minneapolis energy trading firm.
With no federal mandate, large Minn. employers consider vaccine requirements
Employers with diverging camps in their workforces — the vaccine hesitant and the exposure averse — will now have to choose their battle.
Minnesota chief justice apologizes for strain with board overseeing state's legal-industry watchdog
Supreme Court justices reset limits for the board that reviews the state's Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility.
Pandemic drives Carlson family out of namesake business
The family gave up its stake in Carlson Travel Co. and related businesses as part of a court-approved bankruptcy restructuring.
More leave Minnesota's lawyer disciplinary office amid morale concerns
The state agency director's contract is up for renewal as a former manager calls the office "dysfunctional."
Twin Cities car market battles empty lots, high prices, waits
New-car shortages are pushing prices higher for all vehicles, and dealers are turning to used cars to keep the wheels turning.
Turnover, court intervention roil state agency that oversees lawyers
A rift between the Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility's oversight board and the Minnesota Supreme Court now threatens the credibility of the agency charged with upholding integrity within the legal profession.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison wants to crack down on settlement abuses
AG Keith Ellison wants Minnesota to guarantee that anybody who wants to sell part of their court settlement would be represented by an attorney.
Scrutiny helps accident victims get better deals when selling settlement payments
In Washington, D.C., those seeking lump sums get legal aid — and better deals result.
Accident victims hounded to sell their payouts — again and again
Firms go to great lengths to find people who are receiving settlement payments, swamping them with checks, calls and ads even after they've agreed to sell. For these companies, the payoff is high.
Minnesota lawmakers vow to fix 'predatory' accident settlement practices
Accident settlement deals would face new scrutiny under Minnesota reforms.
Guardians protect financial future of accident victims
In Minnesota, judges routinely approve the sale of payouts. In Albuquerque, N.M., guardians often put on the brakes, and help victims keep more of their money.
Murky laws hobble judges weighing lifechanging deals for accident victims
The final, often reluctant arbiters in settlement buyout cases are given little information about sellers and few rules on companies seeking to buy.
Accident victims surrender millions to a relentless industry
They suffered tragic, disabling injuries, and the large legal settlements were meant to provide them with a steady income for decades. Then an obscure niche of the financial industry came calling — wanting to cash in.
These Minnesotans suffered catastrophic accidents. Now some say they are left with nothing
Hundreds of Minnesotans have sold future portions of their long-term legal settlements at a discount for cash upfront. These six stories explore the aftermath.
Prominent Minn. horse-racing couple ran $18 million Ponzi scheme, SEC says
A Shakopee couple, owners of racehorses at Canterbury Park, have been collecting money from investors since 2007, regulators say.
Minnesota solar installer charged with swindling dozens of customers
Able Energy's Michael Harvey faces up to 20 years in prison for accusations of stealing more than $1 million from his customers.
Erik Travis, organist and church music director, dies at 63
He became a vital part of services at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Edina for 19 years.
Struggling for a year, owner of E. Lake Street salon may be forced to close
Shop owner hopes to restart in Brooklyn Park after customers have bailed on her Minneapolis location.
Joseph Mullen, longtime General Mills food scientist, dies at 87
"He was the whole-grain guru," a former colleague says.
'Everyone has an Everest': Journalist Jim Klobuchar laid to rest
Writer's adventures, trials and war service honored at small military funeral.
After rule change, businesses rush to install security shutters
From small retailers to corporate giants, property owners are rushing to take advantage of a new ordinance in Minneapolis that allows them to use retractable metal shutters and roll-up gates to protect their assets.
Many in Red Wing upset after City Council fires police chief
Council members said the chief undermined social justice efforts. But the mayor says the firing was a mistake.
Diane Fridley Norman, ad account executive and arts advocate, dies at 71
Though she rarely acted on stage after college, Diane Fridley Norman always knew how to put on a show.Whether she was pitching a new advertising…
Torched in riots, Highland Plaza is up and running again in Minneapolis
After an eight-month hiatus, Cost Cutters and three other tenants reopened last week.
