Recent content from Jeffrey Meitrodt
Four takeaways from the Star Tribune's review of charter school evaluations
The Star Tribune reviewed more than 200 charter school evaluations. Here's what we found.
Regulators make it easy for Minnesota's failing charter schools to stay open
According to a new Minnesota Star Tribune review of more than 200 charter school evaluations, nonprofits that oversee them routinely overlooked problems to renew their contracts.
Charter school regulators refuse to turn over records involving troubled Minnesota schools
Nonprofits that oversee charter schools argue that they don't need to comply with state law requiring disclosing public records.
Oops. Officials at troubled charter school admit $2 million budget blunder
STEP Academy has a $34,000 deficit, not $2 million as initially reported. But the charter school, one of Minnesota's largest, still faces financial problems.
STEP Academy leaders resign as charter school faces financial collapse
If STEP Academy, a charter school with campuses in St. Paul and Burnsville, shuts down, it would be the largest charter school failure in Minnesota history.
One of state's largest charter schools is at war with regulators, on brink of collapse
STEP Academy, which has campuses in St. Paul and Burnsville, faces a deep financial crisis.
Troubled charter school closes in Minneapolis
LoveWorks Academy for Arts closed abruptly this month in Minneapolis after years of low academic scores and struggling finances.
![The Minnesota Internship Center is seen in Minneapolis on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024. ] AYRTON BRECKENRIDGE • ayrton.breckenridge@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/34CDD3RSV5BHNMGSRUFPNRTKA4.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
State Education Department fails to turn over charter schools data to Minnesota Star Tribune
The Star Tribune requested data last February. The agency still hasn't turned over more than 2,000 files.
Most Minnesota charter schools are failing to make good on their promises
Minnesota created charter schools to be more independent than their public school counterparts, allowing them to innovate and better help struggling students. But the lack of oversight often leads to financial mismanagement and fewer resources when things go wrong.
How Rhode Island's charter schools succeeded where Minnesota's failed
Rhode Island leads the nation in charter school performance. Advocates say adopting some of Rhode Island's methods might help Minnesota's struggling charter school system.
When Minnesota charter schools fail, vulnerable students pay the price
Hundreds of Minnesota students are caught up each year in the often sudden shuttering of charter schools. School leaders say the closings create a cycle that sets more schools and students up for failure.
Twin Cities charter school fraud took place under direction of school's current leader, former employees say
The Minnesota Internship Center had 4% attendance and 5% graduation rates, while its leader took co-workers to Topgolf, according to state records and interviews with school insiders.
Minnesota charter school loses $1.3 million in state funding over inflated enrollment
The Minnesota Supreme Court upheld the decision to pull funding from the Minnesota Internship Center; a school leader said administrators involved in falsifying records are gone.
Teachers approve new contract in Anoka-Hennepin school district
The deal would use up most of district's share of a recent state boost in education funding.
Legislators want to hire experts to diagnose Minnesota's ailing child protection system
The proposal is one of several, including another pushing for a statewide child abuse hotline, in response to the Star Tribune's investigation that showed widespread problems.
Student hospitalized after stabbing at Minnetonka High School
The school says student was struck with an "art tool."
Tentative deal with teachers could result in staff cuts at Anoka-Hennepin
"Monumental" contribution from state not enough to fund raises at Minnesota's largest school district
Meltdown of prominent CPA firm comes amid crisis for Minnesota charter schools
One owner's theft led to the demise of The Anton Group, which worked for dozens of charter schools across the state, where there is a shortage of firms to help with finances.
Who should lead in protecting Minnesota's abused children?
A Star Tribune series exposed failings in the county-run child protection system, but advocates on Thursday cautioned against the problems of a state-run system.
Legislators seek ways to reform state's child protection system
The discussion about remaking the system comes after a Star Tribune investigation showing hundreds of Minnesota kids are harmed each year after being returned home.
Legislators vow to reform Minnesota's child protection system
"Tough questions need to be asked" about oversight, use of Family Assessment and funding for case workers.
'I could have lived a normal life': Minnesota child abuse victim says protection system failed her
There were 41 reports of abuse and neglect involving Jayma Lawson and her two siblings between 2004 and 2021. Just seven led to investigations. More than half resulted in no action or were referred to a controversial alternative pathway in the Minnesota child protection system.
Kay Emel-Powell, a real-life Betty Crocker, dies at 76
As a cookbook author, she developed and tested recipes for home cooks.
Richard Robinson, a Hall of Fame coach and mentor, dies at 87
In addition to football, Robinson coached boys and girls basketball and track.
The latest chapter in the 3M Bair Hugger litigation: A motion to remove a federal judge
Four years after a federal judge unsuccessfully tried to dismiss lawsuits suing 3M because of its patient-warming device, lawyers of more than 5,000 plaintiffs are trying to boot her from overseeing the stalled litigation.
Disgraced Twin Cities lawyer faces tougher punishment for sexually harassing employees
On Wednesday, the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled a six-month suspension for Clayton Halunen is "inadequate" discipline.
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.
![Owner of Cambria, Marty Davis, photographed on Monday, Nov. 7, 2022 in Le Sueur, Minn. ] RENEE JONES SCHNEIDER • renee.jones@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/OCXPA5UB2QID45ZAQDZOZGKD3Q.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
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.
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.
![U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger today announced a significant COVID-related fraud case based in Minnesota Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022 Minneapolis, Minn. ] GLEN](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/HWQVXBJPIZO3L33LEXPT2X5GXU.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
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.
