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
Long-sought $500M Duluth project in limbo with New York developer’s finances questioned
Lazar Ostreicher pitched a big residential complex with city financial aid on the site of old Central High School, but Duluth says he breached his contract. He’s fighting the city while separately fighting a lender from foreclosing on a Duluth apartment building he owns.
July 3, 2025
Minnesota retailer Legacy Toys files for bankruptcy, but will try to keep remaining stores open
The toy seller has suffered several financial blows, including tariff costs this year after an eviction from the Mall of America in 2024.
June 27, 2025
![Legacy Toys in the Galleria Mall in Edina, greets shoppers with an 8 foot tall giraffe. ]
brian.peterson@startribune.com
Minneapolis, MN
Edina, November 6, 2019](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/CN4RDVCRFDWJJLSC53BQH6SJYU.jpg?&w=252&ar=3:2&fit=crop)
Developer of big Duluth hilltop real estate venture blames bank for latest financial woes
Letter from Lazar Ostreicher’s attorney says St. Cloud-based Stearns Bank failed to provide a guarantee that could have kept his client from running afoul of city agreement for old Central High School property.
June 11, 2025
General Mills signals layoffs in report that promises ‘transformative initiative’
The Golden Valley-based food giant said in a federal filing it would take a $70M charge, mainly for severance costs.
May 28, 2025
Minnesota real estate agents charged over ties to fraudster who bilked banks of $35M
Prosecutors say the charges are in connection with the real estate fraud perpetrated by former Mayo nurse anesthesist Matthew Onofrio.
May 22, 2025
UnitedHealth Group lost half its value in 6 months. What the CEO shakeup may mean for its future.
Stephen Hemsley is again leading Minnesota’s largest company as it grapples with financial uncertainties and increasing regulatory scrutiny
May 14, 2025
Karmel Mall owner faces foreclosure suit against his Minneapolis apartments over maintenance issues
Basim Sabri contests many of the allegations in the suit made by Fannie Mae, mortgage holder on two apartment buildings he developed.
May 9, 2025
St. Cloud space shuttle project goes on, despite financial woes of its guiding force
Felicity-John Pederson brought a full-size shuttle replica to St. Cloud in June, but he and his tech company have both since filed bankruptcy.
May 9, 2025
Minnesota real estate agents charged over ties to fraudster who bilked banks of $35M
Prosecutors say the charges are in connection with the real estate fraud perpetrated by former Mayo nurse anesthesist Matthew Onofrio.
May 22, 2025
UnitedHealth Group lost half its value in 6 months. What the CEO shakeup may mean for its future.
Stephen Hemsley is again leading Minnesota’s largest company as it grapples with financial uncertainties and increasing regulatory scrutiny
May 14, 2025
Karmel Mall owner faces foreclosure suit against his Minneapolis apartments over maintenance issues
Basim Sabri contests many of the allegations in the suit made by Fannie Mae, mortgage holder on two apartment buildings he developed.
May 9, 2025
St. Cloud space shuttle project goes on, despite financial woes of its guiding force
Felicity-John Pederson brought a full-size shuttle replica to St. Cloud in June, but he and his tech company have both since filed bankruptcy.
May 9, 2025