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"Mastermind" of Minnesota child meal fraud gets nearly 42 years in Feeding Our Future case

"Mastermind" of largest COVID fraud  scheme gets 41 years

Prosecutors say Aimee Bock was at the center of a scheme to steal over $240 million from a federal program.

Politics & Policy

A judge has ordered the Minnesota &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mastermind" data-vars-click-url="https://www.justice.gov/usao-mn/pr/federal-jury-finds-feeding-our-future-mastermind-and-co-defendant-guilty-250-million" data-vars-content-id="12cfb3bf-ee7e-4db1-b635-cfde9213cf92" data-vars-headline="&quot;Mastermind&quot; of Minnesota child meal fraud gets nearly 42 years in Feeding Our Future case" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-mn/pr/federal-jury-finds-feeding-our-future-mastermind-and-co-defendant-guilty-250-million" target="_blank">mastermind</a>&quot; in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nation&#x27;s largest pandemic fraud case" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/09/21/feeding-our-future-indictment-minnesota" data-vars-content-id="12cfb3bf-ee7e-4db1-b635-cfde9213cf92" data-vars-headline="&quot;Mastermind&quot; of Minnesota child meal fraud gets nearly 42 years in Feeding Our Future case" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/09/21/feeding-our-future-indictment-minnesota" target="_self">nation&#x27;s largest pandemic fraud case</a> to serve 41.5 years in prison — the harshest sentence to date in connection with the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme.Why it matters: Prosecutors say former Feeding Our Future executive director <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Aimee Bock" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/05/21/aimee-bock-sentencing-feeding-our-future-pandemic-child-meals-fraud-minnesota" data-vars-content-id="12cfb3bf-ee7e-4db1-b635-cfde9213cf92" data-vars-headline="&quot;Mastermind&quot; of Minnesota child meal fraud gets nearly 42 years in Feeding Our Future case" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/05/21/aimee-bock-sentencing-feeding-our-future-pandemic-child-meals-fraud-minnesota" target="_self">Aimee Bock</a> was at the center of a scheme to steal more than $240 million from a federally funded child meals program during the pandemic. <ul><li>The case sparked intense scrutiny of the Walz administration&#x27;s oversight of state-run programs and fueled broader <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="concerns about fraud under his watch." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/06/minnesota-fraud-cases-timeline" data-vars-content-id="12cfb3bf-ee7e-4db1-b635-cfde9213cf92" data-vars-headline="&quot;Mastermind&quot; of Minnesota child meal fraud gets nearly 42 years in Feeding Our Future case" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/06/minnesota-fraud-cases-timeline" target="_self">concerns about fraud under his watch.</a></li></ul>

In Minnesota's express toll lanes, scofflaws nearly outnumber E-ZPasses

The growing violation rate denies the system toll revenues it needs to pay for itself.

Transit

MnDOT&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="E-ZPass system" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/03/25/mn-ez-pass-scam-text-warning" data-vars-content-id="28673455-3aef-46a8-a71e-a77c54027b48" data-vars-headline="In Minnesota&#x27;s express toll lanes, scofflaws nearly outnumber E-ZPasses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/03/25/mn-ez-pass-scam-text-warning" target="_self">E-ZPass system</a> has a scofflaw problem. Nearly half of the vehicles use the express tolling lanes without permission, according to the latest quarterly report.Why it matters: Aside from being unfair, the rising violation rate threatens to undermine the main goal of E-ZPass — managing congestion — while denying the system the toll revenues it needs to pay for itself.Stunning stats: MnDOT estimated that 29% of vehicles using the lanes had neither a passenger nor an E-ZPass tag in FY2024, according to the annual report for that year.<ul><li>But <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more recent field observations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/28096401-minnesota-department-of-transportation-mndot-2025-q4-e-zpass-report/" data-vars-content-id="28673455-3aef-46a8-a71e-a77c54027b48" data-vars-headline="In Minnesota&#x27;s express toll lanes, scofflaws nearly outnumber E-ZPasses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/28096401-minnesota-department-of-transportation-mndot-2025-q4-e-zpass-report/" target="_blank">more recent field observations</a> suggest that vehicle &quot;violation rates&quot; have crept up across the system. On I-35W in the south metro, they&#x27;re now pushing past 50%.</li></ul><div><figure><div id="av-hermesv2/2026-05-06-2301-share-of-vehicles-LO9HZ" style="max-width:100%" data-vars-category="embed" data-vars-sub-category="axios-visual" data-vars-asset-id="av-hermesv2/2026-05-06-2301-share-of-vehicles-LO9HZ" data-vars-iframe-src="https://graphics.axios.com/hermesv2/2026-05-06-2301-share-of-vehicles/index.html" class="gtmView"><img alt="A bar chart that shows quarterly E-ZPass lane violation rates by corridor for October to December 2025. Rates range from 32.3% on I-394 from Minneapolis to Wayzata to 52.6% on I-35W from Minneapolis to Burnsville. I-35E posts 45.7%, and I-35W from Roseville to Blaine reaches 44.1%." class="axios-visual-newsletter-fallback-image" src="https://graphics.axios.com/hermesv2/2026-05-06-2301-share-of-vehicles/fallbacks/2026-05-06-2301-share-of-vehicles-fallback.png" width="1200" height="788"/><img alt="A bar chart that shows quarterly E-ZPass lane violation rates by corridor for October to December 2025. Rates range from 32.3% on I-394 from Minneapolis to Wayzata to 52.6% on I-35W from Minneapolis to Burnsville. I-35E posts 45.7%, and I-35W from Roseville to Blaine reaches 44.1%." class="axios-visual-apple-fallback-image" src="https://graphics.axios.com/hermesv2/2026-05-06-2301-share-of-vehicles/fallbacks/2026-05-06-2301-share-of-vehicles-apple.png" width="750" height="740"/></div><figcaption>Data: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="MnDOT" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dot.state.mn.us/freeway-operations/reports.html" data-vars-content-id="28673455-3aef-46a8-a71e-a77c54027b48" data-vars-headline="In Minnesota&#x27;s express toll lanes, scofflaws nearly outnumber E-ZPasses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dot.state.mn.us/freeway-operations/reports.html" target="_blank">MnDOT</a>; Note: Totals from all observation points along each corridor during tolled morning and afternoon commute periods; Chart: Kyle Stokes/Axios</figcaption></figure></div>Between the lines: The toll lanes&#x27; primary goal isn&#x27;t to make money; it&#x27;s to improve traffic flow during peak times — just like a ramp meter, according to MnDOT spokesperson Anne Meyer.<ul><li>Even with high violation rates, E-ZPass lanes maintain higher traffic speeds than general lanes and reduce trip times by as much as 10 minutes during peak times, according to the latest annual report.</li></ul>What we&#x27;re watching: A February <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://mdl.mndot.gov/items/2026cav02" data-vars-content-id="28673455-3aef-46a8-a71e-a77c54027b48" data-vars-headline="In Minnesota&#x27;s express toll lanes, scofflaws nearly outnumber E-ZPasses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mdl.mndot.gov/items/2026cav02" target="_blank">report</a> from consulting firm AECOM detailed how MnDOT could use more automated tools — such as license plate readers and passenger-detecting cameras — to reduce E-ZPass violation rates.<ul><li>The report noted that the rollout would be costly — and could face legal hurdles and objections on privacy and civil liberties grounds.</li></ul><h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Axios readers come clean on E-ZPass</h2>Axios reader Steven learned his lesson in 2016.<ul><li>While commuting into downtown Minneapolis, he occasionally merged into the E-ZPass lane to cut through the congestion.</li></ul>Finally, a state trooper pulled Steven over and asked why he had no pass. <ul><li>&quot;I matter of factly replied, &#x27;I didn&#x27;t think I would get caught,&#x27;&quot; he told us in an email. &quot;The officer stifled a big laugh.&quot;</li></ul>The big picture: The Minnesota State Patrol dedicates teams of troopers to E-ZPass enforcement.<ul><li>In 2024, those patrols pulled over nearly 6,000 vehicles, and cited or warned about half of those drivers for tolling violations, Meyer said.</li></ul>&quot;E-ZPass lane enforcement is no joke along 394,&quot; wrote reader Kyle F., who says it&#x27;s typical to see two or three people each week pulled over in the E-ZPass lane.Reality check: Most scofflaws aren&#x27;t caught. In 2024, an estimated 11,000 violators used the lanes every day,<ul><li>&quot;There doesn&#x27;t seem to be any penalties for not being a paid user,&quot; wrote Marg P., who uses an E-ZPass to shorten her drive time to Lino Lakes.</li></ul>Follow the money: Violators are dodging tolls that can jump as high as $8 per trip. (The average is about $1.14.)<ul><li>&quot;It can be expensive on high congestion days,&quot; Teri I. said, &quot;so it sucks getting charged for that convenience and others are jumping in hoping to not get caught.&quot;</li></ul>Yes, but: Law-abiding E-ZPass users still praise their passes.<ul><li>&quot;Just eases the travel issues significantly!&quot; Rick said, adding that the modest cost is worth it &quot;to gain the ease of driving in that lane when traffic sucks!&quot;</li></ul>

"Zoë Bakes" star lists Minneapolis home with TV-ready kitchen

François' chef's kitchen served as the backdrop for her HBO Max show "Zoë Bakes."

Real Estate

Want to be the star of your own cooking show? This historic Minneapolis home has the kitchen for you.Driving the news: Twin Cities baker, cookbook author and television host <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Zoë François" data-vars-click-url="https://mspmag.com/shop-and-style/zoe-francois-rise/" data-vars-content-id="b53c4956-f651-4ac1-9a0f-6ad5b20afb81" data-vars-headline="&quot;Zoë Bakes&quot; star lists Minneapolis home with TV-ready kitchen" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mspmag.com/shop-and-style/zoe-francois-rise/" target="_blank">Zoë François</a> just put her home on the market — and you may recognize that chef&#x27;s kitchen as the backdrop of her HBO Max show &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Zoë Bakes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hbomax.com/shows/zoe-bakes/85d7df13-47b2-4d07-a5b4-35674ffd86ef" data-vars-content-id="b53c4956-f651-4ac1-9a0f-6ad5b20afb81" data-vars-headline="&quot;Zoë Bakes&quot; star lists Minneapolis home with TV-ready kitchen" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hbomax.com/shows/zoe-bakes/85d7df13-47b2-4d07-a5b4-35674ffd86ef" target="_blank">Zoë Bakes</a>.&quot;

Behind the scenes: Target creates testing lab in Brooklyn Park

One focus of the company's new "Epic Lab" is improving its network of 2,000 stores that double as shipping hubs.

Business

In the big retail <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/12/amazon-delivery-speed-war-walmart-target" data-vars-content-id="4ddb0f50-daf9-43c4-ae9d-6de74fe51e9e" data-vars-headline="Behind the scenes: Target creates testing lab in Brooklyn Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/12/amazon-delivery-speed-war-walmart-target" target="_self">race</a> to be fast and efficient, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Target" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/22/target-shopping-delivery-sortation-centers" data-vars-content-id="4ddb0f50-daf9-43c4-ae9d-6de74fe51e9e" data-vars-headline="Behind the scenes: Target creates testing lab in Brooklyn Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/22/target-shopping-delivery-sortation-centers" target="_self">Target</a> this month finished building out an innovation lab in Brooklyn Park, where it can test out new ideas. Why it matters: One focus of the company&#x27;s new &quot;Epic Lab&quot; is improving its network of 2,000 stores that double as shipping hubs.

Some Minneapolis council members sour on city's public safety office

The office was created in 2022 to elevate alternatives to traditional policing, but has faced persistent criticism.

News

Some City Council allies of Mayor Jacob Frey recently floated an idea to resolve a standoff over who should serve as Minneapolis&#x27; top public safety official: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hire no one for the role" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/04/09/minneapolis-council-votes-to-oust-top-public-safety-official" data-vars-content-id="8e0228ad-6c4f-4148-892c-f8e9cc20faea" data-vars-headline="Some Minneapolis council members sour on city&#x27;s public safety office" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/04/09/minneapolis-council-votes-to-oust-top-public-safety-official" target="_self">Hire no one for the role</a>, at least for now.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a sign of how deeply frustrated some city leaders have grown with the Office of Community Safety (OCS) — the agency meant to unify the city after a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="divisive 2021 police ballot measure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2021/11/03/minneapolis-police-amendment-election-results-public-safety" data-vars-content-id="8e0228ad-6c4f-4148-892c-f8e9cc20faea" data-vars-headline="Some Minneapolis council members sour on city&#x27;s public safety office" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2021/11/03/minneapolis-police-amendment-election-results-public-safety" target="_self">divisive 2021 police ballot measure</a>.

Minneapolis council to consider data center pause as downtown interest increases

Developers are beginning to see building data centers in vacant office towers as a tool to inject value back into underused downtown properties.

The Minneapolis City Council will decide Thursday whether to pause new data center development for a year.Why it matters: Developers are beginning to see <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="building data centers in vacant office towers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/19/how-data-centers-could-help-revive-downtowns" data-vars-content-id="e377b655-7271-4d0c-aa70-c835ea0dc38a" data-vars-headline="Minneapolis council to consider data center pause as downtown interest increases" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/19/how-data-centers-could-help-revive-downtowns" target="_self">building data centers in vacant office towers</a> as a tool to inject value back into underused downtown properties.<ul><li>But some council members want stricter rules in place before more projects move forward, citing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="concerns about electricity and water use" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/01/21/minnesotas-data-center-boom-concerns-electrical-supply" data-vars-content-id="e377b655-7271-4d0c-aa70-c835ea0dc38a" data-vars-headline="Minneapolis council to consider data center pause as downtown interest increases" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/01/21/minnesotas-data-center-boom-concerns-electrical-supply" target="_self">concerns about electricity and water use</a>.</li></ul>

Meat raffle prizes and prediction market bans: What else the Legislature got done this year

The deals under the dome this year impact lives in ways big and small.

The slate of proposals passed in the final days of this year&#x27;s legislative session goes beyond the headline-grabbing deals on hot topics like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="car tabs and HCMC" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/05/14/minnesota-hcmc-hospital-funding-bonding-car-tabs-property-tax-refunds" data-vars-content-id="0609e47c-831b-49bb-afc4-931fbe581b0c" data-vars-headline="Meat raffle prizes and prediction market bans: What else the Legislature got done this year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/05/14/minnesota-hcmc-hospital-funding-bonding-car-tabs-property-tax-refunds" target="_self">car tabs and HCMC</a>.Why it matters: The full list of bills that cleared the narrowly divided Capitol with bipartisan backing shows how the work done under the dome impacts Minnesotans&#x27; lives in ways big and small.

Minnesota Capitol leaders reach end-of-session deal with HCMC funding

The agreement temporarily cuts car tab fees and provides property tax refunds.

Leaders at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minnesota&#x27;s politically divided Capitol" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/17/minnesota-capitol-legislative-preview-top-issues" data-vars-content-id="e6a47612-472f-4c0f-9f6d-30ad44c26dfd" data-vars-headline="Minnesota Capitol leaders reach end-of-session deal with HCMC funding" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/17/minnesota-capitol-legislative-preview-top-issues" target="_self">Minnesota&#x27;s politically divided Capitol</a> have struck an end-of-session agreement that includes a &quot;historic&quot; infusion of &quot;funds to stabilize&quot; Hennepin County Medical Center. Why it matters: The Level I trauma center, which serves residents from across the state, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="was at risk of closing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/09/hcmc-closing-medicaid-cuts" data-vars-content-id="e6a47612-472f-4c0f-9f6d-30ad44c26dfd" data-vars-headline="Minnesota Capitol leaders reach end-of-session deal with HCMC funding" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/09/hcmc-closing-medicaid-cuts" target="_self">was at risk of closing</a> without financial assistance.

Minnesota Democrats weigh joining national redistricting wars

Some Democrats want to redraw district lines early, despite legal and political hurdles.

Some Minnesota Democrats are openly discussing whether to try to redraw the state&#x27;s political maps if they win control of state government in November. Why it matters: Shaking up the district lines before the next scheduled redistricting cycle could impact both the makeup of Minnesota&#x27;s elected representatives and the balance of power in Washington. State of play: A mid-cycle partisan gerrymandering by lawmakers would be a major departure from local norms. <ul><li>That&#x27;s because the Legislature in recent decades has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="kicked the job of designing the maps to the courts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/02/16/minnesota-redistricting-legislative-congresss-maps" data-vars-content-id="3fc35bdf-e21e-463e-8329-861fb969d828" data-vars-headline="Minnesota Democrats weigh joining national redistricting wars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/02/16/minnesota-redistricting-legislative-congresss-maps" target="_self">kicked the job of designing the maps to the courts</a>, which has limited political influence over the maps.</li></ul>

Minnesota bonding bill unlocking lead pipe replacement funds remains in limbo

Lawmakers have until May 17 to strike a deal.

Minnesota lawmakers have just 10 days left to reach a deal to unlock hundreds of millions of dollars for critical local construction projects. Why it matters: There&#x27;s big demand to pass a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="capital investment package" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/02/12/minnesota-bonding-capital-investment-law-bill-construction" data-vars-content-id="3eb42310-26f4-4c48-93fa-f0e324a490a8" data-vars-headline="Minnesota bonding bill unlocking lead pipe replacement funds remains in limbo" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/02/12/minnesota-bonding-capital-investment-law-bill-construction" target="_self">capital investment package</a>, known around the Capitol as a bonding bill, this year.

Hall Monitor: Charging station ends prolonged Edina debate

🔌 An exhausted-sounding Edina Planning Commission voted 7-2 to approve an electric vehicle charging station at a former auto body shop after five years of debate, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Sun Current reported" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/community/edina/edina-planning-commission-backs-ev-charging-station-proposal/article_2b8ef04d-d15c-42d4-bd2b-a0c0e8dec32c.html" data-vars-content-id="9296da59-daf9-4b66-8bcb-f6148cfbdbfd" data-vars-headline="Hall Monitor: Charging station ends prolonged Edina debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/community/edina/edina-planning-commission-backs-ev-charging-station-proposal/article_2b8ef04d-d15c-42d4-bd2b-a0c0e8dec32c.html" target="_blank">the Sun Current reported</a>.<ul><li>Some commissioners remained more excited about previously rejected plans for a restaurant or for housing — but the City Council disagreed, and as one commissioner <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="said" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/live/9u29d1XlMcQ?si=DIZpK5ksZaMyOfE2&amp;t=6455" data-vars-content-id="9296da59-daf9-4b66-8bcb-f6148cfbdbfd" data-vars-headline="Hall Monitor: Charging station ends prolonged Edina debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/live/9u29d1XlMcQ?si=DIZpK5ksZaMyOfE2&amp;t=6455" target="_blank">said</a> on April 29, &quot;I&#x27;m ready to settle.&quot;</li></ul>

Minnesota moves toward creating an independent fraud watchdog

A compromise measure is set to get a House vote.

A bill creating an independent state watchdog to root out <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fraud targeting state programs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/06/minnesota-fraud-cases-timeline" data-vars-content-id="53dcaf03-355f-4c8c-96ca-7df1d03911c7" data-vars-headline="Minnesota moves toward creating an independent fraud watchdog" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/06/minnesota-fraud-cases-timeline" target="_self">fraud targeting state programs</a> is set to get a vote in the Minnesota House Thursday.Why it matters: The Office of the Inspector General proposal is one of the marquee anti-fraud measures under consideration at the Capitol this year.

Mayor Frey to use State of the City to pivot back to basics

The speech represents a crucial reset moment for Minneapolis' mayor.

Tuesday morning&#x27;s State of the City address represents a crucial reset moment for Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.Why it matters: Frey&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="re-election campaign" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/11/06/minneapolis-democrats-socialists-mayor-council" data-vars-content-id="37bc7682-b17c-439d-a5a1-bc359dcd5211" data-vars-headline="Mayor Frey to use State of the City to pivot back to basics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/11/06/minneapolis-democrats-socialists-mayor-council" target="_self">re-election campaign</a> wasn&#x27;t built around a single signature policy project — and many civic leaders are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="starting to itch for one" data-vars-click-url="https://www.startribune.com/downtown-revival-mpls-mn-economics-public-safety/601593205" data-vars-content-id="37bc7682-b17c-439d-a5a1-bc359dcd5211" data-vars-headline="Mayor Frey to use State of the City to pivot back to basics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.startribune.com/downtown-revival-mpls-mn-economics-public-safety/601593205" target="_blank">starting to itch for one</a>.<ul><li>Downtown property values have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="plummeted" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/31/office-tower-values-keep-falling-minneapolis-stpaul" data-vars-content-id="37bc7682-b17c-439d-a5a1-bc359dcd5211" data-vars-headline="Mayor Frey to use State of the City to pivot back to basics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/31/office-tower-values-keep-falling-minneapolis-stpaul" target="_self">plummeted</a>, commercial corridors are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ailing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/08/18/doran-uptown-development-debate-retail-street-level" data-vars-content-id="37bc7682-b17c-439d-a5a1-bc359dcd5211" data-vars-headline="Mayor Frey to use State of the City to pivot back to basics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/08/18/doran-uptown-development-debate-retail-street-level" target="_self">ailing</a>, and progress on many of the solutions Frey has proposed for these challenges has been slow.</li></ul>

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