Eleanor Hildebrandt
Reporter
Eleanor Hildebrandt is a reporter for the Minnesota Star Tribune.
Latest from Eleanor Hildebrandt
Editor's Pick
What to know about the massive social services fraud scandal in Minnesota
Providers who bilked housing, autism and day care programs thrust the state into the national spotlight.
February 18, 2026
Company withdraws plan to expand mine into Mississippi River
The proposal for the mine on Grey Cloud Island near Cottage Grove drew criticism from nearby residents and Dakota County officials.
February 17, 2026
Minnesota investigators are halting payments earlier and longer when fraud is suspected
The Human Services Department is cutting off payments often before law enforcement opens an investigation. Providers are suing over the practice.
February 16, 2026
Minnesota creates fraud ‘fact check’ amid national political scrutiny
The state Department of Human Services’ webpage rebuts allegations and describes its “fight against fraud” in social services programs.
February 11, 2026
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Ellison, Trump administration settle DEI education lawsuit
Minnesota will receive $530 million from federal government in school funding while maintaining diversity programs.
February 9, 2026
House fire leaves three dead in western Wisconsin
The home in Anderson Township was fully engulfed when first responders arrived early Sunday.
February 8, 2026
The day after in Minneapolis: Whittier neighborhood recovers after Pretti killing, protests
The south Minneapolis neighborhood was filled with visitors and residents attending vigils on Sunday.
January 25, 2026
Is Minnesota’s Medicaid fraud scandal an ‘outlier’? Experts say the answer is complicated.
Minnesota continues to make national headlines for abuse in social services, but other states face similar struggles.
January 23, 2026
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Bundle up: Minnesota will see even colder weather Monday
Windchills are expected to keep most of Minnesota cold on Monday, with lows falling to as much as minus-35 degrees.
January 19, 2026
Transit providers say fraud claims could threaten a struggling industry, especially in rural Minnesota
Thousands of Minnesotans rely on the Medicaid-funded transportation program to get to medical appointments.
January 17, 2026
New fraud concerns surface in Minnesota medical transportation program
Providers and prosecutors have seen issues in the Medicaid-funded nonemergency medical transportation program for years. It’s the subject of a new video by conservative influencer Nick Shirley.
January 15, 2026
Minnesota's Northstar train ends service from Big Lake to Minneapolis
The 40-mile commuter train had its last journey from the suburbs into the Twin Cities ahead of the Vikings-Packers game.
January 4, 2026
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