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
Business
Old National acquiring Bremer Financial in $1.4 billion deal, much less than previous estimates
Bremer has been rumored to be up for sale after a legal settlement in July.
November 26, 2024
Business
Bremer Bank reportedly for sale, months after settling long dispute with Otto Bremer Trust
The bank has hired financial advisers to look for a buyer, according to Bloomberg News.
November 11, 2024
Business
After many delays, $2B Iron Range project revives quest to create first new taconite mine since 1970s
Mesabi Metallics lost critical state mineral leases last year, leaving an even bigger question mark over its half-built, controversial project in Nashwauk. But the company says it will finish the plant.
November 9, 2024
Business
Regulators crack down on Minnesota community banks over fintech partnerships
B2 Bank in Mountain Iron and Choice Financial, which has Twin Cities branches, have both been hit with enforcement actions. Regulatory scrutiny of community banks’ relationships with financial tech firms has increased.
November 4, 2024
Environment
Xcel to spend $11B more than planned to keep up with accelerating changes in energy system
The company says its five-year spending plan of $34 billion last year has jumped to $45 billion, and says customers won’t see the full rate increase in bills because of federal tax credits.
October 31, 2024
Economy
The Twins cost how much? Why sports team valuations have exploded
The value of the Twins has grown exponentially in 40 years. The price of the Wolves nearly doubled in three years. The increases have put club ownership out of reach for even ‘minor billionaires.’
October 21, 2024
Business
After failing to rescue Iron Range mining projects, business owner sued for not paying legal bills
Tom Clarke, who unsucessfully tried to revive the Magnetation and Essar iron ore properties, didn’t pay a nearly $300,000 legal tab, Minneapolis law firm claims.
October 9, 2024
Business
Minnesota small-business owner falls victim to check theft, a surging problem
Thieves are increasingly stealing checks from the mail and then altering or counterfeiting them.
October 4, 2024
Environment
Xcel to spend $11B more than planned to keep up with accelerating changes in energy system
The company says its five-year spending plan of $34 billion last year has jumped to $45 billion, and says customers won’t see the full rate increase in bills because of federal tax credits.
October 31, 2024
Economy
The Twins cost how much? Why sports team valuations have exploded
The value of the Twins has grown exponentially in 40 years. The price of the Wolves nearly doubled in three years. The increases have put club ownership out of reach for even ‘minor billionaires.’
October 21, 2024
Business
After failing to rescue Iron Range mining projects, business owner sued for not paying legal bills
Tom Clarke, who unsucessfully tried to revive the Magnetation and Essar iron ore properties, didn’t pay a nearly $300,000 legal tab, Minneapolis law firm claims.
October 9, 2024
Business
Minnesota small-business owner falls victim to check theft, a surging problem
Thieves are increasingly stealing checks from the mail and then altering or counterfeiting them.
October 4, 2024