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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.

Minneapolis considers building downtown playground

The mayor has said he envisions something similar to Edina's Edinborough Park.

News

Minneapolis is looking to up its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="game with kids" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/10/17/minneapolis-skyway-things-to-do" data-vars-content-id="9142ab2e-17ff-47bf-8766-6ce7ce180045" data-vars-headline="Minneapolis considers building downtown playground" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/10/17/minneapolis-skyway-things-to-do" target="_self">game with kids</a>, exploring the idea of building an indoor playground somewhere downtown.Why it matters: For many Minneapolis parents, finding something to do with their kids in winter often means driving to the suburbs. Meanwhile, the middle of downtown is often dead on weekends, with office workers absent.

Everyone needs a NeeDoh: Twin Cities toy stores sell out of viral fidget toy

Shoppers of all ages are snapping up NeedOhs.

NeeDohs are flying off the shelves of Twin Cities toy stores. Need-what? The brightly colored fidget toys, which snap back into shape when they are squished and stretched, are the latest &quot;it&quot; toy to take off thanks to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="viral TikTok trend" data-vars-click-url="https://mashable.com/article/what-is-needoh-toy" data-vars-content-id="74ccf2a8-d142-4107-a375-c355bda2e671" data-vars-headline="Everyone needs a NeeDoh: Twin Cities toy stores sell out of viral fidget toy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mashable.com/article/what-is-needoh-toy" target="_blank">viral TikTok trend</a>. <ul><li>Drops featuring new shapes, like Easter eggs, an octopus, and ice cream cones, fuel the frenzy among young collectors.</li></ul>

More Minnesota women over 40 choosing solo motherhood

The share of unmarried mothers over 40 has roughly tripled since 2007.

More new moms in Minnesota are having kids solo in their 40s, with births to unmarried women 40 and over roughly tripling since 2007.State of Labor and Delivery: Just over 1% of babies in Minnesota were born to women who met that criteria in 2024, per CDC data.<ul><li>That small but growing group translated to about 700 births that year.</li></ul>

New playground coming to Loring Greenway this fall

Kids in the Minneapolis neighborhood can thank Austin, Texas, for the replacement.

Things to Do

Loring Park kids have Austin, Texas, to thank for a new playground coming to the Minneapolis neighborhood. State of the slides: The popular Loring Greenway playground was dismantled last November with little notice due to safety concerns raised during an inspection.<ul><li>City officials initially said the costly replacement set wouldn&#x27;t be installed until next spring. </li></ul>

Young boaters may need a permit under new law

Those under age 21 will need a permit to operate a boat starting July 1

Young boaters heading up to the lake next week may need a permit to get behind the wheel on their own.Driving the news: A new state law that takes effect July 1 will require those under age 21 to to pay a $35 fee and pass an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="online boater&#x27;s safety exam" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/boatwater/education.html" data-vars-content-id="b68a9e4e-1605-4149-957f-db643356539e" data-vars-headline="Young boaters may need a permit under new law" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/boatwater/education.html" target="_blank">online boater&#x27;s safety exam</a> before being allowed to operate a boat with over 75 horsepower.

Bloomington debuts "challenge course" playground

Bloomington's "challenge course" opened to the public in late April.

Bloomington&#x27;s newest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="playground" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/05/20/best-playgrounds-twin-cities" data-vars-content-id="94653bb3-0f7a-4eff-8927-5a82497cc526" data-vars-headline="Bloomington debuts &quot;challenge course&quot; playground" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/05/20/best-playgrounds-twin-cities" target="_self">playground</a> could double as a training ground for aspiring &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="American Ninja Warrior" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/09/17/test-drive-american-ninja-warrior-gym" data-vars-content-id="94653bb3-0f7a-4eff-8927-5a82497cc526" data-vars-headline="Bloomington debuts &quot;challenge course&quot; playground" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/09/17/test-drive-american-ninja-warrior-gym" target="_self">American Ninja Warrior</a>&quot; champs. The big features: In addition to the typical slides and play structures, Smith Park&#x27;s just-debuted &quot;Challenge Course&quot; incorporates elements like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="floating boards" data-vars-click-url="https://www.gametime.com/products/floating-boards-pro" data-vars-content-id="94653bb3-0f7a-4eff-8927-5a82497cc526" data-vars-headline="Bloomington debuts &quot;challenge course&quot; playground" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.gametime.com/products/floating-boards-pro" target="_blank">floating boards</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="agility trainers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.gametime.com/products/agility-trainer-13608" data-vars-content-id="94653bb3-0f7a-4eff-8927-5a82497cc526" data-vars-headline="Bloomington debuts &quot;challenge course&quot; playground" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.gametime.com/products/agility-trainer-13608" target="_blank">agility trainers</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vault walls" data-vars-click-url="https://www.gametime.com/products/vault-walls-13655" data-vars-content-id="94653bb3-0f7a-4eff-8927-5a82497cc526" data-vars-headline="Bloomington debuts &quot;challenge course&quot; playground" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.gametime.com/products/vault-walls-13655" target="_blank">vault walls</a>, and &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ninja steps" data-vars-click-url="https://www.gametime.com/products/ninja-steps-13654" data-vars-content-id="94653bb3-0f7a-4eff-8927-5a82497cc526" data-vars-headline="Bloomington debuts &quot;challenge course&quot; playground" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.gametime.com/products/ninja-steps-13654" target="_blank">ninja steps</a>.&quot;

C-section births increase in Minnesota

About 18,800 Minnesota babies were born via c-section in 2023, a rate of 30.2%.

Parenting

The rate of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cesarean" data-vars-click-url="https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/cesarean-birth" data-vars-content-id="1b67281d-9381-4dcd-a682-0698d8fb0490" data-vars-headline="C-section births increase in Minnesota" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/cesarean-birth" target="_blank">cesarean</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="births" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/07/13/the-costs-of-having-a-baby" data-vars-content-id="1b67281d-9381-4dcd-a682-0698d8fb0490" data-vars-headline="C-section births increase in Minnesota" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/07/13/the-costs-of-having-a-baby" target="_self">births</a> in Minnesota is rising, according to new data from the Centers for Disease.Why it matters: While generally safe — and often necessary for the health of the baby or the mom — a C-section is a major abdominal surgery that tends to require a longer short-term <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recovery" data-vars-click-url="https://www.theskimm.com/wellness/c-section-recovery-tips" data-vars-content-id="1b67281d-9381-4dcd-a682-0698d8fb0490" data-vars-headline="C-section births increase in Minnesota" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.theskimm.com/wellness/c-section-recovery-tips" target="_blank">recovery</a> for the mother.

More Minnesota babies are being born to women in their 30s

Close to 60% of babies born in the state in 2023 had birth mothers who were 30-plus,.

Health

Women giving birth in Minnesota are getting older. The big picture: Close to 60% of babies born in the state in 2023 had birth mothers in their 30s or older, according to preliminary CDC data.

A set of area charts showing the share of babies born in the U.S. to unmarried women ages 40+ between 2007 and 2024. Each state has its own chart, along with one for the national total. Nationally, the share rose from 0.5% in 2007 to 1.1% in 2024. Every state also saw an increase, with those on the coasts having the highest share. In 2024, the areas with the highest share were D.C. (2.2%) and New York (1.9%). The states with the lowest share were North Dakota and Wyoming (both 0.6%).

Axios Visuals: 2026-01-27-single-moms-over-40

Data: CDC Wonder; Note: California stopped providing marital status of mothers in 2017; Chart: Erin Davis/Axios Visuals