Thomas J. Petters gave hundreds of thousands of dollars to political candidates, Democrats and Republicans alike. And he has given millions to institutions of higher education.

A federal judge in Minnesota today ruled that Thomas J. Petters, the multi-millionaire businessman and philanthropist arrested last week on investment fraud charges, could not be released on bail.

Twin Cities businessman and philanthropist Tom Petters was arrested yesterday, charged with mail and wire fraud, money laundering and obstruction of justice.

Thirteen years to the day after he was acquitted of murdering his ex-wife and her friend, O.J. Simpson was convicted yesterday of all counts in a robbery and kidnapping case.

While the U.S. financial crisis captured the world’s attention, another kind of financial story made headlines in Minnesota last week.

A government watchdog has detailed bid-rigging, acceptance of improper gifts and sexual relationships among top Interior Department officials charged with overseeing oil and gas companies.

Samuel Israel III, the fugitive hedge fund manager, has come in from the cold.

Looks like Samuel Israel III, the hedge fund manager convicted of fraud, may be alive and well and camping in a state park near you.

Samuel Israel III spent years fooling people, so it’s no surprise that police, as well as former associates and investors, are having trouble believing the convicted hedge fund manager committed suicide Monday.

The government got what it wanted Thursday with the conviction of Anthony Pellicano. A jury found the so-called “private eye to the stars” guilty on charges including wiretapping and racketeering.