Recent content from Ryan Faircloth
DFL state senator charged with first-degree burglary in break-in at stepmother's home
Sen. Nicole Mitchell's arrest could cause political complications for Democrats, who control the Minnesota Senate by a one-seat margin.
Woodbury state senator arrested in suspected burglary
Sen. Nicole Mitchell, a DFL lawmaker from Woodbury, was arrested Monday morning in Detroit Lakes and booked into the Becker County Jail.
Conservatives in Otter Tail County have been fighting for years, with no end in sight
A recent flare-up over precinct caucuses is the latest in a string of battles between local party officials and a group of grassroots activists.
Rep. Omar's daughter arrested, suspended from college for pro-Palestinian protests
Rep. Omar had questioned Columbia University's president about campus protests a day earlier.
Minnesota marijuana sales could be delayed or in short supply if planting doesn't start soon
Growers need time to get cannabis planted, harvested, tested and processed — preferably before retailers open.
Five things the Minnesota Legislature hopes to tackle before its session ends
Lawmakers are still debating whether to legalize sports betting and how to fine-tune the state's recreational marijuana law, among other things.
Hoax 'swatting' calls could become a felony in Minnesota
Hoax emergency calls are a gross misdemeanor, but legislators want to make the act a felony when it's directed at elected officials, judges, prosecuting attorneys, correctional facility employees and police officers.
Want to open a cannabis business in Minnesota? You might need some luck.
Minnesota could shift to a vetted lottery system for awarding cannabis business licenses. Not everyone's happy.
'Book Senator Hoffman to speak': DFL state senator's consulting firm raises ethical questions
Ethics experts question if DFL Sen. John Hoffman tried to promote his official position for personal gain. Hoffman said he's made no money from the business.
Minnesota to expunge misdemeanor marijuana records as early as May
The expungement of misdemeanor cannabis offenses is running ahead of schedule. Separately, the state's new Cannabis Expungement Board will soon begin reviewing felony cases.
Trump called Rep. Tom Emmer a 'RINO' and tanked his speaker bid. Now, they've made amends
Emmer will be the Minnesota state chair of Trump's 2024 presidential campaign.
Rep. Ilhan Omar, Don Samuels prepare for closely watched DFL primary rematch
Samuels hopes to pull off an upset after losing by about 2 percentage points in the 2022 primary; Omar says that contest was an "anomaly" and this one won't be as close.
Minnesota Legislature considers these 5 cannabis law changes
Social equity applicants could get business licenses first. Medical cannabis patients could grow more marijuana at home.
Former Gov. Jesse Ventura gets into the cannabis business, launching his own line of edibles
"Gov. Jesse 'The Body' Ventura, is in the cannabis game. I can't tell you how truly amazing this feels," Minnesota's former governor announced Wednesday.
Minnesotans in Congress say trooper murder case should be taken away from county attorney
Democratic Reps. Angie Craig and Dean Phillips joined the four Republicans in the state's House delegation in calling for the case to be reassigned.
Minn. Republicans in Congress vote for bill that could ban TikTok if its Chinese owner doesn't sell
Minnesota Democrats in Congress were divided, with two voting for the bill and two voting against it.
Minnesota regulators announce plan to crack down on illegal cannabis sales
The Office of Cannabis Management has received complaints about illegal sales.
Should Minnesota legislators still be allowed to vote remotely on bills? Senators debate issue
DFL Senate leader criticized Republican members this week for pushing to end remote voting.
Social equity applicants could get 'head start' in Minnesota's marijuana market
Bill would allow early business licenses for cannabis entrepreneurs who meet social equity standards. In addition, state cannabis director says retail sales may not start until mid-2025.
Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips ends presidential bid, backs Biden
The Democrat lost to Joe Biden in more than a dozen states' Democratic presidential primary elections on Super Tuesday, including in Minnesota.
Biden, Trump win in Minnesota on Super Tuesday, heading to a repeat
Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips didn't carry his home state.
Heading into Super Tuesday, many Minnesota voters unhappy with Biden-Trump rematch
Early ballots aren't surging as voters feel uninspired by a rerun of 2020.
Minnesota has $3.7 billion surplus; officials warn against spending it all
They said a potential shortfall of about $1.5 billion could occur in the coming years if lawmakers don't leave some of the surplus on the bottom line.
Phillips comes in behind Biden and 'uncommitted' in Michigan primary
The Minnesota presidential candidate received less than 3% of the Democratic primary vote with nearly all votes counted.
Group encourages Minnesota Democrats to vote uncommitted on Super Tuesday
They hope to push him toward supporting a cease-fire in Gaza.
Dean Phillips' constituents have mixed feelings about White House run
Says one supporter turned critic: "It just seems like he has completely abdicated his responsibility for being our representative."
What's going on with Dean Phillips? He floats Nikki Haley team-up, attacks Walz and Klobuchar
The Minnesota congressman running for president continues to flip-flop on a potential third-party bid.
Tad Jude, former Minnesota judge and legislator, announces GOP campaign for Congress
Jude said he thinks the west-suburban Third District is still winnable for Republicans.
Three years later, some Minnesota Republicans show sympathy toward Jan. 6 rioters
Some Republicans in Minnesota and across the country are pushing revisionist versions of what happened at the U.S. Capitol that day.
What's passed and what's yet to come at the 2024 Minnesota Legislature
From cannabis to sports betting, we track the major bills at the State Capitol this session.
Minn. families rally behind bill to require insurance to cover infertility treatment
Minnesotans who have struggled with infertility shared their stories at the State Capitol.
Minnesota Republicans in Congress vote to impeach Biden's Homeland Security secretary
Republican Reps. Emmer, Fischbach, Stauber and Finstad voted to impeach, while Democrats McCollum, Omar, Phillips and Craig voted against it.
Early tensions emerge as Minnesota lawmakers convene 2024 legislative session
DFLers at the State Capitol have less money to spend this year than last.
Marijuana use has increased in Minnesota. So have poison control calls.
A new state report has provided a snapshot of cannabis use in Minnesota leading up to legalization.
Minnesota Democrats defend Biden after report questions memory. Republicans say he's unfit to serve.
U.S. Sen. Tina Smith, Rep. Betty McCollum accuse special counsel of having a political agenda.
Push by Emmer, other House Republicans to impeach Homeland Security secretary fails
As they tried to impeach the secretary for his handling of illegal immigration at the southern border, they also declared their opposition to a bipartisan Senate border security bill.
Mike Lindell, other Trump allies back effort to recall Wisconsin Assembly speaker from office
The MyPillow CEO from Minnesota is among those targeting Robin Vos for not supporting Trump.
Background checks botched in Walz's cannabis director hiring, audit says
Minnesota's legislative auditor released its report on the hiring of Erin DuPree as Minnesota's first cannabis director last fall.
After New Hampshire loss, how far will Dean Phillips take his presidential campaign?
Phillips has vowed to move on to the next presidential primaries in South Carolina and Michigan.
Dean Phillips loses to Biden in New Hampshire's Democratic primary
Before results came in, the Minnesota congressman said he hoped to win more than 20% support.
Dean Phillips: A No Labels presidential ticket would need to include 'a DeSantis or a Ramaswamy'
The Minnesota presidential candidate, who's said he would consider a No Labels bid if the general election is a Biden-Trump rematch, said the ticket would need someone who could draw votes away from Trump.
![Dean Phillips spoke to a crowd gathered at The Brothers Cortado coffee shop Friday, Jan. 19, 2024 Concord, New Hampshire. ] GLEN STUBBE • glen.s](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/UN3ORGHTZVAZZOXLZW3YGTLAOQ.JPG?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Railing against establishment, Dean Phillips finds an audience in New Hampshire. Is it too late?
The Minnesota congressman-turned presidential candidate hopes to surprise President Joe Biden in the state's presidential primary election Tuesday.
What would a Dean Phillips presidency look like? The Minnesotan taking on Biden explains
Phillips said he would build a bipartisan Cabinet, re-evaluate the federal budget and focus on ending homelessness and reforming the immigration system.
Coon Rapids Republican announces congressional run, seeks to represent moderate voters
Quentin Wittrock, a critic of both Trump and Biden, said he "wants to mobilize and lead the great political middle."
With their relevance on the line, can Minnesota Republicans stop fighting each other?
Seeking to win back control of the state House in November, Republicans are trying to unite the party's warring factions.
Minnesota to try a roadside test to catch drugged drivers
Law enforcement in other states have used these tests to help establish probable cause, similar to a preliminary breathalyzer screening for alcohol.
Complaint alleges Dean Phillips' presidential campaign illegally coordinated with super PAC
The complaint accuses Phillips' campaign of illegally coordinating with a PAC started by his former adviser, Steve Schmidt. The campaign calls the complaint "baseless."
Panel that redesigned Minnesota flag and seal finishes its work
The State Emblems Redesign Commission approved a final report on its work that will be sent to the Legislature.
Minnesota health officials: Watch out for illegal high-dose cannabis products
The products "may lead to adverse health effects, such as becoming unresponsive, seizures or psychotic episodes," the state Health Department said.
Phillips says his presidential campaign will last through next summer, regardless of results
The Minnesota congressman signaled interest in making his case at the Democratic National Convention next August.
Why Minnesota could soon face a budget shortfall
The state projects a $2.4 billion surplus in the short term but could face a deficit in a couple years.
Minnesota projects $2.4 billion budget surplus, but spending it could lead to deficit
The projected surplus announced by Minnesota Management and Budget is much smaller than the $17.5 billion budget surplus the DFL-controlled Minnesota Legislature used up this year.
Minnesota's medical cannabis director steps down to take job with city of Mpls.
Minnesota now needs top regulators for both its medical and recreational marijuana industries.
Minnesota GOP's debt woes linger, frustrating some activists
The party reported having more than $400,000 in debt at the end of October.
Minnesota still without a permanent cannabis director, but work to set up industry continues
The state's interim cannabis director, under contract until mid-February, said Minnesota remains on track to have dispensaries open by 2025.
Rep. Dean Phillips, running for president, won't seek re-election to Congress
Returning to Congress after his primary challenge to President Biden would be "both unproductive and uncomfortable," Phillips said.
Minnesota set to launch roadside impairment test for marijuana
"I would expect that by this time next month, the units will be in the field," said Mike Hanson, director of Minnesota's Office of Traffic Safety.
Minnesota GOP, former chairwoman Jennifer Carnahan agree to drop lawsuits against each other
She was forced out of her party leadership role in 2021 amid allegations she created a toxic workplace.
University of Minnesota launches Cannabis Research Center
The center will study the public health effects of marijuana legalization in the state.
Minnesota Republicans see costly State Office Building renovation as potent 2024 issue
Their attacks mirror a strategy used a decade ago that conservatives say helped them flip the state House.
Don Samuels launches rematch campaign for Congress against Rep. Ilhan Omar
Samuels, a former Minneapolis City Council member, came within about two percentage points of defeating Omar last year.
DFL state Sen. Kelly Morrison to run for Minnesota congressional seat held by Dean Phillips
Morrison, an assistant Minnesota Senate majority leader and practicing OB-GYN, is the second Democrat to seek Phillips' seat.
Rep. Angie Craig breaks with most House Democrats in voting to censure Tlaib
Craig also broke with most in her party last week to support a GOP bill that tied Israel aid to IRS funding cuts.
Who is Dean Phillips, the Minnesotan running for president? Here's what you need to know.
Phillips, a third-term congressman and heir to a liquor fortune, is challenging Biden for the Democratic presidential nomination.
Phillips launches longshot Democratic bid for presidency
There's worry among Democrats that Phillips' run will hurt Biden's re-election chances.
Meet the Minnesotans who are legally growing their own marijuana
Some of the early growers are farmers, teachers, scientists and entrepreneurs.
Phillips to announce campaign against Biden on Friday
Rep. Dean Phillips is set to challenge President Joe Biden in the Democratic presidential primary election.
Behind the rise and fall of Tom Emmer's campaign to become House speaker
Emmer's bid for the speakership fell apart after former President Donald Trump and his allies publicly undermined him.
Who is Tom Emmer, the Minn. Republican who tried to become speaker? A look at his political history
Emmer's conservative bona fides were called into question by former President Donald Trump and his allies.
Rep. Dean Phillips misses filing deadline for Nevada's presidential primary, won't be on ballot
A deadline to file for New Hampshire's closely watched presidential primary election is just over a week away.
After criticism, Twin Cities socialist group condemns Hamas attacks
The follow-up statement from the chapter of Democratic Socialists of America came after its original remarks were widely denounced.
Minnesota DFL chair rebukes socialist group for 'disgusting statement' after attacks on Israel
The Twin Cities chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America issued a "statement of solidarity with Palestine."
DFL Rep. Brion Curran charged with DWI
Vadnais Heights DFLer tested at the jail with 0.16% blood alcohol level, twice the legal limit.
Minnesota Republican PAC accused of misleading rich donors, misusing their money
"It just doesn't make any sense," donor Mark Davis said about what Right Now Minnesota has reported spending its money on.
