Recent content from Ryan Faircloth
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.
Auditor opens initial look into failed cannabis director hiring
Erin DuPree, a self-described cannabis industry entrepreneur and hemp shop owner, stepped down a day after Gov. Tim Walz appointed her after a Star Tribune report revealed she had sold illegal products at her hemp store.
Minnesota officials warn of danger that AI could pose to elections
The evolving technology, if used deceptively, could cause harm to democracy, officials say.
After cannabis director blunder, Walz pledges to hire a 'regulator' for the job
The governor's first pick, a cannabis business owner, stepped down a day after being appointed after the Star Tribune revealed she had sold illegal products.
'We got this wrong': Walz takes responsibility for cannabis director debacle
Erin DuPree stepped aside Friday, a day after Walz appointed her to lead the Office of Cannabis Management.
New Minnesota cannabis director resigns amid report she sold illegal products
Erin DuPree was selling high-dose cannabis products at her hemp shop that weren't compliant with state law.
Cannabis entrepreneur to lead Minnesota's new marijuana agency
Erin DuPree has never worked in government but says her experience with startup businesses makes her well-suited for the role.
Rules of the road: What Minnesotans can and cannot do with marijuana in their vehicles
Possession is allowed. Consumption and open containers are not.
Biden's Cabinet members flock to Minnesota, just in time for State Fair
Three Biden administration officials visited Minnesota this week within days of one another.
Facing another primary challenge, Rep. Omar endorsed by top U.S. House Democrats
The House Democratic leaders' endorsements of Omar come a year before she's set to face primary challengers.
Former DFL Senate minority leader becomes chief lobbyist for U, making $250K
Former Sen. Melisa López Franzen started as the U's executive director of government and community relations on Monday.
First month of Minnesota's cannabis tax nets the state nearly $600K
The July haul is a partial snapshot of the state's hemp-derived THC gummy and drink market.
Rep. Ilhan Omar's trip to World Cup funded by Qatar government, disclosure shows
Omar, an outspoken human rights advocate, took the trip funded by the country that has been widely criticized for human rights abuses.
Should Minnesotans be able to sell marijuana they grow? Advocates say state Constitution allows it.
The state's marijuana law says selling it without a license is a crime ranging from a petty misdemeanor to a felony.
Minn. government employees still working remotely in what looks to be lasting shift
State agencies are looking to downsize their offices as many employees continue to work from home.
Top Minnesota Democrats cool to Phillips' possible presidential run
U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips has not ruled out a possible primary challenge to President Joe Biden.
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What you need to know about Minnesota's marijuana legalization law
Minnesota is the 23rd state to legalize recreational cannabis. Here's a detailed look at what the new law allows — and what it won't.
Marijuana legalization marks new era for state, but will Minnesotans embrace it?
Celebrations, shrugs and hand-wringing mark the beginning of legal weed in Minnesota.
'A form of reparation': State will send money to communities harmed by marijuana prohibition
The "CanRenew" grant program was largely overlooked during debate over the sweeping new cannabis law.
Marijuana use and possession are now legal in Minnesota. Here's what you need to know.
Selling without a license is still a crime. Other than medical marijuana, hemp-derived products and tribal dispensaries, Minnesota now has a "gray" market.
After Feeding Our Future fraud, Minn. Department of Education to get an inspector general
A new office will give the Education Department the investigatory authority it lacked during the $250 million fraud case, officials said.
You can soon smoke pot in public, but some cities are weighing bans
Starting Aug. 1 Minnesotans can smoke marijuana in a park, on a sidewalk or outside a restaurant or bar, unless their city passes or has an existing ordinance prohibiting it.
'They have to raise money': Minnesota GOP seeks rebound from fundraising slump
The party is working to recover from losing every statewide race and control of the state Senate last year.
'I take full responsibility': DFL state Rep. Dan Wolgamott apologizes for recent DWI arrest
Security camera footage from a Mora, Minn., liquor store purportedly shows Wolgamott drinking in the parking lot before driving away.
Gov. Tim Walz rescinds task force appointment after learning of domestic abuse allegations
Walz was unaware of appointee's past until questioned about it by the Star Tribune, his office said.
Marijuana market could be a boon for other industries, jobs
Not everyone who works with cannabis will be growing or selling it. There will be cannabis accountants, lawyers, insurance agents and more.
Minnesota's budget commissioner to step down in August
Commissioner Jim Schowalter will leave the agency, Deputy Commissioner Erin Campbell will take his place.
Minnesota DFL lawmaker arrested on suspicion of DWI
The State Patrol arrested Rep. Dan Wolgamott on Friday evening.
Lawsuits pile up against actions taken by DFL-controlled Minnesota Legislature
New laws are being challenged in court.
Minnesota Department of Human Services to be broken up after years of scrutiny
The agency's massive Direct Care and Treatment division will spin off into its own agency, taking its nearly 5,000 employees with it.
Cannabis tax, free school meals, boat registration fee hike among new laws now in effect
A number of new laws passed by the Legislature this year take effect July 1.
Minnesota to receive $652M in federal funding for broadband internet expansion
The more than half-billion-dollar investment comes from the federal infrastructure act.
Minnesota expands protections for student loan borrowers as payment pause nears end
Minnesota will hire a new student loan ombudsperson to help borrowers resolve disputes, understand debt terms.
Minnesota's new graduation requirements: Learn how to manage money and participate in democracy
New legislative requirements will mandate civics and personal finance courses.
Minn.'s legal marijuana sales projected to reach $1.5B by 2029
State's legal cannabis market could also serve more than 700,000 consumers annually, a new analysis shows.
Minnesota moves closer to recreational marijuana market with new agency
A team of regulators have started creating the Office of Cannabis Management, which will oversee Minnesota's marijuana market.
Minnesota DFL blasts Scott County GOP for comparing Biden to Hitler and Stalin
Minnesota GOP spokesman says post was "uncalled for," and that the party has asked for it to be taken down.
Minnesotans who use marijuana can't own guns, ATF says. But will the agency enforce it?
Federal law prohibits cannabis users from having firearms, even if marijuana is legal in their state.
Ex-governor candidate Scott Jensen sues Keith Ellison, medical board
The Chaska physician alleges the two worked together on "politically motivated" investigations into his medical license.
Walz signs historic bill legalizing marijuana in Minnesota
Use, possession and home-growing become legal on Aug. 1, while retail sales are likely at least a year away.
How did Minnesota Democrats unify to pass sweeping change?
From Social Security tax exemptions to gun restrictions, DFL leaders at the State Capitol held their caucuses together on divisive issues.
DFL lawmakers criticize Gov. Walz for vetoing rideshare bill
Walz's veto was rebuked by the Legislature's People of Color and Indigenous Caucus, and the bill's Senate sponsor.
Sports betting, Equal Rights Amendment among items that didn't get done this session
Here's what was left unfinished when the Minnesota Legislature adjourned Monday.
Walz, Democrats and advocates celebrate $72 billion budget
Republicans say the new budget will make it much more expensive to live in Minnesota.
Minnesota Republicans decry legislative session as partisan, seek to win back House
GOP legislative leaders and the chair of the Minnesota Republican Party blast Democrats for raising taxes amid surplus.
Legislature ends session by passing largest infrastructure package in state history
Lawmakers sent a $2.6 billion infrastructure package to Gov. Tim Walz's desk on the final day of session.
Legislature passes $3 billion tax bill ahead of Monday deadline
The tax bill includes one-time rebates, tax credits and $1 billion in tax increases. It now heads to Gov. Tim Walz.
Senate votes to legalize recreational marijuana; Walz to sign bill
The bill would legalize marijuana for adults in Minnesota.
Minnesota House votes to legalize recreational marijuana
The DFL-controlled House voted 73-57 to give its approval. A Senate vote could come Friday, potentially sending the marijuana bill to the governor's desk by the weekend. Gov. Tim Walz has pledged to sign it.
Hagedorn campaign money transferred to charity led by his widow, Jennifer Carnahan
Filings show the former Minnesota GOP chair is leading a cancer charity named after her late husband, former U.S. Rep. Jim Hagedorn.
Minnesota lawmakers finish marijuana bill, votes up next
A conference committee finished merging the House and Senate bills to legalize recreational use.
As Legislature enters final week, DFL races to finish priorities
Democrats seek to pass a state budget, legalize marijuana and add gun control laws ahead of planned May adjournment.
Minnesota DFL legislators strike deal to give schools $2.2B funding boost
Spending deal includes money for a previously unfunded mandate that school districts raised concerns about.
Bill regulating 'deepfake' technology passes Minnesota Senate
The Senate and House bills now head to conference committee, where they'll be merged into one.
Legislature passes higher ed bill with free tuition program
Minnesota students from families making under $80,000 annually would qualify for the new free tuition program.
Higher ed spending deal includes free college tuition for Minn. families who make under $80K
DFL legislative negotiators say it could help alleviate declining enrollment and the state's worker shortage.
