Ryan Faircloth
Politics and government reporter
Higher EducationFaircloth previously covered higher education and breaking news, contributing to the Star Tribune’s Pulitzer Prize-winning coverage of the police killing of George Floyd. A 2018 graduate of the University of Minnesota, Faircloth started his career covering state politics for the St. Paul Pioneer Press and was named Minnesota’s Young Journalist of the Year by the state Society of Professional Journalists for his reporting at the Capitol. In his spare time, he enjoys practicing boxing and mixed martial arts – sports he once competed in – and searching the Twin Cities for barbecue and tacos that are even half as good as those he had growing up in Houston.
Latest from Ryan Faircloth
Minnesota lawmakers strike budget deal, protest erupts on ending health care for undocumented adults
Deal comes after about two weeks of closed-door negotiations. A special session may be needed to finish the work.
May 15, 2025
Still without budget deal, Minnesota Legislature likely headed for first special session since 2021
Asked Wednesday if a special session is inevitable, House DFL Leader Melissa Hortman said yes. Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy said a special session is “very likely, if not inevitable.”
May 15, 2025
At Minnesota Capitol, Democrats debate whether to moderate or hold firm on progressive policies
After bruising losses last year, some Democrats are seeking to unwind parts of the liberal policy blitz that won the party national attention. It’s creating a rift with progressives as the clock runs out on the legislative session.
May 14, 2025
Republican congressional delegation skips Minnesota GOP’s annual fundraiser amid internal tensions
The U.S. House is not in session Monday, but Minnesota’s highest-ranking Republicans were not expected to attend the party’s largest fundraising dinner.
May 13, 2025
Minnesota legislators enter final week of session without a budget deal. Here’s where things stand.
Each day that passes without a deal brings the Legislature closer to needing a special session for the first time in four years.
May 11, 2025
‘Giant step forward’: Proposals to root out fraud nearing finish line at Minnesota Capitol
In final weeks of session, lawmakers advance proposals to curb fraud in government programs.
May 7, 2025
Minnesota to hold first lotteries for cannabis business licenses in June
It’s a key step toward the opening of Minnesota’s marijuana market.
May 5, 2025
Minnesota legislators consider rolling back or revising some laws passed by DFL in 2023
Summer unemployment insurance for hourly school workers, paid family and medical leave, and health care for undocumented immigrants are among programs getting a second look.
May 2, 2025
Republican Keri Heintzeman wins special election for Minnesota Senate seat left open by Eichorn
Heintzeman easily defeated Democrat Denise Slipy to win the Senate District 6 seat.
April 30, 2025
Did Minnesota Senate president have a conflict of interest? Ethics panel reaches mixed finding.
Ethics panel says Sen. Bobby Joe Champion didn’t have a conflict of interest related to a 2025 bill, but it chose to make no finding on a 2023 bill where he sought funding for a legal client.
April 24, 2025
Gov. Walz excoriates Trump, offers olive branch to Minnesota Republicans in State of the State speech
Walz, mulling another term as governor, has left the door open to possible national bid.
April 24, 2025
Minnesota lawmakers hit sticking points in budget talks with weeks left in session
One House Democrat says the tie between the DFL and GOP “makes everything harder, slower, more time consuming.”
April 21, 2025
