Ryan Faircloth

Politics and government reporter

Higher Education

Faircloth 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.

Faircloth 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.

Contact

ryan.faircloth@startribune.com

Latest from Ryan Faircloth

News & Politics

Newly tied Minnesota House will test legislators' ability to work together

A power-sharing agreement will kick in this week after a newly elected Democrat is sworn in.

March 16, 2025

News & Politics

Minnesota’s plan to let tribes open off-reservation pot stores first draws fairness complaints

Some entrepreneurs and advocates say Minnesota is giving tribal nations an unfair advantage over state-licensed businesses.

March 14, 2025

News & Politics

Former Minnesota legislator Melisa López Franzen announces run for U.S. Senate

López Franzen is the second Democrat to announce a run for outgoing Sen. Tina Smith’s seat, joining Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan.

March 10, 2025

Politics

Minnesota faces a projected $6 billion budget deficit down the road. Here’s what you should know.

DFL and GOP leaders agree that spending must be cut in certain areas. But they’re divided on who’s to blame for the state’s fiscal reversal.

March 8, 2025