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.


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.