Christopher Vondracek
Washington Correspondent
AgricultureChristopher Vondracek has reported on prairie dog lawsuits in the Black Hills to federal education policy in Washington D.C. A native of Wells and Kiester, Minn., Vondracek graduated from the University of South Dakota and taught college English for years before becoming a full-time journalist. A previous agriculture reporter for the Strib, Vondracek also authored a memoir ("Dancing with Welk") and poetry book ("Rattlesnake Summer"). He lives on Capitol Hill with his wife, Carrie, and children, Rosie and Eamon.
Latest from Christopher Vondracek
D.C. Republicans struggle to cut deal for ethanol expansion, risking wrath from farmers
GOP feels normally solid farm country starting to shake politically.
February 18, 2026
Canadian tariffs hit Minnesota hard. Congressional support for them is waning.
Exports to Canada from Minnesota continue to fall. The U.S. House in a rare rebuke this week voted to end the tariffs.
February 12, 2026
After inauguration gift, Target dials back D.C. lobbying in Trump’s second term
The Minneapolis-based retailer spent less on traditional lobbying but about the same if its $1M gift to President Donald Trump’s inaugural fund is counted.
February 10, 2026
Minnesota plant-based food company SunOpta sold in $1.1B deal
The Eden Prairie-based company will become a subsidiary to Dutch company Refresco.
February 6, 2026
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Renee Good’s brothers ask Congress to help change ICE, Border Patrol behavior
The brothers tell congressional forum that the family, like many others, has suffered “deep distress.”
February 3, 2026
What’s the history of the Fort Snelling Unorganized Territory and the Whipple Building?
Fort has been “at the heart” of Minnesota history “for good or for ill,” historian says.
January 30, 2026
Border Patrol’s Greg Bovino heads west from Minnesota after reassignment
The controversial Border Patrol commander was spotted in South Dakota and Wyoming this week after the White House shuffled responsibilities for its Minnesota ICE surge.
January 30, 2026
Willmar bird flu laboratory gets reprieve from USDA funding hit
The diagnostic center in Willmar learned it got the exemption its supporters were seeking.
January 15, 2026
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Renee Good came to Minneapolis seeking a safe place. Less than a year later, she was killed.
After years as a military wife, Good was starting over when an encounter with ICE agents cut her new life short.
January 14, 2026
Reps. Omar, Morrison, Craig denied entry at ICE detention facility
The Minnesota congresswomen attempted to tour Whipple Federal Building. DHS says requests to visit are needed seven days in advance.
January 10, 2026
Editor's Pick
Minnesota lawmakers, donors urge Amy Klobuchar to run for governor
She’s mulling her political future as other paths, such as moving up in Senate leadership or running again for president, could prove tricky.
January 7, 2026
What happens to Amy Klobuchar’s U.S. Senate seat now that she’s running for governor?
She would create a vacancy in Congress if she became governor, but Klobuchar could also stay in the U.S. Senate until after the November 2026 election.
January 5, 2026
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