Newspaper wants state auditor's divorce file unsealed

Star Tribune: Newspaper of the Twin Cities (Minneapolis, MN)

Author: Terry Collins

The Star Tribune has filed a motion to unseal portions of the divorce court file of State Auditor Patricia Anderson and her ex-husband, Michael Awada.

The divorce was finalized last month, ending their 13-year marriage. Parts of the file are sealed in Dakota County District Court.

The newspaper has previously published stories about potential conflicts of interest in Anderson's private holdings and her public role as state auditor, generally considered the third-most-powerful position in Minnesota behind governor and attorney general.

An affidavit filed Monday said the newspaper believes that by examining the financial information in the court file, it can provide readers a better understanding of Anderson's public and private dealings.

The motion is scheduled to be heard Feb. 24 by Dakota County District Judge Richard Spicer.