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Essential Minnesota

Essential Minnesota

By: Minnesota Star Tribune
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Summary

 Every Friday some of the best reporters in Minnesota dig into one important local story. Host Melissa Townsend brings her distinct curiosity and humor to these weekly deep-dive conversations with journalists from the Minnesota Star Tribune where they break down the facts, the players and the impact. No spin, pretense or A.I. – just great local stories that matter to Minnesota and beyond. It’s what we do best. Available Fridays at 4:30 A.M. Central. Political Science Politics & Government Social Sciences
Episodes
  • How the ban on mining in the BWCAW was reversed

    How the ban on mining in the BWCAW was reversed
    May 8 2026
    A vote in late April opened the Boundary Waters watershed to copper nickel mining – again. Two reporters describe the family behind the mining proposal, how they worked with lawmakers to reverse a federal ban on mining in the “crown jewel” of Minnesota and what will happen next.
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    35 mins
  • Why did Bushel Boy tomatoes mysteriously disappear?

    Why did Bushel Boy tomatoes mysteriously disappear?
    May 1 2026
    For decades, Bushel Boy tomatoes were everywhere. A homegrown success story delivering fresh, greenhouse-grown beefsteaks across Minnesota. Then, overnight, they vanished. Our reporters dig into what happened and uncover a threat that’s shaping the future of local produce farming. Editor, Brooks Johnson Reporter, Victor Ștefănescu
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    25 mins
  • The Threats Against Minnesotans in Public Office

    The Threats Against Minnesotans in Public Office
    Apr 24 2026
    Threats against elected officials are on the rise but the full number and nature of those threats has been difficult to know. Three reporters spent six months tracking down the real threats Minnesota lawmakers are facing and what it says about the safety net surrounding those who pursue public office. Guests: Jana Hollingsworth MaryJo Webster Nathaniel Minor
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    26 mins
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