Essential Minnesota

The Minnesota Star Tribune
  • 4.9 (13)
  • Politics
  • Updated Weekly

Every Friday host Melissa Townsend brings her distinct curiosity and humor to these weekly deep-dive conversations with journalists from the Minnesota Star Tribune. Together they dig into interesting and important local stories that matter to Minnesota and beyond. It’s what the Minnesota Star Tribune does best. Available Fridays at 4:30 A.M. Central.

  1. 19h ago

    The sextortion pandemic in Minnesota

    Over the past few years there has been a 2000% increase in the number of sextortion cases reported to police. These scams have taken millions of dollars and the lives of countless young people. Journalist Chip Scoggins tells the story of one Minnesota family’s experience.

  2. Sep 11

    Minnesota’s new immigrant detention facility

    The privately owned prison in Appleton, Minnesota had a troubled past. Now that the U.S Department of Homeland Security has bought it, its future is anything but certain. Journalists Chris Magan and Jeff Hargarten walk us through the history of this prison turned detention facility, and what it means for the town of 1,300 people, whose future is now tied to ever-changing national immigration policy.

    Minnesota’s new immigrant detention facility

  3. Sep 4

    How transfer athletes change high school sports

    One of the hottest issues in high school sports right now is student athletes who transfer schools to position themselves for college and the pros. Journalist Chip Scoggins digs into the debate over what's fair and what’s breaking the rules. This episode was originally released on May 15, 2026.

    How transfer athletes change high school sports

  4. Aug 28

    Tasting 104 New Fair Foods in One Day

    You want to know what's worth trying at the Minnesota State Fair and our food and drink reporters want to deliver. That’s why, on the first day of the fair, our team tries Every. Single. New. Dish. Reporter Sharyn Jackson is the mastermind of the mission and she takes us behind the scenes on the big day – the good, the bad and the brick wall she hits mid-way through. See all the official new foods with a map of where to find them here: https://www.startribune.com/where-to-find-the-new-foods-at-the-state-fair/601871367

    Tasting 104 New Fair Foods in One Day

  5. Aug 21

    The Annunciation Diaries

    On Aug. 27, 2025, a gunman opened fire through the windows of Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis as students gathered for all-school Mass. Over the past year, several families filmed their experiences in video diaries. We hear some of their reflections and come to understand how this community is working to move forward. Video Journalist Amanda Anderson Reporter Reid Forgrave

    The Annunciation Diaries

  6. Aug 12

    The ballots are set. What do candidates need to do now to win in November?

    Minnesota voters delivered historic and surprising results in the primary elections. Politics Editor Brooks Johnson looks ahead at the statewide match ups and the impact the winners will have on Minnesotans and our state’s political scene for decades to come.

    The ballots are set. What do candidates need to do now to win in November?

  7. Aug 7 ·  Bonus

    Summer Break -- we'll be back the week of August 10th

    We hope you are enjoying your summer!

    Summer Break -- we'll be back the week of August 10th

  8. Jul 31 ·  Bonus

    Summer Break -- we'll be back the week of August 10th

    We hope you are enjoying your summer!

    Summer Break -- we'll be back the week of August 10th
See All (40)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Every Friday host Melissa Townsend brings her distinct curiosity and humor to these weekly deep-dive conversations with journalists from the Minnesota Star Tribune. Together they dig into interesting and important local stories that matter to Minnesota and beyond. It’s what the Minnesota Star Tribune does best. Available Fridays at 4:30 A.M. Central.

Information

  • Creator
    The Minnesota Star Tribune
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    40
  • Rating
    Clean

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