Essential Minnesota

Three Republicans, one endorsement: Inside the GOP's fight for Minnesota Governor

As Minnesota Republicans head into their state convention, three very different candidates are vying for the party’s endorsement for governor: House Speaker Lisa Demuth, businessman Kendall Qualls and MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell. Minnesota Star Tribune reporters Walker Orenstein and Nathaniel Minor break down who these candidates are and what their campaigns reveal about the future of the Minnesota GOP.

The debate over high school transfer athletes

One of the hottest issues in high school sports right now is student athletes who transfer from school to school. Columnist Chip Scoggins digs into what’s going on, what rules are being broken, and asks – is the current system fair? Guest: Columnist, Chip Scoggins

How the ban on mining near the BWCAW was reversed

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.

Why did Bushel Boy tomatoes mysteriously disappear?

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

The Threats Against Minnesotans in Public Office

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