Essential Minnesota

By Minnesota Star Tribune

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 jour... more

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FAQs about Essential Minnesota:

How many episodes does Essential Minnesota have?

The podcast currently has 33 episodes available.

Essential Minnesota episodes:

January 29, 2026 The man leading Annunciation School after a mass shooting
At the first all-school assembly after a mass shooting in August 2025, our reporter sees firsthand how Principal Matt DeBoer is creating a space for hundreds of children to move forward with humor, compassion and stuffies.
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21min
January 29, 2026 The religious background of alleged assassin Vance Boelter
After a statewide manhunt in June 2025 Vance Boelter was arrested for the murder of state rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, and the shooting of state rep. John Hoffman and his wife. Could Boelter’s religious beliefs have something to do with it? Two investigative reporters uncover his past to find out.
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27min
January 29, 2026 Introducing Essential Minnesota
Host Melissa Townsend introduces this new, smart and funny weekly news show from the Minnesota Star Tribune where local journalist dig deep into the stories that matter to the midwest U.S. and beyond.
...more
1min

FAQs about Essential Minnesota:

How many episodes does Essential Minnesota have?

The podcast currently has 33 episodes available.