Advertise on podcast: Essential Minnesota

Flock cameras have been criticized, vandalized and removed from streets across the state. Reporters Allison Kite and Sarah Ritter investigate the data breaches that Flock Safety allowed during Operation Metro Surge, and they detail the push among some to bring their cameras back to a street near you. More about journalist Sarah Ritter here: https://www.startribune.com/author/sarah-ritter/601166266 More about journalist Allison Kite here: https://www.startribune.com/author/allison-kite/601231911 More on Sarah and Allison's investigation here: https://www.startribune.com/police-search-immigration-twin-cities-flock-license-plate-cameras-ice-dhs-metro-surge/601807825?utm_source=gift More on Sheriffs' plans to add Flock cameras here: https://www.startribune.com/twin-cities-suburbs-flock-cameras-sheriff/601903589?utm_source=gift

Two reporters head into the north woods to track the family of cougars first sited last spring and to answer big questions about what the potential return of these big cats means for all Minnesotans – human and otherwise. Reporter Greg Stanley: https://www.startribune.com/author/greg-stanley/6370510 Photojournalist Anthony Soufflé: https://www.startribune.com/author/anthony-souffle/600335199 More on Tom Gable and the Voyagers Wolf Project: https://www.voyageurswolfproject.org More on cougars in Minnesota here: https://www.startribune.com/photos-meet-the-wildlife-science-centers-cute-new-residents/601901754 And here: https://www.startribune.com/cougar-kittens-caught-on-camera-in-northern-minnesota/601827627 And here: https://www.startribune.com/mn-wildlife-conservation-midwest-mountain-lion-sightings/601849133

Many of us see political dialogue becoming more vicious and data shows there's an increase in violent threats against elected officials. But that data is cobbled together and incomplete. Three reporters try to create a system that gives a full picture of what public officials in Minnesota are facing.

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar is in the studio talking about her life and what she wants to do if she becomes the state’s next Governor. This is part of a special series of conversations with candidates from Minnesota running for statewide office in the midterm elections. We also talked to the Republican candidate in the race, Lis Demuth. You can find that episode in our feed. Guest Host: Briana Bierschbach, Senior Politics Writer at the Minnesota Star Tribune. More about Briana here: https://www.startribune.com/author/briana-bierschbach/6370434 Guest: Democratic candidate for Minnesota Governor and current U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar For more, subscribe to the Hot Dish newsletter from the Minnesota Star Tribune. It brings the latest political news to your inbox on Mondays and Thursdays.  Subscribe here: https://www.startribune.com/newsletters

House Speaker Lisa Demuth is in the studio talking about her upbringing and what she thinks will make Minnesota work better. This is part of a special series of conversations with candidates from Minnesota running for statewide office in the midterm elections. We have reached out to the Democratic candidate in the race, Amy Klobuchar, for a similar conversation.  Guest Host: Briana Bierschbach, Senior Politics Writer at the Minnesota Star Tribune. More about Briana here: https://www.startribune.com/author/briana-bierschbach/6370434 Guest: Republican candidate for Minnesota Governor and current Speaker of the House, Lisa Demuth  For more, subscribe to the Hot Dish newsletter from the Minnesota Star Tribune. It brings the latest political news to your inbox on Mondays and Thursdays.  Subscribe here: https://www.startribune.com/newsletters

The DFL candidate for U.S. Senate speaks about her upbringing and what she thinks matters most to Minnesotans. This is part of a special series of conversations with candidates from Minnesota running for statewide office in the midterm elections. We have reached out to the GOP candidate in the race, Michele Tafoya, for a similar conversation. Guest Host: Briana Bierschbach, Senior Politics Writer at the Minnesota Star Tribune Guest: Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, Peggy Flanagan For more, subscribe to the Hot Dish newsletter from the Minnesota Star Tribune. It brings the latest political news to your inbox on Mondays and Thursdays.

This James Beard award-winning Twin Cities chef is leading the way on one of the hottest culinary trends right now. She tells Minnesota Star Tribune reporter Joy Summers about embracing the opportunities of the seasons, whole-animal butchery and her famous apple pie. These things were mentioned in the episode: More about Karyn Tomlinson’s restaurant Myriel: ⁠https://www.myrielmn.com/⁠  Relish on Minnesota PBS: https://minnesotapbs.org/relish  More about chef Soliel Ramirez : https://www.crasquirestaurant.com/team-member/about-soleil-ramirez/  More about cook book author Amy Thielen: https://www.amythielen.com/  More about the Cochon555 Contest: https://www.youtube.com/@COCHON555tv  Karyn Tomlinson’s win at Cochon555 Contest in 2018: ttps://www.startribune.com/minneapolis-chef-crowned-queen-of-pork-at-prestigious-cochon555-contest/495210191  This conversation was recorded live at the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis as part of the North Star Summit. For more food and drink stories, plus a whole lot more, subscribe to the Minnesota Star Tribune.

The St Paul mayor has been accused of sexual harassment and battery by the city’s police chief, Axel Henry. Star Tribune reporters Jeff Day and Josie Albertson-Grove discuss their investigation into Mayor Her’s track record of behavior toward colleagues throughout her career and how it links to her leadership style and increased power.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

We hope you are enjoying your summer!