The Minnesota Star Tribune announces plans for ‘Minnesota Matters’ tour

The Minnesota Star Tribune today announced the next iteration of “Minnesota Matters,” an event series that will visit several communities across the state throughout the month of May.

The tour includes a robust schedule of discussions across Minnesota with a panel of community leaders on topics of vital interest to that community. Moderated by Minnesota Star Tribune editors and journalists, Minnesota Matters will foster deep conversations the region’s most pressing issues.

“We're excited to get on the road and learn more about the most pressing issues facing our communities,” said Steve Grove, publisher and CEO of the Star Tribune. “Minnesota Matters events are designed to drive greater connections throughout the state, and help improve our report through community feedback.”

Details and registration information for each event are included below. (Tour series starts in northern Minnesota May 6-8, followed by southern Minnesota May 20-22.)

May 6 – St. Cloud / Minnesota Matters: What’s ahead at St. Cloud State University  

May 6 – Alexandria / Minnesota Matters: Housing challenges and innovation in the Alexandria Lakes area

May 7 – Fergus Falls / Minnesota Matters: How the “rural rebound” is impacting life and growth in Otter Tail County

May 7 – Brainerd / Minnesota Matters: The future of Minnesota’s Lake Resorts & vacation home rentals

May 7 – Bemidji / Minnesota Matters: Crime rate and addiction and necessary resources

May 8 – Grand Rapids / Minnesota Matters: Growing Grand Rapids: What’s working, what’s next

May 8 – Virginia / Minnesota Matters: Diversifying the economy of the Iron Range

May 8  – Duluth / Minnesota Matters: The future of Downtown Duluth

May 20 – Marshall / Minnesota Matters: What's the future of Ag in a world of tariffs, trade wars and deportations?

May 20 – Mankato / Minnesota Matters: The impact of 2024 flooding on the Mankato area 

May 21 – Albert Lea / Minnesota Matters: Economic development and access to healthcare

May 21 – Rochester / Minnesota Matters: Destination Medical Center 10-year milestone and what it’s delivered for the city’s downtown

May 22 – Winona / Minnesota Matters: Arts as a catalyst for growth

May 22  – Red Wing / Minnesota Matters: Navigating the cannabis industry and how the market is impacting Red Wing

Each event will feature a panel conversation with local community leaders on a current topic important to that community moderated by Minnesota Star Tribune editors and journalists who cover that area. Following that, the audience will be invited to participate in a Q&A and group discussion designed to solicit feedback on these topics concerning their community. Participants who are not currently subscribers will have the opportunity to redeem a 3-month free trial subscription of the Minnesota Star Tribune.
 
“Our intent with Minnesota Matters is to have authentic conversations with people throughout our state to inform people that we’re interested in learning more about what’s important to them,” said Kyndell Harkness, Head of Culture and Community for the Minnesota Star Tribune. “We’re excited to partner with people throughout Minnesota to ensure we’re telling our state’s full and beautifully complex story.”
 
As a result of last year’s Minnesota Matters tours, the Minnesota Star Tribune continues to implement meaningful changes aimed at providing better coverage across the whole state, including adding reporting resources to Greater Minnesota, improving website functionality, enhancing real-time coverage and much more.

About The Minnesota Star Tribune
The Minnesota Star Tribune is an innovative modern media organization building on an extraordinary 157-year legacy. With seven Pulitzer Prizes and hundreds of other awards, the Minnesota Star Tribune boasts the Midwest’s largest news organization and is an unrivaled force for journalistic excellence in Minnesota and beyond. As the heart and voice of the north, the Minnesota Star Tribune is on a journey to create the leading model for local news in America – driving innovation in media to make every Minnesotan’s life better. For more information, visit www.startribunecompany.com.

-- The Minnesota Star Tribune press release