As the demand for plant-based alternatives to meat grows, so does the demand for new methods of farming and food production.

In the small rural town of Dawson, Minnesota, “alt-meat” is nothing new - soybean processing dates back to the 1950s.

Now, PURIS, North America's largest manufacturer of pea protein (think “Beyond Burger”), has moved into town with a promise to revolutionize the agricultural system.

What impact will it have on the residents of Dawson and surrounding rural communities?

The project is a partnership between Pioneer PBS, West Central Tribune and WORLD Channel, with funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. It received an Upper Midwest Emmy award.

As one Minnesota charter school's star rises, another fades. Two schools reveal the complexities of the system – a once innovative idea – in Minnesota.

The nation's first charter school opened in Minnesota in 1992. Since then, approximately 271 charter schools have opened in the state. And nearly 100 have closed.

Many students and teachers get caught up in the churn of charter school closures. What happens to them when schools grow? And when schools close?

This project was produced for the Minnesota Star Tribune.

Curious Minnesota is the Minnesota Star Tribune’s reader-generated reporting project. This vertical video series is inspired by that project.