curious minnesota
What's the story behind Duluth's Aerial Lift Bridge?
The largest mechanical bridge in Minnesota once operated very differently than it does today.
Skid-steers, Softsoap and Nerf: 8 more Minnesota inventions that changed the world
One article couldn't hold all of the state's innovations that shape our daily lives.
Introducing the Curious Minnesota Collection. Every question we've answered — now in one place
Our new searchable database is home to more than 260 stories about Minnesota history and culture, all inspired by reader questions.
Why does Maplewood have such an odd shape?
The suburb bordering St. Paul is home to one of Minnesota's largest companies — and that's not an accident.
What roles did Minnesota's Native American chiefs play? And who were some notable ones?
There are many misconceptions about these leaders, who sometimes had a fragile hold on power.
Ask a question now: What are you curious about, Minnesota?
Help us answer questions that matter to you.
Listen: What does it mean when Minnesota courts sentence offenders to 'the workhouse'?
The Curious Minnesota podcast discusses the background of these unique correctional facilities, which are neither jails nor prisons.
What's the story behind the Minnesota communities in Arizona and Florida?
Even far away from their home state, Minnesotans often find each other.
How did Northfield become home to St. Olaf and Carleton colleges?
The prominent private schools have given the town an outsized stature.
What caused the 'horrific' deformities of Minnesota frogs in the 1990s?
The discovery by Minnesota middle schoolers became national news, leading to similar finds elsewhere in the country.
Listen: What is Minnesota's deepest lake?
The Curious Minnesota podcast discusses how humans created many of the state's deepest water bodies.
What Minnesota inventions have shaped modern life?
Many know the story of the pacemaker and Post-it notes. But creative Minnesotans have devised hundreds of other products we take for granted.
Did union rules prevent Leonard Bernstein from joining the Minnesota Orchestra?
The "West Side Story" composer's career might have unfolded very differently had he worked with his mentor in Minneapolis.
Listen: How did Minnesota become the nation's top turkey state?
The Curious Minnesota podcast discusses how a turkey turnaround a century ago made Minnesota birds a Thanksgiving staple around the country.
What happened to Paul Wellstone's green campaign bus?
The vehicle became famous for its central role in an underdog campaign. It has survived two decades out of the spotlight, but its future is uncertain.
What does it mean when Minnesota courts sentence offenders to 'the workhouse'?
Minnesota is one of the few states that still uses this term, which some feel is outdated.
Listen: How much flour would it take to turn Lake Superior into bread?
The Curious Minnesota podcast discusses how a teenager's question sent us down a leavened labyrinth.
How should Curious Minnesota expand in 2024?
Your feedback is important to shaping the future of this project, which will soon celebrate its fifth anniversary.
Local
Teen sentenced to four years for role in murder that led to Amir Locke's killing during police raid
Man charged after his 5 dogs maul girl getting off school bus in St. Paul
Longtime Twin Cities gang member pleads guilty to having high-powered gun
Minnesota State names two finalists who could lead St. Cloud State through cuts, layoffs
Current Conditions Minneapolis
| Hourly forecast
Sports
Taylor says Wolves, Lynx 'no longer for sale' as owners feud over deal collapse
Gophers' basketball losses mount: Payne and Carrington enter transfer portal
Live at 3 p.m.: Twins open season at Kansas City, follow on Gameview
Reusse: Taylor on sale for Wolves, Lynx falling through: 'It's business.'
Business
It's a tough time to be a food startup. How Minnesota brands hope to reach the next level.
Taylor says Wolves, Lynx 'no longer for sale' as owners feud over deal collapse
Mall of America sues Sugar Factory for more than $2M in unpaid rent
Minnesota carnival operator ordered to pay $210K in back wages for breaking H-2B visa laws
Opinion
Grieving without God is one thing. Grieving without God's people is another.
Editorial counterpoint: Let Moriarty pursue her state trooper case without interference
Intellectual diversity on campus? Indiana gives it a shot, and I wish I could approve.
Create deterrent for copper wire theft
Most Read
Variety
Former Minnesotan's book offers lessons in cooking, writing and adventure
Parking ramps are ugly — but we need more of them in downtown Minneapolis
This Suburbs guitarist is all over the Twin Cities music scene, especially at Icehouse in April
From Minnesota to Broadway: Here are 7 shows that launched in the land of 10,000 lights
Latest Columns.
Patrick Reusse
Reusse: Taylor on sale for Wolves, Lynx falling through: 'It's business.'
"Everyone has the right to bring in the lawyers," Glen Taylor said after Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez didn't hit deadlines to complete the purchase of the Timberwolves and Lynx.
James Lileks
Minneapolis parking ramps are ugly — but here's why we need more of them
What if any new ramp could be designed to enhance the city, not just store cars?
Laura Yuen
Yuen: He donated his sperm to friends. Now he wants to be dad to the 5-year-old.
A sperm donor's paternity case could have statewide ramifications for same-sex couples and other families who rely on assisted reproduction.
La Velle E. Neal III
Neal: Here's why the Twins will win the AL Central
Prediction: The Twins, with depth and pitching concerns, won't win 90-plus games, but they're still better than their rivals.
Politics
Minnesota's 'archaic' technology wastes critical caseworker time, counties say
House Speaker Mike Johnson will send Mayorkas impeachment to the Senate next month
Minnesota Legislature considers these 5 cannabis law changes
House Republicans invite President Biden to testify at public hearing as impeachment inquiry stalls
Nation
US changes how it categorizes people by race and ethnicity. It's the first revision in 27 years
Trump backers try again to recall Wisconsin GOP Assembly speaker as first effort stalls
Fallen crypto mogul Sam Bankman-Fried sentenced to 25 years in prison
Suspect charged with murder, attempted murder in a series of stabbings in Rockford, Illinois
World
Norwegians facing a shortage as Easter nears are hoarding eggs from neighboring Sweden
Rio de Janeiro declares a dengue health emergency days ahead of Carnival
Russian veto brings an end to the UN panel that monitors North Korea nuclear sanctions
Putin says he won't start a war with NATO. But Western bases hosting Ukraine F-16s would be targets
Curious Minnesota
What's the story behind Duluth's Aerial Lift Bridge?
Skid-steers, Softsoap and Nerf: 8 more Minnesota inventions that changed the world
Introducing the Curious Minnesota Collection. Every question we've answered — now in one place
Why does Maplewood have such an odd shape?
Celebs
Joe Mauer makes brief appearance on 'The Kelly Clarkson Show'
No police charges for Taylor Swift's dad over paparazzi incident in Sydney
Bob Uecker, 90, expected to broadcast Brewers' home opener vs. Twins, but workload the rest of season is uncertain
Beyoncé shares 'Cowboy Carter' track list ahead of album, mentions Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson
Inspired
Artists offer ideas for improving the health care system
Rochester author Harriet Hodgson on grief: 'Death will be the loser. Life will be the winner.'
How you can help
What's holding Minnesota kids' attention these days? Surprise, it's chess.
More Stories
Listen: How did Northfield become home to St. Olaf and Carleton colleges?
The Curious Minnesota podcast discusses the collaborative roots of these two prominent institutions.
Listen: Did union rules prevent Leonard Bernstein from joining the Minnesota Orchestra?
The Curious Minnesota podcast discusses how sometimes rejection is the beginning of an exciting new path in life.
What happened to Paul Wellstone's green campaign bus?
What happened to Paul Wellstone's green campaign bus?
How do small animals survive Minnesota's brutal winters?
Birds, squirrels, frogs and other small critters adapt to frigid temperatures in different — and sometimes surprising — ways.