Audience Engagement Reporter | Twin Cities

Since joining the Star Tribune in 2009, he has covered the Twin Cities metro area, the city of Minneapolis, the state Legislature and Congress. A native of New York City, Roper lives in south Minneapolis. He is interested in the hidden systems that make urban life possible, as well as Minneapolis history. Roper is a graduate of the George Washington University and was named "Young Journalist of the Year" by the Society of Professional Journalists' Minnesota chapter in 2013. In his spare time, he is an amateur woodworker who enjoys learning new furniture-making skills.


Listen: How did Kid Cann become Minneapolis' most infamous gangster?

The Curious Minnesota podcast discusses how Isadore "Kid Cann" Blumenfeld rode Prohibition to wealth and influence in the city.


Listen: Was Moorhead once a drinking destination?

The Curious Minnesota podcast discusses how the Fargo-Moorhead area became a battleground over booze in the late 1800s.


Listen: Why did Spam become an international sensation?

The Curious Minnesota podcast discusses the product's cultural legacy that extends across the globe — and even into our email inboxes.


Listen: Why did Prince decide to live in Chanhassen?

The Curious Minnesota podcast discusses the pop star's decision to settle down in the western Twin Cities suburbs.


Listen: State Fair attendees tell us their questions about Minnesota

The Curious Minnesota podcast solicited questions from fairgoers. Which is your favorite?


Listen: Why is Minnesota such a hotbed of professional wrestling?

The Curious Minnesota podcast discusses how locals helped develop this unique sport.


Listen: Why did Minnesota once require margarine to be dyed pink?

The Curious Minnesota podcast discusses the state's crusade against the 'abomination' of margarine.


Listen: How did Tonka trucks get their start in Minnesota?

The Curious Minnesota podcast discusses the local origins of this well-known children's toy.


Listen: Inside the mines and megamachines of the Iron Range

The Curious Minnesota podcast heads north to the mighty Mesabi, which helped fuel America's success story.


Listen: Why didn't Minneapolis and St. Paul ever merge?

The Curious Minnesota podcast discusses how it was once considered 'manifest destiny' that the two cities would become one.