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: What happened to Minneapolis' famous Weatherball?

The Curious Minnesota podcast discusses the landmark that dominated Minneapolis' skyline for part of the 20th century.


Listen: How a Twin Cities ammunition factory dominated by women helped U.S. win WWII

The Curious Minnesota podcast discusses the unique history of the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant.


Why didn't Minneapolis gobble up its suburbs?

Annexation once seemed likely. Instead, the Twin Cities became a region of fragmented local governments.


Listen: Why was the Mall of America built in Minnesota?

The Curious Minnesota podcast discusses the origins of the country's largest indoor shopping center.


What is the largest machine in Minnesota?

Transformers inspired a family to hunt for a mechanical mammoth. Here's what we found.


Listen: Why are there so many stucco homes in the Twin Cities?

The Curious Minnesota podcast discusses why the cement-based siding became especially popular in this region.


Listen: How did Minnesota become a window manufacturing hub?

The Curious Minnesota podcast discusses the history of the state's window giants, Marvin and Andersen Windows & Doors.


Wind gusts are blowing away recent records in Minnesota. But is technology partly to blame?

Weather watchers are observing notable wind trends, though other factors could be boosting the numbers.


SURVEY: Help us improve the Curious Minnesota podcast

Do you listen to the Curious Minnesota podcast? This anonymous questionnaire will help us better serve the show's audience.


How we choose Curious Minnesota questions submitted by readers

Readers sent in nearly 800 questions in 2022. Help us keep the momentum going in the new year.