curious minnesota
Is it true that Minneapolis has a park every six blocks?
When it comes to national rankings, the city regularly sits near the top for its park system, and this might be the reason why.
Where did the terms 'outstate' and 'Greater Minnesota' originate?
A reader wonders: Where are "instate" and "Lesser Minnesota" located?
Why do tiny cities like Lauderdale, Landfall and Falcon Heights exist?
Over the years, Minneapolis and St. Paul have had to make room for smaller cities that yearned for their own identities.
Why do gas prices vary so much around Minnesota?
A Curious Minnesota reader wanted to know why gas prices are so different across the state — sometimes by nearly $1 in the metro compared to other areas.
Which state has the best claim to Paul Bunyan?
The earliest reliable account a logging-camp tale was from — brace yourself, Minnesotans — Wisconsin. But Minnesota figures prominently in Paul Bunyan's journey after that.
How do food scraps get recycled in Minnesota — and how good are we at it?
Residents can now recycle food scraps at the curb in more than 40 cities, either in an organics bin or special bags tossed in the trash.
Ask a question now: What are you curious about, Minnesota?
Help us answer questions that matter to you.
Why is Minnesota the last state with 3.2 beer?
Low-alcohol 3.2 beers specially made for grocery stores are a dying breed. But efforts to overturn the 3.2 restrictions have been opposed by liquor stores and interest groups.
Listen: How did Minnesota become one of the most racially inequitable states?
By almost any measure of social and economic well-being — unemployment, poverty, home ownership — the black-white gap in Minnesota is larger than the black-white gap elsewhere in the country. What are the origins of the disparities?
How many Minn. breweries existed before the microbrewery boom?
The state's history of beermaking is filled with milestones, but now brewers face an uncertain future.
How did Minnesota become one of the most racially inequitable states?
By almost any measure of social and economic well-being — unemployment, poverty, home ownership — the black-white gap in Minnesota is larger than the black-white gap elsewhere in the country. What are the origins of the disparities? Host Eric Roper talks with Prof. Samuel Myers, director of the Roy Wilkins Center of Human Relations and Social Justice at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota, who has been studying the issue for decades. Read more here: http://strib.mn/33DnXTU
Why was the career of Minnesota's first congresswoman cut short?
The state's first U.S. congresswoman took office in 1955, holding the seat for four years before a scandal disrupted her career trajectory.
Why are Minnesota's pro teams named after the state, not a city?
While most pro teams are named after the cities they are based in, each of Minnesota's six teams uses the state name — the Twins, Vikings, Wild, Timberwolves, Lynx and United. Blame the Twin Cities.
Where does 'uff da' come from, and why do Minnesotans say it?
It's the most common of peculiar Minnesotan phrases. Some of us can't stop saying it. Many of us have no idea where it came from.
In wake of George Floyd's death, what does 'reforming' Minneapolis Police mean?
The death of George Floyd in police custody has cast an international spotlight on Minneapolis and spurred nationwide discussions about police reform. A majority of the City Council has pledged to "begin the process" of ending the Minneapolis Police Department, a topic that has been simmering for years here. Host Eric Roper talks with reporter Andy Mannix about past attempts and what "reforming" the department might look like.
Listen: What does 'reforming' the Minneapolis Police Department mean?
The death of George Floyd in police custody has cast an international spotlight on Minneapolis and spurred nationwide discussions about police reform. Host Eric Roper talks with reporter Andy Mannix about past attempts and what "reform" might look like.
With far less traffic, why can't MnDOT make road projects go 24/7?
Traffic has dropped by 50 percent or more since the coronavirus shut down schools and many businesses, and that has many wondering why the state Department of Transportation isn't speeding up road construction.
Why is Minnesota more liberal than its neighboring states?
The answer is a mix of history, culture and shifting demographics.
Local
Brooks: Minnesota farmers markets adapt to a pandemic summer
As 1967 uprising anniversary nears, parallels to George Floyd protests surface
Why is Minnesota the last state with 3.2 beer?
Minnesota reopens adult day centers for people with disabilities
Current Conditions Minneapolis
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Sports
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Wild reports to training camp Monday, looking to set depth on an oversized playoff roster
May is in a good place — the Twins bullpen
Stats, social media, updates, more: Loons resume play vs. Sporting KC
Lynx jersey feels right for new guard and Minnesota Banham
Business
Twin Cities hotel workers and owners uncomfortable with uncertain future
3M says it's on track with N95 production goals
Catholic United's new CEO focuses on tech venture, charitable mission
As lockdowns ease, OPEC and Russia look to up production
Opinion
Editorial counterpoint: Mail-in voting would undermine election integrity
Residency rules won't cure policing ills
Counterpoint: Big political money is behind challenges to Omar
Readers Write: Legislature, oil pipelines, dairy market, neighborhood gems
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Why is Minnesota the last state with 3.2 beer?
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How did Minnesota become one of the most racially inequitable states?
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![Single family home construction is booming at the Kingston Fields development in Cottage Grove. ] Shari L. Gross ¥ shari.gross@startribune.com Over t](https://stmedia.stimg.co/08_1009405535_3WOOD082519_56068319.JPG?w=75&h=75&fit=crop&crop=faces)
How did Minnesota become one of the most racially inequitable states?
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How did the Twin Cities become a hub for Somali immigrants?
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Is it true that Minneapolis has a park every six blocks?
Variety
Love in the age of coronavirus: How the pandemic is reshaping weddings
Meet the shop dogs of Minneapolis, from Monty the miniature schnauzer to Ruby, the chocolate Lab
In the 'Land of 10,000 Choirs' coronavirus concerns have Minnesotans singing the blues
Soak up the sunshine on these 5 Twin Cities restaurant patios
Latest Columns
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Politics
With FEMA aid to rebuild from riots denied, state looks elsewhere
Suburban women a challenge for Trump in Minnesota
Partisan fight over emission standards threatens $60 million in Minnesota environmental trust fund projects
Face masks remain symbol of division as Gov. Tim Walz mulls mandate
Nation
Florida reports largest single-day increase in COVID cases
Virus spread, not politics should guide schools, doctors say
'Moving target': Schools deal with new plans, Trump demands
Police execute search warrant at home of gun-toting St. Louis couple
World
Iran blames bad communication, alignment for jet shootdown
Okinawa governor wants tougher action as 61 Marines infected
UN approves aid to Syria's rebel area through 1 crossing
Teenage surfer killed by shark, 2nd in Australia in a week
Curious Minnesota
Is it true that Minneapolis has a park every six blocks?
Where did the terms 'outstate' and 'Greater Minnesota' originate?
Why do tiny cities like Lauderdale, Landfall and Falcon Heights exist?
Why do gas prices vary so much around Minnesota?
Duluth
Duluth considers selling Tiffany windows to address $25M budget gap
DFL tells Duluth senator to 'cease and desist' campaigning that implies endorsement
Construction on Duluth Costco likely to start this fall
Some North Shore visitors trashing trails, campsites
Celebs
Beckham son Brooklyn is engaged to actress Nicola Peltz
35 years after Live Aid, Bob Geldof assesses personal toll
Armie Hammer and Elizabeth Chambers separate after 10 years
Singer says lawsuit over Lady A name is 'white privilege'
Agriculture
Meatpacking is nearly normal, but workers left to cope with COVID-19's toll
Cargill mapping project in Brazil meant to help control deforestation
Meat shortages reopen a path to smaller slaughterhouses
Meatpacking plants nearly back at capacity, but COVID fallout continues on farms
Inspired
Minnesota's Young Champions on a mission to change perceptions about Alzheimer's disease
'Big Brother' relationship grew into organization that touches needy families in Twin Cities
Blue Cross gender services consultant brings years of work in transgender community to new role
Here's your chance to thank front-line delivery people and Minnesota makers
More Stories
Listen: Why do so many Fortune 500 companies call Minnesota home?
Minnesota has more than its fair share of big companies that got started here with next to nothing — in a Minneapolis garage (Medtronic), a Roseau metalworking job shop (Polaris) and a stereo components store in St. Paul (Best Buy).
Why do so many Fortune 500 companies call Minnesota home?
Minnesota has more than its fair share of big companies that got started here with next to nothing — in a Minneapolis garage (Medtronic), a Roseau metalworking job shop (Polaris) and a 1,200 square-foot stereo components store in St. Paul (Best Buy). Host Eric Roper talks with business columnist Lee Schafer about how the region came to have so many little companies that managed to mature into really big ones. Read more: www.strib.mn/2M8VxdP. Sixteen companies make latest Fortune 500 list: www.strib.mn/2WJRIkt
How did Minnesota become the Gopher State?
It appears Minnesotans have been misled about their beloved gophers. Host Eric Roper talks with reporter M.L. Smith to unravel the mystery behind Minnesota's unofficial nickname. Read the story: www.strib.mn/2MK9Vcx. More on the R.O. Sweeny cartoon that started it all: www.bit.ly/umncartoon. In 1856, Minnesota Weekly Times reader suggests calling Minnesota the Gopher State: www.bit.ly/gopherstate
Listener lightning round: 3 answers on history, geography, traditions of Minnesota
From 19th century "glamping" on White Bear Lake to a mysterious missing street name in downtown Minneapolis, host Eric Roper tackles three questions from listeners in a special Curious Minnesota lightning round. Read more about why Minnesotans play Duck, Duck, Gray Duck instead of Duck, Duck, Goose: www.strib.mn/2QLaUfj
When you flush a toilet in the Twin Cities, where does everything go?
Most maps of the Twin Cities feature highways and bridges that connect our region. But few show another grid that is even more crucial to daily life.