curious minnesota
Why do military cargo planes regularly fly in pairs over the Twin Cities?
The large aircraft with four propellers are easy to distinguish from passenger air traffic.
Twin Cities area is recycling more than ever. Why hasn't landfilling declined?
Nearly half of the metro area's waste is recycled. But a significant share continues to be buried.
Ask a question now: What are you curious about, Minnesota?
Help us answer questions that matter to you.
Listen: Why are there so many new 5G cell antennas in some neighborhoods?
The Curious Minnesota podcast explores the evolution of cellular technology and the reason for all the new antennas.
Did political shenanigans derail an effort to move Minnesota's capital?
The well-known tale about an 1850s proposal to move the capital to St. Peter has been passed down for generations.
Are more wild animals moving into Minnesota's cities?
Drought conditions may embolden animals looking for food in the urban core.
Listen: What do State Fair attendees want to know about Minnesota?
Fairgoers spoke to the Curious Minnesota podcast about what questions they would like to see us answer.
Why don't farms water their crops at night?
Keeping fields properly watered is a complex challenge for Minnesota farmers — especially during this year's drought.
Listen: What is the future of COVID-19 and the delta variant?
Reporters Jeremy Olson and Glenn Howatt join the Curious Minnesota podcast to answer reader questions about the latest phase of the pandemic.
What did the topography of the Iron Range look like before it was mined?
The extraction of ancient iron deposits in northern Minnesota has left its mark on the region.
Where does Twin Cities electricity come from and how is it delivered to homes?
A sophisticated network of power plants, transmission lines and regional grid operators ensures power is available when we need it.
Is it safe to swim in Twin Cities rivers, or are they all too polluted?
Swimmers should take precautions when taking a dip in rivers and creeks that are considered impaired for recreation.
Who controls the colorful lights in Minneapolis' night skyline?
Colorful lighting displays on downtown buildings often commemorate major holidays and events.
How did St. Cloud get its name? It's a strange story
An inside joke in the 1850s had a lasting impact on central Minnesota's hub.
Why is the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame located in tiny Eveleth, Minnesota?
The Iron Range attraction is one of two hockey halls of fame in North America.
Why a slice of I-94 west of the Twin Cities is a 'candyland for researchers'
Freeway traffic near Albertville helps engineers across the country design roads that last.
Listen: How did MSP Airport evolve from a bankrupt racetrack to an aviation hub?
Curious Minnesota podcast host Eric Roper discusses the long history of the region's airport with transportation reporter Janet Moore.
Why is U.S. Bank Stadium in a constant state of repair?
Ongoing construction on the building includes replacing 35,000 zinc panels.
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Why do military cargo planes regularly fly in pairs over the Twin Cities?
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Curious Minnesota
Why do military cargo planes regularly fly in pairs over the Twin Cities?
Twin Cities area is recycling more than ever. Why hasn't landfilling declined?
Ask a question now: What are you curious about, Minnesota?
Listen: Why are there so many new 5G cell antennas in some neighborhoods?
Duluth
From Duluth screens to Netflix streams: The Catalyst Content Festival returns this week
Minnesota company aims to help families tap into carbon markets to conserve forests
In the aftermath of the Greenwood fire, families sift through the wreckage
Duluth home prices keep climbing
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'Moulin Rouge! The Musical' sashays home with 10 Tony Awards
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New Minneapolis nonprofit launches LGBTQ mentoring program, one of few in U.S.
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More Stories
The truth behind St. Paul's legacy as a safe haven for Prohibition gangsters
A strategy to control crime in the capital city grew into a police scandal involving some of the country's most-wanted criminals.
Who dug the sandstone caves along St. Paul's riverfront?
The city's extensive underground spaces have been home to sand mines, mushroom farms and even nightclubs.
Did modern Minnesota roads evolve from Native American trails?
Some routes have been providing passage since long before the introduction of paved roads.
How did the North Loop neighborhood get its name?
Now one of the city's most popular entertainment destinations, its name has surprising transit origins.
Listen: Why does Minnesota test tornado sirens on the first Wednesday of the month?
Curious Minnesota podcast host Eric Roper discusses Civil Defense and the Cold War history of tornado sirens with writer Dave Kenney.