curious minnesota

Why do Minnesotans call them 'parking ramps' instead of 'garages'?

Cars drove into the Apple Valley Transit Station parking ramp in 2010.

The auto-related regionalism is unique to Minnesota and some nearby states.

Listen: Why has the Park Board allowed the 'birthplace of Minneapolis' to deteriorate?

Peeling paint on the exterior of the John H. Stevens House in Minnehaha Park.

The Star Tribune's Eric Roper and Ash Miller discuss the unique history of the John H. Stevens House on the Curious Minnesota podcast.

Ask a question now: What are you curious about, Minnesota?

Help us answer questions that matter to you.

How did Minnesota become a window manufacturing hub?

The Renewal By Andersen replacement windows factory in Cottage Grove is one of Minnesota’s many manufacturers of windows and doors.

Minnesota's window industry is one of the most productive in the U.S.

How lumberjacks harnessed an 'ocean of pine' to build Minnesota

Minnesota was a world leader in lumber production until the state's abundant white pine forests were largely erased.

Listen: Why did Scandinavian immigrants choose Minnesota?

The Curious Minnesota podcast discusses the reasons that Norwegian and Swedish immigrants left their home countries for Minnesota starting in the mid-1800s.

What is causing the mysterious 'Longfellow Boom' in south Minneapolis?

Neighbors near the Mississippi River have been searching for the cause of these "house-shakingly loud" noises for decades.

Was the Minneapolis Park Board created to benefit wealthy land owners?

Critics said the 1880s proposal to create the park-focused government amounted to "cunning trickery."

Listen: Was Charles Lindbergh a Nazi sympathizer?

The Star Tribune's Kevin Duchschere discusses the Minnesota native's controversial statements and actions preceding America's involvement in World War II.

Why has the Park Board allowed the 'birthplace of Minneapolis' to deteriorate?

The storied, 172-year-old structure in Minnehaha Park is in need of exterior repairs.

How did the Twin Cities become such a theater hot spot?

The region has earned a reputation as one of the nation's premier regional theater hubs.

Listen: Why isn't Minnesota's sacrifice at Gettysburg better remembered?

The Star Tribune's Kevin Duchschere discusses the First Minnesota regiment's heroism and legacy on the Curious Minnesota podcast.

Who was the first woman to serve in the Minnesota Legislature?

Minnesota didn't have just one trailblazing woman at the State Capitol. It had four.

640th Avenue? 180th Street? The backstory behind long rural addresses

Those large numbers convey a lot of information about the geography of greater Minnesota.

Listen: What was the first movie filmed in Minnesota?

The Curious Minnesota podcast explores the 1920s silent film "Free Air," based on a book by Minnesota native Sinclair Lewis.

Is Minnesota's recycled waste really being reused?

Recycling facilities must find a home for the glass, plastic, paper and other recyclable material we toss.

Was Charles Lindbergh a Nazi sympathizer?

The Minnesota native drew controversy for his remarks and actions preceding America's intervention in World War II.

Why hasn't a fire-damaged apartment building in north Minneapolis been repaired?

The charred remains have been sitting vacant for more than a year, leaving many concerned about safety.

Local

Family members Chee Nou Xiong and Joua True Xiong spoke Thursday at the Hmong 18 Council office in St. Paul.

Family members say no signs of trouble before St. Paul murder-suicide

A Hopkins psychic admits to swindling $130K from 2 clients

Cambridge, Minn., recovering after floods

Minneapolis nonprofit Appetite for Change receives record $1.5M gift

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Sports

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, left, and general manager John Lynch watch their team during a joint practice Wednesday with the Vikings

49ers had 'great hopes' for Adofo-Mensah. Now he's on the opposing team.

Neal: Gardenhire's antics helped keep the Twins clubhouse loose

What could new Big Ten media rights deal mean for the Gophers?

MRI shows no damage to shoulder of Twins starting pitcher Mahle

Business

3M earplug bankruptcy: Shrewd plan or sham?

Companies are tracking workers' productivity more, including UnitedHealth and Allina

Minnesota adds 19,100 jobs; jobless rate still at historic low

Stocks end higher on Wall Street after more choppy trading

Opinion

Author Salman Rushdie speaks during the Mississippi Book Festival on Aug. 18, 2018.

Counterpoint: No double standard, just free speech for all

Up to date on polio, other vaccinations?

Editorial cartoon: Christopher Weyant on the state of America

Readers Write: Renaming Patrick Henry High School, Rep. Liz Cheney, hearing aids, First Amendment

Variety

Duran Duran: (from left) Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, Simon Le Bon and Roger Taylor

Duran Duran will kick off its U.S. tour in Minnesota as newly elected Rock & Roll Hall of Famers

Neal Justin: 'She-Hulk: Attorney at Law' makes a strong opening statement

Our Friday best: Kendrick Lamar, 'To Sit Awhile,' Chastity Brown and A.R. Rahman

Expect glorious music and a bug or two at 'Magic Flute' in gardens and parks

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