curious minnesota
What was the most destructive tornado in Minnesota history?
The state has seen dozens of terrifying twisters over the years.
Why do Minnesota coyotes howl when trains go by?
Nope, it's not just a coincidence: Coyotes are compelled to let out a wail – and science explains why.
Who decides when the I-35W bridge is lit in color, and how is it done?
![The I-35W bridge was bathed in purple Thursday night in a memorial to Prince. ] JEFF WHEELER • jeff.wheeler@startribune.com Downtown Minneapolis bui](https://stmedia.stimg.co/1CURIOUS060920.JPG?fit=crop&crop=faces&w=100)
When the I-35W bridge was built to replace the structure that collapsed in 2007, it became one of the first segments of interstate highway in the country be illuminated with L.E.D. lighting
Why do some major Twin Cities highways not connect directly?
For motorists who want to navigate from southbound I-35W to eastbound I-94, it's a case of you can't get there from here. And that's just one example.
Why hasn't Minnesota passed the Equal Rights Amendment?
The battle that has dragged on for decades is grabbing public attention again, with 2020 marking the 100th anniversary of women's suffrage.
Corn dog vs. Pronto Pup: Why are Minnesotans so loyal to only one?
As Minnesotans mourn the loss of this year's State Fair, now is a good time to dive into the history of this great debate.
Ask a question now: What are you curious about, Minnesota?
Help us answer questions that matter to you.
Listen: Why hasn't Minnesota passed the Equal Rights Amendment?
Neither the U.S. nor the Minnesota Constitutions have amendments addressing gender equality. ERA supporters continue to push for change at the state and federal levels, but they face legal and ideological opposition.
Why hasn't Minnesota passed the Equal Rights Amendment?
Neither the U.S. nor the Minnesota Constitutions have amendments addressing gender equality. ERA supporters are continuing to push for change, but they face legal and ideological opposition. Host Eric Roper talks with reporter Jessie Van Berkel about the status of the ERA.
Why is recreational marijuana not legal in Minnesota?
Since 2012, 11 states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana for recreational use — that includes other Midwestern states like Michigan and Illinois. But not Minnesota.
Why do wild turkeys seem to thrive in the Twin Cities metro?
When it comes to urban living, it seems like wild turkeys are as common a neighbor as any these days.
After Lake Calhoun, what about other Minn. place names with racist roots?
Numerous places are named in honor of Minnesota's first two governors, both of whom have complicated legacies.
What's the story behind Pilot Knob Road, other odd street names?
Yankee Doodle and Johnny Cake Ridge are two more that raise eyebrows. Turns out each has a story to tell.
What's the latest we know about COVID-19's treatment, transmission?
COVID-19 has changed American life as we know it. What's the latest science and information about the transmission and treatment of the virus? Host Eric Roper talks with Pulitzer Prize-winning reporters Glenn Howatt and Jeremy Olson.
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.
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?
Listen: 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. Few show another grid that is even more crucial to daily life. It transports poop, not people.
Local
Residents of Minnesota town band together to save iconic water tower
Mpls. seeks feedback on plans to reopen 38th and Chicago for winter travel
At a memorial forest in Scandia, a final resting place beneath the trees
Trump rally highlights tensions over race in Beltrami County
Current Conditions Minneapolis
| Hourly forecast
Sports
Role to fill: Vikings turn to Wilson at linebacker in Barr's absence
Playoff-bound Twins comfortable in quarantine but 'so bored'
Seattle puts Lynx in 0-2 hole in WNBA semifnals
Reusse: Seeing The Big Dipper in a little town in '59 a moment of glory
Business
U.S. Bank rolls out new branch formats for digital age
Mortenson set to break ground on second Destination Medical Center building in Rochester
Target will hire 7,400 seasonal workers in Twin Cities for the holidays
H.B. Fuller CEO sees economic disruption into next year
Opinion
Vote boldly, vote carefully, to ensure it counts
Unlike 2016, race is on to fill Ginsburg's seat
Sack cartoon: Pro-life*
Readers Write: The election and a peaceful transfer of power, city planning, summer's end
Latest Sack Cartoon
Pro-life*
Most Read
-
What was the most destructive tornado in Minnesota history?
-
Why do Minnesota coyotes howl when trains go by?
-
Why hasn't Minnesota passed the Equal Rights Amendment?
-
What's the truth behind Minnesota's Kensington Runestone?
-
Why is recreational marijuana not legal in Minnesota?
Variety
George Floyd's death inspires Minnesota violinist to create 'video meditation'
Massive reissue of Prince's best album shows he had 'no time for self-pity' in 1987
24 Minnesota restaurants win Wine Spectator awards
Ordway brings tears with its first show in six months – on a loading dock
Latest Columns
Most Watched
Politics
Despite Trump attacks, both parties vow orderly election
Minnesota congressional race delayed after candidate's death
Democrats to redraft virus relief in bid to jump-start talks
Voting has started in Minnesota: A guide to what you need to know
Nation
Parents sending COVID-19 infected kids to school, Wisconsin officials warn
Iowa fines beef plant $957 after huge coronavirus outbreak
Kenosha shooter's defense portrays him as 'American patriot'
Judge dismisses suit against Fox over Trump affair story
World
Night images reveal many new detention sites in China's Xinjian region
Powerful Vatican Cardinal Becciu resigns amid scandal
Virus delays Rio's Carnival for first time in a century
Canadian party's support for legislation bolsters Trudeau
Curious Minnesota
What was the most destructive tornado in Minnesota history?
Why do Minnesota coyotes howl when trains go by?
Who decides when the I-35W bridge is lit in color, and how is it done?
Why do some major Twin Cities highways not connect directly?
Duluth
College students spur spike in new COVID-19 cases in St. Louis County as deaths also rise
Indie TV festival goes digital only for second year in Duluth
St. Louis County Board approves 1.48% maximum tax levy
Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) and Visit Duluth consider merging
Celebs
Demi Lovato, Max Ehrich call off engagement after 2 months
Evel Knievel's son suing Disney over 'Toy Story 4' character
Trump's author niece sues, saying family cheated her of millions
'Grateful': Gigi Hadid welcomes baby girl with Zayn Malik
Agriculture
Corn, soybean prices rally on Chinese demand, disaster in Iowa
China's corn crop hurt by storms, may raise U.S. import purchases
Ethanol waivers become central issue in presidential battle for Minnesota farm votes
Gene-editing research by Calyxt exec at U of M for a time lacked proper oversight
Inspired
New Hope co-parenting coach helps divorced moms and dads put kids first
Mpls. veterinarians offer free pet care to dogs and cats of owners facing homelessness
Sanneh Foundation adds new athletic fields, dome for year-round sports in St. Paul
This 'Gamer Grandma' has more than 900,000 'grandkids'
More Stories
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. Few show another grid that is even more crucial to daily life. It transports poop, not people. Host Eric Roper shares some of the most surprising facts about how the system works. Read more: http://strib.mn/39IeRqA. See photos of construction under the Mississippi River: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DaiSBuZVwAALzCY?format=jpg&name=large
Do the things we recycle all actually get recycled in Minnesota?
What happens to the bottles, cans and other items we toss in our curbside recycling bins? Host Eric Roper talks with Kate Davenport from Eureka Recycling about how much of what we put in those big blue bins gets recycled. Read more here: http://strib.mn/2Z3bmKd
Listen: Do all the things we recycle actually get recycled in Minnesota?
What happens to the bottles, cans and other items we toss in our curbside recycling bins? Host Eric Roper talks with Kate Davenport from Eureka Recycling about how much of what we put in those big blue bins gets recycled.
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
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?