curious minnesota
Will Minnesota join the push to switch to a national popular vote?
Coming off the 2020 presidential election, the conversation around the Electoral College continues to heat up.
Is it legal to panhandle in the median of Minneapolis city streets?
The legality of panhandling on a median is a bit complicated. "Whether it's legal or not depends on how you conduct yourself," says Timothy Richards of the Minneapolis City Attorney's Office.
Why does St. Paul leave alley snowplowing to its residents?
In St. Paul, many residents have to band together to hire plow drivers during the winter.
Listen to the Curious Minnesota podcast
What do you wonder about the people, places and culture of Minnesota? Listen to our community-driven reporting project, which invites listeners to ask questions that our newsroom researches and answers.
Are motorcycles allowed to be louder than cars in Minnesota?
Loud bikes are a pet peeve of many who say the unbridled mufflers make their bodies shake, hurt their ears and wake them from sleep.
How many WPA projects were built in Minn. as part of FDR's New Deal?
It's easy to stumble across the fruits of the agency's work, however — just look for the telltale bronze plaques.
Ask a question now: What are you curious about, Minnesota?
Help us answer questions that matter to you.
Why is Minnesota the only mainland state with an abundance of wolves?
In October, federal wildlife officials announced they were delisting the wolf, removing endangered species protections.
Why do so many Twin Cities mall names end in 'dale'?
Southdale was designed to be more than a shopping experience, complete with a day care center, aviary, fish pond and sidewalk cafes.
Do the Twin Cities really get their drinking water from the Mississippi River?
Minneapolis and St. Paul treat about 100 million gallons of river water per day.
If Duluth is such a great outdoors city, where are all the bike lanes?
Duluth has just 12.5 miles of bike lanes on the city's 450 miles of roads. City officials and council members have long sided with on-street parking needs.
Listen: Why do so many Twin Cities mall names end in 'dale'?
Malls ending in the suffix "dale" are peppered across the Twin Cities. But why "dale"? Reporter John Ewoldt joins host Eric Roper to discuss the history of the Dales, starting with the landmark mall that started it all — Southdale.
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.
Did German POWs really work on Minnesota farms during World War II?
About 400,000 Axis prisoners of war captured during World War II were dispatched to 500 camps around the United States. Many Minnesotans are unfamiliar with this episode in history.
What was the most destructive tornado in Minnesota history?
The state has seen dozens of terrifying twisters over the years.
Who decides when the I-35W bridge is lit in color, and how is it done?
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.
Local
DNR turns to helicopters for restocking fish populations in remote Minnesota lakes
Mpls. park crews assess damage to Washington, Pioneers statues
Minneapolis adds ethnic studies to high school graduation requirements
Why is Minnesota the only mainland state with an abundance of wolves?
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Sports
Sunday's Vikings task: Solve Bridgewater's quick release
Three-guard offense gives Gophers a formidable look for opponents
Gophers cornerback Durr has persevered through injury, pandemic
Late start, early end: How Minnesota's high school football season played out
Business
Small retailers in Twin Cities worry holiday season might leave them behind
Twin Cities customers still shopped on Black Friday — just not as many as past years
Small businesses that took PPP aid may face a tax problem
Cargill makes another investment in fast-growing wellness sector
Opinion
It's finally time for Biden's 'bass solo'
Uptown Minneapolis is in a reset cycle
Editorial cartoon: Dana Summers on unity
Readers Write: Election integrity, Trump's legal challenges, Operation Warp Speed
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Why is Minnesota the only mainland state with an abundance of wolves?
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Will Minnesota join the push to switch to a national popular vote?
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How did the Twin Cities become a hub for Somali immigrants?
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What was the most destructive tornado in Minnesota history?
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Did German POWs really work on Minnesota farms during World War II?
Variety
Vast photo archive of the Twin Cities lets you compare then and now
Essential Minnesota gift guide: 61 perfect picks while we're all home for the holidays
What will weddings in 2021 be like? A look at trends for 'year of intentionality'
Minneapolis' Sweets Kendamas sells the hottest quarantine toy you've never heard of
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Biden's win hides a dire warning for Democrats in rural U.S.
Appeals court rejects Trump challenge of Pennsylvania race
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Biden's win means some Guantanamo prisoners may be released
Nation
New rule could allow gas, firing squads for US executions
Experts: Virus numbers could be erratic after Thanksgiving
Trump administration moves ahead on gutting bird protections
As al-Qaida terrorist leaves prison, victims' families relive the pain
World
Macron: Video images of police beating Black man 'shame us'
Iran scientist linked to military nuclear program killed
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Curious Minnesota
Will Minnesota join the push to switch to a national popular vote?
Is it legal to panhandle in the median of Minneapolis city streets?
Why does St. Paul leave alley snowplowing to its residents?
Listen to the Curious Minnesota podcast
Duluth
Where have all the workers in Duluth gone?
As veteran police officers retire across state, recruiting is a tough sell
Army Corps of Engineers issues Enbridge permit for Line 3
What to drink this week at Twin Ports breweries
Celebs
Bad Bunny caps week of awards and Grammy-noms with new album
Cher in Pakistan for resettlement of 'loneliest elephant'
Minnesota's pioneering Muslim model takes step back from fashion industry
Justice Department appeals ruling in E. Jean Carroll lawsuit
Agriculture
At last, a year when farmers don't have to store soybeans
Food producers complain about China's virus tests on commodity imports
Farmers see record $40B in aid, but many uneasy accepting help
Key departures signal agriculture shakeup for Capitol Hill
Inspired
Minnesota kids, young adults with disabilities find confidence and kinship at swim club
Community advocate praises North Loop's tiny shelter model as first step in combatting homelessness
Mendota Heights doctor finds renewed purpose in virtual medicine
A desk of their own eases remote learning for kids in need
More Stories
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.