Curious Minnesota https://www.startribune.com/podcasts/curious-minnesota/ en-us 514718f0-3e91-11f1-8f6c-e73e5ff760b3 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. https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/238d1072-0422-11eb-84de-9734751d05f8/image/0ff8de497b8716ade348ff211edfb7d2.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress Curious Minnesota https://www.startribune.com/podcasts/curious-minnesota/ no episodic 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. Minnesota Star Tribune 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. 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.

]]> Minnesota Star Tribune multimedia@startribune.com Solving the mystery of downtown Minneapolis’ mummies A pair of Ancient Egyptian mummies once were a main reason for visits to Minneapolis' Central Library. They were on display there from the 1880s to the 1980s. But where did they go when the library got out of the museum business? And why were they in Minnesota in the first place? Eleanor Hildebrandt shares their tale with host Erica Pearson. Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0000 full Minnesota Star Tribune A pair of Ancient Egyptian mummies once were a main reason for visits to Minneapolis' Central Library. They were on display there from the 1880s to the 1980s. But where did they go when the library got out of the museum business? And why were they in Minnesota in the first place? Eleanor Hildebrandt shares their tale with host Erica Pearson. A pair of Ancient Egyptian mummies once were a main reason for visits to Minneapolis' Central Library. They were on display there from the 1880s to the 1980s. But where did they go when the library got out of the museum business? And why were they in Minnesota in the first place? Eleanor Hildebrandt shares their tale with host Erica Pearson.

]]> 905 Who were the Minnesotans on board the Titanic? When the Titanic went down 114 years ago this month, there were 35 Minnesotans on board. Sixteen of them survived, including newlyweds on their way back from a European honeymoon and a young Duluth woman traveling on her own. Reporter Christa Lawler shares their stories with host Erica Pearson. Tue, 14 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0000 full Minnesota Star Tribune When the Titanic went down 114 years ago this month, there were 35 Minnesotans on board. Sixteen of them survived, including newlyweds on their way back from a European honeymoon and a young Duluth woman traveling on her own. Reporter Christa Lawler shares their stories with host Erica Pearson. When the Titanic went down 114 years ago this month, there were 35 Minnesotans on board. Sixteen of them survived, including newlyweds on their way back from a European honeymoon and a young Duluth woman traveling on her own. Reporter Christa Lawler shares their stories with host Erica Pearson.

]]> 845 no What’s the science behind ice thickness and when is it safe to drive on a lake? Back in the 1970s, a Canadian ice researcher developed a formula to determine how thick lake ice needed to be for logging trucks to drive across. It helps inform the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' ice safety guidelines today. Reporter Kim Hyatt talks with host Erica Pearson about the history and science of ice roads. Tue, 31 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0000 full Minnesota Star Tribune Back in the 1970s, a Canadian ice researcher developed a formula to determine how thick lake ice needed to be for logging trucks to drive across. It helps inform the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' ice safety guidelines today. Reporter Kim Hyatt talks with host Erica Pearson about the history and science of ice roads. Back in the 1970s, a Canadian ice researcher developed a formula to determine how thick lake ice needed to be for logging trucks to drive across. It helps inform the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' ice safety guidelines today. Reporter Kim Hyatt talks with host Erica Pearson about the history and science of ice roads.

]]> 975 no The story behind Basshenge, one musician’s monumental ode to his instrument You’ve heard of Stonehenge in England ― but what about Minnesota’s own Basshenge? Reporter Alicia Eler shares its story with host Erica Pearson. The 2001 piece of public art celebrates an instrument — the double bass. Located off Hwy. 11 west of International Falls in the northernmost part of Minnesota, it was created by a musician who spent his later years in the area. Tue, 17 Mar 2026 08:29:00 -0000 full Minnesota Star Tribune You’ve heard of Stonehenge in England ― but what about Minnesota’s own Basshenge? Reporter Alicia Eler shares its story with host Erica Pearson. The 2001 piece of public art celebrates an instrument — the double bass. Located off Hwy. 11 west of International Falls in the northernmost part of Minnesota, it was created by a musician who spent his later years in the area. You’ve heard of Stonehenge in England ― but what about Minnesota’s own Basshenge? Reporter Alicia Eler shares its story with host Erica Pearson. The 2001 piece of public art celebrates an instrument — the double bass. Located off Hwy. 11 west of International Falls in the northernmost part of Minnesota, it was created by a musician who spent his later years in the area.

]]> 1000 no What’s the history of the Fort Snelling Unorganized Territory and the Whipple Building? The Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, the federal government headquarters for U.S. Immigration Court and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, isn’t part of Historic Fort Snelling, but it sits on a small, unincorporated swath of land known as the Fort Snelling Unorganized Territory. Reporter Chris Vondracek talks with host Erica Pearson about the troubled history of that land, including the first arrival of the U.S. government to this area. Tue, 03 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0000 full Minnesota Star Tribune The Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, the federal government headquarters for U.S. Immigration Court and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, isn’t part of Historic Fort Snelling, but it sits on a small, unincorporated swath of land known as the Fort Snelling Unorganized Territory. Reporter Chris Vondracek talks with host Erica Pearson about the troubled history of that land, including the first arrival of the U.S. government to this area. The Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, the federal government headquarters for U.S. Immigration Court and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, isn’t part of Historic Fort Snelling, but it sits on a small, unincorporated swath of land known as the Fort Snelling Unorganized Territory. Reporter Chris Vondracek talks with host Erica Pearson about the troubled history of that land, including the first arrival of the U.S. government to this area.

]]> 1120 Introducing Essential Minnesota A special treat for Curious Listeners: Check out the latest episode of the Minnesota Star Tribune's newest podcast, Essential Minnesota. Even with the announcement that Operation Metro Surge is coming to an end, many Minnesotans are still in hiding.  Our reporters visit with one family who has been wondering when it will be safe to come out again. Tue, 17 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0000 full Minnesota Star Tribune A special treat for Curious Listeners: Check out the latest episode of the Minnesota Star Tribune's newest podcast, Essential Minnesota. Even with the announcement that Operation Metro Surge is coming to an end, many Minnesotans are still in hiding.  Our reporters visit with one family who has been wondering when it will be safe to come out again. A special treat for Curious Listeners: Check out the latest episode of the Minnesota Star Tribune's newest podcast, Essential Minnesota. Even with the announcement that Operation Metro Surge is coming to an end, many Minnesotans are still in hiding.  Our reporters visit with one family who has been wondering when it will be safe to come out again.


]]> 1182 no What's the history of the abandoned Cold War station in Finland, MN? An abandoned Air Force station on Lookout Mountain above Lake Superior has become a ghost town. But during the Cold War, it was seen as a crucial spot to watch the skies in case of a Russian attack. Reporter Christa Lawler talks with host Erica Pearson about the station and Minnesota's once-secret Cold War history. Tue, 03 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0000 full Minnesota Star Tribune An abandoned Air Force station on Lookout Mountain above Lake Superior has become a ghost town. But during the Cold War, it was seen as a crucial spot to watch the skies in case of a Russian attack. Reporter Christa Lawler talks with host Erica Pearson about the station and Minnesota's once-secret Cold War history. An abandoned Air Force station on Lookout Mountain above Lake Superior has become a ghost town. But during the Cold War, it was seen as a crucial spot to watch the skies in case of a Russian attack. Reporter Christa Lawler talks with host Erica Pearson about the station and Minnesota's once-secret Cold War history.

]]> 945 no How 'Bachelormania' once swept the town of Herman, Minnesota “Wanted: A Few Good Women.” That’s how a 1994 Associated Press story about the west-central Minnesota town of Herman began. The tale of the town with 78 bachelors and fewer than a dozen unmarried women became an international media sensation. Jenny Berg caught up with some of those erstwhile eligible bachelor farmers and shares their stories with host Erica Pearson. Tue, 20 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0000 full Minnesota Star Tribune “Wanted: A Few Good Women.” That’s how a 1994 Associated Press story about the west-central Minnesota town of Herman began. The tale of the town with 78 bachelors and fewer than a dozen unmarried women became an international media sensation. Jenny Berg caught up with some of those erstwhile eligible bachelor farmers and shares their stories with host Erica Pearson. “Wanted: A Few Good Women.” That’s how a 1994 Associated Press story about the west-central Minnesota town of Herman began. The tale of the town with 78 bachelors and fewer than a dozen unmarried women became an international media sensation. Jenny Berg caught up with some of those erstwhile eligible bachelor farmers and shares their stories with host Erica Pearson.

]]> 960 no The coldest day in Minnesota history The coldest day ever recorded in Minnesota was Feb. 2, 1996. Casey Darnell joins host Erica Pearson to talk about what happened when temperatures plunged to a record low of minus 60 in Tower, about 90 miles north of Duluth. Tue, 06 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0000 full Minnesota Star Tribune The coldest day ever recorded in Minnesota was Feb. 2, 1996. Casey Darnell joins host Erica Pearson to talk about what happened when temperatures plunged to a record low of minus 60 in Tower, about 90 miles north of Duluth. The coldest day ever recorded in Minnesota was Feb. 2, 1996. Casey Darnell joins host Erica Pearson to talk about what happened when temperatures plunged to a record low of minus 60 in Tower, about 90 miles north of Duluth.

]]> 791 no How did Minnesota become home to the world's first shopping mall? Southdale in Edina became the first fully enclosed shopping mall in the world when it opened in 1956.  Its architect had a vision to thwart the cold and create an indoor town square where it was always 75 degrees. Southdale spawned thousands of suburban shopping malls across the country, shaping an era of American life. Host Erica Pearson makes a visit. Tue, 23 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0000 full Minnesota Star Tribune Southdale in Edina became the first fully enclosed shopping mall in the world when it opened in 1956.  Its architect had a vision to thwart the cold and create an indoor town square where it was always 75 degrees. Southdale spawned thousands of suburban shopping malls across the country, shaping an era of American life. Host Erica Pearson makes a visit. Southdale in Edina became the first fully enclosed shopping mall in the world when it opened in 1956.  Its architect had a vision to thwart the cold and create an indoor town square where it was always 75 degrees. Southdale spawned thousands of suburban shopping malls across the country, shaping an era of American life. Host Erica Pearson makes a visit.

]]> 946 no How did Mayor Hubert Humphrey change Minneapolis? Hubert Humphrey was Minneapolis' mayor before he headed to the U.S. Senate and White House. Reporter Eleanor Hildebrandt talks with host Erica Pearson about how his time as mayor shaped the city. Tue, 09 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0000 full Minnesota Star Tribune Hubert Humphrey was Minneapolis' mayor before he headed to the U.S. Senate and White House. Reporter Eleanor Hildebrandt talks with host Erica Pearson about how his time as mayor shaped the city. Hubert Humphrey was Minneapolis' mayor before he headed to the U.S. Senate and White House. Reporter Eleanor Hildebrandt talks with host Erica Pearson about how his time as mayor shaped the city.

]]> 1253 no Why do so many spam calls come from Norwood Young America, MN? Your phone rings. It’s a number you don’t recognize, but it’s a Minnesota area code. The caller ID location reads Norwood Young America. If you’ve gotten these spam calls, you’re not alone. Casey Darnell shares the likely story behind the calls with host Erica Pearson. Plus: Is Norwood Young America really home to Minnesota's oldest summer festival? Tue, 25 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0000 full Minnesota Star Tribune Your phone rings. It’s a number you don’t recognize, but it’s a Minnesota area code. The caller ID location reads Norwood Young America. If you’ve gotten these spam calls, you’re not alone. Casey Darnell shares the likely story behind the calls with host Erica Pearson. Plus: Is Norwood Young America really home to Minnesota's oldest summer festival? Your phone rings. It’s a number you don’t recognize, but it’s a Minnesota area code. The caller ID location reads Norwood Young America. If you’ve gotten these spam calls, you’re not alone. Casey Darnell shares the likely story behind the calls with host Erica Pearson. Plus: Is Norwood Young America really home to Minnesota's oldest summer festival?

]]> 805 no Lake Superior’s most famous shipwrecks have dramatic tales to tell The Edmund Fitzgerald went down 50 years ago on Nov. 10, 1977. The ore carrier simply vanished from the surface of Lake Superior. It was an ominous ending — mysterious and tragic, too. Hundreds of other vessels have sunk in the big lake, and shipwreck hunters still work to find their watery resting places. Guest Christa Lawler shares some of Lake Superior's striking shipwreck stories with host Erica Pearson. Still curious? Read more at the Minnesota Star Tribune. To support Curious Minnesota and the important work of the Minnesota Star Tribune, subscribe today by visiting Startribune.com/WorthItToSubscribe. Stay up to date with the Star Tribune at @startribune on TikTok, Bluesky, X, Facebook, and Instagram. Mon, 10 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0000 full Minnesota Star Tribune The Edmund Fitzgerald went down 50 years ago on Nov. 10, 1977. The ore carrier simply vanished from the surface of Lake Superior. It was an ominous ending — mysterious and tragic, too. Hundreds of other vessels have sunk in the big lake, and shipwreck hunters still work to find their watery resting places. Guest Christa Lawler shares some of Lake Superior's striking shipwreck stories with host Erica Pearson. Still curious? Read more at the Minnesota Star Tribune. To support Curious Minnesota and the important work of the Minnesota Star Tribune, subscribe today by visiting Startribune.com/WorthItToSubscribe. Stay up to date with the Star Tribune at @startribune on TikTok, Bluesky, X, Facebook, and Instagram. The Edmund Fitzgerald went down 50 years ago on Nov. 10, 1977. The ore carrier simply vanished from the surface of Lake Superior. It was an ominous ending — mysterious and tragic, too. Hundreds of other vessels have sunk in the big lake, and shipwreck hunters still work to find their watery resting places. Guest Christa Lawler shares some of Lake Superior's striking shipwreck stories with host Erica Pearson.

Still curious? Read more at the Minnesota Star Tribune. To support Curious Minnesota and the important work of the Minnesota Star Tribune, subscribe today by visiting Startribune.com/WorthItToSubscribe.

Stay up to date with the Star Tribune at @startribune on TikTok, Bluesky, X, Facebook, and Instagram.

]]> 1140 no What happened to Minnesota's original Zombie Pub Crawl? At its peak, an estimated 35,000 rotting Minnesotans participated in the annual Zombie Pub Crawl, founded 20 years ago. The event grew large enough to set a world record for the largest amount of people dressed as zombies. Then the festival seemed to have its own apocalypse. Our guest is columnist Laura Yuen. Still curious? Read more at the Minnesota Star Tribune. To support Curious Minnesota and the important work of the Minnesota Star Tribune, subscribe today by visiting Startribune.com/WorthItToSubscribe. Stay up to date with the Star Tribune at @startribune on TikTok, Bluesky, X, Facebook, and Instagram. Tue, 28 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full Minnesota Star Tribune At its peak, an estimated 35,000 rotting Minnesotans participated in the annual Zombie Pub Crawl, founded 20 years ago. The event grew large enough to set a world record for the largest amount of people dressed as zombies. Then the festival seemed to have its own apocalypse. Our guest is columnist Laura Yuen. Still curious? Read more at the Minnesota Star Tribune. To support Curious Minnesota and the important work of the Minnesota Star Tribune, subscribe today by visiting Startribune.com/WorthItToSubscribe. Stay up to date with the Star Tribune at @startribune on TikTok, Bluesky, X, Facebook, and Instagram. At its peak, an estimated 35,000 rotting Minnesotans participated in the annual Zombie Pub Crawl, founded 20 years ago. The event grew large enough to set a world record for the largest amount of people dressed as zombies. Then the festival seemed to have its own apocalypse. Our guest is columnist Laura Yuen.

Still curious? Read more at the Minnesota Star Tribune. To support Curious Minnesota and the important work of the Minnesota Star Tribune, subscribe today by visiting Startribune.com/WorthItToSubscribe.

Stay up to date with the Star Tribune at @startribune on TikTok, Bluesky, X, Facebook, and Instagram.

]]> 1020 no What's the oldest bar in Minnesota? Curious Minnesota goes on a bit of a bar crawl through history. We look into which of the state’s historic watering holes is really Minnesota’s oldest. The question is trickier than you might think. Tue, 14 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full Minnesota Star Tribune Curious Minnesota goes on a bit of a bar crawl through history. We look into which of the state’s historic watering holes is really Minnesota’s oldest. The question is trickier than you might think. Curious Minnesota goes on a bit of a bar crawl through history. We look into which of the state’s historic watering holes is really Minnesota’s oldest. The question is trickier than you might think.

]]> 902 no What’s the story of Pipestone National Monument? For thousands of years, Native Americans have quarried a sacred, soft red rock from a patch of Minnesota prairie. The site is now Pipestone National Monument. Reporter Jp Lawrence joins host Erica Pearson to share the story of this special place. Tue, 30 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full Minnesota Star Tribune For thousands of years, Native Americans have quarried a sacred, soft red rock from a patch of Minnesota prairie. The site is now Pipestone National Monument. Reporter Jp Lawrence joins host Erica Pearson to share the story of this special place. For thousands of years, Native Americans have quarried a sacred, soft red rock from a patch of Minnesota prairie. The site is now Pipestone National Monument. Reporter Jp Lawrence joins host Erica Pearson to share the story of this special place.

]]> 1143 no Why do anglers need a special stamp to fish for trout in Minnesota? Minnesota’s trout stamp, a special add-on to fishing licenses, brings in more than $1 million each year. The program funds fish hatcheries, restocking efforts and more. Reporter Anna Sago joins host Erica Pearson to share the history of the program and give a glimpse into what a day's work is like at a trout hatchery. Mon, 18 Aug 2025 14:00:00 -0000 full Minnesota Star Tribune Minnesota’s trout stamp, a special add-on to fishing licenses, brings in more than $1 million each year. The program funds fish hatcheries, restocking efforts and more. Reporter Anna Sago joins host Erica Pearson to share the history of the program and give a glimpse into what a day's work is like at a trout hatchery. Minnesota’s trout stamp, a special add-on to fishing licenses, brings in more than $1 million each year. The program funds fish hatcheries, restocking efforts and more. Reporter Anna Sago joins host Erica Pearson to share the history of the program and give a glimpse into what a day's work is like at a trout hatchery.

]]> 889 no How a 13-ton piece of public art no one wanted found a Minnesota home A scuplture called “The Scroll” once had a prominent spot in downtown Minneapolis. It stood in front of the old central library for more than 4 decades. Alicia Eler, the Minnesota Star Tribune's visual art reporter and critic, joins host Erica Pearson to tell the story of how the sculpture narrowly missed ending up in a scrap heap when the library building was demolished to make way for a new one. Mon, 04 Aug 2025 14:59:00 -0000 full Minnesota Star Tribune A scuplture called “The Scroll” once had a prominent spot in downtown Minneapolis. It stood in front of the old central library for more than 4 decades. Alicia Eler, the Minnesota Star Tribune's visual art reporter and critic, joins host Erica Pearson to tell the story of how the sculpture narrowly missed ending up in a scrap heap when the library building was demolished to make way for a new one. A scuplture called “The Scroll” once had a prominent spot in downtown Minneapolis. It stood in front of the old central library for more than 4 decades. Alicia Eler, the Minnesota Star Tribune's visual art reporter and critic, joins host Erica Pearson to tell the story of how the sculpture narrowly missed ending up in a scrap heap when the library building was demolished to make way for a new one.

]]> 1091 no How did hundreds of ‘Old Order’ Amish wind up in Minnesota’s Driftless Area? Harmony, Minnesota is home to the largest Amish settlement in the state. The "Old Order" community is also one of the most conservative of its kind in the country. Reporter Sean Baker joins host Erica Pearson to explain why and when the Amish selected this sliver of southeast Minnesota to call home.  Mon, 21 Jul 2025 14:08:00 -0000 full Minnesota Star Tribune Harmony, Minnesota is home to the largest Amish settlement in the state. The "Old Order" community is also one of the most conservative of its kind in the country. Reporter Sean Baker joins host Erica Pearson to explain why and when the Amish selected this sliver of southeast Minnesota to call home.  Harmony, Minnesota is home to the largest Amish settlement in the state. The "Old Order" community is also one of the most conservative of its kind in the country. Reporter Sean Baker joins host Erica Pearson to explain why and when the Amish selected this sliver of southeast Minnesota to call home. 

]]> 911 no What happened after a Minnesota man found ancient bison bones? Nearly 8,000 years ago, in the wild expanse of what is now southwestern Minnesota, a primal drama of survival unfolded. Early Plains Archaic hunters ambushed a herd of massive, now-extinct bison. Then, in 1988 a Granite Falls man found bones while digging in his pasture. Reporter Jp Lawrence joins host Erica Pearson to share what happened next and explain why archeologists left some of the site undisturbed. Mon, 07 Jul 2025 14:28:00 -0000 full Minnesota Star Tribune Nearly 8,000 years ago, in the wild expanse of what is now southwestern Minnesota, a primal drama of survival unfolded. Early Plains Archaic hunters ambushed a herd of massive, now-extinct bison. Then, in 1988 a Granite Falls man found bones while digging in his pasture. Reporter Jp Lawrence joins host Erica Pearson to share what happened next and explain why archeologists left some of the site undisturbed. Nearly 8,000 years ago, in the wild expanse of what is now southwestern Minnesota, a primal drama of survival unfolded. Early Plains Archaic hunters ambushed a herd of massive, now-extinct bison. Then, in 1988 a Granite Falls man found bones while digging in his pasture. Reporter Jp Lawrence joins host Erica Pearson to share what happened next and explain why archeologists left some of the site undisturbed.

]]> 1071 no How a small Minnesota town ‘seceded’ from the U.S. In the summer of 1977, the leaders of a small Iron Range town made a rather bold announcement: Kinney, Minn., had seceded from the United States. The statement was tongue-in-cheek, but the town’s situation wasn’t funny. The story of the Republic of Kinney is one of dismissed town needs, a wacky, bar-born plan and the power of media attention. Reporter Christa Lawler joined host Erica Pearson to share Kinney's story. Mon, 23 Jun 2025 15:11:00 -0000 full Minnesota Star Tribune In the summer of 1977, the leaders of a small Iron Range town made a rather bold announcement: Kinney, Minn., had seceded from the United States. The statement was tongue-in-cheek, but the town’s situation wasn’t funny. The story of the Republic of Kinney is one of dismissed town needs, a wacky, bar-born plan and the power of media attention. Reporter Christa Lawler joined host Erica Pearson to share Kinney's story. In the summer of 1977, the leaders of a small Iron Range town made a rather bold announcement: Kinney, Minn., had seceded from the United States. The statement was tongue-in-cheek, but the town’s situation wasn’t funny. The story of the Republic of Kinney is one of dismissed town needs, a wacky, bar-born plan and the power of media attention. Reporter Christa Lawler joined host Erica Pearson to share Kinney's story.

]]> 960 no What happened after Herman, Minnesota's bachelormania? The Minnesota town of Herman gained notoriety in the 1990s for having nearly 80 bachelors and fewer than a dozen unmarried women. During Herman’s time as “Bachelortown, U.S.A.”, its eligible bachelor farmers were seemingly everywhere — including on “The Oprah Winfrey Show." Reporter Jenny Berg joined host Erica Pearson to share what happened in the decades since. LINKS: What happened after ‘bachelormania’ beset Herman, Minnesota? Mon, 09 Jun 2025 15:15:00 -0000 full Minnesota Star Tribune The Minnesota town of Herman gained notoriety in the 1990s for having nearly 80 bachelors and fewer than a dozen unmarried women. During Herman’s time as “Bachelortown, U.S.A.”, its eligible bachelor farmers were seemingly everywhere — including on “The Oprah Winfrey Show." Reporter Jenny Berg joined host Erica Pearson to share what happened in the decades since. LINKS: What happened after ‘bachelormania’ beset Herman, Minnesota? The Minnesota town of Herman gained notoriety in the 1990s for having nearly 80 bachelors and fewer than a dozen unmarried women. During Herman’s time as “Bachelortown, U.S.A.”, its eligible bachelor farmers were seemingly everywhere — including on “The Oprah Winfrey Show." Reporter Jenny Berg joined host Erica Pearson to share what happened in the decades since.

LINKS:

What happened after ‘bachelormania’ beset Herman, Minnesota?

]]> 1102 no Why are there two seafood plants in the small Minnesota town of Motley? The small Minnesota town of Motley, despite being so far from the ocean, is home to seafood plants that process millions of pounds of imitation crab. More than 500 people work in the seafood business there. It all began with a business called Morey's Seafood. Reporter Brooks Johnson joined host Erica Pearson to share Morey's fascinating origin story and the current state of the industry in Motley today. LINKS: Why are there two seafood plants in the small Minnesota town of Motley? Thu, 22 May 2025 20:59:00 -0000 full Minnesota Star Tribune The small Minnesota town of Motley, despite being so far from the ocean, is home to seafood plants that process millions of pounds of imitation crab. More than 500 people work in the seafood business there. It all began with a business called Morey's Seafood. Reporter Brooks Johnson joined host Erica Pearson to share Morey's fascinating origin story and the current state of the industry in Motley today. LINKS: Why are there two seafood plants in the small Minnesota town of Motley? The small Minnesota town of Motley, despite being so far from the ocean, is home to seafood plants that process millions of pounds of imitation crab. More than 500 people work in the seafood business there. It all began with a business called Morey's Seafood. Reporter Brooks Johnson joined host Erica Pearson to share Morey's fascinating origin story and the current state of the industry in Motley today.

LINKS:

Why are there two seafood plants in the small Minnesota town of Motley?

]]> 1114 Introducing: Worth It We’re excited to introduce Worth It, a new show from The Minnesota Star Tribune and Lemonada Media. Each week, editor Nicole Norfleet and columnist Aaron Brown are joined by people who know Minnesota inside and out – reaching into the spaces you might not know to share the stories worth your attention, the places worth a look, and the events worth your time – and money. In this episode, whether you kayak, canoe or paddleboard - or you want to - we’ll hear the best paddling routes to try in the Twin Cities metro. There’s a new show about a real-life Minnesota woman-cowboy-detective from the 1800s. Plus, why you should think “salvage” for home remodeling and the cost to raise a kid here. After you listen, be sure to follow Worth It wherever you get your podcasts, or head to: https://lemonada.lnk.to/WorthItStarTribunefd Sat, 17 May 2025 05:00:00 -0000 bonus Minnesota Star Tribune We’re excited to introduce Worth It, a new show from The Minnesota Star Tribune and Lemonada Media. Each week, editor Nicole Norfleet and columnist Aaron Brown are joined by people who know Minnesota inside and out – reaching into the spaces you might not know to share the stories worth your attention, the places worth a look, and the events worth your time – and money. In this episode, whether you kayak, canoe or paddleboard - or you want to - we’ll hear the best paddling routes to try in the Twin Cities metro. There’s a new show about a real-life Minnesota woman-cowboy-detective from the 1800s. Plus, why you should think “salvage” for home remodeling and the cost to raise a kid here. After you listen, be sure to follow Worth It wherever you get your podcasts, or head to: https://lemonada.lnk.to/WorthItStarTribunefd We’re excited to introduce Worth It, a new show from The Minnesota Star Tribune and Lemonada Media.

Each week, editor Nicole Norfleet and columnist Aaron Brown are joined by people who know Minnesota inside and out – reaching into the spaces you might not know to share the stories worth your attention, the places worth a look, and the events worth your time – and money.

In this episode, whether you kayak, canoe or paddleboard - or you want to - we’ll hear the best paddling routes to try in the Twin Cities metro. There’s a new show about a real-life Minnesota woman-cowboy-detective from the 1800s. Plus, why you should think “salvage” for home remodeling and the cost to raise a kid here.

After you listen, be sure to follow Worth It wherever you get your podcasts, or head to: https://lemonada.lnk.to/WorthItStarTribunefd


]]> 2269 no How an unexpected gift launched Minnesota’s oldest zoo Como Zoo in St. Paul is more than 120 years old, and was the metro area's primary zoo for many decades. Erica Pearson joins host Eric Roper to discuss the origins of the zoo, and how it has changed over the years. LINKS: How an unexpected gift launched Minnesota’s oldest zoo Mon, 05 May 2025 21:08:00 -0000 full Minnesota Star Tribune Como Zoo in St. Paul is more than 120 years old, and was the metro area's primary zoo for many decades. Erica Pearson joins host Eric Roper to discuss the origins of the zoo, and how it has changed over the years. LINKS: How an unexpected gift launched Minnesota’s oldest zoo Como Zoo in St. Paul is more than 120 years old, and was the metro area's primary zoo for many decades. Erica Pearson joins host Eric Roper to discuss the origins of the zoo, and how it has changed over the years.

LINKS:

How an unexpected gift launched Minnesota’s oldest zoo

]]> 1028 What’s the smallest town in Minnesota with a mayor? Just under 6,000 people in Minnesota live in a town with a population under 100, according to the state demographer. The dynamics of Minnesota's smallest cities are an interesting facet of rural life in the state. Reporters Kim Hyatt and JP Lawrence joined host Eric Roper to discuss their visits to Funkley and Kinbrae. LINKS: What’s the smallest town in Minnesota with a mayor? Frisbee license plate photo Fri, 18 Apr 2025 19:13:00 -0000 full Minnesota Star Tribune Just under 6,000 people in Minnesota live in a town with a population under 100, according to the state demographer. The dynamics of Minnesota's smallest cities are an interesting facet of rural life in the state. Reporters Kim Hyatt and JP Lawrence joined host Eric Roper to discuss their visits to Funkley and Kinbrae. LINKS: What’s the smallest town in Minnesota with a mayor? Frisbee license plate photo Just under 6,000 people in Minnesota live in a town with a population under 100, according to the state demographer. The dynamics of Minnesota's smallest cities are an interesting facet of rural life in the state. Reporters Kim Hyatt and JP Lawrence joined host Eric Roper to discuss their visits to Funkley and Kinbrae.

LINKS:

What’s the smallest town in Minnesota with a mayor?

Frisbee license plate photo

]]> 1288 Who decides what’s allowed on a vanity plate in Minnesota? Vanity license plates let Minnesotans go beyond the standard "Land of 10,000 Lakes" motto to share their professions and passions. But who is in charge of approving applications for these plates and what criteria do they use? Tim Harlow joins host Erica Pearson to give a glimpse into the Driver and Vehicle Service’s Special Plates Unit. LINKS: Who decides what’s allowed on a vanity plate in Minnesota? Fri, 28 Mar 2025 16:25:00 -0000 full Minnesota Star Tribune Vanity license plates let Minnesotans go beyond the standard "Land of 10,000 Lakes" motto to share their professions and passions. But who is in charge of approving applications for these plates and what criteria do they use? Tim Harlow joins host Erica Pearson to give a glimpse into the Driver and Vehicle Service’s Special Plates Unit. LINKS: Who decides what’s allowed on a vanity plate in Minnesota? Vanity license plates let Minnesotans go beyond the standard "Land of 10,000 Lakes" motto to share their professions and passions. But who is in charge of approving applications for these plates and what criteria do they use? Tim Harlow joins host Erica Pearson to give a glimpse into the Driver and Vehicle Service’s Special Plates Unit.


LINKS:


Who decides what’s allowed on a vanity plate in Minnesota?

]]> 853 Why is the loon Minnesota’s state bird? It almost didn’t happen. Minnesota's love of loons is everywhere these days, from license plates to our pro soccer team's nickname. But it took decades for lawmakers to make the loon our state bird. The goldfinch and scarlet tanager are among the others that nearly took the title instead. Kevin Duchschere joins host Erica Pearson to discuss the surprising history of how the loon landed its role. LINKS: Why is the loon Minnesota’s state bird? It almost didn’t happen. Loon call recording from Mark Robbins / Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Fri, 14 Mar 2025 18:45:00 -0000 full Minnesota Star Tribune Minnesota's love of loons is everywhere these days, from license plates to our pro soccer team's nickname. But it took decades for lawmakers to make the loon our state bird. The goldfinch and scarlet tanager are among the others that nearly took the title instead. Kevin Duchschere joins host Erica Pearson to discuss the surprising history of how the loon landed its role. LINKS: Why is the loon Minnesota’s state bird? It almost didn’t happen. Loon call recording from Mark Robbins / Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Minnesota's love of loons is everywhere these days, from license plates to our pro soccer team's nickname. But it took decades for lawmakers to make the loon our state bird. The goldfinch and scarlet tanager are among the others that nearly took the title instead. Kevin Duchschere joins host Erica Pearson to discuss the surprising history of how the loon landed its role.


LINKS:

Why is the loon Minnesota’s state bird? It almost didn’t happen.


Loon call recording from Mark Robbins / Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

]]> 733 Why did the Excelsior Amusement Park on Lake Minnetonka close? Many Minnesotans have memories of visiting Excelsior Amusement Park on the shores of Lake Minnetonka. The popular theme park operated from the 1920s to the 1970s. Today, it is the site of condominiums and Maynard's restaurant. Erica Pearson joins host Eric Roper to discuss this once-prominent local attraction. LINKS: Why did the Excelsior Amusement Park on Lake Minnetonka close? Fri, 28 Feb 2025 19:29:21 -0000 Why did the Excelsior Amusement Park on Lake Minnetonka close? full Minnesota Star Tribune Many Minnesotans have memories of visiting Excelsior Amusement Park on the shores of Lake Minnetonka. Many Minnesotans have memories of visiting Excelsior Amusement Park on the shores of Lake Minnetonka. The popular theme park operated from the 1920s to the 1970s. Today, it is the site of condominiums and Maynard's restaurant. Erica Pearson joins host Eric Roper to discuss this once-prominent local attraction. LINKS: Why did the Excelsior Amusement Park on Lake Minnetonka close? Many Minnesotans have memories of visiting Excelsior Amusement Park on the shores of Lake Minnetonka. The popular theme park operated from the 1920s to the 1970s. Today, it is the site of condominiums and Maynard's restaurant. Erica Pearson joins host Eric Roper to discuss this once-prominent local attraction.

LINKS:

Why did the Excelsior Amusement Park on Lake Minnetonka close?

]]> 1116 How did Minnesota become the birthplace of ski jumping in America? Ski jumping originated in Norway, but its American story begins in Minnesota in the late 1800s. It has since become an enduring part of the winter Olympics. Erica Pearson joins host Eric Roper to discuss the long history of ski jumping in Minnesota. LINKS: How did Minnesota become the birthplace of ski jumping in America? Thu, 13 Feb 2025 16:38:56 -0000 How did Minnesota become the birthplace of ski jumping in America? full Minnesota Star Tribune Ski jumping originated in Norway, but its American story begins in Minnesota in the late 1800s. Ski jumping originated in Norway, but its American story begins in Minnesota in the late 1800s. It has since become an enduring part of the winter Olympics. Erica Pearson joins host Eric Roper to discuss the long history of ski jumping in Minnesota. LINKS: How did Minnesota become the birthplace of ski jumping in America? Ski jumping originated in Norway, but its American story begins in Minnesota in the late 1800s. It has since become an enduring part of the winter Olympics. Erica Pearson joins host Eric Roper to discuss the long history of ski jumping in Minnesota.

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How did Minnesota become the birthplace of ski jumping in America?

]]> 1177 What’s the coldest Minnesota has ever been? On the coldest day recorded in Minnesota history, two towns hoped that their official thermometer would give the lowest reading. It was Feb 2, 1996, and news reporters from around the state gathered in Tower and Embarrass. When one town prevailed, a man hammered nails with a frozen banana to celebrate. Casey Darnell joins host Erica Pearson to talk about that record-breaking day. LINKS: What’s the coldest Minnesota has ever been? Fri, 24 Jan 2025 18:51:00 -0000 What’s the coldest Minnesota has ever been? full Minnesota Star Tribune Two towns vied to have the lowest temperature readings on the coldest day recorded in state history. On the coldest day recorded in Minnesota history, two towns hoped that their official thermometer would give the lowest reading. It was Feb 2, 1996, and news reporters from around the state gathered in Tower and Embarrass. When one town prevailed, a man hammered nails with a frozen banana to celebrate. Casey Darnell joins host Erica Pearson to talk about that record-breaking day. LINKS: What’s the coldest Minnesota has ever been? On the coldest day recorded in Minnesota history, two towns hoped that their official thermometer would give the lowest reading. It was Feb 2, 1996, and news reporters from around the state gathered in Tower and Embarrass. When one town prevailed, a man hammered nails with a frozen banana to celebrate. Casey Darnell joins host Erica Pearson to talk about that record-breaking day.

LINKS:

What’s the coldest Minnesota has ever been?

]]> 737 Introducing "Ghost of a Chance" - Episode 1 We are excited to give Curious Minnesota listeners a preview of the Minnesota Star Tribune's first narrative podcast, "Ghost of a Chance." The six-episode series is reported by Eric Roper and produced by Melissa Townsend, with new episodes appearing every Monday. At its core, the show is about following your curiosity into Minnesota history. You can find "Ghost of a Chance" wherever you access podcasts (here are links to Apple Podcasts and Spotify) or here on our website. This is the show description: When reporter Eric Roper buys a lovely 113-year-old house in Minneapolis, he wants to find out everything he can about its history. But he quickly becomes obsessed with one couple who owned the house 100 years ago. Harry and Clementine Robinson send him down a surprising rabbit hole into an incredible history he never heard before. As he artfully and meticulously pieces together the remarkable story of their lives, we find out what the Robinsons reveal about a history of race in Minneapolis -- the city that became ground zero for an unprecedented global racial reckoning. Fri, 17 Jan 2025 21:40:21 -0000 Introducing "Ghost of a Chance" - Episode 1 full Minnesota Star Tribune We are excited to give Curious Minnesota listeners a preview of the Minnesota Star Tribune's first narrative podcast, "Ghost of a Chance." We are excited to give Curious Minnesota listeners a preview of the Minnesota Star Tribune's first narrative podcast, "Ghost of a Chance." The six-episode series is reported by Eric Roper and produced by Melissa Townsend, with new episodes appearing every Monday. At its core, the show is about following your curiosity into Minnesota history. You can find "Ghost of a Chance" wherever you access podcasts (here are links to Apple Podcasts and Spotify) or here on our website. This is the show description: When reporter Eric Roper buys a lovely 113-year-old house in Minneapolis, he wants to find out everything he can about its history. But he quickly becomes obsessed with one couple who owned the house 100 years ago. Harry and Clementine Robinson send him down a surprising rabbit hole into an incredible history he never heard before. As he artfully and meticulously pieces together the remarkable story of their lives, we find out what the Robinsons reveal about a history of race in Minneapolis -- the city that became ground zero for an unprecedented global racial reckoning. We are excited to give Curious Minnesota listeners a preview of the Minnesota Star Tribune's first narrative podcast, "Ghost of a Chance." The six-episode series is reported by Eric Roper and produced by Melissa Townsend, with new episodes appearing every Monday. At its core, the show is about following your curiosity into Minnesota history. You can find "Ghost of a Chance" wherever you access podcasts (here are links to Apple Podcasts and Spotify) or here on our website.

This is the show description:

When reporter Eric Roper buys a lovely 113-year-old house in Minneapolis, he wants to find out everything he can about its history. But he quickly becomes obsessed with one couple who owned the house 100 years ago. Harry and Clementine Robinson send him down a surprising rabbit hole into an incredible history he never heard before. As he artfully and meticulously pieces together the remarkable story of their lives, we find out what the Robinsons reveal about a history of race in Minneapolis -- the city that became ground zero for an unprecedented global racial reckoning.

]]> 1891 What happened to Camp Snoopy at the Mall of America? Many Minnesotans are still nostalgic for the Mall of America's original theme park: Camp Snoopy. They remember details like the giant red dog bowl where groups met up, the Snoopy bounce house and the whimsical fountain. Greta Kaul joins host Erica Pearson to explain why Peanuts left the mall in 2006 and how the park eventually became Nickelodeon Universe. LINKS: What happened to Camp Snoopy at the Mall of America? Fri, 10 Jan 2025 15:57:34 -0000 What happened to Camp Snoopy at the Mall of America? full Minnesota Star Tribune Many Minnesotans are still nostalgic for the Mall of America's original theme park: Camp Snoopy. Many Minnesotans are still nostalgic for the Mall of America's original theme park: Camp Snoopy. They remember details like the giant red dog bowl where groups met up, the Snoopy bounce house and the whimsical fountain. Greta Kaul joins host Erica Pearson to explain why Peanuts left the mall in 2006 and how the park eventually became Nickelodeon Universe. LINKS: What happened to Camp Snoopy at the Mall of America? Many Minnesotans are still nostalgic for the Mall of America's original theme park: Camp Snoopy. They remember details like the giant red dog bowl where groups met up, the Snoopy bounce house and the whimsical fountain. Greta Kaul joins host Erica Pearson to explain why Peanuts left the mall in 2006 and how the park eventually became Nickelodeon Universe.

LINKS:

What happened to Camp Snoopy at the Mall of America?

]]> 743 Minnesota’s ghost towns are a relic of grand visions gone awry Minnesota is home to a number of abandoned towns that flourished earlier in their history. These ghost towns began with grand visions and enjoyed growing prosperity – until something changed. Anna Boone joins host Erica Pearson to explore the stories behind some of the state's most intriguing ghost towns. LINKS: Minnesota’s ghost towns are a relic of grand visions gone awry Fri, 06 Dec 2024 15:47:54 -0000 Minnesota’s ghost towns are a relic of grand visions gone awry full Minnesota Star Tribune Minnesota is home to a number of abandoned towns that flourished earlier in their history. Minnesota is home to a number of abandoned towns that flourished earlier in their history. These ghost towns began with grand visions and enjoyed growing prosperity – until something changed. Anna Boone joins host Erica Pearson to explore the stories behind some of the state's most intriguing ghost towns. LINKS: Minnesota’s ghost towns are a relic of grand visions gone awry Minnesota is home to a number of abandoned towns that flourished earlier in their history. These ghost towns began with grand visions and enjoyed growing prosperity – until something changed. Anna Boone joins host Erica Pearson to explore the stories behind some of the state's most intriguing ghost towns.

LINKS:

Minnesota’s ghost towns are a relic of grand visions gone awry

]]> 1142 Why are Minnesota’s roadside rest areas so nice? Rest areas are a common site on roadways across Minnesota. While they are easy to overlook, rest areas also serve an important purpose for driver safety. And it turns out that Minnesota has some of the nation's most exceptional rest areas. Reporter Erica Pearson joined host Eric Roper to discuss the history, function and design of these facilities. LINKS: Why are Minnesota’s roadside rest areas so nice? Thu, 14 Nov 2024 21:28:55 -0000 Why are Minnesota’s roadside rest areas so nice? full Minnesota Star Tribune Rest areas are a common site on roadways across Minnesota. Rest areas are a common site on roadways across Minnesota. While they are easy to overlook, rest areas also serve an important purpose for driver safety. And it turns out that Minnesota has some of the nation's most exceptional rest areas. Reporter Erica Pearson joined host Eric Roper to discuss the history, function and design of these facilities. LINKS: Why are Minnesota’s roadside rest areas so nice? Rest areas are a common site on roadways across Minnesota. While they are easy to overlook, rest areas also serve an important purpose for driver safety. And it turns out that Minnesota has some of the nation's most exceptional rest areas. Reporter Erica Pearson joined host Eric Roper to discuss the history, function and design of these facilities.

LINKS:

Why are Minnesota’s roadside rest areas so nice?

]]> 1093 What’s behind the stereotype that Minnesotans don’t like spicy food? After Gov. Tim Walz joked about the state's low spice tolerance in a campaign video, a reader asked Curious Minnesota about the origins of the idea that Minnesotans don't like spicy food. The cultural stereotype is so pervasive in the state that many restaurants include menu warnings or simply offer versions of dishes with extremely minimal seasoning. Reporter Susan Du joins host Erica Pearson to unpack the geography, cultural history and science behind it. LINKS: What’s behind the stereotype that Minnesotans don’t like spicy food? Thu, 31 Oct 2024 21:58:21 -0000 What’s behind the stereotype that Minnesotans don’t like spicy food? full Minnesota Star Tribune The cultural stereotype is so pervasive in the state that many restaurants include menu warnings or simply offer versions of dishes with extremely minimal seasoning. After Gov. Tim Walz joked about the state's low spice tolerance in a campaign video, a reader asked Curious Minnesota about the origins of the idea that Minnesotans don't like spicy food. The cultural stereotype is so pervasive in the state that many restaurants include menu warnings or simply offer versions of dishes with extremely minimal seasoning. Reporter Susan Du joins host Erica Pearson to unpack the geography, cultural history and science behind it. LINKS: What’s behind the stereotype that Minnesotans don’t like spicy food? After Gov. Tim Walz joked about the state's low spice tolerance in a campaign video, a reader asked Curious Minnesota about the origins of the idea that Minnesotans don't like spicy food. The cultural stereotype is so pervasive in the state that many restaurants include menu warnings or simply offer versions of dishes with extremely minimal seasoning. Reporter Susan Du joins host Erica Pearson to unpack the geography, cultural history and science behind it.

LINKS:

What’s behind the stereotype that Minnesotans don’t like spicy food?

]]> 1451 How did Old Dutch potato chips get started in St. Paul? The Old Dutch potato chip company is a regional icon in the Midwest, known for its twin pack box. They have been frying potatoes for 90 years. And it all began in a kitchen in St. Paul. Reporter Brooks Johnson joins host Erica Pearson to talk about the company's history and what it was like when he toured their Roseville plant. LINKS: How did Old Dutch potato chips get started in St. Paul? Thu, 10 Oct 2024 18:13:34 -0000 How did Old Dutch potato chips get started in St. Paul? full Minnesota Star Tribune The Old Dutch potato chip company is a regional icon in the Midwest, known for its twin pack box. The Old Dutch potato chip company is a regional icon in the Midwest, known for its twin pack box. They have been frying potatoes for 90 years. And it all began in a kitchen in St. Paul. Reporter Brooks Johnson joins host Erica Pearson to talk about the company's history and what it was like when he toured their Roseville plant. LINKS: How did Old Dutch potato chips get started in St. Paul? The Old Dutch potato chip company is a regional icon in the Midwest, known for its twin pack box. They have been frying potatoes for 90 years. And it all began in a kitchen in St. Paul.

Reporter Brooks Johnson joins host Erica Pearson to talk about the company's history and what it was like when he toured their Roseville plant.

LINKS:

How did Old Dutch potato chips get started in St. Paul?

]]> 879 How Quonset huts helped solve the post-WWII housing crisis in the Twin Cities A surplus of military Quonset huts after World War II provided a unique solution to a housing shortage in Minnesota and across the country. Steph Quinn joins host Eric Roper to discuss these temporary neighborhoods. LINKS: How Quonset huts helped solve the post-WWII housing crisis in the Twin Cities Thu, 26 Sep 2024 22:07:48 -0000 How Quonset huts helped solve the post-WWII housing crisis in the Twin Cities full Minnesota Star Tribune A surplus of military Quonset huts after World War II provided a unique solution to a housing shortage in Minnesota and across the country. A surplus of military Quonset huts after World War II provided a unique solution to a housing shortage in Minnesota and across the country. Steph Quinn joins host Eric Roper to discuss these temporary neighborhoods. LINKS: How Quonset huts helped solve the post-WWII housing crisis in the Twin Cities A surplus of military Quonset huts after World War II provided a unique solution to a housing shortage in Minnesota and across the country. Steph Quinn joins host Eric Roper to discuss these temporary neighborhoods.

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How Quonset huts helped solve the post-WWII housing crisis in the Twin Cities

]]> 1263 How did the Minnesota Star Tribune get its start? This special episode of Curious Minnesota was recorded at the State Fair on August 28th. Erica Pearson and Eric Roper discussed the origins of the Minnesota Star Tribune, which dates back to Minneapolis' incorporation as a city in 1867. The Strib is a descendant of three very different papers. The conversation also delved into what life was like on Minneapolis' Newspaper Row. LINKS: How did the Minnesota Star Tribune get its start? Thu, 29 Aug 2024 20:52:30 -0000 How did the Minnesota Star Tribune get its start? full Minnesota Star Tribune This special episode of Curious Minnesota was recorded at the State Fair on August 28th. This special episode of Curious Minnesota was recorded at the State Fair on August 28th. Erica Pearson and Eric Roper discussed the origins of the Minnesota Star Tribune, which dates back to Minneapolis' incorporation as a city in 1867. The Strib is a descendant of three very different papers. The conversation also delved into what life was like on Minneapolis' Newspaper Row. LINKS: How did the Minnesota Star Tribune get its start? This special episode of Curious Minnesota was recorded at the State Fair on August 28th. Erica Pearson and Eric Roper discussed the origins of the Minnesota Star Tribune, which dates back to Minneapolis' incorporation as a city in 1867. The Strib is a descendant of three very different papers. The conversation also delved into what life was like on Minneapolis' Newspaper Row.

LINKS:

How did the Minnesota Star Tribune get its start?

]]> 1797 Fairgoers tell us their questions about Minnesota We had a blast chatting with fairgoers on Curious Minnesota Day at the Minnesota Star Tribune's State Fair building. Today's episode is a roundup of the questions we recorded. LINKS: Why Wisconsin claims — incorrectly — to have more lakes than the Land of 10,000 Lakes Why is Minnesota's Democratic Party called the DFL? How Mayo Clinic became one of the world's most famous medical centers Wed, 28 Aug 2024 20:21:30 -0000 Fairgoers tell us their questions about Minnesota full Minnesota Star Tribune We had a blast chatting with fairgoers on Curious Minnesota Day at the Minnesota Star Tribune's State Fair building. We had a blast chatting with fairgoers on Curious Minnesota Day at the Minnesota Star Tribune's State Fair building. Today's episode is a roundup of the questions we recorded. LINKS: Why Wisconsin claims — incorrectly — to have more lakes than the Land of 10,000 Lakes Why is Minnesota's Democratic Party called the DFL? How Mayo Clinic became one of the world's most famous medical centers We had a blast chatting with fairgoers on Curious Minnesota Day at the Minnesota Star Tribune's State Fair building. Today's episode is a roundup of the questions we recorded.

LINKS:

Why Wisconsin claims — incorrectly — to have more lakes than the Land of 10,000 Lakes

Why is Minnesota's Democratic Party called the DFL?

How Mayo Clinic became one of the world's most famous medical centers

]]> 419 Why Wisconsin claims — incorrectly — to have more lakes than the Land of 10,000 Lakes Minnesota takes great pride in its lakes. "10,000 Lakes" is even emblazoned on the state's license plates. But at least some people in Wisconsin think their state has more lakes than Minnesota. It's because there's not one standard for what defines a lake.  A reader wanted to know more about why the states are measuring their lakes differently. Erica Pearson, who wrote a story on this topic for Curious Minnesota, digs into the details with host Eric Roper. LINKS: Why Wisconsin claims — incorrectly — to have more lakes than the Land of 10,000 Lakes Why does Minnesota have so many lakes? Thu, 22 Aug 2024 16:53:46 -0000 Why Wisconsin claims — incorrectly — to have more lakes than the Land of 10,000 Lakes full Minnesota Star Tribune Minnesota takes great pride in its lakes. "10,000 Lakes" is even emblazoned on the state's license plates. Minnesota takes great pride in its lakes. "10,000 Lakes" is even emblazoned on the state's license plates. But at least some people in Wisconsin think their state has more lakes than Minnesota. It's because there's not one standard for what defines a lake.  A reader wanted to know more about why the states are measuring their lakes differently. Erica Pearson, who wrote a story on this topic for Curious Minnesota, digs into the details with host Eric Roper. LINKS: Why Wisconsin claims — incorrectly — to have more lakes than the Land of 10,000 Lakes Why does Minnesota have so many lakes? Minnesota takes great pride in its lakes. "10,000 Lakes" is even emblazoned on the state's license plates. But at least some people in Wisconsin think their state has more lakes than Minnesota. It's because there's not one standard for what defines a lake. 

A reader wanted to know more about why the states are measuring their lakes differently. Erica Pearson, who wrote a story on this topic for Curious Minnesota, digs into the details with host Eric Roper.

LINKS:

Why Wisconsin claims — incorrectly — to have more lakes than the Land of 10,000 Lakes

Why does Minnesota have so many lakes?

]]> 1007 Curious Minnesota at the State Fair! 8/24 (Saturday) and 8/28 (Wednesday) Curious Minnesota will be hosting events at the Minnesota Star Tribune's State Fair building on Saturday, August 24th and Wednesday, August 28th. Mon, 19 Aug 2024 19:17:37 -0000 Curious Minnesota at the State Fair! 8/24 (Saturday) and 8/28 (Wednesday) full Minnesota Star Tribune Curious Minnesota will be hosting events at the Minnesota Star Tribune's State Fair building on Saturday, August 24th and Wednesday, August 28th. Curious Minnesota will be hosting events at the Minnesota Star Tribune's State Fair building on Saturday, August 24th and Wednesday, August 28th. Curious Minnesota will be hosting events at the Minnesota Star Tribune's State Fair building on Saturday, August 24th and Wednesday, August 28th.

]]> 151 Why did Minneapolis close Nicollet Avenue for a Kmart? Anyone who has spent time in south Minneapolis over the last 50 years has likely run across the unusual intersection at Lake Street and Nicollet Avenue. These are two of the city's most important thoroughfares. But the city decided in the 1970s to close Nicollet at Lake Street so a Kmart store could extend over a portion of two blocks. Adelie Bergström joins host Eric Roper to discuss what led to this controversial decision. LINKS: Why did Minneapolis close Nicollet Avenue for a Kmart? Fri, 09 Aug 2024 17:09:49 -0000 Why did Minneapolis close Nicollet Avenue for a Kmart? full Minnesota Star Tribune Anyone who has spent time in south Minneapolis over the last 50 years has likely run across the unusual intersection at Lake Street and Nicollet Avenue. Anyone who has spent time in south Minneapolis over the last 50 years has likely run across the unusual intersection at Lake Street and Nicollet Avenue. These are two of the city's most important thoroughfares. But the city decided in the 1970s to close Nicollet at Lake Street so a Kmart store could extend over a portion of two blocks. Adelie Bergström joins host Eric Roper to discuss what led to this controversial decision. LINKS: Why did Minneapolis close Nicollet Avenue for a Kmart? Anyone who has spent time in south Minneapolis over the last 50 years has likely run across the unusual intersection at Lake Street and Nicollet Avenue. These are two of the city's most important thoroughfares. But the city decided in the 1970s to close Nicollet at Lake Street so a Kmart store could extend over a portion of two blocks. Adelie Bergström joins host Eric Roper to discuss what led to this controversial decision.

LINKS:

Why did Minneapolis close Nicollet Avenue for a Kmart?

]]> 1330 Why did Minnesota erase much of its German culture? Minnesota is known for its Scandinavian roots, which are apparent in everything from the Vikings football team to the Norwegian bachelor farmers of Lake Wobegon. But more residents report having German ancestry than Scandinavian. So why isn't that German heritage more reflected more in the state's culture? Reporter Greta Kaul joins host Eric Roper to discuss the effort to erase German culture in the state around World War I. LINKS: Why did Minnesota erase much of its German culture? Is Minnesota actually more German than Scandinavian? Fri, 19 Jul 2024 20:26:45 -0000 Why did Minnesota erase much of its German culture? full Minnesota Star Tribune Minnesota is known for its Scandinavian roots, but more residents report having German ancestry. Minnesota is known for its Scandinavian roots, which are apparent in everything from the Vikings football team to the Norwegian bachelor farmers of Lake Wobegon. But more residents report having German ancestry than Scandinavian. So why isn't that German heritage more reflected more in the state's culture? Reporter Greta Kaul joins host Eric Roper to discuss the effort to erase German culture in the state around World War I. LINKS: Why did Minnesota erase much of its German culture? Is Minnesota actually more German than Scandinavian? Minnesota is known for its Scandinavian roots, which are apparent in everything from the Vikings football team to the Norwegian bachelor farmers of Lake Wobegon. But more residents report having German ancestry than Scandinavian. So why isn't that German heritage more reflected more in the state's culture?

Reporter Greta Kaul joins host Eric Roper to discuss the effort to erase German culture in the state around World War I.

LINKS:

Why did Minnesota erase much of its German culture?

Is Minnesota actually more German than Scandinavian?

]]> 1224 What is the oldest tree in Minnesota? We've talked about some old things on the podcast, including the state's oldest building and one of the world's oldest rocks. Today's episode is about a journey to visit another Minnesota artifact: the state's oldest known tree. Star Tribune cartographer Jake Steinberg and photographer Anthony Soufflé join host Eric Roper to discuss their winter trip to the Boundary Waters to report on this topic. LINKS: This ancient tree is one of the oldest in Minnesota. The warming climate might kill it. Tue, 02 Jul 2024 19:20:00 -0000 What is the oldest tree in Minnesota? full Minnesota Star Tribune Star Tribune staffers took a winter journey to the Boundary Waters to visit this ancient Minnesota artifact. We've talked about some old things on the podcast, including the state's oldest building and one of the world's oldest rocks. Today's episode is about a journey to visit another Minnesota artifact: the state's oldest known tree. Star Tribune cartographer Jake Steinberg and photographer Anthony Soufflé join host Eric Roper to discuss their winter trip to the Boundary Waters to report on this topic. LINKS: This ancient tree is one of the oldest in Minnesota. The warming climate might kill it. We've talked about some old things on the podcast, including the state's oldest building and one of the world's oldest rocks. Today's episode is about a journey to visit another Minnesota artifact: the state's oldest known tree. Star Tribune cartographer Jake Steinberg and photographer Anthony Soufflé join host Eric Roper to discuss their winter trip to the Boundary Waters to report on this topic.

LINKS:

This ancient tree is one of the oldest in Minnesota. The warming climate might kill it.

]]> 1331 Emptying state institutions was supposed to help fix mental health care. What happened? Like many states, Minnesota shuttered the controversial institutions that once housed mentally ill people. But the plan to replace these facilities with new types of treatment options remains incomplete. Reporter Chris Snowbeck joins host Eric Roper to discuss the important and complex history of mental health care in Minnesota. LINKS: Emptying state institutions was supposed to help fix mental health care. What happened? Chris Snowbeck's 2023 series on mental health care: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3. Mon, 17 Jun 2024 21:50:00 -0000 Emptying state institutions was supposed to help fix mental health care. What happened? full Minnesota Star Tribune Like many states, Minnesota shuttered the controversial institutions that once housed mentally ill people. Like many states, Minnesota shuttered the controversial institutions that once housed mentally ill people. But the plan to replace these facilities with new types of treatment options remains incomplete. Reporter Chris Snowbeck joins host Eric Roper to discuss the important and complex history of mental health care in Minnesota. LINKS: Emptying state institutions was supposed to help fix mental health care. What happened? Chris Snowbeck's 2023 series on mental health care: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3. Like many states, Minnesota shuttered the controversial institutions that once housed mentally ill people. But the plan to replace these facilities with new types of treatment options remains incomplete. Reporter Chris Snowbeck joins host Eric Roper to discuss the important and complex history of mental health care in Minnesota.

LINKS:

Emptying state institutions was supposed to help fix mental health care. What happened?

Chris Snowbeck's 2023 series on mental health care: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3.

]]> 1588 How did gambling develop into a major industry in Minnesota? Minnesotans wanting to gamble have many options these days. They can visit a Native American casino, buy scratch-off games at a gas station, yank open pull-tabs at a bar or even play bingo at a church fish fry. But this is a fairly recent phenomenon. Reporter Alex Chhith joins host Eric Roper to discuss the history of gambling in Minnesota. LINKS: How did gambling develop into a major industry in Minnesota? Fri, 31 May 2024 17:31:02 -0000 How did gambling develop into a major industry in Minnesota? full Minnesota Star Tribune Minnesotans wanting to gamble have many options these days. But this is a fairly recent phenomenon. Minnesotans wanting to gamble have many options these days. They can visit a Native American casino, buy scratch-off games at a gas station, yank open pull-tabs at a bar or even play bingo at a church fish fry. But this is a fairly recent phenomenon. Reporter Alex Chhith joins host Eric Roper to discuss the history of gambling in Minnesota. LINKS: How did gambling develop into a major industry in Minnesota? Minnesotans wanting to gamble have many options these days. They can visit a Native American casino, buy scratch-off games at a gas station, yank open pull-tabs at a bar or even play bingo at a church fish fry. But this is a fairly recent phenomenon. Reporter Alex Chhith joins host Eric Roper to discuss the history of gambling in Minnesota.

LINKS:

How did gambling develop into a major industry in Minnesota?

]]> 960 Searching for Snoopy: What happened to all the 'Peanuts' statues in St. Paul? It was difficult to walk around downtown St. Paul in the early 2000s without running into Snoopy, Linus, Lucy and Charlie Brown. Over five summers, the "Peanuts on Parade" public art campaign peppered the beloved comic strip characters throughout creator Charles Schulz's hometown. Reporter Katie Galioto joins host Eric Roper to discuss the background of this project, and where some of these statues can be found today. LINKS: Searching for Snoopy: What happened to all the 'Peanuts' statues in St. Paul? Fri, 17 May 2024 16:59:22 -0000 Searching for Snoopy: What happened to all the 'Peanuts' statues in St. Paul? full Minnesota Star Tribune It was difficult to walk around downtown St. Paul in the early 2000s without running into Snoopy, Linus, Lucy and Charlie Brown. It was difficult to walk around downtown St. Paul in the early 2000s without running into Snoopy, Linus, Lucy and Charlie Brown. Over five summers, the "Peanuts on Parade" public art campaign peppered the beloved comic strip characters throughout creator Charles Schulz's hometown. Reporter Katie Galioto joins host Eric Roper to discuss the background of this project, and where some of these statues can be found today. LINKS: Searching for Snoopy: What happened to all the 'Peanuts' statues in St. Paul? It was difficult to walk around downtown St. Paul in the early 2000s without running into Snoopy, Linus, Lucy and Charlie Brown. Over five summers, the "Peanuts on Parade" public art campaign peppered the beloved comic strip characters throughout creator Charles Schulz's hometown. Reporter Katie Galioto joins host Eric Roper to discuss the background of this project, and where some of these statues can be found today.

LINKS:

Searching for Snoopy: What happened to all the 'Peanuts' statues in St. Paul?

]]> 1054 What Minnesota inventions have shaped modern life? Pacemakers, Post-it notes and Spam rank among the state's best-known inventions. But creative Minnesotans devised hundreds of other products we take for granted. Reporter Brooks Johnson dug into this issue for Curious Minnesota and found so many interesting Minnesota inventions that he wrote two stories. LINKS: What Minnesota inventions have shaped modern life? Skid-steers, Softsoap and Nerf: 8 more Minnesota inventions that changed the world Thu, 02 May 2024 21:16:16 -0000 What Minnesota inventions have shaped modern life? full Minnesota Star Tribune Creative Minnesotans devised hundreds of products we take for granted. Pacemakers, Post-it notes and Spam rank among the state's best-known inventions. But creative Minnesotans devised hundreds of other products we take for granted. Reporter Brooks Johnson dug into this issue for Curious Minnesota and found so many interesting Minnesota inventions that he wrote two stories. LINKS: What Minnesota inventions have shaped modern life? Skid-steers, Softsoap and Nerf: 8 more Minnesota inventions that changed the world Pacemakers, Post-it notes and Spam rank among the state's best-known inventions. But creative Minnesotans devised hundreds of other products we take for granted. Reporter Brooks Johnson dug into this issue for Curious Minnesota and found so many interesting Minnesota inventions that he wrote two stories.

LINKS:

What Minnesota inventions have shaped modern life?

Skid-steers, Softsoap and Nerf: 8 more Minnesota inventions that changed the world

]]> 1182 What roles did Minnesota's Native American chiefs play? And who were some notable ones? The familiar image of a stoic Native American chief wearing a headdress is in many ways a core American cultural stereotype. It has been memorialized in films and statutes, as well as exploited to sell cigarettes and motorcycles. But who are these celebrated figures of the past? Mark Boswell joins host Eric Roper to discuss the roles that Native American chiefs played and introduce some of the state's most prominent chiefs. LINKS: Garbage graphic / River wall graphic What roles did Minnesota's Native American chiefs play? And who were some notable ones? (February 2024 Curious Minnesota story) In the Footsteps of Little Crow (eBook) Fri, 19 Apr 2024 14:46:48 -0000 What roles did Minnesota's Native American chiefs play? And who were some notable ones? full Minnesota Star Tribune The familiar image of a stoic Native American chief wearing a headdress is in many ways a core American cultural stereotype. The familiar image of a stoic Native American chief wearing a headdress is in many ways a core American cultural stereotype. It has been memorialized in films and statutes, as well as exploited to sell cigarettes and motorcycles. But who are these celebrated figures of the past? Mark Boswell joins host Eric Roper to discuss the roles that Native American chiefs played and introduce some of the state's most prominent chiefs. LINKS: Garbage graphic / River wall graphic What roles did Minnesota's Native American chiefs play? And who were some notable ones? (February 2024 Curious Minnesota story) In the Footsteps of Little Crow (eBook) The familiar image of a stoic Native American chief wearing a headdress is in many ways a core American cultural stereotype. It has been memorialized in films and statutes, as well as exploited to sell cigarettes and motorcycles. But who are these celebrated figures of the past? Mark Boswell joins host Eric Roper to discuss the roles that Native American chiefs played and introduce some of the state's most prominent chiefs.

LINKS:

Garbage graphic / River wall graphic

What roles did Minnesota's Native American chiefs play? And who were some notable ones? (February 2024 Curious Minnesota story)

In the Footsteps of Little Crow (eBook)

]]> 1348 Why does Maplewood have such an odd shape? Maplewood arguably has the strangest border of any city in the Twin Cities metro area. Its L shape wraps around the northern and eastern edges of St. Paul. The origins of that border reveals an interesting history of development patterns in the east metro. Reporter Greta Kaul joins host Eric Roper to discuss how Maplewood was born out of leftover land -- and became home to a signature Minnesota company. LINKS: Why does Maplewood have such an odd shape? Why didn't Minneapolis gobble up its suburbs? (Podcast, May 2023) Why didn't Minneapolis gobble up its suburbs? (Story, March 2023) Thu, 04 Apr 2024 22:19:00 -0000 Why does Maplewood have such an odd shape? full Minnesota Star Tribune Maplewood arguably has the strangest border of any city in the Twin Cities metro area. Maplewood arguably has the strangest border of any city in the Twin Cities metro area. Its L shape wraps around the northern and eastern edges of St. Paul. The origins of that border reveals an interesting history of development patterns in the east metro. Reporter Greta Kaul joins host Eric Roper to discuss how Maplewood was born out of leftover land -- and became home to a signature Minnesota company. LINKS: Why does Maplewood have such an odd shape? Why didn't Minneapolis gobble up its suburbs? (Podcast, May 2023) Why didn't Minneapolis gobble up its suburbs? (Story, March 2023) Maplewood arguably has the strangest border of any city in the Twin Cities metro area. Its L shape wraps around the northern and eastern edges of St. Paul. The origins of that border reveals an interesting history of development patterns in the east metro. Reporter Greta Kaul joins host Eric Roper to discuss how Maplewood was born out of leftover land -- and became home to a signature Minnesota company.

LINKS:

Why does Maplewood have such an odd shape?

Why didn't Minneapolis gobble up its suburbs? (Podcast, May 2023)

Why didn't Minneapolis gobble up its suburbs? (Story, March 2023)

]]> 1083 How did Northfield become home to St. Olaf and Carleton colleges? St. Olaf and Carleton colleges have left a big mark on the world. Their alumni have reached the highest levels of entertainment, the arts, politics and the legal system. A reader wanted to know how these two prominent private colleges ended up in Northfield, a small city just south of the Twin Cities metro area. Reporter Trey Mewes, who wrote a story on this topic for Curious Minnesota, discusses the interesting tale behind these institutions with host Eric Roper.  LINKS: How did Northfield become home to St. Olaf and Carleton colleges? (February 2024 Curious Minnesota article) Fri, 22 Mar 2024 17:28:50 -0000 How did Northfield become home to St. Olaf and Carleton colleges? full Minnesota Star Tribune St. Olaf and Carleton colleges have left a big mark on the world. St. Olaf and Carleton colleges have left a big mark on the world. Their alumni have reached the highest levels of entertainment, the arts, politics and the legal system. A reader wanted to know how these two prominent private colleges ended up in Northfield, a small city just south of the Twin Cities metro area. Reporter Trey Mewes, who wrote a story on this topic for Curious Minnesota, discusses the interesting tale behind these institutions with host Eric Roper.  LINKS: How did Northfield become home to St. Olaf and Carleton colleges? (February 2024 Curious Minnesota article) St. Olaf and Carleton colleges have left a big mark on the world. Their alumni have reached the highest levels of entertainment, the arts, politics and the legal system. A reader wanted to know how these two prominent private colleges ended up in Northfield, a small city just south of the Twin Cities metro area.

Reporter Trey Mewes, who wrote a story on this topic for Curious Minnesota, discusses the interesting tale behind these institutions with host Eric Roper. 

LINKS:

How did Northfield become home to St. Olaf and Carleton colleges? (February 2024 Curious Minnesota article)

]]> 1195 Did union rules prevent Leonard Bernstein from joining the Minnesota Orchestra? Sometimes rejection is the beginning of an exciting new path in life. That's one takeaway from today's episode about Leonard Bernstein, who once planned to work at the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra (now the Minnesota Orchestra). Reporter Jenna Ross joins host Eric Roper to discuss how Bernstein's complex relationship with his mentor nearly landed him in Minnesota. LINKS: Did union rules prevent Leonard Bernstein from joining the Minnesota Orchestra? (January 2024 Curious Minnesota story) The Curious Minnesota Collection Fri, 08 Mar 2024 11:00:00 -0000 Did union rules prevent Leonard Bernstein from joining the Minnesota Orchestra? full Minnesota Star Tribune Sometimes rejection is the beginning of an exciting new path in life. Sometimes rejection is the beginning of an exciting new path in life. That's one takeaway from today's episode about Leonard Bernstein, who once planned to work at the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra (now the Minnesota Orchestra). Reporter Jenna Ross joins host Eric Roper to discuss how Bernstein's complex relationship with his mentor nearly landed him in Minnesota. LINKS: Did union rules prevent Leonard Bernstein from joining the Minnesota Orchestra? (January 2024 Curious Minnesota story) The Curious Minnesota Collection Sometimes rejection is the beginning of an exciting new path in life. That's one takeaway from today's episode about Leonard Bernstein, who once planned to work at the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra (now the Minnesota Orchestra). Reporter Jenna Ross joins host Eric Roper to discuss how Bernstein's complex relationship with his mentor nearly landed him in Minnesota.

LINKS:

Did union rules prevent Leonard Bernstein from joining the Minnesota Orchestra? (January 2024 Curious Minnesota story)

The Curious Minnesota Collection

]]> 1188 What does it mean when Minnesota courts sentence offenders to 'the workhouse'? It's not uncommon in Minnesota to see a news story about someone being sentenced to "the workhouse." But what is a workhouse? It turns out Minnesota is one of the only states still using this term, which describes unique facilities that are neither jails nor prisons. Reporter Kim Hyatt joins host Eric Roper to talk about what happens in a workhouse, who is sentenced there and the long history behind these correctional facilities. LINKS: What does it mean when Minnesota courts sentence offenders to 'the workhouse'? (February 2023 Curious Minnesota article) Fri, 23 Feb 2024 13:54:02 -0000 What does it mean when Minnesota courts sentence offenders to 'the workhouse'? full Minnesota Star Tribune It's not uncommon in Minnesota to see a news story about someone being sentenced to the workhouse. But what is a workhouse? It's not uncommon in Minnesota to see a news story about someone being sentenced to "the workhouse." But what is a workhouse? It turns out Minnesota is one of the only states still using this term, which describes unique facilities that are neither jails nor prisons. Reporter Kim Hyatt joins host Eric Roper to talk about what happens in a workhouse, who is sentenced there and the long history behind these correctional facilities. LINKS: What does it mean when Minnesota courts sentence offenders to 'the workhouse'? (February 2023 Curious Minnesota article) It's not uncommon in Minnesota to see a news story about someone being sentenced to "the workhouse." But what is a workhouse? It turns out Minnesota is one of the only states still using this term, which describes unique facilities that are neither jails nor prisons. Reporter Kim Hyatt joins host Eric Roper to talk about what happens in a workhouse, who is sentenced there and the long history behind these correctional facilities.

LINKS:

What does it mean when Minnesota courts sentence offenders to 'the workhouse'? (February 2023 Curious Minnesota article)


]]> 1214 What is Minnesota's deepest lake? Sometimes, what seems like a simple question unravels into something much more complex and surprising than we expected. That was the case with the question behind today's episode, regarding the deepest lake in Minnesota. Reporter Chloe Johnson and graphics artist Jake Steinberg join host Eric Roper to discuss their reporting journey to find which lake dips the lowest. LINKS: What is Minnesota's deepest lake? (November 2023 Curious Minnesota story) Thu, 01 Feb 2024 11:00:00 -0000 What is Minnesota's deepest lake? full Minnesota Star Tribune Sometimes, what seems like a simple question unravels into something much more complex and surprising than we expected. Sometimes, what seems like a simple question unravels into something much more complex and surprising than we expected. That was the case with the question behind today's episode, regarding the deepest lake in Minnesota. Reporter Chloe Johnson and graphics artist Jake Steinberg join host Eric Roper to discuss their reporting journey to find which lake dips the lowest. LINKS: What is Minnesota's deepest lake? (November 2023 Curious Minnesota story) Sometimes, what seems like a simple question unravels into something much more complex and surprising than we expected. That was the case with the question behind today's episode, regarding the deepest lake in Minnesota. Reporter Chloe Johnson and graphics artist Jake Steinberg join host Eric Roper to discuss their reporting journey to find which lake dips the lowest.

LINKS:

What is Minnesota's deepest lake? (November 2023 Curious Minnesota story)

]]> 904 How did Minnesota become the nation's top turkey state? Minnesota has been a national leader in turkey production since the 1950s, and No. 1 for the last two decades. That wouldn't have been possible without collaboration between farmers and researchers at the University of Minnesota. Christopher Vondracek joins host Eric Roper to discuss how Minnesota became such a turkey powerhouse. LINKS: How did Minnesota become the nation's top turkey state? (November 2023 Curious Minnesota article) Thu, 18 Jan 2024 17:16:54 -0000 How did Minnesota become the nation's top turkey state? full Minnesota Star Tribune Minnesota has been a national leader in turkey production since the 1950s, and No. 1 for the last two decades. Minnesota has been a national leader in turkey production since the 1950s, and No. 1 for the last two decades. That wouldn't have been possible without collaboration between farmers and researchers at the University of Minnesota. Christopher Vondracek joins host Eric Roper to discuss how Minnesota became such a turkey powerhouse. LINKS: How did Minnesota become the nation's top turkey state? (November 2023 Curious Minnesota article) Minnesota has been a national leader in turkey production since the 1950s, and No. 1 for the last two decades. That wouldn't have been possible without collaboration between farmers and researchers at the University of Minnesota. Christopher Vondracek joins host Eric Roper to discuss how Minnesota became such a turkey powerhouse.

LINKS:

How did Minnesota become the nation's top turkey state? (November 2023 Curious Minnesota article)

]]> 993 How much flour would it take to turn Lake Superior into bread? Our winning question from the State Fair required some serious mathematics to answer. But the bakers at Duluth's Best Bread were up to the challenge. Reporter Christa Lawler joined host Eric Roper to discuss the logistics behind the Lake Superior Loaf. LINKS: How much flour would it take to turn Lake Superior into bread? (October 2023 Curious Minnesota article) MetaFilter thread about the article Fri, 05 Jan 2024 11:00:00 -0000 How much flour would it take to turn Lake Superior into bread? full Minnesota Star Tribune Our winning question from the State Fair required some serious mathematics to answer. Our winning question from the State Fair required some serious mathematics to answer. But the bakers at Duluth's Best Bread were up to the challenge. Reporter Christa Lawler joined host Eric Roper to discuss the logistics behind the Lake Superior Loaf. LINKS: How much flour would it take to turn Lake Superior into bread? (October 2023 Curious Minnesota article) MetaFilter thread about the article Our winning question from the State Fair required some serious mathematics to answer. But the bakers at Duluth's Best Bread were up to the challenge. Reporter Christa Lawler joined host Eric Roper to discuss the logistics behind the Lake Superior Loaf.

LINKS:

How much flour would it take to turn Lake Superior into bread? (October 2023 Curious Minnesota article)

MetaFilter thread about the article

]]> 695 Did teenagers 'riot' when the Beatles stayed in downtown Minneapolis in 1965? The Beatles' 1965 concert in Bloomington was a memorable evening for many young fans. But that event was just the beginning of a long night for some ardent followers of the Fab Four. Reporter Zoë Jackson joins host Eric Roper to discuss what happened in downtown Minneapolis after the show. LINKS: Did teenagers 'riot' when the Beatles stayed in downtown Minneapolis in 1965? (June 2023 Curious Minnesota article) Minneapolis police press conference about the Beatles Fri, 15 Dec 2023 11:00:00 -0000 Did teenagers 'riot' when the Beatles stayed in downtown Minneapolis in 1965? full Minnesota Star Tribune The Beatles' 1965 concert in Bloomington was a memorable evening for many young fans. The Beatles' 1965 concert in Bloomington was a memorable evening for many young fans. But that event was just the beginning of a long night for some ardent followers of the Fab Four. Reporter Zoë Jackson joins host Eric Roper to discuss what happened in downtown Minneapolis after the show. LINKS: Did teenagers 'riot' when the Beatles stayed in downtown Minneapolis in 1965? (June 2023 Curious Minnesota article) Minneapolis police press conference about the Beatles The Beatles' 1965 concert in Bloomington was a memorable evening for many young fans. But that event was just the beginning of a long night for some ardent followers of the Fab Four. Reporter Zoë Jackson joins host Eric Roper to discuss what happened in downtown Minneapolis after the show.

LINKS:

Did teenagers 'riot' when the Beatles stayed in downtown Minneapolis in 1965? (June 2023 Curious Minnesota article)

Minneapolis police press conference about the Beatles

]]> 881 Did a Nazi sympathizer once represent Minnesota in the U.S. Senate? Ernest Lundeen spent three decades trying to succeed in Minnesota politics. But it was his final years as a U.S. Senator representing the state that have defined his legacy, since Lundeen was spreading Nazi propaganda in the runup to America's intervention in World War II. Kevin Duchschere discusses his Curious Minnesota article on Lundeen with host Eric Roper. LINKS: Did a Nazi sympathizer once represent Minnesota in the U.S. Senate? (February 2023 Curious Minnesota story) Fri, 01 Dec 2023 11:00:00 -0000 Did a Nazi sympathizer once represent Minnesota in the U.S. Senate? full Minnesota Star Tribune Ernest Lundeen spent three decades trying to succeed in Minnesota politics. Ernest Lundeen spent three decades trying to succeed in Minnesota politics. But it was his final years as a U.S. Senator representing the state that have defined his legacy, since Lundeen was spreading Nazi propaganda in the runup to America's intervention in World War II. Kevin Duchschere discusses his Curious Minnesota article on Lundeen with host Eric Roper. LINKS: Did a Nazi sympathizer once represent Minnesota in the U.S. Senate? (February 2023 Curious Minnesota story) Ernest Lundeen spent three decades trying to succeed in Minnesota politics. But it was his final years as a U.S. Senator representing the state that have defined his legacy, since Lundeen was spreading Nazi propaganda in the runup to America's intervention in World War II. Kevin Duchschere discusses his Curious Minnesota article on Lundeen with host Eric Roper.

LINKS:

Did a Nazi sympathizer once represent Minnesota in the U.S. Senate? (February 2023 Curious Minnesota story)

]]> 1324 How did Kid Cann become Minneapolis' most infamous gangster? Isadore Blumenfeld, a.k.a. Kid Cann, is the arguably biggest name in the criminal history of Minneapolis. He earned millions as a bootlegger during Prohibition and soon became a powerbroker in the city's corrupt political system. He was accused of many crimes -- which garnered big headlines in local papers -- but almost always beat the charges. Reporter Andy Mannix joins host Eric Roper to discuss his Curious Minnesota profile of Blumenfeld. How did Kid Cann become Minneapolis' most infamous gangster? (September 2023 Curious Minnesota article) Was organized crime behind the demise of streetcars in the Twin Cities? (December 2021 Curious Minnesota podcast) Fri, 17 Nov 2023 23:39:51 -0000 How did Kid Cann become Minneapolis' most infamous gangster? full Minnesota Star Tribune Isadore Blumenfeld, a.k.a. Kid Cann, is the arguably biggest name in the criminal history of Minneapolis. Isadore Blumenfeld, a.k.a. Kid Cann, is the arguably biggest name in the criminal history of Minneapolis. He earned millions as a bootlegger during Prohibition and soon became a powerbroker in the city's corrupt political system. He was accused of many crimes -- which garnered big headlines in local papers -- but almost always beat the charges. Reporter Andy Mannix joins host Eric Roper to discuss his Curious Minnesota profile of Blumenfeld. How did Kid Cann become Minneapolis' most infamous gangster? (September 2023 Curious Minnesota article) Was organized crime behind the demise of streetcars in the Twin Cities? (December 2021 Curious Minnesota podcast) Isadore Blumenfeld, a.k.a. Kid Cann, is the arguably biggest name in the criminal history of Minneapolis. He earned millions as a bootlegger during Prohibition and soon became a powerbroker in the city's corrupt political system. He was accused of many crimes -- which garnered big headlines in local papers -- but almost always beat the charges. Reporter Andy Mannix joins host Eric Roper to discuss his Curious Minnesota profile of Blumenfeld.

How did Kid Cann become Minneapolis' most infamous gangster? (September 2023 Curious Minnesota article)

Was organized crime behind the demise of streetcars in the Twin Cities? (December 2021 Curious Minnesota podcast)

]]> 1354 Was Moorhead once a drinking destination? Different laws -- and cultures -- sometimes collide at the borders between states. An example of this occurred in the late 1800s in the twin cities of Fargo and Moorhead, at the North Dakota-Minnesota border. North Dakota's prohibition on alcohol sent many people across the river seeking booze in Moorhead. Reporter Reid Forgrave joins host Eric Roper to discuss this interesting slice of Moorhead's history. LINKS: Forgrave's Curious Minnesota article (September 2023) Thu, 02 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0000 Was Moorhead once a drinking destination? full Minnesota Star Tribune Different laws -- and cultures -- sometimes collide at the borders between states. Different laws -- and cultures -- sometimes collide at the borders between states. An example of this occurred in the late 1800s in the twin cities of Fargo and Moorhead, at the North Dakota-Minnesota border. North Dakota's prohibition on alcohol sent many people across the river seeking booze in Moorhead. Reporter Reid Forgrave joins host Eric Roper to discuss this interesting slice of Moorhead's history. LINKS: Forgrave's Curious Minnesota article (September 2023) Different laws -- and cultures -- sometimes collide at the borders between states. An example of this occurred in the late 1800s in the twin cities of Fargo and Moorhead, at the North Dakota-Minnesota border. North Dakota's prohibition on alcohol sent many people across the river seeking booze in Moorhead. Reporter Reid Forgrave joins host Eric Roper to discuss this interesting slice of Moorhead's history.

LINKS:

Forgrave's Curious Minnesota article (September 2023)

]]> 1072 Why did Spam become an international sensation? Nearly 90 years since its invention in Minnesota, Spam's legacy extends far beyond the state. The pork product's importance during World War II gave it a large fanbase and spawned new international cuisine. Reporter Brooks Johnson joins host Eric Roper to discuss Spam's unique history. LINKS: Why did Spam become an international sensation? (August 2023 Curious Minnesota story) Thu, 19 Oct 2023 10:00:00 -0000 Why did Spam become an international sensation? full Minnesota Star Tribune Nearly 90 years since its invention in Minnesota, Spam's legacy extends far beyond the state. Nearly 90 years since its invention in Minnesota, Spam's legacy extends far beyond the state. The pork product's importance during World War II gave it a large fanbase and spawned new international cuisine. Reporter Brooks Johnson joins host Eric Roper to discuss Spam's unique history. LINKS: Why did Spam become an international sensation? (August 2023 Curious Minnesota story) Nearly 90 years since its invention in Minnesota, Spam's legacy extends far beyond the state. The pork product's importance during World War II gave it a large fanbase and spawned new international cuisine. Reporter Brooks Johnson joins host Eric Roper to discuss Spam's unique history.

LINKS:

Why did Spam become an international sensation? (August 2023 Curious Minnesota story)

]]> 1039 Why did Prince decide to live in Chanhassen? Prince was raised in Minneapolis, but settled in Chanhassen as his career blossomed. Why Chanhassen? Star Tribune music critic Jon Bream, who has been covering Prince since the 1970s, explains the backstory behind the musician's decision to live in the western Twin Cities suburbs. LINKS: Why did Prince decide to live in Chanhassen? (June 2023 Curious Minnesota story) Tell us your favorite State Fair question Fri, 06 Oct 2023 10:00:00 -0000 Why did Prince decide to live in Chanhassen? full Minnesota Star Tribune Prince was raised in Minneapolis, but settled in Chanhassen as his career blossomed. Prince was raised in Minneapolis, but settled in Chanhassen as his career blossomed. Why Chanhassen? Star Tribune music critic Jon Bream, who has been covering Prince since the 1970s, explains the backstory behind the musician's decision to live in the western Twin Cities suburbs. LINKS: Why did Prince decide to live in Chanhassen? (June 2023 Curious Minnesota story) Tell us your favorite State Fair question Prince was raised in Minneapolis, but settled in Chanhassen as his career blossomed. Why Chanhassen? Star Tribune music critic Jon Bream, who has been covering Prince since the 1970s, explains the backstory behind the musician's decision to live in the western Twin Cities suburbs.

LINKS:

Why did Prince decide to live in Chanhassen? (June 2023 Curious Minnesota story)

Tell us your favorite State Fair question

]]> 1215 State Fair attendees tell us their Minnesota questions No event is more quintessentially Minnesotan than the State Fair. So it was important that Curious Minnesota be there to hear what was on fairgoers' minds. We set up shop at the Star Tribune's State Fair building on September 2. In the morning, we solicited questions from fairgoers. We put many of these questions on a large board. In the afternoon, we asked people to vote on their favorite question. Let us know which question is your favorite in this poll. Fri, 22 Sep 2023 11:12:44 -0000 State Fair attendees tell us their Minnesota questions full Minnesota Star Tribune Vote on your favorite question that we received at the Great Minnesota Get-Together. No event is more quintessentially Minnesotan than the State Fair. So it was important that Curious Minnesota be there to hear what was on fairgoers' minds. We set up shop at the Star Tribune's State Fair building on September 2. In the morning, we solicited questions from fairgoers. We put many of these questions on a large board. In the afternoon, we asked people to vote on their favorite question. Let us know which question is your favorite in this poll. No event is more quintessentially Minnesotan than the State Fair. So it was important that Curious Minnesota be there to hear what was on fairgoers' minds.

We set up shop at the Star Tribune's State Fair building on September 2. In the morning, we solicited questions from fairgoers. We put many of these questions on a large board. In the afternoon, we asked people to vote on their favorite question.

Let us know which question is your favorite in this poll.

]]> 451 Why is Minnesota such a hotbed of professional wrestling? Minnesota features prominently in the history of professional wrestling. Minneapolis was a prominent "hub" for the sport before promotions like the WWE made it a worldwide sensation. Reporter Stephen Montemayor joins host Eric Roper to discuss pro wrestling's background in the state. LINKS: Why is Minnesota such a hotbed of professional wrestling? (June 2023 Curious Minnesota story) Fri, 08 Sep 2023 16:02:51 -0000 Why is Minnesota such a hotbed of professional wrestling? full Minnesota Star Tribune Minneapolis was a prominent "hub" for the sport before promotions like the WWE made it a worldwide sensation. Minnesota features prominently in the history of professional wrestling. Minneapolis was a prominent "hub" for the sport before promotions like the WWE made it a worldwide sensation. Reporter Stephen Montemayor joins host Eric Roper to discuss pro wrestling's background in the state. LINKS: Why is Minnesota such a hotbed of professional wrestling? (June 2023 Curious Minnesota story) Minnesota features prominently in the history of professional wrestling. Minneapolis was a prominent "hub" for the sport before promotions like the WWE made it a worldwide sensation. Reporter Stephen Montemayor joins host Eric Roper to discuss pro wrestling's background in the state.

LINKS:

Why is Minnesota such a hotbed of professional wrestling? (June 2023 Curious Minnesota story)


]]> 1079 Curious Minnesota at the State Fair this Saturday Saturday, September 2 is Curious Minnesota Day at the Star Tribune's State Fair building! Stop by anytime between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. We will be soliciting questions from fairgoers in the morning and asking people to vote on their favorite questions in the afternoon. Tue, 29 Aug 2023 16:53:01 -0000 Curious Minnesota at the State Fair this Saturday full Minnesota Star Tribune Saturday, September 2 is Curious Minnesota Day at the Star Tribune's State Fair building! Saturday, September 2 is Curious Minnesota Day at the Star Tribune's State Fair building! Stop by anytime between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. We will be soliciting questions from fairgoers in the morning and asking people to vote on their favorite questions in the afternoon. Saturday, September 2 is Curious Minnesota Day at the Star Tribune's State Fair building! Stop by anytime between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. We will be soliciting questions from fairgoers in the morning and asking people to vote on their favorite questions in the afternoon.

]]> 50 Why did Minnesota once require margarine to be dyed pink? The introduction of margarine in the United States in the late 1800s was very controversial in butter-producing states like Minnesota. Prompted by fears that margarine would undercut butter in the marketplace, lawmakers in Minnesota and elsewhere imposed taxes and regulations to tamp down margarine's success -- including a requirement that it be dyed pink. Reporter Brooks Johnson joins host Eric Roper to discuss this surprising tale from Minnesota history. LINKS: Why did Minnesota once require margarine to be dyed pink? (June 2023 Curious Minnesota story) Thu, 24 Aug 2023 10:00:00 -0000 Why did Minnesota once require margarine to be dyed pink? full Minnesota Star Tribune The introduction of margarine in the United States in the late 1800s was very controversial in butter-producing states like Minnesota. The introduction of margarine in the United States in the late 1800s was very controversial in butter-producing states like Minnesota. Prompted by fears that margarine would undercut butter in the marketplace, lawmakers in Minnesota and elsewhere imposed taxes and regulations to tamp down margarine's success -- including a requirement that it be dyed pink. Reporter Brooks Johnson joins host Eric Roper to discuss this surprising tale from Minnesota history. LINKS: Why did Minnesota once require margarine to be dyed pink? (June 2023 Curious Minnesota story) The introduction of margarine in the United States in the late 1800s was very controversial in butter-producing states like Minnesota. Prompted by fears that margarine would undercut butter in the marketplace, lawmakers in Minnesota and elsewhere imposed taxes and regulations to tamp down margarine's success -- including a requirement that it be dyed pink. Reporter Brooks Johnson joins host Eric Roper to discuss this surprising tale from Minnesota history.

LINKS:

Why did Minnesota once require margarine to be dyed pink? (June 2023 Curious Minnesota story)

]]> 1218 How did Tonka trucks get their start in Minnesota? Many people alive today have memories of Tonka trucks, which have been an enduring element of the children's toy market for more than 70 years. Now owned by Hasbro, these realistic metal toys were invented and once manufactured in the western Twin Cities suburb of Mound. Reporter Nick Williams joins host Eric Roper to discuss how Tonka got its start in Minnesota. LINKS: How did Tonka trucks get their start in Minnesota? (April 2023 Curious Minnesota story) Thu, 29 Jun 2023 22:25:52 -0000 How did Tonka trucks get their start in Minnesota? full Minnesota Star Tribune Many people alive today have memories of Tonka trucks, which have been an enduring element of the children's toy market for more than 70 years. Many people alive today have memories of Tonka trucks, which have been an enduring element of the children's toy market for more than 70 years. Now owned by Hasbro, these realistic metal toys were invented and once manufactured in the western Twin Cities suburb of Mound. Reporter Nick Williams joins host Eric Roper to discuss how Tonka got its start in Minnesota. LINKS: How did Tonka trucks get their start in Minnesota? (April 2023 Curious Minnesota story) Many people alive today have memories of Tonka trucks, which have been an enduring element of the children's toy market for more than 70 years. Now owned by Hasbro, these realistic metal toys were invented and once manufactured in the western Twin Cities suburb of Mound. Reporter Nick Williams joins host Eric Roper to discuss how Tonka got its start in Minnesota.

LINKS:

How did Tonka trucks get their start in Minnesota? (April 2023 Curious Minnesota story)

]]> 1078 Inside the mines and megamachines of the Iron Range Minnesota's Iron Range essentially fueled America's success story as the country's largest source of iron ore. Curious Minnesota journeyed north to U.S. Steel's Keetac taconite mine to see how some of the state's largest machines make the raw ingredients for American steel. The trip was inspired by the Munson family's quest to find the state's largest machine, which was the subject of a January Curious Minnesota column. LINKS: What is the largest machine in Minnesota? (January 2023 Curious Minnesota story) Inside the mines and megamachines of the Iron Range (May 2023 Curious Minnesota story) Mon, 19 Jun 2023 15:32:30 -0000 Inside the mines and megamachines of the Iron Range full Minnesota Star Tribune Minnesota's Iron Range essentially fueled America's success story as the country's largest source of iron ore. Minnesota's Iron Range essentially fueled America's success story as the country's largest source of iron ore. Curious Minnesota journeyed north to U.S. Steel's Keetac taconite mine to see how some of the state's largest machines make the raw ingredients for American steel. The trip was inspired by the Munson family's quest to find the state's largest machine, which was the subject of a January Curious Minnesota column. LINKS: What is the largest machine in Minnesota? (January 2023 Curious Minnesota story) Inside the mines and megamachines of the Iron Range (May 2023 Curious Minnesota story) Minnesota's Iron Range essentially fueled America's success story as the country's largest source of iron ore. Curious Minnesota journeyed north to U.S. Steel's Keetac taconite mine to see how some of the state's largest machines make the raw ingredients for American steel. The trip was inspired by the Munson family's quest to find the state's largest machine, which was the subject of a January Curious Minnesota column.

LINKS:

What is the largest machine in Minnesota? (January 2023 Curious Minnesota story)

Inside the mines and megamachines of the Iron Range (May 2023 Curious Minnesota story)

]]> 949 Why didn't Minneapolis and St. Paul ever merge? It was once considered "manifest destiny" that Minneapolis and St. Paul would become one city. A conjoined municipality would have a population similar to Seattle and Denver. But this idea never took off, despite simmering in the public discourse for many decades. The Star Tribune's Kevin Duchschere joins host Eric Roper to discuss why the central cities of the Twin Cities region remained separate. LINKS: Why didn't Minneapolis and St. Paul ever merge? (March 2023 Curious Minnesota article) Fri, 02 Jun 2023 18:04:35 -0000 Why didn't Minneapolis and St. Paul ever merge? full Minnesota Star Tribune It was once considered "manifest destiny" that Minneapolis and St. Paul would become one city. It was once considered "manifest destiny" that Minneapolis and St. Paul would become one city. A conjoined municipality would have a population similar to Seattle and Denver. But this idea never took off, despite simmering in the public discourse for many decades. The Star Tribune's Kevin Duchschere joins host Eric Roper to discuss why the central cities of the Twin Cities region remained separate. LINKS: Why didn't Minneapolis and St. Paul ever merge? (March 2023 Curious Minnesota article) It was once considered "manifest destiny" that Minneapolis and St. Paul would become one city. A conjoined municipality would have a population similar to Seattle and Denver. But this idea never took off, despite simmering in the public discourse for many decades. The Star Tribune's Kevin Duchschere joins host Eric Roper to discuss why the central cities of the Twin Cities region remained separate.

LINKS:

Why didn't Minneapolis and St. Paul ever merge? (March 2023 Curious Minnesota article)

]]> 1176 Why does Minnesota have municipal liquor stores? In some parts of Minnesota, buying a case of beer or a bottle of wine means visiting a city-owned liquor store -- or "muni." Minnesota's law allowing cities to have a monopoly over liquor sales within their boundaries is unlike most other states. Host Eric Roper talks with Maya Marchel Hoff about the Prohibition-era history behind Minnesota's municipal liquor stores. LINKS: Why does Minnesota have municipal liquor stores? (March 2023 Curious Minnesota article) Detailed information about how each "control state" regulates alcohol (National Alcohol Beverage Control Association) Fri, 19 May 2023 16:00:38 -0000 Why does Minnesota have municipal liquor stores? full Minnesota Star Tribune Minnesota's law allowing cities to have a monopoly over liquor sales within their boundaries is unlike most other states. In some parts of Minnesota, buying a case of beer or a bottle of wine means visiting a city-owned liquor store -- or "muni." Minnesota's law allowing cities to have a monopoly over liquor sales within their boundaries is unlike most other states. Host Eric Roper talks with Maya Marchel Hoff about the Prohibition-era history behind Minnesota's municipal liquor stores. LINKS: Why does Minnesota have municipal liquor stores? (March 2023 Curious Minnesota article) Detailed information about how each "control state" regulates alcohol (National Alcohol Beverage Control Association) In some parts of Minnesota, buying a case of beer or a bottle of wine means visiting a city-owned liquor store -- or "muni." Minnesota's law allowing cities to have a monopoly over liquor sales within their boundaries is unlike most other states. Host Eric Roper talks with Maya Marchel Hoff about the Prohibition-era history behind Minnesota's municipal liquor stores.

LINKS:

Why does Minnesota have municipal liquor stores? (March 2023 Curious Minnesota article)

Detailed information about how each "control state" regulates alcohol (National Alcohol Beverage Control Association)

]]> 745 Why didn't Minneapolis gobble up its suburbs? Minnesota's largest city, Minneapolis, is much smaller than cities elsewhere in the country that it considers peers -- like Seattle and Denver. This is partly because the city did not annex its surrounding suburbs. (It is also because Minneapolis and St. Paul never merged, a topic for a future episode.) Eric Roper joins host Ash Miller to discuss why the greater Minneapolis area fragmented into a web of small cities -- instead of consolidating into a larger municipality. LINKS: Why didn't Minneapolis gobble up its suburbs? (March 2023 Curious Minnesota article) Fri, 05 May 2023 18:03:50 -0000 Why didn't Minneapolis gobble up its suburbs? full Minnesota Star Tribune Minnesota's largest city, Minneapolis, is much smaller than cities elsewhere in the country that it considers peers -- like Seattle and Denver. Minnesota's largest city, Minneapolis, is much smaller than cities elsewhere in the country that it considers peers -- like Seattle and Denver. This is partly because the city did not annex its surrounding suburbs. (It is also because Minneapolis and St. Paul never merged, a topic for a future episode.) Eric Roper joins host Ash Miller to discuss why the greater Minneapolis area fragmented into a web of small cities -- instead of consolidating into a larger municipality. LINKS: Why didn't Minneapolis gobble up its suburbs? (March 2023 Curious Minnesota article) Minnesota's largest city, Minneapolis, is much smaller than cities elsewhere in the country that it considers peers -- like Seattle and Denver. This is partly because the city did not annex its surrounding suburbs. (It is also because Minneapolis and St. Paul never merged, a topic for a future episode.) Eric Roper joins host Ash Miller to discuss why the greater Minneapolis area fragmented into a web of small cities -- instead of consolidating into a larger municipality.

LINKS:

Why didn't Minneapolis gobble up its suburbs? (March 2023 Curious Minnesota article)

]]> 1133 Did a famed parks leader import gray squirrels to Minneapolis — and have the red ones killed? Gray squirrels are so plentiful in cities today that it is difficult to imagine urban life without them. But their introduction to Minneapolis parks in the early 1900s was carefully orchestrated by park superintendent Theodore Wirth. Reporter Susan Du joins host Eric Roper to discuss how Wirth supplanted red squirrels with gray ones -- and the pitfalls of attempting to control nature. LINKS: Did a famed parks leader import gray squirrels to Minneapolis — and have the red ones killed? (January 2023 Curious Minnesota story) Fri, 21 Apr 2023 18:24:08 -0000 Did a famed parks leader import gray squirrels to Minneapolis — and have the red ones killed? full Minnesota Star Tribune Grey squirrels are so plentiful in cities today that it is difficult to imagine urban life without them. Gray squirrels are so plentiful in cities today that it is difficult to imagine urban life without them. But their introduction to Minneapolis parks in the early 1900s was carefully orchestrated by park superintendent Theodore Wirth. Reporter Susan Du joins host Eric Roper to discuss how Wirth supplanted red squirrels with gray ones -- and the pitfalls of attempting to control nature. LINKS: Did a famed parks leader import gray squirrels to Minneapolis — and have the red ones killed? (January 2023 Curious Minnesota story) Gray squirrels are so plentiful in cities today that it is difficult to imagine urban life without them. But their introduction to Minneapolis parks in the early 1900s was carefully orchestrated by park superintendent Theodore Wirth. Reporter Susan Du joins host Eric Roper to discuss how Wirth supplanted red squirrels with gray ones -- and the pitfalls of attempting to control nature.

LINKS:

Did a famed parks leader import gray squirrels to Minneapolis — and have the red ones killed? (January 2023 Curious Minnesota story)

]]> 980 Why was the utopian plan for Minneapolis' Cedar-Riverside area never built? The towers now known as Riverside Plaza are among the most recognizable buildings in Minneapolis. Their colorful panels make them easy to spot from the busy freeways that surround the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood. But these buildings were supposed to be just the first phase an ambitious, utopian plan to transform this area. What happened? Adelie Bergström joins host Eric Roper to discuss why this controversial vision fell apart in the 1970s. LINKS: Why was the utopian plan for Minneapolis' Cedar-Riverside area never built? (February 2023 Curious Minnesota story) How did the Twin Cities become a hub for Somali immigrants? (January 2020 Curious Minnesota podcast) A photo of the Cedar-Riverside area in 1966. Fri, 07 Apr 2023 14:45:28 -0000 Why was the utopian plan for Minneapolis' Cedar-Riverside area never built? full Minnesota Star Tribune The towers now known as Riverside Plaza are among the most recognizable buildings in Minneapolis. The towers now known as Riverside Plaza are among the most recognizable buildings in Minneapolis. Their colorful panels make them easy to spot from the busy freeways that surround the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood. But these buildings were supposed to be just the first phase an ambitious, utopian plan to transform this area. What happened? Adelie Bergström joins host Eric Roper to discuss why this controversial vision fell apart in the 1970s. LINKS: Why was the utopian plan for Minneapolis' Cedar-Riverside area never built? (February 2023 Curious Minnesota story) How did the Twin Cities become a hub for Somali immigrants? (January 2020 Curious Minnesota podcast) A photo of the Cedar-Riverside area in 1966. The towers now known as Riverside Plaza are among the most recognizable buildings in Minneapolis. Their colorful panels make them easy to spot from the busy freeways that surround the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood. But these buildings were supposed to be just the first phase an ambitious, utopian plan to transform this area. What happened? Adelie Bergström joins host Eric Roper to discuss why this controversial vision fell apart in the 1970s.

LINKS:

Why was the utopian plan for Minneapolis' Cedar-Riverside area never built? (February 2023 Curious Minnesota story)

How did the Twin Cities become a hub for Somali immigrants? (January 2020 Curious Minnesota podcast)

A photo of the Cedar-Riverside area in 1966.

]]> 1451 What happened to Minneapolis' famous Weatherball? Many Minnesotans today grew up when the Weatherball was one of the most prominent landmarks of Minneapolis' skyline. The massive sign stood atop the Northwestern National Bank building between 1949 and 1983. John Reinan joins host Eric Roper to discuss where this well-known Twin Cities artifact ended up, and its history in downtown. LINKS: What happened to Minneapolis' famous Weatherball? (February 2023 Curious Minnesota story) Fri, 24 Mar 2023 15:03:00 -0000 What happened to Minneapolis' famous Weatherball? full Minnesota Star Tribune Many Minnesotans today grew up when the Weatherball was one of the most prominent landmarks of Minneapolis' skyline. Many Minnesotans today grew up when the Weatherball was one of the most prominent landmarks of Minneapolis' skyline. The massive sign stood atop the Northwestern National Bank building between 1949 and 1983. John Reinan joins host Eric Roper to discuss where this well-known Twin Cities artifact ended up, and its history in downtown. LINKS: What happened to Minneapolis' famous Weatherball? (February 2023 Curious Minnesota story) Many Minnesotans today grew up when the Weatherball was one of the most prominent landmarks of Minneapolis' skyline. The massive sign stood atop the Northwestern National Bank building between 1949 and 1983. John Reinan joins host Eric Roper to discuss where this well-known Twin Cities artifact ended up, and its history in downtown.

LINKS:

What happened to Minneapolis' famous Weatherball? (February 2023 Curious Minnesota story)

]]> 955 How a Twin Cities ammunition factory dominated by women helped U.S. win WWII Billions of bullets flowed from the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant in Arden Hills in its heyday during World War II. The campus was home to about 25,000 employees during the war, about half of them women. Today it is one of the largest shovel-ready development sites in the metro area. Shannon Prather joins host Eric Roper to discuss the unique history of the plant. LINKS: How a Twin Cities ammunition factory dominated by women helped U.S. win WWII (January 2023 Curious Minnesota article) Fri, 10 Mar 2023 19:56:36 -0000 How a Twin Cities ammunition factory dominated by women helped U.S. win WWII full Minnesota Star Tribune Billions of bullets flowed from the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant in Arden Hills in its heyday during World War II. Billions of bullets flowed from the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant in Arden Hills in its heyday during World War II. The campus was home to about 25,000 employees during the war, about half of them women. Today it is one of the largest shovel-ready development sites in the metro area. Shannon Prather joins host Eric Roper to discuss the unique history of the plant. LINKS: How a Twin Cities ammunition factory dominated by women helped U.S. win WWII (January 2023 Curious Minnesota article) Billions of bullets flowed from the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant in Arden Hills in its heyday during World War II. The campus was home to about 25,000 employees during the war, about half of them women. Today it is one of the largest shovel-ready development sites in the metro area. Shannon Prather joins host Eric Roper to discuss the unique history of the plant.

LINKS:

How a Twin Cities ammunition factory dominated by women helped U.S. win WWII (January 2023 Curious Minnesota article)

]]> 921 Why was the Mall of America built in Minnesota? The Mall of America is one of Minnesota's most well-known landmarks, three decades after it was built in Bloomington. But why was the country's largest indoor shopping center constructed in Minnesota? Nadine Manske joins host Eric Roper to discuss the history of this unique place. LINKS: Why was the Mall of America built in Minnesota? (December 2022 Curious Minnesota article) Thu, 23 Feb 2023 18:34:44 -0000 Why was the Mall of America built in Minnesota? full Minnesota Star Tribune The Mall of America is one of Minnesota's most well-known landmarks, three decades after it was built in Bloomington. The Mall of America is one of Minnesota's most well-known landmarks, three decades after it was built in Bloomington. But why was the country's largest indoor shopping center constructed in Minnesota? Nadine Manske joins host Eric Roper to discuss the history of this unique place. LINKS: Why was the Mall of America built in Minnesota? (December 2022 Curious Minnesota article) The Mall of America is one of Minnesota's most well-known landmarks, three decades after it was built in Bloomington. But why was the country's largest indoor shopping center constructed in Minnesota? Nadine Manske joins host Eric Roper to discuss the history of this unique place.

LINKS:

Why was the Mall of America built in Minnesota? (December 2022 Curious Minnesota article)

]]> 826 Why does Minnesota sometimes get colder than the North Pole? Let's talk about Minnesota's favorite topic: The weather. Minnesota's bitter winters are part of the state's national identity. But how cold is it, really? Is it really colder than the North Pole? Ash Miller talks to Eric Roper about why the answer isn't as simple as it may seem. Why does Minnesota sometimes get colder than the North Pole? (December 2021 Curious Minnesota story) Read about the coldest day in Minnesota history (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources) Thu, 09 Feb 2023 20:18:41 -0000 Why does Minnesota sometimes get colder than the North Pole? full Minnesota Star Tribune Minnesota's bitter winters are part of the state's national identity. But how cold is it, really? Let's talk about Minnesota's favorite topic: The weather. Minnesota's bitter winters are part of the state's national identity. But how cold is it, really? Is it really colder than the North Pole? Ash Miller talks to Eric Roper about why the answer isn't as simple as it may seem. Why does Minnesota sometimes get colder than the North Pole? (December 2021 Curious Minnesota story) Read about the coldest day in Minnesota history (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources) Let's talk about Minnesota's favorite topic: The weather. Minnesota's bitter winters are part of the state's national identity. But how cold is it, really? Is it really colder than the North Pole? Ash Miller talks to Eric Roper about why the answer isn't as simple as it may seem.

Why does Minnesota sometimes get colder than the North Pole? (December 2021 Curious Minnesota story)

Read about the coldest day in Minnesota history (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources)

]]> 515 How did Minnesota become a window manufacturing hub? Minnesota's largest window companies, Marvin and Andersen Windows & Doors, are well known across the nation. The state actually has the second-highest concentration of window and door manufacturing jobs in the country. So how did Minnesota become a window hub? Reporter Nick Williams joins host Eric Roper to discuss the industry's history in the state. LINKS: SURVEY: Help us improve the Curious Minnesota podcast How did Minnesota become a window manufacturing hub? (August 2022 Curious Minnesota story) Thu, 26 Jan 2023 18:44:48 -0000 How did Minnesota become a window manufacturing hub? full Minnesota Star Tribune Minnesota's largest window companies, Marvin and Andersen Windows & Doors, are well known across the nation. Minnesota's largest window companies, Marvin and Andersen Windows & Doors, are well known across the nation. The state actually has the second-highest concentration of window and door manufacturing jobs in the country. So how did Minnesota become a window hub? Reporter Nick Williams joins host Eric Roper to discuss the industry's history in the state. LINKS: SURVEY: Help us improve the Curious Minnesota podcast How did Minnesota become a window manufacturing hub? (August 2022 Curious Minnesota story) Minnesota's largest window companies, Marvin and Andersen Windows & Doors, are well known across the nation. The state actually has the second-highest concentration of window and door manufacturing jobs in the country. So how did Minnesota become a window hub? Reporter Nick Williams joins host Eric Roper to discuss the industry's history in the state.

LINKS:

SURVEY: Help us improve the Curious Minnesota podcast

How did Minnesota become a window manufacturing hub? (August 2022 Curious Minnesota story)

]]> 810 Why are there so many stucco homes in the Twin Cities? About 45% of single-family homes in Minneapolis have stucco siding, along with nearly a third of the homes in St. Paul. What's behind this trend among older homes in the Twin Cities? Reporter Nancy Ngo joins host Eric Roper to discuss the reasons the region has so many stucco homes. LINKS: SURVEY: Help us improve the Curious Minnesota podcast Why are there so many stucco homes in the Twin Cities? (April 2022 Curious Minnesota story) Fri, 13 Jan 2023 19:27:00 -0000 Why are there so many stucco homes in the Twin Cities? full Minnesota Star Tribune About 45% of single-family homes in Minneapolis have stucco siding, along with nearly a third of the homes in St. Paul. About 45% of single-family homes in Minneapolis have stucco siding, along with nearly a third of the homes in St. Paul. What's behind this trend among older homes in the Twin Cities? Reporter Nancy Ngo joins host Eric Roper to discuss the reasons the region has so many stucco homes. LINKS: SURVEY: Help us improve the Curious Minnesota podcast Why are there so many stucco homes in the Twin Cities? (April 2022 Curious Minnesota story) About 45% of single-family homes in Minneapolis have stucco siding, along with nearly a third of the homes in St. Paul. What's behind this trend among older homes in the Twin Cities? Reporter Nancy Ngo joins host Eric Roper to discuss the reasons the region has so many stucco homes.

LINKS:

SURVEY: Help us improve the Curious Minnesota podcast

Why are there so many stucco homes in the Twin Cities? (April 2022 Curious Minnesota story)

]]> 926 Minnesota companies once dominated the supercomputer industry. What happened? Like in flour and lumber milling, Minnesota companies once dominated the field of supercomputing. Firms like Univac, Control Data and Cray Research built some of the fastest computers in the world. But their success didn't last, despite the growth of the computer industry overall. Evan Ramstad joins host Eric Roper to discuss the origins of these companies, and why they faded from the spotlight. LINKS: Minnesota companies once dominated the supercomputer industry. What happened? (November 2022 Curious Minnesota story) Thu, 29 Dec 2022 19:57:00 -0000 Minnesota companies once dominated the supercomputer industry. What happened? full Minnesota Star Tribune Firms like Univac, Control Data and Cray Research built some of the fastest computers in the world. Like in flour and lumber milling, Minnesota companies once dominated the field of supercomputing. Firms like Univac, Control Data and Cray Research built some of the fastest computers in the world. But their success didn't last, despite the growth of the computer industry overall. Evan Ramstad joins host Eric Roper to discuss the origins of these companies, and why they faded from the spotlight. LINKS: Minnesota companies once dominated the supercomputer industry. What happened? (November 2022 Curious Minnesota story) Like in flour and lumber milling, Minnesota companies once dominated the field of supercomputing. Firms like Univac, Control Data and Cray Research built some of the fastest computers in the world. But their success didn't last, despite the growth of the computer industry overall.

Evan Ramstad joins host Eric Roper to discuss the origins of these companies, and why they faded from the spotlight.

LINKS:

Minnesota companies once dominated the supercomputer industry. What happened? (November 2022 Curious Minnesota story)

]]> 1008 Why did Finnish immigrants come to Minnesota? (And no, they're not Scandinavian) Minnesota has more residents of Finnish ancestry than any other state. That's the result of mass immigration from Finland that occurred in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The story of Finns immigrating to Minnesota is distinct from the Swedes and Norwegians. Eric Roper, who wrote a story on this topic, discusses the reasons why with Ash Miller. LINKS: Why did Finnish immigrants come to Minnesota? (And no, they're not Scandinavian) Thu, 15 Dec 2022 19:04:00 -0000 Why did Finnish immigrants come to Minnesota? (And no, they're not Scandinavian) full Minnesota Star Tribune Minnesota has more residents of Finnish ancestry than any other state. Minnesota has more residents of Finnish ancestry than any other state. That's the result of mass immigration from Finland that occurred in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The story of Finns immigrating to Minnesota is distinct from the Swedes and Norwegians. Eric Roper, who wrote a story on this topic, discusses the reasons why with Ash Miller. LINKS: Why did Finnish immigrants come to Minnesota? (And no, they're not Scandinavian) Minnesota has more residents of Finnish ancestry than any other state. That's the result of mass immigration from Finland that occurred in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The story of Finns immigrating to Minnesota is distinct from the Swedes and Norwegians. Eric Roper, who wrote a story on this topic, discusses the reasons why with Ash Miller.

LINKS:

Why did Finnish immigrants come to Minnesota? (And no, they're not Scandinavian)

]]> 1101 Did a TV debate decide one of Minnesota's most scandalous elections? It has been more than 30 years since one of the most bizarre elections in recent Minnesota history. The Republican-endorsed candidate for governor, Jon Grunseth, withdrew from the race just days before Election Day amid a cloud of allegations. His last-minute replacement on the ballot, Arne Carlson, went on to defeat DFL incumbent Rudy Perpich -- the state's longest-serving governor. Reporter Randy Furst joins Eric Roper to discuss the campaign and a television debate that may have impacted the outcome of the election. Debate clip used with permission by Twin Cities Public Television. LINKS: Did a TV debate decide one of Minnesota's most scandalous elections? (September 2022 Curious Minnesota story) Fri, 02 Dec 2022 21:01:50 -0000 Did a TV debate decide one of Minnesota's most scandalous elections? full Minnesota Star Tribune Reporter Randy Furst joins Eric Roper to discuss the 1990 gubernatorial campaign. It has been more than 30 years since one of the most bizarre elections in recent Minnesota history. The Republican-endorsed candidate for governor, Jon Grunseth, withdrew from the race just days before Election Day amid a cloud of allegations. His last-minute replacement on the ballot, Arne Carlson, went on to defeat DFL incumbent Rudy Perpich -- the state's longest-serving governor. Reporter Randy Furst joins Eric Roper to discuss the campaign and a television debate that may have impacted the outcome of the election. Debate clip used with permission by Twin Cities Public Television. LINKS: Did a TV debate decide one of Minnesota's most scandalous elections? (September 2022 Curious Minnesota story) It has been more than 30 years since one of the most bizarre elections in recent Minnesota history. The Republican-endorsed candidate for governor, Jon Grunseth, withdrew from the race just days before Election Day amid a cloud of allegations. His last-minute replacement on the ballot, Arne Carlson, went on to defeat DFL incumbent Rudy Perpich -- the state's longest-serving governor. Reporter Randy Furst joins Eric Roper to discuss the campaign and a television debate that may have impacted the outcome of the election.

Debate clip used with permission by Twin Cities Public Television.

LINKS:

Did a TV debate decide one of Minnesota's most scandalous elections? (September 2022 Curious Minnesota story)

]]> 1232 Who was Hennepin and why did Minnesota name so many things after him? Father Louis Hennepin's name is prevalent around the Twin Cities. The state's most populous county is named after this 17th century Catholic priest, as are a prominent Minneapolis avenue and countless public facilities. So who was Father Hennepin? Kevin Duchschere joins Ash Miller to discuss Hennepin's travels in Minnesota, and why his name became so closely affiliated with the area. LINKS: Who was Hennepin and why did Minnesota name so many things after him? (October 2022 Curious Minnesota story) Fri, 11 Nov 2022 15:12:49 -0000 Who was Hennepin and why did Minnesota name so many things after him? full Minnesota Star Tribune Father Louis Hennepin's name is prevalent around the Twin Cities. Father Louis Hennepin's name is prevalent around the Twin Cities. The state's most populous county is named after this 17th century Catholic priest, as are a prominent Minneapolis avenue and countless public facilities. So who was Father Hennepin? Kevin Duchschere joins Ash Miller to discuss Hennepin's travels in Minnesota, and why his name became so closely affiliated with the area. LINKS: Who was Hennepin and why did Minnesota name so many things after him? (October 2022 Curious Minnesota story) Father Louis Hennepin's name is prevalent around the Twin Cities. The state's most populous county is named after this 17th century Catholic priest, as are a prominent Minneapolis avenue and countless public facilities. So who was Father Hennepin? Kevin Duchschere joins Ash Miller to discuss Hennepin's travels in Minnesota, and why his name became so closely affiliated with the area.

LINKS:

Who was Hennepin and why did Minnesota name so many things after him? (October 2022 Curious Minnesota story)

]]> 857 Does Minnesota really have the 'World's Oldest Rock'? Historical markers peppered around Minnesota help keep the state’s rich history alive. But few are as intriguing — and controversial — as the landmark for Minnesota’s most ancient artifact: the “World’s Oldest Rock.” Eric Roper and Ash Miller discuss the 3.5-billion-year-old history behind this claim on a historical marker in Granite Falls. And they delve into the reasons why Minnesota boasts some very unique geology. LINKS: Does Minnesota really have the 'World's Oldest Rock'? (August 2022 Curious Minnesota story) Thu, 27 Oct 2022 20:19:00 -0000 Does Minnesota really have the 'World's Oldest Rock'? full Minnesota Star Tribune A historical marker for Minnesota's most ancient artifact is both intriguing and controversial. Historical markers peppered around Minnesota help keep the state’s rich history alive. But few are as intriguing — and controversial — as the landmark for Minnesota’s most ancient artifact: the “World’s Oldest Rock.” Eric Roper and Ash Miller discuss the 3.5-billion-year-old history behind this claim on a historical marker in Granite Falls. And they delve into the reasons why Minnesota boasts some very unique geology. LINKS: Does Minnesota really have the 'World's Oldest Rock'? (August 2022 Curious Minnesota story) Historical markers peppered around Minnesota help keep the state’s rich history alive. But few are as intriguing — and controversial — as the landmark for Minnesota’s most ancient artifact: the “World’s Oldest Rock.” Eric Roper and Ash Miller discuss the 3.5-billion-year-old history behind this claim on a historical marker in Granite Falls. And they delve into the reasons why Minnesota boasts some very unique geology.

LINKS:

Does Minnesota really have the 'World's Oldest Rock'? (August 2022 Curious Minnesota story)

]]> 1555 How lumberjacks harnessed an 'ocean of pine' to build Minnesota Minnesota's flour milling prowess is a well-known part of the state's history. But the area's milling legacy began with sawmills that turned the state's white pine trees into lumber. By 1905, Minneapolis was the top lumber market in the world. Transporting these logs to mills was no easy task. The Star Tribune's Christa Lawler joins host Eric Roper to discuss the logistics of how this booming industry worked. LINKS: How lumberjacks harnessed an 'ocean of pine' to build Minnesota Mon, 29 Aug 2022 14:37:00 -0000 How lumberjacks harnessed an 'ocean of pine' to build Minnesota full Minnesota Star Tribune Curious Minnesota podcast host Eric Roper discusses the history of logging in Minnesota with reporter Christa Lawler. Minnesota's flour milling prowess is a well-known part of the state's history. But the area's milling legacy began with sawmills that turned the state's white pine trees into lumber. By 1905, Minneapolis was the top lumber market in the world. Transporting these logs to mills was no easy task. The Star Tribune's Christa Lawler joins host Eric Roper to discuss the logistics of how this booming industry worked. LINKS: How lumberjacks harnessed an 'ocean of pine' to build Minnesota Minnesota's flour milling prowess is a well-known part of the state's history. But the area's milling legacy began with sawmills that turned the state's white pine trees into lumber. By 1905, Minneapolis was the top lumber market in the world. Transporting these logs to mills was no easy task. The Star Tribune's Christa Lawler joins host Eric Roper to discuss the logistics of how this booming industry worked.

LINKS:

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

]]> 918 Why has the Park Board allowed the 'birthplace of Minneapolis' to deteriorate? The John H. Stevens House in Minnehaha Park is arguably the most important structure relating to Minneapolis' origin story. But the exterior of the property is in rough shape after years of deferred maintenance. Eric Roper and Ash Miller discuss the unique history of the house, and why it has been allowed to deteriorate. LINKS: Why has the Park Board allowed the 'birthplace of Minneapolis' to deteriorate? (July 2022 Curious Minnesota story) Discover the hidden house in Minnehaha Park where Minneapolis was born (June 2021 Star Tribune magazine story) Fri, 12 Aug 2022 10:00:00 -0000 Why has the Park Board allowed the 'birthplace of Minneapolis' to deteriorate? full Minnesota Star Tribune The John H. Stevens House in Minnehaha Park is arguably the most important structure relating to Minneapolis' origin story. The John H. Stevens House in Minnehaha Park is arguably the most important structure relating to Minneapolis' origin story. But the exterior of the property is in rough shape after years of deferred maintenance. Eric Roper and Ash Miller discuss the unique history of the house, and why it has been allowed to deteriorate. LINKS: Why has the Park Board allowed the 'birthplace of Minneapolis' to deteriorate? (July 2022 Curious Minnesota story) Discover the hidden house in Minnehaha Park where Minneapolis was born (June 2021 Star Tribune magazine story) The John H. Stevens House in Minnehaha Park is arguably the most important structure relating to Minneapolis' origin story. But the exterior of the property is in rough shape after years of deferred maintenance. Eric Roper and Ash Miller discuss the unique history of the house, and why it has been allowed to deteriorate.

LINKS:

Why has the Park Board allowed the 'birthplace of Minneapolis' to deteriorate? (July 2022 Curious Minnesota story)

Discover the hidden house in Minnehaha Park where Minneapolis was born (June 2021 Star Tribune magazine story)

]]> 902 Why did Scandinavian immigrants choose Minnesota? Minnesota has more residents of Norwegian and Swedish ancestry than any other state, due to a wave of immigration from those countries in the 19th Century. But why did those immigrants choose Minnesota? Eric Roper and Ash Miller discuss the factors that caused people to leave Scandinavian countries in the 1800s, and how Minnesota became a major destination. LINKS: Why did Scandinavian immigrants choose Minnesota? (May 2022 Curious Minnesota story) Is Minnesota actually more German than Scandinavian? (January 2020 Curious Minnesota story) Thu, 28 Jul 2022 10:00:00 -0000 Why did Scandinavian immigrants choose Minnesota? full Minnesota Star Tribune Minnesota has more residents of Norwegian and Swedish ancestry than any other state. Minnesota has more residents of Norwegian and Swedish ancestry than any other state, due to a wave of immigration from those countries in the 19th Century. But why did those immigrants choose Minnesota? Eric Roper and Ash Miller discuss the factors that caused people to leave Scandinavian countries in the 1800s, and how Minnesota became a major destination. LINKS: Why did Scandinavian immigrants choose Minnesota? (May 2022 Curious Minnesota story) Is Minnesota actually more German than Scandinavian? (January 2020 Curious Minnesota story) Minnesota has more residents of Norwegian and Swedish ancestry than any other state, due to a wave of immigration from those countries in the 19th Century. But why did those immigrants choose Minnesota? Eric Roper and Ash Miller discuss the factors that caused people to leave Scandinavian countries in the 1800s, and how Minnesota became a major destination.

LINKS:

Why did Scandinavian immigrants choose Minnesota? (May 2022 Curious Minnesota story)

Is Minnesota actually more German than Scandinavian? (January 2020 Curious Minnesota story)

]]> 999 Was Charles Lindbergh a Nazi sympathizer? Any list of the most famous Minnesotans who ever lived should include Charles Lindbergh, who became a worldwide celebrity when he completed the first nonstop flight from New York to Paris in 1927. But Lindbergh's controversial statements and actions in the years preceding Pearl Harbor have become an enduring aspect of his legacy. The Star Tribune's Kevin Duchschere joins the show to discuss Lindbergh's life and whether the famous aviator was a Nazi sympathizer. LINKS: Was Charles Lindbergh a Nazi sympathizer? (June 2022 Curious Minnesota story) Thu, 14 Jul 2022 10:00:00 -0000 Was Charles Lindbergh a Nazi sympathizer? full Minnesota Star Tribune The Minnesota native drew controversy for his remarks and actions preceding America’s intervention in World War II. Any list of the most famous Minnesotans who ever lived should include Charles Lindbergh, who became a worldwide celebrity when he completed the first nonstop flight from New York to Paris in 1927. But Lindbergh's controversial statements and actions in the years preceding Pearl Harbor have become an enduring aspect of his legacy. The Star Tribune's Kevin Duchschere joins the show to discuss Lindbergh's life and whether the famous aviator was a Nazi sympathizer. LINKS: Was Charles Lindbergh a Nazi sympathizer? (June 2022 Curious Minnesota story) Any list of the most famous Minnesotans who ever lived should include Charles Lindbergh, who became a worldwide celebrity when he completed the first nonstop flight from New York to Paris in 1927. But Lindbergh's controversial statements and actions in the years preceding Pearl Harbor have become an enduring aspect of his legacy.

The Star Tribune's Kevin Duchschere joins the show to discuss Lindbergh's life and whether the famous aviator was a Nazi sympathizer.

LINKS:

Was Charles Lindbergh a Nazi sympathizer? (June 2022 Curious Minnesota story)

]]> 1017 Why isn't Minnesota's sacrifice at Gettysburg better remembered? Some people believe that the battle of Gettysburg would have ended differently had it not been for the heroism of the First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry regiment. Their sacrifice in 1863 is a landmark event from Minnesota's early history as a state. Readers wanted to know why it isn't better remembered today. The Star Tribune's Kevin Duchschere joins the show to discuss the battle and the First Minnesota's legacy. LINKS: Why isn't Minnesota's sacrifice at Gettysburg better remembered? (February 2022 Curious Minnesota story) Thu, 30 Jun 2022 10:00:00 -0000 Why isn't Minnesota's sacrifice at Gettysburg better remembered? full Minnesota Star Tribune Kevin Duchschere joins the show to discuss the battle and the First Minnesota's legacy. Some people believe that the battle of Gettysburg would have ended differently had it not been for the heroism of the First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry regiment. Their sacrifice in 1863 is a landmark event from Minnesota's early history as a state. Readers wanted to know why it isn't better remembered today. The Star Tribune's Kevin Duchschere joins the show to discuss the battle and the First Minnesota's legacy. LINKS: Why isn't Minnesota's sacrifice at Gettysburg better remembered? (February 2022 Curious Minnesota story) Some people believe that the battle of Gettysburg would have ended differently had it not been for the heroism of the First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry regiment. Their sacrifice in 1863 is a landmark event from Minnesota's early history as a state. Readers wanted to know why it isn't better remembered today. The Star Tribune's Kevin Duchschere joins the show to discuss the battle and the First Minnesota's legacy.

LINKS:

Why isn't Minnesota's sacrifice at Gettysburg better remembered? (February 2022 Curious Minnesota story)

]]> 745 What was the first movie filmed in Minnesota? While "Fargo" is undoubtedly the most famous movie filmed in Minnesota, it was far from the first. Star Tribune movie critic Chris Hewitt talks with host Ash Miller about the film "Free Air," which shot in Minnesota during the early 1920s. It is a film that -- quite possibly -- no living person has ever actually seen. What was the first movie filmed in Minnesota?  (December 2021 Curious Minnesota story) Most of America's Silent Films are Lost Forever (2013 article from The Atlantic) Thu, 16 Jun 2022 10:00:00 -0000 What was the first movie filmed in Minnesota? full Minnesota Star Tribune While "Fargo" is undoubtedly the most famous movie filmed in Minnesota, it was far from the first. While "Fargo" is undoubtedly the most famous movie filmed in Minnesota, it was far from the first. Star Tribune movie critic Chris Hewitt talks with host Ash Miller about the film "Free Air," which shot in Minnesota during the early 1920s. It is a film that -- quite possibly -- no living person has ever actually seen. What was the first movie filmed in Minnesota?  (December 2021 Curious Minnesota story) Most of America's Silent Films are Lost Forever (2013 article from The Atlantic) While "Fargo" is undoubtedly the most famous movie filmed in Minnesota, it was far from the first. Star Tribune movie critic Chris Hewitt talks with host Ash Miller about the film "Free Air," which shot in Minnesota during the early 1920s. It is a film that -- quite possibly -- no living person has ever actually seen.

What was the first movie filmed in Minnesota?  (December 2021 Curious Minnesota story)

Most of America's Silent Films are Lost Forever (2013 article from The Atlantic)

]]> 918 How did Nicollet Island transform from an industrial hub to a public park? Nicollet Island is arguably the most unusual park in a city known for its parks. Located beside downtown Minneapolis, it is an oasis of green space in the heart of the urban core. It was once home to some of the city's most prominent industrialists, as well as factories powered by the Mississippi River. But it has undergone a major transformation in roughly the last half century. Chris and Rushika Hage, authors of a book about Nicollet Island, join host Eric Roper to discuss the island's history and how it came to look the way it does today. LINKS: How did Nicollet Island become parkland with private housing on it? (May 2019 Curious Minnesota story) A before and after aerial view of the island showing how it has changed Fri, 03 Jun 2022 10:00:00 -0000 How did Nicollet Island transform from an industrial hub to a public park? full Minnesota Star Tribune Chris and Rushika Hage join host Eric Roper to discuss the island's history and how it came to look the way it does today. Nicollet Island is arguably the most unusual park in a city known for its parks. Located beside downtown Minneapolis, it is an oasis of green space in the heart of the urban core. It was once home to some of the city's most prominent industrialists, as well as factories powered by the Mississippi River. But it has undergone a major transformation in roughly the last half century. Chris and Rushika Hage, authors of a book about Nicollet Island, join host Eric Roper to discuss the island's history and how it came to look the way it does today. LINKS: How did Nicollet Island become parkland with private housing on it? (May 2019 Curious Minnesota story) A before and after aerial view of the island showing how it has changed Nicollet Island is arguably the most unusual park in a city known for its parks. Located beside downtown Minneapolis, it is an oasis of green space in the heart of the urban core. It was once home to some of the city's most prominent industrialists, as well as factories powered by the Mississippi River. But it has undergone a major transformation in roughly the last half century.

Chris and Rushika Hage, authors of a book about Nicollet Island, join host Eric Roper to discuss the island's history and how it came to look the way it does today.

LINKS:

How did Nicollet Island become parkland with private housing on it? (May 2019 Curious Minnesota story)

A before and after aerial view of the island showing how it has changed

]]> 1015 How an inside joke led to St. Cloud getting its name What do a medieval French prince and an 1800s Minnesota sawmill owner have in common? They're both key figures in the wild story of how the city of St. Cloud got its name. The Star Tribune's St. Cloud reporter Jenny Berg joins host Ash Miller to share the tale and talk about the series of equally strange events that followed. LINKS: How did St. Cloud get its name? (July 2021 Curious Minnesota article) St. Cloud Today newsletter sign up Thu, 19 May 2022 10:00:00 -0000 How an inside joke led to St. Cloud getting its name full Minnesota Star Tribune Reporter Jenny Berg joins host Ash Miller to share the tale behind the naming of St. Cloud. What do a medieval French prince and an 1800s Minnesota sawmill owner have in common? They're both key figures in the wild story of how the city of St. Cloud got its name. The Star Tribune's St. Cloud reporter Jenny Berg joins host Ash Miller to share the tale and talk about the series of equally strange events that followed. LINKS: How did St. Cloud get its name? (July 2021 Curious Minnesota article) St. Cloud Today newsletter sign up What do a medieval French prince and an 1800s Minnesota sawmill owner have in common? They're both key figures in the wild story of how the city of St. Cloud got its name. The Star Tribune's St. Cloud reporter Jenny Berg joins host Ash Miller to share the tale and talk about the series of equally strange events that followed.

LINKS:

How did St. Cloud get its name? (July 2021 Curious Minnesota article)

St. Cloud Today newsletter sign up

]]> 621 The hidden electrical system that keeps our lights on Generating electricity and getting it to houses and businesses across Minnesota is a round-the-clock effort that is easy to take for granted. Star Tribune energy reporter Mike Hughlett joins host Eric Roper to discuss where Minnesota's power comes from, how it's distributed and who oversees our regional power grid. LINKS: Where does Twin Cities electricity come from and how is it delivered to homes? (August 2021 Curious Minnesota story) Thu, 05 May 2022 10:00:00 -0000 The hidden electrical system that keeps our lights on full Minnesota Star Tribune Generating electricity and getting it to houses and businesses across Minnesota is a round-the-clock effort that is easy to take for granted. Generating electricity and getting it to houses and businesses across Minnesota is a round-the-clock effort that is easy to take for granted. Star Tribune energy reporter Mike Hughlett joins host Eric Roper to discuss where Minnesota's power comes from, how it's distributed and who oversees our regional power grid. LINKS: Where does Twin Cities electricity come from and how is it delivered to homes? (August 2021 Curious Minnesota story) Generating electricity and getting it to houses and businesses across Minnesota is a round-the-clock effort that is easy to take for granted. Star Tribune energy reporter Mike Hughlett joins host Eric Roper to discuss where Minnesota's power comes from, how it's distributed and who oversees our regional power grid.

LINKS:

Where does Twin Cities electricity come from and how is it delivered to homes? (August 2021 Curious Minnesota story)

]]> 694 Why do Minnesotans have accents? The Minnesota accent is ubiquitous in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. But where does it come from? Keely Wolter, a Richfield-based accent and dialogue coach, joins the Star Tribune's Hannah Sayle and Rachel Hutton to discuss the accent's origins and what defines this uniquely Minnesotan way of speaking. LINKS: Why do Minnesotans have accents? (Nov. 2021 Curious Minnesota article) Thu, 21 Apr 2022 10:00:00 -0000 Why do Minnesotans have accents? full Minnesota Star Tribune The Minnesota accent is ubiquitous in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. But where does it come from? The Minnesota accent is ubiquitous in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. But where does it come from? Keely Wolter, a Richfield-based accent and dialogue coach, joins the Star Tribune's Hannah Sayle and Rachel Hutton to discuss the accent's origins and what defines this uniquely Minnesotan way of speaking. LINKS: Why do Minnesotans have accents? (Nov. 2021 Curious Minnesota article) The Minnesota accent is ubiquitous in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. But where does it come from?

Keely Wolter, a Richfield-based accent and dialogue coach, joins the Star Tribune's Hannah Sayle and Rachel Hutton to discuss the accent's origins and what defines this uniquely Minnesotan way of speaking.

LINKS:

Why do Minnesotans have accents? (Nov. 2021 Curious Minnesota article)

]]> 1060 Did St. Paul really protect gangsters during the Prohibition era? Considered one of the most corrupt cities in America during Prohibition, St. Paul's historical relationship with gangsters was rooted in an agreement between the police department and the criminals of the city: As long as you commit your crimes somewhere else, you're welcome to hide out in St. Paul. Ash Miller and James Walsh talk about how this agreement affected the city, from its crime rates to its national reputation. LINKS: Did St. Paul really protect gangsters during the Prohibition era? (June 2021 Curious Minnesota story) St. Paul's gangster tours John Dillinger Slept Here book Thu, 07 Apr 2022 10:00:00 -0000 Did St. Paul really protect gangsters during the Prohibition era? full Minnesota Star Tribune St. Paul's historical relationship with gangsters was rooted in an agreement between the police department and the criminals of the city. Considered one of the most corrupt cities in America during Prohibition, St. Paul's historical relationship with gangsters was rooted in an agreement between the police department and the criminals of the city: As long as you commit your crimes somewhere else, you're welcome to hide out in St. Paul. Ash Miller and James Walsh talk about how this agreement affected the city, from its crime rates to its national reputation. LINKS: Did St. Paul really protect gangsters during the Prohibition era? (June 2021 Curious Minnesota story) St. Paul's gangster tours John Dillinger Slept Here book Considered one of the most corrupt cities in America during Prohibition, St. Paul's historical relationship with gangsters was rooted in an agreement between the police department and the criminals of the city: As long as you commit your crimes somewhere else, you're welcome to hide out in St. Paul. Ash Miller and James Walsh talk about how this agreement affected the city, from its crime rates to its national reputation.

LINKS:

Did St. Paul really protect gangsters during the Prohibition era? (June 2021 Curious Minnesota story)

St. Paul's gangster tours

John Dillinger Slept Here book

]]> 569 Why did Minneapolis' flour boom go bust? Minneapolis' "Mill City" nickname traces its roots to a 50-year period when the city's flour milling dominated the world market. But that came to an end in 1930, when the city lost its crown to Buffalo, N.Y. Eric Roper and Hannah Sayle discuss how Minneapolis rose to prominence as a flour milling capital, and the many factors that led to the decline of flour milling on the riverfront. LINKS: Why did Minneapolis' famous flour boom go bust? Thu, 24 Mar 2022 10:00:00 -0000 Why did Minneapolis' flour boom go bust? full Minnesota Star Tribune The "Mill City" dominated the world's flour milling for half a century. But that came to an end in 1930. Minneapolis' "Mill City" nickname traces its roots to a 50-year period when the city's flour milling dominated the world market. But that came to an end in 1930, when the city lost its crown to Buffalo, N.Y. Eric Roper and Hannah Sayle discuss how Minneapolis rose to prominence as a flour milling capital, and the many factors that led to the decline of flour milling on the riverfront. LINKS: Why did Minneapolis' famous flour boom go bust? Minneapolis' "Mill City" nickname traces its roots to a 50-year period when the city's flour milling dominated the world market. But that came to an end in 1930, when the city lost its crown to Buffalo, N.Y. Eric Roper and Hannah Sayle discuss how Minneapolis rose to prominence as a flour milling capital, and the many factors that led to the decline of flour milling on the riverfront.

LINKS:

Why did Minneapolis' famous flour boom go bust?

]]> 793 The stories behind Minnesota's oldest building and the Northwest Angle Last fall, Curious Minnesota listeners voted on their favorite questions submitted by people stopping by the Star Tribune's booth at the State Fair. There was a three-way tie for the top question. Those winning questions were: "What is the oldest building in Minnesota?" "How did the Northwest Angle come about?" and "How big does a body of water need to be to qualify as a lake?" Reporter Katy Read wrote stories on two of those questions for the Curious Minnesota column. She joins the show to discuss the answers with host Eric Roper. LINKS: How did Minnesota get its shape on the map? (October 2021 article) What is the oldest building in Minnesota? (December 2021 article) Thu, 10 Mar 2022 11:00:00 -0000 The stories behind Minnesota's oldest building and the Northwest Angle full Minnesota Star Tribune Reporter Katy Read joins the podcast to discuss the answers to listeners' favorite questions from our State Fair episode. Last fall, Curious Minnesota listeners voted on their favorite questions submitted by people stopping by the Star Tribune's booth at the State Fair. There was a three-way tie for the top question. Those winning questions were: "What is the oldest building in Minnesota?" "How did the Northwest Angle come about?" and "How big does a body of water need to be to qualify as a lake?" Reporter Katy Read wrote stories on two of those questions for the Curious Minnesota column. She joins the show to discuss the answers with host Eric Roper. LINKS: How did Minnesota get its shape on the map? (October 2021 article) What is the oldest building in Minnesota? (December 2021 article) Last fall, Curious Minnesota listeners voted on their favorite questions submitted by people stopping by the Star Tribune's booth at the State Fair. There was a three-way tie for the top question. Those winning questions were: "What is the oldest building in Minnesota?" "How did the Northwest Angle come about?" and "How big does a body of water need to be to qualify as a lake?"

Reporter Katy Read wrote stories on two of those questions for the Curious Minnesota column. She joins the show to discuss the answers with host Eric Roper.

LINKS:

How did Minnesota get its shape on the map? (October 2021 article)

What is the oldest building in Minnesota? (December 2021 article)

]]> 710 The Jolly Green Giant has left Minnesota. So who is maintaining his iconic billboard? The Jolly Green Giant has moved on from Minnesota. His legacy, however, lives on in the form of an iconic Minnesota River Valley billboard. Reporter Brooks Johnson joins Ash Miller to talk about the history of the Green Giant brand and what the billboard means for those Minnesotans who drive by it every day. LINKS: The Jolly Green Giant has moved on from Minnesota. So who is maintaining his iconic billboard? (January 2022 Curious Minnesota story) Jolly Green Giant commercial Thu, 24 Feb 2022 11:00:00 -0000 The Jolly Green Giant has left Minnesota. So who is maintaining his iconic billboard? full Minnesota Star Tribune Reporter Brooks Johnson joins the podcast to talk about the history of the Green Giant brand and what an iconic Minnesota River Valley billboard means for those Minnesotans who drive by it every day. The Jolly Green Giant has moved on from Minnesota. His legacy, however, lives on in the form of an iconic Minnesota River Valley billboard. Reporter Brooks Johnson joins Ash Miller to talk about the history of the Green Giant brand and what the billboard means for those Minnesotans who drive by it every day. LINKS: The Jolly Green Giant has moved on from Minnesota. So who is maintaining his iconic billboard? (January 2022 Curious Minnesota story) Jolly Green Giant commercial The Jolly Green Giant has moved on from Minnesota. His legacy, however, lives on in the form of an iconic Minnesota River Valley billboard. Reporter Brooks Johnson joins Ash Miller to talk about the history of the Green Giant brand and what the billboard means for those Minnesotans who drive by it every day.

LINKS:

The Jolly Green Giant has moved on from Minnesota. So who is maintaining his iconic billboard? (January 2022 Curious Minnesota story)

Jolly Green Giant commercial

]]> 647 Historic wildfires once destroyed part of Minnesota. Could it happen again? The wildfires of 1894 and 1918 remain two of the worst natural disasters in Minnesota history, more than a century after destroying entire towns in the northern portion of the state. These rapidly moving blazes claimed more than 900 victims. What caused them to spread so quickly? Could it happen again? Hannah Sayle and Duluth reporter Jana Hollingsworth discuss the circumstances that led to these tragedies, and what lessons were learned to prevent them from repeating. LINKS: Historic wildfires once destroyed entire cities in northern Minnesota. Could it happen again?  Thu, 10 Feb 2022 11:00:00 -0000 Historic wildfires once destroyed part of Minnesota. Could it happen again? full Minnesota Star Tribune Hannah Sayle and Duluth reporter Jana Hollingsworth discuss the tragic fires of 1894 and 1918. The wildfires of 1894 and 1918 remain two of the worst natural disasters in Minnesota history, more than a century after destroying entire towns in the northern portion of the state. These rapidly moving blazes claimed more than 900 victims. What caused them to spread so quickly? Could it happen again? Hannah Sayle and Duluth reporter Jana Hollingsworth discuss the circumstances that led to these tragedies, and what lessons were learned to prevent them from repeating. LINKS: Historic wildfires once destroyed entire cities in northern Minnesota. Could it happen again?  The wildfires of 1894 and 1918 remain two of the worst natural disasters in Minnesota history, more than a century after destroying entire towns in the northern portion of the state. These rapidly moving blazes claimed more than 900 victims. What caused them to spread so quickly? Could it happen again?

Hannah Sayle and Duluth reporter Jana Hollingsworth discuss the circumstances that led to these tragedies, and what lessons were learned to prevent them from repeating.

LINKS:

Historic wildfires once destroyed entire cities in northern Minnesota. Could it happen again? 

]]> 597 Which Indigenous tribes first called Minnesota home? Indigenous people have been living in the area that became Minnesota since ancient times. Anton Treuer, professor of Objiwe at Bemidji State University, joins the podcast to discuss the Native Americans who inhabited the state prior to European settlement -- and their tribal affiliations. LINKS: Which Indigenous tribes first called Minnesota home? Thu, 27 Jan 2022 11:00:00 -0000 Which Indigenous tribes first called Minnesota home? full Minnesota Star Tribune Bemidji State University Professor Anton Treuer joins the podcast to discuss the ancient history of Indigenous people in Minnesota. Indigenous people have been living in the area that became Minnesota since ancient times. Anton Treuer, professor of Objiwe at Bemidji State University, joins the podcast to discuss the Native Americans who inhabited the state prior to European settlement -- and their tribal affiliations. LINKS: Which Indigenous tribes first called Minnesota home? Indigenous people have been living in the area that became Minnesota since ancient times. Anton Treuer, professor of Objiwe at Bemidji State University, joins the podcast to discuss the Native Americans who inhabited the state prior to European settlement -- and their tribal affiliations.

LINKS:

Which Indigenous tribes first called Minnesota home?

]]> 974 Meet the Curious Minnesota superfan behind some of our best questions Star Tribune reader Sharon Carlson joins the podcast to discuss her questions that have been answered by Curious Minnesota. Eight of Carlson's questions, linked below, have appeared in the column. How did St. Cloud get its name? It's a strange story Are Minnesota's day-care costs really the highest in the nation? Why does Minnesota have one of highest rates of volunteering in the country? Why is Minnesota the only mainland state with an abundance of wolves? What was the most destructive tornado in Minnesota history? Why was the career of Minnesota's first congresswoman cut short? Frozen for the future: Does Minnesota have any cryonics facilities? What does it take to become a police officer in the state of Minnesota? Additionally, here is an article about the police training video that Sharon mentioned during the conversation. Thu, 13 Jan 2022 11:00:00 -0000 Meet the Curious Minnesota superfan behind some of our best questions full Minnesota Star Tribune Star Tribune reader Sharon Carlson joins the podcast to discuss her questions that have been answered by Curious Minnesota. Star Tribune reader Sharon Carlson joins the podcast to discuss her questions that have been answered by Curious Minnesota. Eight of Carlson's questions, linked below, have appeared in the column. How did St. Cloud get its name? It's a strange story Are Minnesota's day-care costs really the highest in the nation? Why does Minnesota have one of highest rates of volunteering in the country? Why is Minnesota the only mainland state with an abundance of wolves? What was the most destructive tornado in Minnesota history? Why was the career of Minnesota's first congresswoman cut short? Frozen for the future: Does Minnesota have any cryonics facilities? What does it take to become a police officer in the state of Minnesota? Additionally, here is an article about the police training video that Sharon mentioned during the conversation. Star Tribune reader Sharon Carlson joins the podcast to discuss her questions that have been answered by Curious Minnesota. Eight of Carlson's questions, linked below, have appeared in the column.


How did St. Cloud get its name? It's a strange story

Are Minnesota's day-care costs really the highest in the nation?

Why does Minnesota have one of highest rates of volunteering in the country?

Why is Minnesota the only mainland state with an abundance of wolves?

What was the most destructive tornado in Minnesota history?

Why was the career of Minnesota's first congresswoman cut short?

Frozen for the future: Does Minnesota have any cryonics facilities?

What does it take to become a police officer in the state of Minnesota?


Additionally, here is an article about the police training video that Sharon mentioned during the conversation.

]]> 850 Was organized crime behind the demise of streetcars in the Twin Cities? Streetcars were a defining feature of what it meant to live in Minneapolis and St. Paul in the early 20th Century. The elimination of the streetcar system in the 1950s, in favor of buses, dramatically reshaped life in the Twin Cities. A number of unusual characters played a role in that switch -- several of whom went to prison. Hannah Sayle and Eric Roper discuss organized crime's impact on Twin City Rapid Transit Company during this period. LINKS: Was organized crime behind the demise of the Twin Cities streetcar system? (Nov. 2021 Curious Minnesota story) Minnesota History magazine article about what occurred after the 1960 convictions Fri, 03 Dec 2021 11:00:00 -0000 Was organized crime behind the demise of streetcars in the Twin Cities? full Minnesota Star Tribune Hannah Sayle and Eric Roper discuss how underworld characters influenced the region's transit company in the 1950s. Streetcars were a defining feature of what it meant to live in Minneapolis and St. Paul in the early 20th Century. The elimination of the streetcar system in the 1950s, in favor of buses, dramatically reshaped life in the Twin Cities. A number of unusual characters played a role in that switch -- several of whom went to prison. Hannah Sayle and Eric Roper discuss organized crime's impact on Twin City Rapid Transit Company during this period. LINKS: Was organized crime behind the demise of the Twin Cities streetcar system? (Nov. 2021 Curious Minnesota story) Minnesota History magazine article about what occurred after the 1960 convictions Streetcars were a defining feature of what it meant to live in Minneapolis and St. Paul in the early 20th Century. The elimination of the streetcar system in the 1950s, in favor of buses, dramatically reshaped life in the Twin Cities. A number of unusual characters played a role in that switch -- several of whom went to prison.

Hannah Sayle and Eric Roper discuss organized crime's impact on Twin City Rapid Transit Company during this period.

LINKS:

Was organized crime behind the demise of the Twin Cities streetcar system? (Nov. 2021 Curious Minnesota story)

Minnesota History magazine article about what occurred after the 1960 convictions

]]> 897 Why a slice of I-94 is a 'candyland for researchers' Minnesota is home to one of the most prominent roadway testing facilities in the nation, known as MnROAD. Researchers there study how different pavement types hold up amid real-world traffic on Interstate 94 and Minnesota's extreme weather. Audience Producer Ash Miller joined the podcast to discuss how MnROAD is helping engineers around the country design better roads. LINKS: Why a slice of I-94 west of the Twin Cities is a 'candyland for researchers' (July 2021 Curious Minnesota story) Overview of the different types of roadway materials being studied at MnROAD (U.S. DOT) Video of low-volume road truck driver (MnDOT) Fri, 29 Oct 2021 10:00:00 -0000 Why a slice of I-94 is a 'candyland for researchers' full Minnesota Star Tribune Audience Producer Ash Miller joins the podcast to explain how real-world traffic in the Twin Cities is helping engineers across the country build better roads. Minnesota is home to one of the most prominent roadway testing facilities in the nation, known as MnROAD. Researchers there study how different pavement types hold up amid real-world traffic on Interstate 94 and Minnesota's extreme weather. Audience Producer Ash Miller joined the podcast to discuss how MnROAD is helping engineers around the country design better roads. LINKS: Why a slice of I-94 west of the Twin Cities is a 'candyland for researchers' (July 2021 Curious Minnesota story) Overview of the different types of roadway materials being studied at MnROAD (U.S. DOT) Video of low-volume road truck driver (MnDOT) Minnesota is home to one of the most prominent roadway testing facilities in the nation, known as MnROAD. Researchers there study how different pavement types hold up amid real-world traffic on Interstate 94 and Minnesota's extreme weather.

Audience Producer Ash Miller joined the podcast to discuss how MnROAD is helping engineers around the country design better roads.

LINKS:

Why a slice of I-94 west of the Twin Cities is a 'candyland for researchers' (July 2021 Curious Minnesota story)

Overview of the different types of roadway materials being studied at MnROAD (U.S. DOT)

Video of low-volume road truck driver (MnDOT)

]]> 808 The mysterious wall that holds St. Anthony Falls in place St. Anthony Falls has long been one of Minneapolis' top attractions. But the endurance of the falls is due to some complex infrastructure designed to halt erosion. A key component of that infrastructure is a hidden wall -- buried beneath the river -- that has protected the falls for roughly 145 years. Little is known about the wall's condition, however. River historian John Anfinson believes there needs to be a comprehensive study of the structure's status. Anfinson is the former superintendent of the national park comprising the Mississippi River in the Twin Cities. LINKS: Graphic illustrating how the wall works August 2021 article about the the wall Vote for your favorite State Fair question Wed, 13 Oct 2021 10:00:00 -0000 The mysterious wall that holds St. Anthony Falls in place full Minnesota Star Tribune Curious Minnesota podcast host Eric Roper discusses questions being raised about a hidden wall beneath the Mississippi River with historian John Anfinson. St. Anthony Falls has long been one of Minneapolis' top attractions. But the endurance of the falls is due to some complex infrastructure designed to halt erosion. A key component of that infrastructure is a hidden wall -- buried beneath the river -- that has protected the falls for roughly 145 years. Little is known about the wall's condition, however. River historian John Anfinson believes there needs to be a comprehensive study of the structure's status. Anfinson is the former superintendent of the national park comprising the Mississippi River in the Twin Cities. LINKS: Graphic illustrating how the wall works August 2021 article about the the wall Vote for your favorite State Fair question St. Anthony Falls has long been one of Minneapolis' top attractions. But the endurance of the falls is due to some complex infrastructure designed to halt erosion. A key component of that infrastructure is a hidden wall -- buried beneath the river -- that has protected the falls for roughly 145 years.

Little is known about the wall's condition, however. River historian John Anfinson believes there needs to be a comprehensive study of the structure's status. Anfinson is the former superintendent of the national park comprising the Mississippi River in the Twin Cities.

LINKS:

Graphic illustrating how the wall works

August 2021 article about the the wall

Vote for your favorite State Fair question

]]> 896 Why are there so many 5G cellular antennas in some Twin Cities neighborhoods? The next generation of cellular technology, known as 5G, will bring much faster speeds. But the rollout of 5G has been accompanied by a litany of new cellular antenna poles in some neighborhoods, particularly in Minneapolis. Eric Roper and Ash Miller discussed the evolution of cellular technology and the reason for all the new antennas. LINKS: Why is there a new cellular pole in my Minneapolis neighborhood? (May 2021 Curious Minnesota story) Map of small cell carrier-owned pole locations in Minneapolis Fri, 17 Sep 2021 10:00:00 -0000 Why are there so many 5G cellular antennas in some Twin Cities neighborhoods? full Minnesota Star Tribune Curious Minnesota podcast host Eric Roper discusses 5G cellular technology with audience producer Ash Miller. The next generation of cellular technology, known as 5G, will bring much faster speeds. But the rollout of 5G has been accompanied by a litany of new cellular antenna poles in some neighborhoods, particularly in Minneapolis. Eric Roper and Ash Miller discussed the evolution of cellular technology and the reason for all the new antennas. LINKS: Why is there a new cellular pole in my Minneapolis neighborhood? (May 2021 Curious Minnesota story) Map of small cell carrier-owned pole locations in Minneapolis The next generation of cellular technology, known as 5G, will bring much faster speeds. But the rollout of 5G has been accompanied by a litany of new cellular antenna poles in some neighborhoods, particularly in Minneapolis.

Eric Roper and Ash Miller discussed the evolution of cellular technology and the reason for all the new antennas.

LINKS:

Why is there a new cellular pole in my Minneapolis neighborhood? (May 2021 Curious Minnesota story)

Map of small cell carrier-owned pole locations in Minneapolis

]]> 952 What do State Fair attendees want to know about Minnesota? We asked fairgoers to tell us what they want to know about Minnesota during Curious Minnesota Day at the Star Tribune's State Fair building on August 28. Today's episode features recordings of many of the people who submitted questions. Click the link below to vote for your favorite! Vote for your favorite question here (or by e-mailing Curious@StarTribune.com) See photos and video of the event (Instagram post) Fri, 03 Sep 2021 18:46:03 -0000 What do State Fair attendees want to know about Minnesota? full Minnesota Star Tribune Fairgoers tell us the questions they would like to see answered on Curious Minnesota. We asked fairgoers to tell us what they want to know about Minnesota during Curious Minnesota Day at the Star Tribune's State Fair building on August 28. Today's episode features recordings of many of the people who submitted questions. Click the link below to vote for your favorite! Vote for your favorite question here (or by e-mailing Curious@StarTribune.com) See photos and video of the event (Instagram post) We asked fairgoers to tell us what they want to know about Minnesota during Curious Minnesota Day at the Star Tribune's State Fair building on August 28. Today's episode features recordings of many of the people who submitted questions. Click the link below to vote for your favorite!

Vote for your favorite question here (or by e-mailing Curious@StarTribune.com)

See photos and video of the event (Instagram post)

]]> 882 What is the future of COVID-19 and the delta variant? The arrival of vaccines earlier this year offered a glimmer of hope that the COVID-19 pandemic was nearing an end. But the emergence of the delta variant has dampened some of that optimism. The Star Tribune solicited reader questions about this new phase of the pandemic. Pulitzer Prize-winning health reporters Glenn Howatt and Jeremy Olson discussed the answers in their third appearance on the podcast. Wed, 25 Aug 2021 10:00:00 -0000 What is the future of COVID-19 and the delta variant? full Minnesota Star Tribune Star Tribune health reporters Jeremy Olson and Glenn Howatt join Curious Minnesota podcast host Eric Roper to answer reader questions about the pandemic. The arrival of vaccines earlier this year offered a glimmer of hope that the COVID-19 pandemic was nearing an end. But the emergence of the delta variant has dampened some of that optimism. The Star Tribune solicited reader questions about this new phase of the pandemic. Pulitzer Prize-winning health reporters Glenn Howatt and Jeremy Olson discussed the answers in their third appearance on the podcast. The arrival of vaccines earlier this year offered a glimmer of hope that the COVID-19 pandemic was nearing an end. But the emergence of the delta variant has dampened some of that optimism.

The Star Tribune solicited reader questions about this new phase of the pandemic. Pulitzer Prize-winning health reporters Glenn Howatt and Jeremy Olson discussed the answers in their third appearance on the podcast.

]]> 961 How did MSP Airport evolve from a bankrupt racetrack to an aviation hub? It has been roughly a century since planes began flying at what is now Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, which has evolved from a bankrupt racetrack to an acclaimed travel hub. Transportation reporter Janet Moore joins the podcast to discuss the airport's long history. LINKS: From bankrupt racetrack to aviation hub — what remains from MSP Airport's early days? (May 2021 Curious Minnesota story) Panoramic photo of the 1923 Wold-Chamberlain dedication ceremony. A history of the Twin City Motor Speedway (from Winter 2007-2008 issue of Minnesota History magazine) Thu, 08 Jul 2021 10:00:00 -0000 How did MSP Airport evolve from a bankrupt racetrack to an aviation hub? full Minnesota Star Tribune Curious Minnesota podcast host Eric Roper discusses the history of MSP Airport with transportation reporter Janet Moore. It has been roughly a century since planes began flying at what is now Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, which has evolved from a bankrupt racetrack to an acclaimed travel hub. Transportation reporter Janet Moore joins the podcast to discuss the airport's long history. LINKS: From bankrupt racetrack to aviation hub — what remains from MSP Airport's early days? (May 2021 Curious Minnesota story) Panoramic photo of the 1923 Wold-Chamberlain dedication ceremony. A history of the Twin City Motor Speedway (from Winter 2007-2008 issue of Minnesota History magazine) It has been roughly a century since planes began flying at what is now Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, which has evolved from a bankrupt racetrack to an acclaimed travel hub. Transportation reporter Janet Moore joins the podcast to discuss the airport's long history.

LINKS:

From bankrupt racetrack to aviation hub — what remains from MSP Airport's early days? (May 2021 Curious Minnesota story)

Panoramic photo of the 1923 Wold-Chamberlain dedication ceremony.

A history of the Twin City Motor Speedway (from Winter 2007-2008 issue of Minnesota History magazine)

]]> 914 Why does Minnesota test tornado sirens on the first Wednesday of the month? The monthly Wednesday tornado siren test, a Minnesota tradition, traces its origins back to 1950s fears of a Soviet atomic bomb attack. Writer Dave Kenney, who has researched Civil Defense in Minnesota, discusses how Minnesotans responded to an evolving international threat during the Cold War. LINKS: Why does Minnesota test tornado sirens on the first Wednesday of the month? (April 2021 Curious Minnesota Article) Civil Defense in Minnesota, 1950–1974 (written by Dave Kenney) Wed, 02 Jun 2021 10:00:00 -0000 Why does Minnesota test tornado sirens on the first Wednesday of the month? full Minnesota Star Tribune Curious Minnesota podcast host Eric Roper discusses Civil Defense and the Cold War history of tornado sirens with writer Dave Kenney. The monthly Wednesday tornado siren test, a Minnesota tradition, traces its origins back to 1950s fears of a Soviet atomic bomb attack. Writer Dave Kenney, who has researched Civil Defense in Minnesota, discusses how Minnesotans responded to an evolving international threat during the Cold War. LINKS: Why does Minnesota test tornado sirens on the first Wednesday of the month? (April 2021 Curious Minnesota Article) Civil Defense in Minnesota, 1950–1974 (written by Dave Kenney) The monthly Wednesday tornado siren test, a Minnesota tradition, traces its origins back to 1950s fears of a Soviet atomic bomb attack. Writer Dave Kenney, who has researched Civil Defense in Minnesota, discusses how Minnesotans responded to an evolving international threat during the Cold War.

LINKS:

Why does Minnesota test tornado sirens on the first Wednesday of the month? (April 2021 Curious Minnesota Article)

Civil Defense in Minnesota, 1950–1974 (written by Dave Kenney)

]]> 916 Was Minnesota home to nuclear missiles during the Cold War? Fears of a Soviet attack during the 1950s spurred the federal government to install four missile sites around the Twin Cities. The "Nike-Hercules" nuclear warheads stored in those bunkers stood ready to take down Soviet bombers headed for the Twin Cities. Curious Minnesota host Eric Roper discusses the topic with reporter Michelle Griffith, a former Star Tribune intern who now works at the Fargo Forum newspaper. LINKS: Was Minnesota home to nuclear missiles during the Cold War? (April 2020 Curious Minnesota story) When nukes in a cornfield protected the Twin Cities from the Soviet Union Former Nike Hercules missile in St. Bonifacius stands as a reminder of the Cold War Thu, 06 May 2021 10:00:00 -0000 Was Minnesota home to nuclear missiles during the Cold War? full Minnesota Star Tribune Fears of a Soviet attack during the 1950s spurred the federal government to install four missile sites around the Twin Cities. Fears of a Soviet attack during the 1950s spurred the federal government to install four missile sites around the Twin Cities. The "Nike-Hercules" nuclear warheads stored in those bunkers stood ready to take down Soviet bombers headed for the Twin Cities. Curious Minnesota host Eric Roper discusses the topic with reporter Michelle Griffith, a former Star Tribune intern who now works at the Fargo Forum newspaper. LINKS: Was Minnesota home to nuclear missiles during the Cold War? (April 2020 Curious Minnesota story) When nukes in a cornfield protected the Twin Cities from the Soviet Union Former Nike Hercules missile in St. Bonifacius stands as a reminder of the Cold War Fears of a Soviet attack during the 1950s spurred the federal government to install four missile sites around the Twin Cities. The "Nike-Hercules" nuclear warheads stored in those bunkers stood ready to take down Soviet bombers headed for the Twin Cities. Curious Minnesota host Eric Roper discusses the topic with reporter Michelle Griffith, a former Star Tribune intern who now works at the Fargo Forum newspaper.

LINKS:

Was Minnesota home to nuclear missiles during the Cold War? (April 2020 Curious Minnesota story)

When nukes in a cornfield protected the Twin Cities from the Soviet Union

Former Nike Hercules missile in St. Bonifacius stands as a reminder of the Cold War

]]> 726 Does the Mississippi River really start at Lake Itasca? The source of the Mississippi was a consequential mystery after the Revolutionary War. It remains hotly debated in some circles today. Connie Cox, the lead interpretive naturalist at Itasca State Park, discusses the history and science behind this issue with host Eric Roper. LINKS: Is Minnesota’s tiny Lake Itasca the true source of the Mississippi River? Could the Mississippi River actually begin in South Dakota? Minnesota History: Controversy at the Mississippi's headwaters Fri, 02 Apr 2021 10:00:00 -0000 Does the Mississippi River really start at Lake Itasca? full Minnesota Star Tribune Curious Minnesota Host Eric Roper discusses the headwaters of the river with Connie Cox. The source of the Mississippi was a consequential mystery after the Revolutionary War. It remains hotly debated in some circles today. Connie Cox, the lead interpretive naturalist at Itasca State Park, discusses the history and science behind this issue with host Eric Roper. LINKS: Is Minnesota’s tiny Lake Itasca the true source of the Mississippi River? Could the Mississippi River actually begin in South Dakota? Minnesota History: Controversy at the Mississippi's headwaters The source of the Mississippi was a consequential mystery after the Revolutionary War. It remains hotly debated in some circles today. Connie Cox, the lead interpretive naturalist at Itasca State Park, discusses the history and science behind this issue with host Eric Roper.

LINKS:

Is Minnesota’s tiny Lake Itasca the true source of the Mississippi River?

Could the Mississippi River actually begin in South Dakota?

Minnesota History: Controversy at the Mississippi's headwaters

]]> 952 Why did Minneapolis tear down its biggest train station? The Great Northern Depot on Hennepin Avenue was a de facto welcome mat for Minneapolis for many years. Along with the Milwaukee Road Depot, it was the primary place people arrived in the city. So why was Great Northern torn down in 1978, while the Milwaukee Road Depot survived? Rail historian Aaron Isaacs joins host Eric Roper to discuss the history of the Depot and the decline of passenger rail travel in the 20th Century. Story and photo gallery Fri, 05 Mar 2021 12:59:00 -0000 full Minnesota Star Tribune On the Curious Minnesota podcast, host Eric Roper and rail historian Aaron Isaacs discuss the rise and fall of Twin Cities passenger rail travel in the 20th Century. The Great Northern Depot on Hennepin Avenue was a de facto welcome mat for Minneapolis for many years. Along with the Milwaukee Road Depot, it was the primary place people arrived in the city. So why was Great Northern torn down in 1978, while the Milwaukee Road Depot survived? Rail historian Aaron Isaacs joins host Eric Roper to discuss the history of the Depot and the decline of passenger rail travel in the 20th Century. Story and photo gallery The Great Northern Depot on Hennepin Avenue was a de facto welcome mat for Minneapolis for many years. Along with the Milwaukee Road Depot, it was the primary place people arrived in the city. So why was Great Northern torn down in 1978, while the Milwaukee Road Depot survived? Rail historian Aaron Isaacs joins host Eric Roper to discuss the history of the Depot and the decline of passenger rail travel in the 20th Century.

Story and photo gallery

]]> 906 How Ford made millions of windows from the sand beneath St. Paul For part of the 20th Century, Ford Motor Company relied heavily on sand beneath its plant in St. Paul to make windows for its cars. Host Eric Roper discusses that operation with reporter John Reinan. LINKS: John's Curious Minnesota story about the Ford Plant sand mining A timeline of St. Paul's Ford Plant operations Made in St. Paul: Stories from the Ford Plant (Twin Cities PBS / Producer: Peter Myers) Fri, 12 Feb 2021 11:00:00 -0000 How Ford made millions of windows from St. Paul sand full Minnesota Star Tribune Mines beneath the Ford Plant helped fuel the carmaker's window-making operation. For part of the 20th Century, Ford Motor Company relied heavily on sand beneath its plant in St. Paul to make windows for its cars. Host Eric Roper discusses that operation with reporter John Reinan. LINKS: John's Curious Minnesota story about the Ford Plant sand mining A timeline of St. Paul's Ford Plant operations Made in St. Paul: Stories from the Ford Plant (Twin Cities PBS / Producer: Peter Myers) For part of the 20th Century, Ford Motor Company relied heavily on sand beneath its plant in St. Paul to make windows for its cars. Host Eric Roper discusses that operation with reporter John Reinan.

LINKS:

John's Curious Minnesota story about the Ford Plant sand mining

A timeline of St. Paul's Ford Plant operations

Made in St. Paul: Stories from the Ford Plant (Twin Cities PBS / Producer: Peter Myers)

]]> 764 How do cities make Mississippi River water safe to drink? Both Minneapolis and St. Paul draw their drinking water from the Mississippi River. Curious Minnesota host Eric Roper paid a visit to Minneapolis’ water treatment campus in Fridley to understand the complex process that makes river water safe to drink. LINKS: Photo gallery Article (published in October 2020) Wed, 13 Jan 2021 15:55:03 -0000 How do cities make Mississippi River water safe to drink? full Minnesota Star Tribune A tour of Minnesota's largest drinking water treatment plant. Both Minneapolis and St. Paul draw their drinking water from the Mississippi River. Curious Minnesota host Eric Roper paid a visit to Minneapolis’ water treatment campus in Fridley to understand the complex process that makes river water safe to drink. LINKS: Photo gallery Article (published in October 2020) Both Minneapolis and St. Paul draw their drinking water from the Mississippi River. Curious Minnesota host Eric Roper paid a visit to Minneapolis’ water treatment campus in Fridley to understand the complex process that makes river water safe to drink.

LINKS:

Photo gallery

Article (published in October 2020)

]]> 816 Will Minnesota join push toward a national popular vote? A number of states have joined an effort that would effectively bypass the Electoral College in determining America's president. Those states have signed on to the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, which would commit their electoral votes to whoever wins the national popular vote. Will Minnesota participate? Reporter Torey Van Oot joins host Eric Roper to discuss the proposal. Read her story here. The reader question was inspired by a discussion on the New York Times' "The Daily" podcast, which you can listen to here. Thu, 03 Dec 2020 18:14:52 -0000 Will Minnesota join push toward a national popular vote? full Minnesota Star Tribune A number of states have joined the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. A number of states have joined an effort that would effectively bypass the Electoral College in determining America's president. Those states have signed on to the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, which would commit their electoral votes to whoever wins the national popular vote. Will Minnesota participate? Reporter Torey Van Oot joins host Eric Roper to discuss the proposal. Read her story here. The reader question was inspired by a discussion on the New York Times' "The Daily" podcast, which you can listen to here. A number of states have joined an effort that would effectively bypass the Electoral College in determining America's president. Those states have signed on to the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, which would commit their electoral votes to whoever wins the national popular vote. Will Minnesota participate? Reporter Torey Van Oot joins host Eric Roper to discuss the proposal. Read her story here. The reader question was inspired by a discussion on the New York Times' "The Daily" podcast, which you can listen to here.

]]> 645 no Why do so many Twin Cities malls end in ‘dale’? Malls ending in the suffix "Dale" are peppered across the Twin Cities. But why "Dale"? Reporter John Ewoldt joins us to discuss the history of the Dales, starting with the landmark mall that started it all — Southdale. Host Eric Roper and Ewoldt discuss how the vision of the Dayton Corporation reshaped retail in the region. Read John's story here. Mon, 09 Nov 2020 16:14:00 -0000 Why do so many Twin Cities malls end in ‘dale’? full 19 Minnesota Star Tribune The "Dales" reshaped retail in the region Malls ending in the suffix "Dale" are peppered across the Twin Cities. But why "Dale"? Reporter John Ewoldt joins us to discuss the history of the Dales, starting with the landmark mall that started it all — Southdale. Host Eric Roper and Ewoldt discuss how the vision of the Dayton Corporation reshaped retail in the region. Read John's story here. Malls ending in the suffix "Dale" are peppered across the Twin Cities. But why "Dale"? Reporter John Ewoldt joins us to discuss the history of the Dales, starting with the landmark mall that started it all — Southdale. Host Eric Roper and Ewoldt discuss how the vision of the Dayton Corporation reshaped retail in the region. Read John's story here.

]]> 828 no Why hasn't Minnesota passed the Equal Rights Amendment? Wed, 23 Sep 2020 15:47:14 -0000 full Minnesota Star Tribune 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. 571 no What's the latest we know about COVID-19's treatment, transmission? Wed, 02 Sep 2020 13:45:52 -0000 full Minnesota Star Tribune 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. 947 no When you flush a toilet in the Twin Cities, where does everything go? Sat, 08 Aug 2020 03:54:32 -0000 full Minnesota Star Tribune 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 711 no Do the things we recycle all actually get recycled in Minnesota? Thu, 16 Jul 2020 05:15:53 -0000 full Minnesota Star Tribune 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 807 no How did Minnesota become one of the most racially inequitable states? Tue, 30 Jun 2020 15:29:23 -0000 full Minnesota Star Tribune 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 1240 no In wake of George Floyd's death, what does 'reforming' Minneapolis Police mean? Fri, 12 Jun 2020 12:59:27 -0000 full Minnesota Star Tribune 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. 878 no Why do so many Fortune 500 companies call Minnesota home? Wed, 20 May 2020 15:13:00 -0000 full Minnesota Star Tribune 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 923 no How did Minnesota become the Gopher State? Wed, 06 May 2020 15:01:11 -0000 full Minnesota Star Tribune 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 606 no Listener lightning round: 3 answers on history, geography, traditions of Minnesota Fri, 24 Apr 2020 15:41:00 -0000 full Minnesota Star Tribune 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 1046 no Why is Uptown south of downtown in Minneapolis? Wed, 08 Apr 2020 06:20:04 -0000 full Minnesota Star Tribune "Uptown" is the common name today for the district around Hennepin Avenue and Lake Street, but that is a relatively recent phenomenon. Host Eric Roper talks with authors Thatcher Imboden and Cedar Imboden Phillips about the roots of Uptown name. Read more here: www.strib.mn/2WNvVFQ 704 no What you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic Thu, 19 Mar 2020 13:42:23 -0000 full Minnesota Star Tribune As the novel coronavirus spreads across the world, we've asked readers what they most want to know about the pandemic. Host Eric Roper talks with Pulitzer Prize-winning reporters Jeremy Olson and Glenn Howatt to answer your most pressing questions. Read more here: www.startribune.com/virus 1166 no How to see the northern lights Tue, 10 Mar 2020 17:20:12 -0000 full Minnesota Star Tribune The elusive aurora borealis has an attraction that's indisputable. Host Eric Roper talks with reporter Kelly Smith and photographer Brian Peterson about where and when to find the northern lights — and how to capture them when you do. Read the story: http://strib.mn/2Neo9Dd. Check out Astro Bob's blog: http://bit.ly/astrobob 890 no How did Minnesota settlers make it through the cold, dark winters? Tue, 25 Feb 2020 17:50:00 -0000 full Minnesota Star Tribune Most modern-day Minnesotans take pride in their ability to cope with, or even embrace, the cold weather. But what did surviving extreme temperatures look like for the state's first settlers? Host Eric Roper talks with reporter Mara Klecker about creative ways settlers coped. Read the story: http://strib.mn/39soP0v. Minnesota Historical Society with Anna Ahonen: http://collections.mnhs.org/cms/largerimage.php?irn=10388879&catirn=11459703 793 no Where did the idea for Minneapolis' skyways come from? Tue, 11 Feb 2020 16:20:41 -0000 full Minnesota Star Tribune Love them or hate them, the skyways have permanently changed the way pedestrians get around downtown Minneapolis. Host Eric Roper talks with reporter Emma Dill about how the idea of the elevated walkway system originated. Read the story: http://strib.mn/31KwS5d. 649 no Why are Honeycrisp apples still so expensive? Tue, 28 Jan 2020 16:10:02 -0000 full Minnesota Star Tribune The honeycrisp apple, one of the University of Minnesota's most profitable inventions, continues to be a best-seller despite its top-priced status. Host Eric Roper talks with retail reporter John Ewoldt about the thin-skinned, sweet-tart treat. Read the story: www.strib.mn/2Zd47LX. "20 things you didn't know about Minnesota's famous Honeycrisp apples," www.strib.mn/2vTMsuP. 617 no Why does the Stone Arch Bridge cross the river at such an odd angle? Thu, 16 Jan 2020 23:29:00 -0000 full Minnesota Star Tribune Older than most historic buildings still standing in the Twin Cities, the 136-year-old bridge has long been Minneapolis' de facto welcome mat. But why was it built the way it was? Host Eric Roper talks with Dave Wiggins about why the bridge crosses the Mississippi River at an odd angle. Read the story: www.strib.mn/2JAnqJN. Read about "Hill's Follly," www.gngoat.org/stone_arch_bridge.htm

]]> 863 no How did the Twin Cities become a hub for Somali immigrants? Thu, 16 Jan 2020 23:28:00 -0000 full Minnesota Star Tribune Minnesota has 52,333 people who report Somali ancestry — the largest concentration of Somalis in America. This week, we're answering a question from Erik Borg, who wondered about the roots of the Somali influx. Host Eric Roper talks with race and immigration reporter Maya Rao about how it unfolded. Read the story: www.strib.mn/30ztTvA. Listen to Abdisalam Adam's oral history: education.mnhs.org/immigration/narrators/somali/abdisalam-adam.

]]> 639 no Where does 'Minnesota Nice' come from, and what does it even mean? Thu, 16 Jan 2020 23:27:00 -0000 full Minnesota Star Tribune Tracing the roots of "Minnesota Nice" is difficult, partly because people don't agree on what the term means. This week, we're answering a question from Sara Skinner, who has tried to explain it to immigrants at the "Life in Minnesota" class she teaches. Host Eric Roper talks with Rachel Hutton about the double-edged meaning of Minnesota Nice. Read the story: www.strib.mn/2QL9Bgp. How to speak like a true Minnesotan: www.strib.mn/2QAcpfE.

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