Ask a 'sotan

Have a question about life in Minnesota? Submit your question here!

December 5, 2019 1:00 PM

Ask a 'sotan: Why are the rivers different colors?

Have you ever driven past or hiked along a Minnesota river and wondered what gives it that particular color? One MPR News listener did. She asked, "Why is the Mississippi River so muddy when compared to other rivers like the St. Croix? Has it always been this way?"

by Kirsti Marohn

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November 21, 2019 9:19 AM

Ask a 'sotan: Revisiting 'Minnesota Nice'

Where does the term “Minnesota Nice” come from? How does it speak to our culture? It’s a topic that has been heavily debated and explored. But the curiosity behind the phenomenon was enough to prompt a new question from our audience, and we sought answers.

by Mike Moen

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November 7, 2019 11:14 AM

Ask a ‘sotan: How does the state regulate buying raw milk?

An audience question about where customers can buy raw milk leads us to ask a farmer and a food inspection expert about state regulations over unpasteurized dairy.

by Matt Mikus

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October 31, 2019 4:15 PM

Ask a 'sotan: How much playtime do young kids need?

For young school students, a Minnesota parent wants to know whether 30 minutes of recess and only one or two days of PE is enough to help with their development, especially in a colder climate where outside play is limited.

by Mike Moen

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October 18, 2019 4:00 AM

There's an election this year. Here's everything on the ballot

There’s a lot at stake this year in Minnesota’s local elections on Nov. 5: four county commissioner elections, 107 school district elections and 30 municipal, plus school referenda.

by Cody Nelson

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October 10, 2019 2:00 PM

Ask a ‘sotan: The history of living in the Boundary Waters

The Boundary Waters is revered for its pristine natural beauty that seems untouched by human interaction. But there’s a long history of people living within the lakes and forests in Northern Minnesota.

by Matt Mikus

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October 2, 2019 10:19 AM

Ask a 'sotan: What's an eco-friendly way to bag groceries?

As Duluth weighs a plan to curb plastic bag use, we asked two local experts to answer questions from MPR News listeners about the merits of paper, plastic or something else to haul their groceries.

by Mike Moen

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September 27, 2019 4:00 AM

Ask a 'sotan: How many lakes do we actually have?

Readers pour in questions about one of Minnesota’s most familiar claim to fame: lakes.

by Matt Mikus

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August 30, 2019 2:30 PM

Ask a 'sotan: How do you thrive and not just survive during winter?

From wearing Merino wool to swinging an ice-climbing axe, an outdoors expert has tips on how to embrace the Minnesota winter.

by Mike Moen

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August 30, 2019 4:00 AM

Ask a 'sotan: How can local farmers sell more in their community?

Minnesota has a growing market for locally sourced food — but the opportunities for buying and selling local still aren’t always clear.

by Sara Porter

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