State + Local
Would cutting out student fees make college in Minnesota more affordable?
In light of state legislation to make student fees optional, we analyzed data on tuition and fees at Minnesota's public colleges and universities.
Data Drop
Could brine be the solution to Minnesota's road salt problem?
The Minnesota Department of Transportation used more brine solution before snowy weather this winter than in years past, but traditional salt and sand are still heavily used.
Data Drop
What would the Twin Cities look like as a mega-region?
A map created by university researchers reveals the Twin Cities to be the center of its own universe of commuters.
Data Drop
Yes, Minnesota has a low prison population, but that's not the whole story
Policymakers often cite Minnesota's low prison population, but the state also has one of the highest rates of probation in the country -- a restrictive punishment that often serves as a back door to incarceration.
Data Drop
Minnesota foreclosures reach lowest level in more than a decade
Data on sheriff's sales in each county show how the foreclosure crisis has slowed, although hot spots remain.
Data Drop
Find the hot housing markets in the Twin Cities
Are you living in a hot housing market? To find out, the Star Tribune’s housing market index combines four key housing metrics for cities with…
Data Drop
Minnesota had the nation's highest voter turnout - again. Here's one reason why
While Minnesota saw a slight downturn in voter turnout since 2012, it still led the pack nationally in 2016.
Data Drop
Charter school enrollment is surging in Minnesota
New data on Minnesota schools show immense growth in enrollment at charter schools. Below, check specific schools to see how enrollment has changed.
Data Drop
There really are more twins and triplets in Minnesota
Data on births in Minnesota show how the rate of multiple births rose over the past three decades.
Data Drop
Is violent crime on the rise, or isn't it? A look at Trump and Sessions' math
President Trump and new Attorney General Jeff Sessions keep saying violent crime is high. Is that true?
Data Drop
To bury or burn? Why we're landfilling more than before
The amount of Twin Cities waste being sent to landfills has far outpaced additional trash being generated in the last quarter century. State officials attribute much of the rise to a decline in burning garbage.
Data Drop
Explore how much Minnesota lawmakers got for their expenses
Find out what your lawmakers in the Minnesota House and Senate were reimbursed for job-related expenses in 2016.
Data Drop
Where money flowed in the 2016 battle for the Legislature
Campaign finance data show where Minnesota candidates and outside interest groups are raised and spent the most money.
Data Drop
Prep football participation declining — but not just because of concussions
Despite talk of concussion concerns, don't be fooled into thinking it's single-handedly driving down high school football participation. Here's what the numbers show.
Data Drop
Trump's immigration order covers homelands of thousands of Minnesotans
It's yet to be seen how these tough-on-immigration policies will play out nationally, but they're almost certain to have dramatic implications for Minnesota's increasingly diverse population.
Data Drop
Was Obama's presidency good for Minnesota?
We look at how Minnesota has changed during the Obama years, from economic indicators to gay marriage to professional sports teams' success.
Data Drop
8 charts that show changes in Minnesota's gun culture
Seventeen years of firearm background check data illustrates a move toward handguns, while numbers on rifles and shotguns hold steady.
Data Drop
'It could have been worse': Minnesota's weather in 2016 was, in a word, wet
Minnesotans weren't able to use one of their favorite phrases – "We could use some rain!" – in 2016. The Twin Cities broke the record for annual rainfall – with 40.3 inches.
Data Drop
Our most popular and interesting charts, maps and interactives of 2016
We're revisiting a few of our favorite Data Drop stories from this past year, in case you missed them.
Data Drop
Work-related deaths in Minnesota were up in 2015
Newly-released data showed an increase in women dying on the job and in farm-related deaths.
Data Drop
What the flows at metro wastewater plants reveal about our bodily habits
Wastewater entering the treatment plant in St. Paul illustrates facets of life in the Twin Cities, including when we flush and what we send their way.
Data Drop
How common is your last name? Type it in here
New U.S. Census Bureau data on frequency of surnames shows the changing racial makeup of the nation.
Data Drop
Educated urbanites, aging rural residents are focus of new census report
New American Community Survey data offer a new, detailed look at demographic trends throughout the state.
Data Drop
Does it cost more in taxes to own a home in Minneapolis or St. Paul?
The two cities are finalizing their 2017 budgets, but city taxes make up a small share of a homeowners' total obligation for services.
Data Drop
Talking turkey: Minnesota is the land of 44 million
Minnesota is the nation's leading turkey producer, accounting for 18 percent of all turkeys raised in the U.S.
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