In polarized times some MN Democrats and Republicans find common ground
Minnesota Legislative Exchange makes time and space for lawmakers to connect.
Nora Hertel
56 posts
Community Voices | Somali Americans in St. Cloud share impact of ICE
The Somali American Rights Coalition launches amid immigration enforcement surge, and a St. Cloud truck driver recounts his story of arrest and detainment.
Prophecy and road map: How 'Letter from Birmingham Jail' can guide Minnesotans today
St. Cloud Pastor James Alberts II of Higher Ground Church of God in Christ reflects on Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s letter as the state faces a surge of federal immigration enforcement.
We made the best of 2025! Here's the year in review
Check out Project Optimist's 2025 impact and look behind the curtain at our finances and future plans.
65% of college students feel lonely. Moorhead students share solutions
Minnesota State University Moorhead students – most of them LGBTQ+ – share stories of how they meet and overcome isolation.
Community Voices ⎸Project Optimist staff plan for the end — and it feels good
Life goals: Complete health care directives, draft a will, and enroll in life insurance in 2025.
How Rochester and Duluth respond to mental health and substance use calls
'Ultimately the goal for us is to not have law enforcement, police officers, involved with every single psych event or mental health crisis that goes on here in the city,' said Captain Jennifer Hodgman of the Rochester Police Department.
How East African politicians are growing a coalition in St. Cloud
To explore the challenges and opportunities in local government for the Somali American community, St. Cloud Somali Community Radio and Project Optimist invited Hassan Yussuf, Abdi Daisane and Omar Podi to share their experiences and insights.
Winona residents call for zoning, funding, and empathy to spur needed housing
Winona residents see affordable housing as urgent and solvable, but success will require policy changes, creative housing models, and more community leadership.