Project Optimist (Page 2)

Three people sit at a white folding table. The woman on the right is speaking. The two men next to her listen. In the background is a projection screen with an image of a controlled burn.

Environment Featured

‘We have always existed with fire’

Education about the history and role of controlled burns in northeast Minnesota is key, officials say.

A black Tesla Model 3 is connected to a charger at a Hy-Vee in Rochester, Minn. The Hy-Vee store is visible in the background. It's an overcast day.

Business Featured

There's money in EV charging, but who can get in the market?

The mission to beef up charging infrastructure is more financial than technical, experts say.

Two people wear costumes, one looks like a turtle costume. They hold signs that say "No more fossil fuels."

Community voices

Community Voices ⎸ Cycling infrastructure pays dividends

Creating more cycling infrastructure in cities is one part of the larger puzzle to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Nine people pose for a photo in front of banners for the two news organizations that co-hosted the event.

Community voices

Community Voices ⎸ Journalism is for everyone

We believe communities are stronger when people know how journalism works and participate in making journalism however they’re able.

A man lights a fire for a prescribed burn while firefighters watch.

wildfires

Wildfire walk-and-talk set for May 31

Project Optimist and Hartley Nature Center will host the free event.

Una mujer sostiene un ala de mariposa monarca sobre uno de sus ojos mientras mira a la cámara. Lleva un vestido naranja quemado. Tiene el pelo oscuro y rizado.

Art

Preguntas auténticas guían al artista de Northfield

Los documentales de Cecilia Cornejo Sotelo se enfocaron en la comunidad tras mudarse a Minnesota. Desde entonces, sus proyectos han adoptado nuevas formas, como la narración y el bordado.

A woman holds a monarch butterfly wing over one of her eyes as she looks at the camera. She wears a burnt orange dress. She has dark, curly hair. It looks like she's sitting outside.

Art

Genuine questions guide Northfield artist

Cecilia Cornejo Sotelo’s films became community-focused after she moved to Minnesota. Since then, her projects have taken on new forms, such as storytelling and embroidery.

Six people sit in chairs along a wall. They are all dressed in business casual attire. They wear blue identification badges. They are part of a panel discussion at COP29.

Community voices

Community Voices ⎸ Climate change makes water insecurity worse in the Global South

Without the money and resources that the Global North has, countries in the Global South are not able to adapt to or fight back against the impacts of climate change.