Project Optimist: Building Bridges - Ep. 1 A Hero's Journey
'I heard some really moving stories that were, like, similar to mine but different in some ways. Different cultures have different experiences. I was moved.'
Co-parenting program aims to reduce pains of divorce in central Minnesota
New research shows the program is 'highly acceptable and effective at targeting a key mechanism of change — reducing animosity between co-parents.'
Project Optimist wins 2 Minnesota news awards
The Minnesota Society of Professional Journalists 2026 Page One Awards recognized Project Optimist for its 2025 work and approaching fifth anniversary.
Fraud: What if we treat for-profits the same as nonprofits when they get public money?
Q&A with Minnesota Council of Nonprofits about new laws and efforts to fight fraud in the state.
Can philanthropy bridge our divides? Q&A with the Council on Foundations
'Philanthropy has the resources, has the ability, has the convening power to model a different path forward, to model a kind of leadership that is reaching across differences.'
The future of geothermal energy may depend on fossil fuel workers
The next generation of geothermal energy is drawing on decades of talent and technical expertise developed in the oil and gas industries.
Why some communities don’t trust the media — and what newsrooms are doing about it
A variety of approaches — including outreach and stressing transparency — is being used to engage audiences
Men build health, community, and little libraries at Hopkins Men’s Shed
'Sheds are grassroots. It's whatever the members want to do. That's number one.'
Why Minnesota cities rely on bonding bills to fund water projects
The cost of construction is high, especially in Greater Minnesota, and cities can only raise water rates so much.
Can we expect to see more U.S. citizens denaturalized?
"We are in this place where a lot of the processes and procedures that we used to count on, certainly as lawyers and as advocates and policy folks, are really breaking down in ways that we didn't expect."
In polarized times some MN Democrats and Republicans find common ground
Minnesota Legislative Exchange makes time and space for lawmakers to connect.
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.
When one mother was taken by ICE, another stepped in to donate breastmilk
Moms in Minneapolis are donating diapers, food and time to help families who have been ripped apart by ICE.
How Grand Rapids residents talk about firearms – with civility
A dozen people in Grand Rapids, Minn., all rooted in a community with a strong hunting culture., shared diverse experiences and opinions about firearms.
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.