Discover Lake Superior diamonds
"Lake diamonds can’t last forever. Soon, they’ll melt. So while you can, go out and find some. Watch them shine in the light," writes Erica Dischino.
How to use courage, excitement to make social connections
We look at what research shows about how people can overcome fears and use these strategies to connect with others.
Minnesota brewers tap into shifting tastes
Craft breweries in Minnesota created new products and events they hope appeal to younger customers of drinking age, who tend to drink less beer than members of older generations.
Drawn by Nature: Chickadee, squirrel brains expand for food caches
"In the realm of natural-world wonders, some animals can expand their brains when needed," writes Lisa Meyers McClintick.
Expert answers your recycling questions
Emma Pardini of WLSSD in Duluth answers questions we couldn't get to at Project Optimist's October recycling panel discussion.
Minnesota youth, seniors fight social isolation and loneliness
A young St. Cloud man started a program to connect senior citizens with students. The effort succeeded, but it’s tough to find students across Minnesota willing to organize similar events in their communities.
College students share insights on social connection
Students from the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University joined a moderated conversation about social connectedness and loneliness.
Community Voices ⎸ What Project Optimist readers told us
We break down the results from our 2024 Audience Survey and share how it will inform our work in 2025 and beyond.
Lessons learned from two decades of composting
The Western Lake Superior Sanitary District has run a compost site since 2001. During that time, the district has added 12 community drop-off sites, in addition to taking food waste from businesses.