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.
Sign up for Project Optimist's free newsletter
Get the latest headlines in your inbox once per week.
Recent stories
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.
There’s a surprising climate solution right under your feet
Mycorrhizal fungi help plants thrive, and sequester an enormous amount of carbon. But a new atlas shows that they need urgent protection.