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Project Optimist

Solution-focused news, local art, community conversations

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Latest Posts

Can philanthropy bridge our divides? Q&A with the Council on Foundations

Nora Hertel · 6 May 2026

The future of geothermal energy may depend on fossil fuel workers

Newsletter · 22 Apr 2026

Why some communities don’t trust the media — and what newsrooms are doing about it

Newsletter · 9 Apr 2026

Contributors

Nora Hertel

Creator of Project Optimist

Jana Studelska

Jana Studelska lives off-grid in northern Minnesota, where she enjoys paddling and walking with dogs.

R.C. Drews

R.C. Drews is author of the upcoming Founding Fergus Falls: A History. A former peace officer, Drews owns a communications firm in west central MN and is editor of an upcoming book on state politics.

Erica Dischino

Erica Dischino (she/her) is the social media storyteller for Project Optimist.

Project Optimist

Contributors

Nora Hertel

Jana Studelska

R.C. Drews

Erica Dischino

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