There is a lot of pride of living in open spaces. Commutes are short, civic and school participation can be high and where you might get a friendly wave from a stranger. People in Greater Minnesota are not ‘deprived’ or ‘less fortunate’ than their metro counterparts. In fact, most residents are there by choice, like the Ivy-educated Ingrahams, who left their suburban East Coast lives behind and moved their family to Red Lake Falls. They want what a slower-paced rural life can give them and their kids. Their story was another good reminder that people in Greater Minnesota are not a monolith and an uncultured cliché. In New London, I profiled an artist, Bethany Lacktorin, who is helping to revitalize her community with visionary programming at her local theater. In Hovland, we met Linda Newman, who lives off-grid with her sled dogs. She specializes in women-only outdoor adventures, but has felt the economic effects of last winter’s warmer temperatures. In their own way, these Greater Minnesotans are living their lives to the fullest in the way they’ve chosen. I am lucky to have the opportunity to share their stories.
In a way, that is how I see my job. That interesting people are doing interesting things, all over our state. There are also challenges. Climate change, global competition, consolidating healthcare delivery, Internet-based economies and shifting political winds – all force us to consider our values. Almanac is in its 40th year and is the longest running prime time television program in our state history. Every week, we try to earn the trust of our viewers by having important dialogue on politics and public affairs. I am proud of the work our small team collectively does and of my role in bringing the voices of Greater Minnesotans to a statewide audience.
And in these divisive times, the work has never felt more vital.
Tune in to Almanac , Fridays at 7 p.m. on TPT 2, or stream on TPT.org/almanac .
Join Almanac at The Minnesota State Fair for a live taping on Friday, August 23, 11 a.m-12 p.m., and meet Kaomi and the hosts afterwards. For complete details, including taping location, visit TPT.org/events .
Photo Credit: Uche Iroegbu
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