Articles
Reporting and storytelling from communities shaping the American story.
Front Porch Movement articles explore the stories shaping everyday life in communities often overlooked by traditional media. Through in-depth reporting, interviews, and narrative journalism, our writers document how national issues such as immigration, democracy, and civic engagement unfold in neighborhoods across the United States. Each article brings readers closer to the people and experiences behind today’s headlines.
Returning to Minnesota: A Journalist’s Journey Into a State in Crisis
After 14 years away, I head back to Minneapolis to report on immigration, unrest, and a city once again defining itself, starting before I even land.
How Did We Get Here?
It’s taken me all this time to figure out how we got here, how we all got here. Looking back at the start of the Front Porch Movement in 2015, I honestly thought we could cut through the country’s polarization and find conversations that, however difficult, would still bring us together.
The Laid Back Festival- A Night of Tributes and Collaborations
As a music fan, it was difficult to stay laid back at the Laid Back Festival in New Jersey. Even without the not-so-surprising walk-on appearance by Bruce Springsteen, the festival lifted the crowd and sent them into orbit during some of the most memorable collaborations of the year.
I Took Prince For Grant
I miss Prince because I really didn't appreciate him when I should have. And sadly, it took his death to realize this.
Delta Rae- Holding On To Good
“It’s time for us to be just a little bit honest with our fans and the people who have followed us for so long." Anything could have followed but my gut knew it had to do with the future of the band and my gut was telling me the party was over.
Jackson Browne- Paying Tribute to Our Musical Heroes
Browne is like no other singer/songwriter. A lifetime of activism and providing a playlist for love, sorrow, the road we've left behind and the road we're about to take.
Bruce Springsteen- The King of Civic Engagement
Musicians can teach us a lot about civic engagement. And perhaps no one proves it all night better than Bruce Springsteen.
In Search Of A Front Porch
After a full day at work and the nighttime ritual of walking my dog Sally, I could have easily walked inside, shut the door and stayed put for the rest of the night. But something was drawing me to another ritual occurring a mile and a half away. Inside Central Park, people were gathering all day singing Beatles songs as a tribute to John Lennon on the anniversary of his death. So that's where I headed, in search of meeting someone with a front porch story.
Memorial At 36,000 Feet
Today I attended a memorial service for the victims of 9/11. Not in a church. Not in a park. Not even on the ground. I was on board a plane that took off from Boston, just as two of the four other jets took off 11 years ago.