{
  "datasetId": "minnesota-small-town-public-figures-2026",
  "snapshotDate": "2026-09-22",
  "populationSnapshot": "2020 Decennial Census",
  "populationSource": {
    "publisher": "U.S. Census Bureau",
    "product": "2020 Census State Redistricting Data (P.L. 94-171)",
    "url": "https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/2020/data/01-Redistricting_File--PL_94-171/Minnesota/"
  },
  "methodology": "Site-defined small-town cohort: Minnesota incorporated places below 25,000 residents in the 2020 Census. Separately labeled smaller-city cohort: 25,000 to 49,999. These are not official Census definitions.",
  "originRule": "Records reuse the verified statewide-origin dataset and preserve exact birthplace, upbringing, hometown/native or formative-years relationships. Later residence and professional work do not qualify.",
  "ordering": "Existing statewide-origin sortKey, alphabetical and unranked.",
  "counts": {
    "records": 38,
    "smallTown": 31,
    "smallerCity": 7,
    "communities": 35
  },
  "records": [
    {
      "recordId": "mn-small-town-loni-anderson",
      "canonicalEntityId": "mn-origin-person-loni-anderson",
      "fullName": "Loni Anderson",
      "sortKey": "anderson, loni",
      "professionCategory": "Film, television and comedy",
      "cohort": "smaller_city",
      "populationBand": "25000_49999",
      "qualifyingPlaces": [
        {
          "name": "Roseville",
          "officialName": "Roseville city",
          "placeCode": "55852",
          "population2020": 36254
        }
      ],
      "minnesotaRelationshipType": "raised_in",
      "relationshipLabel": "Raised in Minnesota",
      "relationshipSummary": "Born in Saint Paul and raised in Roseville, Minnesota.",
      "readerSummary": "Television actor known for WKRP in Cincinnati.",
      "primarySource": {
        "title": "Loni Anderson, WKRP star, dies",
        "publisher": "Associated Press",
        "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT",
        "url": "https://apnews.com/article/3614dc44dbad987f74fc4cd64bd3e7fc",
        "sourceDate": "2025-08-03",
        "support": "AP reports that Anderson was born in Saint Paul."
      },
      "secondarySource": {
        "title": "Loni Anderson recalled by Minnesota theater friends",
        "publisher": "Minnesota Star Tribune",
        "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT",
        "url": "https://www.startribune.com/loni-anderson-recalled-as-charming-kind-and-smart-by-minnesota-theater-friends/601449948",
        "sourceDate": "2025",
        "support": "The Star Tribune reports her Saint Paul birth and Roseville upbringing."
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "sourceVerifiedAt": "2026-09-20",
      "populationSource": {
        "publisher": "U.S. Census Bureau",
        "snapshot": "2020 Census",
        "url": "https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/2020/data/01-Redistricting_File--PL_94-171/Minnesota/"
      },
      "profileUrl": null,
      "placeResourceUrl": null
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-small-town-richard-dean-anderson",
      "canonicalEntityId": "mn-origin-person-richard-dean-anderson",
      "fullName": "Richard Dean Anderson",
      "sortKey": "anderson, richard dean",
      "professionCategory": "Film, television and comedy",
      "cohort": "smaller_city",
      "populationBand": "25000_49999",
      "qualifyingPlaces": [
        {
          "name": "Roseville",
          "officialName": "Roseville city",
          "placeCode": "55852",
          "population2020": 36254
        }
      ],
      "minnesotaRelationshipType": "raised_in",
      "relationshipLabel": "Raised in Minnesota",
      "relationshipSummary": "Born in Minneapolis and grew up in Roseville, Minnesota.",
      "readerSummary": "Recognized television actor.",
      "primarySource": {
        "title": "Biography",
        "publisher": "Richard Dean Anderson official archive",
        "sourceClass": "FIRST PARTY",
        "url": "https://rdanderson.com/biography/",
        "sourceDate": null,
        "support": "The biography states that Anderson was born in Minneapolis and grew up in Roseville."
      },
      "secondarySource": {
        "title": "Richard Dean Anderson",
        "publisher": "TV Insider",
        "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT",
        "url": "https://www.tvinsider.com/people/richard-dean-anderson/",
        "sourceDate": null,
        "support": "The profile corroborates his Minneapolis birth."
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "sourceVerifiedAt": "2026-09-20",
      "populationSource": {
        "publisher": "U.S. Census Bureau",
        "snapshot": "2020 Census",
        "url": "https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/2020/data/01-Redistricting_File--PL_94-171/Minnesota/"
      },
      "profileUrl": null,
      "placeResourceUrl": null
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-small-town-earl-bakken",
      "canonicalEntityId": "mn-origin-person-earl-bakken",
      "fullName": "Earl Bakken",
      "sortKey": "bakken, earl",
      "professionCategory": "Public life, science and business",
      "cohort": "small_town",
      "populationBand": "10000_24999",
      "qualifyingPlaces": [
        {
          "name": "Columbia Heights",
          "officialName": "Columbia Heights city",
          "placeCode": "12700",
          "population2020": 21973
        }
      ],
      "minnesotaRelationshipType": "born_in",
      "relationshipLabel": "Born in Minnesota",
      "relationshipSummary": "Born in Columbia Heights, Minnesota.",
      "readerSummary": "Medtronic co-founder and pacemaker innovator.",
      "primarySource": {
        "title": "Earl Bakken Day proclamation",
        "publisher": "State of Minnesota",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT",
        "url": "https://www.lrl.mn.gov/docs/2018/other/181224/governor/assets/2018_11_07_earl_bakken_day_pdf.pdf",
        "sourceDate": "2018-11-07",
        "support": "The proclamation states that Bakken was born in Columbia Heights."
      },
      "secondarySource": {
        "title": "Earl Bakken biographical record",
        "publisher": "University of Minnesota",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL UNIVERSITY",
        "url": "https://conservancy.umn.edu/bitstreams/acf5252e-fcd3-46fe-93cb-a8f73d22213e/download",
        "sourceDate": null,
        "support": "The university record describes his Minneapolis-area birth and Columbia Heights schooling."
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "sourceVerifiedAt": "2026-09-20",
      "populationSource": {
        "publisher": "U.S. Census Bureau",
        "snapshot": "2020 Census",
        "url": "https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/2020/data/01-Redistricting_File--PL_94-171/Minnesota/"
      },
      "profileUrl": null,
      "placeResourceUrl": null
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-small-town-ann-bancroft",
      "canonicalEntityId": "mn-origin-person-ann-bancroft",
      "fullName": "Ann Bancroft",
      "sortKey": "bancroft, ann",
      "professionCategory": "Public life, science and business",
      "cohort": "small_town",
      "populationBand": "10000_24999",
      "qualifyingPlaces": [
        {
          "name": "Mendota Heights",
          "officialName": "Mendota Heights city",
          "placeCode": "41696",
          "population2020": 11744
        }
      ],
      "minnesotaRelationshipType": "born_in",
      "relationshipLabel": "Born in Minnesota",
      "relationshipSummary": "Born in Mendota Heights, Minnesota.",
      "readerSummary": "Pioneering polar explorer.",
      "primarySource": {
        "title": "Ann Bancroft",
        "publisher": "Ann Bancroft Foundation",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL ORGANIZATION",
        "url": "https://www.annbancroftfoundation.org/about/ann-bancroft",
        "sourceDate": null,
        "support": "The foundation biography states that Bancroft was born in Mendota Heights in 1955."
      },
      "secondarySource": {
        "title": "Leaning in to the snow with Ann Bancroft",
        "publisher": "MPR News Archive",
        "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT",
        "url": "https://archive.mpr.org/stories/2019/03/11/leaning-in-to-the-snow-with-ann-bancroft",
        "sourceDate": "2019-03-11",
        "support": "The interview record states that Bancroft was born in Mendota Heights and raised in Saint Paul."
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "sourceVerifiedAt": "2026-09-20",
      "populationSource": {
        "publisher": "U.S. Census Bureau",
        "snapshot": "2020 Census",
        "url": "https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/2020/data/01-Redistricting_File--PL_94-171/Minnesota/"
      },
      "profileUrl": null,
      "placeResourceUrl": null
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-small-town-jessica-biel",
      "canonicalEntityId": "mn-origin-person-jessica-biel",
      "fullName": "Jessica Biel",
      "sortKey": "biel, jessica",
      "professionCategory": "Film, television and comedy",
      "cohort": "small_town",
      "populationBand": "under_10000",
      "qualifyingPlaces": [
        {
          "name": "Ely",
          "officialName": "Ely city",
          "placeCode": "19142",
          "population2020": 3268
        }
      ],
      "minnesotaRelationshipType": "born_in",
      "relationshipLabel": "Born in Minnesota",
      "relationshipSummary": "Born in Ely, Minnesota.",
      "readerSummary": "Nationally recognized actor with an explicit Minnesota birthplace.",
      "primarySource": {
        "title": "Jessica Biel Biography",
        "publisher": "Biography.com / A&E",
        "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT",
        "url": "https://www.biography.com/actors/jessica-biel",
        "sourceDate": null,
        "support": "The biography identifies Ely, Minnesota, as Biel's birthplace."
      },
      "secondarySource": null,
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "sourceVerifiedAt": "2026-09-20",
      "populationSource": {
        "publisher": "U.S. Census Bureau",
        "snapshot": "2020 Census",
        "url": "https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/2020/data/01-Redistricting_File--PL_94-171/Minnesota/"
      },
      "profileUrl": null,
      "placeResourceUrl": null
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-small-town-robert-bly",
      "canonicalEntityId": "mn-origin-person-robert-bly",
      "fullName": "Robert Bly",
      "sortKey": "bly, robert",
      "professionCategory": "Literature, arts and media",
      "cohort": "small_town",
      "populationBand": "under_10000",
      "qualifyingPlaces": [
        {
          "name": "Madison",
          "officialName": "Madison city",
          "placeCode": "39266",
          "population2020": 1518
        }
      ],
      "minnesotaRelationshipType": "born_in",
      "relationshipLabel": "Born in Minnesota",
      "relationshipSummary": "Born in Madison, Minnesota, and raised in a western Minnesota farming community.",
      "readerSummary": "National Book Award-winning poet, editor and translator.",
      "primarySource": {
        "title": "About Robert Bly",
        "publisher": "Academy of American Poets",
        "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT LITERARY INSTITUTION",
        "url": "https://poets.org/poet/robert-bly",
        "sourceDate": null,
        "support": "The Academy states that Bly was born in Madison, Minnesota."
      },
      "secondarySource": {
        "title": "Robert Bly",
        "publisher": "Poetry Foundation",
        "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT LITERARY INSTITUTION",
        "url": "https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/robert-bly",
        "sourceDate": null,
        "support": "The biography states that Bly was born in western Minnesota and grew up in a farming community."
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "sourceVerifiedAt": "2026-09-20",
      "populationSource": {
        "publisher": "U.S. Census Bureau",
        "snapshot": "2020 Census",
        "url": "https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/2020/data/01-Redistricting_File--PL_94-171/Minnesota/"
      },
      "profileUrl": null,
      "placeResourceUrl": null
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-small-town-neal-broten",
      "canonicalEntityId": "mn-origin-person-neal-broten",
      "fullName": "Neal Broten",
      "sortKey": "broten, neal",
      "professionCategory": "Sports",
      "cohort": "small_town",
      "populationBand": "under_10000",
      "qualifyingPlaces": [
        {
          "name": "Roseau",
          "officialName": "Roseau city",
          "placeCode": "55546",
          "population2020": 2744
        }
      ],
      "minnesotaRelationshipType": "born_in",
      "relationshipLabel": "Born in Minnesota",
      "relationshipSummary": "Born in Roseau, Minnesota, and attended Roseau High School.",
      "readerSummary": "Olympic gold medalist and former NHL player.",
      "primarySource": {
        "title": "Neal Broten",
        "publisher": "United States Hockey Hall of Fame",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL SPORTS INSTITUTION",
        "url": "https://www.ushockeyhalloffame.com/page/show/829033-neal-broten",
        "sourceDate": null,
        "support": "The Hall records Roseau as Broten's birthplace and Roseau High as his school."
      },
      "secondarySource": null,
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "sourceVerifiedAt": "2026-09-20",
      "populationSource": {
        "publisher": "U.S. Census Bureau",
        "snapshot": "2020 Census",
        "url": "https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/2020/data/01-Redistricting_File--PL_94-171/Minnesota/"
      },
      "profileUrl": null,
      "placeResourceUrl": null
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-small-town-eddie-cochran",
      "canonicalEntityId": "mn-origin-person-eddie-cochran",
      "fullName": "Eddie Cochran",
      "sortKey": "cochran, eddie",
      "professionCategory": "Music",
      "cohort": "small_town",
      "populationBand": "10000_24999",
      "qualifyingPlaces": [
        {
          "name": "Albert Lea",
          "officialName": "Albert Lea city",
          "placeCode": "00694",
          "population2020": 18492
        }
      ],
      "minnesotaRelationshipType": "born_in",
      "relationshipLabel": "Born in Minnesota",
      "relationshipSummary": "Born in Albert Lea, Minnesota.",
      "readerSummary": "Rock-and-roll musician, guitarist and songwriter.",
      "primarySource": {
        "title": "Council approves plan for Eddie Cochran statue",
        "publisher": "City of Albert Lea",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT",
        "url": "https://www.cityofalbertlea.org/council-approves-plan-for-statue-downtown/",
        "sourceDate": null,
        "support": "The city states that Cochran was born in Albert Lea."
      },
      "secondarySource": {
        "title": "Cochran, Eddie",
        "publisher": "Oklahoma Historical Society",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL INSTITUTION",
        "url": "https://www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry?entry=CO083",
        "sourceDate": null,
        "support": "The encyclopedia records Albert Lea as his birthplace."
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "sourceVerifiedAt": "2026-09-20",
      "populationSource": {
        "publisher": "U.S. Census Bureau",
        "snapshot": "2020 Census",
        "url": "https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/2020/data/01-Redistricting_File--PL_94-171/Minnesota/"
      },
      "profileUrl": null,
      "placeResourceUrl": null
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-small-town-jimmy-darts",
      "canonicalEntityId": "mn-internet-personality-jimmy-darts",
      "fullName": "Jimmy Darts",
      "sortKey": "darts, jimmy",
      "professionCategory": "Creators and digital media",
      "cohort": "small_town",
      "populationBand": "under_10000",
      "qualifyingPlaces": [
        {
          "name": "Walker",
          "officialName": "Walker city",
          "placeCode": "67792",
          "population2020": 966
        }
      ],
      "minnesotaRelationshipType": "hometown",
      "relationshipLabel": "Minnesota hometown/native",
      "relationshipSummary": "James Kellogg, known online as Jimmy Darts, grew up in Walker and began uploading YouTube videos there.",
      "readerSummary": "Creator known as Jimmy Darts for kindness-centered videos and viewer-supported assistance campaigns.",
      "primarySource": {
        "title": "Minnesota native raises millions through viral videos of kindness",
        "publisher": "Minnesota Star Tribune",
        "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT",
        "url": "https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-native-raises-millions-online-through-random-acts-of-kindness/601864999",
        "support": "Documents Kellogg's Walker hometown and early uploads, identifies his Jimmy Darts public name, and describes his kindness-video work.",
        "sourceDate": "2026-07-08"
      },
      "secondarySource": null,
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "sourceVerifiedAt": "2026-09-21",
      "populationSource": {
        "publisher": "U.S. Census Bureau",
        "snapshot": "2020 Census",
        "url": "https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/2020/data/01-Redistricting_File--PL_94-171/Minnesota/"
      },
      "profileUrl": null,
      "placeResourceUrl": null
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-small-town-jessie-diggins",
      "canonicalEntityId": "mn-origin-person-jessie-diggins",
      "fullName": "Jessie Diggins",
      "sortKey": "diggins, jessie",
      "professionCategory": "Sports",
      "cohort": "small_town",
      "populationBand": "under_10000",
      "qualifyingPlaces": [
        {
          "name": "Afton",
          "officialName": "Afton city",
          "placeCode": "00316",
          "population2020": 2955
        }
      ],
      "minnesotaRelationshipType": "hometown",
      "relationshipLabel": "Minnesota hometown/native",
      "relationshipSummary": "Afton, Minnesota, is her documented hometown.",
      "readerSummary": "Olympic champion with consistent official hometown evidence.",
      "primarySource": {
        "title": "Jessie Diggins",
        "publisher": "Team USA",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL SPORTS ORGANIZATION",
        "url": "https://www.teamusa.com/profiles/jessie-diggins-881331",
        "sourceDate": null,
        "support": "Team USA lists Afton as Diggins's hometown."
      },
      "secondarySource": {
        "title": "Famous Minnesotans",
        "publisher": "Explore Minnesota",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT",
        "url": "https://www.exploreminnesota.com/minnesota-icons/famous-minnesotans",
        "sourceDate": null,
        "support": "The state directory identifies Diggins with Afton."
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "sourceVerifiedAt": "2026-09-20",
      "populationSource": {
        "publisher": "U.S. Census Bureau",
        "snapshot": "2020 Census",
        "url": "https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/2020/data/01-Redistricting_File--PL_94-171/Minnesota/"
      },
      "profileUrl": null,
      "placeResourceUrl": null
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-small-town-bob-dylan",
      "canonicalEntityId": "mn-origin-person-bob-dylan",
      "fullName": "Bob Dylan",
      "sortKey": "dylan, bob",
      "professionCategory": "Music",
      "cohort": "small_town",
      "populationBand": "10000_24999",
      "qualifyingPlaces": [
        {
          "name": "Hibbing",
          "officialName": "Hibbing city",
          "placeCode": "28790",
          "population2020": 16214
        }
      ],
      "minnesotaRelationshipType": "raised_in",
      "relationshipLabel": "Raised in Minnesota",
      "relationshipSummary": "Born in Duluth and raised in Hibbing, Minnesota.",
      "readerSummary": "Nobel laureate with definitive institutional and state documentation of Minnesota birth and upbringing.",
      "primarySource": {
        "title": "Bob Dylan biographical note",
        "publisher": "Nobel Prize",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL INSTITUTION",
        "url": "https://www.nobelprize.org/uploads/2018/06/bio-bibl-41.pdf",
        "sourceDate": "2016",
        "support": "The Nobel biography records Dylan's Duluth birth and Hibbing upbringing."
      },
      "secondarySource": {
        "title": "Bob Dylan Day proclamation",
        "publisher": "State of Minnesota",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT",
        "url": "https://www.lrl.mn.gov/docs/2018/other/181224/governor/assets/2016_12_10_bob_dylan_day_tcm1055-2660196da4.pdf",
        "sourceDate": "2016-12-10",
        "support": "The proclamation repeats the Duluth and Hibbing origin."
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "sourceVerifiedAt": "2026-09-20",
      "populationSource": {
        "publisher": "U.S. Census Bureau",
        "snapshot": "2020 Census",
        "url": "https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/2020/data/01-Redistricting_File--PL_94-171/Minnesota/"
      },
      "profileUrl": "/minnesota/profiles/bob-dylan/",
      "placeResourceUrl": null
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-small-town-louise-erdrich",
      "canonicalEntityId": "louise-erdrich",
      "fullName": "Louise Erdrich",
      "sortKey": "erdrich, louise",
      "professionCategory": "Literature, arts and media",
      "cohort": "small_town",
      "populationBand": "under_10000",
      "qualifyingPlaces": [
        {
          "name": "Little Falls",
          "officialName": "Little Falls city",
          "placeCode": "37556",
          "population2020": 9140
        }
      ],
      "minnesotaRelationshipType": "born_in",
      "relationshipLabel": "Born in Minnesota",
      "relationshipSummary": "Born in Little Falls, Minnesota; raised in North Dakota.",
      "readerSummary": "Pulitzer Prize-winning author with precise federal-institution birthplace evidence and no false claim of Minnesota upbringing.",
      "primarySource": {
        "title": "Louise Erdrich",
        "publisher": "Library of Congress",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL INSTITUTION",
        "url": "https://www.loc.gov/programs/poetry-and-literature/prizes/fiction-prize/item/n83129937/louise-erdrich/",
        "sourceDate": null,
        "support": "The Library of Congress records Little Falls as Erdrich's birthplace and distinguishes her North Dakota upbringing."
      },
      "secondarySource": {
        "title": "Love Medicine reader resources",
        "publisher": "National Endowment for the Arts",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT",
        "url": "https://www.arts.gov/sites/default/files/Reader-Resources-LoveMedicine.pdf",
        "sourceDate": null,
        "support": "The NEA biography corroborates her regional biography."
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "sourceVerifiedAt": "2026-09-20",
      "populationSource": {
        "publisher": "U.S. Census Bureau",
        "snapshot": "2020 Census",
        "url": "https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/2020/data/01-Redistricting_File--PL_94-171/Minnesota/"
      },
      "profileUrl": null,
      "placeResourceUrl": null
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-small-town-connor-franta",
      "canonicalEntityId": "mn-internet-personality-connor-franta",
      "fullName": "Connor Franta",
      "sortKey": "franta, connor",
      "professionCategory": "Creators and digital media",
      "cohort": "small_town",
      "populationBand": "under_10000",
      "qualifyingPlaces": [
        {
          "name": "La Crescent",
          "officialName": "La Crescent city",
          "placeCode": "33866",
          "population2020": 5276
        }
      ],
      "minnesotaRelationshipType": "raised_in",
      "relationshipLabel": "Raised in Minnesota",
      "relationshipSummary": "Raised in La Crescent, where he spent his school years and posted his first YouTube video while in high school.",
      "readerSummary": "YouTube creator, author and entrepreneur known for personal video, lifestyle and publishing work.",
      "primarySource": {
        "title": "Wipe those tears and meet Connor Franta, Minnesota's YouTube superstar",
        "publisher": "Minnesota Star Tribune",
        "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT",
        "url": "https://www.startribune.com/wipe-those-tears-and-meet-connor-franta-minnesota-s-youtube-superstar/301705331",
        "support": "Documents Franta's La Crescent childhood and high-school years, first YouTube upload, and public creator career.",
        "sourceDate": "2015-04-30"
      },
      "secondarySource": null,
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "sourceVerifiedAt": "2026-09-21",
      "populationSource": {
        "publisher": "U.S. Census Bureau",
        "snapshot": "2020 Census",
        "url": "https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/2020/data/01-Redistricting_File--PL_94-171/Minnesota/"
      },
      "profileUrl": "/minnesota/profiles/connor-franta/",
      "placeResourceUrl": null
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-small-town-wanda-g-g",
      "canonicalEntityId": "mn-origin-person-wanda-gag",
      "fullName": "Wanda Gág",
      "sortKey": "gag, wanda",
      "professionCategory": "Literature, arts and media",
      "cohort": "small_town",
      "populationBand": "10000_24999",
      "qualifyingPlaces": [
        {
          "name": "New Ulm",
          "officialName": "New Ulm city",
          "placeCode": "46042",
          "population2020": 14120
        }
      ],
      "minnesotaRelationshipType": "born_in",
      "relationshipLabel": "Born in Minnesota",
      "relationshipSummary": "Born in New Ulm, Minnesota.",
      "readerSummary": "Influential author and artist with definitive historical-society birthplace evidence.",
      "primarySource": {
        "title": "Gág, Wanda (1893–1946)",
        "publisher": "MNopedia / Minnesota Historical Society",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL INSTITUTION",
        "url": "https://www.mnhs.org/mnopedia/search/index/person/g-g-wanda-1893-1946",
        "sourceDate": null,
        "support": "MNopedia identifies New Ulm as Gág's birthplace."
      },
      "secondarySource": null,
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "sourceVerifiedAt": "2026-09-20",
      "populationSource": {
        "publisher": "U.S. Census Bureau",
        "snapshot": "2020 Census",
        "url": "https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/2020/data/01-Redistricting_File--PL_94-171/Minnesota/"
      },
      "profileUrl": null,
      "placeResourceUrl": null
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-small-town-judy-garland",
      "canonicalEntityId": "mn-origin-person-judy-garland",
      "fullName": "Judy Garland",
      "sortKey": "garland, judy",
      "professionCategory": "Film, television and comedy",
      "cohort": "small_town",
      "populationBand": "10000_24999",
      "qualifyingPlaces": [
        {
          "name": "Grand Rapids",
          "officialName": "Grand Rapids city",
          "placeCode": "25118",
          "population2020": 11126
        }
      ],
      "minnesotaRelationshipType": "born_in",
      "relationshipLabel": "Born in Minnesota",
      "relationshipSummary": "Born at Itasca Hospital in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.",
      "readerSummary": "Internationally notable performer with museum and independent reporting that explicitly establish a Grand Rapids birthplace.",
      "primarySource": {
        "title": "Judy's Life",
        "publisher": "Judy Garland Museum",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL INSTITUTION",
        "url": "https://judygarlandmuseum.com/judys-life/",
        "sourceDate": null,
        "support": "The museum states that Garland was born at Itasca Hospital in Grand Rapids."
      },
      "secondarySource": {
        "title": "Judy Garland's Minnesota hometown celebrates centennial",
        "publisher": "Associated Press",
        "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT",
        "url": "https://apnews.com/article/bb24b48c839675719772b3717895161e",
        "sourceDate": "2022-06-10",
        "support": "AP reports that she was born in Grand Rapids and lived there until age four."
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      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "sourceVerifiedAt": "2026-09-20",
      "populationSource": {
        "publisher": "U.S. Census Bureau",
        "snapshot": "2020 Census",
        "url": "https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/2020/data/01-Redistricting_File--PL_94-171/Minnesota/"
      },
      "profileUrl": "/minnesota/profiles/judy-garland/",
      "placeResourceUrl": null
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-small-town-tippi-hedren",
      "canonicalEntityId": "mn-origin-person-tippi-hedren",
      "fullName": "Tippi Hedren",
      "sortKey": "hedren, tippi",
      "professionCategory": "Film, television and comedy",
      "cohort": "small_town",
      "populationBand": "10000_24999",
      "qualifyingPlaces": [
        {
          "name": "New Ulm",
          "officialName": "New Ulm city",
          "placeCode": "46042",
          "population2020": 14120
        }
      ],
      "minnesotaRelationshipType": "born_in",
      "relationshipLabel": "Born in Minnesota",
      "relationshipSummary": "Born in New Ulm, Minnesota.",
      "readerSummary": "Internationally known actor with an explicit Minnesota birthplace.",
      "primarySource": {
        "title": "Tippi Hedren Biography",
        "publisher": "Biography.com / A&E",
        "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT",
        "url": "https://www.biography.com/actors/tippi-hedren",
        "sourceDate": null,
        "support": "The biography identifies New Ulm as Hedren's birthplace."
      },
      "secondarySource": null,
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "sourceVerifiedAt": "2026-09-20",
      "populationSource": {
        "publisher": "U.S. Census Bureau",
        "snapshot": "2020 Census",
        "url": "https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/2020/data/01-Redistricting_File--PL_94-171/Minnesota/"
      },
      "profileUrl": null,
      "placeResourceUrl": null
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-small-town-haley-kalil",
      "canonicalEntityId": "mn-internet-personality-haley-kalil",
      "fullName": "Haley Kalil",
      "sortKey": "kalil, haley",
      "professionCategory": "Film, television and comedy",
      "cohort": "small_town",
      "populationBand": "under_10000",
      "qualifyingPlaces": [
        {
          "name": "Excelsior",
          "officialName": "Excelsior city",
          "placeCode": "20078",
          "population2020": 2355
        }
      ],
      "minnesotaRelationshipType": "born_in",
      "relationshipLabel": "Born in Minnesota",
      "relationshipSummary": "Born in Excelsior, Minnesota; she later built a public career under the name Haley Baylee.",
      "readerSummary": "Model, comedy and lifestyle creator, and television host who works publicly as Haley Baylee.",
      "primarySource": {
        "title": "Former Miss Minnesota tapped to host Netflix reality series about malls",
        "publisher": "Minnesota Star Tribune",
        "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT",
        "url": "https://www.startribune.com/former-miss-minnesota-and-ex-wife-of-vikings-vet-matt-kalil-tapped-to-host-netflix-series/601598957",
        "support": "Records her Excelsior birthplace, identifies Haley Baylee as her public name, and documents her creator and television-host work.",
        "sourceDate": "2026-03-16"
      },
      "secondarySource": null,
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "sourceVerifiedAt": "2026-09-21",
      "populationSource": {
        "publisher": "U.S. Census Bureau",
        "snapshot": "2020 Census",
        "url": "https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/2020/data/01-Redistricting_File--PL_94-171/Minnesota/"
      },
      "profileUrl": null,
      "placeResourceUrl": null
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-small-town-garrison-keillor",
      "canonicalEntityId": "mn-origin-person-garrison-keillor",
      "fullName": "Garrison Keillor",
      "sortKey": "keillor, garrison",
      "professionCategory": "Literature, arts and media",
      "cohort": "small_town",
      "populationBand": "10000_24999",
      "qualifyingPlaces": [
        {
          "name": "Anoka",
          "officialName": "Anoka city",
          "placeCode": "01720",
          "population2020": 17921
        }
      ],
      "minnesotaRelationshipType": "raised_in",
      "relationshipLabel": "Raised in Minnesota",
      "relationshipSummary": "Born in Anoka and raised in nearby Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.",
      "readerSummary": "Nationally recognized broadcaster and author with federal and major-magazine Minnesota upbringing evidence.",
      "primarySource": {
        "title": "A Prairie Home Companion registry essay",
        "publisher": "Library of Congress",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL INSTITUTION",
        "url": "https://www.loc.gov/static/programs/national-recording-preservation-board/documents/A-Prairie-Home-Companion.pdf",
        "sourceDate": null,
        "support": "The Library of Congress essay records Keillor's Anoka birth and Brooklyn Park upbringing."
      },
      "secondarySource": {
        "title": "Let's Hear It for Lake Wobegon",
        "publisher": "TIME",
        "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT",
        "url": "https://time.com/2946114/lets-hear-it-for-lake-wobegon-garrison-keillor/",
        "sourceDate": "1985-11-04",
        "support": "TIME describes Keillor as raised in Anoka."
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "sourceVerifiedAt": "2026-09-20",
      "populationSource": {
        "publisher": "U.S. Census Bureau",
        "snapshot": "2020 Census",
        "url": "https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/2020/data/01-Redistricting_File--PL_94-171/Minnesota/"
      },
      "profileUrl": null,
      "placeResourceUrl": null
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-small-town-craig-kilborn",
      "canonicalEntityId": "mn-origin-person-craig-kilborn",
      "fullName": "Craig Kilborn",
      "sortKey": "kilborn, craig",
      "professionCategory": "Film, television and comedy",
      "cohort": "small_town",
      "populationBand": "10000_24999",
      "qualifyingPlaces": [
        {
          "name": "Hastings",
          "officialName": "Hastings city",
          "placeCode": "27530",
          "population2020": 22154
        }
      ],
      "minnesotaRelationshipType": "raised_in",
      "relationshipLabel": "Raised in Minnesota",
      "relationshipSummary": "Born outside Minnesota but raised in Hastings, Minnesota.",
      "readerSummary": "National television host with two independent sources documenting a Minnesota upbringing.",
      "primarySource": {
        "title": "Enough Said special with Craig Kilborn",
        "publisher": "FOX 9",
        "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT",
        "url": "https://www.fox9.com/enough-said/enough-said-special-comedian-craig-kilborn-joins-show-friday",
        "sourceDate": null,
        "support": "FOX 9 states that Kilborn grew up in Hastings."
      },
      "secondarySource": {
        "title": "Hunt down Craig Kilborn",
        "publisher": "Minnesota Star Tribune",
        "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT",
        "url": "https://www.startribune.com/stu-s-hunt-down-craig-kilborn/95522054",
        "sourceDate": "2010-06-02",
        "support": "The Star Tribune distinguishes his Kansas City birth from his Hastings upbringing."
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "sourceVerifiedAt": "2026-09-20",
      "populationSource": {
        "publisher": "U.S. Census Bureau",
        "snapshot": "2020 Census",
        "url": "https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/2020/data/01-Redistricting_File--PL_94-171/Minnesota/"
      },
      "profileUrl": null,
      "placeResourceUrl": null
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-small-town-jessica-lange",
      "canonicalEntityId": "mn-origin-person-jessica-lange",
      "fullName": "Jessica Lange",
      "sortKey": "lange, jessica",
      "professionCategory": "Film, television and comedy",
      "cohort": "small_town",
      "populationBand": "10000_24999",
      "qualifyingPlaces": [
        {
          "name": "Cloquet",
          "officialName": "Cloquet city",
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          "population2020": 12568
        }
      ],
      "minnesotaRelationshipType": "born_in",
      "relationshipLabel": "Born in Minnesota",
      "relationshipSummary": "Born in Cloquet, Minnesota.",
      "readerSummary": "Award-winning actor with a clear Minnesota birthplace supported by a reputable biography.",
      "primarySource": {
        "title": "Jessica Lange Biography",
        "publisher": "Biography.com / A&E",
        "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT",
        "url": "https://www.biography.com/actors/jessica-lange",
        "sourceDate": "2024-04-16",
        "support": "The biography records Cloquet, Minnesota, as Lange's birthplace."
      },
      "secondarySource": null,
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "sourceVerifiedAt": "2026-09-20",
      "populationSource": {
        "publisher": "U.S. Census Bureau",
        "snapshot": "2020 Census",
        "url": "https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/2020/data/01-Redistricting_File--PL_94-171/Minnesota/"
      },
      "profileUrl": "/minnesota/profiles/jessica-lange/",
      "placeResourceUrl": null
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-small-town-sinclair-lewis",
      "canonicalEntityId": "mn-origin-person-sinclair-lewis",
      "fullName": "Sinclair Lewis",
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      "professionCategory": "Literature, arts and media",
      "cohort": "small_town",
      "populationBand": "under_10000",
      "qualifyingPlaces": [
        {
          "name": "Sauk Centre",
          "officialName": "Sauk Centre city",
          "placeCode": "58648",
          "population2020": 4555
        }
      ],
      "minnesotaRelationshipType": "raised_in",
      "relationshipLabel": "Raised in Minnesota",
      "relationshipSummary": "Born and raised in Sauk Centre, Minnesota.",
      "readerSummary": "Nobel laureate with definitive Minnesota Historical Society origin evidence.",
      "primarySource": {
        "title": "Lewis, Harry Sinclair (1885–1951)",
        "publisher": "MNopedia / Minnesota Historical Society",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL INSTITUTION",
        "url": "https://www.mnhs.org/mnopedia/search/index/person/lewis-harry-sinclair-1885-1951",
        "sourceDate": null,
        "support": "MNopedia documents Lewis's Sauk Centre birth and childhood."
      },
      "secondarySource": {
        "title": "Famous Minnesotans",
        "publisher": "Explore Minnesota",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT",
        "url": "https://www.exploreminnesota.com/minnesota-icons/famous-minnesotans",
        "sourceDate": null,
        "support": "The state directory identifies Sauk Centre as his boyhood home."
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "sourceVerifiedAt": "2026-09-20",
      "populationSource": {
        "publisher": "U.S. Census Bureau",
        "snapshot": "2020 Census",
        "url": "https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/2020/data/01-Redistricting_File--PL_94-171/Minnesota/"
      },
      "profileUrl": null,
      "placeResourceUrl": null
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-small-town-josh-liljenquist",
      "canonicalEntityId": "https://joshliljenquist.com/#person",
      "fullName": "Josh Liljenquist",
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      "professionCategory": "Creators and digital media",
      "cohort": "small_town",
      "populationBand": "10000_24999",
      "qualifyingPlaces": [
        {
          "name": "Fairmont",
          "officialName": "Fairmont city",
          "placeCode": "20330",
          "population2020": 10487
        }
      ],
      "minnesotaRelationshipType": "born_in",
      "relationshipLabel": "Born in Minnesota",
      "relationshipSummary": "Born in Fairmont, Minnesota; independent local reporting separately identifies him as a Fairmont native and Fairmont High School graduate.",
      "readerSummary": "Josh Liljenquist, known online as Joshlilj, is a digital creator from Fairmont, Minnesota, known for TikTok videos documenting assistance to people in need. He is a Fairmont High School graduate.",
      "primarySource": {
        "title": "St. Paul parks ban TikTok star who gives to homeless people",
        "publisher": "Axios Twin Cities",
        "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT",
        "url": "https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/04/14/st-paul-parks-ban-tiktok-star-who-gives-to-homeless-people",
        "sourceDate": "2026-04-14",
        "support": "Axios describes Liljenquist as born in Fairmont."
      },
      "secondarySource": {
        "title": "TikToker aspires to help others",
        "publisher": "Fairmont Sentinel",
        "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT LOCAL REPORTING",
        "url": "https://www.fairmontsentinel.com/news/local-news/2024/03/01/tiktoker-aspires-to-help-others/",
        "sourceDate": "2024-03-01",
        "support": "The Fairmont Sentinel identifies Liljenquist as a Fairmont native and Fairmont High School graduate."
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "sourceVerifiedAt": "2026-09-20",
      "populationSource": {
        "publisher": "U.S. Census Bureau",
        "snapshot": "2020 Census",
        "url": "https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/2020/data/01-Redistricting_File--PL_94-171/Minnesota/"
      },
      "profileUrl": "/josh-liljenquist-minnesota/",
      "placeResourceUrl": "/famous-people-fairmont-minnesota/"
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-small-town-maud-hart-lovelace",
      "canonicalEntityId": "maud-hart-lovelace",
      "fullName": "Maud Hart Lovelace",
      "sortKey": "lovelace, maud hart",
      "professionCategory": "Literature, arts and media",
      "cohort": "smaller_city",
      "populationBand": "25000_49999",
      "qualifyingPlaces": [
        {
          "name": "Mankato",
          "officialName": "Mankato city",
          "placeCode": "39878",
          "population2020": 44488
        }
      ],
      "minnesotaRelationshipType": "raised_in",
      "relationshipLabel": "Raised in Minnesota",
      "relationshipSummary": "Born and raised in Mankato, Minnesota; her childhood informed the Betsy-Tacy books.",
      "readerSummary": "Enduring children's author whose Minnesota childhood is central and institutionally documented.",
      "primarySource": {
        "title": "Lovelace, Maud Palmer Hart (1892–1980)",
        "publisher": "MNopedia / Minnesota Historical Society",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL INSTITUTION",
        "url": "https://www.mnhs.org/mnopedia/search/index/person/lovelace-maud-palmer-hart-1892-1980",
        "sourceDate": null,
        "support": "MNopedia records her Mankato birth and the role of her Mankato childhood in her writing."
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      "secondarySource": null,
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "sourceVerifiedAt": "2026-09-20",
      "populationSource": {
        "publisher": "U.S. Census Bureau",
        "snapshot": "2020 Census",
        "url": "https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/2020/data/01-Redistricting_File--PL_94-171/Minnesota/"
      },
      "profileUrl": null,
      "placeResourceUrl": "/famous-people-mankato-minnesota/"
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-small-town-john-madden",
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      "fullName": "John Madden",
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      "cohort": "smaller_city",
      "populationBand": "25000_49999",
      "qualifyingPlaces": [
        {
          "name": "Austin",
          "officialName": "Austin city",
          "placeCode": "02908",
          "population2020": 26174
        }
      ],
      "minnesotaRelationshipType": "born_in",
      "relationshipLabel": "Born in Minnesota",
      "relationshipSummary": "Born in Austin, Minnesota; his family later moved to California.",
      "readerSummary": "Pro Football Hall of Fame coach and nationally recognized football broadcaster.",
      "primarySource": {
        "title": "2024 NFL Record & Fact Book",
        "publisher": "National Football League",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL SPORTS ORGANIZATION",
        "url": "https://static.www.nfl.com/image/upload/league/apps/league-site/media-guides/2024/2024_Record_and_Fact_Book_incl_Supplemental.pdf",
        "support": "The NFL record book lists Austin, Minnesota, as Madden's birthplace.",
        "sourceDate": "2024"
      },
      "secondarySource": {
        "title": "John Madden",
        "publisher": "Television Academy",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL INSTITUTION",
        "url": "https://www.televisionacademy.com/bios/john-madden",
        "support": "The Television Academy biography corroborates Madden's Austin birthplace."
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "sourceVerifiedAt": "2026-09-21",
      "populationSource": {
        "publisher": "U.S. Census Bureau",
        "snapshot": "2020 Census",
        "url": "https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/2020/data/01-Redistricting_File--PL_94-171/Minnesota/"
      },
      "profileUrl": null,
      "placeResourceUrl": null
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-small-town-gigi-marvin",
      "canonicalEntityId": "mn-origin-person-gigi-marvin",
      "fullName": "Gigi Marvin",
      "sortKey": "marvin, gigi",
      "professionCategory": "Sports",
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      "populationBand": "under_10000",
      "qualifyingPlaces": [
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          "name": "Warroad",
          "officialName": "Warroad city",
          "placeCode": "68224",
          "population2020": 1830
        }
      ],
      "minnesotaRelationshipType": "hometown",
      "relationshipLabel": "Minnesota hometown/native",
      "relationshipSummary": "Warroad, Minnesota, is her documented hometown; she attended Warroad High School.",
      "readerSummary": "Olympic gold medalist.",
      "primarySource": {
        "title": "Gigi Marvin",
        "publisher": "Team USA",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL SPORTS ORGANIZATION",
        "url": "https://www.teamusa.com/profiles/gigi-marvin",
        "sourceDate": null,
        "support": "Team USA lists Warroad as Marvin's hometown and school."
      },
      "secondarySource": {
        "title": "Famous Minnesotans",
        "publisher": "Explore Minnesota",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT",
        "url": "https://www.exploreminnesota.com/minnesota-icons/famous-minnesotans",
        "sourceDate": null,
        "support": "The state directory identifies Marvin with Warroad."
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "sourceVerifiedAt": "2026-09-20",
      "populationSource": {
        "publisher": "U.S. Census Bureau",
        "snapshot": "2020 Census",
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      },
      "profileUrl": null,
      "placeResourceUrl": null
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-small-town-kevin-mchale",
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      "fullName": "Kevin McHale",
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      "professionCategory": "Sports",
      "cohort": "small_town",
      "populationBand": "10000_24999",
      "qualifyingPlaces": [
        {
          "name": "Hibbing",
          "officialName": "Hibbing city",
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          "population2020": 16214
        }
      ],
      "minnesotaRelationshipType": "born_in",
      "relationshipLabel": "Born in Minnesota",
      "relationshipSummary": "Born in Hibbing, Minnesota.",
      "readerSummary": "Basketball Hall of Famer with definitive institutional birthplace evidence.",
      "primarySource": {
        "title": "Kevin McHale",
        "publisher": "Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL SPORTS INSTITUTION",
        "url": "https://www.hoophall.com/hall-of-famers/kevin-mchale",
        "sourceDate": null,
        "support": "The Hall of Fame records Hibbing as McHale's birthplace."
      },
      "secondarySource": {
        "title": "NBA legend Kevin McHale",
        "publisher": "NBA",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL SPORTS ORGANIZATION",
        "url": "https://www.nba.com/news/history-nba-legend-kevin-mchale",
        "sourceDate": null,
        "support": "The NBA biography corroborates his Minnesota origin."
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "sourceVerifiedAt": "2026-09-20",
      "populationSource": {
        "publisher": "U.S. Census Bureau",
        "snapshot": "2020 Census",
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      },
      "profileUrl": null,
      "placeResourceUrl": null
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-small-town-walter-mondale",
      "canonicalEntityId": "walter-mondale",
      "fullName": "Walter Mondale",
      "sortKey": "mondale, walter",
      "professionCategory": "Public life, science and business",
      "cohort": "small_town",
      "populationBand": "under_10000",
      "qualifyingPlaces": [
        {
          "name": "Ceylon",
          "officialName": "Ceylon city",
          "placeCode": "10792",
          "population2020": 303
        },
        {
          "name": "Elmore",
          "officialName": "Elmore city",
          "placeCode": "18998",
          "population2020": 549
        }
      ],
      "minnesotaRelationshipType": "raised_in",
      "relationshipLabel": "Raised in Minnesota",
      "relationshipSummary": "Born in Ceylon and grew up in Elmore, Minnesota.",
      "readerSummary": "Former U.S. vice president with definitive historical-society origin evidence.",
      "primarySource": {
        "title": "Mondale, Walter (1928–2021)",
        "publisher": "MNopedia / Minnesota Historical Society",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL INSTITUTION",
        "url": "https://www.mnhs.org/mnopedia/search/index/person/mondale-walter-1928-2021",
        "sourceDate": "2021-04-20",
        "support": "MNopedia documents Mondale's Ceylon birth and Elmore upbringing."
      },
      "secondarySource": {
        "title": "Walter F. Mondale Biography",
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        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL INSTITUTION",
        "url": "https://www.mnhs.org/mondale/biography",
        "sourceDate": null,
        "support": "The official biography independently repeats the Ceylon and Elmore relationship."
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      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
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        "publisher": "U.S. Census Bureau",
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        "url": "https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/2020/data/01-Redistricting_File--PL_94-171/Minnesota/"
      },
      "profileUrl": null,
      "placeResourceUrl": null
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-small-town-robert-mondavi",
      "canonicalEntityId": "mn-origin-person-robert-mondavi",
      "fullName": "Robert Mondavi",
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      "professionCategory": "Public life, science and business",
      "cohort": "small_town",
      "populationBand": "under_10000",
      "qualifyingPlaces": [
        {
          "name": "Virginia",
          "officialName": "Virginia city",
          "placeCode": "67288",
          "population2020": 8421
        }
      ],
      "minnesotaRelationshipType": "born_in",
      "relationshipLabel": "Born in Minnesota",
      "relationshipSummary": "Born in Virginia, Minnesota; his family later moved to California.",
      "readerSummary": "Wine-industry entrepreneur who helped shape the modern California wine business.",
      "primarySource": {
        "title": "Robert G. Mondavi papers",
        "publisher": "UC Davis Library",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL UNIVERSITY ARCHIVE",
        "url": "https://library.ucdavis.edu/archives-and-special-collections/robert-g-mondavi/",
        "support": "The UC Davis archive records Mondavi's Minnesota birth."
      },
      "secondarySource": {
        "title": "Congressional Record",
        "publisher": "United States Congress",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT",
        "url": "https://www.congress.gov/110/crec/2008/06/24/CREC-2008-06-24.pdf",
        "support": "The Congressional Record identifies Virginia, Minnesota, as Mondavi's birthplace.",
        "sourceDate": "2008-06-24"
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      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "sourceVerifiedAt": "2026-09-21",
      "populationSource": {
        "publisher": "U.S. Census Bureau",
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        "url": "https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/2020/data/01-Redistricting_File--PL_94-171/Minnesota/"
      },
      "profileUrl": null,
      "placeResourceUrl": null
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-small-town-karen-nyberg",
      "canonicalEntityId": "mn-origin-person-karen-nyberg",
      "fullName": "Karen Nyberg",
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      "professionCategory": "Public life, science and business",
      "cohort": "small_town",
      "populationBand": "under_10000",
      "qualifyingPlaces": [
        {
          "name": "Vining",
          "officialName": "Vining city",
          "placeCode": "67216",
          "population2020": 62
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      ],
      "minnesotaRelationshipType": "hometown",
      "relationshipLabel": "Minnesota hometown/native",
      "relationshipSummary": "A Vining, Minnesota, native whose hometown is Vining.",
      "readerSummary": "NASA astronaut with definitive federal hometown evidence.",
      "primarySource": {
        "title": "Karen L. Nyberg astronaut biography",
        "publisher": "NASA",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT",
        "url": "https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/nyberg-kl.pdf",
        "sourceDate": "2021-10",
        "support": "NASA calls Nyberg a Vining native and lists Vining as her hometown."
      },
      "secondarySource": {
        "title": "Veteran Astronaut Karen Nyberg Retires",
        "publisher": "NASA",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT",
        "url": "https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/veteran-astronaut-karen-nyberg-retires-from-nasa/",
        "sourceDate": "2020-03-31",
        "support": "NASA states that Nyberg is from Vining."
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "sourceVerifiedAt": "2026-09-20",
      "populationSource": {
        "publisher": "U.S. Census Bureau",
        "snapshot": "2020 Census",
        "url": "https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/2020/data/01-Redistricting_File--PL_94-171/Minnesota/"
      },
      "profileUrl": null,
      "placeResourceUrl": null
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-small-town-tim-o-brien",
      "canonicalEntityId": "mn-origin-person-tim-o-brien",
      "fullName": "Tim O'Brien",
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      "professionCategory": "Literature, arts and media",
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      "populationBand": "10000_24999",
      "qualifyingPlaces": [
        {
          "name": "Worthington",
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          "population2020": 13947
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      ],
      "minnesotaRelationshipType": "raised_in",
      "relationshipLabel": "Raised in Minnesota",
      "relationshipSummary": "Born in Austin and moved to Worthington at age ten.",
      "readerSummary": "National Book Award-winning author.",
      "primarySource": {
        "title": "Tim O'Brien biography",
        "publisher": "Midcoast Senior College",
        "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT EDUCATIONAL",
        "url": "https://midcoastseniorcollege.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/PDF-OBrien-BIO.pdf",
        "sourceDate": "2024",
        "support": "The biography records O'Brien's Austin birth and move to Worthington at age ten."
      },
      "secondarySource": null,
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "sourceVerifiedAt": "2026-09-20",
      "populationSource": {
        "publisher": "U.S. Census Bureau",
        "snapshot": "2020 Census",
        "url": "https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/2020/data/01-Redistricting_File--PL_94-171/Minnesota/"
      },
      "profileUrl": null,
      "placeResourceUrl": null
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-small-town-chris-pratt",
      "canonicalEntityId": "mn-origin-person-chris-pratt",
      "fullName": "Chris Pratt",
      "sortKey": "pratt, chris",
      "professionCategory": "Film, television and comedy",
      "cohort": "small_town",
      "populationBand": "under_10000",
      "qualifyingPlaces": [
        {
          "name": "Virginia",
          "officialName": "Virginia city",
          "placeCode": "67288",
          "population2020": 8421
        }
      ],
      "minnesotaRelationshipType": "born_in",
      "relationshipLabel": "Born in Minnesota",
      "relationshipSummary": "Born in Virginia, Minnesota.",
      "readerSummary": "Nationally recognized actor with a documented Minnesota birthplace.",
      "primarySource": {
        "title": "Chris Pratt Biography",
        "publisher": "Biography.com / A&E",
        "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT",
        "url": "https://www.biography.com/actors/chris-pratt",
        "sourceDate": null,
        "support": "The biography identifies Virginia, Minnesota, as Pratt's birthplace."
      },
      "secondarySource": null,
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "sourceVerifiedAt": "2026-09-20",
      "populationSource": {
        "publisher": "U.S. Census Bureau",
        "snapshot": "2020 Census",
        "url": "https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/2020/data/01-Redistricting_File--PL_94-171/Minnesota/"
      },
      "profileUrl": null,
      "placeResourceUrl": null
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-small-town-winona-ryder",
      "canonicalEntityId": "mn-origin-person-winona-ryder",
      "fullName": "Winona Ryder",
      "sortKey": "ryder, winona",
      "professionCategory": "Film, television and comedy",
      "cohort": "smaller_city",
      "populationBand": "25000_49999",
      "qualifyingPlaces": [
        {
          "name": "Winona",
          "officialName": "Winona city",
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          "population2020": 25948
        }
      ],
      "minnesotaRelationshipType": "born_in",
      "relationshipLabel": "Born in Minnesota",
      "relationshipSummary": "Born near Winona, Minnesota; the state tourism authority identifies Winona as her birthplace.",
      "readerSummary": "Widely recognized actor.",
      "primarySource": {
        "title": "Winona Ryder on Stranger Things",
        "publisher": "TIME",
        "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT",
        "url": "https://time.com/4380330/winona-ryder-comeback-stranger-things-netflix/",
        "sourceDate": "2016-06-27",
        "support": "TIME reports that Ryder was born near Winona, Minnesota."
      },
      "secondarySource": {
        "title": "Famous Minnesotans",
        "publisher": "Explore Minnesota",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT",
        "url": "https://www.exploreminnesota.com/minnesota-icons/famous-minnesotans",
        "sourceDate": null,
        "support": "Explore Minnesota identifies her as born in Winona."
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "sourceVerifiedAt": "2026-09-20",
      "populationSource": {
        "publisher": "U.S. Census Bureau",
        "snapshot": "2020 Census",
        "url": "https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/2020/data/01-Redistricting_File--PL_94-171/Minnesota/"
      },
      "profileUrl": null,
      "placeResourceUrl": null
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-small-town-seann-william-scott",
      "canonicalEntityId": "mn-origin-person-seann-william-scott",
      "fullName": "Seann William Scott",
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      "professionCategory": "Film, television and comedy",
      "cohort": "smaller_city",
      "populationBand": "25000_49999",
      "qualifyingPlaces": [
        {
          "name": "Cottage Grove",
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          "placeCode": "13456",
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        }
      ],
      "minnesotaRelationshipType": "hometown",
      "relationshipLabel": "Minnesota hometown/native",
      "relationshipSummary": "Cottage Grove, Minnesota, is identified as his hometown and birthplace.",
      "readerSummary": "Nationally recognized actor.",
      "primarySource": {
        "title": "Seann William Scott biography",
        "publisher": "ABC / Disney Entertainment Television Press",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL PROFESSIONAL",
        "url": "https://www.detpress.com/abc/bios/seann-william-scott/",
        "sourceDate": null,
        "support": "ABC's official biography identifies Cottage Grove as Scott's hometown."
      },
      "secondarySource": {
        "title": "Seann William Scott biography",
        "publisher": "TV Guide",
        "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT",
        "url": "https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/seann-william-scott/bio/3000397366/",
        "sourceDate": null,
        "support": "TV Guide identifies Cottage Grove as his birthplace."
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "sourceVerifiedAt": "2026-09-20",
      "populationSource": {
        "publisher": "U.S. Census Bureau",
        "snapshot": "2020 Census",
        "url": "https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/2020/data/01-Redistricting_File--PL_94-171/Minnesota/"
      },
      "profileUrl": "/minnesota/profiles/seann-william-scott/",
      "placeResourceUrl": null
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-small-town-john-shuster",
      "canonicalEntityId": "mn-origin-person-john-shuster",
      "fullName": "John Shuster",
      "sortKey": "shuster, john",
      "professionCategory": "Sports",
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      "populationBand": "under_10000",
      "qualifyingPlaces": [
        {
          "name": "Chisholm",
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          "placeCode": "11386",
          "population2020": 4775
        }
      ],
      "minnesotaRelationshipType": "raised_in",
      "relationshipLabel": "Raised in Minnesota",
      "relationshipSummary": "Grew up in Chisholm, Minnesota.",
      "readerSummary": "Olympic champion.",
      "primarySource": {
        "title": "John Shuster",
        "publisher": "Team USA",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL SPORTS ORGANIZATION",
        "url": "https://www.teamusa.com/profiles/john-shuster-810650",
        "sourceDate": null,
        "support": "Team USA documents that Shuster grew up in Chisholm."
      },
      "secondarySource": {
        "title": "John Shuster's fifth Olympic Games",
        "publisher": "Team USA",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL SPORTS ORGANIZATION",
        "url": "https://www.teamusa.com/news/2021/december/01/curler-john-shusters-latest-comeback-lands-him-in-fifth-straight-olympic-games",
        "sourceDate": "2021-12-01",
        "support": "The article calls him a Chisholm native."
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "sourceVerifiedAt": "2026-09-20",
      "populationSource": {
        "publisher": "U.S. Census Bureau",
        "snapshot": "2020 Census",
        "url": "https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/2020/data/01-Redistricting_File--PL_94-171/Minnesota/"
      },
      "profileUrl": null,
      "placeResourceUrl": null
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-small-town-lindsay-whalen",
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      "fullName": "Lindsay Whalen",
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      "populationBand": "10000_24999",
      "qualifyingPlaces": [
        {
          "name": "Hutchinson",
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          "population2020": 14599
        }
      ],
      "minnesotaRelationshipType": "hometown",
      "relationshipLabel": "Minnesota hometown/native",
      "relationshipSummary": "A native of Hutchinson, Minnesota.",
      "readerSummary": "Olympic and WNBA champion with institutional hometown documentation.",
      "primarySource": {
        "title": "Lindsay Whalen",
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        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL SPORTS INSTITUTION",
        "url": "https://www.hoophall.com/hall-of-famers/lindsay-whalen",
        "sourceDate": null,
        "support": "The Hall calls Whalen a Hutchinson, Minnesota native and lists Hutchinson as her birthplace."
      },
      "secondarySource": {
        "title": "Lindsay Whalen bio",
        "publisher": "WNBA",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL SPORTS ORGANIZATION",
        "url": "https://www.wnba.com/player/100915/lindsay-whalen/bio",
        "sourceDate": null,
        "support": "The WNBA biography states that Whalen was born in Hutchinson, Minnesota, and attended Hutchinson High School."
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "sourceVerifiedAt": "2026-09-20",
      "populationSource": {
        "publisher": "U.S. Census Bureau",
        "snapshot": "2020 Census",
        "url": "https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/2020/data/01-Redistricting_File--PL_94-171/Minnesota/"
      },
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      "placeResourceUrl": null
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-small-town-laura-ingalls-wilder",
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      "fullName": "Laura Ingalls Wilder",
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      "qualifyingPlaces": [
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          "name": "Walnut Grove",
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      ],
      "minnesotaRelationshipType": "formative_years",
      "relationshipLabel": "Formative years in Minnesota",
      "relationshipSummary": "Lived in Walnut Grove during childhood; the Minnesota period later informed On the Banks of Plum Creek.",
      "readerSummary": "Foundational American author whose documented Minnesota childhood is a material formative connection, without mislabeling her as Minnesota-born.",
      "primarySource": {
        "title": "Famous Minnesotans",
        "publisher": "Explore Minnesota",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT",
        "url": "https://www.exploreminnesota.com/minnesota-icons/famous-minnesotans",
        "sourceDate": null,
        "support": "Explore Minnesota documents the Ingalls family's years in Walnut Grove."
      },
      "secondarySource": {
        "title": "Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum",
        "publisher": "Walnut Grove museum",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL MUSEUM",
        "url": "https://walnutgrove.org/museum/",
        "sourceDate": null,
        "support": "The museum preserves the documented Walnut Grove chapter of Wilder's life."
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      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "sourceVerifiedAt": "2026-09-20",
      "populationSource": {
        "publisher": "U.S. Census Bureau",
        "snapshot": "2020 Census",
        "url": "https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/2020/data/01-Redistricting_File--PL_94-171/Minnesota/"
      },
      "profileUrl": null,
      "placeResourceUrl": null
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-small-town-adam-young",
      "canonicalEntityId": "mn-origin-person-adam-young",
      "fullName": "Adam Young",
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      "populationBand": "25000_49999",
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          "name": "Owatonna",
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      ],
      "minnesotaRelationshipType": "raised_in",
      "relationshipLabel": "Raised in Minnesota",
      "relationshipSummary": "Raised in Owatonna, Minnesota, where the Owl City project began in his parents' basement.",
      "readerSummary": "Internationally successful musician with first-party and major-news corroboration of a Minnesota hometown and career origin.",
      "primarySource": {
        "title": "About Owl City",
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        "url": "https://owlcity.com/",
        "sourceDate": null,
        "support": "The official biography identifies Owatonna as Young's upbringing and the origin of his music project."
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      "secondarySource": {
        "title": "Owl City: the bedroom pop star",
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        "support": "The Guardian identifies Owatonna as Young's hometown."
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      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "sourceVerifiedAt": "2026-09-20",
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        "publisher": "U.S. Census Bureau",
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      },
      "profileUrl": "/minnesota/profiles/adam-young-owl-city/",
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    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-small-town-steve-zahn",
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      "fullName": "Steve Zahn",
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      "professionCategory": "Film, television and comedy",
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      "populationBand": "10000_24999",
      "qualifyingPlaces": [
        {
          "name": "Marshall",
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          "population2020": 13628
        }
      ],
      "minnesotaRelationshipType": "raised_in",
      "relationshipLabel": "Raised in Minnesota",
      "relationshipSummary": "Born in Marshall and raised across several Minnesota communities, including Mankato and New Hope.",
      "readerSummary": "Nationally recognized actor with detailed independent reporting on Minnesota birth and upbringing.",
      "primarySource": {
        "title": "Who is Steve Zahn?",
        "publisher": "Minnesota Star Tribune",
        "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT",
        "url": "https://www.startribune.com/who-is-steve-zahn/49096836",
        "sourceDate": "2009",
        "support": "The profile describes Zahn as Minnesota-born and raised, with childhood ties to Marshall, Mankato and New Hope."
      },
      "secondarySource": null,
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "sourceVerifiedAt": "2026-09-20",
      "populationSource": {
        "publisher": "U.S. Census Bureau",
        "snapshot": "2020 Census",
        "url": "https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/2020/data/01-Redistricting_File--PL_94-171/Minnesota/"
      },
      "profileUrl": null,
      "placeResourceUrl": null
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}
