The MJC Newsletter: More sunshine, less ice | | |
Hey, all –
There is snow everywhere, but I’m still feeling the unseasonal warmth of earlier this week, and the hope that we will get back to “normal” soon. In case that puts you in the mood for a song, here are a few that have appeared this month. By now you’ve heard Bruce Springsteens’ rocking Streets of Minneapolis (and the story behind it), but maybe you missed the AI-created Minnesota Anthem - The Rise of the North out of Sweden and how it came to be - with possibly problematic image use. (It makes a nod to photo credits at the end. Sigh.) Or Billy Bragg’s City Of Heroes. If punk isn’t your style, there’s a Celtic anthem from Hello Augustus, and a country tune from Jesse Welles.
Sing out, everyone. You get it done. Even in your jammies.
– Regina
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MPR reporter Sam Stroozas shows up. @Leila Navidi/Star Tribune
Here’s what we have for you:
- Fast approaching mental health workshops and safety training
- What your colleagues around the state are up to
- More national coverage of your work
- Our students reporting news – and making news
- Research on public events
- Lots of jobs
The MJC is: Gayle (G.G.) Golden, associate director of student educational initiatives, Regina McCombs, associate director of outreach and training and Meg Martin, associate director of pretty much everything. Our director, Ben Toff, is on sabbatical this year, so we’re joined by interim director Matt Carlson,
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When the MJC team first started putting together a retreat-style workshop, we were thinking about the impacts of the immigration enforcement and how nobody has had a minute to step back and catch their breath.
But we’ve been covering and experiencing so much over the course of the past year: Political violence. The Annunciation shooting. Immigration enforcement. Operation Metro Surge. All of their impacts land differently for everyone.
So: If you’d welcome a moment to reflect and regroup, we’d love for you to join us for Saturday (tomorrow!) for a resilience-focused workshop led by the Global Center for Journalism and Trauma (formerly the Dart Center), who have been helping journalists navigate complex moments for more than 25 years.
- When: Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026
- Time: 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. CT
- Location: University of Minnesota, East Bank (parking validated)
- Cost: Free
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March 2-3
We’re working with Crisis Ready Media to host an intensive, two-day HEFAT training certification at a reduced rate. The Domestic Hostile Environment and First Aid Training course is designed to prepare journalists and media professionals for the hazards they may face while working in today’s challenging environments. Participants will receive hands-on instruction in safety, security, digital risk, mental resilience, and trauma first aid. Monday, March 2 – Tuesday, March 3 from 9 am-6 pm at the University of Minnesota.
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Reminder: Emergency fund available
Our partners at the Committee to Protect Journalists and International Women's Media Foundation have launched a new rapid response fund specifically to support Minnesota journalists covering the impacts of escalated immigration enforcement in the state. The fund offers small grants for mental health and wellbeing support, medical support, protective gear or safety equipment.
What additional training would you like?
The Committee to Protect Journalists has offered to provide online training for journalists in Minnesota, specific to our needs. Topics could include physical safety, digital harassment, mental health, and legal rights. So we want to see what your most urgent needs are. Please fill out this two-question survey!
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Reporting on the Paralympics (Virtual)
Covering the Paralympics: A virtual conversation, Feb. 26
Join the Minnesota Journalism Center for a conversation about covering the Paralympics, just ahead of the Winter Games. You'll learn about best practices from a Paralympic athlete, a sports journalist and a researcher as we get ready for the 2026 Milano Cortina Paralympic Games.
| | | What else we've been up to | | | | REPLAY: For part of the project Liberal Arts in Action: Responding to This Historic Moment, the Hubbard School highlighted the importance of the work of local journalists in webinars that are available to stream. Beyond Documenting: The Role of the Photojournalist When Everyone is Recording with panelists Ben Hovland, MPR News, Dylan Jacobson, KSTP-TV, Lewis Karpel, WCCO TV, Ellen Schmidt, MinnPost, discussion hosted by Regina McCombs; First Amendment Protections and Responsibilities Afforded Journalists and Citizens: Documenting Law Enforcement with Jane Kirtley, Silha Center for the Study of Media Ethics and Law, and Andy Mannix, ProPublica, moderated by Elisia Cohen; Community Journalism When ICE is in the Community with Jon Collins, MPR, Brian Arola, MinnPost, Shubhanjana Das, Sahan Journal, Madison McVan, Minnesota Reformer, discussion lead by Gayle Golden. | | | Many of these efforts have come from the suggestions or input of our colleagues around the state. We always want to hear from you! If you want to get involved in the planning, know of a great trainer or resource we should connect with, or have suggestions for topics, approaches or tools, please email Meg at martinme@umn.edu. | | Other training and events | | |
NABJ-MN's Black History Month event is Feb. 21 (tomorrow!), with a panel discussion about Freedom of the Press with Harry Colbert Jr moderating, 1 pm at North Market in Minneapolis.
Virtual training opportunities
Virtual opportunities for taking care
Mark your calendar:
Midwest Journalism Conference, April 10-11, St. Paul
Northern Exposure Photojournalism Conference, April 10-11, UMN
Health Journalism 2026, May 27-30, Minneapolis
SRCCON, July 8-9, Minneapolis
Find more on our curated calendar — which you can subscribe to or share. And let us know what else to add by responding to this email.
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KARE names Kevin Holmes as new anchor to join Julie Nelson on air
Chief Meteorologist Paul Huttner to retire after nearly two decades on Minnesota Public Radio, MPR News. And this one’s fun: 1 throwback to go: Hanging up the clicker, Axios Twin Cities
Have updates to share in the next MJC newsletter? Tell us! Reply to this email — or send along your notes to Regina at rmccombs@umn.edu.
Talking about your work
Best journalism meme to come out of the craziness? Hands down, MPR reporter Sam Stroozas as the bathrobe lady. The Star Tribune’s Leila Navidi captured the moment. MPR folks wore bathrobes to work. Entire Reddit threads discussed the moment.
Free Speech in Deep Freeze, Nieman Reports. On the ground in Minnesota, where journalists are working to tell the truth about government-sanctioned violence and spin.
How exhausted Minneapolis journalists are covering a prolonged federal crackdown, Poynter
Holding the Line at MPR, Minnesota Monthly and As the nation’s eyes turn to Minneapolis, they’re also turning to Minnesota Public Radio, Nieman Journalism Lab
‘I live in a city of heroes’ Barry Yeoman: Unabridged. A collection of some of the best writing about the federal occupation of Minneapolis and the local resistance.
Catchlight Local highlights the work of their photojournalism fellows Ellen Schmidt, MinnPost and Aaron Nesheim, Sahan Journal.
In Minneapolis, all-encompassing immigration story tests a newsroom in midst of digital transition, AP
“To show what's going on:” The Phonograph podcast talks to Evan Frost, freelance, and Ben Hovland, MPR News about what they've seen, about the vital role of photojournalism at this moment, and the personal toll of doing this work.
Reporter's Notebook: Living and reporting from Minneapolis in crisis, Meg Anderson, NPR
Some of you got caught in the middle
Jana Shortal of KARE talks about getting sprayed by agents, and the full story here.
AP reporter Mark Vancleave describes federal officers pushing journalists back to car as they documented operation
Photographer Tosses His Leica Away From ICE as He’s Tackled to the Ground, PetaPixel, and a reel from the Guardian.
The arrests of Georgia Fort and Don Lemon brought attention to free press issues from the Columbia Journalism Review, and highlighted larger issues going on in Minnesota.
Arrests, Disinformation and Local Journalism: Six Lessons from Minneapolis, PEN America
In 100 days, a laundry list of attacks on the media, Freedom of the Press Foundation
We’re keeping track of all the statements of support.
And Fort wrote an opinion piece for the New York Times, and on her own site about how this is part of a larger trend in press freedoms and immigration reporting.
Planning ahead: Journalists should prepare to defend their right to report the news, Poynter and How to build a newsroom plan for responding to First Amendment threats, Poynter
Related: What a safety expert thinks journalists should know about “less than lethal” rounds and chemical irritants used by ICE, Nieman Journalism Lab
A few relevant items about Operation Metro Surge:
Minnesota-born Michele Norris highlights what the world needs to know about Minnesota right now in two posts: Part One, Part Two and also gives Sam Stroozas a shout out.
“The Nation” Nominates Minneapolis for the Nobel Peace Prize, The Nation
Why videos of ICE in Minnesota are a ‘breakthrough moment’ online, Star Tribune
Minnesota shows what happens when governing and content creation merge, NPR
Between the Observer and the Participant: He Follows ICE Across the Country, Fearing to Bear Witness, NAHJ Palabra. A Latino independent journalist and former CNN correspondent reflects on his experience meeting the anti-immigrant rhetoric face-to-face.
The Fog of Content, Columbia Journalism Review. Independent journalists, content creators, and streamers converge and collide in Minneapolis.
Is the ‘influencer right’ at odds with Trump over Minnesota? New York Times
And more
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Minnesota Newspaper Association honors late Dispatch photographer Steve Kohls, Brainerd Dispatch
Two Minnesotans have been named to the Kiplinger Fellowship on “Saving Local News: A Practical Guide:” Natasha Barber, managing editor, Star Publications, Sauk Centre and Ashton Hagen, general manager, Grant County Herald.
Tesha M. Christensen accepted the Small Business of the Year Award from the Midway Chamber. TMC Publications publishes three papers: Midway Como Frogtown Monitor, Longfellow Nokomis Messenger and Southwest Voices.
Minnesota Star Tribune launches News Literacy Initiative, Star Tribune via Editor and Publisher, A partnership with the News Literacy Project and ThreeSixty Journalism is designed to fight disinformation in Minnesota.
Former KARE 11 reporter Karla Hult announces she’s running for Senate, Facebook. KARE 11's Karla Hult launches state Senate campaign, Bring Me The News
Congratulations to the 2026 Advancing Democracy Innovation Fund Recipients which include the Minnesota Women's Press.
The Park Bugle community-sources logo redesign.
More Press Forward grants, for community partnerships, for KAXE, Sahan Journal, Minnesota Public Radio, Xidig TV in partnership with Center for African Immigrants (CAIRO Minnesota) and the Winona Post.
LensFest provides $25,000 matching grant to the Star Tribune and The Minnesota Star Tribune launches a new brand campaign: ‘Because the world is watching.’ Star Tribune via Editor and Publisher
Progressive news network Courier expands to nine more states, Axios, and Courier is Expanding Its Footprint to 20 States in 2026
Ahead of the Minneapolis conference in May, AHCJ stands with Minneapolis
Volunteer journalists working to fill Twin Cities' local news desert, WCCO
| | Our Students in Communities | | Our Report for Minnesota Legislative Reporting Project’s second year is up and running! Student interns Abbey Mulcahy, Shay Scanlan, Eleanor Steffen, Kendra Mobilia will report news stories for Greater Minnesota partners under the guidance of longtime political editor Mike Mulcahy. Karina Kafka will produce photojournalism and — new this year! — will be mentored by Glen Stubbe, former political photographer for the Star Tribune. Also under the MJC program, student intern Maddie Milliken will report statehouse news for Forum News Service. | | | |
News organizations are increasingly seeking new ways to connect with audiences and build loyalty among segments of the public who are otherwise disengaged. Among these efforts are both in-person and virtual events. A new MJC report, “Challenges and opportunities around reaching and engaging with news audiences through public events,” is part of an ongoing project in partnership with the nonprofit Alliance for Trust in Media. It explores the effectiveness and impact of initiatives that news organizations are adopting to bridge gaps in trust in news and reach audiences who are increasingly alienated from news or avoiding it altogether. This study focuses on the experience of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit news outlet based in Austin, Texas.
– Our director, Ben Toff, is on sabbatical this year, so we’re joined by interim director Matt Carlson, carlson1@umn.edu.
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The SPJ Education Committee is working on revamping the #Press4Education video series and needs your help.
Share your passion and talent with ThreeSixty Journalism, volunteering as an interview coach or story coach at the Capitol Reporting Workshop on February 28 (12 pm -2:30) and March 7 (9 am-noon).
Fellowships, grants and other opportunities
2026 MNSPJ college scholarship application opens: An unrestricted $2,000 scholarship is open to a college student pursuing a career in journalism. The application is due May 15.
Bookmark this one: Fellowship and Grant Database, from the Institute for Independent Journalists
Documentarians: The Minnesota Historical Society has a call out for contractors for a documentary on the W. W. Mayo House.
IJNR Field Reporting Grants, which can help defray the costs of reporting projects that focus on natural resources, the environment, energy, development, agriculture, environmental justice, and public health. Up to 20% of the grant amount ($500-$2,500) may be used for compensation. Deadline Feb. 27.
NABJ is accepting applications for the 2026 Ethel Payne Fellowship, which provides an opportunity for a member to gain foreign correspondence experience and the necessary assistance to complete a project or singular report. Deadline Feb. 27.
2026 Reporting Workshop: The Aging Beat, Three-day in-person intensive reporting workshop at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY, from May 4-6, 2026. This training is open to journalists who have at least three years of full-time reporting experience or the equivalent. Deadline Feb. 27.
The Richard C. Longworth Media Fellowships, Fellowships in amounts ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 will be awarded to journalists focusing on global issues that affect Midwestern readers and viewers. Open to print, broadcast, and online journalists based in the Midwest, either staff or freelancers. Field reporting should be from international locations and topics must be of clear interest and importance to Midwestern audiences. Deadline March 15
Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism awards year-long, non-residential fellowships to report on a mental health topic of your choice. Fellows receive a generous stipend, training, networking opportunities, and access to top experts and resources in mental health and journalism. April 3
Contests and awards
MNSPJ DEADLINE EXTENDED
The Minnesota SPJ’s Page One Awards are coming up, with a new contest for the 2026 A-Mark Prize for Investigative Journalism in Minnesota. Deadline is now MARCH 6.
More contests in order of deadlines
Society for News Design’s 47th Creative Competition is now open. Deadline Feb. 28.
The NLGJA Excellence In Journalism Awards recognizes excellence in journalism on issues related to the LGBTQ+ community. Deadline March 1.
Public Media Journalists Association Awards Competition. Early deadline passed, final deadline March 6.
American Public Media Starts Sixth Local Journalism Challenge is a national competition that will distribute $250,000 to nonprofit and for-profit startups advancing local journalism innovation. Deadline March 10.
SPJ’s New America Award honors public service journalism that explores and exposes issues affecting immigrant and ethnic communities. Eligible work published or broadcast in 2025 must be submitted by March 11.
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KSTP has openings for an assistant news director, a managing editor, a digital executive producer, a meteorologist and a sports intern.
MPR News has multiple openings for a deputy managing editor, culture and community, a senior editor for investigations, an investigative reporting intern (APM Reports), a senior producer for weekends, a reporting intern and regional manager in Rochester.
KAAL in Rochester is looking for a news director, an anchor/MMJ, a content desk manager, a weekend meteorologist/multimedia journalist, a multimedia journalist and a summer news intern.
MinnPost is looking for its next community health reporting fellow, a one-year position, and, as part of Report for America, a beat reporter covering drinking water in Minnesota.
The Associated Press, through Report for America, has an opening for a photojournalist.
The Star Tribune is hiring a sports editor, an investigative reporter and, as part of Report for America, a business of sports reporter.
KARE needs a photographer/editor for mornings.
The Timberjay in Tower is looking for a reporter through Report for America.
The Rochester Post-Bulletin needs a digital content producer.
KAXE/KBXE is looking for a director of audience engagement, a development director, and, as part of Report for America, a beat reporter covering the Mississippi River headwaters region.
WDAY in Fargo is looking for a videographer and a reporter/multimedia journalist.
WDIO in Duluth needs a weekend meteorologist/multimedia journalist.
KBJR in Duluth seeks a weekend sports anchor/MMJ, a weekend news anchor, a weekend multimedia journalist, an AM multimedia journalist and a meteorologist.
KEYC in Mankato is looking for a sports anchor/reporter and a multimedia journalist.
KTTC in Rochester needs a multimedia journalist
Adams Multimedia is seeking a managing editor for its southern Minnesota regional publications, an associate editor in Caledonia, a full-time reporter in Owatonna and a part-time reporter in Aitkin.
The Prior Lake Compass needs a part-time editor.
AMPERS is looking for a news consultant/writing and editorial coach, a contract news producer for Minnesota Native News and contract news producers for North Star Stories.
HBI Radio Bemidji has an opening for a summer news intern.
St. Cloud LIVE is looking for a summer reporting intern.
UMN Extension Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships seeks a sustainability storyteller.
APMG is hiring a communications intern, a media productions and operations intern and a broadcast engineering intern.
Interesting remote jobs
Open Secrets needs a senior reporter.
Marketplace (APM) is looking for a digital intern, a podcast intern and a newsroom intern.
ProPublica has openings for a visuals editor, a data reporter, an audience writer and a local reporting network fellow.
The Marshall Project needs a staff writer, immigration.
The Examination is looking for an investigative editor and a reporter for their food team.
Remapping Debate needs a senior investigative and policy reporter.
Civic News Company is looking for a senior national reporter for Votebeat to lead national coverage of elections and democracy.
Axios still has an opening for a senior technology reporter.
Open Campus is hiring an engagement reporter focused on rural communities and their workforces.
Freakonomics Radio Network needs a social media producer.
COURIER Newsroom is looking for a Minnesota political correspondent and a freelance editor for the state political team.
Advance Local has an opening for an editorial AI producer.
USA Today is hiring a commerce and engagement reporter.
Rewire News Group is seeking a director for audience and marketing.
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