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Support for local journalists headlines panel conversation on internship plan

By Margaret Stevens
Tara Brandl, co-owner of Above the Fold Publishing and president of the Minnesota Newspaper Association, testifies March 26 before the House workforce committee in support of HF4072. (Photo by Michele Jokinen)
Tara Brandl, co-owner of Above the Fold Publishing and president of the Minnesota Newspaper Association, testifies March 26 before the House workforce committee in support of HF4072. (Photo by Michele Jokinen)

At a time when political divides often mirror the fractured national media landscape, lawmakers found common ground Thursday: the importance of strong local journalism.

Lawmakers highlighted the reporters who cover everything from school board meetings to city council races to Fourth of July festivities — as Rep. Wayne Johnson (R-Cottage Grove) put it, “pronounce the town’s name right.”

That bipartisan praise came as the House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee considered HF4072, to help fund a Minnesota Local News Talent Pipeline Program that would support paid internships at Minnesota newspapers, television and radio stations, as well as digital outlets.

Sponsored by Rep. Julie Greene (DFL-Edina), the bill, as amended, would appropriate $500,000 from the Workforce Development Fund in Fiscal Year 2027. It was laid over for possible inclusion in a larger budget measure.
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Transportation panel votes down electronic driver’s licenses and state IDs
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