Students Amplify the Power of Local Journalism at State Capitol Rally

April 15, 2026

On April 7, Perpich students Anais Froberg-Martinez (Literary Arts 2027) and Carlo Sucero (Media Arts 2027) stepped into Minnesota’s political spotlight at the True North News Alliance rally at the Minnesota State Capitol, joining journalists and advocates calling for greater investment in local news.

Anais Froberg-Martinez (Literary Arts 2027) prepares for her speech for the True North News Alliance rally at the Minnesota State Capitol. Photo by Carlo Sucero (Media Arts 2027)

Froberg-Martinez, a student journalist involved with ThreeSixty Journalism, delivered a speech highlighting the vital connection between student media and local journalism. “Local journalism starts with student journalism,” she said, emphasizing how young reporters play a critical role in informing communities and driving change. Her message resonated deeply with the crowd, so much so that one audience member approached her afterward in tears, sharing how the speech “reminded her of a time when no one was advocating for local news.”

Anais’s path to the podium was shaped by years of involvement with ThreeSixty’s programs, where she developed a growing passion for local reporting. “I used to want to be a big-shot journalist,” she explained. “But over time, I got really into local news.” That passion has already led to published opinion pieces and, now, public speaking opportunities at the Capitol.

Sucero, who joined the event at the last minute, documented the rally as a photographer, capturing both the public moments and behind-the-scenes interactions. “It was very interesting to be behind the scenes and see everything happen,” he said. “You get a different perspective on what people are thinking before and after.”

The cloth behind the podium at the True North News Alliance rally at the Minnesota State Capitol. Photo by Carlo Sucero (Media Arts 2027)

The experience also opened doors for both students. Carlo connected with professional photojournalists, while Anais was later invited to speak at a State Senate informational hearing on local news. Reflecting on the day, Sucero noted how accessible the field can be: “It was fairly easy to make connections.”

Together, Anais and Carlo demonstrated the growing impact of youth voices in journalism, both in telling stories and shaping the future of local news.