News Diaries: How a Minnesota mom and minister “blew past” her screen time limits when ICE came to her city

To say that the staff of Nieman Lab consume more news than the average American would be an understatement. And if you’re a Nieman Lab reader, chances are you’re a news junkie like us. Most of the people that most news organizations are trying to reach, however, are not news junkies. Nieman Lab founder Josh...

6 April 2026 at 05:52 pm

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News Diaries: How a Minnesota mom and minister “blew past” her screen time limits when ICE came to her city

In a world where news consumption is often dominated by professionals and enthusiasts, the average American's news habits can be quite different. Nieman Lab, a digital media research lab, has long recognized this disparity and strives to understand how news fits into people's lives beyond the realm of journalists and news junkies. To explore this, Nieman Lab launched a new series called "News Diaries," where they talk to individuals who are not professional journalists about their news habits and how they consume information.

The first installment of this series features a conversation with Sophie, a 37-year-old minister and mother of two living in Minneapolis. Sophie's perspective offers a unique insight into how news is consumed in everyday life, particularly during significant events like Operation Metro Surge, a federal operation in late 2019 that saw over 3,000 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents deployed to Minnesota to arrest undocumented immigrants. The operation, which took place under the Trump administration, resulted in the tragic deaths of two American citizens.

Sophie's experience with news consumption is shaped by her dual role as a minister and a mother. As a minister, she is acutely aware of the impact of news on her community, especially during times of political unrest or social tension. As a mother, she navigates the challenges of balancing her own news habits with the needs of her children. In our conversation, Sophie shared her thoughts on how she approaches news, the role of traditional media, and the influence of informal networks in keeping her informed.

One of the key figures Sophie mentioned is Jana Shortal, a television news reporter for KARE11, a local news station in Minneapolis. Sophie was particularly impressed by Shortal's use of Instagram, where she shares short, human-centered wrap-up segments from her news program. These "One Last Thing" clips, as they are called, offer a more personal and opinionated take on the news, deviating from traditional reporting. Sophie appreciated how Shortal's approach brought a sense of humanity to her reporting, making it more relatable and engaging for viewers.

Sophie's experience highlights the importance of diverse storytelling in news media. While traditional outlets may focus on hard facts and objective reporting, informal networks and social media can provide a more personal and empathetic perspective. This blend of traditional and informal news sources helps to create a more comprehensive understanding of current events, allowing individuals like Sophie to better navigate the complexities of their world.

Moreover, Sophie's story underscores the challenges faced by many people in consuming news. As a busy mother and minister, she likely has limited time to stay informed about the latest developments. However, she remains committed to staying connected with her community and understanding the issues that affect her family and neighbors. This dedication to news consumption, even in the face of time constraints, is a testament to the importance of news in everyday life.

The "News Diaries" series aims to shed light on the varied ways in which people engage with news and the roles that different media sources play in their lives. By sharing the experiences of individuals like Sophie, Nieman Lab hopes to foster a deeper understanding of how news is consumed beyond the realm of professionals and news junkies. Ultimately, this exploration can help news organizations better serve their audiences and adapt to the diverse needs of their readers.

In Sophie's case, her news habits are shaped by her community's needs, her family responsibilities, and her personal values. As she navigates the complexities of her role as a minister and a mother, her approach to news consumption reflects a balance between staying informed and connecting with others. Her story serves as a reminder that news is not just about the information we consume, but also about the impact it has on our lives and the people around us.

Source: Nieman Lab

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