Carleton Convo with Jana Shortal | May 01, 2026

KARE 11 news anchor Jana Shortal delivered Carleton’s convocation on Friday, May 1, from 10:50 to 11:50 a.m. in Skinner Chapel. Shortal, who has worked at KARE 11 for 22 years, has been a crucial reporter in Minneapolis during Operation Metro Surge, braving pepper spray from federal agents to report the news. Their convocation address, “The Surge,” is focused on their experience reporting Minnesota’s federal occupation, as motivated by their personal motto: “Because the truth, still, has to matter.” Shortal’s career as an anchor for KARE 11 has now spanned many deeply turbulent times in Minneapolis in the aftermath of the murders of George Floyd, Renee Good, and Alex Pretti. Shortal began their career as a general assignment reporter and currently works on KARE 11’s Breaking The News segment, weeknights at 6:30 p.m. During their career so far, they have been the winner of eight Upper Midwest Emmys and nominated for many more, honoring their media coverage on topics ranging from sports stories to the impacts of George Floyd’s legacy in Minneapolis. Originally from outside St. Louis, Shortal graduated from the University of Missouri–Columbia with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. If it were not for one persistent professor there, Shortal would have spent their adult life driving the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile. They also once sold their 10th anniversary gift from KARE 11 to an ex so they could buy a pair of Air Jordans (fun facts courtesy of a 2020 MPR journalist series). Now, they live with their partner, Laura, and their child, Zeke. Learn more about Carleton Convos at go.carleton.edu/convocations