KARE 11 Investigative Team finalist in National News and Documentary Emmy Awards

MINNEAPOLIS, July 26, 2017 -- Minnesota’s Own KARE 11, the NBC affiliate in Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN has been nominated for the National News & Documentary Emmy, in the regional investigative category.  The honor was announced Tuesday by The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

Gary Knox, Steve Eckert and A.J. Lagoe

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/274b60da-24b6-4289-a8e0-85a5972af8b8

KARE 11’s investigation, led by Steve Eckert, A.J. Lagoe and Gary Knox, revealed the Department of Veterans Affairs used unqualified medical personnel for examinations and denied benefits for traumatic brain injuries (TBI) at the Minneapolis VA Medical center. Following this report, a federal investigation was opened on similar issues at other VA facilities across the country and found nearly 25,000 veterans nationwide received improper examinations for TBI.

In the wake of KARE 11’s investigation, Congress held a hearing on the issue and the VA announced it was offering the veterans reexamination by qualified doctors.  In Minnesota, half of the veterans originally denied TBI benefits were determined, after reexamination, to have suffered traumatic brain injuries.

“We are humbled and proud that KARE 11 Investigates has been recognized as a National Regional Emmy finalist,” said News Director Jane Helmke.  “Though the real honor is the positive impact and action our team’s work has had on the lives of veterans in Minnesota and across the nation.” 

KARE 11’s ongoing Investigative series on behalf of veterans has already garnered other prestigious National recognition including the George Polk Award and the IRE (Investigative Reporters and Editors) Award.

For link to the story: <http://www.kare11.com/news/investigations/invisible-wounds-a-report-on-the-va-and-vets-with-traumatic-brain-injuries/215102774>.

KARE 11 is the Minneapolis/St. Paul, TEGNA-owned, NBC affiliate.

About TEGNA
TEGNA Inc. (NYSE:TGNA) is comprised of a dynamic portfolio of media and digital businesses that provide content that matters and brands that deliver. TEGNA offers highly relevant, useful and smart content, when and how people need it, to make the best decisions possible. TEGNA Media includes 46 television stations and is the largest independent station group of major network affiliates in the top 25 markets, reaching approximately one-third of all television households nationwide. TEGNA Digital is comprised of Cars.com, the leading online destination for automotive consumers, CareerBuilder, a global leader in human capital solutions, and G/O Digital, a customized local digital marketing company. For more information, visit www.TEGNA.com. 

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Janeen Vogelaar                                                                                   
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