And the Strib Departures Commence

The subscription-only newsletter Politics in Minnesota is reporting that Star Tribune veteran Dane Smith has taken a buyout:

Remember that fascinating story about the state's two most powerful interest groups, Education Minnesota and the Taxpayers League? That was vintage Dane Smith. He excelled at being the first to flag the "next big thing" in Minnesota politics....

To be sure, there are other fine political reporters at the Star Tribune, but over the years, Smith became the de facto dean of the bunch. His Minnesota political institutional knowledge is tough to replicate.

Check back: As we come across coverage--including details of other bylines that will be disappearing--we'll post it.