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Articles by Trevor Dunning
HourCar, Evie roll to a stop in the Twin Cities Original
Minneapolis resident Eliza Meyer has been relying on the Evie Carshare network for the past five years or more. The land-use consultant primarily leases the hourly service for work trips and long distance travel. Without Evie, she said, she’ll have to say no to more opportunities in her field.
Rally brings attention to protesters charged after immigration enforcement surge
In downtown Minneapolis on Saturday, an anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement rally and march hosted by the Twin Cities chapter of the Democratic Socialist of America brought attention to Minnesotans facing federal charges for their actions during Operation Metro Surge. The march stretched across Nicollet Avenue with various labor leaders and community organizers in attendance.
United South Central School District proposes a $22.8 million referendum
United South Central School District announced a proposed $22.8 million referendum to this year’s ballot. The referendum would be used to expand several areas of the school, including adding classrooms and a new physical education space, as the district is at capacity and continues to grow. United South Central School District announced a proposed $22.8 million referendum to this year’s ballot.
'Don't hide, get outside': Firefighter Training Show teaches kids fire safety at the Freeborn County Fair
Children crawled on the damp floor of the mock smokehouse, wet from the rain earlier in the day, being told to not look up and get to the other side. Evading the fiery fake flames, they made it through, some going around for a second round. Children crawled on the damp floor of the mock smokehouse, wet from the rain earlier in the day, being told to not look up and get to the other side. Evading the fiery fake flames, they made it through, some going around for a second round.
Country music singer kicks off Freeborn County Fair Grandstand entertainment
A variety of music is planned for the fair throughout the week, including country, rock and Christian music.
ALMCO celebrates 80th anniversary with hopes to revamp in the future
ALMCO General Manager Tim Grahn makes his way through an industrial playground of washing and deburring machines, giving a tour like he’d been working at ALMCO for 39 years — because he has. ALMCO General Manager Tim Grahn makes his way through an industrial playground of washing and deburring machines, giving a tour like he’d been working at ALMCO for 39 years — because he has. He stops at a machine that connects to a blaze orange bowl that connects to a powered base.
‘I’m beginning to feel at home’: St. John’s Lutheran Community welcomes new chaplain to campus
Chaplain Jennifer Larson was hired at St. John’s Lutheran Community in May and has already become a cohesive part of the senior living home’s community. Jennifer Larson serves as the new chaplain of St. John's Lutheran Community. She started in May and has already become connected with the residents.Provided Chaplain Jennifer Larson was hired at St. John’s Lutheran Community in May and has already become a cohesive part of the senior living home’s community.
Father-son duo launches cannabis dispensary in Albert Lea
Opaque glass and a large flashing neon green open sign highlight a new store off Henderson Road right off Interstate 35. Nearly three years to the date after the state of Minnesota legalized marijuana for recreational use, it has made its way south to the state’s border in Albert Lea. Opaque glass and a large flashing neon green open sign highlight a new store off Henderson Road right off Interstate 35.
Twin Lakes struggles, new inmates among topics at county board meeting
The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners discussed proposals, grants and lawsuits in its regular Tuesday meeting. The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners discussed proposals, grants and lawsuits in its regular Tuesday meeting. Here are the highlights: Twin Lakes councilor voices struggles Sandy Sletten, a Twin Lakes City Council member, took the podium during the meeting’s public comment period.
Freeborn County departments struggle to lower budget
The board will vote on a preliminary property tax levy in September and finalize the budget in December. The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners had another session to discuss preliminary budgets Tuesday for departments heading into the 2027 fiscal year. Budget proposals have risen across the board due to efforts to keep them as low as possible. The board will vote on a preliminary property tax levy in September and finalize the budget in December.
City manager urges county to continue work with tax- forfeited properties
Albert Lea City Manager Ian Rigg on Tuesday asked the Freeborn County Board of Commissioners to continue work on tax-forfeited properties, citing long-term benefits. Rigg discussed the purpose and goals of the tax-forfeited properties and the potential positives they could have for Freeborn County. The United States Supreme Court decision regarding Tyler v. Hennepin County will also play a role in acquiring the properties.
County department budgets remain tight
Freeborn County department leaders presented the 2027 preliminary department budgets to the Board of Commissioners Tuesday in a workshop. The board asked for a 10% decrease in budget from the 2026 fiscal year, a goal achieved by few departments. Freeborn County department leaders presented the 2027 preliminary department budgets to the Board of Commissioners Tuesday in a workshop. The board asked for a 10% decrease in budget from the 2026 fiscal year, a goal achieved by few departments.
Board of Commissioners decides against sound and microphone upgrades, citing high price tag
The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners during its workshop on Tuesday decided to table updates to the boardroom and chambers to accommodate interactive technology capabilities, stating it was not fiscally responsible. The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners during its workshop on Tuesday decided to table updates to the boardroom and chambers to accommodate interactive technology capabilities, stating it was not fiscally responsible.
Songbird Trail bids awarded, construction expected to start soon
The songbird sings — with construction contracts approved, ground will be broken this summer or fall. The Songbird Trail would feature rural scenes including native prairie flowers. Provided The songbird sings — with construction contracts approved, ground will be broken this summer or fall.
New director hopes to breathe fresh life into LIFE Center
Amanda Long recently started as executive director at the LIFE Center of Freeborn County, a disability services and support organization. She has big plans for the future. Amanda Long is the new executive director of the LIFE Center of Freeborn County. She started on May 18. Provided Amanda Long recently started as executive director at the LIFE Center of Freeborn County, a disability services and support organization. She has big plans for the future.
Glenville-Emmons coach to retire after 41 years
Lisa Ziebell, Glenville-Emmons High School coach, is set to retire, but that doesn’t mean she’s out of the game. Lisa Ziebell, Glenville-Emmons High School coach, is set to retire, but that doesn’t mean she’s out of the game. Ziebell has been coaching at Glenville-Emmons for 41 years, across three different sports. Working in a small school, she sees a lot of the same students. She may be retiring, but she’ll still be around. “I’ll come back to it every time,” Ziebell said.
'People need more options': Barber school to open in Albert Lea in September
Get to cutting because Ra’s Supreme Clientele owner, Rashi Dildy, is opening up a barber school in Albert Lea. With plans to open Sept. 14, he’s currently taking applications and tours with six spots to fill. Rashi Dildy, of Ra's Supreme Clientele, will open a barber school in Albert Lea in September. They are currently taking applicants and tours. Trevor Dunning/Albert Lea Tribune Get to cutting because Ra’s Supreme Clientele owner, Rashi Dildy, is opening up a barber school in Albert Lea.
Board of Commissioners elects 1 new, 1 old face to Shell Rock River Watershed board
The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners appointed Mike Lee and Wesley Dahl to the Shell Rock River Watershed District Board of Managers on Tuesday. Their terms on the board will last three years. The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners appointed Mike Lee and Wesley Dahl to the Shell Rock River Watershed District Board of Managers on Tuesday. Their terms on the board will last three years.
Songbird Trail bid comes in higher than anticipated
This year’s construction of the Songbird Trail may need more funding than originally anticipated. The Songbird Trail would feature rural scenes including native prairie flowers. Provided This year’s construction of the Songbird Trail may need more funding than originally anticipated.
Tour of Minnesota races back to Albert Lea
The Tour of Minnesota races onward as they make their second stop in Albert Lea. This is the tour’s second time here, and they’ve been enjoying themselves. The Tour of Minnesota races onward as they make their second stop in Albert Lea. This is the tour’s second time here, and they’ve been enjoying themselves. The Tour of Minnesota embarked on its 52nd journey, from North Mankato to Albert Lea and ending in Faribault.
Car enthusiasts roll in: Eddie Cochran festival begins
Vintage classic cars sprawled across the Hammer Sports Complex Parking lot on Friday. Some battered and bruised, others shiny and freshly polished. No matter the type or model, people came to see. The Pro Street Showdown continued the four-day Eddie Cochran Rod & Custom festival. The showdown was a car show which took place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. followed by a police escort downtown to carry on the days’ events.
St. John’s Lutheran Community sells Knutson Place to Perennia Senior Living
St. John’s Lutheran Community on Thursday announced the selling of its Highway 13 campus to Roseville-based Perennia Senior Living. St. John’s Lutheran Community has provided senior care in Albert Lea for over 60 years and will continue to do so at their Fountain Lake location.
County funding concerns raise question on how to allocate funds
Area organizations presented their annual requests for county funding in front of the Freeborn County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday. Concern over budget constraints may affect some organization’s abilities to receive funding. Federal and state funding cuts also played a factor. The board raised concerns about whether the county should be funding certain programs, at all.
Wind Down Wednesday kicks off in downtown Albert Lea
The first of three Wind Down Wednesday events took place in downtown Albert Lea on Wednesday. The summer market and music festival included vendors, activities and performers.
Freeborn Eagles girls' rugby team wins state championship
The Freeborn Eagles girls' rugby team won the state championship 15-10 Saturday afternoon against Hopkins. The team won the semi-final match earlier in the day against Sartell, 26-22.
'The importance of standing together and fighting': 41st annual Relay for Life brings awareness to fight against cancer
Paper bags commemorating cancer survivors outlined a track inside the 4-H Exhibit Building at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds on Friday. 2026 marks the 41st year of Relay for Life in Albert Lea. The event is meant to commemorate cancer survivors and their loved ones. Relay for Life is a cancer charity walk, globally headed by the American Cancer Society, which raises money for research. Corissa Schwarz and Brian Anderson co-chair the combined Freeborn and Mower counties event.
Season underway for Albert Lea’s newest baseball team
Grab your popcorn and take me out to the ballgame because the Albert Lea Express has kicked off their season and hopes to keep up momentum. Brad Skinness, the team’s manager, looks forward to the team’s inaugural season. Founded this year, they are Albert Lea’s only all-ages men’s amateur baseball team. “It’s something for these young guys to have something to do and to continue to play the game they love,” Skinness said. Skinness’ son pushed him to start the team.
Meet the Tribune's summer interns
Recent ALHS grad was an online editor for the Ahlahasa By Trevor Dunning Emma Weckworth, a recent Albert Lea High School graduate, may soon leave the writing world behind, but not before a reporting internship at the Albert Lea Tribune. “It was fun when I was growing up here,” Weckworth said. “There was a lot more to do. Everything’s a lot more fun here when you’re a kid.” Weckworth focused on feature and editorial writing during her three years at The Alahasa.
Rep. Peggy Bennett no longer in running for Minnesota governor
District 23A Rep. Peggy Bennett’s governor’s race came to a swift end at 5 p.m. Tuesday when her lieutenant governor pick, reportedly Rep. Elliott Engen, R-Lino Lakes, dropped out of the race. Left without a running mate, she was forced to end her campaign. Four hours before the deadline, Bennett, R-Albert Lea, received notice that her political partner had dropped out through text message. She said the situation highlighted the dysfunction within the Minnesota state government.
5 file for city seats; county seats all unopposed
Three more people filed for the Albert Lea City Council on Monday along with two others on Tuesday on the final two days of the filing period. For the seat of Albert Lea mayor, Tiffany Fearing filed against incumbent Mayor Rich Murray. Former Marion Ross Performing Arts Center building manager John Caucutt filed for the 2nd Ward seat against incumbent Councilor Larry Baker, and incumbent Reid Olson and challengers Joey Neely and Charles Alkula filed for the 4th Ward seat.
End Slavery in Minnesota fights for prison reform at the Minnesota Capitol
Incarcerated in 1994 at the age of 19, Carlos Smith’s first job was working on an assembly line making paper folders for 20 cents per hour. His sentence was commuted in 2025. Smith fights to end these conditions. End Slavery in Minnesota Coalition, a prison reform advocacy group, held a rally at the state capitol to advance prison reform. The state’s constitution allows prisons to pay incarcerated workers as little as 20 cents per hour, which ESM wants to change.
Prospect Park’s Witch’s Hat Water Tower is getting a makeover
Many residents, like Thomson Aderinkomi and his son, Basil, have lived in Prospect Park for years, but have never been inside the iconic Witch’s Hat Water Tower. That may change soon. Minneapolis City Council and Council member Robin Wonsley (Ward 2) scraped together $350,000 to restore the Tower. Residents are now sharing their opinions on the future renovations, which would make the Tower accessible on special occasions.
Boundary Waters mining could wreak havoc on Indigenous land
The Boundary Waters were ceded to the Anishinaabe people in the 1854 Treaty of La Pointe. The land, once promised to them, will be used for sulfur mining. A 50-49 U.S. Senate decision overturned a previous 20-year ban on mining near the Boundary Waters. The decision will impact communities, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, near the watershed. “Protecting water means protecting life itself,” Rise and Repair Co-Facilitator Leanna Goose said.
Urban Lights Music financially struggling in Operation Metro Surge aftermath
Tim Wilson used to sell records out of his locker in high school, joking with his buddy they would buy a record store one day. On Sept 3, 1993, that dream came true — but it may be in trouble. Urban Lights Music, the only black-owned record store, created a GoFundMe to cover costs in the fallout of Operation Metro Surge. The store has experienced troubles over the last few years. “I wanted to be a light in the middle of the neighborhood,” Wilson said. “People are afraid to move around,” Wilson said.
Minneapolis City Council moves forward with research to discuss bathhouses
Minneapolis banned adult bathhouses in 1988 — and the city council is considering bringing them back. The city banned bathhouses during the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the 1980s and ‘90s, proposed as a way to stop the spread. With the proposal, some members of the community feel it could be detrimental to public health and safety. Others argue that legalizing them would create safety.
Minneapolis City Council considers decriminalizing drug paraphernalia
Minneapolis City Council considers decriminalizing drug paraphernalia to align with the state law; some worry the proposal could make things worse. Drug paraphernalia refers to “any equipment that is used to produce, conceal, and consume illicit drugs,” according to the Department of Justice. Despite residents’ worries, Minneapolis organizations argued that it would open accessibility in seeking help. The Minneapolis City Council is planning to take a vote Wednesday.
Supreme Court rules in decision regarding conversion therapy
A new Supreme Court decision created weariness that the state legislation banning conversion therapy may be pushed aside — the reality is that is not the full story. In Chiles v. Salazar, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled in an 8-1 decision that conversion therapy could not be banned in the form of talk therapy, which focuses on mental and emotional health. The decision does not legalize physically harmful practices. The ruling regards Colorado’s state law against conversion therapy.
Metro H Line to replace Route 3
Jack Drouin, a member of the University of Minnesota Undergraduate Student Government, has relied on Minneapolis public transit for the past three years. Living on West Bank, he has access to the light rail and several bus routes, including Route 3. Metro Transit will replace Route 3 with the Metro H Line, an effort to expand transit service, and will start construction in 2028. Metro Transit is in its public comment period to gather people’s opinions about the new line.
Coffee shop, Two for Tripping, hopes to revitalize Dinkytown
You’ll want to bookmark all 31 almond flour recipes These 31 almond flour recipes hit that sweet spot where everything just tastes right. From savory dishes to a few sweet ones, these ideas all taste …
Coffee shop, Two for Tripping, hopes to revitalize Dinkytown
Two for Tripping, a new coffee shop in Dinkytown housed in the former Annie’s Parlour building, had its grand opening March 26. Annie’s Parlour reopened in spring 2024, after being closed for four years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The restaurant closed for good in July 2025, after 50 years of business, the Minnesota Daily reported. Two for Tripping Director of Operations Latif Kamara, 37, said he wants to create a space of hospitality that welcomes everyone and helps revitalize Dinkytown.
Minnesota veteran opinions on Iran war vary
Veterans for Peace President Marie Purcell was deployed to Iraq in 2005. She grew up in a military family. She now hopes to mount an anti-war campaign against the Iran war. Operations in Iran continue, along with the debate about boots on the ground. Veterans discussed their feelings about the war, some against it, while others think the country must do what it can to defend its soldiers.
Joe’s Market on 8th extends hours to 3 a.m. on the weekends
Market owner Toufic Kabalan hopes to bring in a younger crowd with later hours, but residents argue this could increase crime. The Minneapolis City Council recently approved the market to extend its hours to 11 p.m. on weekdays and 3 a.m. on weekends. Kabalan acquired the market in 2025 in the Marcy Holmes neighborhood. He’s owned Joe’s Market in Como since 2014, which was recognized by BusinessRate as a Top 5 of 2026 Minneapolis Award Winner in the Deli category.
The proposed SAVE America Act could prevent citizens from voting
The SAVE America Act is a piece of legislation to reform federal voting processes, though some argue it centralizes voting power to the federal government. Organizations across Minnesota oppose the act for its disruption of voting standards. A version of the act was proposed in 2025 as the SAVE Act, but was shot down by the United States House of Representatives. The newly proposed legislation, the SAVE America Act, expanded on the SAVE Act.
City council renews liquor license to hotels that housed ICE agents
In an 8-5 decision on Feb. 19, the Minneapolis City Council decided to renew the liquor licenses of two hotels, Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot and Canopy by Hilton Mill District, which housed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, raising the question if hotels should face retribution. The decision came after two weeks of debate and public testimony, which split the public, 10 were in favor of the renewal, while 10 were not.
Trump administration makes cuts to federal healthcare grants
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention terminated $42 million in healthcare funding in Minnesota, affecting the Public Health Infrastructure Block Grant and Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health programs. Attorney General Keith Ellison issued a restraining order temporarily blocking the cuts along with the states of Illinois, Colorado and California, which are also targeted by healthcare cuts. The restraining order is effective through March 12.
Twin Cities organizations continue work against ICE
Unidos MN, a grassroots organization based out of the Twin Cities, sat in on an Education Policy Committee meeting at the 2026 Minnesota legislative session Feb. 18. Public testimony was provided by a high school student pulled over with friends in her car by ICE agents. “There still is a remnant that continues to move in,” Unidos MN Communications Director Luis Argueta said.
MPS students explore jobs in public safety - Longfellow Nokomis Messenger
MPS students explore jobs in public safety _Trevor Dunning & Tesha M. Christensen.mp3 Posted Saturday, January 3, 2026 10:32 am • Edison: Business, law and public safety, and agriculture • North: healthcare-emergency medical responder, engineering, robotics and drone technology, computer science, and media arts • Roosevelt: Healthcare-patient care, automotive, construction and welding, and machine technology MPS students explore jobs in public safety _Trevor Dunning & Tesha M.
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