Hubbard Reporting Experience

Cedar-Riverside: A welcoming,
ever-changing mosaic of cultures, people

As new businesses flood in and old ones leave, residents weigh in on dramatic shifts to community over the past few decades.

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Story and Photos by Maddie Mullikin / The Hubbard School

Newscasts from HRE 2026

Anchored by recent Hubbard School alumn Jo Larson and journalism senior Atticus Marse, the HRE newscasts launched on Tuesday, July 28. You'll find each of four newscasts produced during the 2026 Hubbard Reporting Experience here, along with individual packages from Ellie Bognar, Ana Padro, Taylor Schiltgen and Isabel Tifre as they cover stories in the Twin Cities. Watch all HRE newscasts.

Where cannabis meets community

A locally owned cannabis dispensary hopes to become part of Dinkytown’s rich history by creating a welcoming space.

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Story by Aleide Achenbach /
Hubbard Reporting Experience

Driving out of homelessness

Tony Collins, was unhoused for more than four years before finding a job with Metro Transit. He's driven at least 30 former acquaintances on his routes. Only two have recognized him.

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Story and Photos by Carina Dieringer /
Hubbard Reporting Experience

Parks, community activities and students

John Dahl, parks and rec supervisor at Van Cleve Park, envisions activities that foster inclusive communities.

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Story and Photos by Logan Reitzner /
Hubbard Reporting Experience

The Como Barber Shop is the oldest in the city

Owner Craig Ylitalo works to keep this little-known piece of Minneapolis history alive.

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Story and Photos by Karida Tashakor / Hubbard Reporting Experience

David Kind gets his hair cut Tuesday, July 28. “That's why I keep coming back,” Kind said after receiving a compliment on his finished cut, "that and the conversation.” PHOTOS BY KARIDA TASHAKOR / THE HUBBARD SCHOOL

Rafaela Silva fills her 2010 Toyota Tacoma, Monday afternoon. The increased fuel costs have hindered her ability to pay tuition as she prepares to start graduate study in North Carolina.

International conflicts with local consequences

How the Iran War and the rising costs of fuel are affecting people in the Como neighborhood.

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Story and photos by Mason Bierbaum / Hubbard Reporting Experience

NBA names + free admission at DeLaSalle High School

Twin Cities Pro-Am brings basketball fans together as NBA players compete over next two weeks

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Story and photos by Henry Creel / Hubbard Reporting Experience

Terrell Smith sits on the bench with his daughter at the Twin Cities Pro-Am, Monday, July 27, 2026. Smith played basketball at Camden High School in Minneapolis.

UMN Gophers withdraw from American Solar Project race, yet still host major event on campus

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Video story by Ana Padro / Hubbard Reporting Experience

Water taxi provides private cruises along Mississippi,
hopes to expand to commuting in next few years.

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VIdeo story by Isabel Tifre /
Hubbard Reporting Experience

Gopher basketball star leads lawsuit looking
to change the game

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Video story by Ellie Bognar /
Hubbard Reporting Experience

UMN student tour guides make a difference.
What's it like to be a guide? Watch an interview.

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Video story by Taylor Schilgen /
Hubbard Reporting Experience

What do you want to see change in your neighborhood?

HRE students talked with people in the areas surrounding the U on Friday, July 24, 2026 to get a sense of how they feel about where they live and work. See more in the first project from the summer.

A looming icon: United Crushers is here to stay

The Prospect Park grain elevator has amassed supporters from different crowds across the cities.

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Story and photos by Abbey Mulcahy / The Hubbard School

Mixed Blood: YouTube series celebrates the activist theater's 50th season

Mixed Blood Theater is looking back to look forward with a 50th anniversary YouTube series releasing new episodes every week.

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Story and photos by Eleanor Steffen / The Hubbard School

"Basketry Now" showcases the art of sculptural weaving

The exhibition is the first juried display that the National Basketry Organization has done since 2019

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Story and photos by Hannah Kovnar / The Hubbard School

Visionary artist, art museum engages with community

The owner of House of Balls uses his art with found objects to connect with his community and bring creativity to the world.

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Story and photos by Claudia Staut / The Hubbard School

Comedy Corner Underground closure sends UMN comics scrambling for new space

The closure of a storied comedy venue is no joke to these student comics

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Story and photos by Vincent Kallstrom / The Hubbard School

What's it like to live and work around the U?
Student reporters talk to people in neighborhoods bordering the UMN Twin Cities campus.

The latest HRE newscasts

Four summer newscasts are in the can! Watch here to see what Leslie Bleess, Claudia Garcia, Casey Marble, Atticus Marse and Neil Roy have reported.

Watch all newscasts from HRE.

Afghani community, others receive aid from local clothes closet program

The Afghan Cultural Society’s clothing closet in Cedar-Riverside is a resource for refugees and neighbors alike.

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Story and photos by Emily Lemmenes / The Hubbard School

Lumhe “Micco” Sampson forms a circle with five hoops while his four-year-old son, Ayo Sampson plays in the background. PHOTO BY SHAY SCANLAN / THE HUBBARD SCHOOL

The power of powwow aerobics

Led by hoop dancer Lumhe “Micco” Sampson, the free weekly class uses hoop dancing and powwow styles to promote Indigenous wellness and cultural connection.

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Story and photos by Shay Scanlan / The Hubbard School

Signature Arts: a hidden gem in Prospect Park

Signature Arts is the latest business on 130 Warwick Street SE, a community and artist space owned by local artist Angie Brain

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Story and photos by Olivia Hanson / The Hubbard School

How a Palestinian-owned cafe has flourished during the Mideast conflict

For over 20 years, Mim’s Café has served Palestinian and Mediterranean food. Now it matters more than ever.

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Story and photos by Amanda Reed / The Hubbard School

Trans Equity Summit offers hope amid rights rollbacks

UMN McNamara Center hosts the 10th annual summit to discuss support for careers and health care challenged by Trump administration policies.

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By Zach Lebowitz / The Hubbard School

A market still exists for radical literature in Minneapolis

Independent progressive bookstore May Day Books has not wavered in its socialist mission, despite current political pressures threatening left-wing literature.

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Story and photos by Eleanor Steffen / The Hubbard School

Motorcycles on the road: Lane splitting and lane filtering is legal

If you thought you had to be aware of motorcycles in the past, it is even more important now, because Minnesota just passed a new law for motorcycles.

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By Leslie Bleess / The Hubbard School

Dinkytown security patrols increased, 20 months after the shooting

A shooting in a Dinkytown smoke shop in December, 2023 has led to increased security near campus.

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Story and photos by Kareem Abdelrahman / The Hubbard School

Cedar Cultural Center upholds global music mission despite federal cuts

Executive Director of the venue, Michelle Woster, discusses the importance of the Cedar’s community, cultural exposure, and the challenges of being a non-profit in a new administration

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Story and photos by Amanda Reed / The Hubbard School

Special Olympics USA: UMN prepares venues for 2026

University venues were chosen to host events after Minnesota won the bid to host the national-level games.

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Story and photos by Zach Lebowitz / The Hubbard School

Proposed bike trail at Luxton Park in Prospect Park. IMAGE COURTESY OF EAST BANK NEIGHBORS PARTNERSHIP

Finally, bicycling around Prospect Park could get easier

New plans to complete the Grand Rounds bike trail offer hope to cyclists for safer rides in the future

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Story and photos by Hannah Kovnar / The Hubbard School

Gray’s: Through the years and into the future

After its closure in 2022, the future of Gray’s, once a drug store then a restaurant, remains uncertain.

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Story by Alexandra DeYoe / The Hubbard School

These Dinkytown restaurant owners say they are not going anywhere

Amid an influx of chain restaurants, independent restaurants Tony’s Diner and Shuang Cheng are determined to succeed.

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Story and photos by Grace Aigner / The Hubbard School

Art and Architecture: Old industrial building a remnant of University Ave’s past

One of the last industrial factory buildings on University Avenue has been held together by Jim Schmitt, an antique dealer from Saint Paul, since 2002.

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Story and photos by Olivia Hanson / The Hubbard School

Sports bars: How they compete for business in Stadium Village

As the semester is set to begin, sports bars in Stadium Village prepare for a heavy increase in business.

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Story and photos by Khalid Mohamed / The Hubbard School

Showcasing Minneapolis's past, present and future architecture

The Weisman’s “Imagining Future Cities” exhibit explores the possibilities of urban design here and around the world.

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Story and photos by Emily Lemmenes / The Hubbard School

Pedestrian improvements coming to Dinkytown in 2026

Community members in Dinkytown and surrounding areas express support for pedestrian improvement project ahead of an open house on August 12th.

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Story and photos by Vincent Kallstrom / The Hubbard School

Local pastor provides a sanctuary for mental health conversations

University Baptist Church Pastor Doug Donley reflects on the changing mental health world over his 36 years in the clergy.

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Story and photos by Alexandra DeYoe / The Hubbard School

Community Gardens in Southeast Como bring the neighborhood together

Como residents transform vacant lots into vibrant spaces for growing food and building community.

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Story and photos by Shay Scanlan / The Hubbard School

Tea House offers a taste of home

With an eye to Stadium Village’s Asian community, proprietors of the restaurant include recipes passed down from their mother and grandmother on the menu.

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Story and photos by Chidozie Osuji / The Hubbard School

Old firehouse offers rich history and a venue for a local eatery

The Buffalo Wild Wings on University Avenue occupies an old firehouse with a rich history, including the origins of softball.

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By Kareem Abdelrahman / The Hubbard School

Cedar-Riverside center helps with job opportunities

Even with delays and a difficult location, Tacosito crafts a menu with Mexican flavors for the whole community.

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By Abbey Mulcahy / The Hubbard School

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