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COVID-19 is causing sweeping impacts on the economy across the country, and locally these effects are no different.

Much like some businesses have already announced they have had to close their doors or reduce their operations, the Tribune announced Friday it would reduce its print frequency to two times a week — on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

The decision comes as newspapers across the country have experienced a sharp decline in local advertising as non-essential businesses are closed and events are canceled. As of midweek, more than 1,000 newspapers across the country had reduced their print publication days, terminated or furloughed employees, cut employee compensation or done a combination of these.

At this point we cannot say whether these changes are permanent or if our previous print frequency will be restored. Much depends on the economy. Even when Gov. Tim Walz’s stay-at-home order is lifted, the threat of COVID-19 is alleviated and businesses start reopening their doors, things will not return back to normal immediately. It will likely take months, if not years, to rebuild the economy here and across the country.

Despite the economic challenges we all face, our goal remains to stay in the community, doing what we have done for over 120 years — though how we deliver that news will be a little different.

Though we will only have two print editions, readers can turn to AlbertLeaTribune.com for updated news at any time in this 24/7 news environment. Our staff will produce the same number of locally written stories, and these will be shared online in a timely fashion, along with other state and national stories of importance.

Instead of five smaller newspapers each week, we hope to make our Wednesday and Saturday newspapers larger papers filled with local stories, powerful photographs and information you want to read about your friends and neighbors.

Our team’s dedication to this effort — and to you, our readers — has never been stronger.

As we move into the future, we ask that you continue to support community journalism in Albert Lea, and we ask that you support the local economy in whatever way you can. Many businesses need your help.

We’re grateful for the larger businesses that have stepped up to sponsor pages to print take-out and delivery guides, and we’re sure there will be more in the future. It’s this type of collaboration and support that will help bring our community through this economic crisis.

As always, thank you for letting us tell your stories and for helping us be able to document this important time in our world’s history. It is a privilege we do not take lightly.