💲 Curious how much prices have gone up at local grocery stores? Check out this 2024 to 2025 comparison.

Immigration

U of M Student Thought He Was Being Kidnapped During ICE Detention

The Summary: Doğukan Günaydin, a 28-year-old Turkish citizen and MBA student at the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement outside his St. Paul home on March 27th. Plainclothes officers handcuffed him and transported him in an unmarked vehicle, leaving him without access to his phone, family, or legal counsel. ICE later stated his arrest was linked to a prior DUI conviction, but Günaydin's attorney alleges his student visa was unlawfully revoked hours after his detention, violating his due process rights.

Legal and Academic Background: Günaydin, who graduated from St. Olaf College on a full scholarship, had pleaded guilty to a gross misdemeanor DUI in 2024. His attorney argues that such a conviction does not justify visa termination or deportation. Günaydin has not participated in protests or political activities, contrary to broader federal actions targeting international students involved in activism.

Protests and Hearing: The arrest sparked protests at the University of Minnesota and across Minneapolis, with advocacy groups demanding transparency from ICE. Günaydin remains in custody at Sherburne County Jail and is scheduled for an immigration hearing on April 8. His lawsuit seeks immediate release and reinstatement of his visa, alleging unlawful detention and lack of documentation regarding charges against him.

Business

It’s Final: Glen Taylor Agrees to Sell Timberwolves and Lynx to Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez

The Summary: Glen Taylor has agreed to sell 100% ownership of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx to Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez for $1.5 billion, concluding a legal dispute that began in 2024. The sale, initially structured as a three-part deal in 2021, was delayed after Taylor accused the buyers of breaching the contract by missing a payment deadline. In February 2025, an arbitration panel ruled in favor of Lore and Rodriguez.

Financial Backing Secures Deal: Lore and Rodriguez, who already owned 40% of the teams through earlier payments, strengthened their position by adding high-profile investors such as Michael Bloomberg and Eric Schmidt. Their group raised $950 million in escrow to demonstrate readiness to complete the transaction. The NBA has initiated its approval process, including a board of governors vote.

End of an Era for Glen Taylor: Taylor, who purchased the Timberwolves in 1994 for $94 million to prevent their relocation, will step down after 31 years as owner. His tenure saw significant challenges but ensured the team's stability in Minnesota.

What Else We’re Reading…

Twin Cities Restaurants Named As James Beard Award Finalists 🏆

Multiple Twin Cities restaurants have been named as finalists for James Beard awards which will be announced in June 16th. The restaurants and their categories are:

1. Bûcheron (Minneapolis) - Best New Restaurant

2. Bar Brava (Minneapolis) - Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program

3. Kado no Mise (Minneapolis) - Best Chef: Midwest (Shigeyuki Furukawa)

4. Diane's Place (Minneapolis) - Best Chef: Midwest (Diane Moua)

5. Myriel (St. Paul) - Best Chef: Midwest (Karyn Tomlinson)

TRIVIA

It’s the Minnesota Twins home opener this weekend so let’s see if you can answer this Twins trivia question.

Sports 🏀

🏀 The Gopher Women’s Basketball team claimed the WBIT championship after defeating Belmont in the final game.

🏀 The Minnesota Timberwolves won an instant classic that went to double overtime against the Denver Nuggets, a game that featured 61 point from Nikola Jokic.

🏒 The Minnesota Wild lost in overtime to the New York Rangers on Wednesday evening.

⚾ The Minnesota Twins lost their home opener to the Houston Astros to continue their slow start to the season.

Quick hits

Headlines From Around The Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota ✔

❯ Attorney General Pam Bondi is directing prosecutors to seek the death penalty for UHG killer Luigi Mangione (ABC)

❯ The Minnesota Department of Health announced layoffs amid federal funding cuts (MPR)

❯ Changes could be coming to who qualifies for the free school meal program in Minnesota (Kare11)

Prices have risen significantly at most grocery stores across the Twin Cities

The Final Word: Newsletter Schedule Update ✔

There will be no newsletters next week as I’ll be on vacation in Portugal for the week! Thanks to everyone who sent me some trip ideas a couple of months ago. If you have ever been to Lisbon or the Portugese island of Madeira, don’t hesitate to email me some recommendations!

Have a great weekend, everyone.

-Patrick