Stories from April 2, 2025

Judge demands answers from immigration officials over U student’s detention
A federal judge in St. Paul on Wednesday ordered immigration officials to say why they’re detaining a University of Minnesota graduate student. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested Doğukan Günaydin outside his St. Paul home on March 27.
Sen. Klobuchar: New Trump tariffs ‘could have irreversible effects’
MPR News host Tom Crann spoke with Democratic Minnesota U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar moments after Trump announced the tariffs. The senator is part of a coalition of Senate Democrats who want to block the tariffs.
A federal judge Tuesday ordered immigration officials to say why they're detaining a University of Minnesota graduate student. And Minnesota's municipal liquor stores reported a 15 percent boost in net profits in 2023 driven in part by the sale of THC-infused products.
St. Paul closes Alliance Bank Center skyway
St. Paul city officials announced in a Wednesday press release that connections through Osborn370 and Treasure Island Center on the building’s southwest end will remain open. The remaining connections have been shut down. Drivers can still enter one of the building’s parking ramps from its Cedar Street Entrance.
Unsolved violent crimes in Native American communities to get more attention with FBI surge
The FBI is sending extra agents, analysts and other personnel to field offices in 10 states over the next six months to help investigate unsolved violent crimes in Indian Country.
Habitat for Humanity to open another ReStore outlet  in Twin Cities this summer
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity is opening a new ReStore outlet in Brooklyn Park this summer. It’ll sell used furniture and building supplies at a low cost, like the other two ReStore locations.
Auditor reports that Minnesota muni liquor store profits up, in part due to THC offerings
Minnesota State Auditor Julie Blaha issued her annual report on municipal-run liquor store sales. It was the first include sales of hemp-derived THC beverages and gummies, and operators suggested those items contributed to store profits in 2023.
Wolves, Lynx sale to Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore will go forward
The yearslong quest by Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez to acquire control of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx seems to finally be in the home stretch, after current owner Glen Taylor opted not to appeal an arbitration panel’s ruling that he must go forward with the $1.5 billion sale.
Val Kilmer, ‘Top Gun’ and Batman star with an intense approach, dies at 65
Val Kilmer has died at age 65. The versatile actor played flying ace Iceman opposite Tom Cruise in “Top Gun,” Batman in “Batman Forever” and singer Jim Morrison in the biopic “The Doors.”
Federal judge drops corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams
Adams was scheduled to go on trial in April until new leadership at the Justice Department under the Trump administration ordered prosecutors in New York in February to drop the case, sparking a public outcry and resignations of prosecutors.
States sue Trump administration for rescinding billions in health funding
Attorneys general and other officials from 23 states and the District of Columbia are suing the Trump administration for its decision to claw back $11 billion that went to public health departments for COVID-19 efforts and addiction and mental health programs.
Who is Susan Crawford? Wisconsin Supreme Court winner has fought for union and abortion rights
Wisconsin Supreme Court winner Susan Crawford has served as a Dane County Circuit Court judge since 2018. Crawford won election that year and again in 2022 to the seat. The county is home to Wisconsin’s liberal capital, Madison. 
President Trump has unveiled sweeping “reciprocal tariffs” on goods from the world over, plus a 10 percent baseline tariff on U.S. imports from all countries, as he seeks to reshape decades of U.S. trade policy despite warnings of higher costs for American businesses and consumers.
States say Trump’s continued freeze on much-needed FEMA aid violates a judge’s order
Twenty-two states say the Trump administration is illegally freezing money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The administration says the funding is just being “reviewed” and isn’t frozen.
Wolves weather 61-point night by Nuggets' Jokic in 140-139 win in 2 OTs
Nickeil Alexander-Walker hit two of three free throws with 0.1 seconds remaining and the Minnesota Timberwolves overcame a career-best 61-point performance from Nikola Jokic to outlast the Denver Nuggets 140-139 in double overtime.
Judge Susan Crawford has won a State Supreme Court seat in Wisconsin which means liberal-leaning judges will continue to hold sway on the panel. And the Minnesota Senate has passed a resolution condemning President Donald Trump for pardons related to the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection. 
Proposed cut in local aid to prevent aquatic invasive species sparks fears of more infested lakes
For the past decade, Minnesota has distributed about $10 million a year to counties for aquatic invasive species prevention. Gov. Tim Walz’s proposed budget reduced that amount by 50 percent. Some lake advocates worry cutting the funding could potentially lead to more infested waters.
Democratic-backed Susan Crawford wins Wisconsin Supreme Court seat, cementing liberal majority
Susan Crawford, a Dane County judge who led legal fights to protect union power and abortion rights and to oppose voter ID, defeated Republican-backed Brad Schimel in a race that broke records for spending.