Top o’ the morning.
Today’s newsletter has everything you quite possibly may need to get up to date on campus and Twin Cities life in the big 26.
Please, take some time with us.
From the campus desk, University of Minnesota student Edwin Josue Toalombo is hoping to return to his studies after being detained by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement during Operation Metro Surge. Plus, our very own University researches have created the first synthetic cell. (Like … a potato? Read to find out.)
If you’re looking to get out and about later this week and dodge the heat, read Izzy Tomasouw’s piece on swing dancing at Wabasha Street Caves, and then head down there and report back. Swing dancing is up to you, I suppose.
New In the Know episode, too.
Thank you for your time. Talk soon.
Isabella Morden Wheeldon| Managing editor| [email protected]
Top Story
Aphid performs their new EP at Tacos Locos in Minneapolis, Minn. Friday, July 10, 2026 | Image by Henry Creel
UMN student band Aphid releases its first EP: ‘Sucker’
by Ava Gilhoi | Staff reporter | Published July 13, 2026
Aphid, a band composed of four University of Minnesota students, released its debut EP, “Sucker,” on July 10, strategically combining the artists’ unique inspirations and skills to create a dynamic, multi-genre collection of songs.
Vocalist and guitarist Isaac Schroeder, drummer Jack Urtuzuastegui, guitarist Flynn Cramer and bassist Lily Huber established Aphid in January 2026, but their story started long before that.
News
UMN student detained by ICE hopes to return to University for fall semester
By Roman Ingrassia| Staff reporter
Edwin Josue Toalombo spent more than three months in a detention center after United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers detained him and his father in January. Now, he is trying to return to his studies at the University of Minnesota.
More from News
Opinion
Opinion: Online communication, paradoxically, both connects and isolates
By Matthew Jegers| Columnist
Technology can be a great tool for staying in touch — but we must be aware of its drawbacks.
More from Opinion
Arts & Entertainment
Join the summer swing dance scene at the historic Wabasha Street Caves
By Izzy Tomasouw| Staff reporter
The Wabasha Street Caves in St. Paul offer not only historic tours but also summer night swing dance lessons with live music that constantly keep new explorers coming.
More from Arts & Entertainment
Sports
Three Minnesota women’s hockey players participate in NHL development camp
By Regan Guirguis| Staff reporter
The Edmonton Oilers’ annual development camp came with a twist this year, as the camp invited three women’s hockey players, all with University of Minnesota ties, to participate alongside the camp’s typical NHL prospect pool.
More from Sports
Multimedia
Photos
A man holds a sign that says “Abolish ICE” at a protest for the 15 defendants facing federal conspiracy charges related to protesting ICE during Operation Metro Surge at Diana E. Murphy United States Courthouse in Minneapolis on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. | Image by Henry Creel
A protestor leads anti-ICE chants at a protest for the 15 defendants facing federal conspiracy charges related to protesting ICE during Operation Metro Surge at Diana E. Murphy United States Courthouse in Minneapolis on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. | Image by Henry Creel
A woman holds a sign that says “Drop the Charges” at a protest for the 15 defendants facing federal conspiracy charges related to protesting ICE during Operation Metro Surge at Diana E. Murphy United States Courthouse in Minneapolis on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. | Image by Henry Creel
