Gov. Tim Walz announced Tuesday that Minnesota is expanding eligibility for the coronavirus vaccine after reaching its goal of inoculating at least 70% of people 65 and older.
AP: More Minnesotans eligible for coronavirus vaccine
Ethnic slur found in St. Thomas classroom building under investigation
St. Thomas is investigating an ethnic slur found on a chalkboard in an O’Shaughnessy Educational Center classroom on Monday morning, according to a statement released by the university. Director Mia Laube has the story.
COVID-19 UPDATE: Five positive tests reported at St. Thomas last week
Five positive COVID-19 tests were reported to St. Thomas’ Center for Well-Being last week, an increase of four from the previous week. Justin Amaker and Lauren Dettmer have the story.
Pascale Kunda wins Tommie Award
St. Thomas senior Pascale Kunda, an international student from Rwanda and mechanical engineering major, is the 2021 Tommie Award recipient according to Student Affairs on Feb. 12. Andrés Tejeda has the story.
AP: Fully vaccinated people can gather without masks, CDC says
Fully vaccinated Americans can gather with other vaccinated people indoors without wearing a mask or social distancing, according to long-awaited guidance from federal health officials.
AP: Jury selection on pause for ex-cop charged in Floyd’s death
The judge overseeing the trial of a former Minneapolis police officer accused in the death of George Floyd on Monday paused jury selection for at least a day while an appeal proceeds over the possible reinstatement of a third-degree murder charge.
Loras Hall demolished after 126 years
Demolition of the south campus structure at the center of recent controversy began last Wednesday. While some are reflecting on the building’s historical and community value, others are optimistic about what the decision means for STEAM at St. Thomas. Chief Video Editor Emily Rudie has the story.
Recreational marijuana bill reintroduced in Minnesota House after 2019 rejection
Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor (DFL) party Rep. Ryan Winkler presented the adult-use cannabis bill to the Minnesota House of Representatives that would legalize recreational marijuana, and on Feb. 23, the bill passed through its second round of House committee meetings. Scout Mason and Lauren Dettmer have the story.
Study Abroad uncertain due to COVID-19
St. Thomas students await the Travel Risk Advisory Committee’s decision on the Rome Empower and London Business study abroad programs after they were canceled during the 2020-2021 school year due to COVID-19. Reporter Josie Morss has the story.
USG discusses vaccination plans, student memorial, Global Learning Center renovations
St. Thomas’ hopes to become a COVID-19 vaccination site, decisions on Global Learning Center renovations and a memorial for St. Thomas students who lost their lives was discussed at the Undergraduate Student Government general council meeting on Feb. 26. University Affairs Editor Scout Mason has the update.
COVID-19 UPDATE: One student case makes for lowest weekly case total
One positive COVID-19 test was reported to St. Thomas’ Center for Well-Being last week, down eight from last week and the lowest case total since St. Thomas began reporting COVID-19 cases on campus last fall. Justin Amaker and Lauren Dettmer have the story.
St. Thomas international student found dead in apartment
St. Thomas international student Kailin “Calvin” Wang, 20, was found dead in his off-campus apartment Friday, Feb. 26, the St. Thomas Newsroom reported. Emily Haugen and Mia Laube have the story.
Sullivan addresses diversity, financial concerns for St. Thomas in 2025 Strategic Plan
St. Thomas President Julie Sullivan unveiled the 2025 Strategic Plan at the State of the University address Thursday, where she revealed a number of changes to the university involving expanding access and diversity over the next five years.
AP: J&J’s 1-dose shot cleared, giving US 3rd COVID-19 vaccine
The U.S. is getting a third vaccine to prevent COVID-19, as the Food and Drug Administration on Saturday cleared a Johnson & Johnson shot that works with just one dose instead of two.
School of Education faculty and staff members spread joy through making masks
When the pandemic set in last spring, four faculty and staff members in the St. Thomas School of Education, Anne Howard, Debbie Monson, Ea Porter and Bridgette Smith, took it upon themselves to spread joy by sewing and distributing over 1,200 masks for homeless shelters, medical workers, grocery clerks, librarians, and others within the Twin Cities and beyond.