An outdoor candlelit vigil was held for Erika Cruz and Kailin Wang, the two St. Thomas students who died in February, north of Tommie East and adjacent to the Prayer Garden last week.
Vigil held for two students
COVID-19 vaccine is a “light at the end of the tunnel” for eligible students
The limited supply of COVID-19 vaccinations has left much of the country waiting to receive shots, and while most college-age students are at the back of the line, some St. Thomas students in certain jobs are eligible to receive their vaccines earlier than others.
St. Thomas resists admissions downfall while international students resist sleep
St. Thomas has maintained normal international enrollment numbers this spring semester, opposing universities’ averages across the country, but St. Thomas international students struggle with travel restrictions, time difference problems, visa delays and COVID-19 anxiety.
AP: Jury set for ex-cop’s trial in Floyd death; starts March 29
A jury has been seated for the trial of a former Minneapolis police officer in George Floyd’s death, with opening statements set for March 29 in a case that led to weeks of protests and a national soul-searching about racial justice.
“You can’t drink oil,” Line 3 opposition calls on Biden
Opponents of the Enbridge Replacement Line 3 pipeline, which will cover 300 miles of northern Minnesota land, gathered for a march and rally March 11 in St. Paul near the Mississippi River where they called on President Joe Biden to halt construction on the controversial project.
COVID-19 UPDATE: Fifteen positive COVID-19 cases mark third week of increases, linked to day parties
Fifteen positive COVID-19 tests were reported last week according to the Center for Well-Being, an increase of 6 from the previous week. Elijah Todd-Walden and Lauren Dettmer have the story.
Summit Avenue Review prepares for 46th year
It is important to writers like Matthew Batt, especially in these times, to get recognition and affirmation for their work. St. Thomas literary magazine Summit Avenue Review gives a chance for that recognition and affirmation in a diverse and inclusive community. Reporter Sam Larson has the story.
Abenezer Ayana wins the St. Thomas Undergraduate Business Plan Competition
St. Thomas senior Abenezer Ayana won the undergraduate student track of the St. Thomas Business Plan Competition on Feb. 19 with Fendesha, a streaming platform for Ethiopian movies and shows. Reporter Natalie Hoepner has the story.
St. Thomas increases occupancy limits, optimistic for in-person commencement
St. Thomas is optimistic it will be able to hold in-person outdoor commencements this May and has updated its COVID-19 policy after Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz eased restrictions last week, according to a university statement Wednesday.
AP: Judge limits evidence, refuses to move trial in Floyd death
A judge said Friday he won’t delay or move the trial of a former Minneapolis police officer charged in George Floyd’s death over concerns that a $27 million settlement for Floyd’s family could taint the jury pool, but he’ll allow limited evidence from a 2019 arrest.
Top Stories – March 18, 2021
The MIAC clears fall and spring sports to compete this semester, and Minnesota governor Tim Walz eases COVID-19 restrictions. TommieMedia’s Emily Haugen and Justin Amaker have those topics and more on this episode of Top Stories.
USG discusses student IDs, food truck, Minnesota State Grant
Associate Vice President of Auxiliary Services Mitch Karstens spoke on dining services and student ID changes, the Minnesota State Grant was discussed and a club was approved at the Undergraduate Student Government general council meeting on March 11. University Affairs Editor Scout Mason has the update.
AP: 2 jurors dropped from Chauvin trial after $27M settlement
A judge on Wednesday dismissed two jurors who had been seated for the trial of a former Minneapolis police officer accused in George Floyd’s death over concerns they had been tainted by the city’s announcement of a $27 million settlement with Floyd’s family.
University Survivors Movement seeks changes in Title IX, end of sexual assault on campus
The federal civil rights law Title IX was last amended in May 2020 by the Trump administration; the new amendments interfere with St. Thomas’s own process for dealing with Title IX-related misconduct cases and have been condemned by various groups, including the University Survivors Movement (USM), a group that advocates on behalf of sexual assault survivors at colleges and universities across the country.
AP: Vatican bars gay union blessing, says God ‘can’t bless sin’
The Vatican declared Monday that the Catholic Church won’t bless same-sex unions since God “cannot bless sin.”