Onlookers grew increasingly angry as they begged Minneapolis Officer Derek Chauvin to take his knee off George Floyd’s neck, but Chauvin would not let up, and another officer forced back members of the crowd who tried to intervene, witnesses testified Tuesday at Chauvin’s murder trial.
AP: Jurors shown video at ex-officer’s trial in Floyd’s death
The video of George Floyd gasping for breath was essentially Exhibit A as the former Minneapolis police officer who pressed his knee on the Black man’s neck went on trial Monday on charges of murder and manslaughter.
Tommie women enhance the community during Women’s History Month and beyond
During Women’s History Month, St. Thomas shed a light on the women who have contributed to the Tommie community. Through their hands-on engagement, research and efforts to diversify the campus, Candy Sauer, Kathlene Campbell and Kha Yang have demonstrated their desire to make St. Thomas a better place.
Online student teaching was a “crash course in flexibility”
Full-time student teaching in local classrooms is required for graduation from the University of St. Thomas School of Education and for a teaching license in Minnesota, but education majors had to adjust to online instruction when schools switched to remote learning due to the pandemic.
AP: Walz to expand vaccine eligibility to Minnesotans over 16
Gov. Tim Walz on Friday is expected to expand vaccine eligibility to all Minnesotans 16 and older next week following a promised increase in weekly doses from the federal government early next month.
St. Thomas students, faculty work to preserve ‘anti-racist’ street art
Several St. Thomas students and professors are working together to preserve street art in response to the killing of George Floyd that would otherwise be temporary. Senior Reporter Emily Haugen has the story.
Vigil held for two students
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.
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.