Gov. Tim Walz on Thursday extended Minnesota’s stay-at-home order for another two weeks, to May 18, while loosening some restrictions on retail businesses to allow them to reopen for curbside pickup and deliveries starting Monday.
LIFE IN ISOLATION: Finding music in its purest form
In the ninth “Life in Isolation” feature, St. Thomas senior Spencer Polk describes how he found music within nature during a casual visit to the river.
St. Thomas offers virtual admissions sessions for incoming students
After campus closed due to COVID-19, the St. Thomas admissions office have found innovative ways to recruit students and provide them with the St. Thomas admissions experience. Reporter Leila Weah has the story.
St. Thomas’ Bach tackles online student teaching
St. Thomas early education major Shannon Bach knew she would spend the spring of her senior year student teaching. She didn’t know she would be teaching 20 energetic kindergarteners over Zoom. Reporter Mia Laube has the story.
Local restaurants offer alternative dining options amid COVID-19
In response to Gov. Tim Walz’ executive order closing all dine-in restaurants until May 4, many restaurants in Minnesota are offering curbside pickup, takeout or delivery options. Here is a list of some restaurants near St. Thomas that currently offer these options.
LIFE IN ISOLATION: Finding the blessings amid the adversity
In the eighth “Life in Isolation” feature, Lori Haugen, Director Emily Haugen’s mother, gives her perspective as a mother of four in the small, COVID-19 infected community of Fairmont, Minnesota.
AP – Walz: Minnesota in agreement for up to 20,000 tests daily
Gov. Tim Walz said Wednesday the state has struck a deal with the University of Minnesota and the Mayo Clinic to test as many as 20,000 people per day for the coronavirus.
LIFE IN ISOLATION: A mental health nightmare
In the seventh “Life in Isolation” feature, Reporter Mia Laube shares her personal struggles with mental health and explains how this unusual time is affecting her.
St. Thomas officials working to clarify CARES act funding
Minnesota colleges will receive $180 million from the CARES Act, the Star Tribune wrote Friday. Private universities in Minnesota are expected to receive $40 million in federal stimulus aid, half of which must be used on direct cash grants to students. Reporter Annie Terry has the story.
University leaders take pay cut amid COVID-19 financial strains
In a letter to St. Thomas faculty and staff Friday, University President Julie Sullivan announced that she and her senior leadership team would take a 15% pay cut from May 15 through the end of 2020. University Affairs Editor Justin Amaker has the story.
PHOTO SLIDESHOW and AP: Trump tweets support for rally at Minnesota governor’s home
President Donald Trump tweeted his support Friday for a protest outside Gov. Tim Walz’s official residence in St. Paul against Minnesota’s continued stay-at-home order. Videographer Song Johansen’s photo slideshow supplements the AP story.
LIFE IN ISOLATION: Where did all the noise go…?
In the sixth “Life in Isolation” feature, Videographer Song Johansen shares his perspective as an international student during this time of halted travel.
Plums closure puts financial strain on St. Thomas student workers
After COVID-19 concerns forced Plums Bar & Grill on Snelling Avenue to close right before St. Patrick’s Day, St. Thomas students saw less green in the streets and less green in their wallets. Reporter Mia Laube has the story.
LIFE IN ISOLATION: Taking things for granted and making sacrifices for our future generation
In the fifth “Life in Isolation” feature, University Affairs Editor Justin Amaker reflects on the things he previously took for granted and what he has learned during this time of social distancing.
LIFE IN ISOLATION: Controlling the controllables in the midst of uncertainty
In the fourth “Life in Isolation” feature, Columnist Kayla Mayer discusses how she has gone from resenting the current situation, to embracing all the positive things she can get from it.