The University of St. Thomas will require all employees, including student employees, to be vaccinated by January 4, 2022, in compliance with federal guidelines instated by the Biden Administration.

The new federal mandate requires all employees be vaccinated, regardless of where they work – even if they are entirely remote. Unvaccinated individuals who receive an exemption will need to continue wearing masks and practice social distancing.

St. Thomas has been able to make its own rules regarding what is best for the community, but now the university will have to comply with federal guidelines. There will be a new exemption process that follows those guidelines, and St. Thomas will work with employees who may seek exemption for medical or religious reasons.

A Minnesota state court advisory committee meets Friday to discuss whether to allow more video coverage of criminal proceedings in minnesota.

Chief Justice lorie Gildea directed the panel to study the issue in June, after coverage of the murder trial against former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd got widespread national viewership.

The panel, which is in the early stages of its work, is due to report its recommendations by next July.

The St. Thomas U.S. Air Force ROTC marched under the American flag and placed a vigil in honor of Veterans day under a rainy sky on Thursday, Nov. 11.

Originally titled Armistice day as a way to mark the end of World War I, Veterans day is celebrated annually on Nov. 11. In 1954, president Dwight D. Eisenhower officially changed the name to Veterans day. The holiday commemorates all veterans who have served in the United States armed forces.

Maddy Herman can be reached at maddy.herman@stthomas.edu.