Archive Posts
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In the News: Mark Osler on Threats Against Federal Judges
In the NewsMark Osler, a professor at the University of St. Thomas School of Law, spoke with the Minnesota Star Tribune about the rise in threats and harassment directed at federal judges during Operation Metro Surge. Osler noted that increasing hostility surrounding high-profile legal decisions has raised concerns about judicial safety and the broader impact political tensions…
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In the News: John Spry on Restaurant Pricing Strategies
In the NewsJohn Spry, a professor in the Department of Finance at the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business, spoke with KSTP on how restaurants are becoming more creative and competitive as inflation and economic uncertainty continue to influence consumer behavior. From the article: A Minneapolis restaurant in the North Loop is testing smaller plates… -
In the News: Tyler Schipper on Gas Price Variations
In the NewsTyler Schipper, an economics professor at the University of St. Thomas, spoke with KSTP about why gas prices can vary widely across the metro, even between stations located close together. Schipper noted rising crude oil prices are a key driver of higher gas costs, while local competition, traffic patterns and operating expenses like rent and… -
In the News: Rachel Moran on Police Federal Partnerships
In the NewsRachel Moran, a professor at the University of St. Thomas School of Law, spoke with MPR News about concerns regarding Minneapolis police collaborating with a regional Homeland Security Task Force. Moran explained while such partnerships are common, they can reduce accountability to local communities, especially amid ongoing tensions over federal enforcement actions. From the article:Months… -
In the News: Buffy Smith on Keeping College Within Reach
In the NewsBuffy Smith, dean of Dougherty Family College at the University of St. Thomas, spoke with Sheletta Brundidge and Vineeta Sawkar at WCCO Radio about rising tuition costs and the barriers they create for many families. Smith emphasized Dougherty Family College’s commitment to affordability and the importance of keeping higher education accessible, particularly for first-generation and… -
In the News: Manjeet Rege on Data Centers in Minnesota
In the NewsManjeet Rege, a professor of data science and AI at the University of St. Thomas, shared his perspective in the Minnesota Star Tribune on the rapid expansion of data centers across the state. Rege highlighted both the economic benefits and the environmental and community concerns tied to these projects, emphasizing the need for clear, statewide… -
In the News: Jena Zangs on Governing Agentic AI
Artificial IntelligenceJena Zangs, chief data and AI officer at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, spoke with TechTarget about the growing need for stronger governance as organizations adopt agentic AI. Zangs emphasized the importance of structured data architecture, including centralized data systems and metadata tagging, to ensure agents operate within defined domains. From the… -
In the News: Jacob Hornecker on Changes in Catholic Parishes
In the NewsJacob Hornecker, a theology professor at the University of St. Thomas, spoke with the Minnesota Star Tribune about a major restructuring of Catholic parishes in central Minnesota. Hornecker explained that declining numbers of priests, along with broader cultural shifts in religious practice, are contributing to parish mergers and closures across the region. From the article:The… -
In the News: Virgil Wiebe on Courts and Executive Power
In the NewsVirgil Wiebe, a professor at the University of St. Thomas School of Law, spoke on WBUR’s “On Point” about the growing number of legal challenges facing the Trump administration. Wiebe explained that recent court actions reflect increasing tension between the executive branch and the judiciary, highlighting concerns about compliance with court orders and the long-term implications for… -
In the News: Buffy Smith on Mentorship and Student Support
In the NewsBuffy Smith, dean of Dougherty Family College at the University of St. Thomas, spoke with Native Roots Radio about how the college supports first-generation students through mentorship, community building and wraparound resources. Smith highlighted the college’s focus on removing structural barriers to higher education while creating a strong sense of belonging and academic support for…