For University students, we are currently entering the seventh week of classes. That fact probably makes you a bit happy about break coming up or makes you worry about what your life will look like without the structure of school that you have depended on for many years now. I find myself feeling both of those. But however you feel, it is valid.

Today, our investigative desk brings you a piece about restricted research at the University. A&E reviews UMN’s performance of “Mac Beth,” which is not a typo. Podcasts talks a bit about how the Board of Regents operate and their controversial institutional speech vote from last year.

So much to read, I hope you find the time.

Stay golden,

Alexis Letang | Editor-in-Chief | [email protected]

Top Story

University of Minnesota restricted research increasing

by Anshu Patel | Investigative Reporter | Published March 1, 2026

As the University of Minnesota courts additional defense dollars, secret research projects have ballooned in recent years, according to public data.

University policy generally mandates the free exchange of ideas between researchers, the public and international collaborators. However, exceptions may be made for restricted research projects with limitations on who can work on them and how they can be disseminated to the public, when sponsors require them.

Federal agencies — especially those oriented around national security, like the U.S. Department of Defense — often require some degree of secrecy as a stipulation of research funding, including the exclusion of researchers affiliated with U.S. adversaries like China or Iran.

News

Opinion

Arts & Entertainment

Sports