Serving the UMN community since 1900

The Minnesota Daily

Serving the UMN community since 1900

The Minnesota Daily

Serving the UMN community since 1900

The Minnesota Daily

Samantha Woodward

Samantha Woodward, Intern Reporter

Name: Samantha Woodward
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @samjwoody379
Pronouns: she/her/hers

Samantha "Woody" Woodward is an intern reporter covering business and housing at the Minnesota Daily. Woody joined the Daily in 2019 as an editorial board member, then wrote as an opinions columnist before moving to reporting this past summer. A second-year student, Woody is majoring in professional journalism with a minor in political science. She is originally from Shakopee, Minnesota. In her free time, she loves walking her dog with her family, listening to old-school One Direction, rewatching "Mamma Mia" (1 & 2) with no remorse and exploring Minneapolis with her friends.

All content by Samantha Woodward
Debunking COVID-19 vaccine myths: Q&A with a UMN doctor

Debunking COVID-19 vaccine myths: Q&A with a UMN doctor

by Samantha Woodward
Published April 26, 2021
The Minnesota Daily asked UMN students for their questions about getting vaccinated, and Dr. Mark R. Schleiss answered.
Two national guard troops look out over the balcony of the Hennepin County Government Center on Monday, April 19. on Monday, April 19. A coalition of activist groups held a protest calling for justice for George Floyd on the day of closing arguments in the trial against Derek Chauvin.

Chauvin trial: The final arguments and possible charges

by Lydia Morrell and Samantha Woodward
Published April 20, 2021
A breakdown of the charges, sentencing and cases brought forward by the prosecution and defense.
The Minnesota State Capitol on Nov. 18, 2018.

Controversial MN Supreme Court ruling fuels legislative change to protect sexual assault survivors

by Samantha Woodward, City Reporter
Published April 17, 2021
Following a ruling that determined victims cannot be considered “mentally incapacitated” if they used substances voluntarily, the Minnesota Legislature works to pass a bill to close the intoxication loophole.
Protesters march in downtown Minneapolis on Monday, March 29. A coalition of activist groups held a protest calling for justice for George Floyd on opening statement day of the trial against Derek Chauvin.

First day of Chauvin trial met with protests, demonstrator chaining herself to fence Monday

by Lydia Morrell and Samantha Woodward
Published March 31, 2021
Kaia Hirt chained herself to a fence and organizers sought signatures on a petition for community control of police.
Chauvin trial: Local lawyers reflect on jury selection

Chauvin trial: Local lawyers reflect on jury selection

by Samantha Woodward
Published March 26, 2021
Two lawyers help understand the impact of the city’s settlement, the makeup of the jury and what to keep an eye on as the trial begins Monday.
National Guard and law enforcement officers form a perimeter around the Minnesota State Capitol on May 31, 2020.

UMN College Republicans post and delete tweet saying Trump’s response to racial justice protests “not brutal enough”

by Samantha Woodward
Published March 22, 2021
After the student group posted a tweet calling for a “greater” state response to Black Lives Matter protesters, the group’s president quickly issued an apology.
The Hennepin County Government Center, on Sunday, Feb. 28. The trial of Derek Chauvin, the police officer charged with the murder of George Floyd, will be held here starting on March 8.

A timeline of events leading up to the State v. Chauvin trial

by Samantha Woodward, City Reporter
Published March 8, 2021
The trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin will start on March 8. Here were the events leading up to its start.
Minneapolis City Council Ward 2 Candidate Tom Anderson poses for a portrait on Franklin Ave. bridge on Tuesday, March 2. Anderson has been a Minneapolis resident for 14 years, 10 of which have been in Ward 2.

Minneapolis Ward 2 City Council candidate brings public service approach

by Samantha Woodward
Published March 6, 2021
Tom Anderson uses his skills as a past educator to contend for Ward 2 city council seat and unify the community.
Antony Maikuri, a Ph. D. student in the College of Education and Human Development pursuing Evaluation Studies, poses for a portrait in the St. Paul Student Center on Thursday, Feb. 18.

Hope and skepticism: U students look forward after Trump’s immigration policies

by Samantha Woodward, City Reporter
Published February 21, 2021
While some students impacted by Trump's hard line anti-immigration agenda are hopeful for immigration reform under Biden, others have little faith that the new president will keep his promises.
Vitaly Brown, a second year student at the University of Minnesota, poses for a portrait in the Physics and Nanotechnology building on Friday, Jan. 22. “At the end of the day, I really don’t get why people can’t have normal conversations or normal protests,” said Brown, regarding the protest at the Capitol in Washington D.C. on Jan. 6.

Insurrection, impeachment and a lost election: Student conservatives consider the future of the GOP

by Samantha Woodward
Published January 25, 2021
One political expert said the party’s future is uncertain as impeachment proceedings continue next month.
Demonstrators march down East Lake Street Street in response to the Presidential Inauguration on Wednesday, Jan. 20. The protest lasted around two hours.

Inauguration Day protesters demand radical change from new president

by Samantha Woodward and Lydia Morrell
Published January 22, 2021
Protestors emphasized the need to continue advocating for progressive policies under Biden.
The Minnesota State Capitol as seen on May 13, 2013.

An early look at the legislative session and UMN

by Samantha Woodward
Published January 20, 2021
MSA hopes lawmakers will reintroduce multiple bills that fell apart in last year’s pandemic-laden session.
A small group of protesters gather in front of the Minnesota Capitol during the Hold the Line protest on Saturday, Jan. 16. The event was held to protest the presidential election results.

Scant turnout at State Capitol right-wing protests before Inauguration Day

by Lydia Morrell, Jasmine Snow, and Samantha Woodward
Published January 17, 2021
State Patrol and media outnumbered right-wing protesters during a weekend of demonstrations outside the Capitol building.
The interior of Gray’s coffee shop in Dinkytown on Monday, Dec. 7. Gray’s has recently been redesigned to better appeal to the University population.

Loring Bar & Restaurant’s new lease on life

by Samantha Woodward
Published December 8, 2020
After a century of iterations, Loring Pasta Bar is revamping as a coffee shop-restaurant hybrid while paying homage to its history.
PoppedCorn employee Natalie Gumm makes a fresh batch of popcorn at the new Dinkytown establishment on Saturday, Nov. 28. This is owner Susan Michaletz’s second PoppedCorn store.

Popcorn joint pops up in Dinkytown

by Samantha Woodward, City Reporter
Published December 2, 2020
The family-run PoppedCorn opened its second location Nov. 5.
The George Floyd Memorial Square as pictured on Election night on Tuesday Nov. 3.

Winter descends on George Floyd Square

by Samantha Woodward
Published November 16, 2020
As snow falls, temperatures drop and winter approaches, the community dedicated to memorializing 38th Street and Chicago Avenue is not going anywhere anytime soon.
The green line light rail rushes past Fly Chix in Stadium Village on Tuesday, Oct. 27.

New chicken joint finds its home in Stadium Village

by Samantha Woodward, City Reporter
Published October 29, 2020
Fly Chix, a fried-chicken restaurant founded by two successful restaurateurs, opened last month in Stadium Village.
A sign announces a ballot drop-off location in the parking lot of Bossen Field Park, in South Minneapolis, on Saturday, Oct. 10.  On the ballot, alongside a number of national, state, and local elections, are two important questions regarding the city of Minneapolis.

There are two questions on the Minneapolis ballot. Here’s what you need to know about them

by Samantha Woodward, City Reporter
Published October 17, 2020
The Minneapolis ballot will feature two questions related to the city’s charter. Police reform will not be on the ballot.
Organizers blow their candle after the vigil for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls and other lives lost to police and gang violence and authority negligence at Boom Island Park in Minneapolis on Monday, Oct. 12. The crowd went on to march after the vigil.

‘We live this every single day’: Vigil on Indigenous Peoples’ Day remembers Native lives lost to violence

by Samantha Woodward, City Reporter
Published October 14, 2020
A vigil was held at Boom Island Park in remembrance of missing and murdered Indigenous women and Native Americans who have lost their lives to gun violence and police brutality.
Left: Student advocate Jimmy Cooper poses for a portrait in Dinkytown on Thursday, Oct. 1. They are known for hosting student events that combine creativity and activism on campus.

Right: Student advocate Bri Sislo-Schutta poses for a portrait in Dinkytown on Wednesday, Sep. 30. She is the Executive Director of the Association of Big Ten Students.

‘A culture of care’: University students engage in citywide mutual aid

by Samantha Woodward
Published October 12, 2020
Students banded together in response to the Minneapolis protests to show support for their community and social justice.
Demonstrators gather to protest former MPD Officer Derek Chauvin’s release on bail outside of the Hennepin County Government Center on Thursday, Oct. 8. The demonstration began with speeches and ended with a march.

Protesters push bail bond reform following bail release of former officer charged with murder of George Floyd

by Samantha Woodward and Samantha Hendrickson
Published October 10, 2020
“... We’d like to know where the money came from,” said Trahern Crews, the lead organizer of Black Lives Matter Minnesota.
From left, Student Shaunassey Johnson and UROC Executive Director Makeda Zulu-Gillespie pose for a portrait outside of the UROC building on Tuesday, Sep. 22.

UROC: One decade as a community institution

by Samantha Woodward
Published October 1, 2020
With roots in North Minneapolis, the University’s research and outreach center is meeting its ten-year anniversary with a vision for the future and a portfolio of ongoing work addressing systemic racism.
John Fogarty, first-year student from Appleton, Wisconsin, moves his belongings into the carts with his parents while moving in to a University residential hall on Friday, Sept. 18.

A first-year move in like no other

by Samantha Woodward, City Reporter
Published September 19, 2020
Weeks after they were initially scheduled to arrive, students brand new to the University of Minnesota wrapped up moving into their on-campus housing Friday.
Protesters gather outside of the Hennepin County Family Justice Center in response to motions made by the police officers involved in George Floyds murder on Friday, Sep. 11.  The four former officers filed motions to be tried separately.

‘An open wound still’: community members protest dismissal motion

by Jasmine Snow and Samantha Woodward
Published September 11, 2020
Judge Peter Cahill started the hearing by saying dismissal motions wouldn't be discussed. Decisions have yet to be made regarding relocation or an anonymous jury.
Pedestrians stroll past the empty storefront that previously housed the Gina + Will store in Dinkytown on Saturday, Sept. 5.

Following the closure of Gina + Will, UMN students reflect on the lack of thrift fashion in Dinkytown

by Samantha Woodward
Published September 10, 2020
The closing of the store on Aug. 22 shrunk an already small clothing retail market in the neighborhood.
The corner of Fourth Street and 15th Avenue in Dinkytown on Sunday, Sep. 6.  Dinkytown businesses have been working with University groups to determine how to best operate during the pandemic.

UMN students partner with Dinkytown businesses to combat pandemic-related shortfalls

by Samantha Woodward
Published September 7, 2020
The Summer of EngageMNt worked with more than 300 students, and a survey of 14 Dinkytown businesses found that 86% had closed entirely or partially during the pandemic.
The storefront of Gina + Will, as seen on Tuesday, Aug. 25.

Dinkytown’s Gina + Will shut its doors

by Samantha Woodward
Published August 25, 2020
After six years in business, the student-focused thrift store on Fifth Street Southeast decided not to renew its lease.
Woodward: Dating during quarantine

Woodward: Dating during quarantine

by Samantha Woodward
Published May 7, 2020
As if finding and staying with someone wasn’t hard enough
Woodward: Reporting during a pandemic

Woodward: Reporting during a pandemic

by Samantha Woodward
Published April 28, 2020
White House correspondent Meridith McGraw on her duties and responsibilities during this unprecedented time
Woodward: The stimulus package loophole

Woodward: The stimulus package loophole

by Samantha Woodward
Published April 16, 2020
College students are being left out, again.
Woodward: The invisible line between the artist and their art

Woodward: The invisible line between the artist and their art

by Samantha Woodward
Published April 3, 2020
An artist's work should not outshine their history of abuse.
Woodward: Social distancing in suburbia

Woodward: Social distancing in suburbia

by Samantha Woodward
Published March 20, 2020
Learning to make connections and find purpose in an isolated time, from a first-year student whose first year of college was cut off early.
Woodward: My Super Tuesday first thoughts

Woodward: My Super Tuesday first thoughts

by Samantha Woodward
Published March 5, 2020
This Tuesday was the first time I got to cast my ballot in the presidential ring.
Woodward: Listen to the screaming women

Woodward: Listen to the screaming women

by Samantha Woodward
Published February 24, 2020
The death of a Hollywood therapist raises concern over domestic abuse cases and lack of action.
Woodward: Is it always worth standing up for what you believe in?

Woodward: Is it always worth standing up for what you believe in?

by Samantha Woodward
Published February 13, 2020
For Senator Mitt Romney, yes it is.
Woodward: Catching xenophobia

Woodward: Catching xenophobia

by Samantha Woodward
Published February 6, 2020
How the pandemic of a viral disease has led to the spread of discrimination.
Hailee Schievelbein

Woodward: I’m greener than you

by Samantha Woodward
Published January 30, 2020
Shaming the varying ways people counter our climate crisis is counterproductive and not getting us any closer to saving the planet.

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