Webster in the News - Sept. 2 through Sept. 22, 2025

This regular column links to the most significant stories about Webster University or that quote Webster faculty and staff members.

Gorga Discusses Political Violence and the Crime Rate

Criminology Professor Allison Gorga was interviewed by FOX 2 News about what motivates people to commit political violence. The interview was framed around the killing of political activist Charlie Kirk. 

Gorga also was interviewed by FOX 2 about St. Louis’ crime rate in response to President Trump threatening to send the National Guard to patrol the city. That interview aired in multiple markets, including Kansas City and Odessa, Texas. 

Nappa Featured in the Post-Dispatch

Carl Nappa, chair of the Audio Aesthetics and Technology in the School of Communications, was profiled in a feature story in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The story covered his distinguished career working with artists such as Nelly and Prince, and also mentioned that he currently teaches at Webster. 

KWMU Features Webster Alumnus Dominique Price

KWMU (St. Louis Public Radio) ran a feature story on Webster alumnus Dominique Eldraco Price, who performed at the annual “Music at the Intersection” festival earlier this month.

Smith Discusses Multiple Issues Regarding AI in the Media

Julie Smith discussed why Artificial Intelligence sources are pushing out large amounts of “celebrity” gossip, most of which is false. 

Smith also was interviewed about an emerging concern from health officials over AI Psychosis, where people become more attached to AI bots than real people, leading to psychotic episodes. The interview starts at the 8:24 mark. 

Smith also discussed online programs that allow people to create a virtual artificial intelligence partner, because the programs are always supportive of the users. 

Smith discussed the different ways that “disinformation” can be passed off as real information, from using fake accounts to verify false information is true, to “firehosing” the internet, which means to release so much misleading information at such a rapid pace, that it’s nearly impossible to fact-check it all. The conversation starts at the 8:51 a.m. mark. 

Bill Hall Discusses Loomer, Polls, and the North Carolina Elections

Bill Hall was quoted by Newsweek about Lara Loomer’s growing influence on White House policy and staffing. 

Newsweek also quoted him about Donald Trump’s latest approval ratings in the swing state of North Carolina. That story was republished by Network Today. 

Hall also discussed a recent poll that showed that Trump’s popularity among white voters was increasing. That story was redistributed by MSN. 

Hall discussed the possibility that a Democrat could take a senate seat previously filled by a Republican in the upcoming midterm elections in North Carolina.

Kooyumjian Gallery Featured in The Call

The Kooyumjian Gallery exhibit featuring the work of Terry Smith was featured in the Call Newspapers, which covers South St. Louis County. 

KSDK, KTRS Report on Webster's $800k Grant

KSDK ran a story about the $800k grant that Webster received to start a new biotech program. KTRS also ran a similar story several times. (Clips not online). 

Roberts Interviewed About Budgeting Tips

Professor Joe Roberts was featured in WalletHub's piece about loud budgeting. 

Belo's Book Gets a Glowing Review

Professor Dani Belo’s book “Russian Warfare in the 21st Century” was reviewed by the national book podcast “New Books Podcast.” The review gave the book a positive recommendation.

Dustin Smith Discusses the Best Cities for Coffee

Professor Dustin Smith was featured in WalletHub's recent article Best Coffee Cities in America. 

Film Series Touted on KMOV

KMOV mentioned the Webster University Film Series during its weekly roundup of movies that people should see in St. Louis.