Homeowners near the University of St. Thomas will now find it difficult to convert their houses into student housing after Wednesday's vote by the St. Paul City Council to enact a 150-foot buffer between off-campus student apartments. The Pioneer Press says university area residents have long complained of student "party houses" and late-night drunken behavior.

The University of St. Thomas surpassed its $500 million fundraising goal during a five-year drive, perhaps a record in a five-state area for a private college. The eye-popping amount was raised by the Roman Catholic college in St. Paul mostly during the recession. The college plans to use the money for scholarships, academic programs and construction projects.

A report from the business school at the University of St. Thomas says low-priced homes are getting snapped up by first-time homebuyers and investors. Many are foreclosures, but conventional home sales are up, as well, with the median price just under $200,000.