Office of Media Relations at the University of San Diego
July 1, 2025 | View in web browser

USD News Connect: Connecting Expert Voices to the Stories Impacting Our Community

July 1, 2025

Good morning newsrooms!

Here's your USD News Connect — where each week the University of San Diego media relations team offers expert voices to speak on stories impacting our community. If you're interested in the stories below, or need experts for any other topic you might be working on, don't hesitate to reach out to us at press@sandiego.edu.*

*Please note: USD will be closed on Friday for the Fourth of July holiday

How Much Will Your 4th of July BBQ Cost This Year + How to Save

The cost of your 4th of July feast will be pricey again this year, according to a 2025 American Farm Bureau Federation survey. The average cost for 10 guests this year is nearly $71. Dan Roccato, clinical professor of finance, can talk about why prices remain high and how people can save money for their 4th of July BBQ.

Toreros Compete on Biggest Stage at Wimbledon

This week, two USD Men's Tennis stars -- rising senior Oliver Tarvet and former player August Holmgren -- advanced to the main draw of Wimbledon. Tarvet is now set to take on defending champ and the world's number two player, Carlos Alcaraz, tomorrow. USD Men's Tennis head coach Ryan Keckley is in the UK to support his players. He's available via Zoom to talk about their major accomplishment and what it means to see them compete on the world stage.

New Addition to "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" Could End State Control Over AI Regulations + Impact Kid's Internet Safety

In President Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," a new sentence was recently added that would take away the power for states to regulate AI. The Children's Advocacy Institute (CAI) at the University of San Diego's School of Law believes this change would be problematic for kids and their use of AI, since several states like California and Utah have already been laying the groundwork for AI regulation -- while the federal government has not. Jessica Heldman with the Children's Advocacy Institute can discuss this bill and how it could impact kid's internet safety in the new age of AI.

For all media inquiries, email our team at

press@sandiego.edu.

* Please note that times of availability will vary according to professors' schedules.

USD Spotlight

The Athletics Edge: The House v. NCAA Settlement and the Future of College Athletics

This week, we talked with Kimya Massey, Associate Vice President and Executive Director of Athletics at the University of San Diego, following the approval of the House v. NCAA class-action settlement. Massey breaks down how this landmark case came to be, what its implications are for universities and student-athletes, and how institutions like USD are navigating this evolving landscape. Listen here.