By: Nicolas Hallett

Now that CSL Plasma has found a new location in Uptown, CPM Companies can start building its 11-story Stadium Village apartment complex.

The Minneapolis City Council approved rezoning Friday to allow the plasma center to relocate. CPM spearheaded the move to make way for its WaHu Stuent Housing project, the largest proposed apartment building in the University district.

The $85 million project is planned to have 333 units, 404 parking spots and a number of retail spaces on the ground floor with numerous amenities.

read more

By: Tyler Gieseke

Zinue Cisneros said he used the University of Minnesota’s free Gopher Chauffeur service nearly every weekend as a freshman to get back to Bailey Hall in St. Paul.

The actuarial mathematics and computer science sophomore said he would wait “a very long time” to get picked up — sometimes as long as two hours.

read more

By: Julia Marshall

A University of Minnesota student group pushing for fossil fuel divestment is attempting to win administrative support, like many of its peer groups across the nation.

Fossil Free Minnesota members are currently in talks with President Eric Kaler, with the goal of convincing him to freeze all University investments in fossil fuel companies and completely cut those investments within five years.

Fossil Free Minnesota’s first official meeting with Kaler was in July, and it has another scheduled.

read more

By: Nicholas Studenski

A University of Minnesota student was arrested early Friday morning for blocking a street and refusing to cooperate with officers. He may have been intoxicated, according to the University police report.

While on patrol a little after midnight, a University police officer noticed a man lying at the intersection of Eighth Street Southeast and 14th Avenue Southeast resting his head on the curb.

According to the police report, officers suspected the student was under the influence of alcohol, narcotics or both at the time of the arrest.

read more

By: Alexa Billadeau

More than 20 years after its most recent update, Nicollet Mall will soon be modernized with the help of James Corner Field Operations.

The plan, proposed last Tuesday, includes new lighting, paving and furniture to be installed by the end of 2016.

These ideas coincide with the City of Minneapolis’ vision to make Nicollet Mall “more active and vibrant year-round,” project consultant Peter Brown said.

read more

By: Samuel Gordon

For the second straight year, Minnesota will open conference play with a shiny 4-0 record.

Life is good for Gophers fans.

But if fans are expecting the unbeaten streak to extend into the Big Ten schedule, they could be in for a rude awakening.

Minnesota entertained the worst nonconference schedule of any Big Ten team this season — and the worst for any Gophers team since 2008.

The decision last year to buy out a North Carolina game this season made Minnesota the lone Big Ten team without an opponent from a Bowl Championship Series conference.

read more

By: Nicholas Studenski

Following several deaths earlier this month, the drug Molly has appeared in headlines across the country. It’s also featured in songs by artists like Tyga and Miley Cyrus.

Officials say they haven’t seen a major increase in the drug’s use, but some University of Minnesota students say use may be higher than authorities

realize.

Molly is the pure form of Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), the active component in Ecstasy. David Ferguson, University medicinal chemistry professor, said Molly is essentially “just Ecstasy.”

MDMA works by increasing the body’s level of serotonin, a chemical that activates he pleasure centers in the brain.

Maggie, a University student, said she’s taken Molly six or seven times. Because MDMA is a controlled substance, Maggie requested she only be identified by her first name.

The first time Maggie tried the drug, she said, she hadn’t planned to.

“It just came up,” she said, “I had no idea what it was going to feel like.”

On Molly, she said she felt “really pumped up and excited.” Maggie said the drug kept her awake and gave her energy so that she could dance longer. Maggie said she’s found herself dancing or bobbing her head even when music isn’t playing.

“You feel a rhythm inside yourself,” she said.

Maggie said she usually takes Molly orally, though it’s common to snort the powder so it takes effect more quickly and to avoid its unpleasant taste.

Because users aren’t buying the drug with a label, Ferguson said, it’s difficult to know exactly what they’re getting.

“It is Russian roulette in a way,” he said.

Ferguson said he sees danger in the versatility of the drug because it allows users to increase the dose of an already highly concentrated substance.

“If you buy it as a powder, you could snort it, shoot it, do anything you want with it,” he said.

Another concern, Ferguson said, is that the higher potency of the drug gives users a stronger, faster high, encouraging them to continue using the drug.

Ferguson said because Ecstasy in pill form contains other ingredients, it usually only has about 10 to 20 percent MDMA. But Molly is the free crystalline form of MDMA, which allows it to reach nearly 100 percent potency.

“The potential of getting that greater, stronger high means students could have problems with addiction and abuse,” Ferguson said.

English junior Sean Hirthe said he has seen more use of the drug in his native Milwaukee, but use has “definitely increased recently.”

“I would say it’s fairly common,” he said.

University police Deputy Chief Chuck Miner said there have been no known cases of Molly possession at the University.

Minneapolis police Sgt. Bill Palmer said he knew of Ecstasy but “wasn’t aware” of the drug Molly and declined to comment.

Use and abuse

Maggie said she’s been at a concert each time she’s done Molly, and that’s where she thinks it’s primarily used.

“I don’t think I could see myself doing it outside of that,” Maggie said.

Daniel Klinkhammer, dance sophomore, said he’s seen Molly used in the same context, like at music festivals.

Klinkhammer said when he sees people use it they’re normally energetic and enthusiastic, but said he’s concerned when people start mixing it with other things.

“People overdo it when they aren’t smart,” Klinkhammer said. “They’ll mix it with other drugs.”

It can be difficult to treat a patient who’s overdosed on Molly, said Dr. Jon Cole, an emergency physician at Hennepin County Medical Center and Medical Director of the Minnesota Poison Control System.

He said all doctors can do is work to keep the symptoms under control until the body metabolizes the drug.

Because MDMA is an amphetamine, it shares properties with meth.

“It’s methamphetamine that’s been modified to also have a hallucinogenic component,” Cole said.

An overdose of MDMA can cause many problems similar to an overdose of meth, he said, including seizure, uneven heartbeat and kidney failure.

Even in less severe cases, users can experience negative side effects. Because serotonin increases body temperature, users have a significant chance of overheating and dehydration, which the drug’s “zoning out” can worsen, Ferguson said.

Cole said MDMA can have long term effects as well, like depression.

“Even if you never have a major overdose, it’s possible that you’re still poisoning yourself by taking it,” he said. “It’s not safe.”

Ferguson said after the increased levels of serotonin return to normal, users can feel a depression the next day.

Maggie said in the days after using Molly, she felt “really worn out.”

Possession of Molly is a controlled substance crime punishable by up to five years in prison or a fine of up to $10,000 in Minnesota.

Maggie said she’s aware that Molly is against the law but thinks it’s hard to monitor. The drug is physically small, and users can take it quickly after purchasing it.

Maggie said she thinks it’s also difficult for police to identify those who have taken the drug, because she’s able to function normally while on Molly.

“You act like yourself,” she said. “You just have a ton of energy, and you want to keep moving constantly.”

But Klinkhammer said he’s seen two sides of the drug.

“I’ve seen people have lots of fun,” he said, “but I’ve also seen people overdo it.”

By: Meghan Holden

The Minnesota Daily sat down with University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler on Wednesday for its monthly Kickin’ It with Kaler interview.

Kaler talked about the retirement of Dean Robert Elde, the reports from University-hired consulting firms that look into the school’s spending, and “gopheralls.”

At last week’s Board of Regents meeting you announced a plan to cut administrative costs by $90 million over the next six years. This announcement follows a year of the University being criticized for excessive administrative spending. Thoughts?

While we certainly have been criticized for administrative spending, the reports that we’ve gotten back from Sibson and Huron show, in fact, that the University is well within the norms for administrative overhead. … I interpret that as saying, “Well, we’re pretty good, but we can obviously get better.” And we’re going to get better.

We’ve been working hard for two years to set the stage for these next steps, and we’ve already identified well over

$30 million in savings, as detailed last week at the board meeting. So I would say that having done that preliminary work, we’re now ready to commit to a longer-term goal, and we believe we have the tools in hand to.

Last session, state legislators requested for more transparency in the University’s budget. Richard Pfutzenreuter mentioned this at last week’s meeting. Are there any new strategies the University will utilize in terms of securing state funds?

I think it’s very fair for the state leaders, the government and the legislators to expect the University to be accountable and expect the University to be effective and efficient, and I think these reductions in administrative costs we’ve been talking about and these reports go along right toward ensuring a good level of comfort in those legislators with how the University is operating.

Are there some areas or departments at the University that will see more cuts than others?

It’s too early to fully identify where all reductions are going to be, but we’re going to look across the University. My goal is to leave nothing unexplored that can have the question asked and answered, “Can it be done more effectively?”

Will students be affected by this plan to save costs? Will they see any visible changes on campus?

We’re going to move those dollars away from the administrator expenses into the delivery to teaching, research and outreach, and so I would expect that students would see benefits in the classroom. … Hopefully we’ll be able to reduce the net cost of coming to the University, so increasing scholarship opportunities. … That’s why we’re doing this; we’re not doing it for fun.

Anything specifically in the classroom a student can expect to see?

I think you’ll be able to see us refresh technology in the classrooms more quickly and on a shorter cycle. We’ll be able to hopefully invest some of these dollars in classroom renovations. … We hope to be able to translate resources into hiring faculty, so you should see increased class availability and ultimately smaller classes.

CBS Dean Robert Elde announced he will retire next summer. How will the University adjust to his absence?

We will miss Bob very much. … As you know, it leads to some conversations about the potential merger of CBS and CFANS. That potential merger is something that needs to be considered from all angles. To me, it has a couple of very attractive elements. But we intend to talk broadly in the community, both inside and outside the University — who will be affected by this potential merger.

Do you expect any opposition from faculty or staff in terms of the merger?

I don’t know that I would characterize it as expecting opposition. I am certain there will be a full spectrum of opinions about this. There usually is at almost any new idea to the University, so we’ll sort out the pros and cons.

How will the University benefit?

To me, it’s really a very nice vertical integration. From the fundamental cell biology that is critical to agriculture … to the delivery of advice to the farmers … and specialists in agriculture. So I think having all of those elements of admission under one umbrella will make a more effective and efficient process.

Next week is the University’s homecoming. How will you be showing your Golden Gopher spirit?

I have a pair of maroon pants that are very stylish, and people seem to enjoy seeing me wearing them, so I will be in those. I’m looking forward to the homecoming parade — Karen and I usually ride in that. … It’s a great opportunity for Gopher pride, and I enjoy being part of that.

Do you have the overalls and everything?

I do not have gopheralls. I would like to have a pair, to tell you the truth, but people around me, including my wife, think that a 57-year-old man might not wear gopheralls.

What are you looking forward to the most this academic year?

We’re in the final stages of interviewing for the dean of the Medical School and vice president for health sciences. … We have a new leader at Fairview, our partner in health care delivery, and I am looking forward to developing a good working relationship with him. We have always-interesting opportunities in philanthropy. And of course, finally, we have our capital request to the state Legislature who convenes in February.

Anything else?

I should note there’s been a lot of press about Jerry Kill lately. I’m very much a Jerry Kill fan. I think he’s a terrific leader of the football team, and I’m very proud to have him on our team.

By: Cody Nelson

A shots-fired report locked down the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus Wednesday night.

The incident was part of an alleged armed robbery in a residential area near campus, close to several fraternity and sorority houses. No one was reported injured, police said.

Two men, ages 17 and 18, were detained by police but not arrested as of Wednesday night.

Police said the incident wasn’t an active shooter situation, but they advised students and others in the area to stay indoors while police searched for the suspects.

The incident stemmed from an armed robbery, according to a police report. At about 6:20 p.m., two suspects robbed a 19-year-old man at gunpoint, taking his wallet, keys and backpack, the report said.

A friend of the victim chased the suspects as they fled on foot, the report said. A suspect then fired one shot that didn’t hit anyone.

Campus police advised students to stay indoors via Twitter around 6:40 p.m. About an hour later, police tweeted that taking shelter was no longer necessary.

By: Jace Frederick

An old adage in sports is “defense wins championships.”

If the saying holds true, the Gophers (7-1) are in pretty good shape as they start conference play Saturday in Indiana.

Minnesota’s back line looked dominant at times during the nonconference season and seeks to build on that success in the Big Ten.

The Gophers’ defense allowed less than a goal per game and has propelled Minnesota’s hot start eight games into the season.

“It’s our defense making the big stops in the red zone, and they came up huge over and over again,” senior forward Steph Brandt said. “I think if they keep that going, we’ll be in a really good spot.”

Minnesota’s defense is littered with veterans, and seniors MacKenzie Misel and Lauren Bauer and junior Becca Roberts serve as the unit’s anchors. The three have played in all eight games thus far.

But the defense consists of a healthy mix of experience and youth.

Sophomore Elle Dykema and freshman Rashida Beal have provided sparks to the seasoned core at times early this year.

And the back line has earned the trust of the attacking unit.

While Brandt said the entire team constantly works on its defensive skills, the Gophers’ defenders are allowing the goal scorers to focus on putting the ball in the net.

Minnesota has outshot its opponents 116-58 in the past eight games.

“When the defense [is] jumping, getting that jump on their forwards … it really helps … because then we don’t have to hustle all the way back,” junior midfielder Katie Thyken said Aug. 30. “We can just stay forward.”

The Gophers have kept a high defending line early this season, baiting opponents into 17 offsides calls over their last four games.

“That’s what we do,” Gophers head coach Stefanie Golan said Sept. 6. “That is really how we play.”

If the Gophers can continue to execute and suffocate opposing attackers, they could be a real threat in the Big Ten — an even bigger threat than some expected at the start of the year.

Minnesota was ranked seventh in the conference’s preseason coaches’ poll.

“We weren’t at all satisfied with that,” Brandt said. “We would love to finish at least top-four again.

“I think we see ourselves very capable of finishing [on] top, winning the conference.”