By: Allison Kronberg

Minnesota could start treating e-cigarettes just like regular cigarettes.

Rep. Phyllis Kahn, DFL-Minneapolis, proposed a bill Friday to include e-cigarettes in the Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act, which she authored in 1975, that would ban their use indoors.

She said she’s proposing the bill because the health effects of e-cigarettes are unclear, the smokeless alternative can appeal to young people and it would make the law consistent.

“The same controls that apply to smoking regular cigarettes would apply to smoking e-cigarettes,” Kahn said.

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By: Tyler Gieseke

Minneapolis races for two Board of Estimate and Taxation seats and Park and Recreation Board commissioners at large had to go to a second round of ranked-choice voting tabulation Wednesday.

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By: Marion Renault

With more than 78 percent of first-choice votes, St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman sealed his re-election Tuesday night, defeating three challengers by a wide margin.

Coleman was highly favored for re-election, touting endorsements from the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party and the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee and the support of all seven St. Paul City Council members.

The victory makes Coleman the first St. Paul mayor in 23 years to serve more than two terms.

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By: Nathaniel Rabuzzi

If they’re elected next week, Alicia Bennett and Tony Lane both hope to use the Minneapolis mayor’s office to garner support for a minimum wage increase.

Bennett, Lane and Rahn Workcuff are three of 35 mayoral hopefuls who will be listed on the Nov. 5 ballot as they run to succeed Mayor R.T. Rybak, who has held the office for 12 years.

If elected, the candidates said they hope to improve the Minneapolis job market and involve citizens more heavily in city politics.

Bennett said raising the minimum wage would spur economic growth.

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By: Anne Millerbernd

The Weisman Art Museum  contains millions of dollars in paintings, sculptures and other works of art, and most of what it takes in each year is donated by artists and collectors.

Museum Director Lyndel King said the Weisman accepts 200 to 300 donations

annually.

And it isn’t the only place at the University of Minnesota that gets non-monetary donations.

The University received 916 “gifts in kind,” or non-monetary donations, from July 1, 2012, to June 30 of this year.

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By: Alexi Gusso

With less than a week before Election Day, candidates for mayor, City Council and other city government offices submitted their final campaign finance reports on Tuesday, showing how much they’ve raised and spent.

Mayoral candidate Mark Andrew raised about $420,000, putting him in the lead for campaign fundraising in Minneapolis.

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By: Allison Kronberg

Morrow Accident Rehabilitation Center employees rushed in to salvage equipment from their flooding building. After an employee unplugged a computer, electricity shot through the water, and employees had to evacuate the building.

“The water was rushing like a river,” Morrow owner Angela Schulz said.

Most small businesses on St. Anthony Main are just now back to normal after a water main burst on Sept. 5 and drowned their establishments.

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By: Janice Bitters

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

Kaler talked about the new $190 million athletics facilities plan, the future of alcohol sales at Coffman Union and the potential Teach for America partnership with the College of Education and Human Development.

You seemed optimistic [about Norwood Teague’s $190 million facilities plan] during the July 10 Board of Regents meeting, [but] what concerns might you have?

Let me sort of talk about that in a little bit different way. So, in my view, there are three things you have to do if you want to get something accomplished. The first is figure out what it is you need. The second is figure out how do you pay for it, and the third is do it. And so right now we have done step one of those things. … We don’t intend to ask the state for help in that — we think the state dollars should be used for academic priorities, so it’s a private fundraising activity. It might be enhanced by other ticket sales or media revenue. It’s primarily a private fundraising goal.

Do you think the $190 million is going to be difficult to achieve, or do you think that is do-able?

I think, over time, it is do-able.

Congress has agreed on a solution to lower student loan rates for the coming year. I’m interested to know how you feel about the agreement they have come to.

You know, I’m glad they

have reached an agreement. I’m glad the loan rates are lower than they potentially could have been, but it’s a compromise agreement, and I think it’s probably the best Congress could do under the current conditions. And I think it provides some certainty, so students know what is coming ahead, and that’s a good thing.

Do I wish the rates were lower? Sure I do. I think it is probably all in all a good outcome.

You signed a letter with more than 160 people that basically asked President Barack Obama to close the “innovation deficit.” I’d first like to identify what exactly that means.

So I view — and I think the other people who signed that letter view — this innovation deficit as this gap between what the United States is investing in research and in higher education. That gap between what we are doing and what our competitor countries are doing is very worrisome.

… And around the world, we are competing for the quality jobs. Things can get done in Shanghai or Minneapolis, and if you live in Minneapolis, you want those high-quality jobs to be in Minnesota. And so we need to invest in the machinery that creates that kind of innovation, and that is higher education.

Was your recent visit to China kind of what prompted your interest in this topic?

I’ve been interested in this for years and years. I mean, I’m a scientist, so this is kind of what I do. But certainly, the recent trip to China just reinforced what I already knew. The Chinese are spending like crazy to educate people and to enable people to be able to be innovative, and again, that’s the competition.

The Board of Regents have a new academic health committee [this year]. What specific topics do you personally hope they’ll address through this new committee?

Well, this is aimed at really helping the board become more educated about what we do in the academic health space. So it is really a committee about what is the future of academic education, research and patient care at the [University]. So it’s meant to be forward-looking but also a way for board members to become more broadly educated about what we do in the academic health enterprise.

After the proposal to merge with [the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview] was declined earlier this year, … is the University still hoping to enter into an agreement like that?

So, our relationship with Fairview right now is very stable. We’ve entered into what we’ve called an integrated structure — and we’ll come up with a better name for that soon — which allows … the University of Minnesota Physicians in particular … and Fairview to co-manage some of our assets in the health area. And we think that’s going to be a better partnership, and we’re looking forward to seeing that grow. It will improve the medical school, it will improve the experience of our students and residents, it will improve patient care; and we are in the process of rolling that out.

At the last Board of Regents meeting, there were several new alcohol licenses that were approved … but [Coffman] was not recommended …

Well, I think probably the primary reason is that that would be a brand-new license. We currently don’t have a license to serve the public in Coffman, which, of course, is the student union. So I think there needs to be some more conversation, first off, about ‘Is it a good idea to serve alcohol in a student union?’ … And in addition, if you do think it’s a good idea, we need a really robust business plan about where that would be located physically in Coffman and what the profit and loss from it would look like.

In your view, is there a place for alcohol sales at Coffman?

You know, I’m of two minds about it. I would say I haven’t decided yet on my view on that. There really are pros and cons, and I think we need a robust discussion about what would make sense for that. Frankly, much like the tobacco-smoking ban, I think the community needs to decide collectively what the right thing to do is.

The University recently submitted a bonding request … for more than $230 million. What are the chances, do you think, that all of that will be met by the state?

Well, I think historically we don’t get all that we ask for, but this will be … a normal bonding year, and the expectation is that it will be a pretty robust bonding bill all in all, and the University should get a good share of that.

In terms of the [TFA] and [CEHD] potential partnership, as you may be aware, that has been a somewhat controversial discussion. … Do you think this [partnership] is a good idea?

I think we need a balanced approach. I think [TFA] has some very positive aspects, and I think having that program at the University in collaboration, cooperation or co-existence … with our other teaching programs would be fine. The ultimate decision on this is [CEHD Dean] Jean Quam’s. 

… I understand the reasons that some people are opposed to it, but in the community, there are a lot of people who are in favor of [TFA], so I think a balanced approach is something that makes sense for the University.

We’re coming into a new academic school year. [What are] some of your top priorities for the coming year, and what changes might students see on campus?

It’s a great entering class — once again, the most academically qualified class. We had 43,000 applications for 5,500 spots. It’s a remarkable statement about the [University] and the quality that we have. So, I’m looking forward to engaging with those students.

… I think academically, you’ll see us continue to move towards using technology more effectively in the classroom. You’ll see, I think, more active learning classes. I think you’ll see faculty engaging in those new ways of teaching.

So, [there are] great opportunities for students to get a wonderful education at the [University] and take part in the dramatic range of student life that we have available.

By: Janice Bitters

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

Kaler talked about the new $190 million athletics facilities plan, the future of alcohol sales at Coffman Union and the potential Teach for America partnership with the College of Education and Human Development.

You seemed optimistic [about Norwood Teague’s $190 million facilities plan] during the July 10 Board of Regents meeting, [but] what concerns might you have?

Let me sort of talk about that in a little bit different way. So, in my view, there are three things you have to do if you want to get something accomplished. The first is figure out what it is you need. The second is figure out how do you pay for it, and the third is do it. And so right now we have done step one of those things. … We don’t intend to ask the state for help in that — we think the state dollars should be used for academic priorities, so it’s a private fundraising activity. It might be enhanced by other ticket sales or media revenue. It’s primarily a private fundraising goal.

Do you think the $190 million is going to be difficult to achieve, or do you think that is do-able?

I think, over time, it is do-able.

Congress has agreed on a solution to lower student loan rates for the coming year. I’m interested to know how you feel about the agreement they have come to.

You know, I’m glad they

have reached an agreement. I’m glad the loan rates are lower than they potentially could have been, but it’s a compromise agreement, and I think it’s probably the best Congress could do under the current conditions. And I think it provides some certainty, so students know what is coming ahead, and that’s a good thing.

Do I wish the rates were lower? Sure I do. I think it is probably all in all a good outcome.

You signed a letter with more than 160 people that basically asked President Barack Obama to close the “innovation deficit.” I’d first like to identify what exactly that means.

So I view — and I think the other people who signed that letter view — this innovation deficit as this gap between what the United States is investing in research and in higher education. That gap between what we are doing and what our competitor countries are doing is very worrisome.

… And around the world, we are competing for the quality jobs. Things can get done in Shanghai or Minneapolis, and if you live in Minneapolis, you want those high-quality jobs to be in Minnesota. And so we need to invest in the machinery that creates that kind of innovation, and that is higher education.

Was your recent visit to China kind of what prompted your interest in this topic?

I’ve been interested in this for years and years. I mean, I’m a scientist, so this is kind of what I do. But certainly, the recent trip to China just reinforced what I already knew. The Chinese are spending like crazy to educate people and to enable people to be able to be innovative, and again, that’s the competition.

The Board of Regents have a new academic health committee [this year]. What specific topics do you personally hope they’ll address through this new committee?

Well, this is aimed at really helping the board become more educated about what we do in the academic health space. So it is really a committee about what is the future of academic education, research and patient care at the [University]. So it’s meant to be forward-looking but also a way for board members to become more broadly educated about what we do in the academic health enterprise.

After the proposal to merge with [the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview] was declined earlier this year, … is the University still hoping to enter into an agreement like that?

So, our relationship with Fairview right now is very stable. We’ve entered into what we’ve called an integrated structure — and we’ll come up with a better name for that soon — which allows … the University of Minnesota Physicians in particular … and Fairview to co-manage some of our assets in the health area. And we think that’s going to be a better partnership, and we’re looking forward to seeing that grow. It will improve the medical school, it will improve the experience of our students and residents, it will improve patient care; and we are in the process of rolling that out.

At the last Board of Regents meeting, there were several new alcohol licenses that were approved … but [Coffman] was not recommended …

Well, I think probably the primary reason is that that would be a brand-new license. We currently don’t have a license to serve the public in Coffman, which, of course, is the student union. So I think there needs to be some more conversation, first off, about ‘Is it a good idea to serve alcohol in a student union?’ … And in addition, if you do think it’s a good idea, we need a really robust business plan about where that would be located physically in Coffman and what the profit and loss from it would look like.

In your view, is there a place for alcohol sales at Coffman?

You know, I’m of two minds about it. I would say I haven’t decided yet on my view on that. There really are pros and cons, and I think we need a robust discussion about what would make sense for that. Frankly, much like the tobacco-smoking ban, I think the community needs to decide collectively what the right thing to do is.

The University recently submitted a bonding request … for more than $230 million. What are the chances, do you think, that all of that will be met by the state?

Well, I think historically we don’t get all that we ask for, but this will be … a normal bonding year, and the expectation is that it will be a pretty robust bonding bill all in all, and the University should get a good share of that.

In terms of the [TFA] and [CEHD] potential partnership, as you may be aware, that has been a somewhat controversial discussion. … Do you think this [partnership] is a good idea?

I think we need a balanced approach. I think [TFA] has some very positive aspects, and I think having that program at the University in collaboration, cooperation or co-existence … with our other teaching programs would be fine. The ultimate decision on this is [CEHD Dean] Jean Quam’s. 

… I understand the reasons that some people are opposed to it, but in the community, there are a lot of people who are in favor of [TFA], so I think a balanced approach is something that makes sense for the University.

We’re coming into a new academic school year. [What are] some of your top priorities for the coming year, and what changes might students see on campus?

It’s a great entering class — once again, the most academically qualified class. We had 43,000 applications for 5,500 spots. It’s a remarkable statement about the [University] and the quality that we have. So, I’m looking forward to engaging with those students.

… I think academically, you’ll see us continue to move towards using technology more effectively in the classroom. You’ll see, I think, more active learning classes. I think you’ll see faculty engaging in those new ways of teaching.

So, [there are] great opportunities for students to get a wonderful education at the [University] and take part in the dramatic range of student life that we have available.

By: Janice Bitters

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

Kaler talked about the new $190 million athletics facilities plan, the future of alcohol sales at Coffman Union and the potential Teach for America partnership with the College of Education and Human Development.

You seemed optimistic [about Norwood Teague’s $190 million facilities plan] during the July 10 Board of Regents meeting, [but] what concerns might you have?

Let me sort of talk about that in a little bit different way. So, in my view, there are three things you have to do if you want to get something accomplished. The first is figure out what it is you need. The second is figure out how do you pay for it, and the third is do it. And so right now we have done step one of those things. … We don’t intend to ask the state for help in that — we think the state dollars should be used for academic priorities, so it’s a private fundraising activity. It might be enhanced by other ticket sales or media revenue. It’s primarily a private fundraising goal.

Do you think the $190 million is going to be difficult to achieve, or do you think that is do-able?

I think, over time, it is do-able.

Congress has agreed on a solution to lower student loan rates for the coming year. I’m interested to know how you feel about the agreement they have come to.

You know, I’m glad they

have reached an agreement. I’m glad the loan rates are lower than they potentially could have been, but it’s a compromise agreement, and I think it’s probably the best Congress could do under the current conditions. And I think it provides some certainty, so students know what is coming ahead, and that’s a good thing.

Do I wish the rates were lower? Sure I do. I think it is probably all in all a good outcome.

You signed a letter with more than 160 people that basically asked President Barack Obama to close the “innovation deficit.” I’d first like to identify what exactly that means.

So I view — and I think the other people who signed that letter view — this innovation deficit as this gap between what the United States is investing in research and in higher education. That gap between what we are doing and what our competitor countries are doing is very worrisome.

… And around the world, we are competing for the quality jobs. Things can get done in Shanghai or Minneapolis, and if you live in Minneapolis, you want those high-quality jobs to be in Minnesota. And so we need to invest in the machinery that creates that kind of innovation, and that is higher education.

Was your recent visit to China kind of what prompted your interest in this topic?

I’ve been interested in this for years and years. I mean, I’m a scientist, so this is kind of what I do. But certainly, the recent trip to China just reinforced what I already knew. The Chinese are spending like crazy to educate people and to enable people to be able to be innovative, and again, that’s the competition.

The Board of Regents have a new academic health committee [this year]. What specific topics do you personally hope they’ll address through this new committee?

Well, this is aimed at really helping the board become more educated about what we do in the academic health space. So it is really a committee about what is the future of academic education, research and patient care at the [University]. So it’s meant to be forward-looking but also a way for board members to become more broadly educated about what we do in the academic health enterprise.

After the proposal to merge with [the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview] was declined earlier this year, … is the University still hoping to enter into an agreement like that?

So, our relationship with Fairview right now is very stable. We’ve entered into what we’ve called an integrated structure — and we’ll come up with a better name for that soon — which allows … the University of Minnesota Physicians in particular … and Fairview to co-manage some of our assets in the health area. And we think that’s going to be a better partnership, and we’re looking forward to seeing that grow. It will improve the medical school, it will improve the experience of our students and residents, it will improve patient care; and we are in the process of rolling that out.

At the last Board of Regents meeting, there were several new alcohol licenses that were approved … but [Coffman] was not recommended …

Well, I think probably the primary reason is that that would be a brand-new license. We currently don’t have a license to serve the public in Coffman, which, of course, is the student union. So I think there needs to be some more conversation, first off, about ‘Is it a good idea to serve alcohol in a student union?’ … And in addition, if you do think it’s a good idea, we need a really robust business plan about where that would be located physically in Coffman and what the profit and loss from it would look like.

In your view, is there a place for alcohol sales at Coffman?

You know, I’m of two minds about it. I would say I haven’t decided yet on my view on that. There really are pros and cons, and I think we need a robust discussion about what would make sense for that. Frankly, much like the tobacco-smoking ban, I think the community needs to decide collectively what the right thing to do is.

The University recently submitted a bonding request … for more than $230 million. What are the chances, do you think, that all of that will be met by the state?

Well, I think historically we don’t get all that we ask for, but this will be … a normal bonding year, and the expectation is that it will be a pretty robust bonding bill all in all, and the University should get a good share of that.

In terms of the [TFA] and [CEHD] potential partnership, as you may be aware, that has been a somewhat controversial discussion. … Do you think this [partnership] is a good idea?

I think we need a balanced approach. I think [TFA] has some very positive aspects, and I think having that program at the University in collaboration, cooperation or co-existence … with our other teaching programs would be fine. The ultimate decision on this is [CEHD Dean] Jean Quam’s. 

… I understand the reasons that some people are opposed to it, but in the community, there are a lot of people who are in favor of [TFA], so I think a balanced approach is something that makes sense for the University.

We’re coming into a new academic school year. [What are] some of your top priorities for the coming year, and what changes might students see on campus?

It’s a great entering class — once again, the most academically qualified class. We had 43,000 applications for 5,500 spots. It’s a remarkable statement about the [University] and the quality that we have. So, I’m looking forward to engaging with those students.

… I think academically, you’ll see us continue to move towards using technology more effectively in the classroom. You’ll see, I think, more active learning classes. I think you’ll see faculty engaging in those new ways of teaching.

So, [there are] great opportunities for students to get a wonderful education at the [University] and take part in the dramatic range of student life that we have available.