Today's News: Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Business and Politics
Health exchange bill passes Minn. Senate; heads to Dayton's desk
Lynn Blewett, School of Public Health, discusses the exchange.
MPR
To Listen: http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2013/03/18/politics/health-exchange-bill-passes-legislature
Sen. Al Franken may benefit from deep GOP divisions
As time runs short to mount a realistic challenge to Sen. Al Franken, once an inviting GOP target, Minnesota Republicans are struggling to find a new face. A recent poll, along with Franken’s star-quality fundraising ability, could also dampen Republican enthusiasm, according to U of M political analyst Eric Ostermeier.
Star Tribune
http://www.startribune.com/nation/198708861.html?page=2&c=y
Seeking help with future growth, Rochester already feels strain of expansion
As the Mayo Clinic makes expansion plans and asks for state help to build infrastructure in Minnesota's third largest city, Rochester is feeling financial strain from the rapid growth it has already seen. ...Other mid-size cities like Rochester are also coming to recognize the costs associated with growth, said Professor Ed Goetz, director of the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs at the University of Minnesota.
MPR
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2013/03/19/business/rochester-urban-development
SEIU Local 26 labor victory moves working poor closer to middle class
SEIU Local 26 janitors and security guards—6,000 strong—ratified new contacts with subcontractors that clean and protect Minnesota corporate headquarters and business property. Aaron Sojourner, U of M assistant professor at the Center for Human Resources and Labor Studies, Carlson School of Management, comments.
Twin Cities Daily Planet
http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/news/2013/03/18/seiu-local-26-labor-victory-moves-working-poor-closer-middle-class
People and Lifestyle
Extended winter is clouding Minnesotans' mood
Dr. Chuck Schulz, Medical School, says he has detected a darkening mood among his outpatient clients, which he attributes to the lousy weather and lack of bright sunlight.
Star Tribune
http://www.startribune.com/local/198765151.html
15 Commodity-Friendly Professors
Terry Roe, professor, U of M Department of Applied Economics is named as one of 15 who have "not only helped our understanding of the often complex commodities market, they have also been pioneers in the field, allowing investors of all walks to look at the space from a different perspective.
Commodity HQ
http://commodityhq.com/2013/15-commodity-friendly-professors/
Commentary and Opinion
National Ag Day: Reaching more farmers through ag professionals
Bev Durgen, Dean, U of M Extension, writes about the impact of the agriculture industry for the state of Minnesota on National Agriculture Day.
Cattle Network
http://www.cattlenetwork.com/cattle-news/National-Ag-Day-Reaching-more-farmers-through-ag-professionals-198848881.html
Cesarean rates on rise even in low-risk pregnancies
Katy Kozhimannil, School of Public Health, authors an editorial on recent research that found C-section rates vary widely across hospitals in the U.S.
The Hill's Congress Blog
http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/economy-a-budget/288747-cesarean-rates-on-rise-even-in-low-risk-pregancies
Updates and Events
U of M Siehl Prize winners announced
An expert in wheat diseases, a food company executive and a pair of entrepreneurs have won the University of Minnesota's Siehl Prize in Agriculture.
Star Tribune
http://www.startribune.com/local/198977601.html
UM News
http://www1.umn.edu/news/news-releases/2013/UR_CONTENT_435619.html