A formal request from the University of Minnesota regents will ask the state Legislature for $170 million. The money will be spent on building and renovation projects. The U of M plans to contribute nearly $40 million in addition to the state funding for a university budget of $209 million.

When Tim Mulcahy arrived at the University of Minnesota seven years ago, he didn't realize how bad the university's relationship with the state's business leaders had become. As the U of M's vice-president of research and development prepares for retirement, that relationship has steadily improved. The university's growing track record of new business start-ups helps.

Apple Valley high school basketball star Tyus Jones is only a sophomore, but he's already the No. 1 prized recruit in Minnesota. The Gophers have been recruiting him heavily but as of now, he's not interested in attending the U of M.

The school says it will file an appeal with the Minnesota Supreme Court over the Jimmy Williams lawsuit. An attorney for the school says the judgment "has the potential to harm the University now and in the future." The Court of Appeals upheld an earlier decision saying the school must pay Williams $1 million after promising him a coaching job. Williams reportedly accepted the offer, put his house up for sale and quit his job at Oklahoma State. The U of M athletic director later refused to hire him.

The budget for next school year approved by the University of Minnesota Board of Regents Friday will raise undergraduate tuition by 3.5 percent and fund as many as 100 new faculty. U of M President Eric Kaler said the tuition increase was the lowest in the past 12 years at the university.