Lawmakers Eye Higher Bar To Constitutional Changes
Minnesota lawmakers who saw colleagues put several hot-button political issues on the statewide ballot in 2012 are now mulling proposals that would make it harder to do that again.
Watch CBS News
Minnesota lawmakers who saw colleagues put several hot-button political issues on the statewide ballot in 2012 are now mulling proposals that would make it harder to do that again.
Republican leaders in the Minnesota Legislature say the $1.2 billion budget surplus is no cause for celebration because it shows state government overtaxes its citizens. Republicans unveiled their response Friday to news of the enhanced surplus: "Give it back."
Make no waves. That's a guiding principle for the Democrats in charge of Minnesota's Legislature, which gathers Tuesday for an annual session that could extend into mid-May. Party leaders are eager to prevent, or at least contain, controversy that can leave a bad taste for voters or alienate important constituencies in a year when the Democratic House majority and Gov. Mark Dayton's re-election are on the line.
Democrats who lead the Minnesota Legislature left no doubt Wednesday that a minimum wage increase of some kind will prevail in the upcoming session.
A coalition of transportation, business and labor interests proposes a new 5-percent sales tax on fuel in Minnesota to help raise money for new transportation projects. The $750-million-a year roads and transit plan from the group calling itself Move MN is being unveiled Tuesday at a legislative hearing.
Some of Minnesota's well-known mayors, including the mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul, are putting their weight behind an effort to pass Minnesota's first minimum wage hike in 8 years.
Minnesota funeral homes could soon face new requirements when it comes to sharing pricing information. A bill the Legislature will consider this year would compel funeral providers to post their prices on the Internet if they already maintain a Web site.
Forget the return of deep snow and cold temperatures. The forecast Minnesota's political class is watching this week has to do with the state budget.
The Minnesota Vikings have broken ground on their new stadium. Team owners and officials were joined by hundreds of local politicians, business leaders and purple-clad fans Tuesday morning to commemorate the start of construction on the billion-dollar project.
A state security panel backed the idea of more regular permit checks for gun owners who want to carry weapons in the State Capitol, but fell short of votes Tuesday on a proposal to ban guns altogether in certain state government buildings or areas.
A Minnesota legislator who has taken a visible role in public safety and gun issues says he won't run for a 10th term in the 2014 election. State Rep. Michael Paymar announced Wednesday he will leave the Legislature after his current term expires.
There is so little oversight of a state program that has spent $44 million promoting sustainable forestry on private land that lawmakers should make significant changes to it or scrap it altogether, Minnesota's legislative auditor said Tuesday.
A Minnesota legislative panel formed to keep tabs on the Vikings stadium deal is meeting to go over a recently signed lease and the development agreement. The Legislative Commission on Minnesota Sports Facilities lacks power to alter the agreements.
A contingent of Minnesota legislators and convention bureau representatives is in Atlanta trying to convince lawmakers from elsewhere to put the Twin Cities in their travel plans. More than a dozen Minnesota lawmakers are at the National Conference of State Legislature's summer summit.
The Minnesota Legislature's most senior members are getting a rundown on how the state's economy is performing. Nine top House members and nine from the Senate were due to convene the Legislative Commission on Planning and Fiscal Policy on Thursday.
Lobbying groups spent more than $11 million at the Minnesota Legislature this past session, according to Minnesota's Campaign Finance Board. Now, there's a new player at the top of the spending list.
Top Minnesota lawmakers purposely delayed the start of a new sales tax on warehousing services until next April in case they need to revise or undo it before then. The storage service tax, which doesn't apply to mini-storage rentals, became a point of dispute.
Gov. Mark Dayton and Democratic legislative leaders call the just-finished session a success and that they accomplished what they set out to do. Dayton and the lawmakers held a Tuesday news conference at the Capitol, just a few hours after the session wrapped at midnight.
Minnesota lawmakers worked right up to the end Monday before adjourning a session that produced $2.1 billion in tax hikes and a historic vote on gay marriage. The gavel fell after a frenetic final push to wrap up major issues.
A few final debates echoed through the state Capitol Monday, as lawmakers haggled over tax increases and union organizing in a session that's already seen a big spike in spending on schools and a landmark law legalizing gay marriage.
Extensive work on the 107-year-old state Capitol is getting the go-ahead from Minnesota lawmakers in a late financial rescue package. A borrowing proposal that came together on the Legislature's final day includes $109 million for the next phase of a renovation to the deteriorating building. The money was needed this year to keep underway construction from halting. A new parking ramp will be authorized, but paid for with fees from users.
Minnesota voters will decide in 2016 if the constitution should be changed to let an independent board set the pay of legislators. The state Senate voted 43-23 early Monday to put the proposed amendment on the statewide ballot. It follows a tighter House vote on the identical measure.
North Dakota is promoting its business climate at Minnesota's expense, and some politicians are not happy about it. The Greater North Dakota Chamber has created billboards that mock proposals in the Minnesota Legislature, including bills that would raise certain taxes.
Nearly 100 amendments await Minnesota House lawmakers if they move ahead as planned on a bill that could lead to unionization of in-home day care providers and personal care attendants. The volume foreshadows a long fight should the House brings the bill up on Saturday as planned.
With time running out in this year's session, Minnesota lawmakers appear to be close to a deal for the next state budget. It doesn't involve taxing clothing or any changes to the alcohol tax, but there will be some noticeable changes for some people.
Over the weekend, the Eastview High School gym transformed into a stage for hundreds of high school dancers to compete for the title of Miss Dance Team Minnesota.
According to a survey by the American Psychological Association, 69% of the nation is stressed about the presidential election.
Sunday marks the first time the DNC is projecting counterprogramming onto a building while Trump will be inside it, but it's far from the first time Democrats have deployed the technique.
Minneapolis police are investigating after two people were killed and another person was injured in a shooting Sunday afternoon.
As part of its campaign to promote "Call of Duty: Black Ops 6," video game developer Activision took over Kris Lindahl's ad space.
Over the weekend, the Eastview High School gym transformed into a stage for hundreds of high school dancers to compete for the title of Miss Dance Team Minnesota.
Minneapolis police are investigating after two people were killed and another person was injured in a shooting Sunday afternoon.
As part of its campaign to promote "Call of Duty: Black Ops 6," video game developer Activision took over Kris Lindahl's ad space.
Benilde-St. Margaret's — a catholic school that started in 1907 — is a place steeped in history, a place where a history-making educator walks the halls.
A 36-year-old man who was on parole shot and killed his pregnant ex-wife and injured another during a carjacking in St. Paul, charges say.
A swim instructor, certified to teach kids with special needs, is aiming to help Minnesota families through virtual trainings.
Homelessness is a difficult issue to quantify, but for more than three decades the Wilder Foundation has been trying to do just that through the Minnesota Homeless Study.
When a small town was looking for a dog park, a high school senior stepped up. Jaxon Wagner made an idea a reality in the town of Montevideo.
Two men are dead following a head-on crash involving two pickup trucks on Thursday morning in northeastern Minnesota.
A man accused of killing one person and injuring another while leading police on a high-speed chase in western Minnesota following a domestic violence-related standoff in Minneapolis was charged Thursday morning.
Wisconsin bars are known for their pints and their patrons. About the last thing you'd expect to discover in such a place would be 55 feet of historic American artwork.
As Election Day gets closer, experts say both campaigns are working around the clock to pick up as many voters as possible.
In-person early voting is kicking off across battleground Wisconsin, with former President Barack Obama and Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz hosting a rally in liberal Madison.
Racial justice advocates are calling for action after a substitute teacher in Woodbury was accused of reenacting George Floyd's murder in class.
Firefighters' efforts were hampered by the strong winds and downed power lines, as well as a broken natural gas line, officials say.
Benilde-St. Margaret's — a catholic school that started in 1907 — is a place steeped in history, a place where a history-making educator walks the halls.
Inspiring a generation to connect by using culture, music and food — that is the goal of a group of diverse Minnesotans committed to bridging the gap between people of different backgrounds.
A Minnesota mother is on a mission to protect children with autism and ease the burden on their families.
After Denise Godwin received a terminal breast cancer diagnosis last November, she decided to go big in her final months with a haunted house display unlike any other in the Halloween Capital of the World.
A groundbreaking for a place that's expected to be a game changer for food entrepreneurs took place Wednesday. Northside Economic Opportunity Network's, also known as NEON, Collective Kitchen will provide commercial kitchen space — and opportunity.
According to a survey by the American Psychological Association, 69% of the nation is stressed about the presidential election.
Sunday marks the first time the DNC is projecting counterprogramming onto a building while Trump will be inside it, but it's far from the first time Democrats have deployed the technique.
Sen. JD Vance, the Republican candidate for vice president, noted that his wife, Usha, is his "top adviser," and outlined his pitch to women voters.
CBS News' Norah O'Donnell talks with Kamala Harris about women's healthcare, and a prospective return of Donald Trump to the White House.
The rally in Kalamazoo was Michelle Obama's first appearance on the campaign trail since she spoke at the Democratic National Convention
A car, stolen in Chicago and recovered in Minnesota, was brought into Best Autobody in Blaine to be looked at. The car's owner now says the shop is asking for $30,000 or her car will be sent to auction.
Holiday spending could break an all-time record this year. The National Retail Federation predicts that sales could hit a whopping $989 billion this season.
Rising prescription drug prices can be tough to swallow, but apps and websites can help lower your pharmacy bill.
Years after Krispy Kreme vanished from Minnesota following a much-ballyhooed opening blitz, the doughnut chain is planning to return to the state.
Every year, about a third of all food in the United States goes to waste. A healthy portion of that is due to confusion about labeling dates.
Minneapolis police are investigating after two people were killed and another person was injured in a shooting Sunday afternoon.
A 36-year-old man who was on parole shot and killed his pregnant ex-wife and injured another during a carjacking in St. Paul, charges say.
Police in Brooklyn Park are investigating a domestic stabbing that took place overnight Saturday.
The Minneapolis Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred Saturday morning at a homeless encampment in Minneapolis, leaving two people injured and one dead.
A 26-year-old man is facing murder charges in connection with a shooting that killed two men at a tobacco shop in Minneapolis' Dinkytown neighborhood, county attorney says.
According to a survey by the American Psychological Association, 69% of the nation is stressed about the presidential election.
The EPA has finalized stricter rules meant to limit the exposure of children to lead paint.
One year into Minnesota's free school meals program, the state's DFL leaders are defending the decision to go millions of dollars over budget to serve nearly 150 million meals to students.
McDonald's said it believes onions may be to blame for the deadly E. coli outbreak linked to its Quarter Pounder.
Fauci was scheduled to speak at Northrop at 6 p.m. Earlier in the day, some students gathered in support of the 11 pro-Palestinian protesters arrested on campus on Monday.
During six undistinguished seasons in the major leagues, Bob Uecker never played an inning for the Milwaukee Brewers. But during his more than half-century as the team's play-by-play announcer, he has become a mascot for the game.
The lead singer-songwriter for the superstar band Fleetwood Mac who became a superstar solo artist talks about her latest song, "The Lighthouse," that was inspired by her own experience with abortion, and a strong desire to "do something."
Phil Lesh, bassist and founding member of The Grateful Dead, died surrounded by his family, a post on his Instagram said.
Joe Rogan interviewed former President Donald Trump at his studio Friday. Here's what to know about the show.
Celebrity chef and restauranteur Justin Sutherland was arrested inside a St. Paul Spirit Halloween store on Thursday after police say an officer spotted him with a woman who has a no-contact order against him.
Prior Lake battled Farmington in the first round of section playoffs. Plus, hear from the coach of the Two Rivers High School football team, who is looking to continue their unbeaten streak.
Over the weekend, the Eastview High School gym transformed into a stage for hundreds of high school dancers to compete for the title of Miss Dance Team Minnesota.
During six undistinguished seasons in the major leagues, Bob Uecker never played an inning for the Milwaukee Brewers. But during his more than half-century as the team's play-by-play announcer, he has become a mascot for the game.
Julius Randle had 24 points nine rebounds and five assists and the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Toronto Raptors 112-101.
Max Brosmer threw two of his season-high four touchdown passes early, Justin Walley added a pick-six and Minnesota scored three first-quarter touchdowns and easily beat Maryland 48-23.
As Election Day gets closer, experts say both campaigns are working around the clock to pick up as many voters as possible.
As Election Day gets closer, experts say both campaigns are working around the clock to pick up as many voters as possible.
As Election Day gets closer, experts say both campaigns are working around the clock to pick up as many voters as possible.
As Election Day gets closer, experts say both campaigns are working around the clock to pick up as many voters as possible.
With nearly two weeks until Election Day, the polls are tighter than ever. One development that has Democrats concerned and Republicans thrilled is Trump's relative strength with minority voters.
Wisconsin bars are known for their pints and their patrons. About the last thing you'd expect to discover in such a place would be 55 feet of historic American artwork.
Did you know Minnesota has a real castle? Miller Castle, near Nisswa.
In this edition of Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen takes us through the long history and evolution of the Goldy Gopher mascot.
The town has embraced the stones so much that every summer they have Agate Days, also known as the largest rock show in Minnesota, with over 100 vendors.
Eagles, pigs and aliens are three things that don't typically fit together. But at Mimi and Papa's in the far-southern Minnesota town of Windom, there's a lot that doesn't quite fit together.
Homelessness is a difficult issue to quantify, but for more than three decades the Wilder Foundation has been trying to do just that through the Minnesota Homeless Study.
With glowing eyes and a crooked smile, jack-o-lanterns crop up every Halloween, but where did the tradition come from?
It takes 15 to 20 minutes for most adults to fall asleep. During that period, an odd sensation can occur which about seven out of 10 of us experience: bedtime twitches.
Holiday spending could break an all-time record this year. The National Retail Federation predicts that sales could hit a whopping $989 billion this season.
The earliest snowfall in the Twin Cities was Sept. 24, 1985 — coming in a fourth-tenths of an inch. The latest first snowfall was on Dec. 3, 1928.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Thursday night due to the arrival of a severe geomagnetic storm.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Monday night.
Storms ripped through parts of Minnesota and western Wisconsin on Thursday evening. There were several reports of tornadoes and trees were downed in the metro and beyond, including in Cottage Grove, Anoka, Champlin and Fridley.
A powerful thunderstorm tore through the grounds of the Minnesota State Fair on Monday night, delaying Tuesday's opening.
A severe thunderstorm swept through the Twin Cities metro late Monday evening, bringing sights to behold.
Meteorologist Lisa Meadows says Monday will be windy and warm, with potentially record-breaking highs on Tuesday.
In Minnesota, weather can be all over the place. Here at WCCO, we want to give you what you need to prepare for what's happening next.
WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows says tomorrow will be windy and top out in the low 70s.
WCCO meteorologist Riley O'Connor says Sunday will be a beautiful day with plenty of sunshine and highs in the mid-60s.
Sunday will be a beautiful day with plenty of sunshine and highs in the mid-60s.
Meteorologist Lisa Meadows says Monday will be windy and warm, with potentially record-breaking highs on Tuesday.
Some Vikings fans from Wisconsin are channeling their frustration into funny. Megan Gangnon's sons -- Archer, Whitt and Sully -- dressed up to recreate the moment.
This is the second homeless encampment shooting in two days
WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows says tomorrow will be windy and top out in the low 70s.
Over the weekend, the Eastview High School gym transformed into a stage for hundreds of high school dancers to compete for the title of Miss Dance Team Minnesota. As Marielle Mohs shows us, this competition can lead to big opportunities for a dancer's future.