Minimum Wage, Big Checks Spur Obama Minnesota Trip
President Barack Obama's latest trip to Minnesota is about drawing attention to the state's about-to-increase minimum wage and drawing campaign checks to assist House Democrats in the fall.
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President Barack Obama's latest trip to Minnesota is about drawing attention to the state's about-to-increase minimum wage and drawing campaign checks to assist House Democrats in the fall.
Six months ago, a Twin Cities business took a risk few have voluntarily taken. Before state law changed minimum wage laws in April, the owner of Punch Pizza increased wages to $10 an hour -- a $2.5 million investment over the next 10 years.
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development officials say the summer job outlook for teens is looking pretty good this year. DEED Jobs Analyst Oriane Casale says the unemployment rate for teens in Minnesota is down substantially from the last two years.
A Twin Cities pizza chain is getting national attention once again for leading the way with higher employee wages. "Hi, everybody. In my state of the union address, I talked about pizza. More specifically, I talked about a pizza chain in Minneapolis - Punch Pizza - whose owner, John Soranno, made the business decision to give his employees a raise to ten bucks an hour," President Obama said in his weekly address.
Gov. Mark Dayton is capping a push to raise Minnesota's minimum wage with a ceremony to sign the bill doing just that. Dayton planned to turn the bill into law Monday afternoon in the Capitol Rotunda.
Gov. Mark Dayton plans to sign the minimum wage bill into law on Monday, bringing one of the country's lowest rates to one of the highest in the nation.
Lawmakers will be less than a month from the mandatory session finish line when they return to the Capitol after Easter, but don't be surprised if they make an earlier break for it. Much of the heavy lifting of the election-year session is done. Negotiators from the House, Senate and Gov. Mark Dayton's administration forecast more ease than usual buttoning up remaining tax and budget bills.
President Barack Obama is praising Minnesota lawmakers for raising the state's minimum wage.
Minnesota lawmakers are prepared for the final vote on a bill significantly boosting the minimum wage. House approval Thursday would send the bill to Gov. Mark Dayton, who supports the plan to raise the wage to $9.50 by 2016.
The bill ushering in one of the nation's highest minimum wages is hitting the Minnesota Senate floor and could reach Gov. Mark Dayton by week's end.
Minnesota legislative leaders appear to have reached a deal to raise the state's minimum wage. No details have been announced, but top lawmakers called a news conference for Monday morning to discuss an agreement.
This legislative session has stalled out with battles over a proposed $90 million Senate office building and a proposed minimum wage increase. But the battle is not between Republicans and Democrats - it's the Democrats who are fighting amongst themselves. With Democrats controlling the Minnesota House and Senate as well as the governor's office, it's the Democrats who are battling with each other over key issues.
Despite a collection of traditional adversaries aligning in opposition Friday, Democratic senators advanced a proposed ballot measure to let voters resolve a legislative deadlock over the minimum wage. A Senate jobs panel endorsed a constitutional amendment on a party-line vote over the objections of business, labor, faith and other advocacy groups. The measure would let voters decide if increases in the minimum wage should be automatically tied to inflation starting in 2017.
Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk says voters should decide whether Minnesota's minimum wage climbs automatically. A constitutional amendment that he and another prominent senator put in play Thursday would ask voters this fall if they think the wage should be forever linked to inflation.
Public bargaining is resuming over Minnesota's minimum wage. A House-Senate conference committee trying to forge a deal is scheduled to convene on Tuesday. The committee hasn't met since early in March after getting bogged down.
The push is growing to raise the minimum wage in Minnesota. Some lawmakers want to pass a bill this session to raise it to $9.50 an hour, but some workers in Minneapolis were rallying for much more Saturday. "I believe workers have a right, have a basic human right to be able to make enough money to raise their families and have safe affordable housing," Veronica Mendez Moore from Minneapolis said.
Another Minnesota-based company is hiking its own minimum wage. Mahtomedi-based Chuck and Don's Pet Food Outlet is giving its employees a starting wage of $10.10 an hour. Company founder Chuck Anderson says he didn't want to wait for mandates from the government to do what he calls "the right thing."
Restaurant and resort owners were at the Capitol Monday, lobbying against the proposed increase in the minimum wage. They say most servers already make well over the minimum wage when you factor in tips. Some said the increase would force them to lay off employees and raise prices, and they are trying to get lawmakers to carve out exceptions to the current proposed increase.
A political coalition pushing for a minimum wage increase in Minnesota is rallying in the Capitol rotunda as the new legislative session gets underway. House Speaker Paul Thissen and Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk are scheduled to speak at the Tuesday event sponsored by the Raise the Wage Coalition.
The Minnesota House quickly passed a bill Tuesday to send emergency heating aid to people suffering through the brutal winter, setting a rapid pace on the first day of what could be a quick legislative session.
Democrats who lead the Minnesota Legislature left no doubt Wednesday that a minimum wage increase of some kind will prevail in the upcoming session.
Democrats who lead the Minnesota Legislature left no doubt Wednesday that a minimum wage increase of some kind will prevail in the upcoming session.
As Minnesota's legislative session nears, one of the state's minimum-wage champions has issued a challenge. Five House colleagues accepted Golden Valley Democrat Rep. Ryan Winkler's invitation Tuesday to live for a week on the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour.
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.
President Barack Obama shed a national spotlight on Minnesota Tuesday night when he praised a Minneapolis business owner during his State of the Union speech.
Faith leaders will hold a news conference Tuesday in the Twin Cities to announce the participation of "hundreds of Minnesota places of worship" in "A Day of Truth and Freedom" — which calls for people to not work, shop or go to school this Friday.
Authorities are investigating after a 27-year-old man was shot in Alexandria, Minnesota early Tuesday.
The U.S. Department of Justice said Monday that claims made in a lawsuit filed in an effort to stave off the ICE surge in Minnesota are "legally frivolous."
The streaming service is sweetening its offer amid Paramount Skydance's hostile takeover bid for the Hollywood studio.
In an exclusive interview from her jail cell, Aimee Bock defended her conduct in Minnesota's Feeding Our Future fraud case, but admitted regrets.
Faith leaders will hold a news conference Tuesday in the Twin Cities to announce the participation of "hundreds of Minnesota places of worship" in "A Day of Truth and Freedom" — which calls for people to not work, shop or go to school this Friday.
The U.S. Department of Justice said Monday that claims made in a lawsuit filed in an effort to stave off the ICE surge in Minnesota are "legally frivolous."
Thousands of students will return to Minnesota's largest university for the start of the spring semester on Tuesday.
A man is in the hospital and a woman is in custody after a shooting in the Loring Park neighborhood of Minneapolis on Monday afternoon, according to police.
The bullet holes that pierced the front door to State Sen. John Hoffman's Champlin, Minnesota, home served as a stark reminder of the unthinkable act of political violence he and his family endured in the early morning hours of June 14 last year. They haven't moved away. And he isn't leaving political life, either.
Faith leaders will hold a news conference Tuesday in the Twin Cities to announce the participation of "hundreds of Minnesota places of worship" in "A Day of Truth and Freedom" — which calls for people to not work, shop or go to school this Friday.
Authorities are investigating after a 27-year-old man was shot in Alexandria, Minnesota early Tuesday.
A 76-year-old man is believed to be dead after a fire north of Duluth, Minnesota, on Monday, authorities said.
Outside of the Twin Cities, communities in greater Minnesota are feeling the impact of ICE activity. A week ago, hundreds of protesters confronted federal agents at a Somali mall in St. Cloud.
Minnesotans could have the chance to see the northern lights on Monday evening, as a strong geomagnetic storm is expected to hit Earth's magnetic field.
A Wisconsin man accused of sending the state Supreme Court's chief justice intimidating emails has been sentenced to probation.
Some schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin are delayed or closed on Tuesday as early morning rain makes the roads slick.
A western Wisconsin town is reveling in the national spotlight.
When he's not playing zone or man, Hall is carving it up at local hills. He has qualified for multiple professional snowboard competitions.
Two people were killed and another hurt in a crash in western Wisconsin Tuesday afternoon.
At Moth Oddities in northeast Minneapolis, volunteers moved through stacks of boxes as donations continued to pour in for families impacted by the increased presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the city.
Many people who serve in the U.S. military find it hard to ask for assistance when they've been trained to help and serve others.
Food Bank Eatery in North Minneapolis provides free meals for children, who may have little to eat after the pause of SNAP benefits for many in the community.
Firefighters are continuing a 44-year tradition that happens every year north of the Twin Cities.
It was a scary moment in the Twin Cities over the weekend, as a trailer hauling sled dogs turned over on Interstate 494 in Minnetonka.
Faith leaders will hold a news conference Tuesday in the Twin Cities to announce the participation of "hundreds of Minnesota places of worship" in "A Day of Truth and Freedom" — which calls for people to not work, shop or go to school this Friday.
President Trump is set to attend the World Economic Forum in Switzerland. While there, he is expected to discuss the U.S. economy and his bid to acquire Greenland.
Andrew Johnson is the latest in a series of pardoned Jan. 6 riot defendants to face new criminal charges.
A U.S. citizen detained by ICE at gunpoint in his underwear in frigid conditions in Minnesota asks, "What did I do wrong?" The Associated Press says
The bullet holes that pierced the front door to State Sen. John Hoffman's Champlin, Minnesota, home served as a stark reminder of the unthinkable act of political violence he and his family endured in the early morning hours of June 14 last year. They haven't moved away. And he isn't leaving political life, either.
It's a business model picking up steam across the Twin Cities. For instance, all the major sports venues in town, like Target Field and U.S. Bank Stadium, no longer accept cash.
WCCO gathered data on core staple items from Aldi in Apple Valley, Target in Fridley and Cub Foods in north Minneapolis.
Minnesota drivers have something to celebrate this holiday — a price drop at the pump.
With costs still high and budgets stretched, getting smarter with money matters more than ever.
There were 584 vehicles towed during this week's snow emergency in Minneapolis. That number stands at 352 and counting in St. Paul, where parking restrictions are in place until 9 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 2.
Authorities are investigating after a 27-year-old man was shot in Alexandria, Minnesota early Tuesday.
In an exclusive interview from her jail cell, Aimee Bock defended her conduct in Minnesota's Feeding Our Future fraud case, but admitted regrets.
Outside of the Twin Cities, communities in greater Minnesota are feeling the impact of ICE activity. A week ago, hundreds of protesters confronted federal agents at a Somali mall in St. Cloud.
Kristi Noem says DHS has arrested 3,000 "criminal illegal aliens including murderers, rapists and incredibly dangerous individuals" in the past six weeks. Among those people is a couple who have called Minnesota home since 1999. WCCO spoke with the three daughters they left behind, who are now fighting to get their parents back home.
The U.S. Department of Justice says claims made in a lawsuit seeking an immediate stop to the surge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Minnesota are "legally frivolous."
Parents looking to get their children vaccinated are navigating confusing times. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently announced new guidelines on the shots it recommends for kids. But the Minnesota Department of Health disagrees with the changes.
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development says it began distributing payments on Friday to over 2,600 Minnesotans.
Just one day after dropping his bid for reelection, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said the state's paid family leave program is one of the most transformational bills the state has ever passed.
Roughly 12,000 Minnesotans have already applied for the state's new paid family leave program, according to an update by the Department of Employment and Economic Development.
It's a beauty technique that's exploding. Depending on your age, you might not have heard of it. It's called micro-needling.
Here is everything you need to know about how to watch and stream the 2026 Golden Globes.
Bob Weir wrote or co-wrote and sang lead vocals on Grateful Dead classics including "Sugar Magnolia," "One More Saturday Night" and "Mexicali Blues."
Here are the significant books, films and characters joining the list of works in the public domain on Jan. 1, 2026.
Isiah Whitlock Jr. is perhaps best known for his role as state Sen. R. Clayton "Clay" Davis on HBO's "The Wire."
The band announced Perry Bamonte's death on their official website on Friday.
Marcus Foligno had his first NHL hat trick to double his season goals total, Vladimir Tarasenko scored twice and the Minnesota Wild beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-3 on Monday night.
A program that had played in a grand total of 13 bowl games in the 130-some years before coach Curt Cignetti arrived in 2024 went on a historic run en route to a 16-0 season and a national title.
The Minnesota Gophers rallied on Sunday after a fall on stage to win first in D1A pom for the fourth season in a row. This was the program's 24th national title.
Mats Zuccarello scored 1:47 into overtime to lead the Minnesota Wild to a 5-4 win over the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center.
Zvonimir Ivisic scored 18 points and pulled down nine rebounds off the bench and Keaton Wagler had 17 points to lead No. 13 Illinois to a 77-67 victory over Minnesota.
You have seen the protests against ICE on the street, but Minnesota's battle against the federal surge is also in federal court.
As residents in the Twin Cities protest in the streets against ICE and federal immigration enforcement actions, Minnesota's battle against the federal surge is also playing out in the federal court system.
The shooting death of Renee Good by an ICE agent has raised several legal questions.
The fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent has raised many legal questions. Constitutional law professor David Schultz, who has taught a class on police, criminal and civil procedure, has some answers.
The DFL race pits two prominent party leaders, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Rep. Angie Craig, against each other.
On Dec. 9, 1965, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" debuted on CBS, and it became an instant classic. Lee Jenkins' home is proof that the show is still a hit six decades later.
Holiday lights are on full display across the state right now, and just south of the Twin Cities you'll find a Christmas light show that's been around for more than half a century.
The story begins years ago when the city acquired one of the T-38 Talon Thunderbird jets from the Air Force.
The holidays are upon us, and in the town of Kellogg, Minnesota, you'll find a toy store unlike any other.
With the holidays fast approaching, and lutefisk on the menu for many families, one Minnesota town has the distinction of being called the "Lutefisk Capital of the Country."
Parents looking to get their children vaccinated are navigating confusing times. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently announced new guidelines on the shots it recommends for kids. But the Minnesota Department of Health disagrees with the changes.
New polling shows most voters do not think last week's deadly ICE shooting was justified. But the Trump administration thinks so and suggested that Renee Good was a domestic terrorist. Experts say that's not a label to be taken lightly.
ICE is making arrests in Minnesota right next to shoppers grabbing groceries. The tense encounters are happening at places like Target, Walmart and other private businesses.
It's a question many people have been asking: What is the cost of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation in Minnesota? WCCO was able to get some numbers.
It's a business model picking up steam across the Twin Cities. For instance, all the major sports venues in town, like Target Field and U.S. Bank Stadium, no longer accept cash.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Tuesday night.
A look at the newest addition to the polar bear population at St. Paul, Minnesota's Como Zoo.
From food shelves to school programs, our team is proud to serve where it matters most.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new food, drinks and vendors for 2025.
A suspect was taken into custody after an attack on Pearl Street Mall in Boulder on June 1 in which there were 15 people and a dog who were victims. The suspect threw Molotov cocktails that burned some of the victims, who were part of a march for Israeli hostages.
Temperatures are going to be dangerously cold by the end of this week, WCCO meteorologist Joseph Dames reports.
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.
Low-impact snow is possible Tuesday in the Twin Cities as arctic air approaches.
Tuesday may bring some light snow to parts of Minnesota, and an arctic chill will take hold in the coming days.
Tuesday may bring some light snow to parts of Minnesota, and an Arctic chill will take hold in the coming days.
Financial expert Dustin Smith, of Wealth Enhancement Group, shares some ideas for parents.
The message faith leaders and community organizers are sharing is for those who are against the surge in ICE enforcement in Minnesota to take part in a shopping and work blackout for Friday, Jan. 23.
Temperatures are going to be dangerously cold by the end of this week, WCCO meteorologist Joseph Dames reports.
A major winter storm slammed the northern U.S. In Michigan, blizzard-like conditions led to a massive pileup involving more than 100 cars and trucks. Meanwhile, an intense snow squall also battered parts of western New York. Tom Hanson reports.
Aimee Bock, who has been called the "mastermind" behind a major fraud case in Minnesota, spoke with CBS News Minnesota's Jonah Kaplan from her jail cell about her alleged crimes.