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.
It may have been a bumpy start when Jayden Kurtz first stepped on the ice. Fast forward 15 years and Kurtz is coming off a week spent at the NHL draft combine.
According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, there have been 30 motorcycle fatalities so far this year. There were only 13 at this same time last year.
Federal officers arrested two more anti-ICE protesters Wednesday in the Twin Cities, with both going before a judge in St. Paul federal court hours later.
Twin Cities native Michael Larsen, better known as Eyedea, made a name for himself with his freestyle battle rap skills and as one-half of the duo Eyedea & Abilities.
We love the water here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, and researchers are hoping to better understand what we think about their water quality.
Federal officers arrested two more anti-ICE protesters Wednesday in the Twin Cities, with both going before a judge in St. Paul federal court hours later.
Twin Cities native Michael Larsen, better known as Eyedea, made a name for himself with his freestyle battle rap skills and as one-half of the duo Eyedea & Abilities.
We love the water here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, and researchers are hoping to better understand what we think about their water quality.
This time in track and field, Lucy Haugland is competing in the 400, 800 and 1,500 meters in front of a hometown crowd.
Juneteenth is this Friday, and there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate, learn and come together around the Twin Cities through the weekend.
Aaron Banks, 52, entered a guilty plea to one count of theft as part of a plea deal, according to court records.
A crash between an SUV and a motorcycle in eastern Minnesota earlier this month left three people dead, officials said.
Authorities say a semi truck driver in southern Minnesota sideswiped another vehicle Tuesday morning, causing a collision with a third car and killing one of the drivers.
A man charged with threatening a police officer with a knife inside a northern Minnesota dollar store before the officer shot him has been found not guilty due to mental illness, according to court records.
A proposed data center in Elk River, Minnesota, is drawing major backlash from residents.
Jim Troupis, Mike Roman, and Ken Chesebro entered not guilty pleas in Dane County Circuit Court on Tuesday to 11 felony forgery charges tied to a scheme to submit false electoral certificates to Congress after Trump lost Wisconsin in 2020.
A federal judge ruled Tuesday that Hannah Dugan's obstruction of justice conviction will stand, rejecting her legal team's argument that a recent appeals court ruling should have invalidated the case.
A big birthday party is coming up this summer, one that every American can celebrate. And it could help the fireworks industry explode with record sales. WCCO explores how much Americans spend each year on fireworks.
A man serving a life sentence in a Wisconsin prison for killing six hunters during a confrontation over trespassing in 2004 has died, officials said.
Two women were involved in a deadly head-on crash Tuesday night in Chisago City, Minnesota.
On the Lake Harriet shoreline in Minneapolis Saturday evening, dozens of children picked up a fishing rod for the first time.
Hours after the announcement, community members were eager to learn more about the one challenged with leading the most scrutinized police department in the country.
Created by Freedom Reads, a nonprofit organization in Connecticut, the Inside Literary Prize is the first major U.S. book award decided exclusively by incarcerated readers.
A 23-year-old man from Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, faces a criminal vehicular homicide charge after prosecutors say he hit and killed a person on a highway, then fled.
Quincy Street isn't just at the center of Art-A-Whirl, it's at the heart of the Arts District in northeast Minneapolis. The road itself, however, is falling apart. And the only thing bumpier than the exposed brick is the reaction to the city's plans to fix it.
Federal officers arrested two more anti-ICE protesters Wednesday in the Twin Cities, with both going before a judge in St. Paul federal court hours later.
The feds arrested two more anti-ICE protesters today. Both were in front of a judge in St. Paul Federal court this afternoon. Esme Murphy has the latest developments.
Minnesota lawmakers are now calling for Metro Transit to scrap its plans to expand the light rail, more than half a decade into the project.
The agreement, as read by senior U.S. officials, allows Iran to immediately begin exporting oil and petroleum products.
Jim Troupis, Mike Roman, and Ken Chesebro entered not guilty pleas in Dane County Circuit Court on Tuesday to 11 felony forgery charges tied to a scheme to submit false electoral certificates to Congress after Trump lost Wisconsin in 2020.
Target is tapping designer and TV personality Isaac Mizrahi for a newly created role as creative director at large as the discounter aims to reclaim its reputation for stylish clothing on a budget.
Target is voluntarily recalling two types of baby wipes due to concerns that the products may be contaminated with bacteria that may cause "serious and life-threatening infections," the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Friday.
The dream of a woman in Minnesota started with excitement, but quickly unraveled into loss after she said she fell victim to a scheme that targeted more than 30 Spanish speakers.
For years, it was all hands on deck; a business model buoyed by a bevy of free time that sent sales surging in a way never before seen. But as Minnesota enters lake season, outdoor sales for boats, jet skis and more have almost dropped anchor.
Jester Concepts' Monday announcement noted that Borough will mark its remaining five weeks of service through June 27 with events celebrating the restaurant's history, and it encouraged customers to reserve tables during the final weeks.
Federal officers arrested two more anti-ICE protesters Wednesday in the Twin Cities, with both going before a judge in St. Paul federal court hours later.
A St. Paul man is accused of threatening Kaohly Her when she served in the Minnesota House of Representatives on the day her colleague Melissa Hortman was assassinated inside her home.
Aaron Banks, 52, entered a guilty plea to one count of theft as part of a plea deal, according to court records.
Aimee Bock filed an appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit on June 16, contesting both her guilty verdict and the sentencing guidelines applied in her case.
A man charged with threatening a police officer with a knife inside a northern Minnesota dollar store before the officer shot him has been found not guilty due to mental illness, according to court records.
Emily Pearson has a rare genetic disorder that causes severe, painful reactions to sunlight.
Jenn Glass has been taking a GLP-1 since last November. The 53-year-old mother of three has already lost more than 30 pounds, but she's focused on something beyond the number on the scale.
It's a gruesome problem impacting livestock in southern states and veterinarians worry it could come to Minnesota.
Minnesotans weathered the third air quality alert triggered by ozone of the year Monday. If two more happen, it will tie the yearly record.
HCMC in Minneapolis got what they wanted, a large financial boost from lawmakers, and now the leaders of Minnesota's busiest trauma hospital say they'll put their money where their mouths are and get to work restructuring finances.
Twin Cities native Michael Larsen, better known as Eyedea, made a name for himself with his freestyle battle rap skills and as one-half of the duo Eyedea & Abilities.
Luke Skywalker's lightsaber from the "Star Wars" sequel "The Empire Strikes Back" is expected to sell for at least $1 million at an upcoming auction.
Rio de Janeiro's Military Fire Department said one of the helicopters crashed in the parking lot of a car dealership, where several electric vehicles were parked, igniting a fire.
There's plenty to do in Minnesota this weekend, including some major anniversary parties, Maple Grove's ever-popular Chalkfest and much more!
Anthony Head played librarian and mentor Rupert Giles in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and recently appeared in "Ted Lasso."
It may have been a bumpy start when Jayden Kurtz first stepped on the ice. Fast forward 15 years and Kurtz is coming off a week spent at the NHL draft combine.
This time in track and field, Lucy Haugland is competing in the 400, 800 and 1,500 meters in front of a hometown crowd.
Trevor Larnach led off the game with a home run, Kody Clemens added a three-run shot and the Minnesota Twins clinched another series in Texas with an 12-2 victory over the Rangers.
Minnesota Twins catcher Victor Caratini is a master of the strike zone. He's one of the best in baseball at using replay to turn balls into strikes.
Emily Pearson has a rare genetic disorder that causes severe, painful reactions to sunlight.
After disputes about ballots and concerns about voting totals, businessman Kendall Qualls won the endorsement.
Minnesota's endorsing conventions are over, and the story of the weekend is the upset of House Speaker Lisa Demuth in the GOP governor's race.
Minnesota's election season officially kicks off this week as both major parties hold conventions to endorse candidates for governor and U.S. Senate, with competitive battles on the Republican side and clearer paths for Democrats.
Both parties begin the endorsement process today in Rochester and Duluth, with the August primary just two months away.
Friday, the Democratic and Republican parties begin the process of endorsing nominees for statewide offices.
School's out, summer's here, and if you're heading to the lake on Highway 10, you may just stumble upon hidden treasure.
Nearly 40 years ago, a building was sent over piece by piece from Norway to a farm in Chippewa County, Minnesota. It's one of the only stabburs in the United States.
Minneiska, Minnesota, is a small river town on Highway 61 near the Mississippi River, but at one point it was home to a castle.
The sign is 51 feet tall and 63 feet wide. And when it was built 85 years ago it was one of the largest neon signs in the entire country.
There's a place in Wabasha County, Minnesota, where people go wild for wildflowers.
Fifteen Minnesotans charged for conspiracy to impede or injure federal agents are part of what President Trump considers a terrorist group, prosecutors said.
A big birthday party is coming up this summer, one that every American can celebrate. And it could help the fireworks industry explode with record sales. WCCO explores how much Americans spend each year on fireworks.
Minnesotans weathered the third air quality alert triggered by ozone of the year Monday. If two more happen, it will tie the yearly record.
Milder winters mean more ticks survive to the following spring, and a southern species that can trigger a red meat allergy is now gaining ground in Minnesota as a result.
She didn't win her party's endorsement, but Republican Lisa Demuth plans to keep running for governor anyway. History shows that might actually work in her favor.
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
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.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says rain will move out tonight and tomorrow will be breezy and cool with highs in the lower 70s.
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.
Severe thunderstorm watches are in effect through Wednesday night in parts of the metro, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
Multiple days in the next week look to bring clouds and rain, but Saturday should stay dry, WCCO meteorologist Mike Augustyniak reports.
Scattered storms will continue into the evening.
The NHL draft is next week and as always, some Minnesotan skaters will be selected. Ren Clayton caught up with the highest projected Twin Cities area player.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says rain will move out tonight and tomorrow will be breezy and cool with highs in the lower 70s.
A new album was released this year by a Twin Cities hip hop icon. The thing is, the artist has been dead for more than 15 years. Jason Rantala shows us how AI is being used to bring his music back to life.
It's just the start of motorcycle season and there's already an alarming statistic. There have already been 30 motorcycle fatalities in Minnesota this year. Photojournalist Tony Peterson and Derek James talked to a rider and safety official about some of the reasons.
The feds arrested two more anti-ICE protesters today. Both were in front of a judge in St. Paul Federal court this afternoon. Esme Murphy has the latest developments.