Plans to expand gambling options in Minnesota have hit a snag in the Senate. Last night, a Senate committee voted down a proposal to open a state-run casino in partnership with three northern Ojibwe tribes. The same committee also rejected a separate plan to authorize slot machines at the Canterbury Park Racetrack in Shakopee. (04/05/2005)

The Minnesota House has agreed to put a ban on same-sex marriages to voters next year. If the Senate concurs, Minnesotans would face a ballot question to restrict marriage to relationships between one man and one woman. Supporters of the measure argue such a constitutional change would preserve the traditional notion of marriage. Opponents say it's discriminatory and unnecessary. (04/01/2005)

The Minnesota Senate has voted to lift a cap on state-subsdized health care benefits for some low-income Minnesotans. Currently, MinnesotaCare health coverage is limited to $5,000 for adults who have no children. Opponents of the bill say the state needs to trim health care costs, rather than expanding benefits. (03/31/2005)

Smoking bans go into effect today across much of the Twin Cities area. Midmorning examines the continued debate surrounding no-smoking ordinances. ( 03/31/2005)

Attorney General Mike Hatch says that Gov. Pawlenty's plan to open a new Twin Cities casino with three northern Minnesota Indian tribes is probably unconstitutional the way it's written, because it calls for the state lottery to run the casino. (03/30/2005)

Gov. Pawlenty and legislative leaders have reached a deal on a package of public works projects. If the agreement holds up, it would mark the most significant breakthrough at the Capitol in more than a year. The Legislature failed to pass a bonding bill last session, in the midst of partisan gridlock. (03/30/2005)

Environmental activists and duck hunters are joining forces in hopes of saving Minnesota's dwindling wetlands. On Saturday they are rallying on the Capitol steps to pressure legislators to pass a host of initiatives aimed at restoring habitats and increasing the waterfowl population. When the unlikely coalition speaks, will legislators listen? ( 03/30/2005)

In the the first major debate of the session on whether to raise taxes, the Minnesota House of Representatives voted to cap state spending at $29.8 billion over the next two years, while rejecting an attempt to raise the limit to provide more money for schools. (03/29/2005)

New smoking bans for bars and restaurants take effect in Bloomington, Minneapolis and Golden Valley, as well as Hennepin and Ramsey Counties Thursday. They join Olmstead County and Duluth. What impact will the bans have on smokers, wait staff, the hospitality industry and public health? Is a statewide ban next? ( 03/29/2005)

The University of Minnesota has signed a $35 million, 25-year deal with TCF Financial Corp., giving the company naming rights for an on-campus football stadium. The proposed $235 million facility would be called "TCF Bank Stadium." (03/24/2005)

As the Minnesota Legislature takes its Easter recess, leaders from the House Republicans and the Senate Democrats talk about the progress of the session. What issues have been resolved? Which ones remain? What do they hope to hear from their constituents during their break? ( 03/24/2005)

The DFL-controlled Senate has approved legislation that would erase a projected deficit. But House Republicans and Governor Pawlenty have attacked the Senate plan as a political gimmick. The disagreement highlights how much work remains before lawmakers are constitutionally required to adjourn in two months. (03/24/2005)

In a departure from the traditional budget process, Senate Democrats proposed a plan Monday to erase the state's projected $466 million budget deficit. The plan is unusual because it deals only with the deficit, and is silent on major spending priorities. (03/21/2005)

Legislators are being bombarded with gambling proposals this session. But the government's involvement in gambling is not a new thing. Midmorning takes a look at the history of state-sponsored gambling. ( 03/21/2005)

High school students are under growing pressure to work harder in their classes and avoid the temptation of coasting to a diploma. (03/21/2005)