The owners of Canterbury Park are raising the stakes in the gambling expansion debate at the Capitol. The horse track and card club in Shakopee Wednesday released a plan to add 3,000 slot machines and 40 black jack tables to the existing facility. In exchange, the state would get a share of the profits. (03/09/2005)

The state senator whose proposed constitutional ban on legal recognition of gay couples said Tuesday that she'd reintroduce it this week. The ban sparked a contentious battle last year, and the Senate Democratic leader responded that if gay marriage goes to a statewide vote, Democrats would insist that voters also weigh in on issues like universal health coverage and the constitutionality of state-sponsored gambling. (03/08/2005)

Gov. Pawlenty's plan for a new state-tribal casino could spark several legal challenges. Pawlenty and leaders of three northern Minnesota Indian tribes have agreed to build a 4,000-slot-machine casino in the metropolitan area. Other Minnesota tribes that aren't involved in the deal aren't ruling out suing the state. (03/07/2005)

Gov. Tim Pawlenty toured the state Friday with officials from three Minnesota Indian tribes to pitch a state-tribal partnership for a new casino in the Twin Cities metro area. But the plan immediately came in for harsh criticism from the state's other eight Indian tribes and some lawmakers. (03/04/2005)

The Minnesota Senate unanimously approved legislation Thursday to strictly control the sale of cold and allergy medicines used to make methamphetamine. (03/03/2005)

Three northern Minnesota Indian tribes are closing in on an agreement with the state to build a Twin Cities area casino. The proposed half-billion dollar entertainment and hotel complex would be operated by the tribes through the Minnesota State Lottery. Not all tribal members are convinced the plan is a good idea. (02/24/2005)

A bill that would legalize Texas Hold'em tournaments cleared its first legislative hurdle on Wednesday. It's one of the smaller gambling proposals lawmakers are likely to consider this session. (02/23/2005)

As lawmakers try to close a $700 million deficit, the leaders of the state's two largest religious denominations want to put a human face on potential cuts to human services. (01/20/2005)

A report from the Minnesota Legislative Auditor says state gambling officials could be doing a much better job regulating Native American casinos, Canterbury Park's poker card room, and pull-tab operations. (01/18/2005)

American Indian tribes that own casinos should join together and provide grants to less-prosperous tribes, the head of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe said Tuesday. (01/11/2005)

Gov. Tim Pawlenty and leaders of three northern Minnesota Indian tribes say they were pleased with an historic meeting on the White Earth Reservation Thursday. The discussion centered on the governor's push to change the landscape of casino gambling in the state. (01/07/2005)

The 84th Minnesota Legislature convened Tuesday with pledges of bipartisanship, followed in the House by a slew of party-line votes. Legislators from both parties say Minnesotans expect them to work together and accomplish something this session. Whether they can accomplish that is still unclear. (01/04/2005)

Supporters of amending the Minnesota Constitution to ban same-sex marriage say they'll renew their push to get the measure on the ballot. They say they're energized by the passage of similar measures in other states on Election Day. (11/15/2004)