republican lawmakers

A Republican lawmaker is introducing a bill that would allow civil unions in Minnesota.

Four Republican senators have asked Minnesota's highest court to prevent the judicial branch from authorizing state spending in a government shutdown. The petition filed Monday says court-ordered funding for critical services would violate the constitutional separation of powers and infringe on the Legislature's power to appropriate money.

Top Republican lawmakers are urging Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton to call a special session to avoid a government shutdown, even though the two sides remain stalemated on the budget. Dayton has sole power to convene a special session, but he has repeatedly said he won't do so until he and GOP lawmakers reach an overall budget deal.

Minnesota lawmakers are making a new push to let bars and restaurants increase their charitable gaming offerings to video lottery terminals, electronic bingo and electronic pull tabs. Two Republicans legislators unveiled the latest version of the bill Tuesday.