Push to Revoke Sales Tax Funding For Rochester Project Failed

St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News) - The 2026 session of the Minnesota Legislature adjourned at midnight Sunday.

Minnesota Legislature Ends Historic Split Session

It was the most narrowly divided legislative session in Minnesota history, with Democrats and Republicans each holding 67 seats in the State House and Democrats holding a one-vote majority in the State Senate. The final hours of the session featured approval of the budget package that includes a $1.2 billion state bonding bill for public works projects.

Google

Lawmakers Approve Bonding Bill and Tax Relief

The package, which was agreed upon late last week by Governor Tim Walz and legislative leaders, also includes $125 million for property tax relief and just over $250 million that will be directed toward a one-time reduction in vehicle license tab fees. State lawmakers also approved approximately $700 million for hospital financial stabilization, including $205 million to address the financial crisis at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis.

City of Rochester

Rochester Sports Complex Funding Survives Challenge

A bid by Rochester Democrat lawmakers to prevent the City of Rochester from using sales tax dollars to fund a new Regional Sports Complex failed. State Representatives Andy Smith, Tina Liebling, and Kim Hicks, along with State Senator Liz Bolden, had introduced bills that would have revoked the voter-approved authorization to direct $65 million in local sales tax revenue to the project.

fredrocko

Gun Control and Immigration Bills Stall at Capitol

The closely divided Legislature also failed to approve Democrat proposals to ban assault-style semi-automatic firearms and large-capacity ammunition magazines. The gun control measures were included in a public safety bill approved in the Senate, but despite a "sit-in" staged by some Democrat state representatives, the Senate bill was not brought up for a vote in the State House.

Get our free mobile app

(Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

The House also did not vote on an immigration bill approved by Senate Democrats that called for restrictions on federal immigration agents in Minnesota in the aftermath of the Operation Metro Surge crackdown earlier this year. The bill would have prohibited ICE officers from wearing masks and required judicial warrants for them to enter schools, healthcare facilities, and child care settings.

(State Capitol Correspondent Bill Werner contributed to this article)

Stunning Minnesota Home For Sale On Lake Superior Actually Has Rooftop Pickleball

Welcome to 1430 Stoney Point Drive, which sits on 2.07 acres and includes approximately 250 feet of private shoreline on Lake Superior.

The heart of the home is a dramatic kitchen, dining, and great room where two full stories of floor-to-ceiling windows pull the water directly into the space.

The oversized kitchen anchors it all, with a massive center island that seats five, double ovens, a smart refrigerator, and a large walk-in pantry. Down the hall, the primary suite wakes you up to Lake Superior views every morning, with a soaking tub and a 10x14 custom walk-in closet rounding out the retreat.

The upper floors add a lofted office overlooking the great room, a workout space framed by sweeping lake views, an additional bedroom and bath, and approximately 1,300 square feet of unfinished space, ready for whatever vision you bring.

However, the features that truly set this home apart are the ones nobody sees coming.

Step outside from the upper level, and you're on a rooftop pickleball court. Head downstairs, and there's a half basketball court in the basement.

The first floor, which was previously used as a short-term rental, includes a second full kitchen, bath, and laundry. A heated four-car attached garage completes the picture.

Stoney Point is nationally known among freshwater surfing enthusiasts, and this property puts you right at the edge of it, along with your own private shoreline to fish for lake trout, paddle out, or let the sound of Lake Superior do its thing.

Take a look inside one of the most remarkable homes currently on the market in Duluth, Minnesota.

Gallery Credit: Listed by Alicia Lokke, Realtor at Messina & Associates Real Estate