Vikings stadium momentum leaves critics disarmed
ST. PAUL — The $1 billion Minnesota Vikings stadium bill sped toward floor votes in the state House and Senate on Tuesday, with a burst of momentum that has opponents of public financing wondering how to stop it.
"I would say it's imminent," said Democratic Sen. John Marty of Roseville, a longtime critic of stadium subsidies. "I think they have the upper hand and I think they're more likely than not to get their stadium within the week."
The Senate Jobs and Economic Development Committee approved the stadium proposal Tuesday on a voice vote.
The committee revised the bill to include more than $40 million to help St. Paul pay off loans related to the construction of the Xcel Energy Center hockey arena and its convention center.
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Mpls. council votes 7-6 for stadium plan
MINNEAPOLIS — The Minneapolis City Council has voted 7-6 to support Mayor R.T. Rybak's Vikings stadium plan.
Tuesday night's test vote followed two hours of public testimony. It's a largely symbolic vote that adds Rybak's stadium plan to the city's lobbying agenda and reaffirms to state lawmakers that Minneapolis has enough support to pass the final legislation.
Rybak has proposed using existing sales taxes to pay for the city's share of a new Vikings stadium at the Metrodome site.
The city's contribution would be $150 million for construction and $198 million for operations.
Daughter testifies in Senser trial
MINNEAPOLIS — The daughter of former Vikings player Joe Senser is expected to be back on the witness stand today during the trial of her stepmother on vehicular homicide charges.
Brittani Senser testified Tuesday that she was "furious" over public speculation that she was behind the wheel of the SUV that struck and killed 38-year-old Anousone Phanthavong on an interstate ramp in Minneapolis on Aug. 23. She testified her father told her about the crash two days later. After nearly a week passed, Senser said she texted her stepmother and told her to take responsibility.
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Amy Senser's attorney, Eric Nelson, faxed her admission to authorities on Sept. 1. Amy Senser says she didn't realize that she had hit someone.
