Hundreds of residents packed a planning commission meeting to speak out against a proposal to build a Wal-Mart in the city. Residents said they're concerned about traffic, noise, crime and the impact the store would have on local businesses.

The Chanhassen Villager reports the City Council voted unanimously to reject Wal-Mart's proposal.

Picketers are protesting what they call "underpaid" and "underskilled" laborers. The union says a project sub-contractor is trying to cut costs by exploiting workers. AME Construction says those accusations are false and that the company pays workers fairly.

The Ramsey County Charter Commission nixed a proposal to let county residents vote on a proposed sales tax increase that would help pay for a new Vikings stadium. Now a group opposed to the tax say they'll start a petition.

In Minnesota, the Menomonee Falls, Wis.-based retailer says it will hire more than 900 people at its two dozen stores in the state. The company says they're able to hire more employees than the last holiday season because of strong store growth.