Cougar shot, surprise budget, Wilf’s timing akin to Favre’s last season?

Lawsuit settled over treatment of disabled residents in state-run institution

A federal judge gave final approval Thursday to a settlement reached between the State of Minnesota and 300 developmentally disabled former residents of a state-run institution (MPR News).

Minnesota man who shot, killed cougar felt he had no choice

"The man who shot a cougar in Jackson County on Sunday said Thursday that he and his companion had little doubt they should kill it because children live nearby and horses are kept on the property. That does not appear to be a legitimate reason to kill a mountain lion under Minnesota law," reports the Pioneer Press. Map: Cougar sitings in Minnesota since 2007

Understanding the Minnesota budget miracle

"Christmas has come early in Minnesota. After an intense battle over government spending shut down its government for 20 days this summer, the state now is forecasting an $876 million surplus over the next two years. That's a huge surprise," reports the Washington Post.

Surprise! Minnesota expects $876 million surplus (Pioneer Press)

Surprise $876 million state surplus raises Capitol spirits (Star Tribune)

Budget surplus gives state officials wiggle room in legislative session (MPR News)

Minn. economy promising, but recovery will be slow

The state's job market is definitely recovering, Minnesota budget officials say, but recovery will continue at a crawl (MPR News).

Sex discrimination lawsuit filed against New York Mills-based Lund Boats

The U.S. Department of Labor filed a lawsuit against Lund Boats in New York Mills today, alleging the sexual discrimination of more than 200 women (East Otter Tail Focus).

Put a rock in the house at Duluth ice bar (with video)

With the precision of craftsmen, Chris Swarbrick and Paul Madsen put the finishing touches Wednesday on Canal Park's newest tourist attraction, built almost entirely from ice (Duluth News Tribune).

New state trail in Washington County aiming for instant popularity

A major new state trail planned for Washington County will open next year to instant popularity, funneling thousands of cyclists, runners, walkers and horse riders to the St. Croix River (Star Tribune).

Commission seeks comments on Great Lakes environmental report

The International Joint Commission is seeking public comment on a draft report describing changes in the health of the Great Lakes over the past quarter century (Duluth News Tribune).

Bachmann guns for Gingrich

Wilf, Minnesotan's most hated?

The New York Observer writes: "Just as The Observer was writing up the news of Zygi Wilf's brand spanking new $19 million condo, the Minnesota Vikings owner was sending emissaries down to the capitol in St. Paul to request millions in taxpayer dollars to help fund a new stadium for the abominable team. His timing was as bad as late-career Brett Favre."

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