Minnesota projects $2.4B budget surplus, but possible deficit looms

Plus: Minneapolis cougar killed in crash on I-394 ͏ ͏ If you're having trouble viewing this email, you may [see it online](. [Star Tribune]( Talkers TOP STORIES - Minnesota projects $2.4B budget surplus, but possible deficit looms: The projected surplus announced by Minnesota Management and Budget on Wednesday is much smaller than the $17.5 billion budget surplus the DFL-controlled Minnesota Legislature used up earlier this year. Democrats in the Legislature passed a sweeping list of progressive priorities and a $72 billion two-year budget — the largest in state history. [Read more.]( - Cougar spotted in Minneapolis killed in crash on I-394: The cougar spotted roaming the Lowry Hill neighborhood in Minneapolis earlier this week was struck by a motorist and killed early Wednesday, the State Patrol said. [Read more.]( - Federal government will tax Minnesota rebate checks: The IRS recently determined the checks will be considered federally taxable income, despite a push from state officials to get them to treat the rebates the same as other untaxed relief payments. [Read more.]( - Minneapolis City Council approves $1.8B budget for 2024: The Minneapolis City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a roughly $1.8 billion taxing-and-spending plan for next year that prioritizes public safety — both traditional policing and alternatives — as well as responses to climate change. [Read more.]( - Wisconsin Trump electors settle lawsuit, agree Biden won in 2020: In a legal settlement Wednesday, the 10 Republicans who signed official-looking paperwork falsely purporting Donald Trump won Wisconsin in 2020 have agreed to withdraw their inaccurate filings, acknowledge Joe Biden won the presidency and not serve as presidential electors in 2024 or in any election where Trump is on the ballot. [Read more.]( WATCH THIS Daredevil wakeskates across rooftop pool, base jumps off Dubai skyscraper: American daredevil Brian Grubb was towed behind a drone across a Dubai building's rooftop infinity pool before launching off a ramp over the edge and parachuting about 300 meters down to the beach below. [See the video.]( *** Talk to us! Send feedback on this newsletter, questions, story tips, ideas or anything else to [talkers@startribune.com](. *** TRENDING 13 buzzy cocktail bars to visit before the end of 2023: With spirited (and spirit-free) drink menus and cozy surroundings, these are among the best places in Minneapolis and St. Paul to raise a glass and impress out-of-town friends. [Read more.]( SPORTS BLINK Vikings to start Joshua Dobbs at QB vs. Raiders on Sunday: Coach Kevin O'Connell decided to stick with Joshua Dobbs over Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall; Dobbs will also be playing his first game with Justin Jefferson, who will be returning after his hamstring injury. [Read more.]( *** Did someone forward this newsletter to you? You can [sign up for Talkers here](. *** WORTH A CLICK Norman Lear, TV's greatest American: "Lear, who died Tuesday at age 101, was hardly alone in volunteering to fight for his country in World War II. What distinguished his career as a TV producer was how he fought for his country in his sitcoms," writes James Poniewozik for the New York Times. [Read more.]( FROM THE ARCHIVES Dec. 6, 2016: Stevie Nicks, left, was joined by the Pretenders' Chrissie Hynde for a duet on "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" during her concert at Xcel Energy Center. (Photo: Jeff Wheeler/Star Tribune) Connect with Star Tribune [facebook]([twitter]([pinterest]([instagram]( [Manage email preferences]( • [Subscribe to Star Tribune]( • [Privacy Policy]( • [Unsubscribe]( This email was sent by: StarTribune, 650 3rd Ave S, Suite #1300, Minneapolis, MN, 55488 © 2023 StarTribune. All rights reserved. We value your opinion! [Give us your feedback.](