| Dec. 5, 2019 Brace for the cold. Next week looks like the coldest week so far in this (meteorological) winter season and all indications still point to accumulating snow Monday across much of Minnesota. But before that, we’ll enjoy a fairly mild weekend! Forecast: Minnesota has a $1.3 billion budget surplus. The state financial forecast released Thursday delivered good news for lawmakers, who’ll open the 2020 legislative session with the state in good economic health. Debates over new spending and tax cuts are likely to follow. Minnesota’s urban coyote population is growing, but pet attacks remain rare. You may have already heard the story of Moose, the 12-year-old Labrador retriever who was attacked by a band of coyotes. While these kinds of attacks are traumatic, they are also rare, said Nick McCann, a postdoctoral researcher at the U of M. He shared some tips for keeping you and your pets safe from urban coyotes. What’s your favorite spot for winter fun in Minnesota? We made a series of maps to help you find spots for ice skating, skiing, sledding and snowshoeing around the state. But they’re far from complete -- share your favorite spot for outdoor fun here. — Sara Porter, MPR News | 
