Things Could Be Worse Dept.

Minnesota's state fiscal year ends on June 30, just like Wisconsin's.

But there's a huge difference. In Wisconsin, if there's no new budget by July 1, government keeps operating at the same level until the new budget becomes law.

In Minnesota, the government shuts down.

With 12 hours to go, there was no agreement yet. The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports.

WORD FOR THE DAY: Racino. That's one of the sticking points. And what's a racino? A racetrack with slot machines, of course.

UPDATE: Minnesota government shutting down. Story.