Medtronic 2Q profits up nearly 60 percent, ups guidance for year: Medtronic today reported a nearly 60 percent increase in second-quarter earnings amid strong revenue growth across all business segments. Medtronic netted a profit of $868 million, or 78 cents per share, for the quarter ended Oct. 30, versus $547 million, or 48 cents per share, for the same quarter last year. Read full story

New soccer league, with Minnesota Thunder, unveils name: A new men’s professional soccer league being formed by the Minnesota Thunder and several other teams unveiled its name Monday: the North American Soccer League. The new second-division league is slated to begin play next spring. Read full story

Minneapolis businesses sponsor bike-sharing system: Several businesses have signed onto a plan by Nice Ride Minnesota to launch a public bike-sharing system in Minneapolis. Augsburg College, Grant Thornton, Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Dorsey & Whitney, Seward Co-op, Wedge Co-op, Equal Exchange, Peace Coffee, Birchwood Café, Dero Bike Rack Co. and Aveda plan to sponsor bike-share kiosks. Read full story

Pulte starting three communities in Minnesota, 150 homes: Pulte Homes Inc. said that it is opening three new communities in the Twin Cities that will eventually have 150 new homes: Elm Creek Highlands in Plymouth,  The Lakes of Maple Grove and Ridgeview Estates in Shakopee, which will be branded as a Centex community. Read full story