There must be some better way to deal with Winchell’s Donut House than piddling away tax dollars on lawsuits.

ALBANY, N.Y. — 

Is it just me, or does Microsoft’s antitrust settlement with the state’s consumers seem more like a discount coupon promotion than it does punitive damages?

Microsoft Corp. will distribute more than $100 million to thousands of Arizona consumers and businesses who purchased the company's operating systems and software between 1996 and 2002, according to preliminary settlement reached Monday in a massive antitrust case against the tech giant.

TUCSON — The second anniversary of the rampage that wounded Gabrielle Giffords included the customary solemn remembrances and chiming of bells to recall the victims of the tragedy. It also included a new role for the wounded former congresswoman as a national gun control advocate.

A judge is scheduled to give final approval later this month to a deal that would let Arizona businesses and residents divide up more than $100 million from Microsoft.