Ridder era ends at Star Tribune

News this afternoon that Par Ridder has stepped down as publisher at the Star Tribune. Mind you, he's been barred from performing that job until next September. According to the Associated Press:

ST. PAUL (AP) - Par Ridder closed the door on returning as
publisher of the Star Tribune on Friday just as word spread of a
legal settlement between the Minneapolis newspaper and the St. Paul
Pioneer Press.

Ridder, whose decision in March to leave the Pioneer Press for
the Star Tribune sparked a lawsuit, was barred by court order and
the settlement from working at the Minneapolis newspaper until next
September.

His resignation capped a flurry of activity in the case. A week
ago, he notified the Minnesota Court of Appeals that he would try
to overturn a judge's order keeping him from the Star Tribune.

A real loss for the working people of journalism, who deeply admire Par.