Yes, Nebraska's self-deprecating new tourism campaign is for real

If you're having trouble viewing this email, you may [see it online](. [Star Tribune]( Talkers Top stories - Yes, Nebraska's self-deprecating new tourism campaign is for real: Nebraska has an image problem. For four consecutive years, it’s come in dead last on a list of states that tourists are interested in visiting, according to the travel marketing research firm MMGY Global. Even though travel writers routinely praise Omaha’s music and art scenes and the state’s spectacular wildlife, people on the coasts tend to think of Nebraska as a really long cornfield they have to drive through to reach the Rockies. So tourism officials are trying out a new approach. On Wednesday, [the Nebraska Tourism Commission revealed its new slogan](. - Wisconsin town on edge with search for missing teen whose parents were slain: Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald announced at a news conference Wednesday that autopsies showed that the couple had been shot to death. In disclosing that detail, [the sheriff issued yet another public plea for help]( in finding Jayme, who was in the home at the time of the killings and has not been seen since. - Arson suspected in Minneapolis house fire: [A predawn house fire in Minneapolis was deliberately set](, and police suspect that "Black Lives Matter" and Paul Wellstone signs in the midst of the blaze could reveal a motive, a neighborhood leader said. - In tight Senate race, Karin Housley sticks to her convictions: The race between DFL U.S. Sen. Tina Smith and Republican Karin Housley could be among a handful that determine whether Republicans maintain control of the U.S. Senate next year. Smith has led in fund­raising, but Housley’s friends and family say [her energy and ability to connect with voters is strong.]( - Shooter calls police after man shot dead outside St. Paul bar: "The victim and the suspect encountered one another on the sidewalk," [said police spokesman Steve Linders.]( "Some sort of altercation occurred, and then at least one shot was fired." - Treasury secretary pulls out of Saudi investment conference: Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin says [he will not attend an investment conference in Saudi Arabia]( following the alleged murder of a prominent journalist at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he told President Donald Trump on Thursday that [Saudi Arabia should be given a few more days]( to complete its investigation into the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi before the U.S. decides "how, or if" to respond. - Police say Brooklyn Center woman shot grandson over cup of tea: Helen Washington told her grandson over and over to stop putting his cup of tea on her furniture. After he kept doing it anyway, the 75-year-old shot him, [Hennepin County prosecutors allege.]( - What to do if you're a Sears shopper with gift cards, extended warranties: What does Sears filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Monday mean for shoppers? The liquidation hasn't started as of Thursday, Oct. 18 in the two local stores being closed, Ridgedale and St. Paul, but that [may be good thing for consumers looking for deals.](  Watch this Bridges have weight limits for a reason: And you can see why from this scary video clip, in which a bus driver ignored the 10-ton limit on a single-lane bridge in Arkansas last week. Fortunately, the bridge didn't buckle, but we're pretty sure [it isn't supposed to bend like that.](  Talk to us! Send feedback on this newsletter, questions, story tips, ideas or anything else to [talkers@startribune.com](.  Trending - What happens if you win the Mega Millions $970M jackpot? Despite the terrible odds — one in 302.5 million for those keeping score at home — someone will eventually match all six numbers and win the Mega Millions jackpot, which now stands at $970 million. It could happen as soon as Friday night, when the next drawing is held. That would leave most of us disappointed but some lucky winner beset by a host of questions. [Here are some answers for someone holding that prized lottery ticket]( for what would be the second-largest lottery jackpot in U.S. history. - New Juicy Lucy pizza pays homage to Minneapolis' classic burger: Juicy Lucys are brilliant. Pizza is divine. So, putting them together seems like an ingenious idea, right? That, or a health hazard on a plate. [You be the judge.]( - Free Black Sheep pizza this weekend! Speaking of pizza: "Black Sheep Pizza, makers of the magical, just-charred, coal-fired crusts you dream about, turns 10 this month. And like any good birthday party host, they're providing the pizza: From noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, October 21st, you can walk in and snag a totally free 12-inch pie," [City Pages reports.](  Sports roundup - Wolves opener was entertaining, strange and ultimately meaningless: The Wolves are trying to impossibly thread some sort of needle where [they try to promote the enjoyment of Jimmy Butler]( while actively trying to accommodate his trade request. - Jilted Jets preparing rude welcome for "classless Kirk Cousins": Had Cousins taken what was likely the biggest offer he received during free agency in March, he would be preparing to face the Vikings at MetLife Stadium. Instead, [he’ll head to New York as something of a foil](, squaring off Sunday with Jets rookie quarterback Sam Darnold and playing in front of a fan base that figures to have a few words for Cousins about his decision. - Ex-USA Gymnastics chief indicted on evidence tampering charge: Former USA Gymnastics president Steve Penny was arrested Wednesday after a Texas grand jury indicted him, alleging he [tampered with evidence in the sexual assault investigation]( of now-imprisoned gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar.  Did someone forward this newsletter to you? You can [sign up for Talkers here](.  Quote of the day “I can give you thousands of examples of people doing things across the globe, fixing their neighborhood one book, one child at a time.” -- [Little Free Library founder Todd Bol](, who died of cancer this morning at the age of 62.  Worth a click Inside the long unraveling of Aaron Hernandez: The Boston Globe's Spotlight team has published "Gladiator," a six-part series [examining the tragic life, untimely death and legacy]( of the former New England Patriots' star tight end. It also includes a multi-part podcast, featuring interviews with key people, including Hernandez himself.  From the archives Oct. 18, 1991: Twins pitcher Jack Morris signed autographs and talked with students from Mendota Heights' Henry Sibley High School marching band during a lull in batting practice at the Metrodome. Morris would start in Game 1 of the World Series against the Atlanta Braves the next day. The Twins won the series 4-3. 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