Upscale Mpls. hotel offering $12,000 Vikings tailgating package

To view this email as a web page, [click here] [Star Tribune] Talkers Top stories - Hey, big spender: Upscale Mpls. hotel offering $12,000 Vikings tailgating package: A luxury hotel package has [all the tailgating essentials for Vikings games]: a concierge, champagne and a limo. - Some Washington County homes will get bottled water as state reviews new pollution rules: [State is reassessing the longstanding PFC plume] near a former 3M Company site. - Family friend charged with sexually assaulting, murdering Meeker County 5-year-old: The Twin Cities man [is accused of taking the girl from her home], killing her and leaving her in a swampy area in Cass County. - Rash of home burglaries in Richfield prompts police warning: [Crooks have made off] with jewelry taken from homes and bicycles from garages. - Suspicious package shuts down major downtown Minneapolis intersection: The bomb squad was [dispatched to Hennepin Av. and 7th St.] at the height of the morning commute. - Speaker Kurt Daudt's crash last January reveals spotty driving record: [His driving record includes three speeding tickets], one for texting while driving. - Vikings setting up bar, music, kid games outside U.S. Bank Stadium: A music garden and a kids' play area join [the centerpiece 800-person Longhouse bar]. - McDonald's recalls millions of Happy Meals fitness bands: [There have been reports of skin irritation or burns] to children. Watch this Watch how the climate debate devolved into polarized gridlock in the 10 years since "An Inconvenient Truth": The 2016 Republican party platform [mentions climate change only to dismiss it]. Talk to us! Send feedback on this newsletter, questions, story tips, ideas or anything else to [talkers@startribune.com]. Trending - High-end, hand-cut ice is a must for Minnesota's cocktail culture: The growing fascination with craft cocktails has [created an equally fancy business for properly chilling them]. - Drivers express concern over lack of lane lines on I-394: ["The striping that has been applied to newly resurfaced 394 is abysmal,"] said one driver. - Ex-BBC boss says firing Jeremy Clarkson from 'Top Gear' was a big mistake: While the drama surrounding Clarkson’s suspension and subsequent dismissal for assaulting a producer sparked huge headlines, [it has resulted in the disaster for the hit motoring show]. - Demi Lovato sued by indie rock band for alleged song theft: [Sleigh Bells accuses Lovato of lifting] from their 2010 song “Infinity Guitars” for “Stars.” - Looking for an apartment in the Twin Cities? It feels a lot like online dating: [The longer you’re on the market], the easier it becomes to identify deal-breakers (moldy carpet, face tattoos) and must-haves (dishwasher, sense of humor). Sports roundup - Negotiations between J Robinson, University of Minnesota stall: A report on the U's inquiry into [his handling of drug allegations] is expected soon. - Former Cretin-Derham Hall star Chris Weinke starring in HBO's 'Hard Knocks': The sports documentary series inside NFL training camp [has teamed up with the Rams] as they return to Los Angeles for the first time in 22 years. - Is there a place to set the pace of a baseball game? With MLB games dragging again, [Commissioner Rob Manfred pushes for a clock] to speed pitchers along. - Ricky Rubio ready to mentor Kris Dunn in Minnesota: The now-veteran point guard said he was pleased by Tom Thibodeau's hiring and [believes the new coaching staff will make a big difference on a young, impressionable roster]. - Hitter-turned-knuckleballer Dan Johnson signed by Dodgers: The former Blaine standout and 10-year MLB first baseman had been pitching for the St. Paul Saints. [Now he's headed for the Dodgers' Class AA Tulsa affiliate]. Did someone forward this newsletter to you? You can [sign up for Talkers here]. Quote of the day “ I’m glad they’re back. Because I just do not like Diana Taurasi. There’s just something about her ... I’m glad I don’t have to cheer for her anymore.” ” -- [Minnesota Lynx super fan Barb Gilbertson] Worth a click Mold and fungi lurking in instrument blamed for death of bagpipe player: Doctors have an important message for musicians: [Don’t forget to clean your instruments. It could be a matter of life and death]. From the archives Aug. 23, 1969: The Vikings' defensive line that included, from left, Jim Marshall, Paul Dickson, Alan Page, Gary Larsen and Carl Eller line up for a photo before practice. Marshall, Page, Larsen and Eller later became known as the Purple People Eaters. (Photo: Jack Gillis, Minneapolis Star) Connect with Star Tribune [facebook] [twitter] [google+] [pinterest] [instagram] [tumblr] [Sign up for more newsletters] • [Subscribe to Star Tribune] • [Privacy Policy] • [Unsubscribe] This email was sent by: StarTribune, 650 3rd Ave S, Suite #1300, Minneapolis, MN, 55488 © 2015 StarTribune. All rights reserved. We value your opinion! [Give us your feedback.]