In Minnesota, even the ghosts are nice

If you're having trouble viewing this email, you may [see it online](. [Star Tribune]( Talkers Top stories - In Minnesota, even the ghosts are nice: It’s Halloween — time for scary ghost stories. Sorry to disappoint you, but although [there’s no shortage of ghost stories]( around the Twin Cities, few are terrifying. Minnesota ghosts seem pretty, well, Minnesota Nice. - Democrats push impeachment rules package through House: The tally was 232-196, with all Republicans against the resolution and just two Democratic defectors joining them: freshman Rep. Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey and 15-term veteran Rep. Collin Peterson of Minnesota, one of his party's most conservative members. Both represent GOP-leaning districts. The vote laid down the rules as lawmakers transition from weeks of closed-door interviews with witnesses to [public hearings and ultimately to possible votes]( on whether to recommend President Donald Trump's removal from office. Meanwhile, Trump's former top adviser for Russian and European affairs arrived on Capitol Hill to [testify to House impeachment investigators]( on Thursday, a day after leaving his job at the White House. - Complaints, gaps dog Minnesota's system to distribute disability services: A $600 million system was supposed to streamline aid for people with disabilities. [Instead, "it's a giant mess."]( - Minnesota GOP leaves Trump challengers off primary ballot: President Donald Trump will be the only choice on the ballot in Minnesota's Republican presidential primary, even though [he is not the only GOP candidate running.]( - Omar's abstention on Armenian genocide vote vexes supporters: Rep. Ilhan Omar’s decision to vote "present" and the subsequent explanation she gave has triggered [another round of intense criticism]( for the freshman Democrat, in Minnesota and across the nation. - Closs kidnapper fought New Mexico inmates, records show: Jake Patterson, the man who kidnapped Wisconsin teen Jayme Closs and killed her parents, [got into a fight in a New Mexico prison]( with an inmate who asked about the case, showing how word of his crimes has spread and raising questions about whether moving him to an out-of-state lockup accomplished anything. - Vaping epidemic complicates marijuana legalization in Minnesota: Opponents of legalizing marijuana in Minnesota are seizing on the recent outbreak of vaping-related illnesses and teen nicotine addiction to [urge caution on the cannabis front]( — even as advocates of legalization ramp up their campaign ahead of next year’s legislative session. - Eagan burglary exposes gang behind 140 more this year, charges say: A burglary investigation in Eagan resulted in a 20-year-old man’s arrest and connects roughly [140 similar crimes across the Twin Cities area]( over the past several months. - Minneapolis law firm Gray Plant Mooty announces merger: Minneapolis’ oldest continuing law firm, Gray Plant Mooty, [will merge with Kansas City firm Lathrop Gage](. The merger, which will take effect at the beginning of next year, will combine nearly 400 attorneys and 14 offices across nine states to form Lathrop GPM LLP, according to a Thursday announcement.  Watch this Trombone player rips a nasty solo during homecoming battle of brass bands: This is almost certainly [the most inspired trombone-playing]( you are likely to hear today.  Talk to us! Send feedback on this newsletter, questions, story tips, ideas or anything else to [talkers@startribune.com](.  Trending - Guthrie's "Steel Magnolias" reveals the true beauty of the salon: In the Guthrie's "Steel Magnolias," as in life, a salon is more than a workplace. [It's a community.]( Unlike the star-studded movie, the play never leaves “the most successful shop in town,” which underscores the intimacy director Lisa Rothe is aiming for. - Journey recruits Pretenders for June 2020 Xcel concert: After touring with Def Leppard, Cheap Trick, Santana, the Steve Miller Band and Heart in recent years, Journey has found [another Rock and Roll Hall of Fame act to pair up]( with at Xcel Energy Center next summer. - A steakhouse in Minneapolis, hiding in plain sight: P.S. Steak, residing at what is probably the Twin Cities' most famous culinary address, [both avoids and embraces beef palace norms.](  Sports roundup - Kirk Cousins named NFC Offensive Player of the Month: Cousins responded to the Vikings’ 2-2 start with a phenomenal October that saw his team go 4-0 and him earn [the third third Player of the Month honor]( of his career. - Towns vs. Embiid fight spills over to social media after game: While most people were sleeping, Karl-Anthony Towns and Joel Embiid [shifted the venue for the fight]( that began on the floor in Philadelphia’s 117-95 victory over the Timberwolves. The next logical place to continue it? Social media. - 3-time Olympic rowing champion paralyzed after stroke: Pete Reed won a gold medal for Britain at each of the last three Olympics before retiring last year. He says on Instagram [he is paralyzed from the chest down]( after suffering a stroke in the middle of his spine last month. Reed says the extent of the damage is still not clear.  Did someone forward this newsletter to you? You can [sign up for Talkers here](.  Quote of the day “The idea that we're taking our cues from North Korea or the Soviet Union in terms of voter access and voter participation just seems weird to me.” -- [Former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford](, a Republican seeking to challenge President Trump for the party's nomination in 2020, on the Minnesota GOP's decision to leave all challengers off the primary ballot.  Worth a click The untold origin story of the viral dancing pumpkin man: "All Matt Geiler wanted was to eat up time on his 10 o’clock newscast in Omaha. He had no idea the internet would turn him into a legend," [Mel Magazine reports.](  From the archives Oct. 31, 1949: Several thousand small spooks and hobgoblins marched through downtown Anoka as the community celebrated Halloween. Prizes were given for the "funniest" faces and the "scariest" faces. All children participating in the day-long event, however, received plenty of candy and other goodies. (Photo: Star Tribune) Connect with Star Tribune [facebook]([twitter]([pinterest]([instagram]( [Manage email preferences]( • [Subscribe to Star Tribune]( • [Privacy Policy]( • [Unsubscribe]( This email was sent by: StarTribune, 650 3rd Ave S, Suite #1300, Minneapolis, MN, 55488 © 2019 StarTribune. All rights reserved. We value your opinion! [Give us your feedback.](