Was organized crime behind the demise of the Twin Cities streetcar system?

If you're having trouble viewing this email, you may [see it online](. [Star Tribune]( Talkers TOP STORIES - Was organized crime behind the demise of the Twin Cities streetcar system? A well-known photo of grinning men holding a check in front of a burning streetcar remains a potent illustration of the greed that accompanied the 1950s demise of the Twin Cities streetcar system. It is also a reminder of the unusual characters — several of whom later went to prison — that oversaw what is still [one of the most significant shifts in Twin Cities urban life.]( - Dip in pre-K-12 COVID may be short-lived in Minnesota: Minnesota continued to expand COVID-19 vaccination opportunities to newly eligible children ages 5-11 on Thursday as public health officials said [a decline in coronavirus infections in pre-K-12 schools might be short-lived.]( While pre-K-12 student infections declined from 2,968 in the week ending Oct. 2 to a preliminary total of 823 in the week ending Oct. 23, state Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm said final data should close that gap and reveal higher totals. Here is information on [how to make a COVID-19 vaccination appointment for kids]( in Minnesota. - Minnesota employers ratchet up benefits to woo workers: As corporate employee benefit enrollments begin this month, help-hungry employers are [jazzing up their offerings as a way to retain workers and attract new ones.]( - 11 states sue over Biden's business vaccine mandate: Attorneys general in 11 states filed suit Friday against President Joe Biden's administration, [challenging a new vaccine requirement]( for workers at companies with more than 100 employees. - New COVID-19 pill cuts hospital, death risk by 90%, Pfizer says: Pfizer Inc. said Friday that its experimental antiviral pill for COVID-19 [cut rates of hospitalization and death by nearly 90% in high-risk adults](, as the drugmaker joined the race for an easy-to-use medication to treat the coronavirus. - U.S. employers stepped up hiring in October: America's employers stepped up their hiring last month, adding a solid 531,000 jobs, the most since July and [a sign that the recovery from the pandemic recession is overcoming]( a virus-induced slowdown. - Canadian Pacific outlines closure plans for U.S. headquarters in Minneapolis after merger: Many of its downtown Minneapolis workers [will be offered a chance to relocate]( to the combined company's new headquarters in Kansas City. - Nowthen thrust into turmoil as three city staff members resign: The small Anoka County city of Nowthen has been thrust into chaos after three members of the administrative staff resigned effective last week, [alleging they were bullied, harassed and intimidated]( by the mayor and a City Council member. - Duluth to require city employees to be vaccinated or tested regularly for COVID-19: [Employees have until Dec. 1 to be fully vaccinated](, and for those who aren't, regular testing will be required. WATCH THIS The Northern Lights put on quite a show Thursday morning over Alberta, Canada: Kyle Brittain, Alberta bureau chief for the Weather Network, [shared this dazzling Aurora Borealis footage set to music.]( Talk to us! Send feedback on this newsletter, questions, story tips, ideas or anything else to [talkers@startribune.com](. TRENDING - The 5 best things our food writers ate this week: From custard to a Hmong happy meal, [here's a rundown of the greatest hits]( from their dining diaries over the last seven days. - In overdue First Avenue debut, Elvis Costello triumphs with humor, classics and rockin' new tunes: Thursday's generous 130-minute First Ave debut may rank with his Longhorn gig as [one of Costello's most high-powered Twin Cities shows.]( He wasn't wired and manic as he was in his angry-young-man days, but his music was vibrant and vital, his singing determined and passionate, his mood spirited and playful. - A Minneapolis musician has made a living in a most unusual way — with an accordion: Mark Stillman, 69, has been [a constant and busy presence on the local music scene](, from leading a folk band in the 1970s to his recent work as a strolling performer in pubs, cabarets, theaters and senior centers. While his music has been featured in recordings, soundtracks and commercials, he prefers entertaining small live audiences. SPORTS ROUNDUP - Behind the scenes with Ben Johnson as he works to rebuild his alma mater: Since taking over as head coach of Gophers men's basketball, [Johnson's life his has pretty much consisted of basketball]( and Bruce, his 100-pound Rottweiler. - If Buster Posey is a Hall of Famer, Joe Mauer sure is, too: Appreciating someone from a distance [can make you appreciate those who are a lot closer.]( - Rodgers' arrogance in full view while Packers' season suddenly in jeopardy: Aaron Rodgers is about to experience unwanted side effects, [writes Jim Souhan.]( Did someone forward this newsletter to you? You can [sign up for Talkers here](. WORTH A CLICK Remains found in Rocky Mountain National Park are believed to be German hiker missing since 1983: Rudi Moder, who was described as an experienced winter mountaineer, disappeared nearly 40 years ago during a skiing trip in Rocky Mountain National Park, [writes Derrick Bryson Taylor for the New York Times.]( TALKERS TRIVIA Want to win a $15 gift card of your choice? It's Friday, so that means it's time for another trivia question. The correct answer to this question can be found in a story that appeared in Talkers this week. We can't prevent you from simply Googling the answer, so Googling is encouraged! E-mail your answer to talkers@startribune.com by Sunday at 11:59 p.m. A winner will be selected at random from the correct responses. That lucky reader will receive a $15 card of their choice from one of several retailers — Best Buy, Target, Holiday or Menards — as well as a shout-out in Monday's newsletter. Here is this week's question: The International Falls City Council voted to stop allowing people to dress up a 26-foot-tall statue of what in the city's downtown area? Good luck! FROM THE ARCHIVES Nov. 5, 2011: Guitarist Jesse Johnson performs with the Original 7ven — the seven original members of the Time — in a rare hometown concert at the State Theatre in Minneapolis. (Photo: Tom Wallace/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 © 2021 StarTribune. All rights reserved. We value your opinion! [Give us your feedback.](