We charted all 999 Vikings games ever played. Here's a portrait of that joy and pain.

Plus: Why does Minnesota have so many lakes? ͏ ͏ If you're having trouble viewing this email, you may [see it online](. [Star Tribune]( Talkers TOP STORIES - We charted all 999 Vikings games ever played. Here's a portrait of that joy and pain. The Vikings play their 1,000th game Saturday. From Fran Tarkenton to Bud Grant to Tommy Kramer to Randy Moss to Justin Jefferson — and yes, four fruitless Super Bowls — this is a remarkable history. [Read more.]( - Savage man sought to join Nazi terror groups, gun charges say: Agents on Wednesday arrested River William Smith, 20, as he handed over cash to an informant in exchange for grenades. They also found him in possession of a pistol equipped to fire fully automatic, according to charges. [Read more.]( - COVID-19, flu numbers rise in Minnesota after Thanksgiving: COVID-19 levels predictably rose in Minnesota after Thanksgiving, keeping pressure on crowded hospitals that also are dealing with influenza and other seasonal maladies. [Read more.]( - Rural Minnesotans head back to taverns as municipal liquor sales set a record: For the 26th straight year, sales at Minnesota's municipally owned bars and liquor stores set a record, according to an annual report released Thursday by State Auditor Julie Blaha. [Read more.]( - Somali president draws crowds for Minneapolis speech: Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's trip to Minnesota followed his visit to President Biden's summit for African leaders in Washington, D.C., this week. Mohamud was scheduled to meet Friday morning with Gov. Tim Walz. [Read more.]( WATCH THIS Texas homeowner pays tribute to "Top Gun: Maverick" with massive drone light show: If you're a fan of over-the-top holiday light displays, [this one is for you.]( *** Talk to us! Send feedback on this newsletter, questions, story tips, ideas or anything else to [talkers@startribune.com](. *** TRENDING Why does Minnesota have so many lakes? Minnesota's landscape has been transformed much more than its neighbors, even those once covered by glaciers. [Read more.]( SPORTS BLINK What's next for the Twins at shortstop? Here are seven names to know. Recently acquired Kyle Farmer could be the short-term answer and Royce Lewis may still be the long-term solution. But here are some other names to consider in the aftermath of Correa's departure. [Read more.]( *** Did someone forward this newsletter to you? You can [sign up for Talkers here](. *** WORTH A CLICK How A.I. creates images out of thin air: [This fun feature from the Washington Post]( explains how artificial intelligence-generated imagery works and lets you make your own custom works of art. Read more. 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: Which Minnesota city is considering significantly reducing the amount of free parking available in its downtown area? Good luck! FROM THE ARCHIVES Dec. 16, 2020: The Manger, a free drive-past holiday event, using the Cathedral of Saint Paul as a canvas on which to tell the story of Christmas, began its three-night run. Viewers in about 50 vehicles at a time watched the 12-minute show from the warmth of their cars along Summit Avenue. (Photo: Jeff Wheeler/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 © 2022 StarTribune. All rights reserved. We value your opinion! [Give us your feedback.](