Skip to Content
Opinion

Important Friday Open Thread Question: Can You Breathe?

It's time for you talk about whatever's on your mind, Racket pals.

9:33 AM CDT on June 16, 2023

The air in Minnesota seems to be clearing up some after a smoggy, smoky week. But it was not pleasant, and that seems like an obvious starting point for our open thread discussion this week.

The lousy air also makes me want to mention something I'm kind of evangelical about. Have you ever gotten allergy shots, or thought about it? I have and I gotta say it changed my life. Before I did, there were days when I simply could not function and others when I was simply disgusting to be around. Now I rarely if ever suffer more than a couple sneezes and my eyes no longer look like Rocky's going into the 15th round.

Of course, this open thread is, as always, a place where you can gab about whatever you want. Feel free to ignore my health advice or the gross air completely and talk about what's on your mind.

More Stories

Extra! Extra! Peggy Flanagan’s Long-Dead Grandpa Never Charged With Murder.

Plus Obama defends Omar, Eau Claire hits the market, and RIP Modern Times in today's Flyover news roundup.

October 19, 2026

Guavas Cuban Cafe Is a Little Slice of Miami on Chicago Avenue

Meet the Venezuelan chef with some of the best Cuban food in south Minneapolis.

October 19, 2026

Drop Deadlift Gorgeous, Cindy Lawson, Pumpkins and Powerdrills: This Week’s Best Events

Plus where to celebrate Halloween this weekend with your dog and/or kids.

October 19, 2026

What Craft Beer Bubble? New South Minneapolis Brewery Soft Opens This Weekend.

Plus MN man can't stop winning backyard ultras, a swanky new North Loop game club, and peeper returns to the streets in today's Flyover news roundup.

October 16, 2026

RacketCast, Ep. 63: Let’s Take a ‘Midwestern Death Trip’ Feat. Author Meaghan Garvey

A first-time Chicago author reports on her wild ride through the Upper Midwest.

October 16, 2026

For This Week’s Open Thread, Tell Us Where You Get Your Restaurant Recommendations

As we do every Friday, we're turning Racket over to you, the readers.

October 16, 2026