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.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More Stories

Operation Metro Surge Gets the New Yorker Treatment

Plus a new OMS documentary, a corn supplier passes, and sketches from the fair in today's Flyover news roundup.

September 2, 2026

A Paean to Ye Old Mill, the Minnesota State Fair’s Worst (and Best) Ride

Touted as the 'original tunnel of love,' the 111-year-old attraction makes you believe you've accidentally trespassed into the formless land that lies beneath hell itself. Here's why we love it.

September 2, 2026

Buy the Racket Book at Moon Palace

Our first-ever print product is available in-store now.

September 2, 2026

How Michelob Golden Light Became Minnesota’s Signature Summer Beer

Our state's go-to macro lager is more than a lawnmower beer: It’s a testament to the quirks of Minnesotan life.

Politics and Minneapolis: It’s In Our Blood?

Plus a new budget calculator, more chudmaxxing, and toilet dreams dashed in today's Flyover news roundup.

Raptember Begins, State Fair Concludes in Your Complete Concert Calendar: Sept. 1-7

Pretty much all the music you can catch in the Twin Cities this week.

September 1, 2026