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.

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 from Racket

The New Yorker Offers Bizarre Take on ‘Quiet,’ ‘Frightened’ Minnesotans

Plus ICE targets greater MN as the DOJ and the weather sink to a new low in today's Flyover news roundup.

January 14, 2026

With the Twin Cities Under Siege, Restaurants Become Hubs of Solidarity

Restaurants, bars, and coffee shops are collecting donations, handing out whistles, and acting as gathering sites for volunteers and observers.

January 14, 2026

The Clown Car Needs More Clowns: ICE Desperate For New Recruits

Plus a ride along with the resistance, how racist groups of the past inform MN today, and Jonathan Ross claimed to be a botanist in today's Flyover news roundup.

You May Not Be in the Mood, But Here’s Your Complete Concert Calendar: Jan. 13-19

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

January 13, 2026

MN ICE Watch Jan. 12-16: Daily Updates on Trump’s Invading Troops

Your one-stop shop for real-time ICE watching.

January 13, 2026

ICE in the Twin Cities: New Day, Same Occupying Fascist Army

Plus... well, that's all we're discussing in today's Flyover news roundup.

January 12, 2026
See all posts