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67 Minnesota waterways now 'impaired' due to chloride

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67 Minnesota waterways now 'impaired' due to chloride


After the state’s first major snowfall this winter, pollution experts say people clearing snow and ice from sidewalks and driveways should avoid using too much road salt – a major pollutant in the state’s waterways.

Every year, Minnesotans use an estimated 445,000 tons of salt to clear roads, sidewalks, driveways and parking lots. When the ice melts, chloride in that salt runs into storm drains and nearby lakes, rivers and streams, where it’s toxic to fish and other aquatic life. 

The results are grim: The state’s draft 2024 impaired waters list includes 67 water bodies with excess chloride levels, up from 54 waterways listed two years ago.

“Chloride is actually toxic to our freshwater fish and insects that are living in our lakes or streams, our wetlands and our rivers,” said Brooke Asleson, who coordinates the chloride reduction program at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. “And it really does not take a lot of chloride before it starts to create problems for our freshwater communities.”

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Road salt is the biggest source of chloride pollution in lakes, streams and groundwater. It only takes one teaspoon of salt to permanently pollute five gallons of water.

Asleson said Minnesotans can help by reducing their use of salt – and relying on their shovel first.

“The first practice that we really want folks to embrace is to get out there and physically remove that snow and ice,” she said. “If we can get out there early and often and prevent that snow and ice from getting compacted, we can save ourselves a lot of work overall.”

Salt doesn’t melt ice effectively when it’s below 15 degrees. Asleson recommends using a small amount of sand or chicken grit for traction if needed on slippery spots, and sweeping it up later.

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If a de-icer is needed, use only a small amount, Asleson said. One coffee cup of de-icer is enough to treat a 20-foot driveway.

Chloride pollution isn’t just an urban problem. Most of the chloride-impaired waterways are in the Twin Cities metro area, but there are also several in greater Minnesota, including Duluth and Alexandria.

“As we continue to monitor more closely for chloride, we’re starting to see or find more streams, more lakes and wetlands that are too high,” Asleson said.

In an effort to encourage “smart salting” practices, the MPCA has been offering training for snowplow drivers and property maintenance supervisors for several years. It’s now offering a virtual workshop for community leaders, including local government officials or people who sit on environmental or housing boards.



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So Minnesota: Enchanted Fantasy Film Museum brings Hollywood magic to Twin Cities

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So Minnesota: Enchanted Fantasy Film Museum brings Hollywood magic to Twin Cities


So Minnesota: Enchanted Fantasy Film Museum brings Hollywood magic to Twin Cities

One museum in the Maplewood Mall brings a part of Hollywood glamour to the Twin Cities.

William Swift is the owner and curator of Enchanted Fantasy Film Museum.

“I own the largest display of film costumes in North America, which is crazy,” Swift said.

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There are more than 350 costumes and props on display from over 90 films and TV shows.

“I have stuff from Narnia, the Power Rangers, and have quite an extensive collection from Game of Thrones,” Swift said. “It’s just so cool and so fun to share with people such a grand collection. We never get anything like this in Minnesota or even really in the Midwest.”

Years ago, Swift, a longtime film buff, started collecting screen-used movie memorabilia in auctions. In 2024, he opened the museum with his massive collection.

“Eventually I ran out of room in my house, and I thought maybe it was time to take that leap of faith,” Swift said.

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MyPillow’s Mike Lindell announces he’s running for Minnesota governor as a Republican

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MyPillow’s Mike Lindell announces he’s running for Minnesota governor as a Republican


MyPillow founder and CEO Mike Lindell has announced he will run for Minnesota governor in 2026 against incumbent Gov. Tim Walz.

Lindell, 64, last week filed the paperwork to potentially run, but at the time said he hadn’t yet 100% decided on a gubernatorial run. On Thursday, he made it official.

“After prayerful consideration and hearing from so many of you across our great state, I’ve made the decision to enter the 2026 gubernatorial race,” Lindell posted on social media Thursday. “I’m still standing and I’ll stand for you.”

Lindell will run as a Republican and a noted ally of President Trump, and enters a crowded field of names who have already tossed their hats into the ring, as Walz, a Democrat, attempts to secure an unprecedented third consecutive four-year term as Minnesota’s governor.

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“We’ve seen what happens when we elect a con man to the highest office in America,” Walz said Thursday, responding to Lindell’s announcement. “We can’t let it happen here in Minnesota.”

In addition to Lindell, state House Republican speaker Lisa Demuth has already announced a run for governor, as well as Scott Jensen, the Republican candidate who lost to Walz in the 2022 midterms. Other Republican hopefuls include Minnesota Rep. Kristin RobbinsKendall Qualls and defense lawyer Chris Madel

Lindell launched a campaign website, listing his main campaign priorities as including stopping fraud, fixing “failing school systems,” stopping “exploding property taxes” and “send(ing) illegal immigrants back.” 

Lindell’s MyPillow has been at the center of a number of legal issues through the years, and earlier this year was ordered to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to shipping company DHL.

Also, a judge this year ruled that Lindell defamed election technology company Smartmatic after he alleged their voting machines rigged the 2020 presidential election in favor of former President Joe Biden. Lindell made similar unfounded claims against Dominion Voting Systems.

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Minnesota has a history of political outsiders overperforming in statewide races, most notably former Gov. Jesse Ventura’s surprising win in 1998, but also it’s been two decades since a Republican won a statewide race in the increasingly blue-tilting state. 

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Minnesota leaders criticize Gov. Tim Walz over alleged fraud scheme oversight | Fox News Video

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Minnesota leaders criticize Gov. Tim Walz over alleged fraud scheme oversight  | Fox News Video


Gen Z influencer Isabel Brown and political consultant Michelle Backus consider the potential of the alleged Minnesota fraud scandal to snowball further and praise I.C.E. operations amidst criticism from religious leaders on ‘Fox News @ Night.’



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