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Tens of thousands in Minneapolis told to stay indoors on Memorial Day

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Tens of thousands in Minneapolis told to stay indoors on Memorial Day


Residents living across a swathe of Minnesota have been warned of potentially dangerous air pollution, with “sensitive” groups urged to stay inside on Memorial Day.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) AirNow map, which offers a real-time snapshot of air quality, showed several areas around Minneapolis shaded orange on Monday. This means that air quality is “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” such as those with asthma or heart conditions.

The areas covered by the orange warning include Minneapolis, Faribault, Lakeville, Maple Grove, Minnetonka, Eden Prairie, and the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge.

A wildfire burns in Minnesota earlier this month.

Anthony Souffle/Star Tribune/AP

Minnesota has been beset by wildfires over the weekend, adding misery to the devastation already caused by a string of blazes earlier this month that consumed more than 35,000 acres of land.

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The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency released a forecast in the early hours of Memorial Day, stating: “Upper-level winds will become southerly on Monday and cut off the transport of any additional smoke to the state. However, high pressure will still hold in place and winds at the surface will remain light.

“Ground-level smoke that impacted northern and central Minnesota over the weekend may linger on Monday. Air quality in the Yellow (moderate) category may continue for this part of the state. Light southerly winds should develop by Tuesday and smoke should begin to disperse and push back to the north. Air quality should improve back into the Green category statewide on Tuesday.”

The EPA said: “Smoke is made up of a complex mixture of gases and fine particles produced when wood and other organic materials burn. The biggest health threat from smoke is from fine particles. These microscopic particles can get into your eyes and respiratory system – whether you are outdoors or indoors, where they can cause health problems such as burning eyes, runny nose, and illnesses such as bronchitis. Fine particles can also aggravate chronic heart and lung diseases – and even are linked to premature deaths in people with these conditions.”

The agency added that wildfire smoke “can make the outdoor air unhealthy to breathe,” and officials usually advise people “to stay indoors during a smoke event” where the air should be safer.

This is a breaking story. More to follow.

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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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