Thanks for the question.  I think I know what these "puffs" are.  But first a question to you.  What kind of trees do you have growing in your yard?  Do see anything white on them.

Looking forward to your response.

Thanks for your question. I believe that you are having woolly aphids (Paraprociphilus tessellatus) falling down to visit you.  It has nothing to do with the magnolia scale. These aphids are called “woolly” because they secrete a white, waxy substance that covers their bodies, giving them a fuzzy or wool-like appearance.

In Minnesota, woolly aphids are a common pest.  They will not harm your yard. They are probably falling down from one or more of your trees.  These aphids are very harmless and there is not much you can or should do about them.  They will be gone in a few weeks.  Just run your mower over them.   See the following for further information including control measures.

http://www.minnesotaseasons.com/Insects/woolly_and_gall-making_aphids_Eriosomatinae.html - :~:text=Overview,-Photo by Greg&text=Eriosomatinae is the subfamily of,Eriosomatinae are plant parasitic aphids.

https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/faq/there-are-white-fuzzy-objects-branches-my-maple-tree-are-they-harming-tree - :~:text=The white, fuzzy objects on,are produced in the colonies.

https://blogs.k-state.edu/kansasbugs/2020/06/19/woolly-aphids-on-maple-trees/

Interesting critters. Thanks for asking us.

Glad to have been of assistance.  Thanks for using our forum.