Monthly Archives: April 2025

2025.04.22

Northfield residents warned of elevated levels of manganese in drinking water, advised to use bottled water or filter
Emily Baude KSTP
https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/northfield-residents-warned-of-elevated-levels-of-manganese-in-drinking-water-advised-to-use-bottled-water-or-filter/

Rice crisis: Japan imports grain from South Korea for first time in more than 25 years
Japanese consumers who used to treat foreign-grown rice with scepticism have been forced to develop a taste for it amid domestic shortage
Justin McCurry in Tokyo
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/22/japan-south-korea-rice-import-crisis

Experts talk realism of Conclave movie: ‘Gets a lot of the details right’
After the death of Pope Francis, experts weigh in on how much the real-life papal election will mirror the hit Oscar-winning movie
Adrian Horton
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/apr/22/conclave-movie-pope-francis

How an American businessman lost his job and found himself in an old French vineyard
One day, life as a finance consultant stopped making sense for Peter Hahn, so he took to organic winegrowing in the Loire instead
Genevieve Fox
https://www.theguardian.com/food/2025/apr/22/how-an-american-businessman-lost-his-job-and-found-himself-in-an-old-french-vineyard

US to impose tariffs of up to 3,521% on south-east Asia solar panels
Ahead of a global summit in London comes a warning that lessons on energy security have not been learned
Julia Kollewe
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/apr/22/us-huge-tariffs-south-east-asian-solar-panels-energy-summit

Gold hits $3,500 for first time as US dollar sinks to three-year low
With many stock markets in the red and Dow Jones headed for worst April since 1932, gold could even reach $4,000
Julia Kollewe and Graeme Wearden
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/apr/22/gold-hits-3500-us-dollar-sinks-three-year-low-stock-markets

Ex-US senator’s wife convicted in gold bars bribery scheme
Brandon Drenon
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c70zlj8dpn8o

Show us your mussels! A mouthwatering trip to Vigo, Spain’s seafood capital
The Galician city on the Atlantic coast has the EU’s largest fishing port, which provides its many bars and restaurants with a spectacular trawl of oysters, clams and mussels
Fiona Dunlop
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2025/apr/22/food-trip-to-vigo-galicia-spain-seafood-capital

The extraordinary rise of bakery tourism: ‘People travel from all over the world. It’s mind-blowing!’
Beer crawls are out and bakery crawls are in, with people arranging whole days, weekends or even holidays around the search for the perfect loaf or croissant
Chris Marshall
https://www.theguardian.com/food/2025/apr/22/the-extraordinary-rise-of-bakery-tourism

2025 Sony World Photography Awards: Winners revealed

2025.04.21

What did JD Vance have to do with the Pope’s demise? — You decide!

Mars King at the Pioneer Press reports: “Whether you have an official autism diagnosis or an inkling that you could be on the spectrum, you are invited to a happy hour on Wednesday. Happy Hour for Adults with Autism kicks off at 4 p.m. April 23 and will give attendees the chance to socialize without the stigma, according to event sponsors Fraser, a provider of autism and early childhood mental health services, and Sheletta Brundidge, a local business owner and mother of three children who are on the spectrum.” Via MinnPost
https://www.twincities.com/2025/04/19/happy-hour-adults-with-autism-minneapolis-rfk-jr/

The Star Tribune’s Jon Bream reports: “Monday marks the ninth anniversary of Prince’s passing. As Paisley Park has done previously on April 21, it will be open for free for people to pay their respects.” Via MinnPost
https://www.startribune.com/prince-anniversary-death-paisley-park-chanhassen-concert-film-greensboro-candle-lighting/601335340

Amy Klobuchar calls on supreme court to hold Trump officials in contempt
Senator warns of US getting ‘closer to a constitutional crisis’ as Samuel Alito’s dissent signals deference to Trump
Edward Helmore
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/20/amy-klobuchar-samuel-alito-trump-immigration

How the Fuck Do Some Democrats Not Get That Due Process Is the Fight?
https://rudepundit.blogspot.com/

The ancient history of Iceland’s warring Viking families
https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0l4kk08/the-ancient-history-of-iceland-s-warring-viking-families

2025.04.20

‘It blew us away’: how an asteroid may have delivered the vital ingredients for life on Earth
Extraterrestrial rocks, recently delivered by a space probe, could answer the big questions about alien lifeforms and human existence
Robin McKie Science Editor
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/apr/20/it-blew-us-away-how-an-asteroid-may-have-delivered-the-vital-ingredients-for-life-on-earth

The big picture: Wolfgang Tillmans’s tender image of two boys off the coast of Denmark
The German photographer captures a moment of tranquility one Scandinavian summer
Emily LaBarge
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2025/apr/20/the-big-picture-wolfgang-tillmans-ocean

The Fighting Temeraire: Why JMW Turner’s greatest painting is so misunderstood
Matt Wilson
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20250415-jmw-turner-at-250-why-his-greatest-painting-the-fighting-temeraire-is-so-misunderstood

‘Why be toxic?’: Russell T Davies hits back at claims Doctor Who too woke
Screenwriter says he has no time for ‘online warriors’ criticising show, which now has two minority ethnic leads
Hannah Al-Othman North of England correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/apr/17/russell-t-davies-hits-back-at-claims-doctor-who-too-woke

2025.04.19

It’s for real this time: the Real ID deadline is near. Via MinnPost
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/04/18/minnesota-license-centers-overwhelmed-as-real-id-deadline-looms

There will be more places to enjoy street food in Minneapolis soon. Via MinnPost
https://sahanjournal.com/business-work/minneapolis-city-council-expanded-sidewalk-food-cart-ordinance/

Now that there are buds on the trees, farmers market season is nearly upon us. Via MinnPost
https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-lifestyle/where-to-find-farmers-markets-around-the-twin-cities-metro-

Hue new? Scientists claim to have found colour no one has seen before
Contested discovery achieved by experiment firing laser pulses into eyes, stimulating retina cells
Ian Sample Science editor
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/apr/18/scientists-claim-to-have-found-colour-no-one-has-seen-before

Regulators approve $35bn merger of Capital One and Discover Financial
Acquisition expected to be completed on 18 May after Federal Reserve and currency comptroller sign off on deal
Associated Press
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/apr/18/capital-one-discover-financial-merger

Why everyone is suddenly so interested in US bond markets
Michael Race
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg838qq7zqo

Pubs in England and Wales allowed to stay open later for VE Day anniversary
Venues to remain open until 1am as PM urges UK to come together to mark 80th anniversary on 8 May
Kiran Stacey Political correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/18/pubs-in-england-and-wales-allowed-to-stay-open-later-for-ve-day-anniversary

2025.04.18

Survivor of notorious New Orleans child sex abuser priest speaks out for first time
Neil Duhon blames archdiocese for allowing his rapist to prey on children throughout his career
Ramon Antonio Vargas and David Hammer of WWL Louisiana in New Orleans
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/18/new-orleans-clergy-abuse-survivor-neil-duhon

Medical cannabis shows potential to fight cancer, largest-ever study finds
Analysis aims to solidify agreement on cannabis’s potential as a cancer treatment, lead author of research says
Hannah Harris Green
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/18/medical-cannabis-cancer-study

Republicans in many states forge ahead with bills requiring proof of citizenship to vote
State-level attack come as House has approved the Save Act, that requires voters to submit proof they are US citizens
Rachel Leingang
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/18/republican-states-bills-proof-of-citizenship-vote

Trump officials take control of Penn Station revamp from New York’s MTA
Transport department claims decision to take over project will ‘save taxpayers approximately $120m’
Jenna Amatulli
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/17/trump-penn-station-new-york-mta

FDA to suspend quality-control program for food testing due to staff cuts
The FDA labs that test food to prevent illness have been affected by wider health and human services staff cuts
Maya Yang and Reuters
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/17/fda-suspends-quality-control-food-testing-staff-cuts

Millennium-old monks’ manuscripts return to Ireland for exhibition
Books include religious scriptures and scribbled jokes, giving glimpse of daily lives of early medieval Irish monks
Rory Carroll Ireland correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/18/millennium-old-monks-manuscripts-return-to-ireland-for-exhibition

Pink smoke, pigs and Pixar: a dozen movie Easter eggs to feast on
Hidden references and in-jokes in cinema can be an acquired taste, but here’s a festive selection of the best arch nods for aficionados to enjoy
Peter Bradshaw, Stuart Heritage, Phil Hoad, Anne Billson, Laura Snapes, Lucy Knight, Luke Holland, Tom Shone, Hollie Richardson, Ryan Gilbey, Gwilym Mumford and Ben Child
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/apr/18/pink-smoke-pigs-and-pixar-a-dozen-movie-easter-eggs-to-feast-on

Queer Asian-American movies you should absolutely watch
Mey Rude | 04/17/25
https://www.out.com/film/queer-asian-american-movies#rebelltitem4

Severance to Adolescence: 10 of the best TV shows of 2025 so far
Caryn James and Hugh Montgomery
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20250417-the-best-tv-shows-of-2025

How climate change could affect arsenic in rice
Amanda Ruggeri
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250417-how-climate-change-could-affect-arsenic-in-rice

2025.04.17

Re-arm, reassure and spend big: how the Asia Pacific is responding to a new era under Trump
The US president has upset global norms in the space of weeks, spurring a flurry of defence spending, diplomatic overtures and offers to boost trade
Justin McCurry, Ben Doherty, Amy Hawkins, Helen Davidson and Rebecca Ratcliffe
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/17/asia-pacific-trump-response-china

Scientists hail ‘strongest evidence’ so far for life beyond our solar system
Astrophysics team say observation of chemical compounds may be ‘tipping point’ in search for extraterrestrial life
Hannah Devlin Science correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/apr/17/scientists-hail-strongest-evidence-so-far-for-life-beyond-our-solar-system

Live colossal squid captured on video in wild for first time ever
A young Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni, the heaviest invertebrate on earth, was filmed in the Atlantic Ocean
Karen McVeigh
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/16/colossal-squid-captured-on-video

New daily weight-loss pill shows success at clinical trial
Orforglipron also reduced blood sugar levels in participants with type 2 diabetes
Ian Sample Science editor
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/apr/17/new-daily-weight-loss-pill-orforglipron-success-clinical-trial-diabetes

Toothpaste widely contaminated with lead and other metals, US research finds
Most of 51 brands tested, including those for children, contained dangerous heavy metal
Tom Perkins
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/17/toothpaste-lead-heavy-metals

Who are the death row executioners? Disgraced doctors, suspended nurses and drunk drivers
These are just the US executioners we know. But they are a chilling indication of the executioners we don’t know
Corinna Lain
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/17/death-row-executioners

Ask questions, practice and know when to make an exit: how to start a conversation
Socializing can be hard, especially starting a conversation with a stranger – here are some tips from experts
Madeleine Aggeler
https://www.theguardian.com/wellness/2025/apr/16/how-to-start-a-conversation-stranger

A crack in the manosphere: Joe Rogan’s guests are revolting
Sam Wolfson
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/apr/16/joe-rogan-guests

Watch: Michigan town forms human chain to move 9,100 books for shop
https://www.bbc.com/news/videos/cj45yl5dy42o

Julie Christie at 85: her 20 best films – ranked!
To celebrate the Oscar-winning actor’s birthday this week, we look back at the highlights of a six-decade career, from early classics such as Doctor Zhivago and Billy Liar to later roles in Finding Neverland and Away From Her.
By Anne Billson
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2025/apr/17/julie-christie-at-85-her-20-best-films-ranked

Giant fritters and roast root veg with whipped feta: Alissa Timoshkina’s recipes for an eastern European Easter feast
An eastern European celebration of spring: a giant, shareable fritter of cabbage, pea and spring onion, and roast new potatoes and carrots with herby whipped feta
Alissa Timoshkina
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/apr/17/giant-fritters-and-roast-root-veg-with-whipped-feta-alissa-timoshkinas-recipes-for-an-eastern-european-easter-feast



2025.04.16

Seth Rogen attack on Trump edited out of science awards show coverage
Presenting an award at the Breakthrough prize ceremony, the actor and writer allegedly accused the president of destroying American science
Andrew Pulver
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/apr/16/seth-rogen-attack-on-trump-edited-out-of-science-awards-show-coverage

In the red: global wine sales fall to lowest levels since 1961
Consumption and production falls in almost every market as industry fears a ‘generational’ change in drinking habits
Agence France-Presse in Paris
https://www.theguardian.com/food/2025/apr/15/global-wine-sales-fall-lowest-levels-since-1961

Millions tune in for three-week live stream of Sweden’s moose migration
Slow TV is attracting viewers with hits such as a knitting marathon, burning firewood and swimming salmon
Jon Henley
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/15/millions-tune-in-for-three-week-live-stream-of-swedens-moose-migration

I was sufficiently vaccinated against measles in childhood – or so I thought
One of the requirements of graduate school in the US stumped me: an immunization certificate for the MMR vaccine
Jean Iversen
https://www.theguardian.com/wellness/2025/apr/09/measles-vaccination-adulthood

Beyond the buffet: Why all-inclusive resorts are sending guests off site
Chadner Navarro
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20250415-why-all-inclusive-resorts-are-sending-guests-off-site

Peru’s ex-president and first lady sentenced to 15 years in jail
Vanessa Buschschlüter
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c33z6kn7xvyo

2025.04.15

Simple £5 blood test could help prevent thousands of heart attacks, study says
Researchers suggest troponin tests could help detect ‘silent’ harm and predict the risk of future cardiovascular events
Andrew Gregory
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/apr/07/simple-blood-test-help-prevent-thousands-heart-attacks-study

Combination of two cheap drugs could save lives after heart attack, study finds
Giving patients statins and ezetimibe after a heart attack can reduce risk of second attack or stroke, say scientists
Andrew Gregory Health editor
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/apr/14/combination-cheap-drugs-statins-ezetimibe-could-save-lives-after-heart-attack-study-finds

Good news at last: just a little exercise can reduce the risk of dementia
Devi Sridhar
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/apr/14/exercise-risk-dementia-study-middle-age

Potential new antibiotic for treating gonorrhoea
Michelle Roberts
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c367jp764z2o

How we made Muriel’s Wedding: ‘No one wanted a film about a plus-sized thief and liar’
‘I wanted to do an Australian Mike Leigh film. I was convinced it was terrible – but we showed it at Cannes and they went crazy. Audiences had never seen a character like that treated sympathetically’
Interviews by Simon Bland
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2025/apr/14/plus-sized-thief-liar-muriels-wedding-toni-collette

Tax Day! Well, at least for some o’ us!
‘Silicon Six’ accused of avoiding almost $278bn in US corporation taxes over 10 years
Analysis finds Amazon, Meta, Alphabet, Netflix, Apple and Microsoft averaged 18.8%, compared with 29.7% US average
Sarah Butler
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/15/silicon-six-accused-of-avoiding-almost-278bn-in-us-corporation-taxes-over-10-years

Enjoy sushi? You may have Welsh seaweed to thank for it
Natalie Grice
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx20ryyx00wo

2025.04.14

Hay fever
‘It looks like I’ve gone 10 rounds with a boxer’: when hay fever becomes debilitating – and potentially deadly
Often dismissed as summertime sniffles, the condition that affects a quarter of UK adults can lead to serious and life-limiting health problems
Elle Hunt

The big idea: will sci-fi end up destroying the world?
Skewed interpretations of classic works are feeding the dark visions of tech moguls, from Musk to Thiel
Sam Freedman

It is difficult to imagine a post-American world. But imagine it we must
Nesrine Malik
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/apr/14/post-american-world-washington-chaotic-opportunity

Taxes
I dun ma taxes.

2025.04.13

Songkran: The world’s biggest water fight
Lynn Brown

Sit-to-stand: The simple test that reveals how you’re ageing
Jasmin Fox-Skelly

The rise of end times fascism
Naomi Klein and Astra Taylor

New books chart Biden’s downfall – and the picture is damning for Democrats
Martin Pengelly in Washington

Mad House: new book exposes Capitol Hill’s absurdity and dysfunction
Reporters Annie Karni and Luke Broadwater shine a jaundiced spotlight on the foibles and foolishness of the US political class
Lloyd Green

Worried about your stock market savings as Trump tariffs wreak havoc? Don’t panic
Gene Marks
Despite the turmoil it helps to put things into perspective with a look at some fundamental indicators

Taxes
I owe, I owe, I owe, and I hope to file today.