Monthly Archives: May 2025

2025.05.23

Harvard University sues Trump administration over ban on enrolling foreign students
Ivy league school calls administration’s decision unconstitutional retaliation for defying White House’s demands
Michael Sainato and agency
https://www.theguardian.com/education/2025/may/23/harvard-university-sues-trump-administration-ban-foreign-students

Trump’s barbarism is turning his biggest strength into a liability
Osita Nwanevu
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/may/23/trumps-barbarism-is-turning-his-biggest-strength-into-a-liability

Fear, hope and loathing in Elon Musk’s new city: ‘It’s the wild, wild west and the future’
Starbase in Texas, where the world’s richest man has a rocket-launching facility, was incorporated this week. Mars obsessives are flocking there – but some long-term locals are far from happy
Oliver Laughland
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/may/23/elon-musk-new-city-starbase-texas

Brazilian tribe sues New York Times for allegedly portraying members as porn addicts
Defamation suit claims Marubo people were depicted in story as tech-addled and porn-obsessed after introduction of internet
Associated Press in Los Angeles
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/23/brazil-tribe-new-york-times-pornography-lawsuit

California hummingbird beaks transformed by feeders: ‘more tapered and longer’
Study details evolutionary change of Anna’s hummingbirds and finds ranges have expanded to follow such devices
Cy Neff
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/may/23/california-hummingbird-beak-study

This doctor calls LGBTQ+ rights ‘satanic’. He could now undo healthcare for millions
Exclusive: A rightwing activist behind a current supreme court challenge has spent decades railing against ‘homosexual behavior’
Sam Levin
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/23/supreme-court-case-steven-hotze-hiv-prep

Key takeaways: RFK Jr’s ‘Maha’ report on chronic disease in children
Report ignores common dangers to children, focuses on Kennedy’s favored topics – and will be forcefully opposed
Jessica Glenza
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/22/rfk-jr-maha-health-report-explained

Disarray at Department of Veterans Affairs imperils patient care, internal documents reveal
Unit closures, reduced hours of operation and exam backlogs reported after Trump administration reductions
Aaron Glantz
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/23/veterans-affairs-doge-musk

‘Ludicrous and unfair’: older workers react to pressure to delay retirement
IMF is urging countries globally to act to ease stress on public finances, sparking mainly outrage but also support
Jedidajah Otte
https://www.theguardian.com/money/2025/may/23/ludicrous-unfair-older-workers-react-pressure-delay-retirement

Awkward clapping, no-sand beaches and Alexander Skarsgård’s thigh-high boots: a trip to Cannes to see my film
Harry Lighton’s film Pillion is based on the novel Box Hill so, misgivings riding alongside, it felt right for the author to motorbike to the film festival for its premiere
Adam Mars-Jones
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/may/23/adam-mars-joness-cannes-diary-pillion-box-hill-cannes-diary

Man in Norway wakes to find huge container ship in garden
Francesca Gillett
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy8nk279ydyo

The sounds and songs of Iceland’s melting landscape
Karen McHugh
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20250521-the-sounds-and-songs-of-icelands-melting-landscape

Kangaroo ‘tries to drown’ man in Australian floodwaters
Flora Drury
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg71gqe068o

The Mayan languages spreading across the US
Juan Pablo Pérez-Burgos
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250515-the-mayan-languages-spreading-across-the-us

In full bloom: Chelsea flower show 2025 – in pictures
The photographer Sarah Lee has made her annual visit to the RHS Chelsea flower show in south-west London to revel in the floral delights
Sarah Lee
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/gallery/2025/may/22/chelsea-flower-show-2025-in-pictures

2025.05.22

Judge rules White House violated order by deporting migrants to South Sudan
Eight people apparently deported as their lawyers say the migrants are at ‘risk of harm’ and that there is ‘no clarity’
Maya Yang and Maanvi Singh
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/21/trump-deportations-south-sudan

DoJ moves to cancel police reform deals with Minneapolis and Louisville
Trump officials seek to dismiss Biden-era consent decrees reached after deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor
Rachel Leingang and agencies
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/21/justice-department-settlement-minneapolis-louisville

Alan Turing papers saved from shredder could fetch £150,000
Documents including signed copy of 1938 PhD dissertation to be auctioned after they were nearly thrown out
Jamie Grierson
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/may/21/alan-turing-papers-saved-from-shredder-could-fetch-150000

A huge Democratic victory in Omaha offers a lesson for the party
Katrina vanden Heuvel
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/may/21/omaha-election-win-democrats-lessons-john-ewing-jr

Australia approves new drug to treat early Alzheimer’s disease
Kisunla is first new treatment registered by TGA in 25 years but could cost patients more than $80,000 and less than one in five will be eligible
Natasha May Medical reporter
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/may/22/australia-approves-donanemab-kisunla-new-drug-treat-early-alzheimers-disease

Winners, resigners, guest dogs and royal losers – take the Thursday quiz
Questions on general knowledge and topical trivia, plus a few jokes, every Thursday. How will you fare?
Martin Belam
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/may/22/the-guardian-thursday-quiz-general-knowledge-topical-news-trivia-211

2025.05.21

Tribal cannabis dispensaries to open across Minnesota with White Earth Nation tribal-state compact
Melissa Olson
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/05/20/cannabis-dispensaries-now-allowed-off-tribal-lands-in-minnesota

Revealed: UnitedHealth secretly paid nursing homes to reduce hospital transfers
A Guardian investigation finds insurer quietly paid facilities that helped it gain Medicare enrollees and reduce hospitalizations. Whistleblowers allege harm to residents
George Joseph
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/21/unitedhealth-nursing-homes-payments-hospital-transfers

Moderna withdraws application for US approval of combined flu-Covid shot
After talks with Food and Drug Administration, company plans to resubmit vaccine application later this year
Reuters
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/21/moderna-withdraws-application-combined-flu-covid-vaccine

FDA says it will limit access to Covid-19 boosters for Americans under 65
Critics say shift will negatively affect people who are not high risk but want to be vaccinated against the disease
Lauren Gambino and Associated Press
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/20/fda-limits-covid-19-boosters

‘World-first’ gonorrhoea vaccine to be rolled out in England
Jab hailed as ‘landmark moment for sexual health’ and comes amid record cases of infection
PA Media
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/may/21/world-first-gonorrhoea-vaccine-rollout-england

A moment that changed me: I thought I’d never fit in in rural France – until a revelation at the boulangerie
I’d spent 10 years trying to be more like my goat-farming neighbours. What if I stressed my ‘Britishness’ instead?
Ian Moore
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/may/21/a-moment-that-changed-me-i-thought-id-never-fit-in-in-rural-france-until-a-revelation-at-the-boulangerie

Mexican navy says ship’s pilot in deadly bridge crash was from New York
Officials say ship must be operated by specialized harbor pilot as investigation into crash that killed two continues
Cy Neff
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/20/mexico-ship-brooklyn-bridge-new-york-crash

Amateur archaeologists unearth winged goddess at Hadrian’s Wall
Exclusive: Married volunteer diggers discover stone relief at site of Roman fort Vindolanda in Northumberland
Dalya Alberge
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/may/21/amateur-archaeologists-unearth-winged-goddess-hadrians-wall-vindolanda-victory

Lilo & Stitch review – Disney’s latest unnecessary remake is a monstrosity
The studio’s new attempt to generate more money from the same property hits an instant roadblock in ghastly misfire
Jesse Hassenger
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/may/20/lilo-stitch-review-disney

What to do if you can’t get into your Facebook or Instagram account
How to prove your identity after your account gets hacked and how to improve security for the future
Samuel Gibbs Consumer technology editor
https://www.theguardian.com/money/2025/may/21/what-to-do-get-into-facebook-instagram-hacked-security

Finland is obsessed with saunas, but are they any good for you?
Erika Benke
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250520-are-saunas-and-cold-plunges-good-for-your-health

Only the shiniest and bestest:
Kristi Noem incorrectly defines ‘habeas corpus’ in Senate hearing
https://www.bbc.com/news/videos/ce8113z7k17o

2025.05.19

Is it true that … male pattern baldness is inherited from the mother?
It is often down to genetics, but hair loss is also affected by hormones, stress and other factors
Kate Lloyd
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/may/19/is-it-true-that-male-pattern-baldness-is-inherited-from-the-mother

Athletes and fitness influencers use creatine, but what is it? And does it work?
We find out if this fitness supplement can be used to build muscle mass, decrease fatigue and improve mental health
Adrienne Matei
https://www.theguardian.com/wellness/2025/may/15/what-is-creatine-benefits-drawbacks

Runaway rice prices spell danger for Japan’s prime minister as elections loom
Attempts to bring down the price of the Japanese staple have had little effect amid a cost-of-living crisis
Justin McCurry in Tokyo
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/19/runaway-rice-prices-spell-danger-for-japans-prime-minister-as-elections-loom

Human statues in Bolivia and flowers at Chelsea – photos of the day: Monday
Joanna Ruck
https://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2025/may/19/human-statues-in-bolivia-and-flowers-at-chelsea-photos-of-the-day-monday

Solving the mystery of a dinosaur mass grave at the ‘River of Death’
Rebecca Morelle Science editor
Alison Francis Senior science journalist
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0k3x8lmje1o

The pilots chasing ‘sky rivers’ and cyclones from Japan to the US
Sophie Hardach
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250516-the-pilots-chasing-sky-rivers-and-cyclones-from-japan-to-the-us

Still booting after all these years: The people stuck using ancient Windows computers
Thomas Germain
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250516-the-people-stuck-using-ancient-windows-computers

2025.05.18

How to fit a 160′ tall ship under a 127′ bridge clearance:
Mexican navy ship crashes into Brooklyn Bridge, killing two sailors
Twenty-two crew members injured, 11 of them critically, with nine in a stable condition, Mexican government says
Richard Luscombe and agencies
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/18/mexican-navy-ship-hits-brooklyn-bridge-during-promotional-tour

Pillion review – 50 shades of BDSM Wallace and Gromit in brilliant Bromley biker romance
Alexander Skarsgard and Harry Melling play unlikely lovers in this sweet and extremely revealing first time drama from Harry Lighton, adapted from Adam Mars-Jones’ Box Hill
Peter Bradshaw in Cannes
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/may/18/pillion-review-50-shades-of-bsdm-wallace-and-gromit-in-brilliant-bromley-biker-romance

2025.05.17

What links Tasmin Archer, Gareth Gates and Zayn Malik? The Saturday quiz
From Tsar Alexander II and Queen Anne to Korky the Cat, test your knowledge with the Saturday quiz
Thomas Eaton
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/may/17/what-links-tasmin-archer-gareth-gates-and-zayn-malik-the-saturday-quiz

Top winemaker ‘may have to leave its Spanish vineyards due to climate crisis’
Familia Torres has been making wine in Catalonia since 1870, but says it may have to move to higher altitudes in 30 years’ time
Sarah Butler
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/may/17/top-winemaker-spanish-vineyards-climate-crisis-familia-torres

The Little Sister review – a discerning drama of queer Muslim coming-of-age
Hafsia Herzi manages sexuality with confidence in her first Palme d’Or competition film, featuring an affecting lead performance from newcomer Nadia Melliti
Peter Bradshaw in Cannes
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/may/16/the-little-sister-review-cannes-hafsia-herzi

Meera Sodha’s vegan recipe for crispy black bean burgers
These vegan burgers are child’s play and fun to make, too
Meera Sodha
https://www.theguardian.com/food/2025/may/17/meera-sodha-vegan-recipe-crispy-black-bean-burgers

Antihistamines, masks and showers: how to manage seasonal allergies
With pollen season in full swing, here is what to know about allergy treatments and when to seek medical help
Madeleine Aggeler
https://www.theguardian.com/wellness/2025/may/13/how-to-treat-manage-seasonal-allergies

The poison paradox: How Australia’s deadliest animals save lives
Katy Watson
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0lnp3ny4wro

The camera tech propelling shows like Adolescence
Chris Baraniuk
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62g6vdl3vqo

2025.05.16

Budget breakthrough? What Gov. Walz and the Legislature did and didn’t accomplish
Explaining Thursday’s State Capitol budget news amid the bipartisan boasting and a frenzied pushback.
by Matthew Blake
https://www.minnpost.com/state-government/2025/05/budget-breakthrough-what-gov-walz-and-the-legislature-did-and-didnt-accomplish/

Thousands without power in Twin Cities after storm
A powerful storm blew through Minnesota on Thursday afternoon, knocking down trees and damaging power lines.
Author: Felicity Dachel
https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/thousands-without-power-twin-cities/89-f489d1c3-bcab-4558-8488-74cfa6c0c230?ref=exit-recirc

DNC vice-chair David Hogg on Democratic party: ‘We need to dramatically change’
Lauren Gambino
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/16/david-hogg-dnc-democrats-trump

Murderbot review – Alexander Skarsgård is hella cool as a bored Robocop who hates all humans
This space comedy is about a cyborg who reprograms himself to go rogue … then just wants to mock stupid humans and glob out in front of the telly. It’s such a funny premise – but sadly falls short
Lucy Mangan
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/may/16/murderbot-review-alexander-skarsgard

Mexico demands compensation from YouTube star MrBeast after pyramid chocolate video
Celebrity used trips to ancient Maya cities to advertise his own-brand snacks, drawing criticism from Mexico’s archaeology and history institute
Agence France-Presse
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/16/mexico-demands-compensation-from-youtube-star-mrbeast-after-pyramid-chocolate-video

Brontë sisters’ Bradford birthplace opens for visitors
Queen Camilla opens house, refurbished after 18-month fundraising campaign, where you can stay ‘in the same room the Brontës slept in’
David Barnett
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/may/15/bronte-sisters-bradford-birthplace-opens-for-visitors

Author denied UK visa unable to attend premiere of play based on his memoir
Exclusive: London theatre urges Home Office to reconsider as Ibrahima Balde unable to watch adaptation of award-winning book
Daniel Boffey Chief reporter
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/may/15/author-ibrahima-balde-denied-uk-visa-to-attend-premiere-of-play-based-on-his-memoir

The world’s five happiest cities for 2025
Lindsey Galloway
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20250515-the-worlds-five-happiest-cities-for-2025

‘People are still haunted by what happened’: How history’s brutal witch trials still resonate now
Lindsay Baker
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20250516-how-historys-brutal-witch-trials-still-resonate-now

2025.05.15

Harvard’s unofficial copy of Magna Carta is actually an original, experts say
Document issued by Edward I in 1300 was bought by law school library for just $27 in 1946
Olivia Lee
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/may/15/harvards-unofficial-copy-of-magna-carta-is-actually-an-original-experts-say

Keep calm (but delete your nudes): the new rules for travelling to and from Trump’s America
Many people have decided a trip to the US isn’t worth the risk after recent border detentions. But if you are going, what do you need to
Arwa Mahdawi
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/15/travel-trump-america-us-border-detentions

US reportedly plans to slash bank rules imposed to prevent 2008-style crash
Watchdogs could cut capital rules as Trump’s deregulation drive opens door to rollback of post-crisis protections
Kalyeena Makortoff Banking correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/may/15/us-reportedly-plans-slash-bank-rules-imposed-prevent-2008-style-crash

Endangered New Zealand bird caught fighting ‘at risk’ reptile in rare footage
A video shows the large flightless takahē bird in hot pursuit of the tuatara – but the tables soon turn
Eva Corlett in Wellington
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/15/endangered-new-zealand-bird-caught-fighting-at-risk-reptile-in-rare-footage

‘Turning point’: claw print fossils found in Australia rewrite story of amniotes by 40 million years
The discovery by two local fossil hunters on a river bank in Victoria has ‘potentially far-reaching implications’, scientists say
Petra Stock
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/may/14/fossilised-claw-prints-australia-amniotes-fossils

A moment that changed me: I went to read to a blind man – and discovered his hidden gay heroism
As a 21-year-old student, I embarked on one of the most intimate experiences I have ever shared with another person. The friendship was an insight into the underground that existed when homosexuality was still a crime
Christopher Stephens
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/may/14/a-moment-that-changed-me-i-went-to-read-to-a-blind-man-and-discovered-his-hidden-gay-heroism

Eight simple steps to help you live longer
Presenter & Writer: Melissa Hogenboom
https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0l91c81/eight-simple-steps-to-help-you-live-longer

It’s property tax day here in Hennepin county.

2025.05.14

Hagia Sophia restoration to protect 1,500-year-old Unesco ‘masterpiece’
Istanbul landmark’s most extensive works in years will include efforts to prevent earthquake damage
Ruth Michaelson in Istanbul
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/14/hagia-sophia-restoration-works-istanbul-earthquakeshttps://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/may/14/enzo-review-laurent-cantet-swan-song-robin-campillo-cannes-film-festival

Enzo review – Laurent Cantet’s swan song is a heartfelt tale of youth and desire
This powerful drama from the late film-maker and his longtime collaborator Robin Campillo, who directs, charts the growing pains of a teenager from a privileged family
Peter Bradshaw
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/may/14/enzo-review-laurent-cantet-swan-song-robin-campillo-cannes-film-festival

Chimpanzees use leaves to wipe bums and clean up after sex, study finds
Research looking at hygiene and healthcare habits of the primates finds implications for understanding origin of human healthcare
Nicola Davis Science Correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/may/14/chimpanzees-use-leaves-to-wipe-bums-and-clean-up-after-sex-study-finds

How the humble chestnut traced the rise and fall of the Roman Empire
Sophie Hardach
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250513-what-chestnuts-reveal-about-the-roman-empire

Is the US finally on track to build a high-speed rail network?
Sam Gruet & Megan Lawton
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cze1erz9jxko