Monthly Archives: June 2025

2025.06.20

Pandemic preparedness ‘dramatically eroding’ under Trump, experts say
With misinformation and murky details on bird flu and measles outbreaks, experts worry about the next pandemic
Melody Schreiber
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/20/us-pandemic-preparedness-dramatically-eroding-trump

Judge blocks Trump plan to tie states’ transportation funds to immigration enforcement
States argued US transportation secretary lacks authority to impose conditions on funding appropriated by Congress
Reuters
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/19/transportation-funds-immigration-enforcement-trump-lawsuit

Fuel firms can challenge California’s emission limits, supreme court rules
Court votes to back challenge to state waiver that allows it to set tougher car emission standards than federal limits
Oliver Milman
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/20/supreme-court-ruling-california-emission-limits

‘My grandmother never used yuzu’: global gastronomy is out as Catalan chefs celebrate tradition
Top chefs in this year’s World Region of Gastronomy are looking back as they shift from avant-garde cuisine to something more homespun
Stephen Burgen in Barcelona
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/20/catalan-traditional-food-world-region-gastronomy

America made a catastrophic mistake with the Iraq war. Is it about to repeat it in Iran?
Stephen Wertheim
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jun/20/america-made-a-catastrophic-mistake-with-the-iraq-war-is-it-about-to-repeat-it-in-iran

‘True model of humility’: hundreds pay tribute to victims of Minnesota killings
Candlelight vigil honoring Melissa Hortman and husband at state capitol was attended by Tim Walz and couple’s son
Victoria Bekiempis
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/19/minnesota-capitol-vigil-killings-melissa-hortman

The 12 best books of 2025 so far
Rebecca Laurence and Lindsay Baker
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20250619-the-best-books-of-2025

‘I swapped nursing for erotic fiction – but I won’t let mum read my books’
Steven McKenzie
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1dewy56n04o

The science behind brewing tastier non-alcoholic beer
https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0ljxvlq/the-science-behind-brewing-tastier-non-alcoholic-beer

2025.06.19

‘He’s moving at a truly alarming speed’: Trump propels US into authoritarianism
A senator handcuffed, people snatched in public, military deployed – Trump’s slide towards autocracy has come quicker than critics feared
Robert Tait in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/19/trump-us-autocracy-authoritarianism

Ice’s ‘inhumane’ arrest of well-known vineyard manager shakes Oregon wine industry
Friends and family of Moises Sotelo ‘disappointed and disgusted’ after respected industry fixture detained outside church
Cy Neff
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/19/oregon-vineyard-manager-arrest-ice

‘This isn’t a gimmick’: the New Yorkers trying to restore the American chestnut
More than 120 years after billions of the trees were wiped out, blight-proof seeds are being planted
Oliver Milman in Highbridge Park, New York City
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jun/19/chestnuts-new-yorkers

New York City might elect a truly progressive mayor – thanks to ranked-choice voting
Katrina vanden Heuvel
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/commentisfree/2025/jun/18/zohran-mamdani-ranked-choice-voting

‘Cancer is just everywhere’: could farming be behind Iowa’s unfolding health crisis?
A new study investigates possible ties to pesticides, nitrates and other farm-related risks
Carey Gillam in Indianola, Iowa
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/18/iowa-farm-chemicals-cancer

Trump cuts leave hurricane-hit North Carolina town’s rebuilding plans adrift – in pictures
After Hurricane Helene’s flood waters slammed into Lake Lure’s century-old dam last September, the resort town was spurred on to seek federal funding for an ambitious rebuilding plan. While the initial response from the Federal Emergency Management Agency seemed encouraging when Joe Biden was president, Donald Trump’s plans to shrink or even abolish Fema – and push some of the costs of disaster response on to states – have injected uncertainty into the North Carolina town’s recovery
Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2025/jun/18/trump-cuts-leave-hurricane-hit-north-carolina-towns-rebuilding-plans-adrift-in-pictures

Huge Roman ‘jigsaw’ reveals 2,000-year-old wall paintings
Rebecca Morelle Science editor•@BBCMorelle
Alison Francis Senior science journalist
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y5w1ldz8do

Moment SpaceX rocket explodes into massive fireball
https://www.bbc.com/news/videos/c1k87l7nre4o

British woman dies from rabies after puppy scratch
Steve Jones & Rachel Russell
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c98wyllp170o

2025.06.18

New York City mayoral candidate Brad Lander arrested by Ice agents
Lander, who has been released, was arrested at courthouse, where he said he intended to ‘accompany’ immigrants out of the building
Jenna Amatulli
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/17/brad-lander-arrested-new-york-city-comptroller

‘Ice raids while the wealthy party next door’: the migrants living in the shadow of Mar-a-Lago
Five residents of Lake Worth Beach – just 10 miles from Trump’s Maga fortress – share their stories of survival as an immigration crackdown takes its toll
Clare Considine
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/18/lake-worth-beach-immigration-crackdown-trump

Tough, whip-smart and selfless: Melissa Hortman, ‘singular force for democracy’, remembered
Colleagues speak of Hortman’s legislative accomplishments, a ‘steely negotiator’ who went into politics ‘to do something, not to be something’
Rachel Leingang in Minneapolis
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/18/melissa-hortman-remembered

New Orleans archdiocese bond investors accuse church of ‘securities fraud’
Catholic church says it won’t make nearly $1m interest payment but calls fraud accusation ‘extreme stretch’
Ramon Antonio Vargas and David Hammer of WWL Louisiana
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/18/new-orleans-archdiocese-church-securities-fraud

Bali flights cancelled after Indonesian volcano spews 10km-high ash tower
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki on the island of Flores, east of Bali, erupted on Tuesday afternoon, leading to several airlines cancelling flights
Agence France Presse and Nick Visser
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/18/bali-flights-cancelled-volcano-eruption-indonesia

Pragmata, the quirky science-fiction game that’s back from the dead
Originally meant to release in 2022, Capcom’s futuristic game – featuring an astronaut and a mysterious blond-haired little girl – has just re-emerged from stasis; and it looks like it will be worth the wait
Alyssa Mercante
https://www.theguardian.com/games/2025/jun/17/pragmata-quirky-science-fiction-game-capcom

From Joyce’s death mask to Bono’s sunglasses: a look around the Little Museum of Dublin’s grand curiosities
This people’s museum is crammed with curios donated by Dublin residents. A major facelift has added a library, archive and exhibition on ‘fearless women’
Fergal McCarthy
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2025/jun/18/the-little-museum-of-dublin-reopens

Tight Lotus? Patrick Schwarzenegger reacts to White Lotus parody
The actor, who played Saxon on The White Lotus season 3, has had some “weird experiences” with fans.
Mey Rude
https://www.out.com/gay-entertainment/white-lotus-patrick-schwarzenegger-reaction-tight-lotus-gay-adult-film

Deliver Me From Nowhere: first trailer for Oscar-tipped Bruce Springsteen biopic
The hotly anticipated music drama stars The Bear’s Jeremy Allen White as the rocker with Jeremy Strong and Stephen Graham also starring
Benjamin Lee
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/jun/18/bruce-springsteen-deliver-me-from-nowhere-trailer

Celebrated pianist and writer Alfred Brendel dies aged 94
Widely regarded as the ‘musicians’ musician’ Brendel was the first pianist to record all of Beethoven’s piano works during a much-garlanded career spanning 60 years
Imogen Tilden
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/jun/17/celebrated-pianist-and-writer-alfred-brendel-dies-aged-94

2025.06.17

‘HIV-ending’ drug could be made for just $25 per patient a year, say researchers
As regulator prepares to approve lenacapavir in the US, campaigners are urging the manufacturer, Gilead, to make it ‘available and affordable for all who need it’
Kat Lay Global health correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/jun/17/hiv-ending-drug-lenacapavir-manufacture-cost-per-patient-gilead

Sen. Klobuchar condemns Utah rep for misleading social posts
Plus: Killer had ‘hit list’; political violence on the rise; photos of makeshift memorial; and more.
by Peter Majerle
https://www.minnpost.com/glean/2025/06/sen-klobuchar-condemns-utah-rep-for-misleading-social-posts/

MyPillow’s Mike Lindell ordered to pay $2.3m in voting machine defamation trial
Eric Coomer, who worked at Dominion, sued Mike Lindell for spreading conspiracy theories that upended his life
Rachel Leingang
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/16/mypillow-mike-lindell-defamation-trial

‘He’s a mess’: Trump says he won’t call Tim Walz after Minnesota shootings
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2025/jun/17/donald-trump-g7-iran-israel-ceasefire-us-politics-live-updates?CMP=share_btn_url&page=with%3Ablock-685166618f08a82a824fa17d#block-685166618f08a82a824fa17d

‘I have never seen such open corruption’: Trump’s crypto deals and loosening of rules shock observers
After courtship with crypto industry, president now profits immensely from a sector he once said ‘seems like a scam’
Peter Stone in Washington DC
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/17/trump-crypto-memecoin-corruption

Experts question whether $499 gold Trump phone can be US-made
Natalie Sherman, Business reporter, BBC News
Lily Jamali, North America technology correspondent
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjrld3erq4eo

Fired ABC News journalist stands by his post criticizing Trump and adviser
Terry Moran was effectively dismissed from the network after calling Stephen Miller and Trump ‘world-class’ haters
Ramon Antonio Vargas
https://www.theguardian.com/media/2025/jun/17/abc-news-journalist-trump-adviser

Georgia Republican officials to finally face election after years of legal delays
Members of state’s powerful public service commission must run for re-election after delays left them in office
George Chidi in Atlanta
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/17/georgia-public-service-commission-election

Solar stocks drop on Senate proposal to phase out tax credits by 2028
Shashwat Chauhan and Pooja Menon
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/solar-stocks-drop-senate-proposal-103357480.html

Kraft Heinz to remove artificial colors from Jell-O and Kool-Aid, among other brands, by 2027
The snack company also pledged to not launch any new products in the US with artificial colors, effectively immediately.
Brooke DiPalma · Senior Reporter
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/kraft-heinz-to-remove-artificial-colors-from-jell-o-and-kool-aid-among-other-brands-by-2027-110054957.html

‘We were powerless’: inside the devastating Ohio State sexual abuse scandal
A college physician allegedly abused at least 177 male students during his tenure, a story revived in a harrowing new film that highlights how he got away with it
Andrew Lawrence
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/jun/17/ohio-state-sexual-abuse-scandal

Ordinary Love by Marie Rutkoski review – some of the best sex scenes I’ve read this year
In this page-turning romance, teenage sweethearts reunite as thirtysomething women
Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/jun/17/ordinary-love-by-marie-rutkoski-review-some-of-the-best-sex-scenes-ive-read-this-year

Viking age burial site full of ancient objects found in Denmark, say experts
‘Spectacular’ discovery at site of about 30 graves includes pearls, coins, ceramics and a box containing gold thread
Agence France-Presse in Aarhus
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/17/viking-age-burial-site-full-of-ancient-objects-found-in-denmark-say-experts

Old Star Wars Times Two
Star Wars’ Boss Says It’s ‘Remarkable’ the ‘First Print’ of George Lucas’ 1977 Original Was Found and Screened After Decades; Discovery Called a ‘Miracle’
By Zack Sharf
https://variety.com/2025/film/news/star-wars-george-lucas-first-print-screens-1236430495/

‘Star Wars’ “Looks Terrible” in Screening of Long Lost Original 1977 Version
The years have not been kind to the oft-romanticized original print of the sci-fi classic, which lacks all of George Lucas’ post-release tweaks and polishes and looks “like a completely different film.”
By James Hibberd
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/star-wars-1977-screening-version-review-1236291808/

2025.06.16

The Glean
More on the Hortman assasination
For this morning’s Glean, I’m sharing a few headlines that add depth to our coverage of this weekend’s shootings.
https://www.minnpost.com/glean/2025/06/more-depth-on-the-hortman-assasination/

Violence is coming to define American political life
Stephen Marche
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jun/16/us-politics-violence-trump-parade-protests

‘Extremely disturbing and unethical’: new rules allow VA doctors to refuse to treat Democrats, unmarried veterans
Department of Veterans Affairs says the changes come in response to a Trump executive order ‘defending women’
Aaron Glantz
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/16/va-doctors-refuse-treat-patients

Ice raids target workers at Home Depots who build much of LA: ‘This community has been here for decades’
Chain has long maintained relationship with undocumented laborers who gather in parking lots, hoping to get hired for a day of painting or roofing
Maanvi Singh in Los Angeles
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/16/home-depot-ice-raids-los-angeles

Americans don’t see US supreme court as politically neutral, poll finds
Just 20% of respondents to Reuters/Ipsos poll saw court is politically neutral, a view shared people from both parties
Reuters
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/16/supreme-court-politically-neutral-poll

‘No way to invest in a career here’: US academics flee overseas to avoid Trump crackdown
Budding scholars pursue overseas jobs amid attacks on education and research, prompting fears of an American brain drain
Marina Dunbar
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2025/jun/15/academics-science-trump-university-crackdown

Why a professor of fascism left the US: ‘The lesson of 1933 is – you get out’
Jonathan Freedland
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/16/why-a-professor-of-fascism-left-the-us-the-lesson-of-1933-is-you-get-out

‘This is the looting of America’: Trump and Co’s extraordinary conflicts of interest in his second term
Bitcoin, internet, EVs, private dinners for hire – the list of pay-for-play and quid quo pro goes on, and on … and on
Ed Pilkington
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/16/trump-conflict-of-interest

The Guardian view on the Women’s prize for nonfiction: shining a light where it’s badly needed
Editorial
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jun/15/the-guardian-view-on-the-womens-prize-for-nonfiction-shining-a-light-where-its-badly-needed

Avant-Drag! review – queer artists light up the streets of Athens with joy and resistance
Drag is a tool of self-expression and of protest in this kaleidoscopic portrait of the city’s vibrant underground art
Phuong Le
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/jun/16/avant-drag-review-queer-artists-athens

‘Who else can we annoy with our show?’: Such Brave Girls, Britain’s most gleefully offensive comedy returns
Rachel Aroesti
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/jun/15/such-brave-girls-kat-sadler-bbc-lizzie-davidson-louise-brealey

2025.06.15

‘Her mirthful eyes, her sharp humor’: Colleagues remember Melissa Hortman, assassinated at age 55
Hortman reshaped education, environment and health care through years in Minnesota House leadership.
by Matthew Blake
https://www.minnpost.com/state-government/2025/06/her-mirthful-eyes-her-sharp-humor-colleagues-remember-melissa-hortman-assassinated-at-age-55/

Flood of tributes for Minnesota Democrat killed in ‘targeted violence’
Governor Tim Walz calls Melissa Hortman, state speaker shot dead along with husband Mark, ‘dearest of friends’
Edward Helmore in New York and Rachel Leingang in Minneapolis
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/14/minnesota-democrat-melissa-hortman-tribute

Manhunt continues for suspect in shootings of Minnesota lawmakers
Gunman believed to have left Minneapolis region after killing one legislator and wounding another
Victoria Bekiempis and agencies
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/15/minnesota-shooting-suspect-manhunt

Manhunt after two Minnesota state politicians targeted, one of them killed
Mike Wendling in Brooklyn Park and Danai Nesta Kupemba
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgj83q2e562o

Millions across US turn out for ‘No Kings’ protests against Donald Trump
Protesters demonstrate at about 2,000 sites nationwide on day US president holds military parade in Washington
Rachel Leingang in Minneapolis, Andrew Gumbel in Los Angeles and Melissa Hellmann in Philadelphia
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/14/no-kings-protests-trump-military-parade

Trump, Netanyahu and Khamenei – three angry old men who could get us all killed
Simon Tisdall
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jun/15/trump-netanyahu-khamenei-three-angry-old-men

A £2.5m dud? Fresh doubt cast on authenticity of National Gallery Rubens
Former curator’s comments, later withdrawn, reignite debate over attribution of Samson and Delilah painting
Dalya Alberge
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2025/jun/15/claim-casts-doubt-on-origin-of-national-gallery-rubnes

It’s Estimated Tax Day, well, almost. Due Tomorrow.

Last night the valet at Orchestra Hall could drive a stick and was excited at the chance. There went my private parking! They tried to pawn off a new car on me when I went to pick it up, but I resisted.

2025.06.14

Rain or shine, dozens of No Kings protests are planned throughout Minnesota on Saturday. The largest event will be at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul, and FOX 9 has put together a list of protests and start times across the state. Via MinnPost
https://www.fox9.com/news/no-kings-protest-minnesota-list

Two Democratic lawmakers in Minnesota shot in their separate homes
Governor Tim Walz was briefed on ‘ongoing situation’ in which Minneapolis-area state senator and representative were attacked
Rachel Leingang in Minneapolis
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/14/democratic-lawmakers-minnesota-shot
https://www.youtube.com/live/VHtHNAbFnow

‘Hip-hop is innovation’: New street dance festival brings cyphers, dance battles to St. Paul
Also this weekend: the Asian Street Food Night Market returns with more than 35 food vendors; a new Somali arts festival debuts on Lake Street; and a film series highlighting communities of color screens in Minneapolis
by Myah Goff
https://sahanjournal.com/arts-culture/twin-cities-things-to-do-street-dance-somali-arts-asian-market/

After dry spells contributed to wildfires in northern Minnesota, we now have the opposite problem: a days-long deluge. As Bring Me The News reports, some parts of the state will see up to five inches of rain. “[C]onsistent rain will move slowly east Friday morning, continuing on and off through the weekend and into early next week, with central Minnesota and the Twin Cities potentially seeing the largest amounts.” Via MinnPost
https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-weather/flooding-risk-as-storms-set-to-bring-over-5-inches-of-rain-to-minnesota

New murals will beautify Lake Street in Minneapolis and support small businesses
The 34 murals on Lake between Nicollet and 30th Ave. S. are part of the $8 million “Lake Street Lift” initiative.
by Sheila Regan
https://www.minnpost.com/artscape/2025/06/new-murals-will-beautify-lake-street-in-minneapolis-and-support-small-businesses/

Grilled cheese shop offers Minnesotans a second chance after prison
The Minneapolis restaurant All Square exclusively hires formerly incarcerated people
Claire Wang
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/jun/14/all-square-minneapolis-formerly-incarcerated-staff

EPA drops case against prison company that has donated heavily to Trump
Geo Group faced up to $4m in fines for violations involving the use of a toxic disinfectant at an immigration facility
Tom Perkins
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/14/trump-administration-epa-prison-company-donations

Tulane University scientist resigns citing environmental censorship
Kimberley Terrell’s research into health and job disparities had triggered a backlash from state and Tulane leaders
This story is co-published with Floodlight
Terry L Jones for Floodlight
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/13/tulane-university-scientist-resign

A map, a myth and a pre-Incan lagoon: the man who brought water back to a drought-ridden town
When historian Galo Ramón uncovered a long-forgotten pre-Incan water system in Ecuador, he set about restoring it, and helped transform the landscape and livelihoods
Mickal Aranha in Catacocha, Ecuador
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2025/jun/13/ecuador-indigenous-map-pre-inca-myths-ancient-lagoon-water-drought-

Women’s prize winner Yael van der Wouden: ‘It’s heartbreaking to see so much hatred towards queer people’
Lisa Allardice
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/jun/13/womens-prize-winner-yael-van-der-wouden-its-heartbreaking-to-see-so-much-hatred-towards-queer-people

‘Liquid electricity’: Meera Sodha’s vegan recipe for grated tomato and butter beans with olive pangrattato
Few things in life are as simple and mouthwatering as tomatoes on toast sprinkled with salt, but here they hit new heights with olivey breadcrumbs, garlic and butter beans, too
Meera Sodha
https://www.theguardian.com/food/2025/jun/14/grated-tomato-and-butter-beans-recipe-with-olive-pangrattato-meera-sodha

Carrots in Coca-Cola?! This Recipe Shouldn’t Work… But It Does
Glen And Friends Cooking
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzoZ1T6KA4E

Indian scientists search for the perfect apple
Priti Gupta
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0l05762elpo

British Library to reinstate Oscar Wilde’s reader card 130 years after it was revoked
Exclusive: Pass to be presented to playwright’s grandson after original cancelled over conviction for gross indecency
Dalya Alberge
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2025/jun/13/british-library-reinstate-oscar-wilde-reader-card

2025.06.13

There’s a lotta lotta stuff in The Glean on MinnPost this morning. North Minneapolis, book ban ban, Dakota people and the St. Anthony Falls, SC school ruling, and a ruling against UnitedHealth Group.
https://www.minnpost.com/glean/2025/06/will-a-1-5b-project-transform-north-minneapolis/

‘He stole a piece of our souls’: Christian music star Michael Tait accused of sexual assault by three men
Tait posted on Instagram days ago that for 20 years he lived a ‘double life’ but is working on ‘repentance and healing’
Josiah Hesse
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/13/michael-tait-sexual-assault-allegations

Millions in US expected to protest against Trump in ‘No Kings’ demonstrations
Rallies at roughly 2,000 sites planned for Saturday, same day as US president’s military parade and birthday
Rachel Leingang
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/13/no-kings-protests

Who are the eight new vaccine advisers appointed by Robert F Kennedy?
US health secretary announced new members for Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, after firing all 17 experts who held the post
Jessica Glenza
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/13/eight-new-cdc-vaccine-advisers-robert-f-kennedy

Trump’s pollution rollback rewards wealthy plant owners — at the expense of Americans’ health
Oliver Milman and Dharna Noor
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/12/trump-epa-pollution-rules

US immigration agency flies drones capable of surveillance over LA protests
CBP claims in statement that they are ‘providing officer safety surveillance when requested by officers’
Johana Bhuiyan
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/12/predator-drone-los-angeles-protests

Why is the media ignoring growing resistance to Trump?
Margaret Sullivan
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jun/13/why-is-the-media-ignoring-growing-resistance-to-trump

We are Nobel laureates, scientists, writers and artists. The threat of fascism is back
Open letter
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jun/13/nobel-laureates-fascism

Starvation alert as children fill Kenya refugee ward after US aid cuts
Anne Soy
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1dew7zyg49o

World-first blood cancer therapy to be given on NHS
James Gallagher
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckg4kj2nxjgo

‘Good karma’: Laos’ new monk-led travel experiences
Simon Urwin
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20250611-laos-new-monk-led-travel-experiences

Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story review – dazzling glamour and true grit
This indulgent but madly watchable documentary showcases Minnelli’s tremendous star wattage alongside the tragedy of a life lived in the full glare of show business
Peter Bradshaw
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/jun/13/liza-a-truly-terrific-absolutely-true-story-review-dazzling-glamour-and-true-grit

Puppies, ghosts and euphoric snogging: the 25 best queer films of the century so far
From coming-out fables and dancefloor make-outs to unsimulated sex and a madcap maternal quest, here is a feast of movies about LBGTQ+ lives
By Ryan Gilbey
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/jun/12/25-best-queer-films-century-pride-month-lesbian-gay-trans-movies

My unexpected Pride icon: Link from the Zelda games, a non-binary hero who helped me work out who I was
Video games are the closest you can get to trying a new body for a bit, and when I played as the androgynous Link, I felt subversive and empowered
Keza MacDonald
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/ng-interactive/2025/jun/13/my-unexpected-pride-icon-link-from-the-zelda-games-a-non-binary-hero-who-helped-me-work-out-who-i-was

The best recent science fiction, fantasy and horror – review roundup
Awakened by Laura Elliott; Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by VE Schwab; Immaculate Conception by Ling Ling Huang; Esperance by Adam Oyebanji; The Quiet by Barnaby Martin
Lisa Tuttle
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/jun/13/the-best-recent-science-fiction-fantasy-and-horror-review-roundup

2025.06.12

The Minneapolis Courthouse Gets Corny
A new crop art exhibit, Seeds of Justice, is on display at the Diane E. Murphy U.S. Courthouse, featuring 17 pieces that depict significant figures and events about U.S. democracy.
by Madeline Cisneros
https://mspmag.com/arts-and-culture/the-minneapolis-courthouse-gets-corny/

From the Minnesota Star Tribune: “Federal searches conducted in eight places across the Twin Cities metro area last week were sparked by the discovery of more than 900 pounds of methamphetamine in a Burnsville storage unit, according to an indictment filed Tuesday. Via MinnPost

Minnesota lawmakers grit teeth, pass state budget in crammed special session
Legislators voiced ambivalence and frustration with spending bills as the 2025 session finally wrapped.
by Matthew Blake
https://www.minnpost.com/state-government/2025/06/minnesota-lawmakers-grit-teeth-pass-state-budget-in-crammed-special-session/

First crash of Boeing’s 787 model comes weeks after $1.1bn 737 Max payout
Air India tragedy comes after firm agreed US justice department payment to avoid prosecution over 2018 and 2019 crashes
Gwyn Topham Transport correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/jun/12/air-india-first-crash-of-boeing-787-model-comes-weeks-after-1bn-dollar-737-max-payout

Troops and marines deeply troubled by LA deployment: ‘Morale is not great’
Several service members told advocacy groups they felt like pawns in a political game and assignment was unnecessary
Andrew Gumbel in Los Angeles
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/12/los-angeles-national-guard-troops-marines-morale

Newsom calls Trump a ‘stone cold liar’ and says president didn’t speak to him about sending troops to LA
Joanna Walters
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2025/jun/12/la-protests-los-angeles-california-curfew-ice-immigration-marines-national-guard-donald-trump-latest-updates?CMP=share_btn_url&page=with%3Ablock-684ad0638f0814dfee5fe986#block-684ad0638f0814dfee5fe986

Families arrested in LA Ice raids held in basements with little food or water, lawyers say
Agents confiscated belongings and rushed deportees to California’s high desert or Texas, saying local facilities had not prepared for influx
Maanvi Singh in Los Angeles
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/11/la-ice-raids-immigration-conditions

‘This isn’t an isolated incident’: Trump’s show of military force in LA was years in the making
The president had been waiting for this made-for-TV clash that allows the administration to ‘manufacture’ a crisis
Rachel Leingang and Lauren Gambinoin Los Angeles
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/11/trump-military-force-plotting

Judge rules Trump administration can no longer detain Mahmoud Khalil on claims he’s a threat to foreign policy
But Columbia University graduate can be held for inaccurately filling out green card application, says judge
Maya Yang and Dani Anguiano
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/11/judge-trump-administration-mahmoud-khalil

Boos, cheers and a heavy dose of irony as Trump takes in Les Mis against backdrop of LA protests
The tuxedo-clad US president promised a ‘golden era’ for the US at his first Kennedy Center production in Washington
David Smith in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/12/boos-cheers-and-a-heavy-dose-of-irony-as-trump-takes-in-les-mis-against-backdrop-of-la-protests

David Hogg to exit Democratic National Committee after months of turmoil
Vice-chair and Parkland survivor, 25, to leave after members voted to hold elections that could have led to his ouster
Lauren Gambino
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/11/david-hogg-dnc-democrats

New species of dinosaur discovered that ‘rewrites’ T.rex family tree
Victoria Gill
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy8dzv3vp5jo

Tamara de Lempicka’s ‘remarkable nude’ of lover Rafaëla to be auctioned
La Belle Rafaëla by ‘revolutionary’ art deco painter to go on sale at Sotheby’s with estimate of £6m-£9m
Nadia Khomami Arts and culture correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2025/jun/12/tamara-de-lempicka-rafaela-portrait-sale

My unexpected Pride icon: The Green Roasting Tin, a cookbook no lesbian vegetarian can be without
Sure, Rukmini Iyer’s recipes are not specifically aimed at queer people, but the first time I cooked one, it was with my girlfriend – and she is now my wife
Lucy Knight
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/ng-interactive/2025/jun/12/my-unexpected-pride-icon-the-green-roasting-tin-a-cookbook-no-lesbian-vegetarian-can-be-without

How Pakistan fell in love with sushi
Once upon a time, Pakistanis scorned raw fish. Now sushi is everywhere from Ramadan meals to wedding buffets – and it all started with one man and a dream
By Sanam Maher
https://www.theguardian.com/news/2025/jun/12/how-pakistan-fell-in-love-with-sushi

‘The quality of Lebanese wine is absolutely incredible’
Lebanon is one of the most ancient wine-producing regions of the world, so it’s well worth our attention
Hannah Crosbie
https://www.theguardian.com/food/2025/jun/12/lebanese-wine-musar-hannah-crosbie

Scientists develop methanol breathalyser that could prevent thousands of poisonings each year
Prototype is able to detect small concentrations of the toxic substance in alcoholic drinks or on someone’s breath
Petra Stock
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jun/11/scientists-develop-methanol-breathalyser-that-could-prevent-thousands-of-poisonings-each-year

BYD launches cheapest UK model in bid to overtake Tesla as biggest electric carmaker
Dolphin Surf will start at £18,650 – among the cheapest new vehicles on sale in Britain
Jasper Jolly
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jun/12/byd-dolphin-surf-cheapest-uk-model-electric-carmaker-tesla

From Dubai to the Parthenon: the ‘strawberry moon’ around the world – in pictures
The strawberry moon, so named because it traditionally denoted the start of strawberry picking in the northern hemisphere was viewable on 10-11 June
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/gallery/2025/jun/12/from-dubai-to-the-parthenon-the-strawberry-moon-around-the-world-in-pictures