Monthly Archives: January 2026

2026.01.11

US protests condemn ICE killing of Renee Good and ‘a regime that is willing to kill its own citizens’
In Philadelphia, protesters demanded ICE leave US communities and Trump end warmongering in Venezuela
Lex McMenamin
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/10/protests-ice-renee-nicole-good-philadelphia

U.S. Reps. Omar, Morrison and Craig denied access to immigration detention facility at Fort Snelling
The three House Democrats were briefly allowed into the Fort Snelling holding facility on Saturday, then told they did not have the right to access it.
by Shubhanjana Das
https://sahanjournal.com/immigration/omar-morrison-craig-denied-access-detention-facility/

Have you experienced or witnessed an ICE arrest, or other immigration enforcement? Let us know.
Sahan Journal is reporting on the evolving changes to immigration enforcement in Minnesota. If you have story ideas or tips, please share them with us.
by Sahan Journal
https://sahanjournal.com/inside-sahan-journal/immigration-story-ideas-tips/

Vouchers, patriotism, and prayer: The Trump administration’s plan to remake public education
by ProPublica
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/1/10/2362310/-Vouchers-patriotism-and-prayer-The-Trump-administration-s-plan-to-remake-public-education?pm_campaign=front_page&pm_source=top_news_slot_5&pm_medium=web

Peter Mandelson declines to apologise for association with Jeffrey Epstein
Former UK ambassador says he is sorry for system that does not give victims protection they are entitled to expect
Rowena Mason Whitehall editor
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/jan/11/peter-mandelson-declines-to-apologise-for-association-with-jeffrey-epstein

One awards battle after another: A-listers face off at this year’s Golden Globes
Big names from Leonardo DiCaprio to Timothée Chalamet are aiming for a win at Hollywood’s most important Oscars precursor
Benjamin Lee
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/jan/09/golden-globes-preview

Are you taking supplements correctly? Here’s a guide on their dosage limits
From vitamins C and D to calcium and magnesium, it’s critical to know whether you’re taking the correct dosage to avoid health problems
Sarah Sloat
https://www.theguardian.com/wellness/2026/jan/08/supplements-vitamins-safety-dosage-limit-guide

AI bubble: five things you need to know to shield your finances from a crash
Some experts have voiced fears a tech meltdown could hit our savings and pensions – here’s how to protect yourself (UK stonks)
Hilary Osborne
https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/jan/10/ai-bubble-finances-crash-tech-meltdown-savings-pensions

Trump may be the beginning of the end for ‘enshittification’ – this is our chance to make tech good again
Cory Doctorow
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jan/10/trump-beginning-of-end-enshittification-make-tech-good-again

Cream of the crop: small brewers take on Guinness with rival ‘nitro’ stouts
Independents muscle in on craze for the black stuff with dark beers that use same nitrogen process as Irish favourite
Rob Davies
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/jan/11/small-brewers-guinness-nitro-stouts

2026.01.10

MinnPost’s The Glean is all ICE again: https://www.minnpost.com/glean/2026/01/trump-targeted-minnesota-long-before-fatal-ice-shooting/

Leaders alarmed about fairness of FBI inquiry into Minneapolis ICE shooting
State and local officials say they do not believe investigation into shooting death of Renee Nicole Good will be objective
George Chidi
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/10/fbi-investigation-minneapolis-ice-shooting-renee-nicole-good

Minneapolis mayor accuses federal authorities of ‘hiding facts’ in ICE killing
Jacob Frey criticizes Trump administration’s response to shooting death of Renee Nicole Good
Richard Luscombe
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/09/jacob-frey-trump-minneapolis-ice-investigation
(Oh my — does The Guaridan have the slightest idea what ‘petrifying cold temperatures’ are?)

Iran protesters tell of brutal police response as regime lashes out
Videos emerging despite internet and mobile phone blackout show demonstrations continuing despite reports of escalating crackdown
William Christou and Deepa Parent
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2026/jan/10/iran-protesters-tell-of-brutal-police-response-deaths-and-forced-confessions

Analysis
Why the white America Trump dreams of is just a fantasy
Eduardo Porter
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/jan/10/trump-immigration-whiteness

Trump’s territorial ambition: new imperialism or a case of the emperor’s new clothes?
Julian Borger
https://www.theguardian.com/news/ng-interactive/2026/jan/10/trump-territorial-ambition-imperialism

Renee Macklin Good’s wife says she nurtured kindness
Cari Spencer and MPR News Staff
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/01/09/renee-goods-wife-releases-statement-about-ice-shooting

Analysis
Mamdani’s first 10 days: getting things done despite right’s dystopian fantasies
Adam Gabbatt
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/10/zohran-mamdani-new-york-10-days

Kathy Hochul and Zohran Mamdani are showing what ‘pro-family’ means
Arwa Mahdawi
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jan/10/kathy-hochul-zohran-mamdani-childcare

The hill I will die on: Decorative cushions and throws on hotel beds should be banned, immediately
Annabel Lee
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jan/10/the-hill-i-will-die-on-hotel-room-bed-throws-banned

If you’ve grown weary of pumpkin pie, how about cheesecake? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOy0RF4jJMg

Vegetables
Meera Sodha’s vegan recipe for roast swede and purple sprouting broccoli curry
Earthy, sweet swede soaks up a curry sauce like a champion, and this ginger, tomato and coconut number is no exception*
Meera Sodha’s vegan recipe
https://www.theguardian.com/food/2026/jan/10/vegan-roast-swede-purple-sprouting-broccoli-curry-recipe-meera-sodha
*We call swedes rutabegas, brocolli is good enough (sprouting or not), and you can substitute paprika (or parika and chile powder) for kashmiri chilli powder. Your friendly local Asian grocery store is sure to have Thai basil, or you can do like I would do and leave it out.

AI bubble: five things you need to know to shield your finances from a crash
Some experts have voiced fears a tech meltdown could hit our savings and pensions – here’s how to protect yourself
Hilary Osborne
https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/jan/10/ai-bubble-finances-crash-tech-meltdown-savings-pensions

What does your car say about you? A global portrait of people and their rides, from Shanghai to Santa Monica
You can tell a lot about someone from the vehicle they drive, as Martin Roemers’ collection of photographs show. Introduction by author William Boyd
William Boyd
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2026/jan/10/martin-roemers-homo-mobilis-photography-book-car-vehicle-owners-portraits

2026.01.09

Trump administration unleashes torrent of untruths after woman shot dead by ICE
Victim-blaming began almost as soon as Renee Nicole Good was killed – we examine the claims and the reality
Richard Luscombe
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/09/white-house-minneapolis-ice-killing

Democrats threaten to withhold funding after ICE killing in Minneapolis
Lawmakers issue warning about homeland security budget after shooting death by federal agent of Renee Nicole Good
Lauren Gambino
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/08/democrats-homeland-security-renee-nicole-good

US congressmen ask judge to appoint official to force release of all Epstein files
Democrat Ro Khanna and Republican Thomas Massie seek to compel justice department to release full set of files
Maya Yang
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/08/judge-appoint-official-release-epstein-files

Doge cuts cost US taxpayers $10bn to cover workers’ paid leave, analysis finds
Analysis estimates Trump administration ‘wasted’ billions to compensate over 154,000 federal employees on leave
Tom Perkins
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/09/doge-taxpayer-costs-federal-workers

Grok turns off image generator for most users after outcry over sexualised AI imagery
Editing function to be limited to paying subscribers after X threatened with fines and regulatory action
Helena Horton, Dan Milmo and Amelia Gentleman
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/jan/09/grok-image-generator-outcry-sexualised-ai-imagery

Why Spain’s prime minister has broken ranks in Europe – and dared to confront Trump
María Ramírez
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jan/09/why-spains-prime-minister-has-broken-ranks-in-europe-and-dared-to-confront-trump

Tennessee university reinstates professor fired for post criticizing Charlie Kirk
Austin Peay State University will also pay theater and dance professor Darren Michael $500,000 in settlement
Associated Press
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/08/tennessee-university-professor-reinstated-charlie-kirk-post

Alzheimer’s therapies should target a particular gene, researchers say
Scientists at UCL say drug developers should focus on two risk-raising variants of the Apoe gene
Ian Sample Science editor
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/jan/09/alzheimers-therapies-target-apoe-gene-variants-researchers-say

Human eggs ‘rejuvenated’ in an advance that could boost IVF success rates
Exclusive: Research suggests supplementing eggs with a key protein reduces age-related defects, raising hopes of improved IVF for older women
Hannah Devlin Science correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/jan/09/human-eggs-rejuvenated-in-advance-that-could-boost-ivf-success-rates

Review
A Thousand Blows season two review – Erin Doherty is so good it’s hard to think about anything else
Almost every scene in Steven Knight’s late-Victorian thriller is stolen by its female lead. You absolutely marvel at her in this darker second outing
Rachel Aroesti
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2026/jan/09/a-thousand-blows-season-two-review-disney

‘Damage is piling up’: has the Netherlands forgotten how to cope with snow?
Cyclists and others voice frustration as transport infrastructure descends into chaos amid increasingly rare cold snap
Senay Boztas in Amsterdam
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/09/climate-netherlands-snow-dutch-transport-infrastructure-chaos

Anonymous painting bought at auction on ‘hunch’ identified as two-in-one Rubens
Study of man often featured in works by the Flemish master reveals hidden painting of woman beneath model’s beard
Philip Oltermann European culture editor
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2026/jan/09/anonymous-painting-bought-at-auction-on-hunch-identified-as-two-in-one-rubens

Review
The best recent science fiction, fantasy and horror – review roundup
Godfall by Van Jensen; The Salt Bind by Rebecca Ferrier; The Poet Empress by Shen Tao; A Hole in the Sky by Peter F Hamilton; Hello Earth, Are You There? by Brian Aldiss
Lisa Tuttle
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2026/jan/09/the-best-recent-science-fiction-fantasy-and-horror-review-roundup

Trevi fountain coins and a Melbourne heatwave: photos of the day – Friday
The Guardian’s picture editors select photographs from around the world
Arnel Hecimovic
https://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2026/jan/09/trevi-fountain-coins-melbourne-heatwave-photos-of-the-day-friday

2026.01.08

MinnPost’s Glean is all ICE related this morning
https://www.minnpost.com/glean/2026/01/more-on-the-ice-shooting-in-minneapolis-federal-agents-renee-good/

Thousands gather at vigil for woman slain by ICE agent in Minneapolis
Mourners filled an entire city block on Wednesday night following the early morning shooting of a woman who was trying to drive away from ICE agents.
by Katelyn Vue
https://sahanjournal.com/immigration/minneapolis-vigil-woman-slain-ice-agent/

Yes, state and local prosecutors can charge federal law enforcement agents with crimes. But it isn’t easy
Minnesota officials are demanding a role in the investigation of Wednesday’s fatal shooting by an ICE agent in Minneapolis.
by Shadi Bushra
https://www.minnpost.com/public-safety/2026/01/minnesota-ice-shooting-yes-state-and-local-prosecutors-can-charge-federal-agents-law-enforcement-with-crimes-but-it-isnt-easy/

Viewed From Across the Pond:

FBI takes over case of ICE agent killing US woman and cuts Minnesota’s access to evidence
Minneapolis remains on edge, with several protests planned after shooting of Renee Nicole Macklin Good
Richard Luscombe, Joseph Gedeon and Lucy Campbell
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/08/minneapolis-school-class-canceled-ice-killed-woman

‘She behaved horribly’: Trump doubles down on claim ICE agent acted in self-defense in interview
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2026/jan/08/minneapolis-shooting-ice-minnesota-protests-vigils-donald-trump-latest-news-updates?CMP=share_btn_url&page=with%3Ablock-695fbff28f085fa3d4b405df#block-695fbff28f085fa3d4b405df

‘Poet, writer, wife, mom’: who was Renee Nicole Macklin Good, the woman killed by an ICE agent?
Macklin Good, 37, had moved to Minneapolis last year from Missouri, loved to sing and won an award for her poetry
Richard Luscombe and agencies
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/08/minnesota-ice-shooting-nicole-macklin-good

Minneapolis schools cancel classes after ICE officer’s fatal shooting of woman
City remains on edge, with several protests planned in the day, after the killing of Renee Nicole Macklin Good
Richard Luscombe and Joseph Gedeon
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/08/minneapolis-school-class-canceled-ice-killed-woman

Minneapolis shooting is a brutal start to Trump’s ‘largest operation’ targeting immigrants
Maanvi Singh
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/08/minneapolis-ice-renee-nicole-good

Cable news networks scramble to cover fatal Minnesota ICE shooting – with both caution and commentary
Networks brought on former federal and police officials, with varying reactions and responses to Minneapolis killing
Jeremy Barr in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/07/minnesota-ice-shooting-coverage

ICE agents have killed – again. The Trump administration blames the victim
Moira Donegan
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jan/08/ice-minneapolis-shooting-trump

US immigration agents linked to spike in shootings under Trump administration crackdown
Data compiled by news non-profit the Trace shows 14 firearm incidents and more uses of force cases
Marina Dunbar
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/07/trump-immigration-ice-shootings

‘Out with the Yanks!’: Thousands protest in Colombia as anger builds over Trump’s intervention in Venezuela
President Gustavo Petro called for demonstrations after Trump said he was interested in military action in Colombia
Tom Phillips in Cúcuta
https://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2026/jan/08/thousands-protest-colombia-trump-petro-agree-to-meet-video

Nasa considering early return of crew from ISS due to medical reasons
Astronaut aboard the International Space Station is in stable condition, Nasa said, and a spacewalk was canceled
Reuters
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/jan/08/nasa-crew-return-international-space-station-health

Germany’s dying forests are losing their ability to absorb CO2. Can a new way of planting save them?
Vast swathes of the country’s trees have been killed off by droughts and infestations, in a trend sweeping across Europe. A shift towards more biodiverse cultivation could offer answers
Patrick Greenfield
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/jan/08/germany-forests-bark-beetle-spruce-co2-carbon-sink-monoculture-aoe

Fly-arousing orchid and zombie fungus among 2025 botanical and fungal finds
Scientists also name an overlooked snowdrop growing in the UK and a fruit that tastes like banana and guava
Damian Carrington Enviroment editor
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/jan/08/fly-arousing-orchid-zombie-fungus-among-new-plant-fungus-species-finds-2025

We study glaciers. ‘Artificial glaciers’ and other tech may halt their total collapse
Brent Minchew and Colin Meyer
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jan/07/we-study-glaciers-artificial-glaciers-and-other-tech-may-halt-their-total-collapse

Studies link some food preservatives to higher diabetes and cancer risk
Of 17 preservatives studied, higher consumption of 12 of them linked with increased risk of type 2 diabetes
Andrew Gregory Health editor
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/jan/08/studies-link-some-food-preservatives-to-higher-diabetes-and-cancer-risk

What is Stranger Things’s Conformity Gate craze – and why did it crash Netflix?
An online conspiracy theory has left hysterical fans believing that the Netflix show’s finale was a fake. Could Vecna still come back with a secret episode?
Benjie Goodhart
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2026/jan/08/what-is-stranger-things-conformity-gate-netflix

Review
His & Hers review – this glossy thriller is ideal new year TV
This six-part adaptation of the bestselling 2020 novel about a murder investigation is twisty, absurd and bingeable. It’s great January viewing
Lucy Mangan
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2026/jan/08/his-hers-review-netflix-jon-bernthal-tessa-thompson-thriller

Stranded whales and an anti-drone gun: photos of the day – Thursday
Arnel Hecimovic
https://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2026/jan/08/stranded-whales-and-an-anti-drone-gun-photos-of-the-day-thursday

2026.01.07

BREAKING: Feds confirm ICE officer fatally shot woman in south Minneapolis One witness told Sahan Journal she saw first responders performing CPR on someone at E. 34th Street and Portland Avenue. The person had blood on their face and in their hair. by Becky Z. Dernbach, Andrew Hazzard, Katelyn Vue, Shubhanjana Das and Mohamed Ibrahim
https://sahanjournal.com/immigration/federal-shooting-ice-immigration-south-minneapolis-34th-portland/

Much of the talk surrounding the Minnesota governor’s race has focused on Gov. Tim Walz dropping out. And while many Republicans wanted Walz gone, “an early exit from his re-election campaign presents its own challenges,” according to the Minnesota Star Tribune, including how to pivot from a fraud-focused strategy to other issues. Via MinnPost
https://www.startribune.com/after-focus-on-walz-and-fraud-what-comes-next-for-gop-in-governors-race/601558163?utm_source=gift

Axios is reporting that the Trump administration “is freezing $10 billion in funds for child care and poor families in five blue states.” California, Colorado, Illinois, New York and Minnesota have seen these funds suspended, and these five states “will also be asked to provide additional information, including attendance records, inspection reports and complaints from parents.” Via MinnPost
https://www.axios.com/2026/01/05/trump-child-care-minnesota

‘Astounding’ vaccine change puts US behind peer countries, experts warn
Scientists predict increased disease outbreaks after Trump officials no longer recommend third of childhood vaccines
Melody Schreiber
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/07/us-vaccine-schedule-guidelines-change

‘How is it possible?’: Berliners demand answers after sabotage causes blackout
Arson attack that left parts of German capital in darkness for days stirs outrage over infrastructure insecurity
Kate Connolly in Berlin
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/07/how-is-it-possible-berliners-demand-answers-after-sabotage-causes-blackout

Interview
‘It was overwhelming’: Katie Leung on Harry Potter, sudden fame, insecurity – and starring in Bridgerton
Emine Saner
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2026/jan/07/katie-leung-harry-potter-sudden-fame-insecurity-bridgerton

The place that stayed with me: I fled the Greek Islands to chase a letter home
As his 30th birthday loomed in Greece, Steve MinOn sent a letter to his parents in Australia. Then he waited.
Steve MinOn
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/jan/07/place-stayed-with-me-greek-islands

‘We were sitting with our calculator saying “we can afford that!”’ Joy for families as cystic fibrosis drug prices fall within reach
The cost of medication was too high for thousands of CF sufferers around the world. Now a Bangladeshi company is making a generic version that will change lives
Kat Lay Global health correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/jan/07/families-cystic-fibrosis-drug-prices-affordable-generic-triko-vertex-pharmaceuticals-beximco-trikafta-kaftrio

2026.01.06

A major deployment of Department of Homeland Security agents is underway in the Twin Cities, according to CBS News. “The crackdown could involve roughly 2,000 agents … The plan is for the agents and officers to oversee a 30-day surge in operations in the Twin Cities area, making the region the first major target of the Trump administration’s expanded immigration crackdown in the new year, officials said. Agents deployed from Homeland Security Investigations are expected to probe alleged cases of fraud, building on last month’s inspection of dozens of sites in the Minneapolis area.” Via MinnPost
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/minneapolis-federal-agents-crackdown/

What are we supposed to make of Tim Walz not running for a third term?
The governor’s remarks Monday were an admission that Medicaid fraud has subsumed his administration.
by Matthew Blake
https://www.minnpost.com/state-government/2026/01/what-are-we-supposed-to-make-of-tim-walz-not-running-for-a-third-term-re-election/

Now that Gov. Tim Walz has dropped out of the race for a third term as Minnesota’s governor, there is a lot of speculation surrounding possible Democratic candidates. MPR News has the latest on who’s in, who’s out and who might be considering a run. MinnPost’s Washington, D.C. correspondent Ana Radelat also has some insight on possible candidates.  Via MinnPost
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/01/05/who-is-running-for-minnesota-governor-in-2026-with-tim-walz-out

Amy Klobuchar, other Dems eye a run for governor in wake of Walz decision
Secretary of State Steve Simon and Attorney General Keith Ellison are among the Democrats weighing the opportunity.
by Ana Radelat
https://www.minnpost.com/national/washington/2026/01/as-walz-bows-out-of-governors-race-amy-klobuchar-other-dems-eye-a-run/

Could a Minnesota governor appoint themself to fill a vacant U.S. Senate seat?
by Brian Arola
https://www.minnpost.com/fact-briefs/2026/01/could-a-minnesota-governor-appoint-themself-to-fill-a-vacant-u-s-senate-seat/

Trump suggests US taxpayers could reimburse oil firms for Venezuela investment
President says a ‘tremendous amount of money’ will need to be spent repairing country’s infrastructure
Guardian staff and agencies
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/jan/06/trump-us-taxpayers-oil-firms-venezuela-investment

US justice department has released less than 1% of Epstein files, filing reveals
Federal law required majority of documents to be released by 19 December, but only 125,575 pages have been published
Richard Luscombe
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/06/epstein-files-release-justice-department

January 6, five years on: sustained effort by Trump to rewrite history
President and Republican allies have tried to make sure the deadly attack on the Capitol has been erased from memory
Sam Levine
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/06/january-6-trump-us-capitol-attack

US will be exempt from global tax deal targeting profits of large multinationals
Agreement finalised by the OECD waters down a landmark 2021 deal that set a minimum global corporate tax of 15%
Guardian staff and agencies
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/jan/06/us-exemption-oecd-global-tax-deal-multinational-companies

Many schools don’t think students can read full novels anymore. That’s a tragedy
Margaret Sullivan
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jan/06/many-schools-are-assigning-excerpts-of-novels-to-read-instead-of-full-books-why

Arizona supreme court evacuated after package tests positive for explosives
Department of education, across the street from the supreme court, also evacuated
Abené Clayton
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/05/arizona-supreme-court-evacuated-package-explosives

Narnia! Dune! Charli xcx! The 2026 films Guardian writers are most excited about
From much-anticipated sequels to music mockumentaries to auteur returns, the next 12 months offers up a wide variety of intriguing new movies
Andrew Pulver, Adrian Horton, Veronica Esposito, Benjamin Lee, Jesse Hassenger, Radheyan Simonpillai, Andrew Lawrence, Richard Lawson and Catherine Shoard
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2026/jan/06/new-film-releases-2026

The strangest thing: is the future of cinema … not new movies?
Netflix’s big-screen release of the Stranger Things finale is estimated to have made over $25m at the US box office, the latest example of event cinema proving popular
Jesse Hassenger
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/jan/06/non-traditional-cinema-releases

Industry season four review – truly twisted, top-tier television
It may only be January, but you already know this banking drama is going to be one of the year’s best shows – a daring, debauched and jaw-dropping treat
Hannah J Davies
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2026/jan/06/industry-season-four-review-bbc-one-iplayer-hbo-binge

Snow, ice and a penguin count: photos of the day – Tuesday
The Guardian’s picture editors select photographs from around the world
https://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2026/jan/06/snow-ice-and-a-penguin-count-photos-of-the-day-tuesday

2026.01.05

Tim Walz says he will not run for third term as Minnesota governor
Announcement comes after ongoing fraud of social services cases became focus of ire for Republicans and Trump
Rachel Leingang in Minneapolis
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/05/tim-walz-minnesota-governor-reelection

The Bulwark on Walz: https://youtu.be/CHYxi3J3blY

Nekima Levy Armstrong: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BquuJ3ALv/

“President Donald Trump on Saturday evening promoted a false conspiracy theory surrounding the assassinations of Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark in June of last year,” reports Bring Me The News. “The post falsely suggests that Hortman was slain by alleged gunman Vance Boelter because she voted to end MinnesotaCare access for undocumented adults in Minnesota. The video makes other false claims concerning Gov. Tim Walz.” 
https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-news/president-trump-promotes-false-conspiracy-theory-about-melissa-hortmans-murder

‘The perfect storm’: Trump has left the US less prepared for natural disasters, experts say
Emergency managers say the US president has presided over a dangerous erosion in US capacity to prepare for and respond to natural disasters
Gabrielle Canon
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/04/donald-trump-disaster-response-preparedness

In ending, Stranger Things committed TV’s ultimate crime
It felt like a punishing endurance test, coming to a head countless times … and yet it’s not over. Where the Upside Down is concerned, it’s never over
Stuart Heritage
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2026/jan/05/stranger-things-finale-committed-tv-ultimate-crime-netflix

2026.01.04

US sees spike in flu cases in December, after most severe season since 2018
Not clear whether more people will get the flu this season, but more than 3,100 people have died in last year in US
Eric Berger
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/03/us-spike-influenza-december

‘Naked imperialism’: how Trump intervention in Venezuela is a return to form for the US
Most of the Americas have suffered from interference from their powerful northern neighbour – and are usually the worse off for it
Tiago Rogero South America correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/04/naked-imperialism-how-trump-intervention-in-venezuela-is-a-return-to-form-for-the-us

Trump’s attack on Venezuela without alerting Congress tests limits of executive power
Robert Tait in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/04/trump-congress-venezuela-attack

Canadian officials say US health institutions no longer dependable for accurate information
Misinformation from the Trump administration is cited as fuelling Canadians’ concerns over childhood vaccinations
Olivia Bowden in Toronto
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/04/canada-us-health-institutions-information

2025 was ICE’s deadliest year in decades. Here are the 31 people who died in custody
The deaths came as the Trump administration ramped up immigration enforcement, detaining a record number of people

Some of those who died in detention had arrived in the US recently, seeking asylum. Others had arrived years ago, some as young children.
ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement)
Maanvi Singh, Coral Murphy Marcos and Charlotte Simmonds
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2026/jan/04/ice-2025-deaths-timeline

Aliens: the spread of invasive plants and animals across Europe – in pictures
Erik Irmer has been documenting the spread of invasive plant and animal species that disrupt native ecology across Europe. He focuses on humans’ interactions with these plants and animals. Aliens is published by Fotohof
Sarah Gilbert
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2026/jan/04/aliens-the-spread-of-invasive-plants-and-animals-across-europe-in-pictures

The best winter gloves are two pairs, actually (and one is hiding at Home Depot)
This inexpensive duo of winter gloves warms your hands as well as one bulky pair does, but they’re much easier to move your hands in
Nick Mokey
https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter-us/2026/jan/03/best-winter-gloves

Wolf supermoon across the world – in pictures
According to Nasa, a supermoon occurs when the moon, due to its proximity to Earth, appears up to 15% larger and 30% brighter than a regular full moon
Pejman Faratin
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2026/jan/03/wolf-moon-supermoon-across-the-world-in-pictures

2026.01.03

For Ghod and Standard Oil!
Why has US attacked Caracas and captured Venezuela’s president?
Trump’s unprecedented capture of Nicolás Maduro follows months of military campaign and years of strained relationship
William Christou
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/03/why-trump-us-attacked-caracas-captured-venezuela-president-nicolas-maduro

Epstein disclosures raise key question: why wasn’t he stopped earlier?
New documents reveal numerous missed opportunities as experts and victims condemn US authorities’ failures
Victoria Bekiempis
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/03/epstein-files-police-failures

Trump cuts have fueled ‘rage-giving’ to US rural public radio. Will it be enough?
Across the US, federal public media cuts have galvanized many communities to donate to their local radio stations
Stephen Starr in Yellow Springs, Ohio
https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/jan/03/trump-public-radio-cuts-donations

Fresh bone analysis makes case for earliest ‘ancestor of humankind’, but doubts remain
Scientists argue ape-like Sahelanthropus tchadensis that lived in Africa 7m years ago is best contender but more fossils are needed
Ian Sample Science editor
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/jan/02/fresh-bone-analysis-earliest-ancestor-of-humankind-but-doubts-remain

I’m a personal trainer. Here’s the exact equipment I use at home
You don’t need a gym membership to get a respectable workout. The right compact and budget-friendly equipment can help you create a routine
Marissa Miller
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/jan/02/best-home-gym-equipment

Amidst all the talk about fraud, Minnesota’s flu season is kicking into high gear, MPR News reports: “Recent data released by the Minnesota Department of Health indicate that influenza cases nearly tripled between Dec. 7 and Dec. 21.” Hospital admissions are also on the rise; nearly 2,000 Minnesotans are currently hospitalized due to the flu. COVID-19 cases remain lower than flu cases, however. Via MinnPost
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/01/01/flu-positivity-rates-hospitalizaitons-increase-in-minnesota

US woman charged with fetal homicide after allegedly inducing own abortion
Kentucky woman reportedly ordered medication to end her pregnancy and buried remains in her yard
Carter Sherman
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/02/kentucky-woman-arrest-abortion

Dreaming of writing your novel this year? Rip up all the rules!
After 35 years of teaching fiction writing, the prize-winning author shares her wisdom. First tip? Don’t write what you know…
Elizabeth McCracken
https://www.theguardian.com/books/ng-interactive/2026/jan/03/dreaming-of-writing-your-novel-this-year-rip-up-all-the-rules

The hill I will die on: Fan fiction is real literature, whatever the snobs say
Urooj Ashfaq
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jan/03/hill-die-on-fan-fiction-real-literature

‘They don’t have a nice socket structure’: how to really look after your knees
From squats and lunges to the importance of maintaining a healthy weight, physiotherapists share advice on how to maintain strong knees and avoid pain
Bianca Nogrady
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/jan/04/they-dont-have-a-nice-socket-structure-how-to-really-look-after-your-knees

‘Suspension of entry into the US’, paparazzi – and wine: three other reasons George Clooney moved to France
Catherine Shoard
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/jan/02/suspension-of-entry-into-the-us-paparazzi-and-wine-three-other-reasons-george-clooney-moved-to-france

What phase follows a full moon? The Saturday quiz
From Phoebe Buffay and Lisa Simpson to Mount Ulysses and the Sangre de Cristo mountains, test your knowledge with the Saturday quiz (Not automagical)
Thomas Eaton
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/jan/03/what-phase-follows-a-full-moon-the-saturday-quiz

Meera Sodha’s recipe for radicchio and chianti risotto
Bittersweet maroon leaves pair perfectly with juicy red wine in this elegant winter risotto served with a walnut pesto
Meera Sodha
https://www.theguardian.com/food/2026/jan/03/radicchio-and-chianti-risotto-recipe-meera-sodha

2026.01.02

‘It’s our turn’: gun-safety advocates are riding a ‘seismic’ wave to US legislatures
A once-toxic topic is helping survivors and relatives of victims get elected to enact the laws they helped draft
Abené Clayton
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/02/gun-safety-law-us-legislation

Italian pasta makers win reprieve from Trump tariffs
US cuts proposed levies to between 2% and 14% despite accusing Italian producers of selling at unfairly low prices
Mark Sweney
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/02/italian-pasta-makers-win-reprieve-from-trump-tariffs

Will Smith accused of ‘predatory behaviour’ and ‘grooming’ by tour violinist
Brian King Joseph claims the rapper and actor was ‘priming’ him for ‘sexual exploitation’. Smith’s lawyer has called the allegations ‘false, baseless and reckless’
Laura Snapes
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/jan/02/will-smith-accused-of-predatory-behaviour-and-grooming-by-tour-violinist

New year, old warnings: what can films set in 2026 teach us?
From Doom and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes to Metropolis, Hollywood hasn’t predicted the most stable of years ahead
Jesse Hassenger
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/jan/02/films-set-in-2026-hollywood

‘No one can know’: Heated Rivalry’s gay love story exposes ice hockey’s culture of silence
The surprise hit series has reopened a familiar debate: why, in the National Hockey League, visibility is still treated as a problem rather than a possibility
Colin Horgan
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jan/02/heated-rivalry-nhl-hockey-culture-silence

Behind the scenes of Brisbane’s 2032 Olympics, a 19th-century story of politics and gay love
The new stadium sits in the suburb of Herston, a name alluding to the state’s first premier and the man believed to be his lover
Andrew Messenger
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jan/03/behind-the-scenes-of-brisbanes-2032-olympics-a-19th-century-story-of-politics-and-gay-love

‘The answer is dig a hole’: why Scotland’s islanders want tunnels instead of ferries
From Shetland to the Western Isles, campaigners argue ageing ferries are driving depopulation – and undersea tunnels are the only 21st-century solution
Severin Carrell Scotland editor
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/jan/02/scotland-islanders-want-tunnels-instead-ferries-shetland-western-isles

More than 60 Henri Matisse artworks donated to Musée d’Art Moderne in Paris
Artist’s daughter Marguerite features in most of the pieces, kept in the family until ‘complete surprise’ donation
Kim Willsher in Paris
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2026/jan/02/paris-musee-d-art-moderne-donation-henri-matisse-marguerite

Review
The Night Manager review – no naughty bum-flashing? It’s still a class above all other spy thrillers
The racy espionage blockbuster caused a global frenzy a decade ago – and set an unbelievably high bar. As Tom Hiddleston’s M16 agent Jonathan Pine returns to take down a new supervillain, he just about pulls it off
Jack Seale
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2026/jan/01/the-night-manager-review-tom-hiddleston-john-le-carre-bbc-one-iplayer-prime-video

George Clooney fires back at Trump after US president mocks his French citizenship
Trump called the actor and his wife, Amal, ‘two of the worst political prognosticators of all time’ after they were awarded French passports
Sian Cain and agencies
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/jan/02/george-clooney-trump-french-citizenship