Monthly Archives: February 2026

2026.02.28

ICE

St. Paul church protest over ICE draws charges against 30 more
Attorney General Pam Bondi accused the group of civil rights violations in the January church protest during Operation Metro Surge.
By Sarah Raza, AP
https://www.minnpost.com/metro/2026/02/st-paul-church-protest-over-ice-draws-charges-against-30-more/

‘Liberty Vans’ appear across US to help immigrants – and document ICE raids
Volunteers offer moral and legal support, and document ICE actions with the aim of holding people accountable
Victoria Namkung in Los Angeles
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/28/liberty-vans-ice-immigrants

More News

Iran: US and Israel launch major attack on Iran as Tehran retaliates across the Middle East – live
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2026/feb/28/israel-attacks-iran-as-blasts-heard-in-tehran-live-updates?CMP=share_btn_url&page=with%3Ablock-69a2fcaf8f08e575db5bd62e#block-69a2fcaf8f08e575db5bd62e

Trump’s unprovoked attack on Iran has no mandate – or legal basis
Julian Borger
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/28/trump-unprovoked-attack-on-iran-has-no-mandate-and-no-clear-objective

US backs Pakistan’s ‘right to defend itself’ against Taliban after strikes on Afghanistan
Taliban offer to resolve dispute via dialogue after Pakistan bombed cities in Afghanistan in latest escalation with its neighbour
Callum Jones
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/28/us-backs-pakistans-right-to-defend-itself-against-taliban-after-strikes-on-afghanistan

Trump administration warns tariff refund process ‘will take time’
DoJ says it will not ask US supreme court to rehear tariffs case despite president’s complaint on Truth Social
Coral Murphy Marcos
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/27/trump-tariff-refunds

Trump just got much closer to bringing CNN to heel
Margaret Sullivan
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/feb/28/trump-paramount-skydance-warner-bros-cnn-netflix

State of the Swamp Destroys Trump’s Longest, Angriest State of the Union
As Trump ranted through a record-breaking grievance fest, celebrities, activists, and everyday Americans turned ridicule into resistance—and stole the night.
Cliff Schecter and Blue Amp Media
https://www.blueamp.co/p/state-of-the-swamp-destroys-trumps

Joe Biden warns that Donald Trump will try to ‘steal’ midterm elections
In a rare public address, former president said US is experiencing ‘dark days’ and urged Americans to vote
Adam Gabbatt
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/28/joe-biden-donald-trump-midterm-elections

Midterm ‘blue wave’ could block Trump’s agenda and launch investigations – here’s what’s at stake
Democrats hope to capture the House, but the Senate could be a heavier lift in November’s midterm elections
Chris Stein, Sam Levine and Andrew Witherspoon
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/28/midterms-democrats-house-senate

A forecast full of uncertainty. What to make the of the state’s economic outlook in the age of Trump
Despite positive numbers, Walz and lawmakers had a muted response Friday and said little new spending is on the way.
by Matthew Blake and Shadi Bushra
https://www.minnpost.com/state-government/2026/02/a-forecast-full-of-uncertainty-what-to-make-the-of-the-states-economic-outlook-in-the-age-of-trump/

Researchers praise ‘stunning’ results of new prostate cancer treatment
Early trials of the drug VIR-5500 showed it shrinking tumours in some patients
Nicola Davis Science correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/feb/28/researchers-praise-stunning-results-of-new-prostate-cancer-treatment

‘Viruses don’t know borders’: US anti-vaccine rhetoric could impact global measles crisis
Experts say global measles vaccination rates are falling as Trump officials signal a deprioritization of the virus
Hannah Harris Green
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/feb/28/anti-vaccine-rhetoric-global-measles-crisis

North Dakota judge finalizes $345m judgment against Greenpeace in pipeline case
Judge slashed a $667m damages award to Energy Transfer over Greenpeace’s role in Dakota Access Pipeline protests
Reuters
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/27/north-dakota-greenpeace-access-pipeline-energy-transfer

Tasting 23 Kinds of Citrus with a Fruit Expert | America’s Test Kitchen
https://youtu.be/oLGonLqAH88?si=CQNg66XdZZhYppwx

2026.02.27

ICE

ICE won’t be at polling places in 2026 election, Trump administration official says
Election officials had feared that federal agents would interfere with the 2026 midterms, even though federal law prohibits armed troops at polling places.
By Nathaniel Rakich, Votebeat
https://www.minnpost.com/elections/2026/02/ice-wont-be-at-polling-places-in-2026-election-trump-administration-official-says/

Will Trump try to seize voting machines to disrupt the midterm elections?
State election leaders have been raising concerns about the intent behind Trump’s recent moves on elections
George Chidi in Atlanta
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/27/trump-voting-machines-midterm-election

Minnesota nonprofits are in a race to distribute millions in mutual aid to tenants facing eviction
State lawmakers are considering a bill to expand which nonprofits can issue eviction-blocking letters assuring landlords that money is on the way.
by Shadi Bushra
https://www.minnpost.com/state-government/2026/02/minnesota-nonprofits-are-in-a-race-to-distribute-millions-in-mutual-aid-to-tenants-facing-eviction/

A story of surviving Minnesota’s record surge in legal appeals over unconstitutional ICE detentions
Attorneys and advocates say it’s critical to be prepared and act quickly in order to get home.
by Cleo Krejci and Shadi Bushra
https://www.minnpost.com/public-safety/2026/02/a-story-of-surviving-minnesotas-record-surge-in-legal-appeals-over-unconstitutional-ice-detentions/

The chief federal judge for Minnesota issued a stern warning to the chief federal prosecutor for the state, as well as to Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials, reports the AP, instructing them to comply with court orders or risk criminal contempt charges. “Increasingly, this Court has had to resort to using the threat of civil contempt to force ICE to comply with orders,” wrote Chief Judge Patrick Schiltz. “The Court is not aware of another occasion in the history of the United States in which a federal court has had to threaten contempt — again and again and again — to force the United States government to comply with court orders.” Via MinnPost
https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-immigration-crackdown-chief-judge-prosecutor-15aeb88128432ad899e1f0c9ae039464

More News

Protecting police, pursuing ‘agitators’ and fraud, fraud, fraud: What Republican legislators are up to in St. Paul.
The party is advancing reams of fraud legislation, while holding the line on ICE and guns.
by Matthew Blake
https://www.minnpost.com/state-government/2026/02/protecting-police-pursuing-agitators-and-fraud-fraud-fraud-what-republican-legislators-are-up-to-in-st-paul/

A Minneapolis man says he opened an Amazon package delivered to his doorstep and found a loaded gun. “Travis Meier had ordered a hydration vest designed for carrying water on long-distance runs or bike rides,” MPR News reports. “It was the vest he’d ordered, but Meier said it felt heavier than he’d expected. So he checked the pockets. Inside was a holstered handgun — a Ruger LCP 380.” An Amazon spokesperson told MPR the company is still looking to it. The customer received a gift card for his trouble.
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/02/27/loaded-gun-in-amazon-package-delivered-to-minneapolis-man

North Minneapolis artist Namir Fearce builds a Black, queer sanctuary at MCAD
Also this weekend: stand-up comedy at The Cedar and a Black History Month concert at Can Can Wonderland.
by Myah Goff
https://sahanjournal.com/arts-culture/twin-cities-things-to-do-mcad-show-hahamasala-can-can-wonderland/

Pakistan declares state of ‘open war’ after bombing major Afghan cities
Wave of strikes comes after Taliban forces attack Pakistani border troops following earlier action from Islamabad
Jason Burke in London, Shah Meer Baloch in Islamabad and Kate Lamb in Sydney
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/27/pakistan-declares-state-of-open-war-after-bombing-major-afghan-cities

CBS News and CNN staffers fear ‘disaster’ as Paramount wins Warner Bros battle
Decision by Netflix to walk away from takeover leaves workers anxious about possible merger of news networks
Jeremy Barr in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/feb/27/cbs-news-cnn-paramount-warner-bros-employees

Democrats outraged at US military’s downing of CBP drone near Mexico border
Second time in two weeks military used laser to attack what it mistakenly thought was a threat, disrupting air traffic
Ed Pilkington
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/27/cbp-border-drone-military-democrats

Trump officials move to kill system that protects US from chemical disasters
EPA rolls back rules as chemical firms claim provisions in RMP protection system too expensive to implement
Tom Perkins
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/feb/27/trump-fire-chemical-safety-system-epa

Trump says affordability crisis is over. Voters and data disagree
Tom Perkins
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/feb/27/trump-state-union-inflation-prices-affordability

Trump has embraced a disturbing strategy to silence free speech
David Bralow
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/feb/27/trump-free-speech-ftc-media-matters

Trump’s tariffs weren’t economic policy. They were a corruption machine
David Sirota
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/feb/27/trumps-tariffs-economic-policy-corruption

Six planets due to parade across night sky in rare celestial spectacle
Jupiter, Saturn, Venus, Mercury, Neptune and Uranus will all be visible at same time in curved line across sky
Nicola Davis Science correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/feb/27/six-planets-due-to-parade-across-night-sky-in-rare-celestial-spectacle

Science of sex and gender being misrepresented by Trump officials, experts warn
Scientists say crackdown on gender-affirming care could have impact on healthcare of all Americans
Melody Schreiber
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/27/trump-administration-gender-healthcare

Kansas revokes driver’s licenses from trans residents in latest assault on rights
Law demanding IDs match ‘sex at birth’ also includes bathroom ban provision for trans people in public buildings
Sara Braun
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/26/kansas-trans-drivers-license-law-assault-on-rights

George Takei: ‘I’ve spent two minutes longer in zero gravity than Shatner’
As told to Rich Pelley
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/feb/26/george-takei-ive-spent-two-minutes-longer-in-zero-gravity-than-shatner

Underwater Photographer of the Year 2026 – in pictures
The annual competition draws thousands of entries from across the world and brings together images from below the water’s surface that show the diversity and challenges of subaquatic life
All photographs courtesy of Underwater Photographer of the Year 2026
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/gallery/2026/feb/27/underwater-photographer-of-the-year-2026-in-pictures

2026.02.26

ICE

Minnesota nonprofits are in a race to distribute millions in mutual aid to tenants facing eviction
State lawmakers are considering a bill to expand what nonprofits can issue eviction-blocking letters assuring landlords that money is on the way.
by Shadi Bushra
https://www.minnpost.com/state-government/2026/02/minnesota-nonprofits-are-in-a-race-to-distribute-millions-in-mutual-aid-to-tenants-facing-eviction/

How many federal immigration agents remain in Minnesota after the reported drawdown of Operation Metro Surge? Fewer than 1,000, MPR News reports. “According to court filings this week, that’s down from more than 4,000 combined U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents and other personnel at the peak of the surge. But it’s still hundreds more than the typical federal footprint in the state.” 
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/02/25/federal-officials-fewer-than-1000-immigration-agents-remain-minnesota

Charges against three Minnesotans who have been accused of assaulting federal law enforcement officers have been dropped, the Minnesota Star Tribune reports. “The defendants were initially accused of serious crimes. But when asked for evidence, the government dropped their cases.”
https://www.startribune.com/charges-dropped-against-three-minnesotans-accused-of-assaulting-federal-agents/601588422?utm_source=gift

Democrats in four states seek to bar ICE employees from future civil service jobs
Bills aim to make ICE employees ineligible for jobs in law enforcement, public education and state civil service
Chris Stein
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/26/democrats-bar-ice-employees-civil-service-jobs

Disabled activist and guest of Ilhan Omar says she did not intend to disrupt State of the Union
Before arrest at US House chamber Tuesday, Aliya Rahman had only a month earlier been dragged from her car by ICE
Eric Berger
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/26/aliya-rahman-sotu-ilhan-omar

Nearly blind refugee abandoned by US border patrol found dead in Buffalo
Investigation under way after man was dropped off five miles from home but family wasn’t notified, officials say
Sara Braun
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/25/border-patrol-refugee-buffalo

More News

What Trump’s war on fraud actually looks like
President Trump’s SOTU rhetoric around social services fraud in Minnesota was, to editorialize, unhelpful in understanding an already complex issue.
by Matthew Blake
https://www.minnpost.com/state-government/2026/02/what-trumps-war-on-fraud-actually-looks-like/

Vance says Minnesota’s Medicaid funds halted as part of Trump’s ‘war on fraud’
Vice-president makes announcement with Mehmet Oz, who says other states will be next after Minnesota
Lauren Gambino
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/25/jd-vance-minnesota-medicaid

‘Really a lot of amazing beauty’: emails show how model scout connected Epstein with young women
Daniel Siad, facing allegation of rape in France, appears in more than 1,000 documents in latest declassified files
Amelia Gentleman and Lucy Osborne
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/26/daniel-siad-model-scout-jeffrey-epstein-emails

New GLP-1 pill helps patients lose up to 8% of body weight, trial shows
Orforglipron led to greater weight loss than semaglutide tablets and could offer more effective oral alternative to jabs
Anna Bawden Health and social affairs correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/feb/26/new-glp1-pill-patients-lose-weight-trial

First writing may be 40,000 years earlier than thought (Paywall?)
Georgina Rannard Science reporter
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgknj7yyv2o

Leave big tech behind! How to replace Amazon, Google, X, Meta, Apple – and more
A handful of companies monopolise the web, with unprecedented access to our data. But there are many more ethical – and often distinctively European – alternatives
Steve Rose
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/feb/26/how-to-replace-amazon-google-x-meta-apple-alternatives

The nostalgic winter drink dividing Germany (Paywall?)
Alex Katsomitros
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20260225-the-nostalgic-winter-drink-dividing-germany

Martin Clunes loses planning battle with new travellers near Dorset home
Councillors vote to allow couple to stay on plot of land, overruling objections of Wuthering Heights actor
Steven Morris
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/feb/26/martin-clunes-planning-battle-new-travellers-dorset

The secret life of a waitress: my nine nightmare diners – from flirts to complainers
Are influencers really the biggest problem facing waiting staff? Not compared with the customer who demanded I pick up her dog’s poo …
Esme Gordon-Craig
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/ng-interactive/2026/feb/26/the-secret-life-of-a-waitress-my-nine-nightmare-diners-from-flirts-to-complainers

Norway’s all-conquering Winter Olympians have a message for us all – and it’s not what you think
Cath Bishop
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/feb/26/norway-winter-olympics-message-for-us-all

Jacinda Ardern living and working in Australia after move from US
Exclusive: Former New Zealand PM ‘based out of Australia’, according to spokesperson, after rumours she was looking for houses in Sydney
Eva Corlett in Wellington
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/26/jacinda-ardern-living-in-australia-former-nz-new-zealand-pm

2026.02.25

ICE

Singer, medical researcher, ICU nurse, outdoor adventurer. The Minnesota Star Tribune has a lengthy profile of Alex Pretti’s life before he entered the national spotlight as the second observer in Minneapolis killed by an immigration agent. “Outside of work, Pretti’s penchant for action translated to activism.” Via MinnPost
https://www.startribune.com/alex-prettis-journey-to-the-center-of-a-crisis/601575572?utm_source=gift

Stand With Minnesota, the mutual aid clearinghouse organized by Ashley Fairbanks that MinnPost reported on earlier this month, has raised over $20 million dollars for Minnesotans affected by Operation Metro Surge. The Guardian has a Q&A with Fairbanks, where she again emphasized the need for rent relief. “Everything else, we can rebuild. There’s other assistance. But with rent, no one’s coming to save them,” she said. Via MinnPost
https://www.minnpost.com/metro/2026/02/inside-minnesotans-moonshot-to-cover-rent-for-their-immigrant-neighbors/

‘I can’t risk going to work’: As ICE arrests escalated, mom, son huddled at home, afraid to leave for groceries or school
Nuvia and her son relied on a network of mutual aid donations, which are dwindling as Operation Metro Surge winds down. Volunteers say many families are still recovering from the impacts of the ICE surge.
by Anshu Patel
https://sahanjournal.com/immigration/minneapolis-minnesota-mutual-aid-recipient-ice-operation-metro-surge/

‘My children are here’: How journalist Georgia Fort’s arrest impacted her daughters
As the Trump administration tries to stop individuals from documenting immigration enforcement, parents are trying to figure out how to explain constitutional rights to their children.
Amanda Becker
https://19thnews.org/2026/02/journalist-georgia-fort-arrest-impact-children/

How do you explain ICE to your child? Immigrant families are having ‘The Talk’
For generations, Black Americans have prepared their children for the realities of racism. As ICE expands its reach, more parents are navigating similar conversations.
Candice Norwood
https://19thnews.org/2026/02/ice-immigrant-parents-families-the-talk/

More News

Donald Trump’s two-hour State of the Union address in 3 minutes – video
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/video/2026/feb/25/al-green-iran-record-length-speech-trump-state-of-the-union-address-in-3-minutes-video

Trump blasts ‘fraud’ in Minnesota in State of the Union address focused on the economy and immigration
Minnesota’s Democrats had their own messages, with Sen. Tina Smith and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey headlining counter-events in Washington.
by Ana Radelat
https://www.minnpost.com/national/washington/2026/02/trump-blasts-fraud-in-minnesota-in-state-of-the-union-address-focused-on-the-economy-and-immigration/

Why the longest-ever State of the Union address was the most inconsequential
Amid Trump’s lies and xenophobic rants, people struggling to pay bills and make ends meet are unlikely to be moved
David Smith in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/24/trump-state-of-union-speech-analysis

Democrats refuse to stand for Trump as Al Green ejected over ‘apes’ protest sign
Texas Democrat removed for holding ‘Black people aren’t apes’ sign as colleagues stay seated while Republicans cheer
Gabrielle Canon and David Smith
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/24/al-green-sign-protest-state-of-union

Jobs, gas prices and ending wars: factchecking Trump’s State of the Union claims
The president’s lengthy speech to Congress contained myriad inflated, misleading or simply false claims
Guardian staff
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/25/trump-state-of-the-union-factcheck

Trump has lost the ability to entertain. Sadly, he hasn’t lost the ability to offend
Moira Donegan
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/feb/24/trump-state-of-the-union-speech

Investigation urged into immigration practices of company owned by Maga donors
Milwaukee city council member calls for inquiry into Uline’s previous ‘shuttle program’ to bring in Mexican workers
Stephanie Kirchgaessner
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/25/wisconsin-official-uline-investigation-maga-donors

Macron appoints new head of crisis-hit Louvre after jewellery heist
Christophe Leribault, most recently Versailles director, will be tasked with improving security and ‘restoring climate of trust’
Staff and agencies in Paris
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/25/macron-appoints-new-head-of-crisis-hit-louvre-paris-after-jewellery-heist

Citizen scientists discover a Great Barrier Reef coral giant ‘like a rolling meadow’
Volunteer group Citizens of the Reef made the find as part of the Great Reef Census
Donna Lu
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/feb/24/citizen-scientists-discover-great-barrier-reef-coral-giant-census

Break up with your liquid detergent. Try these plastic-free laundry sheets instead
Quit lugging liquid – detergent sheets have all the cleaning power with a fraction of the weight and zero of the sticky spillage
Jon Chan
https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter-us/2025/oct/07/laundry-detergent-sheets-hey-sunday-review

Fresh from a Minicon a couple of years ago: Midwest Side Story
https://youtu.be/c745eLCHmDM?si=2BS4TTBBP0UOO5in

2026.02.24

ICE

A former instructor at an ICE training facility in Georgia spoke before a congressional hearing Monday afternoon and shared what training efforts have looked like as DHS rapidly scales up its number of recruits. “…Even in the final days of training, the cadets cannot demonstrate a solid grasp of the tactics or the law required to perform their jobs,” Ryan Schwank said during the hearing organized by congressional Democrats. Schwank resigned “in protest” less than two weeks ago, CBS News reports, and his testimony “will likely fuel Democrats’ refusal to fund the Department of Homeland Security until the Trump administration agrees to a number of reforms for ICE, including a prohibition on agents wearing masks.” Via MinnPost
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ice-whistleblower-new-recruits-receiving-defective-training/

A group of Minnesota clergy sued the Department of Homeland Security on Monday for repeatedly blocking their visits to immigration detainees at the Whipple Federal Building. “To be able to receive pastoral care is incredibly important. For individuals to be treated with humanity instead of being treated like inventory,” Irina Vaynerman, the CEO of Groundwork Legal and one of the plaintiffs’ attorneys, said in an interview with MPR News. Via MinnPost
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/02/23/minnesota-clergy-sue-department-of-homeland-security-over-access-to-immigration-detainees

Sahan Journal caught up with three Minnesota Somali immigrants who were detained by ICE last month despite having abided by legal requirements. All three, who have since been released, described their experiences in overcrowded, unsanitary Texas detention facilities. Two were arrested outside of their immigration check-in appointments. “I kept asking them what I violated, because I was worried they might have confused me with someone else, but they refused to tell me, and it turns out there was no violation — they were just lying.” Via MinnPost
https://sahanjournal.com/immigration/minnesota-somali-immigrants-ice-texas-detentions/

Brandi Carlile concert raises over $600,000 for families affected by ICE
Singer criticizes Trump administration’s ‘violent theater’ as she supports people caught up in Minneapolis crackdown
Adrian Horton
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/feb/23/brandi-carlile-benefit-concert-minneapolis-ice

More News

‘We’re losing accessibility’: America says goodbye to the mass-market paperback
The so-called ‘pocket book’ sold in supermarkets is being phased out across the US, the latest sign of an ongoing shift in how people are choosing to read
David Smith in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2026/feb/24/america-says-goodbye-paperback

Majority believes Trump moving US in wrong direction, poll finds
Study released a day before State of the Union address shows president has lost support among Republicans
Eric Berger
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/23/trump-poll-state-of-the-union

Mexican drug cartel boss ‘El Mencho’ tracked through romantic partner
Killing of Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader sparks wave of violence across western Mexico
Thomas Graham in Tijuana, Oliver Holmes and Tom Phillips
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/23/el-mencho-mexican-drug-cartel-boss-killing-violence

BAFTA Awards incident sparks debate on race and disability after guest with Tourette’s shouts slur
An outburst from a man with Tourette syndrome during the British equivalent of the Oscars has sparked fierce backlash and controversy.
Ariel Messman-Rucker
https://www.out.com/gay-entertainment/bafta-slur-tourette

The dust has not yet settled on the Baftas N-word row. This is why
Peter Bradshaw
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/feb/24/the-dust-has-not-yet-settled-on-the-baftas-n-word-row-this-is-why

‘I like the challenge’: French animator Florence Miailhe on being nominated for an Oscar for the first time aged 70
Phil Hoad
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/feb/24/french-animator-florence-miailhe-nominated-oscar-papillon

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has saved the Game of Thrones universe
Stuart Heritage
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2026/feb/23/knight-seven-kingdoms-game-thrones

Peter Attia resigns from CBS News amid revelations about ties to Epstein
Controversial doctor steps down as contributor after Epstein files reveal communication between the two men
Sara Braun
https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/feb/23/peter-attia-resigns-cbs-news-epstein

Robert Carradine, Revenge of the Nerds and Lizzie McGuire actor, dies aged 71
The actor killed himself, his family said in a statement that aimed to raise awareness of ‘his nearly two-decade battle with bipolar disorder’
Sian Cain
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/feb/24/robert-carradine-dies-aged-71-death-revenge-of-the-nerds-actor

Maxi Shield, beloved Australian drag queen and Drag Race Down Under star, dies aged 51
Performer appeared in closing ceremony of 2000 Sydney Olympic Games and was a mainstay of city’s drag scene
Josh Taylor
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/feb/24/australian-drag-queen-and-drag-race-down-under-star-maxi-shield-dies

2026.02.23

Killing of Mexican drug cartel boss ‘El Mencho’ triggers wave of violence
Schools close and flights suspended after military raid kills Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes
Tom Phillips and Oliver Holmes
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/23/el-mencho-mexican-drug-cartel-boss-killing-violence

A rush of blood to the penis – and vaginal tenting: what happens to our bodies when we get turned on
Arousal may be spontaneous, or arise in response to sensory stimulation, memory, fantasy or emotional connection. Here’s how to understand the differences
Joel Snape
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/feb/23/what-happens-to-our-bodies-when-we-get-turned-on-vaginal-tenting

Wegovy and Ozempic owner dealt blow as next-gen weight-loss drug is branded ‘obsolete’
Novo Nordisk’s shares fall sharply after testing of CagriSema falls short of investors’ expectations
Julia Kollewe
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/feb/23/wegovy-ozempic-weight-loss-drug-novo-nordisk-cagrisema

A new start after 60: I baked a pie every day for a year – and it changed my life
Vickie Hardin Woods was worried she would lose her identity when she retired. Instead, she came up with a plan that made her feel more creative, connected and valued than ever
Paula Cocozza
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/feb/22/a-new-start-after-60-i-baked-a-pie-every-day-for-a-year-and-it-changed-my-life

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor charged massages to taxpayer while trade envoy, say reports
Former senior civil servants say culture of deference meant excessive expenses claims were waved through
Kevin Rawlinson

Robert Mugabe’s son charged with attempted murder over Johannesburg shooting
Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, known for lavish lifestyle, also accused of theft and being illegal immigrant after man allegedly shot in back
Rachel Savage in Johannesburg
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/23/robert-mugabe-son-bellarmine-mugabe-charged-with-crimes

The tragedy of Punch the monkey: why do mother animals abandon their offspring?
Footage of Punch, a seven-month-old Japanese macaque, has gone viral around the world after he was rejected by his mother and formed a bond with a soft toy
Maya Yang
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/23/punch-monkey-japan-macaque-why-do-mother-animals-abandon-offspring

2026.02.22

ICE

Worst of the worst? Most US immigrants targeted for deportation in 2025 had no criminal charges, documents reveal
A Guardian analysis finds the vast majority of people who entered deportation proceedings for the first time from January to August last year had no criminal convictions
Will Craft
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/22/us-immigration-trump-administration

How daily routines in Minneapolis and St Paul have changed amid 3,000 federal immigration agents – in pictures
Many people have been sheltering at home. Protests have become part of the daily rhythm. Community networks continue to patrol and document agents’ interactions
Bridget Bennett in Minneapolis and St Paul
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2026/feb/22/minneapolis-st-paul-daily-routines-immigration

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Homeland security to suspend TSA PreCheck and Global Entry airport security programs
Democrats accuse DHS of ‘kneecapping’ programs that help speed registered travelers through security lines
Guardian staff and agencies
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/22/homeland-security-suspends-tsa-precheck-global-entry-airport-security-programs

Trump warns Netflix of ‘consequences’ unless it pulls top Democrat from board
US president calls for removal of Susan Rice as streaming platform pursues takeover of Warner Bros Discovery
Joanna Partridge
https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/feb/22/trump-warns-netflix-of-consequences-unless-it-pulls-top-democrat-susan-rice-from-board

The world order we’re leaving behind may be replaced by no order at all
Eduardo Porter
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2026/feb/22/world-order-trump

Greenland says ‘no, thanks’ to Trump’s US hospital boat
Leaders of both Denmark and Arctic territory rebuff US president’s claim that islanders are ‘not being taken care of’
Deborah Cole and agencies
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/22/greenland-does-not-need-us-hospital-boat-sent-by-trump-says-denmark

Nasa may roll back Artemis II rocket launch after helium flow discovery
Agency statement comes one day after announcement of 6 March target for astronauts’ mission to circle the moon
Guardian staff and agencies
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/21/nasa-artemis-ii-rocket-launch

Baftas 2026: the red carpet, the ceremony, the winners – follow live!
Eyes and teeth darlings, it’s the biggest night of the year in British cinema – here’s a minute-by-minute update of all the gowns, gossip and glitz of the night
Stuart Heritage, Chloe Mac Donnell, Andrew Pulver, Nadia Khomami and Catherine Shoard
https://www.theguardian.com/film/live/2026/feb/22/baftas-2026-the-red-carpet-the-ceremony-the-winners-follow-live

‘That’s a losing battle’: baboon incursions cause tense human-wildlife standoff in Cape Town
Animal rights activists disagree with authorities on how best to handle boom in primate population near Table Mountain
By Rachel Savage in Cape Town. Photography by Tommy Trenchard
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/feb/22/baboon-population-cape-town-south-africa-animal-rights-activists

Let a thousand stinky blossoms bloom: how Australia became the world’s corpse flower destination
Australian collections of the endangered and notoriously unpredictable flowers have popped off in recent years, as ‘personas’ like Putricia, Stinkerella and Smellanie prove a hit with nosy spectators
Petra Stock and Josh Nicholas
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/feb/22/corpse-flowers-australia-putricia-stinkerella-smellanie

What’s the best way to learn a new language? (Paywalled?)
Krupa Padhy
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20260220-whats-the-best-way-to-learn-a-new-language

2026.02.21

ICE

The Department of Homeland Security maintains a website detailing the “worst of the worst” who were arrested in Minnesota that is rife with errors, KARE 11 reports. “The Department of Homeland Security’s “Worst of the Worst” website features people arrested in Minnesota who the department says have been convicted of serious crimes. But the list has raised many questions. The Minnesota Department of Corrections’ ongoing fact-check is having trouble confirming that some of the crimes listed were committed, even in other states. Officials also point out that hat a number of the “worst of the worst” arrests did not take place in the community during Operation Metro Surge, but actually were direct transfers from Minnesota prisons to ICE custody.” 
https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/ice-in-minnesota/worst-of-the-worst-website-rife-with-errors-cnn/89-f052d30f-4ce0-4334-ae87-cc7bf3948936

ICE actions are keeping others from traveling to Minnesota.  “A major German soccer team canceled its trip to Minnesota due to the immigration crackdown under the Trump administration,” KOMO reports. Christoph Pieper, Werder Bremen’s head of communications, said in a statement that “[p]laying in a city where there’s unrest and people have been shot, that does not fit with our values here at Werder Bremen. Furthermore, it was unclear for us which players could be able to enter the United States due to the stricter entry requirements.”  Via MinnPost
https://komonews.com/news/nation-world/german-soccer-team-cancels-minnesota-trip-due-to-ice-tom-homan-alex-pretti-renee-good-immigrant-white-house

DoJ cases against protesters keep collapsing as officers’ lies are exposed in court
String of embarrassing defeats for prosecutors as experts condemn DoJ effort to cast people as ‘violent perpetrators’
Sam Levin in Los Angeles
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/21/doj-protesters-federal-agents-cases

‘Don’t go to the US – not with Trump in charge’: the UK tourist with a valid visa detained by ICE for six weeks
Karen Newton was in America on the trip of a lifetime when she was shackled, transported and held for weeks on end. With tourism to the US under increasing strain, she says, ‘If it can happen to me, it can happen to anyone’
Jenny Kleeman
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/21/karen-newton-valid-visa-detained-ice

Detentions and disappearances: how ICE has driven fear into Michigan’s Arab communities
Arab Americans in Dearborn and beyond are being swept up by ICE at places of worship and work, with devastating consequences
Stephen Starr in Dearborn, Michigan
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/21/michigan-arab-communities-ice-fear

US citizen shot and killed by federal immigration agent last year, new records show
Shooting death of Ruben Ray Martinez, 23, in Texas was not publicly disclosed by Department of Homeland Security
Associated Press
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/20/us-citizen-killed-federal-immigration-agent

A bar, kitchen and flat-screen TVs: the $70m jet DHS is eyeing for deportations
The department is reportedly considering buying a Boeing plane for deportation flights and for use by Trump officials
Richard Luscombe
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/20/luxury-jet-dhs-deportation-flights-trump-officials

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Furious Trump signs global 10% duty after supreme court issues tariff blow
President calls six justices a ‘disgrace to the nation’ while praising three justices who dissented
George Chidi
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/20/trump-tariff-scotus-response

The supreme court’s tariffs ruling puts Trump on notice with a bloody nose
Ed Pilkington
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/21/trump-tariffs-ruling-supreme-court

‘Dictator vibes’ as dear leader Trump puts name and face front and center
Banner at justice department just the latest example of how president has imposed himself on daily US life
Richard Luscombe
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/21/trump-name-face-justice-department

Trump news at a glance: president lobs insults at US supreme court for striking down his global tariffs
Trump called justices ‘fools’ and ‘disgrace to the nation’ after their rebuke of his aggressive trade tactic – key US politics stories from 20 February 2026 at a glance
Guardian staff
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/20/trump-administration-news-updates-today

Epstein files place renewed attention on US authorities’ failure to stop him
Files show accuser in 2011 provided extensive account of abuse as questions mount over why action was not taken
Victoria Bekiempis
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/21/epstein-files-victim-reports-police-fbi-failures

Tale of two nations: Andrew’s UK arrest highlights US passivity on Epstein files
David Smith in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/feb/21/andrew-epstein-files-us-uk

CBS News is convulsing as Larry Ellison tries to please Trump
Margaret Sullivan
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/feb/21/cbs-trump-anderson-cooper-stephen-colbert-paramount

Ohio mayor arrested on voyeurism charges after allegedly sniffing girl’s underwear
Claims against Wesley Dingus came from teen who had been staying at his residence and hid camera in bedroom
Marina Dunbar
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/20/ohio-mayor-arrested-voyeurism-wesley-dingus

US envoy Mike Huckabee says it would be ‘fine’ if Israel took all Middle East land
Rightwing Trump ally tells Tucker Carlson Israel has biblical right to land from ‘wadi of Egypt to the great river’
Edward Helmore
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/20/mike-huckabee-israel-middle-east-tucker-carlson

‘We can see that courage’: Greece recovers long-lost photos of Nazis’ May Day executions
Culture ministry hails ‘exceptional historical importance’ of prints that show resistance fighters’ final moments
Helena Smith in Athens
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/21/greece-recovers-long-lost-photos-nazi-may-day-executions-athens-kaisariani

How the beaches, culture and people of Corfu hit me for six
A cricket match kindled my love affair with the Greek island, inspiring both a literary festival and my new novel
Alex Preston
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2026/feb/21/corfu-beaches-culture-people-alex-preston

Meera Sodha’s recipe for rhubarb and custard trifle
Nostalgia and comfort combine in abundance in this retro dessert that’s strictly for kids of all ages
Meera Sodha
https://www.theguardian.com/food/2026/feb/21/rhubarb-and-custard-trifle-recipe-meera-sodha

2026.02.20

ICE

Minnesota attorney general’s evidence portal draws nearly 1,500 submissions in first month
The portal launched Jan. 15 to gather evidence that could be used to hold federal immigration agents accountable for constitutional violations during Operation Metro Surge.
by Cleo Krejci
https://www.minnpost.com/state-government/2026/02/minnesota-attorney-generals-evidence-portal-draws-nearly-1500-submissions-in-first-month/

What’s it like to be trapped inside, hiding from ICE? “MPR News collected stories from several people under those circumstances across the state. They recorded voice memos or spoke to a reporter over three days between Jan. 24 and Feb. 4, sharing what their day was like.” As one person put it, “The most difficult part of this whole situation; it’s feeling like we’re nothing. It’s feeling like we’re unwanted.” Via MinnPost
https://www.minnpost.com/glean/2026/02/minnesota-prosecutors-worry-they-could-lack-the-staff-to-charge-serious-offenders/

Two polls conducted by NBC News Decision Desk are showing how immigration operations in Minnesota have led to a more polarized population. “After federal officers killed two U.S. citizens last month, self-identified Republicans in the state expressed stronger support for Trump’s immigration agenda than Republicans nationwide, while Minnesota Democrats and independents pulled more strongly the other way than their national counterparts.” Via MinnPost
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/poll-immigration-operations-minnesota-leave-polarized-populace-rcna258341

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US supreme court rules against Donald Trump’s sweeping global tariffs – live
Conservative justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Brett Kavanaugh dissented in the 6-3 ruling
Shrai Popat (now) and Tom Ambrose (earlier)
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2026/feb/20/us-iran-nuclear-deal-trump-agreement-strikes-latest-news-live-updates?CMP=share_btn_url&page=with%3Ablock-699877e88f0803e8d9610dc4#block-699877e88f0803e8d9610dc4

The regrettable failure of Northstar commuter rail
Other countries are efficiently building regional rail. Minnesota shouldn’t reject future lines because Northstar didn’t work out.
by Bill Lindeke
https://www.minnpost.com/cityscape/2026/02/the-regrettable-failure-of-northstar-commuter-rail/

Bring Me the News has a compilation of images from social media taken after the massive snowfall in northern Minnesota this week. “While the official total is still being counted, it will be among the top 20 biggest 24-hour snowfalls in Minnesota state history, with the record still being the 36 inches recorded in Lake County in January 1994.” Via MinnPost
https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-weather/scenes-from-minnesotas-north-shore-where-storm-dumped-over-3-feet-of-snow

New Mexico to reopen investigation on Epstein’s ranch amid pressure campaign
Criminal investigation to examine role Zorro ranch may have played in disgraced financier’s trafficking scheme
Edward Helmore
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/20/new-mexico-epstein-zorro-ranch-investigation

Jeffrey Epstein’s estate agrees to pay up to $35m to settle survivors’ lawsuit
Class-action suit accused Epstein’s lawyer and accountant of aiding and abetting his sex trafficking, filing says
Reuters
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/20/jeffrey-epstein-estate-settlement

Why are so many academics in the Epstein files? It’s not just about money
Christopher Marquis
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/feb/20/epstein-files-professors-academics

US economic growth slowed in fourth quarter of 2025 amid government shutdown
GDP grew 1.4% last quarter, down from economists’ forecast of 3%, though AI and tax cuts could boost growth this year
Reuters
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/feb/20/economic-growth-fourth-quarter-2025

A war foretold:
how the CIA and MI6 got hold of Putin’s Ukraine plans and why nobody believed them
Drawing on more than 100 interviews with senior intelligence officials and other insiders in multiple countries, this exclusive account details how the US and Britain uncovered Vladimir Putin’s plans to invade, and why most of Europe – including the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy – dismissed them. As the fourth anniversary of the invasion approaches and the world enters a new period of geopolitical uncertainty, Europe’s politicians and spy services continue to draw lessons from the failures of 2022
Written by Shaun Walker
https://www.theguardian.com/world/ng-interactive/2026/feb/20/a-war-foretold-cia-mi6-putin-ukraine-plans-russia

Osaka stunned by anonymous gift of gold bars to fix ageing water pipes
Mayor says Japanese city will respect donor’s specification that £2.7m gift must be used to repair dilapidated system
Associated Press in Tokyo
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/20/osaka-stunned-by-anonymous-gift-of-36m-in-gold-to-fix-ageing-water-pipes

The Hunt for Gollum looks like a step too far for the endless Lord of the Rings franchise
Ben Child
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/feb/20/the-hunt-for-gollum-lord-of-the-rings-franchise

Eric Dane, Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria star, dies aged 53
Actor who played ‘McSteamy’ died on Thursday, 10 months after he revealed his diagnosis with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a type of motor neurone disease
Sian Cain
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2026/feb/20/eric-dane-dies-aged-53-death-greys-anatomy-euphoria-star

2026.02.19

ICE

Why an ICE plan to turn warehouses in Shakopee and Woodbury into detention centers has failed in Minnesota — and other states
The $38 billion initiative faces hurdles as communities and local politicians oppose it on humanitarian and logistical grounds.
by Ana Radelat
https://www.minnpost.com/national/washington/2026/02/why-an-ice-plan-to-turn-warehouses-in-shakopee-and-woodbury-into-detention-centers-has-failed-in-minnesota-and-other-states/

There’s “no mystery” in how Renee Good and Alex Pretti died, according to Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty. At a Wednesday news conference she added that “a trove of investigative materials remains available to state law enforcement,” and “prosecutors are in ‘good shape’ as they consider what would be an unprecedented decision to file state charges against federal agents without the help of the federal government,” the Minnesota Star Tribune reports.
https://www.minnpost.com/glean/2026/02/fbi-formally-refuses-to-share-evidence-in-alex-pretti-shooting-with-minnesota-bca/

Minneapolis police are investigating after the memorial for Renee Good was doused in gasoline and set ablaze around 9 p.m. Tuesday evening, the Minnesota Star Tribune reports. “A fence was charred, and several items in the memorial were damaged, but the memorial site at 34th Street and Portland Avenue wasn’t burned down. No one was injured, Minneapolis police said.”
https://www.startribune.com/renee-good-memorial-site-doused-in-gasoline/601584109

White House grants ICE power to detain refugees for aggressive ‘rescreening’
A new DHS memo details plan to allow federal immigration officers to detain legal refugees in the US indefinitely
Richard Luscombe
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/19/trump-administration-memo-ice-dhs-refugees-screening

More News

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested: King Charles says ‘law must take its course’ as ex-prince taken into custody – live
Tom Ambrose (now) and Taz Ali (earlier)
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/live/2026/feb/19/police-arrest-former-prince-andrew-mountbatten-windsor-sandringham-latest-updates

South Korea’s former president Yoon Suk Yeol jailed for life for leading insurrection
Ex-leader sentenced to life imprisonment with hard labour over failed martial law declaration in 2024
Raphael Rashid in Seoul
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/19/yoon-suk-yeol-sentenced-to-life-in-prison-for-leading-insurrection-in-south-korea

Why Xcel’s bid to reinvent the virtual power plant is so controversial
Most VPPs rely on customers’ solar and batteries. Xcel says its utility-owned alternative can do a better job in Minnesota — but critics question the cost.
By Jeff St. John / Canary Media
https://www.minnpost.com/energy/2026/02/why-xcel-energys-bid-to-reinvent-the-virtual-power-plant-is-so-controversial/

Bill Gates cancels keynote speech in India amid questions over Epstein ties
Billionaire Microsoft co-founder pulls out of India’s AI Impact Summit to ‘ensure the focus’ remains on event’s ‘key priorities’
Robert Booth in Delhi
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/19/bill-gates-cancels-india-ai-impact-summit-keynote-speech-epstein-files

‘We’re no longer attracting top talent’: the brain drain killing American science
As Trump slashes science funding, young researchers flee abroad. Without solid innovation, the US could cease to have the largest biomedical ecosystem in the world
Ed Pilkington
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/19/trump-science-funding-cuts

‘People are in awe’: exhibition unveils ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead
A rare gilded and complete Book of the Dead, used by ancient Egyptians to help them to the afterlife, is now on display in Brooklyn
Veronica Esposito
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2026/feb/19/book-of-the-dead-exhibition-brooklyn-museum-ancient-egypt

‘A queer true crime story’: inside a shocking he-said-he-said murder
A gay couple both have entirely different accounts of a gory murder, a fascinating story unravelled in a new HBO documentary
Owen Myers
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2026/feb/19/murder-in-glitterball-city-hbo-documentary

‘We’re not hippies’: why these Iowa farmers swapped pigs for mushrooms
Faaborgs rail against oppressive industrial agricultural system with unexpected evolution into indie artisan food firm
By Tom Duggins
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/feb/19/why-iowa-farmers-swapped-pigs-mushrooms

Johann Ludwig Bach: The Leipzig Cantatas album review – this distant cousin’s music is a remarkable discovery
This is the premiere recording of sacred cantatas by JL Bach: works preserved due to his distant cousin, JS Bach, copying them for performance. Conductor Johanna Soller brings them to sensitive and vivid life
Clive Paget
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/feb/19/johann-ludwig-bach-the-leipzig-cantatas-album-review-this-distant-cousins-music-is-a-remarkable-discovery

Nepali bagpipers and a canoe marathon: photos of the day – Thursday
The Guardian’s picture editors select photographs from around the world
Eithne Staunton
https://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2026/feb/19/nepali-bagpipers-and-a-canoe-marathon-photos-of-the-day-thursday