Monthly Archives: February 2026

2026.02.08

ICE

‘A profound sense of being hunted’: with all eyes on Minneapolis, ICE arrests continue quietly across the US
Immigration operations are still stoking fear and disrupting the ability to go to work, school or doctor’s appointments
Chris Stein in Washington DC, George Chidi in Charlotte, Amanda Ulrich in San Diego and Jeremiah Hayden in Portland
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/07/ice-arrests-continue

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From New York to New Mexico: new Epstein files shed light on his sprawling ranch outside Santa Fe
Several men appear in photos on the nearly 10,000-acre Zorro ranch, which included a 26,700 sq ft mansion
Anna Betts and Victoria Bekiempis
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/08/epstein-files-new-mexico-ranch

Washington Post publisher Will Lewis abruptly resigns amid criticism of staff cuts
Departure comes days after newspaper laid off nearly one-third of staff, including more than 300 journalists
Jeremy Barr
https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/feb/07/washington-post-will-lewis-resigns

NSA detected foreign intelligence phone call about a person close to Trump
Whistleblower says that Tulsi Gabbard blocked agency from sharing report and delivered it to White House chief of staff
Cate Brown
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/07/nsa-foreign-intelligence-trump-whistleblower

Rightwing critics blame Mamdani as New York snow fails to melt
Murdoch tabloid leads charge as big freeze persists – could the mayor please do something about the weather?
Adam Gabbatt in New York
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/08/mamdani-snow-ice-freeze-storm

These US states want polluters to pay for the rising insurance costs of climate disasters
Proposals by California, Hawaii and New York lawmakers aim to hold fossil fuel industry accountable for soaring rates
Dharna Noor
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/08/proposal-fossil-fuel-companies-insurance-costs

Trump shifts blame to aide as he refuses to apologize for racist video of Obamas
After first dismissing uproar over depiction of Obamas as apes, White House then said it was erroneously posted by staffer
Hugo Lowell in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/07/white-house-blame-trump-racist-video

Bad Bunny to meet political moment as Maga fumes over Super Bowl show
Puerto Rican superstar promises ‘the world will dance’ in all-Spanish half-time gig that comes as Trump agents wage deadly crackdown
Lauren Gambino in Los Angeles
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/08/bad-bunny-super-bowl-trump-maga

The world heard JD Vance being booed at the Olympics. Except for viewers in the US
Bryan Armen Graham in Milan
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/feb/07/jd-vance-boos-winter-olympics

In your face: Close-up Photographer of the Year Awards 2026 – in pictures
Animals, insects, flora and fauna – the world photographed in close-up in the annual competition dedicated to micro and macro photography. Cupoty 7 was won by underwater photographer Ross Gudgeon, triumphing over 12,000 entries from 63 countries
Sarah Gilbert
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2026/feb/08/in-your-face-close-up-photographer-of-the-year-awards-2026-in-pictures

2026.02.07

ICE

Small cities consider their options as they respond to ICE’s prolonged presence
Uncertainty over how to react to federal agents operating in Greater Minnesota towns has given way to a push for policy solutions.
by Brian Arola
https://www.minnpost.com/greater-minnesota/2026/02/small-cities-consider-their-options-as-they-respond-to-ices-prolonged-presence/

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Alarm bells sound over Trump’s ‘take over the voting’ call
Democracy experts say there is little doubt about president’s desire to interfere in elections this November
Sam Levine in New York
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/07/trump-interference-voting-midterms

Trump news at a glance: Trump creates distance, but no apology, after promoting racist video of Obamas
Democrats outraged and Republicans mostly silent after president shared racist video of former president and first lady – key US politics stories from Friday 6 February
Guardian staff
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/06/trump-news-at-a-glance-briefing-today-latest

The Epstein files reveal that a vast global conspiracy actually exists – sort of
J Oliver Conroy
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/07/epstein-files-global-conspiracy

Sex and snacks, but no seat at the table: the role of women in Epstein’s sordid men’s club
Amelia Gentleman
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2026/feb/07/sex-and-snacks-but-no-seat-at-the-table-the-role-of-women-in-epsteins-sordid-mens-club

State violence against Black Americans laid the groundwork for fascism
Jason Stanley
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/feb/06/state-violence-black-americans-fascism

Outrage after US Congress votes to slash $125m in funding to replace toxic lead pipes
Move will hit Michigan, Illinois, New York and other states with highest levels of lead drinking water pipes the hardest
Tom Perkins
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/07/congress-lead-pipe-funding

Pardoned January 6 rioter pleads guilty to threatening Hakeem Jeffries
Christopher Moynihan pleads guilty to misdemeanor charge over threats last October to kill congressman
Guardian staff and agency
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/06/january-6-rioter-hakeem-jeffries

‘A harmful barrier’: new Florida law mandates all driving tests to be offered in English only
Critics say law will disproportionately affect immigrant communities and those who speak limited English
Adria R Walker
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/07/florida-driving-tests-english

Rembrandt lion drawing raises $18m for big cat conservation at US auction
Chalk artwork sold for record price at a New York Sotheby’s auction with proceeds going to the Panthera charity
Ramon Antonio Vargas
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/07/rembrandt-lion-auction-big-cat-conservation

2026.02.06

ICE

‘You’re not going to investigate a federal officer’
It doesn’t happen often, but local law enforcement can arrest and charge federal agents. Legal experts say there’s a moral obligation to at least try to hold federal immigration officers accountable when they violate the Constitution and the law.
By Andy Mannix, Melissa Sanchez and Nicole Foy / ProPublica
https://www.minnpost.com/national/2026/02/youre-not-going-to-investigate-a-federal-officer/

Sahan Journal has the story of Minnesotans who have been transferred to ICE detention centers in Texas and released with no way to return home. “In recent weeks, lawyers have filed a flurry of successful court challenges compelling the government to release their clients, but that has left an increasing number of Minnesotans stranded outside detention facilities far from home,” they report. “In some cases, ICE has refused to return identification cards or work permits to those released from detention, attorneys say.”
https://sahanjournal.com/immigration/ice-detainees-stranded-after-release/

Man arrested in early-morning Minneapolis federal raid is charged with cyberstalking
The 6 a.m. raid, which involved at least 11 officers, took place at Eat Street Flats in the Whittier neighborhood. The man arrested doxxed a “pro-ICE individual,” according to a criminal complaint.
by Joey Peters
https://sahanjournal.com/public-safety/federal-raid-kyle-wagner-detained-whittier-minneapolis/

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Trump shares video with racist imagery of Barack and Michelle Obama in late-night posting spree
In clip amplifying false claim that Trump won 2020 election, the Obamas’ faces are superimposed on bodies of apes
Richard Luscombe
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/06/trump-racist-video-barack-michelle-obama

On Thursday the City of Anoka opened the state’s first municipal cannabis dispensary, MPR News reports. In August, MinnPost reported on 13 cities, including Anoka, that were applying to run municipal cannabis stores, and how successful municipal liquor stores provide a model. Via MinnPost
https://www.minnpost.com/greater-minnesota/2025/08/blazing-new-trails-these-13-minnesota-cities-are-considering-municipal-cannabis-stores/


Amazon shares tumble as $200bn AI rollout plan worries markets – as it happened
Graeme Wearden
https://www.theguardian.com/business/live/2026/feb/06/uk-house-prices-jump-halifax-stock-markets-inflation-latest-news-updates

Wot? No sternly worded letters?
‘Grind the country to a halt’: Democrat urges national strike if Trump meddles in midterms
In wake of Donald Trump’s call for Republicans to ‘take over’ voting, senator Ruben Gallego urges citizens to take a stand and give the ‘ultimate response’
David Smith in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/06/donald-trump-voting-midterms-democrat-national-strike

Penisgate’ at the Olympics: why inject acid into your penis, and what are the health risks?
The World Anti-Doping Agency is investigating whether ski jumpers were injecting their penises with hyaluronic acid in order to fly further
Natasha May
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/feb/06/penisgate-winter-olympics-ski-jumpers-acid-penis-health-risks-explainer

Trump’s family is embroiled in a $500m UAE scandal. We’ve hardly noticed
Mohamad Bazzi
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/feb/06/trump-family-uae-crypto-deal

So the Epstein scandal is about politics? Silly me for thinking it’s about the mass abuse of women and girls
Marina Hyde
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/feb/06/jeffrey-epstein-scandal-politics-mass-abuse-women-girls

Elton John accuses Daily Mail publisher of ‘abhorrent’ invasion of privacy
Singer says articles about his health and birth of son ‘outside even the most basic standards of human decency’
Michael Savage Media editor
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/feb/06/elton-john-david-furnish-daily-mail-publisher-high-court

Horror in Wellington as millions of litres of untreated sewage flow into the sea
Residents of New Zealand capital advised not to enter the water, collect seafood or walk their dogs on local beaches after wastewater plant failure
Maya Yang
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/06/wellington-sewage-leak-sea-new-zealand

Japan cherry blossom festival cancelled because of unruly tourist ‘crisis’
Authorities scrap Arakurayama Sengen park cherry blossom festival near Mount Fuji because of tourists trespassing, littering and ‘defecating in private yards’
Maya Yang
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/06/japan-cherry-blossom-festival-cancelled-tourists

Botox to nose vibrations: The new treatments offering hope to migraine patients (Paywalled?)
Sofia Quaglia
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20260205-botox-to-nose-vibrations—the-new-treatments-offering-hope-to-migraine-patients

2026.02.05

ICE

Without immigrants, our cities would grind to a halt
It’s impossible to imagine the Twin Cities — or any major U.S. city — prospering without the contributions of immigrants.
by Bill Lindeke
https://www.minnpost.com/cityscape/2026/02/without-immigrants-our-cities-would-grind-to-a-halt/

County attorneys nix proposal for Minnesota sheriffs to coordinate with ICE
The Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association sought a way around Minnesota law that prohibits holding inmates past their release date for ICE.
by Ana Radelat
https://www.minnpost.com/national/washington/2026/02/county-attorneys-nix-proposal-for-minnesota-sheriffs-to-coordinate-with-ice/

Trump’s border-czar takeover does little to calm Minneapolis tensions: ‘The agenda is still the same’
Experts say Tom Homan’s charge, replacing Greg Bovino’s aggressive tactics, may change the tone, but not the mission
Shrai Popat in Minneapolis
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/05/tom-homan-minnesota-gregory-bovino

ICE agents in Oregon cannot arrest people without warrants, judge rules
US federal judge issued a preliminary injunction barring warrantless arrests unless there is a likelihood of escape
Associated Press
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/05/ice-immigration-raids-oregon

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Revealed: private jet owned by Trump friend used by ICE to deport Palestinians to West Bank
Exclusive: Luxury aircraft owned by property tycoon close to US president’s family has twice flown Palestinian men from Arizona to Tel Aviv
Harry Davies, Alice Speri and Sufian Taha
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/05/revealed-private-jet-owned-by-trump-friend-used-by-ice-to-deport-palestinians-to-west-bank

Steve Bannon calls for immigration agents at polling sites during midterms
Ex-Trump adviser adds to elections officials’ concern about potential interference from Trump administration in voting
Rachel Leingang
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/04/steve-bannon-ice-immigration-agents-polling-sites-midterm-elections

Trump is Leading America’s Global Collapse (w/ Robert Kagan) | The Bulwark Podcast
https://youtu.be/YTfhw69fy6U?si=QeIXj919xnel9951

‘It’s an absolute bloodbath’: Washington Post lays off hundreds of workers
Former Post executive editor blasts owner Jeff Bezos’s ‘sickening efforts to curry favor’ with Trump
Jeremy Barr in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/feb/04/washington-post-layoffs

California can use new congressional maps in November, supreme court rules
Approved by voters, the new maps give Democrats as many as five seats, neutralizing five GOP seats added by Texas
Lauren Gambino
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/04/california-new-voting-maps-supreme-court

Pro-gun groups quickly rallied for Alex Pretti. Why didn’t they do the same for a Black gun owner?
Abené Clayton
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/04/alex-pretti-philando-castile-pro-gun-groups

LaMonte McLemore, Grammy-winning singer with 5th Dimension, dies aged 90
Singer was member of vocal group that scored 1960s hits with Up, Up and Away and Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In
Associated Press
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/feb/04/lamonte-mclemore-dies-5th-dimension

Woody Allen, a Florida mansion rulebook and a Paris ‘wife hunt’: stories you may have missed from the Epstein files
Huge release of files provides extraordinary detail on the extent of the disgraced financier’s network
Jason Burke, Daniel Boffey, Emine Sinmaz, and Richard Luscombe
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/05/woody-allen-a-florida-mansion-rulebook-and-a-paris-wife-hunt-stories-you-may-have-missed-from-the-epstein-files

From Jay Kelly to Wicked 2: the Oscar-primed films that fizzled this season
It was a great year for Sinners and One Battle After Another but films with megastars like George Clooney, Julia Roberts and The Rock all struggled
Benjamin Lee
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/feb/05/oscar-primed-films-that-fizzled

Craft beer has gone stale: let’s hear it for age-old favourites
Richard Godwin
https://www.theguardian.com/food/2026/feb/05/craft-beer-old-favourites-beer-richard-godwin

‘Do you love me?’: The Viking messages unearthed on Sweden’s rune stones (Paywalled?)
Matilda Welin
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20260202-the-viking-secrets-revealed-by-swedens-rune-stones

A Winter Olympics training ski crash and a graduation ceremony: photos of the day – Thursday
The Guardian’s picture editors select photographs from around the world
Arnel Hecimovic
https://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2026/feb/05/winter-olympics-training-ski-crash-graduation-ceremony-photos-of-the-day-thursday

2026.02.04

ICE

As Minnesota legislative session nears and Operation Metro Surge drags on, lawmakers ready response to ICE
Minnesota DFLers are considering laws similar to ones that passed in other blue states. But they are still likely to see legal (and Republican) scrutiny.
by Cleo Krejci and Matthew Blake
https://www.minnpost.com/state-government/2026/02/as-minnesota-legislative-session-nears-and-operation-metro-surge-drags-on-lawmakers-ready-response-to-ice/

Trump’s border czar says 700 immigration officers to leave Minnesota immediately
About 2,000 officers will remain in the state after this week’s drawdown.
by Steve Karnowski, Associated Press
https://www.minnpost.com/metro/2026/02/trumps-border-czar-says-700-immigration-officers-to-leave-minnesota-immediately/

U.S. Rep. Kelly Morrison visited the Whipple Federal Building on Monday and described the conditions she observed in a video posted to YouTube, KARE 11 reports. “During my visit yesterday, I got confirmation that the facility has no specific medical policy and no real medical care on site. There was not a nurse present yesterday at all. There are no beds, no real blankets, minimal food, extremely cold temperatures. People are in locked cells with leg shackles.” Agents did not answer her questions about how many people are currently being held, and how many had been sent to the hospital over the past week. Via MinnPost
https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/ice-in-minnesota/no-real-medical-care-representative-describes-conditions-for-detainees-at-whipple-building/89-0995e964-97b1-4d52-97ac-20aaf3b043c5

On Tuesday U.S. citizens who have been affected by the federal immigration crackdown spoke at a public forum organized by Democratic lawmakers in Washington. Renee Macklin Good’s brothers were among the speakers. “[Another] was Aliya Rahman of Minneapolis, who was dragged out of her car by federal immigration enforcement agents three weeks ago. Rahman said she is autistic and has a traumatic brain injury.” Rahman also described conditions at Whipple. “I saw Black and brown bodies shackled together, chained together, being marched by yelling agents outdoors. I continue to hear the word ‘bodies’ because that is how agents refer to us.” Via MinnPost
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/02/04/renee-macklin-goods-brothers-others-call-for-ice-reforms-at-public-forum

ICE attorney who said ‘this job sucks’ removed from detail
Julie Le expressed frustration to judge, in response to questions on why ICE has failed to comply with court orders
Sara Braun
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/04/ice-attorney-minnesota-removed-after-court-statement

Democrats say Trump’s immigration crackdown has undermined efforts to combat human trafficking
House Democrats say US anti-trafficking efforts have been hamstrung by diversion of resources to immigration raids
Lauren Gambino
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/04/trump-immigration-hinders-human-trafficking-efforts

I knew Trump would target Minnesota. I didn’t expect this level of violence
Rachel Leingang in Minneapolis
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/04/trump-minnesota-ice-immigration

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Precinct caucuses showed early GOP frontrunners, KSTP reports. “As of 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, the Minnesota Republican Party was reporting 76% of caucus results, with House Speaker Lisa Demuth leading the crowded field of candidates with 4,837 votes (32.5%). Kendall Qualls was second at 3,804 (25.6%) with Mike Lindell next at 2,583 votes (17.3%). The party’s 2022 gubernatorial nominee, Scott Jensen, was fourth with 884 votes but well behind the top three and basically on par with the number of “undecided” votes (865).” Via MinnPost
https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/minnesota-caucus-results-show-early-frontrunners-among-gop-governor-candidates/

Revealed: Israel bulldozed part of Gaza war cemetery containing allied graves
Satellite images and witness testimony show destruction as IDF claims it was forced to take defensive measures
Seham Tantesh in Gaza, Julian Borger in London and Ben Doherty in Sydney
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/04/idf-bulldoze-gaza-war-cemetery-allied-graves-satellite-images

‘It’s an absolute bloodbath’: Washington Post lays off hundreds of workers
Former Post executive editor blasts owner Jeff Bezos’s ‘sickening efforts to curry favor’ with Trump
Jeremy Barr in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/feb/04/washington-post-layoffs

Fulton county commission chair says he was warned of arrest before FBI election office raid
Robb Pitts said call came days before federal agents seized 2020 election documents in Georgia
George Chidi
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/04/fulton-county-georgia-fbi-election-warns-office-raid

Pentagon threatens to cut ties with Scouting America over ‘core values’
Defense department says it may end support unless youth group abandons inclusivity and returns to ‘God and country’ values
Richard Luscombe
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/04/boy-scouting-america-pentagon-threat

‘One moment it was a little blip. The next, our friends are dying’: the gay porn soundtrack composers lost to the Aids crisis
Gay porn in the 80s was home to beautifully moody synth music that is only now getting rediscovered – tragically too late for many of its creators
Daniel Dylan Wray
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/feb/04/gay-porn-soundtrack-composers-lost-to-aids-crisis-80s

The place that stayed with me: I was cautious in showing my queerness, until a night spent dancing at a Tokyo gay bar
Despite hearing many words of warning about expressing public affection, travelling in Japan with my boyfriend helped me loosen up
Daniel Nour
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/feb/05/the-place-that-stayed-with-me-i-was-cautious-in-showing-my-queerness-until-a-night-spent-dancing-at-a-tokyo-gay-bar

‘She thought it was too sexy!’: portraits of Kate Moss, Grace Jones and a tea-drinking chimp – in pictures
From a gold-covered Dennis Rodman to Jack Nicholson sitting in the snow, Albert Watson has spent a career shooting the stars – as well as the occasional giant coffee spoon
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2026/feb/04/she-thought-it-was-too-sexy-portraits-of-kate-moss-grace-jones-and-a-tea-drinking-chimp-in-pictures

Wildlife photographer of the year – people’s choice 2026
A shortlist of 24 images has been selected for the wildlife photographer of the year people’s choice award. You can vote for your favourite image online. The winner will be announced on 25 March and shown from that date as part of the overall wildlife photographer of the year exhibition, which runs until 12 July at the Natural History Museum in London
Elena Goodinson
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/gallery/2026/feb/04/wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-peoples-choice-2026

2026.02.03

ICE

Every DHS officer in Minneapolis is now being issued a body camera
The secretary of Homeland Security is requiring that all officers on the ground in Minneapolis wear body cameras.
by Rebecca Santana, AP
https://www.minnpost.com/news/2026/02/dhs-secretary-kristi-noem-says-every-officer-in-minneapolis-is-now-being-issued-a-body-camera/

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Flanagan, Craig take fight to precinct caucuses roiled by ICE operation while Tafoya makes her political debut
Tuesday’s party caucuses begin the nominating process for the U.S. Senate and many other races, though that doesn’t always result in candidates who win primary or general elections.
by Ana Radelat
https://www.minnpost.com/national/washington/2026/02/flanagan-craig-take-fight-to-precinct-caucuses-roiled-by-ice-operation-while-tafoya-makes-her-political-debut/

Trump urges Republicans to ‘nationalize the voting’ in 15 states, sowing doubt in elections – US politics live
Shrai Popat (now) and Tom Ambrose (earlier)
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2026/feb/03/donald-trump-colombia-gustavo-petro-venezuela-jeffrey-epstein-files-bill-hillary-clinton-us-politics-live-news?CMP=share_btn_url&page=with%3Ablock-6981fce08f08a424206b2ec7#block-6981fce08f08a424206b2ec7

Trump accused of ‘corruption, plain and simple’ after UAE invested in family firm
White House says president is not involved in running his businesses. Ethics experts remain concerned
Lauren Aratani in New York
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/02/trump-uae-crypto-deal

Fulton county to challenge FBI seizure of election documents
Commissioner to file motion requesting return of property unlawfully taken during raid related to 2020 election
George Chidi in Atlanta
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/02/georgia-fulton-county-fbi-election-raid

New Epstein files fail to quell outrage as advocates claim documents are being withheld
Advocates call for further disclosures after Trump’s justice department released more than 3m files last week
Victoria Bekiempis
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/03/new-epstein-files-advocates-claim-documents-withheld

DHS’s account of two Venezuelans shot by border patrol falls apart in court: ‘A smear campaign’
Immigration officials said agent shot two ‘vicious gang members’ in Portland, but records obtained by the Guardian reveal US prosecutor contradicted claims
Sam Levin
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/02/portland-venezuelans-shot-border-patrol-court

French headquarters of Elon Musk’s X raided by Paris cybercrime unit
Prosecutors summon tech billionaire and ex-CEO for questioning and add Grok AI tool to investigation
Jon Henley, Europe correspondent, and Sam Jones in Madrid
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/feb/03/french-headquarters-elon-musk-x-raided-paris-cybercrime-unit

‘I was still black the next morning’: Halle Berry says Oscar win didn’t change her career
The actor says her historic 2002 best actress Oscar did not open doors in Hollywood, as studios remained wary of stories led by black performers
Catherine Shoard
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/feb/03/i-was-still-black-the-next-morning-halle-berry-says-oscar-win-didnt-change-her-career

Democrats have a constitutional power they aren’t using to fight back: state resolutions
Sidney Blumenthal
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/feb/03/democrats-constitutional-power-state-resolutions

Nasa delays moon rocket launch by a month after fuel leaks during test
Artemis II mission was due to begin as early as next week and astronauts have spent almost two weeks in quarantine
Oliver Holmes
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/feb/03/nasa-delays-moon-rocket-launch-month-fuel-leaks-artemis

2026.02.02

ICE

Two federal agents reportedly identified in fatal shooting of Alex Pretti
Jesus Ochoa and Raymundo Gutierrez are both officers with Customs and Border Protection, ProPublica reports
Marina Dunbar
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/01/border-patrol-agents-identified-alex-pretti-minneapolis

Public health crisis unfolding in Minneapolis as residents avoid healthcare
Providers are arranging home visits and telehealth as neighbors pick up prescriptions, groceries and diapers
Melody Schreiber
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/02/public-health-crisis-minneapolis-ice

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Kennedy Center will halt entertainment operations for two years, Trump says
DC arts venue, which has seen wave of canceled events after Trump’s takeover, will start renovations in July
Diana Ramirez-Simon
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/01/kennedy-center-dc-closed-trump

Democrat flips reliably red Texas district in victory that stuns Republican party
Taylor Rehmet’s win adds to Democrats’ record of overperforming in special elections so far this cycle
Associated Press
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/01/democrat-wins-red-texas-district-taylor-rehmet

Kyrsten Sinema gave $9,000 to man she’s accused of having an affair with
Funds, paid to former security guard Matthew Ammel, were from former US senator’s campaign committee in October
Marina Dunbar
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/01/kyrsten-sinema-senator-bodyguard-payment

Why TikTok’s first week of American ownership was a disaster
Blake Montgomery
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/feb/01/tiktok-first-week

New Epstein files reveal he may have trafficked girls to others despite official denials
Allegations prompt questions about officials’ contentions that there isn’t evidence to investigate third parties
Victoria Bekiempis in New York
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/02/epstein-files-new-batch

Trump threatens to sue Trevor Noah over Epstein joke at Grammys
Awards host alluded to president’s association with late sex offender in awards ceremony remarks
Richard Luscombe
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/02/trevor-noah-trump-grammys

Lisa Bloom on the fight for Epstein’s victims: ‘So many powerful men were enablers’
The US lawyer on her fearsome reputation, the criticism she faced for advising Harvey Weinstein, and how 40 years of legal experience did not prepare her for the Epstein files
By Amelia Gentleman
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/feb/02/epstein-files-victims-lawyer-lisa-bloom-harvey-weinstein

Norway’s crown princess had years of contact with Epstein, files suggest
Mette-Marit apologises for ‘poor judgment’ as documents reportedly include scores of email exchanges with child sex offender
Ashifa Kassam European community affairs correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/01/norway-crown-princess-contact-epstein-files-appear-to-show

Son of Norway’s crown princess arrested on new charges before start of rape trial
Marius Borg Høiby arrested on suspicion of assault and threats with knife as mother faces questions over Epstein
Miranda Bryant Nordic correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/02/marius-borg-hoiby-son-of-norway-crown-princess-arrested-new-charges-before-rape-trial

These states voted to protect abortion rights. Conservative lawmakers are not standing down
A trial in Missouri illustrates how hard it is to restore abortion rights, even when voters demand it
Carter Sherman
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/02/abortion-rights-conservative-lawmakers

Is Jeff Bezos going to destroy the Washington Post? It sure looks like it
Margaret Sullivan
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/feb/02/jeff-bezos-destroy-washington-post

Gold and silver prices seesaw as FTSE 100 hits record high
Trump’s pick of ‘respected central banker’ Kevin Warsh as Fed chair prompts investors to sell safe haven assets
Lauren Almeida
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/feb/02/plunge-in-price-of-gold-and-silver-rattles-global-stock-markets

2026.02.01

ICE

Building power
ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement)
Backing down isn’t an option’: Minnesota ICE shootings mobilize Americans to join ICE observer groups
The killings of Minneapolis residents Renee Good and Alex Pretti have inspired people across the US to document federal agents’ activities in their communities
Lex McMenamin
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2026/jan/31/ice-observer-document-immigration-agents

‘We’re fighting for the soul of the country’: how Minnesota residents came together to face ICE
Networks created after police killed George Floyd were reactivated to challenge Trump’s mass deportation policy
Rachel Leingang in Minneapolis
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/01/minnesota-twin-cities-ice-protests

Chicago mayor orders police to investigate alleged illegal ICE activity in city
Brandon Johnson gives police ‘clear procedure’ to follow if they witness or get reports of agents involved in illegal activity
Edward Helmore
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/31/chicago-ice-brandon-johnson

More News

Shooting at Mardi Gras parade in Louisiana leaves six people injured
One person taken into custody after a mass shooting in Clinton leaves six injured, including a child
Coral Murphy Marcos
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/31/mardi-gras-parade-shooting-louisiana

Resistance to Trump 2.0 is getting more confrontational
Dana R Fisher
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/feb/01/trump-resistance-protests

The FBI’s seizure of 2020 ballots in Georgia is a signal of what’s to come
Austin Sarat
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/feb/01/fbi-raid-georgia-2020-election-ballots

Jeffrey Epstein files: don’t be fooled. Millions of files are still unreleased
Moira Donegan
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jan/31/jeffrey-epstein-unreleased-files

Handling of Epstein files is ‘outrageous’, say attorneys of his sex trafficking survivors
Tranche of government-held files filled with ‘ham-fisted redactions’ and expose survivors’ identities, say attorneys
Edward Helmore
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/01/jeffrey-epstein-files-sex-trafficking-survivors

Democrats accuse DoJ of not releasing millions of Epstein files despite legal requirement
Justice department on Friday released 3m pages and lawmakers accuse it of not releasing roughly 50% of records
Lauren Gambino
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/31/democrats-justice-department-epstein-files

US committee is reconsidering all vaccine recommendations
Move is dramatic departure for advisory group under Kirk Milhoan, who says he doesn’t like the term ‘established science’
Melody Schreiber
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/01/vaccine-recommendations-acip

America’s contract to protect white women has always been tenuous
Saida Grundy
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2026/feb/01/white-supremacy-women-renee-good-ice-killing

Why TikTok’s first week of American ownership was a disaster
Blake Montgomery
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/feb/01/tiktok-first-week

‘I never imagined this!’ How KPop Demon Hunters could make history at the Grammys and the Oscars
As the film’s megahit song Golden looks likely to sweep everything in awards season, its singer Ejae explains why she’s ready to step out from behind her animated alter ego
Katie Hawthorne
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/jan/31/kpop-demon-hunters-grammys-oscars-real-life-singers-ejae-golden

Animators React to KPop Demon Hunters – ft. THE DIRECTORS!
Corridor Crew
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7L-ka-MsEE

Interview
Milli Vanilli’s Fab Morvan on his lip-syncing downfall and Grammys comeback: ‘The truth will set you free’
Garth Cartwright
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/feb/01/milli-vanilli-fab-morvan-interview-grammy-book-you-know-its-true

How to make mulligatawny – recipe
Have you forgotten how good this spicy soup tastes? Here are nine easy steps to rediscovering the Indian-inspired winter warmer
Felicity Cloake
https://www.theguardian.com/food/2026/feb/01/how-to-make-mulligatawny-recipe-felicity-cloake

Inside Myanmar’s five-year armed resistance – a photo essay
Five years after the junta’s coup, the civil war devastating Myanmar has reached a turning point. The military is carrying out large-scale counter-offensives across the country to reclaim territory seized by pro-democracy rebels of various ethnic and religious backgrounds
By Robin Tutenges
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/01/inside-myanmar-armed-resistance-junta-coup-photo-essay