Author Archives: Larry Sanderson

2025.02.21

Advocates decry judge’s removal of editorial critical of Mississippi leaders Judge issues restraining order over local paper’s editorial commenting on city council convening without notice Associated Press https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/20/mississippi-editorial-judge

Elon Musk in row with Danish astronaut over claim Biden abandoned ISS pair Musk claimed without evidence Nasa’s Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams were left stranded on orbital outpost for ‘political reasons’ Miranda Bryant Nordic correspondent and Agence France-Presse https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/feb/21/elon-musk-butch-wilmore-suni-williams-nasa-astronaut-iss-claims-biden

‘Life-changing’ gene therapy for children born blind Smitha Mundasad https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5ydnz2d75xo

Review A Thousand Blows review – the irresistible new boxing drama from the Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight’s latest series is a hugely fun journey into the murky world of Victorian bare-knuckle fighting. It’s a ripping yarn full of audacious dialogue Lucy Mangan https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/feb/21/a-thousand-blows-review-the-irresistible-new-boxing-drama-from-the-peaky-blinders-creator

‘Avatar’ Sequel Series ‘Seven Havens’ Ordered at Nickelodeon, Set After ‘Legend of Korra’ By Joe Otterson https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/avatar-last-airbender-seven-havens-animated-series-nickelodeon-1236313495/

The sweet Dutch sandwich that makes no sense Deborah Nicholls-Lee https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20250220-hageslag-dutch-sandwich

Scotch makers condemn English single malt whisky proposal Mitchell Labiak & Dearbail Jordan https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c80yr1e4328o

Rare sketch portrait found in US wheelie bin Paul Burnell https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clydwgxl4dwo

2025.02.20

The sweet smell of hindsight in the morning!
Some Democrats now admit they screwed up by voting for Trump’s nominees Oliver Willis, author https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2025/2/20/2304999/-These-Senate-Democrats-regret-voting-to-confirm-Trump-s-awful-nominees?pm_campaign=front_page&pm_source=top_news_slot_1&pm_medium=web

Are CEOs walking away from civic leadership? The answer depends on who you ask, but there’s no doubt the obstacles to CEO involvement in civic affairs are multiplying. by Liz Fedor https://www.minnpost.com/twin-cities-business/2025/02/are-ceos-walking-away-from-civic-leadership/

Minnesota colleges and public schools shaken as Trump takes aim at education Colleges and K-12 schools that fail to eliminate DEI practices and ‘wokeness’ threatened by funding cuts. by Ana Radelat https://www.minnpost.com/education/2025/02/minnesota-colleges-and-public-schools-shaken-as-trump-takes-aim-at-education/

Delta offers $30,000 to passengers in Canada plane flip – ‘no strings attached’ Plane caught fire and flipped at Toronto’s Pearson airport, hospitalizing 21 of 80 people onboard Jessica Glenza https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/20/delta-payments-toronto-plane-crash

Wot? No cherry on top? Let’s be clear – the US never had moral supremacy. With Trump, it’s not even pretending any more Owen Jones https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/feb/20/us-moral-supremacy-donald-trump-president

Historic US ocean liner moves out of Philadelphia after nearly 30 years
The SS United States, once the largest passenger ship built entirely in the US, has been towed from Philadelphia after nearly 30 years.
Launched in 1951, the ship was a symbol of luxury and innovation, carrying nearly a million passengers before its retirement in 1969.
Now on its way to Alabama, it will be intentionally sunk to form the world’s largest artificial reef.
This transformation aims to support marine life and attract divers to the site.
https://www.bbc.com/news/videos/cx2gkxwpgggo

First pharaoh’s tomb found in Egypt since Tutankhamun’s
Frances Mao
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5ym30v356po

Hotdogs and motorways: The ripples created by Denmark’s Ozempic and Wegovy boom Adrienne Murray https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20250220-hotdogs-and-motorways-the-ripples-created-by-denmarks-ozempic-and-wegovy-boom

2025.02.19

Dustin Nelson also reports: “Paul Simon unretired a day after performing with Sabrina Carpenter during the ‘Saturday Night Live 50th Anniversary Special’ and … will bring the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer to Minneapolis for three nights at the Orpheum Theatre on April 20, 22, and 23.” Via MinnPost

Trump cuts threaten a ‘generation of scientists’ as many weigh leaving US President’s call to ‘Make America Healthy Again’ has led to slashes in NIH funding – endangering jobs and vital research Hannah Harris Green https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/19/trump-nih-funding-scientists

Factchecking Donald Trump’s claims about the war in Ukraine As US-Russia talks continue in Saudi Arabia, we look at the US president’s misleading and outright false statements Jakub Krupa and Pjotr Sauer https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/19/factchecking-donald-trump-claims-war-ukraine

DoJ prosecutors ordered to explain Eric Adams corruption indictment dismissal Federal judge asks prosecutors to explain decision in court as Hochul discusses removing mayor with party leaders George Joseph https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/19/eric-adams-doj-prosecutors-hochul

Thousands rescued from illegal scam compounds in Myanmar as Thailand launches huge crackdown Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos have become havens for criminal syndicates operating online scam operations and tricking thousands into enslaved work Leila Goldstein https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/19/myanmar-scam-call-centre-compound-rescues-thailand-crackdown

Environment more crucial than genes in risk of early death, study suggests Analysis of UK BioBank data shows importance of factors including living conditions and smoking, say experts Nicola Davis Science correspondent https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/feb/19/environment-more-crucial-genetics-explaining-risk-early-death-study

The people who can’t develop Alzheimer’s – but could be key to a cure
A man who was the only member of his blood family to avoid getting Alzheimer’s is shedding light on how the disease unfolds
Scientists have long been trying to understand the root cause of Alzheimer’s
Clare Wilson
https://inews.co.uk/news/science/people-cant-develop-alzheimers-cure-3539671

Life and style ‘Gaba is the off switch of the brain’: Is it also the answer to better sleep, sobriety and less anxiety? Products that enhance the uptake of this neurotransmitter are burgeoning – including drinks that mimic the effects of alcohol, without the hangover. Here’s what happened when I tried them Steve Rose https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/feb/19/gaba-is-the-off-switch-of-the-brain-is-it-also-the-answer-to-better-sleep-sobriety-and-less-anxiety

Why is Spain’s economy booming? Thanks to migration – which proves xenophobia doesn’t pay María Ramírez https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/feb/19/spain-economy-booming-migration-gdp-growth

Why are Americans toasting their fairy bread, and can the New York Times stop them? The delicacy for kids (and adults alike) requires just three ingredients – so how can people be getting the sacred recipe so wrong? Rafqa Touma explains it to Caitlin Cassidy https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2025/feb/20/why-are-americans-toasting-their-fairy-bread-and-can-the-new-york-times-stop-them

2025.02.18

A quarter of US shoppers have dumped favorite stores over political stances A new poll also found that four in 10 Americans have shifted spending to align with moral views in recent months Lauren Aratani in New York https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/18/shoppers-political-boycotts-spending-patterns-poll

No evidence of hate crime in killing of US transgender man, authorities say Five people charged with murder in Sam Nordquist’s death in upstate New York also identified as LGBTQ+, say officials “A felony complaint obtained by 13WHAM provides gut-wrenching details of Nordquist’s brutal killing. Authorities say he was tortured and sexually assaulted using a table leg and broomsticks.

He was also reportedly subjected to repeated, prolonged beatings which included being punched, kicked and struck with various objects such as sticks, belts, ropes, dog toys and canes, ultimately leading to his death.'” Anna Betts https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/18/sam-nordquist-killing-hate-crime

‘He targeted me’: Guy Pearce says he ‘sobbed’ over Kevin Spacey encounters The Oscar-nominated actor has said he is attempting to be more candid about his former co-star’s alleged behaviour Catherine Shoard https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/feb/18/guy-pearce-kevin-spacey

Republican proposes making Trump’s birthday a public holiday Claudia Tenney’s bill combining Flag Day with Trump’s birthday could face steep odds of success in Congress Ramon Antonio Vargas https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/18/trump-birthday-holiday-republican-bill

Acting social security head who denied access to Musk team leaves agency Michelle King opts to retire after 30 years rather than grant request by ‘department of government efficiency’ Jessica Glenza https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/18/musk-social-security-administration-michelle-king

Why did a plane crash in Toronto, and how did everyone survive? James FitzGerald https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm2dnnvvjkeo

Passenger films his escape from upside down crashed plane
A passenger has filmed his escape from an upside down plane after it skidded along a runway during a failed landing.
Video from inside the crashed plane at Toronto airport shows passengers clambering over belongings and seats to exit the aircraft. Crew on board the flight can be heard telling people to leave everything behind as they are helped through a plane door. All passengers survived when the plane skidded and overturned when it came into land. Footage on social media shows the aircraft in flames as it careered along the runway. https://www.bbc.com/news/videos/c0lzl2ekrk5o

Authorities to give update after plane crashes and flips in Toronto https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c0q080y02xgt

New footage of Delta plane flip at Toronto airport

2025.02.17

A kitchen in Rome Pasta Rachel Roddy’s recipe for hazelnut and mushroom ragu with pasta Its origins may be a mystery, but what is certain is that this luxuriant alternative to meat ragu is totally delicious Rachel Roddy https://www.theguardian.com/food/2025/feb/17/hazelnut-mushroom-ragu-recipe-pasta-rachel-roddy

Is it true that … retinol thins the skin? Side effects from using the vitamin A derivative may give people the wrong impression about how it works Kate Lloyd https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/feb/17/is-it-true-that-retinol-thins-the-skin

Lewis Carroll collection given to his Oxford college in surprise US donation
Exclusive: Christ Church college taken aback to receive hundreds of the author’s letters, photos and rare items
Dalya Alberge
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/feb/16/lewis-carroll-oxford-surprise-us-donation

2025.02.16

Well! Imagine that! Elon Musk’s mass government cuts could make private companies millions Defense and tech firms – including Musk’s own – await potential contracts as Doge decimates US agencies Nick Robins-Early https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/feb/16/elon-musk-doge-government-privatization

DeSantis urged to declare emergency over toxic red tide algae off Florida coast Harmful algae bloom off south-west coast blamed for deaths of marine life and poses threat to beaches Richard Luscombe in Miami https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/16/florida-red-tide-ron-desantis

‘The greatest propaganda op in history’: Trump’s reshaping of US culture evokes past antidemocratic regimes The president’s full-court press to dominate media and control cultural institutions is straight out of the authoritarian playbook David Smith in Washington https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/16/trump-culture-democracy

‘It can be really frightening’: knowing the common signs that a loved one is dying can help in their final days Lydia Hales https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/feb/16/it-can-be-really-frightening-knowing-the-common-signs-that-a-loved-one-is-dying-can-help-in-their-final-days

The Narrow Road to the Deep North review: This WW2 miniseries is a ‘stunning’ showcase for Jacob Elordi Hugh Montgomery https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20250215-the-narrow-road-to-the-deep-north-review-this-ww2-miniseries-is-a-stunning-showcase-for-jacob-elordi

2025.02.15

Explainer
‘Thought crime’ and cancelled elections: how do JD Vance’s claims about Europe stand up?
US vice-president told litany of tales of Europe’s rights infringements in speech to leaders at defence gathering
Daniel Boffey and Alexandra Topping https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/14/thought-and-cancelled-elections-how-do-jd-vances-europe-claims-stand-up

Previous victim of woman linked to death of journalist says he tried to warn public David Butler survived being drugged and robbed in 2021 by Danette Colbert, now tied to death of Adan Manzano Ramon Antonio Vargas in Kenner, Louisiana https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/15/adan-manzano-super-bowl-journalist

British professor makes ‘thrilling’ breakthrough for cancer that killed his mother
Paul Workman has researched untreatable chordoma for years. Now new technology points towards to a potential drug to beat it
Robin McKie Science editor https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/feb/15/british-professor-paul-workman-cancer-breakthrough-chordoma

Extreme weather expected to cause food price volatility in 2025 after cost of cocoa and coffee doubles
Trend towards more extreme-weather events will continue to hit crop yields and create price spikes, Inverto says
Damien Gayle https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/feb/15/extreme-weather-likely-to-cause-further-food-price-volatility-analysts-say

Pathfinder 1: The airship that could usher in a new age
QOTD: “Helium is less flammable than hydrogen, but there is a trade-off for this increased safety. ”
Mark Piesing
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250214-pathfinder-1-the-airship-that-could-usher-in-a-new-age

2025.02.14

‘We’re like sitting ducks’: the right’s ‘war on woke’ has a well-tested playbook to take down academics The campaign against Claudine Gay, Harvard’s first Black president, has become a blueprint increasingly wielded against women and scholars of color Alice Speri https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/14/chris-rufo-jo-boaler-academics-woke

‘No one wants to pay $25 for breakfast’: US restaurants are cracking under inflation It’s not just eggs, but coffee, orange juice and bacon, making life especially hard for diners, bakeries and brunch spots Danielle Renwick https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/feb/14/restaurants-inflation-egg-prices

Dating apps could be in trouble – here’s what might take their place Fiona Macdonald https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cg7zxgxdggjo

Stars pull out of shows and positions at Kennedy Center after Trump takeover Issa Rae, Ben Folds and Shonda Rhimes among those who chose not to associate with the institution and president Adrian Horton and Benjamin Lee https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2025/feb/13/kennedy-center-trump-issa-rae-shonda-rhimes

‘It changed my life’: Get Millie Black, the thrilling Caribbean crime drama shaking up TV
Booker prize winner Marlon James is breaking into television with his rave-reviewed cop show. Its creator and star talk wigs, unfinished business – and what it’s really like being queer in Jamaica today
Ellen E Jones
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/feb/14/marlon-james-get-millie-black-the-thrilling-caribbean-cop-show-tamara-lawrence

‘Another woke disaster from Hollywood!’ How Captain America joined the culture wars In the latest film from the Marvel franchise, Captain America: Brave New World, a Black hero squares up to a raging red baddie trashing the White House. Cue the conservative outrage … Steve Rose https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/feb/14/woke-disaster-hollywood-how-captain-america-joined-culture-wars

Tilda Swinton decries ‘internationally enabled mass murder’ at Berlin film festival Actor speaks out against ‘the unacceptable complacency of our greed-addicted governments’ as she picks up a Golden Bear award for lifetime achievement Andrew Pulver https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/feb/14/tilda-swinton-berlin-film-festival

2025.02.13

Riley Moser, Frankie McLister at WCCO report: “The Department of Education announced Wednesday it is investigating the Minnesota State High School League for allowing transgender student-athletes to compete in sports consistent with their gender identity.” Via MinnPost https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/education-department-mshsl-title-ix-investigation/

Tommy Wiita at Bring Me the News reports: “Eden Prairie-based UnitedHealth Group has agreed to pay $20.25 million to settle a lawsuit with the U.S. Department of Labor, after it was found to have wrongly denied thousands of medical claims via its third-party administrator.” Via MinnPost https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-news/unitedhealth-group-to-pay-20m-to-settle-lawsuit-over-denied-coverage

The Star Tribune’s Paul Walsh reports: “A woman lured a man she met on a dating app to a predawn meetup in north Minneapolis, where her accomplice fatally shot him as part of a carjacking plot, according to criminal complaints filed Wednesday and Thursday.” Via MinnPost https://www.startribune.com/charge-carjacking-victim-killed-after-being-lured-on-dating-app-to-predawn-meetup-in-minneapolis/601221200

Nick Longworth at FOX 9 reports: “Minnesota lawmakers are considering a new bill that would stiffen the penalties for those who engage in the prostitution of minors.” Via MinnPost https://www.fox9.com/news/minor-prostitution-penalties-law-change-proposal

Kevin Drum is in hospital and doing poorly. https://jabberwocking.com/health-update-89/

Rape under wraps: how Tinder, Hinge and their corporate owner chose profits over safety Match Group has known since 2016 about abusive users on its dozen dating apps, but leaves millions of people in the dark Emily Elena Dugdale and Hanisha Harjani https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/13/tinder-hinge-match-investigation

It’s a cowboy show out there’: the deadly lottery of the snakebite antivenom industry Investigation reveals ineffective products being sold across Africa, with poor regulation and shortage of effective medication leading to needless deaths By Paul Eccles, Andjela Milivojevic and Rachel Schraer. Additional reporting by Shafa’atu Suleiman and Laura Margottini https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2025/feb/13/its-a-cowboy-show-out-there-the-deadly-lottery-of-the-snakebite-antivenom-industry

‘Here lives the monster’s brain’: the man who exposed Switzerland’s dirty secrets Inspired by Che Guevara, Jean Ziegler has spent the past 60 years exposing how Switzerland enabled global wrongdoing. His enemies accuse him of treason By Atossa Araxia Abrahamian https://www.theguardian.com/news/2025/feb/13/here-lives-the-monsters-brain-the-man-who-exposed-switzerlands-dirty-secrets

London’s first Roman basilica found under office block Archaeologists hail discovery of near-2,000-year-old structure as one of most significant recent finds in the city Esther Addley https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/feb/13/londons-first-roman-basilica-found-under-office-block

From Timothée Chalamet to TV’s latest epic series: Six reasons the 2025 Berlin Film Festival is set to make waves Hugh Montgomery and Nicholas Barber https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20250212-six-ways-the-berlin-film-festival-will-make-waves