Author Archives: Larry Sanderson

2026.01.15

All ICE: <cut>

Free speech advocates see a pattern as ICE protesters, observers face violence in Minnesota
Minnesota is the latest state where lawsuits allege federal officials are intentionally using force to suppress free speech.
by Cleo Krejci
https://www.minnpost.com/metro/2026/01/free-speech-advocates-see-a-pattern-as-ice-protesters-observers-face-violence-in-minnesota/

Immigration agents are shooting people. Is it legal?
A law professor explains whether the agent who fatally shot Renee Good could face prosecution.
by Chip Brownlee for The Trace
https://www.minnpost.com/national/2026/01/ice-shooting-legal-prosecution-federal-agent/

The ICE occupation, unlike the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder, is an intentional disruption
The most effective and meaningful pushback against the federal government’s terror campaign comes in the form of neighbors helping neighbors.
by Bill Lindeke
https://www.minnpost.com/cityscape/2026/01/the-ice-occupation-unlike-the-aftermath-of-george-floyds-murder-is-an-intentional-disruption/

A federal judge on Wednesday “did not take immediate action on [Minnesota’s] request for a restraining order to stop the surge of ICE operations in the state, instead setting timelines for the state and federal government to respond,” KARE11 reports. “U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez called the case a ‘frontier’ in constitutional law.” Via MinnPost
https://www.minnpost.com/glean/2026/01/judge-sets-deadlines-in-minnesotas-lawsuit-against-ice-no-immediate-restraining-order/

Minnesota’s largest corporate players have been mostly mum about the ongoing Operation Metro Surge, MPR reports. “‘And the lack of voice right now, I think, is deafening,’” said R.T. Rybak, head of the Minneapolis Foundation and the former mayor of Minneapolis. Via MinnPost
https://www.minnpost.com/glean/2026/01/judge-sets-deadlines-in-minnesotas-lawsuit-against-ice-no-immediate-restraining-order/

School officials in Crystal say “a parent was arrested by ICE agents while waiting at a school bus stop with their child,” KARE11 reports. A letter sent to parents at Northport Elementary School said “other students at the bus stop and students on the bus might have seen the encounter.” 
https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/ice-in-minnesota/parent-arrested-ice-agents-school-bus-crystal/89-6cd97be7-50b8-481a-b19d-ff94ccc9f818

Trump threatens to invoke insurrection act as protests continue in Minneapolis
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2026/jan/15/us-politics-latest-news-updates-donald-trump-venezuela-maria-corina-machado?CMP=share_btn_url&page=with%3Ablock-6968ec858f08230f67a73ef2#block-6968ec858f08230f67a73ef2

‘If you people don’t stop protesting ICE torture, I’m going send the military to torture you and control the midterms,’ sayz Our Orange Fearful Leader

Trumps threatens to send federal troops to Minnesota to quell protests
The threat comes after several nights of unrest in the city following the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent.
by Ana Radelat
https://www.minnpost.com/national/washington/2026/01/trumps-threatens-to-send-federal-troops-to-minnesota-to-quell-protests/</cut>

The full list of 75 countries where Trump is suspending visa processing
The Trump administration indefinitely suspended immigrant visa processing from 75 countries – see which nations have been affected
Joseph Gedeon in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/14/full-list-75-countries-visa-processing-suspended

Trump is making China – not America – great again, global survey suggests
Exclusive: US is less feared by its traditional adversaries, while its allies feel ever more distant, results show
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/14/global-survey-suggests-trump-is-making-china-not-america-great-again

Suspended Michigan autoworker who heckled Trump gets outpouring of donations
Tens of thousands of dollars raised for TJ Sabula after he reportedly calls Trump ‘pedophile protector’ during Ford plant tour
Michael Sainato
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/14/trump-suspended-michigan-autoworker

Union leaders accuse Trump labor department of echoing Nazi rhetoric
Labor department rhetoric, such as ‘One Homeland. One People. One Heritage’, prompt comparisons to Nazi slogan
Michael Sainato
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/14/union-leaders-trump-administration-white-supremacy

Wolf’s dinner preserved in Siberia for 14,400 years sheds light on woolly rhino
Decoded genome of meat in pup’s stomach helps scientists build picture of what caused extinction of species
Ian Sample Science editor
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/jan/14/wolf-cub-preserved-permafrost-woolly-rhino

Seattle UItrasonics C-200 knife review: a powered knife even a pro chef can love
The C-200 vibrates 30,000 times per second, and as our pro chef tester found, it’s not as gimmicky as it sounds
Jonathan Deutsch
https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter-us/2026/jan/14/ultrasonic-knives-tested

Erotic gay smash Heated Rivalry is a well-timed defense of intimacy coordinators
Adrian Horton
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2026/jan/14/heated-rivarly-intimacy-coordinators

‘Bigger and lower’: bull in Dutch painting once had much larger testicles
Experts at the Mauritshuis in The Hague believe Paulus Potter toned down The Bull to respect 17th-century sensibilities
Senay Boztas in The Hague
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/15/paulus-potter-the-bull-mauritshuis-dutch-painting-testicles

Review
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy review – Holly Hunter is a transgressive thrill in this horny high-school spinoff
This hormone-fuelled tale of the training college for space voyagers is like Grange Hill, with phasers – and it has a female lead unlike any captain before
Graeme Virtue
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2026/jan/15/star-trek-starfleet-academy-review-holly-hunter-is-a-transgressive-thrill-in-this-horny-high-school-spinoff

Serial houseplant killer? Here’s how to keep them alive (Paywalled?)
Emily Holt
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1lr8vy2v69o

Yodellers, bathing monkeys and a ballroom clean: photos of the day – WednesdayThe Guardian’s picture editors select photographs from around the world
Selected by Natasha Rees-Bloor
https://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2026/jan/14/yodellers-bathing-monkeys-ballroom-clean-photos-of-the-day-wednesday

2026.01.14

Thompson, colleague resignations cast scrutiny on Justice Department’s probe into Renee Good’s death
Upheaval in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Minnesota comes amid divisive Justice Department actions in the wake of Good’s shooting.
by Ana Radelat
https://www.minnpost.com/national/washington/2026/01/thompson-colleague-resignations-cast-scrutiny-on-justice-departments-probe-into-renee-goods-death/

Trump plans to illegally stop over $2 billion in Medicaid payments, state says, in latest twist to fraud saga
The Minnesota Medicaid head says that feds will shut off spigot in 13 programs.
by Matthew Blake
https://www.minnpost.com/state-government/2026/01/trump-plans-to-illegally-stop-over-2-billion-in-medicaid-payments-state-says-in-latest-twist-to-fraud-saga/

Eight arrested in Minneapolis as Trump officials issue threats to protesters
Federal agents use teargas against protesters as homeland security officials tell of ‘largest operation in DHS history’
Guardian staff and agencies
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/13/ice-cbp-minneapolis-teargas

Union leaders accuse Trump administration of ‘shift toward white supremacy’ with online posts
Labor department rhetoric, such as ‘One Homeland. One People. One Heritage’, prompt comparisons to Nazi slogan
Michael Sainato
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/14/union-leaders-trump-administration-white-supremacy

2026 is already pure chaos. Is that Trump’s electoral strategy?
Moustafa Bayoumi
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jan/13/trump-chaos-midterms-republicans

Scott Adams, Dilbert creator and conservative commentator, dies aged 68
Cartoonist – who was dropped from US papers in 2023 after calling Black people a ‘hate group’ – had prostate cancer
Maya Yang
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/13/scott-adams-dilbert-dies

Zoe Saldaña becomes highest-grossing actor of all time
Star overtook Scarlett Johansson after success of third Avatar – her films have now made more than $15.46bn worldwide
Benjamin Lee
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/jan/13/zoe-saldana-highest-grossing-actor

German church’s televised ‘slime Jesus’ provokes fury on right
Christmas Eve live broadcast showed holy child portrayed by female performance artist writhing in sticky rice paper
Deborah Cole in Berlin
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/13/german-church-televised-slime-jesus-infuriates-faithful

US supreme court appears poised to uphold laws banning trans athletes
A ruling against two athletes in West Virginia and Idaho could have far-reaching implications for civil rights
Sam Levin, Robert Tait and Lucy Campbell
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/13/supreme-court-case-trans-athletes

Musk’s AI tool Grok will be integrated into Pentagon networks, Hegseth says
Defense secretary says AI tool will join military systems later this month as it comes under fire for sexual imagery
Anna Betts
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/jan/13/elon-musk-grok-hegseth-military-pentagon

Meet the merpeople: ‘Once I put the tail on, my life was changed forever’
Professional mermaids risk hypothermia, seasickness and the cling of skin-tight silicone, but the reward is becoming an ‘ocean ambassador’ – and a bit more colour in the world
By Sarah Szabo
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/jan/13/professional-mermaids-ocean-ambassadors

Saks Global files for bankruptcy after takeover leads to financial collapse
Debt-riddled retail giant’s demise has cast uncertainty over the future of US luxury fashion
Lauren Aratani and agencies
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/jan/14/saks-global-files-for-bankruptcy

From Ralph Fiennes to Jeffrey Wright: the most overlooked performances this awards season
Jessie Buckley and Timothée Chalamet might be winning all of the awards but as Oscar voting begins, these actors also deserve inclusion
Jesse Hassenger
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/jan/14/awards-season-overlooked-performances

‘I knew these photos wouldn’t be published for decades’: gay cruising in New York – in pictures
In 1969, Arthur Tress started making images at an overgrown corner of Central Park known as the Ramble – the beginning of an archive of a transitional period in queer culture
In 1969, Arthur Tress began taking his camera on walks through the Ramble, an overgrown corner of Central Park that had become New York’s best-known outdoor meeting place for queer men. Designed as a picturesque woodland in the 19th century, by the late 1960s it had grown wild, a hidden, half-forgotten place of chance encounters in the middle of the city. Arthur Tress’s The Ramble, NYC 1969 is published by Stanley Barker. An exhibition at CLAMP, New York runs until 28 February 2026. All photographs: Arthur Tress
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2026/jan/14/i-knew-these-photos-wouldnt-be-published-for-decades-gay-cruising-in-new-york-in-pictures

France records more deaths than births for first time since end of second world war
Country joins EU neighbours in demographic crunch of ageing population and falling birthrate
Ashifa Kassam
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/14/france-data-deaths-birthrate-ageing-population

2026.01.13

ICE enforcement: Via MinnPost
–The federal government has made more than 2,000 arrests in Minnesota in the immigration enforcement surge that began this month, MPR reports. Federal officials did not say how many people face deportation or provide other details.  
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/01/12/latest-monday-on-ice-shooting-in-minneapolis

-Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara criticized ICE tactics in an interview with the New York Times, the Star Tribune reports. On the Times’ “The Daily” podcast, O’Hara said the shooting death last week of Renee Good by an ICE agent was “predictable and entirely preventable.”
https://www.startribune.com/in-new-york-times-interview-minneapolis-police-chief-brian-ohara-rails-against-ice-tactics/601562616

-A video captured ICE agents ramming a door and pushing their way inside a home to arrest a man in the Twin Cities. The AP report says a document agents that handed to a woman in the house is different than a warrant signed by a judge and does not authorize forced entry into a private residence.
https://www.twincities.com/2026/01/11/video-captures-minneapolis-immigration-arrest-in-a-city-on-edge-after-shooting-of-renee-good/

Minneapolis-based Sun Country Airlines is merging with the airline Allegiant, the Pioneer Press reports. Sun Country says the Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport will remain a base city for the new combined Allegiant airline. Via MinnPost
https://www.minnpost.com/glean/2026/01/more-than-2000-arrested-in-twin-cities-ice-operation/

Here’s what’s really happening with child care fraud in Minnesota
Evidence is nowhere near the epidemic levels a viral YouTube video would suggest — but it hasn’t stopped a crackdown on child care funding. Here’s a fact check. Via MinnPost
by Chabeli Carrazana
https://www.minnpost.com/other-nonprofit-media/2026/01/heres-whats-really-happening-with-child-care-fraud-in-minnesota-explained/

Trump administration ends temporary protected status for Somalis in US
Noem claims conditions have improved in east African country so Somalis no longer qualify for legal protections
Joseph Gedeon in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/13/trump-administration-ends-tps-somalia

DoJ attorneys resign over decision not to investigate agent in Minneapolis ICE shooting
At least four leaders across civil rights division step down as FBI presses on with investigation into Renee Nicole Good
Richard Luscombe
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/13/doj-attorneys-resign-minneapolis-ice-shooting

Trump may have to disclose details about assets as part of BBC lawsuit
US president is suing for defamation over documentary that joined two parts of speech he made on 6 January 2021
Michael Savage and Jamie Grierson
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/13/trump-may-have-to-disclose-details-about-his-assets-as-part-of-bbc-lawsuit

‘A bombshell’: doubt cast on discovery of microplastics throughout human body
Exclusive: Some scientists say many detections are most likely error, with one high-profile study called a ‘joke’
Damian Carrington Environment editor
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/jan/13/microplastics-human-body-doubt

David Letterman calls CBS News a ‘wreck’ under newly installed leadership
Former late-night host makes comments amid merger of CBS’s parent company Paramount with Skydance Media
Anna Betts
https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/jan/12/david-letterman-cbs-news-bari-weiss

US judge lets Danish firm resume Rhode Island offshore wind project halted by Trump
Ørsted and other wind developers have faced repeated disruptions to multibillion dollar projects under Trump
Reuters
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/jan/12/orsted-rhode-island-wind-project-trump

‘Her time has come’: did Mondrian owe his success to a cross-dressing lesbian artist who lived in a Cornish cove?
Piet Mondrian found fame, fortune and glory with his grid-like paintings lit with basic colours. But did many of his ideas come from Marlow Moss? Our writer celebrates an extraordinary British talent who died in obscurity
Joanna Moorhead
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2026/jan/12/piet-mondrian-crossdressing-lesbian-artist-marlow-moss-cornish-cove

Women are feral for Heated Rivalry. What does that say about men?
The explosive popularity of the gay hockey TV drama reveals women’s desire for sex and romance without violence or hierarchy
Julia Carrie Wong
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/jan/13/why-do-women-like-heated-rivalry

2026.01.12

“Minnesota Democratic Sen. Tina Smith said Sunday that the Trump administration was ‘attempting to cover up what happened‘ in the fatal shooting of Renee Good, a U.S. citizen and mother of three, by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Minneapolis on Wednesday,” ABC News reports. “‘I think what we are seeing here is the federal government — [Department of Homeland Security Secretary] Kristi Noem, Vice President [JD] Vance, [President] Donald Trump — attempting to cover up what happened here in the Twin Cities, and I don’t think that people here and around the country are believing it,’ Smith told ABC News’ ‘This Week’ co-anchor Martha Raddatz.”
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/minnesota-senator-white-house-attempting-cover-good-shooting/story?id=129100690

Four members of the Oglala Sioux Tribe were detained by ICE agents in Minneapolis, according to WCCO. “President Frank Star Comes Out [said] in a Facebook post said the four men are homeless and were living under a bridge near the Little Earth housing complex in the East Phillips neighborhood. Attorneys who represent the tribe were “instructed” [to] reach out to Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan about where they are being detained and what their names are, he said.
https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/oglala-sioux-tribe-members-detained-ice-minneapolis/

Trump threatens to block ExxonMobil from Venezuela after CEO calls country ‘uninvestable’
US president says company is ‘playing too cute’ after CEO responds sceptically to his push for oil investment after deposing Nicolás Maduro
Reuters
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/12/donald-trump-threatens-block-exxonmobil-venezuela

We have always been at war with East, err, Malaysia
Malaysia blocks Elon Musk’s Grok AI over fake, sexualised images
Country follows Indonesia in restricting access after global outcry over X’s AI tool
Rebecca Ratcliffe and agencies
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/jan/12/malaysia-blocks-elon-musk-grok-ai-fake-sexualised-images-indonesia-x-chatbot

Trump’s cannabis order will still leave users at risk of prosecution, experts say
Justice department is pushing to pursue simple possession cases, and ICE uses cannabis offenses to speed deportation
Hannah Harris Green
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/12/trump-cannabis-executive-order-reschedule

Germany rejects RFK Jr claims about Covid vaccine exemption prosecutions
Health minister Nina Warken says Robert F Kennedy Jr’s assertions that German doctors are facing legal action are unfounded
Jon Henley Europe correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/11/germany-rejects-rfk-jr-claims-about-covid-vaccine-exemption-prosecutions

Chalamet a smash, Sinners shut out: the key Golden Globes snubs and surprises
Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another looks unstoppable ahead of the Oscars, despite Timothée Chalamet’s triumph over Leonardo DiCaprio for best actor
Catherine Shoard
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/jan/12/golden-globes-snubs-surprises-timothee-chalamet-one-battle-after-another

How the US supreme court case on trans athletes could unravel LGBTQ+ rights
Sam Levin in Los Angeles
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/12/trans-athletes-supreme-court-lgbtq-rights

I loved my teaching job. But as a trans man in Texas, quitting was the only way to get my dignity back
After the state’s bathroom ban went into effect in December amid a slew of new anti-trans policies, I couldn’t keep trying to hide my identity at work
As told to Alaina Demopoulos
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/jan/12/trans-public-school-teacher-texas

‘Big step forward’: Myanmar military faces Rohingya genocide case at UN court
Survivors of violence hope proceedings will bring justice a step closer and set a precedent for future genocide allegations
Rebecca Ratcliffe South-east Asia correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/12/myanmar-military-rohingya-genocide-case-un-court

Flying foxes die in their thousands in worst mass-mortality event since Australia’s black summer
Volunteers found thousands of dead bats at Melbourne’s Brimbank park, wildlife expert says
Petra Stock
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/jan/12/flying-foxes-die-in-their-thousands-in-worst-mass-mortality-event-since-australias-black-summer

Newly discovered ‘Port Talbot Pompeii’ may have been Roman centre for agriculture
Academics say the villa, found in Welsh deer park, shows the area was not on fringes of Roman empire
Steven Morris
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/jan/12/newly-discovered-port-talbot-pompeii-may-have-been-roman-centre-for-agriculture

Five decapitated heads displayed on Ecuador beach (Paywalled?)
Vanessa Buschschlüter
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2e13mlr17go

2026.01.11

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2026.01.10

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2026.01.09

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2026.01.08

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

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

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

Viewed From Across the Pond:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2026.01.07

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2026.01.06

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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