Category Archives: Art

2025.04.18

Survivor of notorious New Orleans child sex abuser priest speaks out for first time
Neil Duhon blames archdiocese for allowing his rapist to prey on children throughout his career
Ramon Antonio Vargas and David Hammer of WWL Louisiana in New Orleans
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/18/new-orleans-clergy-abuse-survivor-neil-duhon

Medical cannabis shows potential to fight cancer, largest-ever study finds
Analysis aims to solidify agreement on cannabis’s potential as a cancer treatment, lead author of research says
Hannah Harris Green
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/18/medical-cannabis-cancer-study

Republicans in many states forge ahead with bills requiring proof of citizenship to vote
State-level attack come as House has approved the Save Act, that requires voters to submit proof they are US citizens
Rachel Leingang
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/18/republican-states-bills-proof-of-citizenship-vote

Trump officials take control of Penn Station revamp from New York’s MTA
Transport department claims decision to take over project will ‘save taxpayers approximately $120m’
Jenna Amatulli
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/17/trump-penn-station-new-york-mta

FDA to suspend quality-control program for food testing due to staff cuts
The FDA labs that test food to prevent illness have been affected by wider health and human services staff cuts
Maya Yang and Reuters
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/17/fda-suspends-quality-control-food-testing-staff-cuts

Millennium-old monks’ manuscripts return to Ireland for exhibition
Books include religious scriptures and scribbled jokes, giving glimpse of daily lives of early medieval Irish monks
Rory Carroll Ireland correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/18/millennium-old-monks-manuscripts-return-to-ireland-for-exhibition

Pink smoke, pigs and Pixar: a dozen movie Easter eggs to feast on
Hidden references and in-jokes in cinema can be an acquired taste, but here’s a festive selection of the best arch nods for aficionados to enjoy
Peter Bradshaw, Stuart Heritage, Phil Hoad, Anne Billson, Laura Snapes, Lucy Knight, Luke Holland, Tom Shone, Hollie Richardson, Ryan Gilbey, Gwilym Mumford and Ben Child
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/apr/18/pink-smoke-pigs-and-pixar-a-dozen-movie-easter-eggs-to-feast-on

Queer Asian-American movies you should absolutely watch
Mey Rude | 04/17/25
https://www.out.com/film/queer-asian-american-movies#rebelltitem4

Severance to Adolescence: 10 of the best TV shows of 2025 so far
Caryn James and Hugh Montgomery
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20250417-the-best-tv-shows-of-2025

How climate change could affect arsenic in rice
Amanda Ruggeri
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250417-how-climate-change-could-affect-arsenic-in-rice

2025.04.12

Is Minnesota about to finally launch its legal marijuana market? New regulations are set to be published on Monday, according to Office of Cannabis Management spokesperson Josh Collins. Via the Minnesota Star Tribune. Via MinnPost

Tuberculosis could end if there’s more US public health funding, experts say
Resurgence could be on horizon as outbreaks pick up speed in US and abroad amid public health program cuts
Melody Schreiber

How climate change is supercharging pollen allergies
Amanda Ruggeri

The mystery of why some people develop ALS
Sarah Pitt

Boarding passes and check-in could be scrapped in air travel shake-up
Facial recognition and a ‘journey pass’ stored on passengers’ phones are part of UN-backed plans to digitise air transport
Sammy Gecsoyler

‘Fika has become more expensive’: rising coffee prices affect a Swedish tradition
Swedes are stockpiling supplies of the drink amid cost hikes, with some saying the coffee culture is changing
Miranda Bryant in Stockholm

The science behind the perfect cup of coffee: everything you need to know, from grind size to roast
New research on the optimal pour height this week adds another layer to the quest for caffeinated perfection
Esther Addley

Epic win: why the Odyssey is having a moment
With new translations, a film starring Ralph Fiennes and a Christopher Nolan blockbuster on the way, Homer’s saga about a soldier’s return from battle speaks to our times in unexpected ways
Charlotte Higgins

‘Really important stories’: What nine rare 1800s photos reveal about US history
Deborah Nicholls-Lee

Why Icelanders are happier than ever
Lindsey Galloway

2025.04.11

Jp Lawrence at the Star Tribune reports: “A teacher and youth sports coach in New Ulm, Minn., was sentenced to six years in federal prison after he pleaded guilty last year to a charge he shared videos of child sexual abuse.” Via MinnPost

MPR News’ Elizabeth Shockman reports: “Lawmakers last year ordered required training for school resource officers, a decision rooted in the 2020 police killing of George Floyd. A recent training session in St. Michael – the first of its kind in Minnesota – offered a glimpse of life in schools that’s real but rarely discussed.”
Via MinnPost

The Strib’s Christopher Magan reports: “A melee outside the Franklin Library in Minneapolis involving contract security guards and an Indigenous man, who was banned from the facility, has activists and a county commissioner calling for the security firm’s removal.”
Via MinnPost

Cosmic visions, Edwardian bling and Middle Eastern monuments – the week in art
Ravishing photos of space, glittering images of a golden age and Ali Cherri’s archaeological sculpture – all in your weekly dispatch
Jonathan Jones

DIY Dubai chocolate: Ravneet Gill’s recipe for crunchy pistachio chocolate
Our baker’s take on the viral bar is made with vermicelli pastry, dark chocolate and white chocolate pistachio cream. It’s simple. Just chill!
Ravneet Gill

2025.04.10

Pollen peril: how heat, thunder and smog are creating deadly hay fever seasons
Scientists say a complex mix of factors are making seasonal allergies worse for longer in many parts of the world – but why is it happening and is it here to stay?
Patrick Greenfield

Hay fever making your life a misery? Try these 20 tips from doctors and allergy experts
Do nasal sprays work? Which are the best antihistamines? Can honey help? What about a shower? We’ve got all the answers
Sarah Phillips

Surprise as sealskin is discovered to be cover material of ‘hairy’ medieval books
The findings from volumes kept in a Cistercian monastery in France shed new light on a robust medieval trade network that went well beyond local sourcing
Ella Creamer

FBI director Kash Patel removed as director of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
Decision transfers control of ATF away from US justice department to the defense department for first time
Hugo Lowell in Washington

Woman gives birth to stranger’s baby after IVF bungle in Brisbane
Mistake at Queensland fertility care clinic results in woman unknowingly giving birth to another patient’s baby after embryos mixed up
Australian Associated Press

What’s inside a black hole?

Saliva test may turn tide on prostate cancer, claim scientists
James Gallagher

2025.04.08

Chris Riemenschneider at the Star Tribune reports: “The co-founder of one of Minneapolis’ most reputable breweries, Falling Knife, (Tom) Berg died unexpectedly over the weekend. The cause of death is believed to be heart failure, the brewery’s representatives said. He was 46.” Via MinnPost

The White Lotus season three finale review – the show’s least satisfying ending ever
The most interesting character was sidelined, the deaths were riddled with lazy logic and it all felt frustratingly middling. Season four will have some redeeming to do
Stuart Heritage

The creators of The White Lotus tried to avoid stereotypes of Thailand. They didn’t succeed
Rachel Harrison

Five nurses from same unit in Boston hospital diagnosed with brain tumors
Newton-Wellesley hospital says it ruled out environmental risk as staff members diagnosed with benign growths
Anna Betts

US supreme court allows deportations under 18th-century law with limits
In 5-4 ruling, court laid down terms for invoking Alien Enemies Act, stating challenges must take place in Texas
Cecilia Nowell and agencies

Rightwing group backed by Koch and Leo sues to stop Trump tariffs
New Civil Liberties Alliance says president’s invocation of emergency powers to impose tariffs is unlawful
Robert Tait in Washington

‘What if we didn’t suck?’: the leftist influencer who wants to campaign for Congress differently
Kat Abughazaleh has been critical of what she describes as Democrats’ lack of vision and says the party has lost touch with many of its voters, especially young people
Lauren Gambino

How ‘liberation day’ rout compares with other notorious stock market crises
Richard Partington Senior economics correspondent

Sweet, sticky and sold out everywhere: why is there such a craze for Dubai chocolate?
The creamy pistachio bar is all over TikTok, but good luck trying to find it in shops. Connoisseurs, market-watchers and the woman who invented it discuss its sudden rush to fame
Emine Saner

The Penguin Lessons is just the latest film that teaches us how animals rescue men from loneliness
The comedy, about a curmudgeon played by Steve Coogan and his waddling new friend, joins a subgenre of movies from King Kong to John Wick – in which men are emotionally and socially rescued by animals
Sophie Monks Kaufman

2025.04.07

From Bring Me the News: “Tom Ross, the mayor of Minot, North Dakota, announced his resignation Tuesday. The announcement came after an investigation into an explicit video he had sent to City Attorney Stefanie Stalheim was made public.”  Via MinnPost

Senate approves Republican plan for trillions in tax breaks and spending cuts
Vote fell mostly along party lines and now goes to the House, where it could be voted on as soon as next week
Associated Press
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/05/senate-republicans-trillions-tax-breaks-spending-cuts

Curtains, wellies, nuclear subs and a tsar’s palace: how William Morris mania swept the world
His unmistakable floral patterns – awash with willow, blackthorn and pimpernel – are now on everything from walking sticks to the seats submariners sit on. We go behind the scenes of a dazzling new show
Oliver Wainwright
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2025/apr/07/william-morris-mania-nuclear-subs-tsars-palace

Asian stocks see their worst drop in decades after Trump tariffs
Peter Hoskins
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c934qzd094wo

Myanmar fighting continues despite post-earthquake ceasefires
Mallory Moench
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp31wk21zveo#:~:text=Myanmar%20fighting%20continues,Mallory%20Moench

2025.04.03

Stonks go bust? Where is our fearless leader? Golf again? Somebody get him a fiddle!

Severe storms and tornadoes rip across US south and midwest, killing one person
Rare tornado emergency declared in Arkansas city as homes ripped apart and warnings issued in multiple states
Oliver Milman
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/03/storms-tornadoes-south-midwest

Roman-era battlefield mass grave discovered under Vienna football pitch
Archaeologists say ‘catastrophic military event’ took place at site where 129 bodies have been found so far
Associated Press in Vienna
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/03/roman-era-battlefield-mass-grave-discovered-under-vienna-football-pitch

Hungary to pull out of ‘political’ ICC as Netanyahu visits Budapest
Israeli PM, who is wanted by the court, hails Viktor Orbán’s ‘bold and principled’ decision to leave the ‘corrupt’ body
Jon Henley Europe correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/03/hungary-to-pull-out-of-icc-as-netanyahu-visits-hungary

Mythical creatures, beloved doctors and Facebook foul-ups – take the Thursday quiz
Questions on general knowledge and topical trivia, plus a few jokes, every Thursday. How will you fare?
Martin Belam
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/apr/03/the-guardian-thursday-quiz-general-knowledge-topical-news-trivia-204

‘The forgotten Monet’: How masterful paintings by the artist’s stepdaughter are finally getting recognition
Lucy Davies
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20250401-the-forgotten-monet-how-masterful-paintings-by-the-artists-stepdaughter-are-finally-getting-recognition

Tate receives ‘transformational’ gift from US donors
Paul Glynn
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm24mpx1xveo

Benefit or bloat? Bill seeks to end Minnesota’s community solar program even as lower-income users reap savings
Minnesota’s community solar garden program was revamped in 2023 to serve more low-income residential customers. Now some lawmakers want to end it.
by Andrew Hazzard
https://sahanjournal.com/climate-environment/community-solar-bill-ending-minnesota-legislature/

Minneapolis man pleads guilty to bribing juror for brothers in Feeding Our Future trial
by Joey Peters
https://sahanjournal.com/public-safety/feeding-our-future-juror-bribery-guilty-plea/

‘Woke’ criticism of Doctor Who proves show on right track, says its newest star
Varada Sethu joining series as Doctor’s latest companion, marking first time Tardis team is wholly people of colour
Nadia Khomami Arts and culture correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/apr/01/woke-criticism-of-doctor-who-proves-show-on-right-track-says-its-newest-star

Conservative Wisconsin justice throws fit over her new colleague
Walter Einenkel, author
by Walter Einenkel
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2025/4/3/2314134/-Conservative-Wisconsin-justice-throws-fit-over-her-new-colleague?pm_campaign=front_page&pm_source=top_news_slot_1&pm_medium=web

2025.04.02

I see the bad moon a-risin’
I see depression on the way
I see earthquakes and lightnin’
I see bad times today:

Erica Zurek at MPR News reports: “The Minnesota Department of Health announced layoffs and reductions in public health services on Tuesday due to cuts in federal funding.” Via MinnPost

US health agency layoffs gut mine safety, infertility and smoking programs
Thousands lost jobs as sweeping cuts reshape public health, leaving experts and lawmakers scrambling
Jessica Glenza and Marina Dunbar
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/02/hhs-cdc-fda-layoffs

From CCX Media: “The Robbinsdale Area School District has announced plans to lay off more than 200 of its employees as it struggles with a $21 million budget deficit.” Via MinnPost

Ian Russell at KARE 11 reports: “For roughly a year and a half now, meals at many schools in Minnesota have been free for all. At the State Capitol Tuesday, some lawmakers pushed to alter who qualifies.” Via MinnPost

Israel announces intention to seize large areas of Gaza Strip in major escalation
Defence minister Israel Katz says seized land ‘will be added to the state of Israel’s security areas’
Bethan McKernan in Jerusalem
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/02/israel-announces-intention-seize-large-areas-gaza-strip

US supreme court weighs restricting Medicaid payments to ‘defund’ Planned Parenthood
In first abortion-related case since Trump win, court to consider clinics’ acceptance of low-income insurance
Carter Sherman
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/02/planned-parenthood-medicaid-us-supreme-court

New Orleans clergy abuse survivors say they’ve lost confidence in case’s judge
Comments come after it was revealed judge ignored DoJ recommendations against expelling survivors from panel
Ramon Antonio Vargas and David Hammer of WWL Louisiana
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/02/new-orleans-clergy-abuse-survivors-judge

Scandal-hit creative writing website NaNoWriMo to close after 20 years
The US nonprofit, whose online community encouraged members to write a novel in a month, has been rocked by controversy in recent years
Ella Creamer
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/apr/02/creative-writing-nanowrimo-to-close-after-20-years

Neil Young says he may be barred from returning to US over Donald Trump criticism
The US-Canadian dual citizen speculates he may be ‘barred or put in jail to sleep on a cement floor’ after his European tour, after years of speaking against Trump
Michael Sun
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/apr/02/neil-young-fears-us-ban-donald-trump-criticism

Basquiat to Delaney: inside the exhibition honouring 50 years of art in Black Paris
The vast show at the Pompidou highlights how the French capital became a haven for creatives from across the diaspora
Jason Okundaye
https://www.theguardian.com/news/2025/apr/02/basquiat-delaney-inside-exhibition-honouring-50-years-art-black-paris-pompidou

Two near lifesize sculptures found during excavations of Pompeii tomb
The detailed relics were found in a necropolis and experts believe the woman depicted could have been an important priestess
Angela Giuffrida in Rome
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/01/two-near-lifesize-sculptures-found-during-excavations-of-pompeii-tomb

Hot-air balloons and spring sunshine: photos of the day – Wednesday
Hot-air balloons in the air during the annual hot-air balloon festival, held since 1950 to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the Islamic holiday marking the end of Ramadan, in Central Java. Photograph: Devi Rahman/AFP/Getty Images
Matt Fidler
https://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2025/apr/02/spring-sunshine-and-hot-air-balloons-photos-of-the-day-wednesday

2025.03.31

Judge disregarded bankruptcy trustee’s recommendation and punished New Orleans clergy abuse survivors
Molestation survivors were removed from committee in settlement talks after lawyer was accused of improperly identifying school chaplain as child sexual abuser
Ramon Antonio Vargas and David Hammer of WWL Louisiana in New Orleans
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/31/new-orleans-archdiocese-child-sex-abuse-settlement

US Bank vice-chair Terry Dolan believed to be on board crashed plane in Minnesota
Authorities still confirming identity of those on board fallen aircraft that crashed in Brooklyn Park on Saturday
Guardian staff and agencies
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/31/terry-dolan-us-bank-plane-crash-minnesota

Hundreds of thousands of Canadians face power outages due to ice storm
More than 300,000 without power as storm, expected to continue overnight, pummels Ottawa, Quebec and Ontario
Reuters
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/30/canada-ontario-ottawa-quebec-power-outage

The Danish island of seaweed cottages, salt and seafood
The remote North Sea isle of Læsø is world-famous for the gastronomic delights that come from its waters – so the best way to explore it is in waders
Ailsa Sheldon
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2025/mar/31/denamrk-island-laeso-seaweed-cottages-salt-and-seafood

The most beautiful village in England: how Bibury became a victim of its charm
Once a tranquil haven in the Cotswolds, Bibury now grapples with overtourism as hordes of selfie-snapping visitors pour into its narrow lanes
Jamie Grierson
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/mar/30/the-most-beautiful-village-in-england-how-bibury-became-a-victim-of-its-charm

William Morris designs out in the wild – in pictures
Kathryn Bromwich
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/gallery/2025/mar/29/william-morris-designs-out-in-the-wild-in-pictures

‘This is the information age’: How Microsoft founder Bill Gates mapped out the new internet era back in 1993
Greg McKevitt
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20250327-how-bill-gates-predicted-our-it-age-back-in-1993

2025.03.29

MinnPost News Quiz
https://www.minnpost.com/news-quiz/

Esme Murphy at WCCO News writes the proposed cut to Medicaid in Minnesota is $1.5 billion a year from an annual budget that, as of 2024, stands at roughly $18 billion. 1.3 million Minnesotans rely on Medicaid for their health care, 40% of Minnesota kids depend on it and, when it comes to nursing homes, 55% of nursing home residents rely entirely on Medicaid. Via MinnPost

Christopher Snowbeck at the Star Tribune is reporting UnitedHealth Group has scrubbed mentions of diversity, equity and inclusion goals from parts of its corporate website, including a page on careers and company culture that formerly included a dedicated section on DEI. Via MinnPost

Ya missed it?
Skygazers gather across northern hemisphere to glimpse partial solar eclipse
Eclipse peaked in London at about 11am on Saturday and was visible in parts of UK between about 10am and noon
Hayden Vernon
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/mar/29/skygazers-gather-northern-hemisphere-glimpse-partial-solar-eclipse

From Greenland to Europe and Senegal: the partial solar eclipse – in pictures
The moon partly obscured the sun during an phenomenon that could be seen across the northern hemisphere
Lizzie Tucker
https://www.theguardian.com/science/gallery/2025/mar/29/from-greenland-to-europe-and-senegal-the-partial-solar-eclipse-in-pictures

Top US vaccine official resigns over RFK Jr’s ‘misinformation and lies’
Dr Peter Marks was seen as a guardrail against any future politicisation of the FDA’s approval of life-saving vaccines
Stephanie Kirchgaessner in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/29/top-us-vaccine-official-resigns-over-rfk-jrs-misinformation-and-lies-dr-peter-marks

Nearly 500 confirmed cases of measles across 19 US states, says CDC
Government reports largest outbreak is in Texas, and 70 people across US needing hospitalization
Guardian staff and agency
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/28/measles-cases-us-cdc

Myanmar earthquake: death toll passes 1,600 as search for survivors continues
Aid agencies warn of ‘extremely difficult’ response amid Myanmar’s continuing civil war with true scale of disaster yet to emerge
Rebecca Ratcliffe in Bangkok, Esther J and agencies
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/29/myanmar-earthquake-death-toll-rises-to-almost-700-as-search-for-survivors-continues

‘Our town looks like a collapsed city’: Myanmar earthquake – in pictures
The death toll is expected to rise after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake devastated Myanmar and brought down a high rise building in the capital of Thailand. Its epicentre was about 11 miles (17.2km) from Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city
Mike Hohnen
https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2025/mar/29/our-town-looks-like-a-collapsed-city-myanmar-earthquake-in-pictures

Fears for Bagan’s towering Buddhist temples after Myanmar earthquake
City is close to Sagaing faultline and monuments were significantly damaged after the last earthquake in 2016
Kevin Rushby
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/28/fears-for-fate-of-bagans-towering-buddhist-temples-after-myanmar-earthquake

‘The physics community has never split like this’: row erupts over plans for new Large Hadron Collider
Ambitious project could soak up funding for subatomic physics for decades, say opponents
Robin McKie, Science Editor
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/mar/29/the-physics-community-has-never-split-like-this-row-erupts-over-plans-for-new-large-hadron-collider

New drug for lower back pain could be ‘a gamechanger’
Exclusive: early stage trials of drug that uses antibiotics finds benefits for people whose pain is caused by infection
Denis Campbell Health policy editor
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/mar/28/new-drug-for-lower-back-pain-could-be-a-gamechanger

Alarm as Florida Republicans move to fill deported workers’ jobs with children: ‘It’s insane, right?’
Governor Ron DeSantis leads push to loosen child labor laws as immigration crackdown leads to workforce shortage
Richard Luscombe in Miami
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/29/florida-republicans-immigrant-jobs-child-labor

Gold leaf and Gatsby: Brussels lays claim to birth of art deco with year of celebrations
Throughout 2025, the Belgian capital is marking 100 years of the movement with events, exhibitions and film screenings
Jennifer Rankin in Brussels
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2025/mar/29/gold-leaf-and-gatsby-brussels-lays-claim-to-birth-of-art-deco-with-year-of-celebrations

Where cider houses rule in Spain: a tour of Asturias
Loved by the Spanish but less known in the UK, the region is recognised by Unesco for its centuries-old cider culture – and has plenty more to offer
Alyssa McMurtry in Oviedo
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2025/mar/29/where-cider-houses-rule-in-spain-a-tour-of-asturias

Meera Sodha: ‘I’m thrilled to have new ingredients in the kitchen’
Our cook on why she’s changing the way she writes her recipes
Meera Sodha
https://www.theguardian.com/food/2025/mar/29/meera-sodha-im-thrilled-to-have-new-ingredients-in-the-kitchen

The return of Sicily’s ancient ‘white gold’
Vittoria Traverso
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20250328-the-return-of-sicilys-ancient-white-gold