Category Archives: Art

2025.03.28

I hear the earth moved in Myanmar, a country under a brutal dictatorship even worse than ours.
Thailand and Myanmar earthquake: death toll rises as Bangkok declared disaster area with dozens trapped under skyscraper – live
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/mar/28/myanmar-earthquake-thailand-bangkok-mandalay-latest-news-updates
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crlxlxd7882o
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgwgmkmgzdo

Cities and developers want state money to convert office buildings to housing, other businesses
By: Madison McVan
https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/03/27/cities-and-developers-want-state-money-convert-office-buildings/

Crowded field emerges to replace former state Sen. Justin Eichorn
Seven Republicans and two Democrats have announced candidacies for the seat left vacant by Eichorn, who resigned after his arrest in a sex sting operation.
by Chelsey Perkins, KAXE/KBXE
https://www.minnpost.com/other-nonprofit-media/2025/03/crowded-field-emerges-to-replace-former-state-sen-justin-eichorn/

Bird flu reinfections at US poultry farms highlight need for vaccines, experts say
Aggressive prevention including wider changes to poultry raising needed after at least 56 US farms doubly infected
Melody Schreiber
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/28/bird-flu-us-poultry-farms-vaccines

Off-season: has The White Lotus become a letdown?
The third season of the buzzy resort-set comedy drama has had its moments, but it’s starting to feel like the show is running out of ideas
Adrian Horton
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/mar/28/the-white-lotus-third-season-letdown

‘At 60, the bulk of your life is lived. What’s left now?’ Ralph Fiennes and Uberto Pasolini on their ripped and radical take on The Odyssey
The actor and director on why The Return took 30 years to make, their joy at persuading Juliette Binoche to join them – and the punishing regime that earned Fiennes his battle-scarred physique
Tom Shone
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/mar/28/at-60-the-bulk-of-your-life-is-lived-whats-left-now-ralph-fiennes-and-uberto-pasolini-on-their-ripped-and-radical-take-on-the-odyssey

Russian scientist working at Harvard detained by Ice at Boston airport
Kseniia Petrova was returning to the US from a trip to France when officials revoked her visa and detained her
Maya Yang and Robert Mackey
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/27/russian-scientist-harvard-medical-school-ice-detention

‘We won’t be deterred or scared’: Hungary’s LGBTQ+ community fights for right to march in Pride
Some want to oppose ban, others are nervous, but all see it as a warning sign under Viktor Orbán’s government
Lili Rutai in Budapest
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/28/we-wont-be-deterred-or-scared-hungarys-lgbtq-community-fights-for-right-to-march-in-pride

Why the weasel testicles? Cambridge show explains medieval medicine
Exhibition aims to help visitors get inside the minds that thought mercury and roasted apples would cure lice
Nicola Davis Science correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/mar/28/mercury-weasel-testicles-feature-uk-exhibition-medieval-medicine-curious-cases-cambridge-university-library

Raw, romantic and radical: Joan Baez’s 20 greatest songs – ranked!
With her Diamonds and Rust album turning 50, we rate the standout tracks from the American folk singer and political activist
By Alexis Petridis
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/mar/28/raw-romantic-and-radical-joan-baez-20-greatest-songs-ranked

How to watch Saturday’s partial solar eclipse
Maddie Molloy
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crmjdy10rmmo

Is it healthier to use household cleaning products – or not?
Jessica Bradley
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250327-is-it-healthier-to-use-household-cleaning-products-or-not

‘Food is a language everyone understands’: Yotam Ottolenghi on how cuisine connects people
Christopher Luu
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20250327-yotam-ottolenghi-interview-influential-katty-kay

New York county clerk blocks Texas abortion telehealth suit
Kayla Epstein
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0l13r9dz0go

2025.03.27

Downtown St. Paul Lunds & Byerlys closes, leaving neighborhood without grocery store
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/03/26/downtown-st-paul-lunds-byerlys-closes

Lawmakers consider fixing ‘loophole’ that blocked records for police chief who resigned
Ryan Raiche KSTP
https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/lawmakers-consider-fixing-loophole-that-blocked-records-for-police-chief-who-resigned/

Six reported dead after Egypt tourist submarine sinks in Red Sea – latest updates
Incident took place near the popular Egyptian Red Sea resort of Hurghada
Daniel Lavelle (now) and Tom Ambrose (earlier)
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/mar/27/tourist-submarine-sinks-red-sea-egypt-hurghada-latest-news-updates

Johnny Mathis, 89, retires from performing due to ‘age and memory issues’
The US crooner, whose career stretches back to 1956, will play four more scheduled concerts but cancels remainder of 2025 run
Ben Beaumont-Thomas
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/mar/27/johnny-mathis-89-retires-from-performing-age-memory-issues

The White Lotus ‘goes too far’: Duke University unhappy over their prominence in show
Two characters in the troubled Ratliff family are Duke alumni, but the association has displeased the US university
Sian Cain
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/mar/27/the-white-lotus-duke-university-complaints-ratliff

Arnold Schwarzenegger reacts to Patrick’s White Lotus incest scenes
Patrick Schwarzenegger’s wild incest storyline on The White Lotus season 3 has gotten a reaction from his dad, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Taylor Henderson
https://www.out.com/celebs/white-lotus-patrick-schwarzenegger-incest-storyline-arnold-schwarzenegger

Kansas babysitter checking for monsters finds man hiding under bed
Police arrest suspect after sitter shocked to encounter man when trying to show child there was nothing under the bed
Guardian staff
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/27/babysitter-man-under-child-bed-kansas

‘I was surprised how common it is’: the director of Sebastian on his controversial film about an author who enters sex work
In Sebastian, a writer sells his body to provide material for his debut novel, then doesn’t give the night job up. Mikko Mäkelä explains what inspired his film – and remembers his cinematic sexual awakening
Ryan Gilbey
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/mar/27/sebastian-author-sex-work-mikko-makela

Let’s put it in language the Signal leakers will understand: what a bunch of pathetic sleazebags
Emma Brockes
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/mar/27/signal-leak-pathetic-sleazebags-maga-fratboy-lexicon

Yale professor who studies fascism fleeing US to work in Canada
Jason Stanley, who says grandmother fled Berlin with his father in 1939, says US may become ‘fascist dictatorship’
Rachel Leingang
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/26/yale-professor-fascism-canada

The simple trick to change other people’s minds
David Robson
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250326-the-mind-changing-method-measured-in-minutes

‘I have terminal cancer and lost my life savings to whisky barrel scammers’
Carla Basu
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2r7enl3d1o

I got ma bathroom window back from Hayes Windows. Two of the panes have been broken since I moved into the house a couple of years ago. 1907 textured window glass — I figured they could never match it, so I wanted them to switch the panes so that they ‘balanced’ rather than matched. (The other company I had bid said it was ‘impossible.’)

2025.03.26

Shamelessly stolen from Andrew Ducker:
Universal Coronavirus Vaccine Breakthrough: A Single Shot That Could Protect You From COVID, MERS, and the Common Cold
By American Chemical Society
https://scitechdaily.com/universal-coronavirus-vaccine-breakthrough-a-single-shot-that-could-protect-you-from-covid-mers-and-the-common-cold/

People doing intense exercise experience time warp, study finds
Research suggests those who push themselves when working out perceive time to move more slowly
Ian Sample Science editor
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/mar/26/people-doing-intense-exercise-experience-time-warp-study-finds

‘The field of human ancestry is rife with racism’: pioneering project to build cancer database in Africa
Less than 2% of human genomes analysed so far have been those of Africans. Yemaachi Biotech’s Africa Cancer Atlas aims to fill the research gap
Sarah Johnson in Accra
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2025/mar/26/yemaachi-biotech-pioneering-genomic-cancer-atlas-research-dna-africa

Shamelessly stolen from Andrew Ducker:
Discrimination and autism: an analysis from a queer, autistic woman
By Anonymous Author
https://www.libdemvoice.org/discrimination-and-autism-an-analysis-from-a-queer-autistic-woman-77263.html

Stoner alert: Office of Cannabis Management submits rules for final approval
Brittney Ermon & Kyle Brown KSTP
https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/office-of-cannabis-management-submits-rules-for-final-approval/

Minnesota’s governors’ 19th Century unrestricted power to pardon
Until 1897, Minnesota’s governors enjoyed unrestricted power to pardon, or commute the sentence of anyone convicted of a crime in state courts.
by Paul Nelson
https://www.minnpost.com/mnopedia/2025/03/minnesotas-governors-19th-century-unrestricted-power-to-pardon/

Newly shared Signal messages show Trump advisers discussed Yemen attack plans
The Atlantic releases more text from chat after Trump officials claimed none of it was ‘classified information’
Chris Michael
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/26/trump-signal-leak-new-messages

What the accidentally leaked war group chat reveals about the Trump administration
Moira Donegan
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/mar/26/trump-signal-chat-middle-east-opinion

Teen member of Musk’s Doge staff provided tech support to cybercrime ring, records show
Edward Coristine, who is 19, is among members of Doge effort that has been given access to official networks
Reuters
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/26/teen-doge-staff-cybercrime-ring

Mike Johnson floats eliminating US courts as Trump faces judicial pressure
House speaker says Congress has ‘authority over federal courts’ as Republicans grow frustrated by judicial blocks
Joseph Gedeon in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/26/mike-johnson-congress-courts-trump

Iowa law banning books including 1984 and Ulysses blocked by US federal judge
Judge rules that law banning school libraries and classrooms from carrying books depicting sex acts had been applied unconstitutionally
Ella Creamer
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/mar/26/iowa-law-banning-books-including-1984-and-ulysses-blocked-by-us-federal-judge

South Korea admits to ‘mass exporting’ children for adoption
Tessa Wong, Hosu Lee and Jean Mackenzie
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwyjryv1kpgo

Window cleaner in quest to confirm priceless Shakespeare portrait
Eric Johnson & Louise Parry
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5yr37nlzv8o

2025.03.25

You go to war with the clown car you have, not the clown car you might want or wish to have at a later time.
Stunning Signal leak reveals depths of Trump administration’s loathing of Europe
Andrew Roth in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/25/stunning-signal-leak-reveals-depths-of-trump-administrations-loathing-of-europe

‘They chose the billionaire’: Tim Walz returns to Minnesota as part of redemption tour
The former Democratic VP nominee’s tours around the US and vows to ‘bring revenge’ against Republicans
Rachel Leingang in Rochester, Minnesota
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/24/tim-walz-democrat-tour-minnesota

Nathan Lane says ‘homophobia is alive and well’ in Hollywood
In a Vanity Fair interview The Producers and The Birdcage star claimed that being an out gay actor cost him roles in his career
Andrew Pulver
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/mar/25/nathan-lane-says-homophobia-is-alive-and-well-in-hollywood

Iron age hoard found in North Yorkshire could change Britain’s history
More than 800 objects unearthed near Melsonby show the north was ‘definitely not a backwater’ 2,000 years ago
Mark Brown North of England correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/mar/25/iron-age-hoard-melsonby-north-yorkshire

The magical medieval tale revealed by a hi-tech camera
Donna Ferguson
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250324-the-magical-medieval-tale-revealed-by-a-100000-dollar-camera

Nasa rover discovers largest organic compounds yet found on Mars
Presence of long-chain alkanes in rock raises new questions about possible existence of life billions of years ago
Ian Sample Science editor
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/mar/24/nasa-curiosity-rover-mars-long-chain-alkanes-rock-sample-discovery

The image that changed our view of the Universe forever
https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0l039dj/the-image-that-changed-our-view-of-the-universe-forever

Stamp fanatic professor stole 3,000 items from Scotland’s national archive
Academic who died in 1987 is thought to be responsible for documents that vanished over a 30-year period
Libby Brooks Scotland correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/mar/25/stamp-fanatic-professor-stole-3000-items-from-scotlands-national-archive

Callooh! Callay!
US postmaster general resigns with immediate effect
Louis DeJoy led dramatic effort to restructure the US postal service over past five years
Reuters
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/24/postmaster-general-louis-dejoy-resigns

Tokyo court orders dissolution of ‘Moonies’ Unification church
Assassination of former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe spurred official request for closure of South Korea-based sect
Associated Press in Tokyo
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/25/tokyo-court-orders-dissolution-of-moonies-unification-church

Glasgow demolitions and a Gaza umbrella: photos of the weekend
Elena Goodinson
https://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2025/mar/23/glasgow-demolitions-gaza-umbrella-photos-of-the-weekend

Most Britons do not know scale of UK’s involvement in slavery, survey finds
Vast majority unaware how many people were enslaved and for how long, although poll finds support for reparations is rising
Chris Osuh Community affairs correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/25/most-britons-do-not-know-scale-of-uks-involvement-in-slavery-survey-finds

2025.03.20

The Pioneer Press’ Steve Karnowski reports: “A jury found the alleged ringleader of a massive pandemic fraud case in Minnesota guilty on all counts Wednesday for her role in a scheme that federal prosecutors say stole $250 million from a program meant to feed children in need.” Via MinnPost

Ah, spring and the sweet smell of stadium subsidies in the open air:
Frederick Melo at the Pioneer Press reports: “Calling the home of the Minnesota Wild vital to the future of its downtown, the city of St. Paul will ask state lawmakers to cover half the cost of what’s being pitched as a $769 million, top-to-bottom renovation of the Xcel Energy Center and St. Paul RiverCentre, with the hockey team covering 30% and St. Paul splitting the remaining 20% of the price with Ramsey County.”

Where do swear words come from?

Where do swear words come from?

Don’t call it zombie deer disease’: scientists warn of ‘global crisis’ as infections spread across the US
A contagious, fatal illness in deer, elk and moose has taken hold in the US and is now reaching other countries. While it has not infected humans yet, the risk is growing
Todd Wilkinson in Yellowstone national park, US
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/mar/20/chronic-wasting-disease-spread-zombie-deer-global-us-aoe

Dark energy: mysterious cosmic force appears to be weakening, say scientists
Findings could open up possibility the universe will end in a reverse big bang or ‘big crunch’, say cosmologists
Hannah Devlin Science correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/mar/19/dark-energy-mysterious-cosmic-force-weakening-universe-expansion

‘It’s beautiful, don’t you think?’ The urban miners unearthing treasure in Belgium’s homes and garages
As the historic town of Leuven strives to become carbon neutral, it is transforming how its building are made – and demolished. Are there lessons for the rest of the world?
Oliver Balch
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/mar/19/its-beautiful-dont-you-think-the-urban-miners-unearthing-treasure-in-belgiums-homes-and-garages

Tesla’s challenges run deeper than ‘toxic’ controversy around Elon Musk
Theo Leggett
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz61vwjel2zo

Financial Times Analysis: $1.4 Billion of Tesla Assets “Appear to have gone astray”
by Citizen Earth
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2025/3/19/2311341/-Financial-Times-Analysis-1-4-Billion-of-Tesla-Assets-Appear-to-have-gone-astray?pm_campaign=front_page&pm_source=trending&pm_medium=web

‘The melodramatic penis’: How The White Lotus reveals the hidden codes of male nudity on screen
Laura Martin
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20250319-why-on-screen-male-nudity-is-still-rare-and-taboo

A local expert’s guide to seeing the most beautiful tulips in the Netherlands
Eva Sandoval
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20240330-a-local-experts-guide-to-seeing-the-most-beautiful-tulips-in-the-netherlands

At Squirrel Haus Arts donated space: Karen E.Cooper, author, historian and Friends member, will present a free talk sponsored by Friends of Minnehaha Park.
More Famous than Niagara:
Minnehaha Falls in the 1850s
Thursday, March 20
6:00pm—7:30pm
Squirrel Haus Arts
3450 Snelling Ave, Minneapolis
https://www.squirrelhausarts.com/events

2025.03.19

Alex Derosier at the Pioneer Press reports: “Minnesota Republicans are calling for the resignation of a state senator police arrested Monday on suspicion of seeking sex from someone he believed was a minor.” Via MinnPost

George Orwell and me: Richard Blair on life with his extraordinary father
Simon Hattenstone
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/mar/19/george-orwell-me-richard-blair-life-with-extraordinary-father

Sponsors drop San Francisco Pride as festival decries ‘rights backtracking’
Comcast, Anheuser-Busch and others cancel funding as US becomes increasingly hostile toward LGBTQ+ communities
Dani Anguiano
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/18/anheuser-busch-coors-pull-sponsorship-san-francisco-pride

Scientists hail ‘avalanche of discoveries’ from Euclid space telescope
Data from European Space Agency’s mission has allowed researchers to create detailed catalogue of 380,000 galaxies
Ian Sample Science editor
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/mar/19/scientists-hail-avalanche-discoveries-euclid-space-telescope

Nasa releases first high-def images of sunset on the moon
Scientists eager to examine images to research phenomenon known as lunar horizon glow, first documented in 1972
Richard Luscombe
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/mar/18/nasa-images-sunset-on-moon

Fancy a Belgian city break without the crowds of Ghent or Bruges? Mechelen might be the answer
The majestic Flemish city is dotted with renaissance palaces, great bars and eye-catching contemporary art – yet it’s firmly off the tourist trail
John Brunton
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2025/mar/19/belgium-city-break-ghent-bruges-mechelen

Piper, no! Parker Posey’s viral White Lotus accent is a gift to us all
The actor’s lorazepam-fueled North Carolinian line delivery in the comedy drama series has taken the internet by storm
Stuart Heritage
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/mar/18/parker-posey-accent-white-lotus

Resurrection plants: The drought-resistant ‘zombie plants’ that come back from the dead
Alex Riley
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250318-resurrection-plants-the-drought-resistant-zombie-plants-that-come-back-from-the-dead

Ben & Jerry’s boss ‘ousted over political activism’
João da Silva
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckg8pk9rpx4o

2025.03.18

Well! Eero support asked me to install their app on a second phone to check an issue. Then they emailed me to ask how I was doing on that. Today, I emailed that I was waiting for them to send me a phone. Stay tuned.

So yesterday the guy from Hayes Windows showed up to do some work I set up last year. The window in the sunroom which I have not rehung in the couple of years since I moved into the house, is now hung. The bathroom pocket window, which has been broken since I moved into the house a couple of years ago is on its way to have two panes replaced and one pane moved for esthetics. Along with it went one large lower broken window from a bedroom, and the wooden storm window from the lower stair pocket window, which was not in good shape the last time I put it in after I bought the house a couple of years ago. (Why have time and weather not healed it?) Of course, snow is predicted for tomorrow.
https://hayeswindows.com/

Ya think?
The Star Tribune’s Deena Winter and Jeff Day report: “The city of Minneapolis withdrew its request that a controversial pastor’s nonprofit get a nearly $650,000 violence prevention contract on the same day two violence interrupters who have worked for the pastor were charged with multiple felonies in a shootout after a community barbecue last week.” Via MinnPost

Wait for it:
The Pioneer Press’ Steve Karnowski reports: “A federal judge dismissed the charges Monday against a Minnesota man accused of hiding a stolen pair of ruby slippers that Judy Garland wore in the 1939 musical ‘The Wizard of Oz’ after prosecutors informed the court that he died on Sunday.” Via MinnPost

Gold hits record high over $3,000 amid rising geopolitical tensions; Thames Water receives six takeover offers – business live
https://www.theguardian.com/business/live/2025/mar/18/gold-hits-record-high-over-3000-geopolitical-tensions-weakening-us-dollar-oil-stock-markets-inflation-business-live-news?CMP=share_btn_url&page=with%3Ablock-67d917018f08d273c01e5858#block-67d917018f08d273c01e5858

‘It’s back to drug rationing’: the end of HIV was in sight. Then came the cuts
The abrupt halt to US funding threatens to undo decades of advances, dramatically increasing infections and deaths, but some see an opportunity for Africa to lead the response
Kat Lay, Global health correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2025/mar/18/global-health-trump-usaid-cuts-hiv-aids-2030-drugs-vaccine-research-africa

Why is Gavin Newsom handing Steve Bannon a megaphone? It’s becoming clear
Margaret Sullivan
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/mar/17/gavin-newsom-steve-bannon-podcast

Harvard offers free tuition to students from families earning under $200,000
Ivy League school is latest US university to make step with aim to make it affordable to ‘more students than ever’
Marina Dunbar
https://www.theguardian.com/education/2025/mar/17/harvard-free-tuition

​How a tiny village in a deserted part of Spain became a centre for gay weddings
A couple of hours’ drive from Madrid, Campillo de Ranas has played a huge role in promoting same-sex marriage – and revived the fortunes of the ‘black villages’ of Guadalajara
Paul Richardson
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2025/mar/18/how-a-tiny-village-in-a-deserted-part-of-spain-became-a-centre-for-gay-weddings

‘A very deep bond of friendship’: The surprising story of Van Gogh’s guardian angel
Deborah Nicholls-Lee
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20250317-the-surprising-story-of-van-goghs-guardian-angel

How sex with Neanderthals changed us forever
https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0kytlx7/how-sex-with-neanderthals-changed-us-forever

The Matrix film producer files for bankruptcy
João da Silva
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgwzp2jpneo

2025.03.17

How, err, convenient?
Jeff Wald at FOX 9 reports: “Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management licensing website shut down at 9 p.m. on Friday, leaving business applicants scrambling to complete the process by the 11:59 p.m. deadline.” Via MinnPost
https://www.fox9.com/news/mn-cannabis-licensing-down-hours-before-deadline

Happy trails, Peter Callaghan, your Minnesota legacy lives on
State government reporter Peter Callaghan ended his time at MinnPost on Friday after more than 10 years.
by Elizabeth Dunbar
https://www.minnpost.com/inside-minnpost/2025/03/happy-trails-peter-callaghan-your-minnesota-legacy-lives-on/

Let the heavy avalanche of sternly worded letter begin!
Democrats demand investigation into Musk over possible criminal corruption
Leading figures urge Pam Bondi to examine ‘Mr Musk’s activities at the FAA’ amid conflict-of-interest concerns
Martin Pengelly in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/17/democrats-elon-musk-investigation

A missile here, a missile there, pretty soon we’re talking WWIII.
Japan to deploy long-range missiles able to hit North Korea and China
Planned missiles on Kyushu said to be part of ‘counterstrike capabilities’, as fears grow over US security pact
Gavin Blair in Tokyo
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/17/japan-long-range-missiles-north-korea-china-us-security-pact

From sewage and scum to swimming in ‘blue gold’: how Switzerland transformed its rivers
In the 1960s, the Swiss had some of the dirtiest water in Europe. Now, their cities boast pristine rivers and lakes – and other countries are looking to follow their lead
Phoebe Weston in Geneva
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/mar/17/from-sewage-and-scum-to-swimming-in-blue-gold-how-switzerland-transformed-its-waterways-aoe

‘All the birds returned’: How a Chinese project led the way in water and soil conservation
The Loess plateau was the most eroded place on Earth until China took action and reversed decades of damage from grazing and farming
By Helen Davidson
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/mar/14/how-china-led-way-water-soil-conservation

Bad Art Expert! Bad! Bad! Bad!
The art expert did it: LGG Ramsey revealed as 1951 thief of Van Dyck painting
Exclusive: How one historian’s investigative work led to artwork finally being returned to ‘English Versailles’
Dalya Alberge
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2025/mar/17/art-expert-did-it-lgg-ramsey-revealed-1951-thief-van-dyck-painting

Avoid the White Lotus effect: Thailand travel without the tourists
The country is no stranger to pop-culture fuelled overtourism. But behind the scenes there are islands, wild places and temples to explore
Eloise Basuki
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2025/mar/17/white-lotus-filming-location-setting-koh-samui-four-seasons

Ittsa chewing gum and a floor wax!
The explosive potential of custard powder
Veronique Greenwood
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250313-the-explosive-potential-of-custard-powder

May your green beer look half as fine coming up as it did going down:
Dublin goes green to celebrate St Patrick’s Day
Kevin Sharkey
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwygjq5jv93o

2025.03.14

Walz to tour red districts where GOP is too scared to face constituents by Walter Einenkel https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2025/3/13/2309950/-Walz-to-tour-red-districts-where-GOP-is-too-scared-to-face-constituent?pm_campaign=front_page&pm_source=top_news_slot_7&pm_medium=web

Shocker! Former Trump crony has been indicted for child sex crimes by Alex Samuels https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2025/3/13/2309952/-Shocker-Former-Trump-crony-has-been-indicted-for-child-sex-crimes?pm_campaign=front_page&pm_source=top_news_slot_8&pm_medium=web

ARTS & CULTURE Teatro del Pueblo celebrates a Broadway legacy with ‘Voces Latinas’ Also this weekend: a Latina art exhibit at CLUES Art Gallery, a Holi celebration at Midtown Global Market and a chance to help shape a Pan-African Museum in St. Paul by Myah Goff https://sahanjournal.com/arts-culture/twin-cities-things-to-do-teatro-del-pueblo-holi-fest-clues/

Freeloader Friday: 91 Free Things To Do This Weekend
St. Pat’s Day parties, band jams, a meat raffle, and more.
By Jessica Armbruster
https://racketmn.com/freeloader-friday-91-free-things-to-do-this-weekend-5

The Woman’s Club of Minneapolis May Be Closed by Summer
Plus feds defund the schools, celebrating Front Row Paul, and a skyway-walkin’ birthday in today’s Flyover news roundup.
By Keith Harris
https://racketmn.com/the-womans-club-of-minneapolis-may-be-closed-by-summer

Survivor who ignited US Catholic church’s reckoning with abuse killed in Louisiana
Scott Anthony Gastal, who at age 11 had testified in court in the 1980s that his priest had raped him, was beaten to death
Ramon Antonio Vargas
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/14/church-abuse-survivor-louisiana-killed

‘It’s an extremely sexy story’: How the legendary tale of ‘rebel’ saint Mary of Egypt became a medieval blockbuster
Donna Ferguson
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20250313-how-the-legendary-tale-of-rebel-saint-mary-of-egypt-became-a-medieval-blockbuster

‘It’s human conceit to think we’re alone’: life must extend beyond Earth, leading space scientist says
Exclusive: It is imperative humans expand their understanding of space, argues Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock
Nicola Davis Science correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/mar/14/life-must-extend-beyond-earth-leading-space-scientist-says

Meanwhile, back here on Earth: Fatberg weighing 30,000kg is pulled from a sewer in Western Australia
The blockage – thought to be the state’s biggest ever – was discovered at a wastewater facility during routine maintenance
Rafqa Touma
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/14/fatberg-weighing-30000kg-is-pulled-from-a-sewer-in-western-australia

Baby wombat grabber Sam Jones leaves Australia after intense backlash including from PM and immigration minister
Montana-based hunting influencer flies out of Australia on Friday after home affairs minister said he couldn’t ‘wait to see the back of this individual’
Graham Readfearn
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/mar/14/sam-jones-baby-wombat-australia-backlash-leaving-australia

Holi celebrations and a lunar eclipse: photos of the day – Friday
Girls are smeared with coloured powder during Holi celebrations in Kolkata, India. Photograph: Dibyangshu Sarkar/AFP/Getty Images
The Guardian’s picture editors select photographs from around the world
https://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2025/mar/14/holi-celebrations-lunar-eclipse-photos-of-the-day-friday

Take your pic! Sony world photography open award winners – in pictures
Feasting polar bears, flying octopuses and gadgets galore – these stunning images won in their category at this year’s awards
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2025/mar/13/sony-world-photography-open-award-winners-in-pictures

Om Ali: An ‘unforgettable’ sweet with a sinister history
Soumya Gayatri
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20250312-om-ali-an-unforgettable-sweet-with-a-sinister-history

2025.03.13

Paul Walsh at the Star Tribune reports: “More than two years after receiving their first tip about suspected sex trafficking at a downtown New Prague massage parlor, police raided the business and arrested its owner on allegations of promoting prostitution.” Via MinnPost

Walz outlines impacts of Trump’s plans to dismantle U.S. Department of Education By Aki Nace https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/us-department-of-education-dismantling-minnesota-impact-walz-trump/

Passing probe captures images of mysterious Mars moon
Hera spacecraft takes photos of red planet’s second moon, Deimos, while en route to asteroids 110m miles away
Ian Sample Science editor
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/mar/13/passing-probe-captures-images-of-mysterious-mars-moon

California atmospheric river threatens flooding in areas still reeling from fires
Parts of Los Angeles hit by January blazes under evacuation warnings as west coast braces for heavy rain and snow
Michael Sainato
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/13/california-atmospheric-river-wildfires-los-angeles

Woman who lived to age 117 had genes keeping her cells ‘younger’, study shows
Maria Branyas Morera, US-born supercentenarian who died in Spain last August, found to have microbiota of an infant
Ramon Antonio Vargas
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/13/supercentenarian-aging-genes-study

Baby wombat-snatching US influencer at risk of losing Australian visa
Video footage, described as ‘callous’ and ‘pretty dreadful’, shows Sam Jones grabbing the joey from its mother at night
Graham Readfearn
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/13/sam-jones-us-influencer-baby-wombat-stolen-from-mother-ntwnfb

‘In plain sight’: how The Hague museum was secret hideout from Nazi forced labour
Mauritshuis exhibition reveals how Dutch men hid in attic to avoid being taken to Germany in second world war
Senay Boztas in The Hague
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/13/hague-museum-secret-hideout-nazi-forced-labour-mauritshuis

Larry Stanton: the artist who captured New York’s gay scene at a time of crisis
A new exhibition in Los Angeles celebrates the life and work of a painter who died at 37 of Aids as he tried to preserve a record of those around him
Veronica Esposito
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2025/mar/13/larry-stanton-new-york-los-angeles-exhibition

What snow can teach us about street design
‘Sneckdown’ is a term used for when there is a build up of snow at a street intersection. These so called ‘sneckdowns’ are informing urban planners how to design safer and more pleasant streets for pedestrians and drivers in the US.
Produced by Cagney Roberts and Darryl Laiu
https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0kx9vx8/what-snow-can-teach-us-about-street-design

An Italian cultural ambassador’s guide to Rome
Andrea Carlo
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20250310-alberto-angela-an-italian-cultural-ambassadors-guide-to-rome

Woman arrested in US for allegedly holding stepson captive for 20
Ana Faguy
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c05m01mp999o

‘He strangled me without asking’ – experts say choking during sex now normal for many
Sima Kotecha
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62zwy0nex0o

Now that Uptown’s killed and dead, it’s time to worry about Dinkytown: How Alive or Dead is Dinkytown in 2025? Depends on Who You Ask. Business owners, politicians, students, and longtime observers debate the health of the singular Minneapolis neighborhood. By Jay Boller https://racketmn.com/dinkytown-minneapolis-university-mn-in-2025