Category Archives: Books

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

2026.01.07

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

2025.12.24

Gov. Tim Walz expects an increase in immigration enforcement over the next two weeks, the Minnesota Star Tribune reports. “Walz said the Trump administration is not sharing any information with the state about this month’s ‘Operation Metro Surge’ but he said he was expecting an increase as early as Christmas Eve.” Via MinnPost
https://www.startribune.com/walz-frey-carter-ice-targeting-us-citizens-mn/601551872?utm_source=gift

‘Tis the Season for:
Visa ban for European critics of online harm is first shot in US free speech war
Dan Milmo Global technology editor
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/dec/24/visa-ban-for-european-critics-of-online-harm-is-first-shot-in-us-free-speech-war

Is Trump mentally OK? A look back at the president’s unusual behavior in 2025
Adam Gabbatt
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/24/trump-mental-health-speech-address-2025-review

Truth in fantasy: what Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials taught us over its 30-year run
The ‘religious atheist’ author held a reputation as CS Lewis’s opposite. But his two trilogies – which came to a close this year – were a celebration of humanity and imagination
Matthew Cantor
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/dec/24/philip-pullman-his-dark-materials

The 10 best folk albums of 2025
Jennifer Reid sang workers’ songs, Malmin plumbed gnarly Norwegian hinterlands and Quinie rode across Argyll on a horse
Jude Rogers
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/dec/24/the-10-best-folk-albums-of-2025

Interview
‘That’s a rare find!’ The casting genius who plucked this year’s biggest TV star out of 600 auditions
Stuart Heritage
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/dec/24/shaheen-baig-casting-director-interview-adolescence-peaky-blinders-sherwood

How we eat and gather is central to who we are: the diaspora at Christmas
Our personal and shared communal traditions across food and drink play a dominant role in festive celebrations
Dipo Faloyin and Morgan Ofori
https://www.theguardian.com/news/2025/dec/23/how-we-eat-and-gather-is-central-to-who-we-are-the-diaspora-at-christmas

Christmas Eve swims and an underground mass: photos of the day – Wednesday
The Guardian’s picture editors select photographs from around the world
Matt Fidler
https://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2025/dec/24/christmas-eve-swims-and-an-underground-mass-photos-of-the-day-wednesday

Happy Holidays!

2025.12.22

‘Miracle’ of Zealandia: chick is born to rare takahē pair thought to be infertile
Unexpected arrival is a boon for birdlife in New Zealand, where there are only 500 takahē left
Eva Corlett in Wellington
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/dec/21/takahe-chick-rare-born-new-zealand

A mildly subversive gift guide: 10 banned books for curious and rebellious US readers
Gift a banned book to the defiant reader in your life this holiday season. Our picks by Toni Morrison, Alice Walker and others have all faced US challenges or bans
Ruth Minah Buchwald
https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter-us/2025/dec/21/banned-books-gift-ideas-guide

From Dr Seuss to All Quiet on the Western Front: 19 books to help you find hope, sense and resistance in difficult times
Writers, activists and politicians on the books they turn to for wisdom and perspective – and to restore their faith in human nature
Paul Daley
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/dec/21/from-dr-seuss-to-all-quiet-on-the-western-front-19-books-to-help-you-find-hope-sense-and-resistance-in-difficult-times

The kindness of strangers: a boy picked up my spilled shopping when I was too pregnant to reach the ground
I’d turned around for a second but that was all it took for my trolley to start rolling away. Before I could react, it tipped over
Nicki Wright as told to Katie Cunningham
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/dec/22/kindness-strangers-spilled-shopping-pregnant

I’m a Grinch and my husband is like Buddy the Elf – here is how we found a Christmas compromise
Polly Hudson
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/dec/21/im-a-grinch-and-my-husband-is-like-buddy-the-elf-here-is-how-we-found-a-christmas-compromise

Sea change: the drive to restore millions of oysters on the Norfolk coast
The first ever mass deployment of mother reef bricks aims to rebuild habitats – and could reshape the North Sea
Amelia Hill
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/dec/21/norfolk-coast-oysters-project

Mayo Clinic has closed six rural health clinics across the state, MPR News reports. The cities of St. Peter, Montgomery, Wells, Belle Plaine, Caledonia and Mankato’s Northridge clinic have all closed this month. “Mayo Clinic Health Systems, a global medical behemoth that raked in close to $20 billion in revenue last year and reported a $1.3 billion operating profit, has cited the difficulty and expense of staffing and maintaining the medical facilities as reasons for the closures.”  Via MinnPost
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/12/19/mayo-clinic-closes-6-rural-minnesota-health-clinics-more-may-follow

Can battery-operated brain implants treat bipolar disorder?
A Q&A with the University of Minnesota’s Ziad Nahas, who leads a team of researchers experimenting with brain stimulation to alleviate symptoms of severe bipolar disorder
by Andy Steiner
https://www.minnpost.com/mental-health-addiction/2025/12/can-battery-operated-brain-implants-treat-bipolar-disorder/

Revealed: how big businesses are rolling back public support for Pride
Guardian analysis of 20 major companies in UK and US shows mentions of Pride on social media have fallen substantially in past two years
Chris Osuh, Raphael Boyd and Geneva Abdul
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/22/revealed-how-big-businesses-are-rolling-back-public-support-for-pride

I thought an edible would take the edge off family Christmas. I spent the day on the floor
Bunny Banyai
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/dec/22/edible-take-edge-off-family-christmas-day-on-floor

2025.12.19

Minnesota health officials urge flu shots as 35 schools report outbreaks this week, including at least one that switched to remote learning, the Star Tribune reports. The strain has a history of hitting children and the elderly particularly hard. Via MinnPost
https://www.startribune.com/flu-strain-that-historically-hits-elderly-and-kids-hard-is-back-in-minnesota/601548805?utm_source=gift

Epstein files to be released after months of delays from Trump officials
Huge archive – set to shed fresh light on Epstein’s misdeeds – legally obliged to be released before midnight deadline
Robert Tait in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/19/epstein-files-release-doj-december-deadline

‘Like Maga disciples’: meet the Trump envoys raising eyebrows in Europe
US president has been blatant in his appointment of relatives, close friends and big donors – almost none of whom have diplomatic experience
Jon Henley in Paris, Helena Smith in Athens and Miranda Bryant
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/19/trump-european-envoys-charles-kushner-andrew-puzder-stacey-feinberg-kimberly-guilfoyle

Conservative legal group aims to export its rightwing Christian mission beyond US borders
Alliance Defending Freedom has ramped up its global spending on litigation and other campaigns to push its ultra conservative Christian values
Stephanie Kirchgaessner in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/19/conservative-legal-christian-rightwing-group

Trump signs order reclassifying marijuana as less dangerous
Change will loosen limits on research and certain regulations but stops short of making marijuana legal
Marina Dunbar
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/18/trump-cannabis-executive-order

Revealed: FBI opened domestic terrorism investigations into anti-ICE activity across US
Internal report shared with Guardian shows FBI has launched cases in 23 regions, some linked to Trump memo on thwarting ‘terroristic activities’
Sam Levin in Los Angeles
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/19/fbi-terrorism-investigations-anti-ice-activity

It’s time to accept that the US supreme court is illegitimate and must be replaced
Ryan Doerfler and Samuel Moyn
We need to remake the US high court so Americans don’t suffer future decades of oligarchy-facilitating rule
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/dec/19/us-supreme-court-legitimacy

Sony collars Snoopy in £340m deal to take control of Peanuts franchise
Japanese conglomerate raises to 80% its stake in firm that owns the intellectual property created by Charles Schulz
Mark Sweney
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/dec/19/sony-collars-snoopy-in-340m-deal-to-take-control-of-peanuts-franchise

The 50 best movies of 2025 in the US
https://www.theguardian.com/film/ng-interactive/2025/dec/08/the-50-best-movies-of-2025-in-the-us

Yael van der Wouden : ‘The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy cured my fear of aliens’
The Safekeep author on her secret childhood reading, falling in love with Elizabeth Strout and why she keeps coming back to Zadie Smith
Yael van der Wouden
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/dec/19/yael-van-der-wouden-the-hitchhikers-guide-to-the-galaxy-cured-my-fear-of-aliens

2025.12.15

Who gets bragging rights for the coldest temperatures on Sunday? According to Bring Me The News, Pine River had the coldest air temperature at -28, while the wind chill in Their River Falls dipped to -41. Minneapolis was a relatively balmy -10.  Via MinnPost
https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-weather/here-are-the-coldest-temps-and-wind-chills-sunday-in-minnesota

From Seinfeld to Shawshank, Rob Reiner changed Hollywood for ever
Reiner’s own films reshaped modern comedy and drama with their intelligence, empathy and range. But through his company, Castle Rock, he paved the way for Seinfeld, Sorkin and many more
Andrew Pulver
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/dec/15/rob-reiner-director-this-is-spinal-tap-when-harry-met-sally

US librarians tackle ‘manufactured crisis’ of book bans to protect LGBTQ+ rights
In at least half a dozen states, librarians have joined forces with civil rights groups to oppose book bans, often facing personal and professional repercussions
Claire Wang
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/15/us-librarianbook-bans-lgbtq-rights

‘Oysters are a risk, as is raw meat’: why you get food poisoning – and how to avoid it
Several kinds of bacteria can give you an upset stomach. Here is how to steer clear of the worst offenders, and what to do if they do make it through
Joel Snape
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/dec/15/why-food-poisoning-how-to-avoid-oysters-raw-meat

The US supreme court’s TikTok ruling is a scandal
Evelyn Douek and Jameel Jaffer
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/dec/15/supreme-court-tiktok-ruling

A hurricane destroyed their homes in Jamaica. Now they fear losing the jobs they rely on in the US
Thousands of Jamaican workers who come to the US on an H-2A visa say they aren’t sure if they’ll be able to return from one year to the next
Michael Sainato
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/15/foreign-farm-workers-trump-immigration

Roomba maker iRobot files for bankruptcy, pursues manufacturer buyout
By Reuters
https://www.reuters.com/technology/irobot-enters-chapter-11-lender-acquire-roomba-maker-2025-12-15/

2025.12.12

Mike Lindell has officially decided to throw his pillow, er, hat, into the ring, WCCO reports. The MyPillow founder and staunch supporter of President Donald Trump has joined the contest to be the GOP nominee for governor of Minnesota. Incumbent Democratic Gov. Tim Walz is running for an unprecedented third consecutive term. Via MinnPost
https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/mike-lindell-minnesota-governor-republican-campaign-mypillow/

Trump signs executive order aimed at preventing states from regulating AI
Order, which lacks the force of law, also creates taskforce whose ‘sole responsibility’ will be challenging states’ AI laws
Nick Robins-Early and Dara Kerr
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/11/trump-executive-order-artificial-intelligence

‘Soil is more important than oil’: inside the perennial grain revolution
Scientists in Kansas believe Kernza could cut emissions, restore degraded soils and reshape the future of agriculture
By Ben Martynoga in Kansas
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/dec/12/soil-is-more-important-than-oil-inside-the-perennial-grain-revolution

Dozens killed in hospital strike in Myanmar’s western Rakhine state
Conflict monitors say the junta has increased airstrikes year-on-year since the start of Myanmar’s civil war
Guardian staff and agencies
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/12/dozens-killed-in-hospital-strike-in-myanmars-western-rakhine-state

Changes to polar bear DNA could help them adapt to global heating, study finds
Scientists say bears in southern Greenland differ genetically to those in the north, suggesting they could adjust
Helena Horton Environment reporter
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/dec/12/changes-to-polar-bear-dna-could-help-them-adapt-to-global-heating-study-finds

Papua New Guinea grapples with HIV epidemic as it battles stigma and US aid cuts
Papua New Guinea has one of the fastest growing HIV epidemics in the Asia-Pacific region, with many unaware they have the virus
Marjorie Finkeo in Port Moresby and Virginia Harrison
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/12/papua-new-guinea-hiv-epidemic-stigma-us-aid-cuts

‘Men explicitly loving men is so threatening to the status quo’: why are gay male pop stars being shut out of the music industry?
Not long ago, artists such as Lil Nas X and Olly Alexander were ruling pop. But success has stalled as acts face industry obstacles and rising homophobia. What now?
Jeffrey Ingold
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/dec/12/gay-male-pop-stars-being-shut-out-of-the-music-industry-lil-nas-x-olly-alexander

Review
The best recent science fiction, fantasy and horror – review roundup
Halcyon Years by Alastair Reynolds; Paris Fantastique by Nicholas Royle; All Tomorrows by CM Kosemen; The Salt Oracle by Lorraine Wilson; The Witching Hour by various authors
Lisa Tuttle
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/dec/12/the-best-recent-science-fiction-fantasy-and-horror-review-roundup

The Director to Flesh: The 25 best books of 2025
Rebecca Laurence and Lindsay Baker
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20250619-the-best-books-of-2025

‘It’s amazing’ – the wonder material very few can make
Chris Baraniuk
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c24l223d9n7o

‘Beyond gender’: Psychedelics are revealing hidden sides to people’s identity
By Rachel Nuwer
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20251211-psychedelics-are-altering-how-people-see-their-own-gender-and-sexuality

2025.12.07

Trump vows to slam America’s doors shut as he heaps scorn on immigrants
National guard shooting prompts extraordinary outburst and targeting of people from startling range of countries
Robert Tait in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/07/trump-immigration-ice

Putin should have accepted Trump’s deal. Now Russia’s collapsing economy could lead to his downfall
Simon Tisdall
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/dec/07/putin-accept-trump-deal-russia-economy-ukraine-war

No, New York City’s wealthiest are not fleeing the city after Mamdani’s win
Conservatives warned of a mass exodus if the democratic socialist won, but experts, and property data, paint a very different picture
Adam Gabbatt in New York
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/08/new-york-city-wealthy-mamdani-win

California officials warn foragers after person dies from poison mushroom
Several additional people, including children, have severe liver damage amid 21 cases of amatoxin poisoning
Associated Press
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/06/california-mushroom-poisoning

Margaret Atwood: The Handmaid’s Tale has become ‘more and more plausible’
Canadian author discusses US under Donald Trump and says setting of dystopian novel has ‘become much closer’
Neha Gohil
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/dec/07/margaret-atwood-the-handmaids-tale-has-become-more-and-more-plausible

How to make the perfect Dubai chocolate bar – recipe
The pistachio-crammed craze makes a superb gift. Our in-house perfectionist tries all the fiddly bits for you …
Felicity Cloake
https://www.theguardian.com/food/2025/dec/07/how-to-make-the-perfect-dubai-chocolate-bar-recipe

2025.12.05

Winona State University is now home to “Medusa,” which might be a dinosaur mummy, the Minnesota Star Tribune reports. Medusa appears to be “the remains of an Edmontosaurus [dinosaur] about 66 million years old that researchers believe contains a significant amount of skin and tendon tissue.” There are only about a dozen such specimens in the world — and researchers aren’t sure what they’ll ultimately find. Via MinnPost
https://www.startribune.com/rare-dinosaur-mummy-winona-state-university/601537755

In the midst of yesterday’s cold snap, “hundreds of people just outside Alexandria have gone without heat on Thursday following a car crash that lead to a natural gas leak,” according to Bring Me The News. A suspected drunk driver took out a natural gas pipe. Via MinnPost
https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-news/gas-outage-loss-of-heat-to-hundreds-of-homes-near-alexandria-at-worst-possible-time

Baby fur seal wanders into a bar in New Zealand
The surprise visitor waddled around the pub during what’s known as ‘silly season’ where seals pop up in unexpected places
Associated Press
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/05/baby-fur-seal-wanders-into-bar-in-new-zealand

60,000 African penguins starved to death after sardine numbers collapsed – study
Climate crisis and overfishing contributed to loss of 95% of penguins in two breeding colonies in South Africa, research finds
Phoebe Weston
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/dec/05/african-penguins-starve-to-death-south-africa-sardine-population-aoe

Patient police say they have recovered Fabergé pendant from man accused of swallowing it
Six days after alleged incident, evidence emerges without requiring medical intervention, New Zealand police say
Associated Press
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/05/police-say-recovered-faberge-pendant-after-new-zealand-man-allegedly-swallowed-it

‘Three sheets to the wind’: how everyday phrases blew in from the sea
David Hambling
From ‘all at sea’ to ‘by and large’, windy weather has had quite an impact on the English language
https://www.theguardian.com/news/2025/dec/05/weather-watch-everyday-phrases-nautical-expressions-wind-language

Review
Five of the best science fiction books of 2025
An eco-masterpiece, icy intrigue, cyberpunkish cyborgs, memory-eating aliens and super-fast travel sends the world spinning out of control
Adam Roberts
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/dec/05/best-science-fiction-books-2025-ej-swift-jacek-dukaj-silvia-park

Review
The best poetry books of 2025
From Seamus Heaney’s collected poems and Simon Armitage’s animal spirits, to prizewinners Karen Solie and Vidyan Ravinthiran
Rishi Dastidar
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/dec/05/the-best-poetry-books-of-2025

Review
The best memoirs and biographies of 2025
Anthony Hopkins and Kathy Burke on acting, Jacinda Ardern and Nicola Sturgeon on politics, plus Margaret Atwood on a life well lived
Fiona Sturges
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/dec/04/best-memoirs-biographies-2025-anthony-hopkins-kathy-burke-margaret-atwood-josephine-baker

Review
Five of the best young adult books of 2025
Space-travelling telepaths, LGBTQ+ activism, a war-torn Britain, online alter egos and feminist trailblazers
Imogen Russell Williams
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/dec/04/five-of-the-best-young-adult-books-of-2025-kate-mosse-nathanael-lessore-moira-buffini-david-roberts

Review
The five best romance books of 2025
A tricky age gap, a dose of wedding day drama, literary love affairs, office rivals and the sexy side of Brexit
Jenny Colgan
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/dec/04/five-best-romance-books-2025-ali-hazelwood-bolu-babalola-jessica-stanley

Sinners to One Battle After Another: The 25 best films of 2025
Nicholas Barber and Caryn James
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20250423-the-best-films-of-2025

2025.12.01

‘Tis the season for CO poisoning?
As the cold forces us indoors, Hennepin Healthcare officials are sounding the alarm on carbon monoxide poisoning, according to KARE 11. “Carbon monoxide, which is odorless, colorless and tasteless, can build up quickly in enclosed spaces and, if not treated promptly, can cause serious damage to the heart and brain or even be fatal.” Hennepin Healthcare reports 12 cases in November, “a number doctors describe as unusually high for this point in the cold-weather season.” Don’t miss the tips on how to reduce your risk of carbon monoxide poisoning at the end of the article.
https://www.kare11.com/article/news/health/hennepin-healthcare-sees-spike-in-carbon-monoxide-poisoning/89-4c01aaf2-8127-4701-ade1-3f0608b37089

Rising levels of hate forcing women out of Swedish public life, says equality agency
Country seen as champion of equal rights faces reckoning after senior politician says she felt compelled to quit
Miranda Bryant in Stockholm
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/01/harassment-and-hate-forcing-women-out-of-swedish-politics

Cooking with gas gets more expensive as Americans face rising prices into 2026
Trump promised to cut consumers’ energy costs within his first year in office but gas price is up 4% on average
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/01/gas-energy-prices

Airbus averts further travel disruption by fixing most jets hit by software glitch
French manufacturer had to ground thousands of planes at weekend but fewer than 100 now need update
Lauren Almeida
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/dec/01/airbus-averts-further-travel-disruption-by-fixing-most-jets-hit-by-software-glitch

Long-lost Rubens painting sells for $2.7m at auction
Auctioneer found the Flemish artist’s masterpiece – depicting a crucified Christ – in a Paris mansion as he was preparing for the property to be sold
Agence France-Presse
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2025/dec/01/long-lost-rubens-painting-sells-for-27m-at-auction

Power surge: law changes could soon bring balcony solar to millions across US
Tweaks to state laws mean many Americans will be able to benefit from small, simple plug-in solar panels
Oliver Milman
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/30/balcony-solar-power-states-laws

From Dylan Thomas’ shopping list to a note from Sylvia Plath’s doctor: newly uncovered case files reveal the hidden lives of famous writers
Exclusive: Hardship grant applications to the Royal Literary Fund, including unseen letters by Doris Lessing and a note from James Joyce saying that he ‘gets nothing in the way of royalties’, show authors at their most vulnerable
Ella Creamer
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/nov/28/from-dylan-thomas-shopping-list-to-a-note-from-sylvia-plaths-doctor-newly-uncovered-case-files-reveal-the-hidden-lives-of-famous-writers

‘A large amount of weirdness’: The long, strange success of the Grateful Dead
Greg McKevitt
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20251127-the-long-strange-success-of-the-grateful-dead

Over 120,000 home cameras hacked in South Korea for ‘sexploitation’ footage
Gavin Butler
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj01q6p7ndlo

Greek sheep and goat cull raises fears of feta cheese shortage
Kostas Koukoumakas
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgex9d0212xo