Category Archives: Gay

2026.03.03

Minnesota launches investigation that could bring charges against US immigration officers
US county attorney is ‘confident’ her office will be able to pursue charges in cases which led to criticisms of use-of-force policies
Associated Press
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/03/minnesota-investigation-us-immigration-officers

GOP lawmakers introduce impeachment articles against Walz, Ellison
By Howard Thompson
https://www.fox9.com/news/gop-lawmakers-introduce-impeachment-articles-against-walz-ellison

Trump’s show of force in the Middle East creates a weakness China can exploit
Amy Hawkins in Beijing
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/03/trump-us-iran-middle-east-china

Minab school bombing: how the worst mass casualty event of the Iran war unfolded – a visual guide
A strike on Shajareh Tayyebeh school during the US-Israeli bombing campaign killed up to 168 people. The Guardian has pieced together the incident and its aftermath using verified footage and images from the site
Tess McClure and Deepa Parent
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2026/mar/03/minab-school-bombing-how-the-worst-mass-casualty-event-of-the-iran-war-unfolded-a-visual-guide

The Dutch method: could this improve your sleep – and social life?
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/mar/03/dutch-method-improve-sleep-social-life

US supreme court blocks California privacy protections for trans students
State laws had limited sharing of information with parents about gender identity of trans students in public schools
Abené Clayton
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/02/us-supreme-court-california-trans-students-privacy-law

Supreme court hands Republicans win over preserving New York City voting district
Ruling retains boundaries for 2026 elections despite state court ruling it was unfair to Black and Hispanic residents
Associated Press
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/02/supreme-court-new-york-city-republican-district

Worldbreaker review – a big bear hug from Luke Evans in flimsy sci-fi survival drama
A father trains his teenage daughter to fight monsters, while mum, Milla Jovovich, is away leading the human resistance
Leslie Felperin
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/mar/03/worldbreaker-review-luke-evans-sci-fi-survival-drama-milla-jovovich

‘You know when you’ve hit it – it’s a transformation’: Ruth E Carter on building the bold world of Sinners
The two-time Oscar winner on dressing Michael B Jordan’s twin antiheroes, her start with Spike Lee and crafting the period detail of Ryan Coogler’s genre-bending epic
Hannah J Davies
https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/costume-and-culture/2026/mar/02/you-know-when-youve-hit-it-its-a-transformation-ruth-e-carter-on-building-the-bold-world-of-sinners

The Anyday glass food containers transformed how I store leftovers
Don’t let leftovers languish in the fridge. These oven, microwave and freezer-safe glass containers from Anyday will help you waste less food – and cut back on dirty dishes
Emily Farris
https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter-us/2025/dec/25/glass-food-containers-to-store-leftovers

I got to participate yesterday in the standard ER scene, although the paddles were different, and I lost all mumble years of chest hairs (at least three). They even shaved my wrist! Unfortunately, I couldn’t take any pictures since I was sedated. I was ordered not to over-exercise for a week and I’m having no trouble following that advice.

2026.03.02

More than 250 Minnesota National Guard members are currently serving in the Middle East amid the the U.S. and Israel’s attacks on Iran. In response to a KARE 11 inquiry, a guard spokesperson did not release their locations but said the troops are “grateful for the strong support of those back home.” The Minnesota National Guard units hail from Duluth, Marshall and Stillwater.
https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/mn-national-guard-in-iran-attacks-continue/89-d22e34f2-8983-4d17-badb-22b0160c8597

The Pioneer Press reported the beaver expert in the new Pixar movie “Hoppers” is a nod to a University of Minnesota beaver expert who helped the film producers learn about beavers.
https://www.twincities.com/2026/03/01/emily-fairfax-umn-beaver-expert-hoppers-pixar/

Thousands flee Beirut and southern Lebanon amid Israeli strikes: what we know so far on day three of the Iran war
Middle East conflict spreads as Hezbollah attacks Israel, prompting strikes on Beirut; oil prices soar; drone hits UK base in Cyprus
Guardian staff
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/02/thousands-flee-beirut-and-southern-lebanon-amid-israeli-strikes-what-we-know-so-far-on-day-three-of-the-iran-war

Private jet prices soar as wealthy scramble to leave Dubai
People drive to Oman and Saudi in hope of a flight, while most tourists stay stuck in hotels and on cruise ships
Pjotr Sauer, Lorenzo Tondo in Palermo and Kate Connolly in Berlin
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/02/dubai-private-jet-prices-soar-tourists-stuck-wealthy-leave

Middle East crisis pushes up oil prices – and could drive inflation rises too
Heather Stewart Economics editor
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/mar/02/middle-east-crisis-oil-prices-inflation-us-iran-interest-rates-growth

As measles spreads in South Carolina, RFK Jr’s allies work to gut vaccine laws
Activists who dispute safety of vaccines are pushing to limit immunization requirements in schools
Michelle R Smith
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/02/measles-south-carolina-rfk-jr-vaccine-laws

The Democrat who schools Republicans – ‘I would say do more of that’
Isaiah Martin’s videos have gone viral – he thinks his party should follow his lead and stand up to Republican excess
Adam Gabbatt
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/01/isaiah-martin-democrats-republicans

The UK has arrested high-profile figures connected to Jeffrey Epstein. Will the US?
In contrast with the takedowns of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Peter Mandelson, US consequences have been limited to resignations and apologies
Victoria Bekiempis
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/02/jeffrey-epstein-uk-us-arrests

Rijksmuseum reveals painting to be early work by Rembrandt
17th-century Dutch master’s Vision of Zacharias in the Temple to go on display this week
Senay Boztas in Amsterdam
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2026/mar/02/rijksmuseum-painting-early-work-rembrandt-van-rijn-amsterdam

‘I’m dying for the day heterosexuals have to come out’: Catherine Opie and her astonishing shots of queer America
Famed for having a child’s drawing of a family carved into her back, the photographer has devoted her life to queer America, from endurance swimmers to drag artists to her son in a tutu. Now she’s finally getting a major UK show
Emma Brockes
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2026/mar/02/catherine-opie-photographer-queer-america-drag-pink-tutu

Stardew Valley at 10: the anticapitalist game that cures burnout and inspires queer art
Since 2016, the cosy, inclusive, non-heteronormative escapism of the beloved farming sim has inspired a community of devoted fans, and helped it shift 50m units
Jordan Erica Webber
https://www.theguardian.com/games/2026/mar/02/stardew-valley-at-10-the-anticapitalist-game-that-cures-burnout-and-inspires-queer-art

My search for the perfect brown bar in Amsterdam
I swerved the tourist traps and went on a bar crawl of the city’s bruine kroegen, the cosy, dimly lit pubs that are the Netherlands’ ‘surrogate living rooms’
Ben West
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2026/mar/02/my-search-for-the-perfect-brown-bar-in-amsterdam

Rare ‘blood moon’ total lunar eclipse to loom over North America, Australia and New Zealand
Eclipse will feature a deep, coppery-red full moon on 3 March, with scientists predicting the best times to see it
Ima Caldwell
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/mar/02/blood-moon-total-lunar-eclipse-2026-march-3-full-worm-what-date-time-australia-america

2026.03.01

Trump’s current war on Iran picks up where a longstanding enmity left off
Robert Tait in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/01/trump-us-iran-war-history

Hundreds of thousands of travellers stranded or diverted by airspace closures in Middle East
Chaos as key transit hubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha close, and more than 1,000 flights by major Middle Eastern airlines cancelled
Mark Sweney and agencies
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/01/hundreds-of-thousands-of-travellers-stranded-or-diverted-amid-air-space-closures-in-middle-east

Trump’s Iran strike tests the Maga vow of ‘no more wars’
David Smith in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/01/trump-iran-strike-maga-war-promise

What the US–Israeli strikes on Iran mean for the price of oil
Effective closure of the strait of Hormuz could spell trouble for many developed economies
Jillian Ambrose Energy correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/mar/01/us-israel-strikes-iran-oil-price

‘We thought it was fireworks’: Dubai’s luxury seekers shaken by Iranian missiles
Authorities seek to reassure visitors after tourists at five-star resorts had to shelter in underground car parks
Pjotr Sauer
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/01/dubai-missile-drone-attack-iran-us-israel-war-middle-east

Outcry grows over ‘clown car’ cabinet but no sign Trump ready for shakeup
Antics of RFK Jr, Kristi Noem and others prompt derision – could their erratic behaviour prove president’s undoing?
David Smith in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/01/trump-cabinet-rfjk-jr

US moving pregnant immigrant girls to Texas to avoid providing abortions, critics say
Ex-official calls transfer of unaccompanied girls as young as 13, many pregnant due to rape, a human rights violation
Melody Schreiber
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/01/pregnant-immigrant-children-texas-abortion

Austin bar shooting leaves three people dead and 14 wounded, police say
Police confronted man with gun at popular beer garden and then ‘returned fire, killing the suspect’
Associated Press
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/01/texas-bar-shooting

Shia LaBeouf blames ‘small man complex’ for alleged assaults and homophobic slurs
Transformers film franchise star says ‘big gay people are scary’ to him in interview and he doesn’t want to go to rehab
Ramon Antonio Vargas in New Orleans
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/mar/01/shia-labeouf-alleged-assaults-homophobic-slurs

Missiles in the Middle East and lunar new year celebrations: photos of the weekend
The Guardian’s picture editors select photographs from around the world
https://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2026/mar/01/missiles-middle-east-iran-israel-strikes-lunar-new-year-weekend-photos

2026.02.27

ICE

ICE won’t be at polling places in 2026 election, Trump administration official says
Election officials had feared that federal agents would interfere with the 2026 midterms, even though federal law prohibits armed troops at polling places.
By Nathaniel Rakich, Votebeat
https://www.minnpost.com/elections/2026/02/ice-wont-be-at-polling-places-in-2026-election-trump-administration-official-says/

Will Trump try to seize voting machines to disrupt the midterm elections?
State election leaders have been raising concerns about the intent behind Trump’s recent moves on elections
George Chidi in Atlanta
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/27/trump-voting-machines-midterm-election

Minnesota nonprofits are in a race to distribute millions in mutual aid to tenants facing eviction
State lawmakers are considering a bill to expand which nonprofits can issue eviction-blocking letters assuring landlords that money is on the way.
by Shadi Bushra
https://www.minnpost.com/state-government/2026/02/minnesota-nonprofits-are-in-a-race-to-distribute-millions-in-mutual-aid-to-tenants-facing-eviction/

A story of surviving Minnesota’s record surge in legal appeals over unconstitutional ICE detentions
Attorneys and advocates say it’s critical to be prepared and act quickly in order to get home.
by Cleo Krejci and Shadi Bushra
https://www.minnpost.com/public-safety/2026/02/a-story-of-surviving-minnesotas-record-surge-in-legal-appeals-over-unconstitutional-ice-detentions/

The chief federal judge for Minnesota issued a stern warning to the chief federal prosecutor for the state, as well as to Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials, reports the AP, instructing them to comply with court orders or risk criminal contempt charges. “Increasingly, this Court has had to resort to using the threat of civil contempt to force ICE to comply with orders,” wrote Chief Judge Patrick Schiltz. “The Court is not aware of another occasion in the history of the United States in which a federal court has had to threaten contempt — again and again and again — to force the United States government to comply with court orders.” Via MinnPost
https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-immigration-crackdown-chief-judge-prosecutor-15aeb88128432ad899e1f0c9ae039464

More News

Protecting police, pursuing ‘agitators’ and fraud, fraud, fraud: What Republican legislators are up to in St. Paul.
The party is advancing reams of fraud legislation, while holding the line on ICE and guns.
by Matthew Blake
https://www.minnpost.com/state-government/2026/02/protecting-police-pursuing-agitators-and-fraud-fraud-fraud-what-republican-legislators-are-up-to-in-st-paul/

A Minneapolis man says he opened an Amazon package delivered to his doorstep and found a loaded gun. “Travis Meier had ordered a hydration vest designed for carrying water on long-distance runs or bike rides,” MPR News reports. “It was the vest he’d ordered, but Meier said it felt heavier than he’d expected. So he checked the pockets. Inside was a holstered handgun — a Ruger LCP 380.” An Amazon spokesperson told MPR the company is still looking to it. The customer received a gift card for his trouble.
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/02/27/loaded-gun-in-amazon-package-delivered-to-minneapolis-man

North Minneapolis artist Namir Fearce builds a Black, queer sanctuary at MCAD
Also this weekend: stand-up comedy at The Cedar and a Black History Month concert at Can Can Wonderland.
by Myah Goff
https://sahanjournal.com/arts-culture/twin-cities-things-to-do-mcad-show-hahamasala-can-can-wonderland/

Pakistan declares state of ‘open war’ after bombing major Afghan cities
Wave of strikes comes after Taliban forces attack Pakistani border troops following earlier action from Islamabad
Jason Burke in London, Shah Meer Baloch in Islamabad and Kate Lamb in Sydney
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/27/pakistan-declares-state-of-open-war-after-bombing-major-afghan-cities

CBS News and CNN staffers fear ‘disaster’ as Paramount wins Warner Bros battle
Decision by Netflix to walk away from takeover leaves workers anxious about possible merger of news networks
Jeremy Barr in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/feb/27/cbs-news-cnn-paramount-warner-bros-employees

Democrats outraged at US military’s downing of CBP drone near Mexico border
Second time in two weeks military used laser to attack what it mistakenly thought was a threat, disrupting air traffic
Ed Pilkington
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/27/cbp-border-drone-military-democrats

Trump officials move to kill system that protects US from chemical disasters
EPA rolls back rules as chemical firms claim provisions in RMP protection system too expensive to implement
Tom Perkins
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/feb/27/trump-fire-chemical-safety-system-epa

Trump says affordability crisis is over. Voters and data disagree
Tom Perkins
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/feb/27/trump-state-union-inflation-prices-affordability

Trump has embraced a disturbing strategy to silence free speech
David Bralow
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/feb/27/trump-free-speech-ftc-media-matters

Trump’s tariffs weren’t economic policy. They were a corruption machine
David Sirota
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/feb/27/trumps-tariffs-economic-policy-corruption

Six planets due to parade across night sky in rare celestial spectacle
Jupiter, Saturn, Venus, Mercury, Neptune and Uranus will all be visible at same time in curved line across sky
Nicola Davis Science correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/feb/27/six-planets-due-to-parade-across-night-sky-in-rare-celestial-spectacle

Science of sex and gender being misrepresented by Trump officials, experts warn
Scientists say crackdown on gender-affirming care could have impact on healthcare of all Americans
Melody Schreiber
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/27/trump-administration-gender-healthcare

Kansas revokes driver’s licenses from trans residents in latest assault on rights
Law demanding IDs match ‘sex at birth’ also includes bathroom ban provision for trans people in public buildings
Sara Braun
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/26/kansas-trans-drivers-license-law-assault-on-rights

George Takei: ‘I’ve spent two minutes longer in zero gravity than Shatner’
As told to Rich Pelley
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/feb/26/george-takei-ive-spent-two-minutes-longer-in-zero-gravity-than-shatner

Underwater Photographer of the Year 2026 – in pictures
The annual competition draws thousands of entries from across the world and brings together images from below the water’s surface that show the diversity and challenges of subaquatic life
All photographs courtesy of Underwater Photographer of the Year 2026
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/gallery/2026/feb/27/underwater-photographer-of-the-year-2026-in-pictures

2026.02.26

ICE

Minnesota nonprofits are in a race to distribute millions in mutual aid to tenants facing eviction
State lawmakers are considering a bill to expand what nonprofits can issue eviction-blocking letters assuring landlords that money is on the way.
by Shadi Bushra
https://www.minnpost.com/state-government/2026/02/minnesota-nonprofits-are-in-a-race-to-distribute-millions-in-mutual-aid-to-tenants-facing-eviction/

How many federal immigration agents remain in Minnesota after the reported drawdown of Operation Metro Surge? Fewer than 1,000, MPR News reports. “According to court filings this week, that’s down from more than 4,000 combined U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents and other personnel at the peak of the surge. But it’s still hundreds more than the typical federal footprint in the state.” 
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/02/25/federal-officials-fewer-than-1000-immigration-agents-remain-minnesota

Charges against three Minnesotans who have been accused of assaulting federal law enforcement officers have been dropped, the Minnesota Star Tribune reports. “The defendants were initially accused of serious crimes. But when asked for evidence, the government dropped their cases.”
https://www.startribune.com/charges-dropped-against-three-minnesotans-accused-of-assaulting-federal-agents/601588422?utm_source=gift

Democrats in four states seek to bar ICE employees from future civil service jobs
Bills aim to make ICE employees ineligible for jobs in law enforcement, public education and state civil service
Chris Stein
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/26/democrats-bar-ice-employees-civil-service-jobs

Disabled activist and guest of Ilhan Omar says she did not intend to disrupt State of the Union
Before arrest at US House chamber Tuesday, Aliya Rahman had only a month earlier been dragged from her car by ICE
Eric Berger
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/26/aliya-rahman-sotu-ilhan-omar

Nearly blind refugee abandoned by US border patrol found dead in Buffalo
Investigation under way after man was dropped off five miles from home but family wasn’t notified, officials say
Sara Braun
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/25/border-patrol-refugee-buffalo

More News

What Trump’s war on fraud actually looks like
President Trump’s SOTU rhetoric around social services fraud in Minnesota was, to editorialize, unhelpful in understanding an already complex issue.
by Matthew Blake
https://www.minnpost.com/state-government/2026/02/what-trumps-war-on-fraud-actually-looks-like/

Vance says Minnesota’s Medicaid funds halted as part of Trump’s ‘war on fraud’
Vice-president makes announcement with Mehmet Oz, who says other states will be next after Minnesota
Lauren Gambino
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/25/jd-vance-minnesota-medicaid

‘Really a lot of amazing beauty’: emails show how model scout connected Epstein with young women
Daniel Siad, facing allegation of rape in France, appears in more than 1,000 documents in latest declassified files
Amelia Gentleman and Lucy Osborne
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/26/daniel-siad-model-scout-jeffrey-epstein-emails

New GLP-1 pill helps patients lose up to 8% of body weight, trial shows
Orforglipron led to greater weight loss than semaglutide tablets and could offer more effective oral alternative to jabs
Anna Bawden Health and social affairs correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/feb/26/new-glp1-pill-patients-lose-weight-trial

First writing may be 40,000 years earlier than thought (Paywall?)
Georgina Rannard Science reporter
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgknj7yyv2o

Leave big tech behind! How to replace Amazon, Google, X, Meta, Apple – and more
A handful of companies monopolise the web, with unprecedented access to our data. But there are many more ethical – and often distinctively European – alternatives
Steve Rose
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/feb/26/how-to-replace-amazon-google-x-meta-apple-alternatives

The nostalgic winter drink dividing Germany (Paywall?)
Alex Katsomitros
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20260225-the-nostalgic-winter-drink-dividing-germany

Martin Clunes loses planning battle with new travellers near Dorset home
Councillors vote to allow couple to stay on plot of land, overruling objections of Wuthering Heights actor
Steven Morris
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/feb/26/martin-clunes-planning-battle-new-travellers-dorset

The secret life of a waitress: my nine nightmare diners – from flirts to complainers
Are influencers really the biggest problem facing waiting staff? Not compared with the customer who demanded I pick up her dog’s poo …
Esme Gordon-Craig
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/ng-interactive/2026/feb/26/the-secret-life-of-a-waitress-my-nine-nightmare-diners-from-flirts-to-complainers

Norway’s all-conquering Winter Olympians have a message for us all – and it’s not what you think
Cath Bishop
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/feb/26/norway-winter-olympics-message-for-us-all

Jacinda Ardern living and working in Australia after move from US
Exclusive: Former New Zealand PM ‘based out of Australia’, according to spokesperson, after rumours she was looking for houses in Sydney
Eva Corlett in Wellington
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/26/jacinda-ardern-living-in-australia-former-nz-new-zealand-pm

2026.02.24

ICE

A former instructor at an ICE training facility in Georgia spoke before a congressional hearing Monday afternoon and shared what training efforts have looked like as DHS rapidly scales up its number of recruits. “…Even in the final days of training, the cadets cannot demonstrate a solid grasp of the tactics or the law required to perform their jobs,” Ryan Schwank said during the hearing organized by congressional Democrats. Schwank resigned “in protest” less than two weeks ago, CBS News reports, and his testimony “will likely fuel Democrats’ refusal to fund the Department of Homeland Security until the Trump administration agrees to a number of reforms for ICE, including a prohibition on agents wearing masks.” Via MinnPost
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ice-whistleblower-new-recruits-receiving-defective-training/

A group of Minnesota clergy sued the Department of Homeland Security on Monday for repeatedly blocking their visits to immigration detainees at the Whipple Federal Building. “To be able to receive pastoral care is incredibly important. For individuals to be treated with humanity instead of being treated like inventory,” Irina Vaynerman, the CEO of Groundwork Legal and one of the plaintiffs’ attorneys, said in an interview with MPR News. Via MinnPost
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/02/23/minnesota-clergy-sue-department-of-homeland-security-over-access-to-immigration-detainees

Sahan Journal caught up with three Minnesota Somali immigrants who were detained by ICE last month despite having abided by legal requirements. All three, who have since been released, described their experiences in overcrowded, unsanitary Texas detention facilities. Two were arrested outside of their immigration check-in appointments. “I kept asking them what I violated, because I was worried they might have confused me with someone else, but they refused to tell me, and it turns out there was no violation — they were just lying.” Via MinnPost
https://sahanjournal.com/immigration/minnesota-somali-immigrants-ice-texas-detentions/

Brandi Carlile concert raises over $600,000 for families affected by ICE
Singer criticizes Trump administration’s ‘violent theater’ as she supports people caught up in Minneapolis crackdown
Adrian Horton
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/feb/23/brandi-carlile-benefit-concert-minneapolis-ice

More News

‘We’re losing accessibility’: America says goodbye to the mass-market paperback
The so-called ‘pocket book’ sold in supermarkets is being phased out across the US, the latest sign of an ongoing shift in how people are choosing to read
David Smith in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2026/feb/24/america-says-goodbye-paperback

Majority believes Trump moving US in wrong direction, poll finds
Study released a day before State of the Union address shows president has lost support among Republicans
Eric Berger
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/23/trump-poll-state-of-the-union

Mexican drug cartel boss ‘El Mencho’ tracked through romantic partner
Killing of Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader sparks wave of violence across western Mexico
Thomas Graham in Tijuana, Oliver Holmes and Tom Phillips
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/23/el-mencho-mexican-drug-cartel-boss-killing-violence

BAFTA Awards incident sparks debate on race and disability after guest with Tourette’s shouts slur
An outburst from a man with Tourette syndrome during the British equivalent of the Oscars has sparked fierce backlash and controversy.
Ariel Messman-Rucker
https://www.out.com/gay-entertainment/bafta-slur-tourette

The dust has not yet settled on the Baftas N-word row. This is why
Peter Bradshaw
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/feb/24/the-dust-has-not-yet-settled-on-the-baftas-n-word-row-this-is-why

‘I like the challenge’: French animator Florence Miailhe on being nominated for an Oscar for the first time aged 70
Phil Hoad
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/feb/24/french-animator-florence-miailhe-nominated-oscar-papillon

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has saved the Game of Thrones universe
Stuart Heritage
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2026/feb/23/knight-seven-kingdoms-game-thrones

Peter Attia resigns from CBS News amid revelations about ties to Epstein
Controversial doctor steps down as contributor after Epstein files reveal communication between the two men
Sara Braun
https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/feb/23/peter-attia-resigns-cbs-news-epstein

Robert Carradine, Revenge of the Nerds and Lizzie McGuire actor, dies aged 71
The actor killed himself, his family said in a statement that aimed to raise awareness of ‘his nearly two-decade battle with bipolar disorder’
Sian Cain
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/feb/24/robert-carradine-dies-aged-71-death-revenge-of-the-nerds-actor

Maxi Shield, beloved Australian drag queen and Drag Race Down Under star, dies aged 51
Performer appeared in closing ceremony of 2000 Sydney Olympic Games and was a mainstay of city’s drag scene
Josh Taylor
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/feb/24/australian-drag-queen-and-drag-race-down-under-star-maxi-shield-dies

2026.02.19

ICE

Why an ICE plan to turn warehouses in Shakopee and Woodbury into detention centers has failed in Minnesota — and other states
The $38 billion initiative faces hurdles as communities and local politicians oppose it on humanitarian and logistical grounds.
by Ana Radelat
https://www.minnpost.com/national/washington/2026/02/why-an-ice-plan-to-turn-warehouses-in-shakopee-and-woodbury-into-detention-centers-has-failed-in-minnesota-and-other-states/

There’s “no mystery” in how Renee Good and Alex Pretti died, according to Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty. At a Wednesday news conference she added that “a trove of investigative materials remains available to state law enforcement,” and “prosecutors are in ‘good shape’ as they consider what would be an unprecedented decision to file state charges against federal agents without the help of the federal government,” the Minnesota Star Tribune reports.
https://www.minnpost.com/glean/2026/02/fbi-formally-refuses-to-share-evidence-in-alex-pretti-shooting-with-minnesota-bca/

Minneapolis police are investigating after the memorial for Renee Good was doused in gasoline and set ablaze around 9 p.m. Tuesday evening, the Minnesota Star Tribune reports. “A fence was charred, and several items in the memorial were damaged, but the memorial site at 34th Street and Portland Avenue wasn’t burned down. No one was injured, Minneapolis police said.”
https://www.startribune.com/renee-good-memorial-site-doused-in-gasoline/601584109

White House grants ICE power to detain refugees for aggressive ‘rescreening’
A new DHS memo details plan to allow federal immigration officers to detain legal refugees in the US indefinitely
Richard Luscombe
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/19/trump-administration-memo-ice-dhs-refugees-screening

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Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested: King Charles says ‘law must take its course’ as ex-prince taken into custody – live
Tom Ambrose (now) and Taz Ali (earlier)
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/live/2026/feb/19/police-arrest-former-prince-andrew-mountbatten-windsor-sandringham-latest-updates

South Korea’s former president Yoon Suk Yeol jailed for life for leading insurrection
Ex-leader sentenced to life imprisonment with hard labour over failed martial law declaration in 2024
Raphael Rashid in Seoul
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/19/yoon-suk-yeol-sentenced-to-life-in-prison-for-leading-insurrection-in-south-korea

Why Xcel’s bid to reinvent the virtual power plant is so controversial
Most VPPs rely on customers’ solar and batteries. Xcel says its utility-owned alternative can do a better job in Minnesota — but critics question the cost.
By Jeff St. John / Canary Media
https://www.minnpost.com/energy/2026/02/why-xcel-energys-bid-to-reinvent-the-virtual-power-plant-is-so-controversial/

Bill Gates cancels keynote speech in India amid questions over Epstein ties
Billionaire Microsoft co-founder pulls out of India’s AI Impact Summit to ‘ensure the focus’ remains on event’s ‘key priorities’
Robert Booth in Delhi
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/19/bill-gates-cancels-india-ai-impact-summit-keynote-speech-epstein-files

‘We’re no longer attracting top talent’: the brain drain killing American science
As Trump slashes science funding, young researchers flee abroad. Without solid innovation, the US could cease to have the largest biomedical ecosystem in the world
Ed Pilkington
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/19/trump-science-funding-cuts

‘People are in awe’: exhibition unveils ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead
A rare gilded and complete Book of the Dead, used by ancient Egyptians to help them to the afterlife, is now on display in Brooklyn
Veronica Esposito
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2026/feb/19/book-of-the-dead-exhibition-brooklyn-museum-ancient-egypt

‘A queer true crime story’: inside a shocking he-said-he-said murder
A gay couple both have entirely different accounts of a gory murder, a fascinating story unravelled in a new HBO documentary
Owen Myers
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2026/feb/19/murder-in-glitterball-city-hbo-documentary

‘We’re not hippies’: why these Iowa farmers swapped pigs for mushrooms
Faaborgs rail against oppressive industrial agricultural system with unexpected evolution into indie artisan food firm
By Tom Duggins
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/feb/19/why-iowa-farmers-swapped-pigs-mushrooms

Johann Ludwig Bach: The Leipzig Cantatas album review – this distant cousin’s music is a remarkable discovery
This is the premiere recording of sacred cantatas by JL Bach: works preserved due to his distant cousin, JS Bach, copying them for performance. Conductor Johanna Soller brings them to sensitive and vivid life
Clive Paget
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/feb/19/johann-ludwig-bach-the-leipzig-cantatas-album-review-this-distant-cousins-music-is-a-remarkable-discovery

Nepali bagpipers and a canoe marathon: photos of the day – Thursday
The Guardian’s picture editors select photographs from around the world
Eithne Staunton
https://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2026/feb/19/nepali-bagpipers-and-a-canoe-marathon-photos-of-the-day-thursday

2026.02.13

ICE

The surge is over? What’s next for state officials after a federal immigration agent drawdown
Walz and lawmakers sounded relieved. But reckoning over the collateral fallout has barely begun.
by Matthew Blake
https://www.minnpost.com/state-government/2026/02/the-surge-is-over-whats-next-for-state-officials-after-a-federal-immigration-agent-drawdown/

How Minnesota became less of a sanctuary state to Tom Homan
Greater communication with county jails, a repositioning of ICE agents, fewer ‘agitators’ and more cooperation from local law enforcement was cited for the end of Operation Metro Surge.
by Ana Radelat and Brian Arola
https://www.minnpost.com/national/washington/2026/02/how-minnesota-became-less-of-a-sanctuary-state-to-tom-homan/

Relief is on the way for some small businesses in Minnesota. “Gov. Tim Walz said Thursday he’ll back an aid package to support state businesses, especially immigrant-owned business, hurt by the surge of federal immigration agents in Minnesota over the past two months,” according to MPR News. “Walz told reporters he’ll propose a $10 million emergency fund, similar to an effort during the COVID-19 pandemic, that would offer forgivable loans targeted at small businesses.” Via MinnPost
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/02/12/walz-readies-aid-package-for-minnesota-businesses-hurt-by-ice-surge

What are Minnesota officials saying about the border czar Tom Homan’s announcement that Operation Metro Surge will soon draw to a close? WCCO has statements from a number of our state’s leaders. Via MinnPost
https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/live-updates/minnesota-ice-surge-ending-feds-say/

US paid $32m to five countries to accept about 300 deportees, report shows
Some of the world’s most corrupt countries have received huge payments in controversial third-country deportation scheme
Joseph Gedeon and Andrew Roth
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/13/us-paid-32m-to-five-countries-to-accept-about-300-deportees-report-shows

More News

As if we didn’t have enough to worry about, cases of sexually transmitted ringworm are on the rise in the Twin Cities, according to Bring Me The News. “The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) says there are currently 13 confirmed cases of TMVII, and 27 suspected cases, all within the Twin Cities metro area. The disease was first detected in the state in July 2025.” Via MinnPost
https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-news/twin-cities-experiencing-surge-of-sexually-transmitted-ringworm-cases

Gender studies courses are shutting down across the US. The Epstein files reveal why
Joan Wallach Scott
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/feb/13/gender-studies-trump-epstein

Pride flag reinstated at Stonewall after it was removed by Trump administration
New York City officials raise flag at site of rebellion once again after ‘act of erasure’ by administration
Dani Anguiano
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/12/pride-flag-reinstated-stonewall

French police arrest nine people over suspected €10m Louvre ticket fraud
Prosecutors’ office says two museum workers, several tour guides and suspected mastermind among those detained
Angelique Chrisafis in Paris
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/13/french-police-arrest-people-suspected-louvre-ticket-fraud

‘A great wee place’: the small Scottish factory crafting Olympic curling stones
All stones in Cortina are made from granite found on tiny island in Firth of Clyde and crafted in East Ayrshire
Libby Brooks Scotland correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/feb/13/a-great-wee-place-the-small-scottish-factory-crafting-olympic-curling-stones

The best recent science fiction, fantasy and horror – review roundup
Nowhere Burning by Catriona Ward; Pagans by James Alistair Henry; Pedro the Vast by Simón López Trujillo; Operation Bounce House by Matt Dinniman; A Beast Slinks Towards Beijing by Alice Evelyn Yang
Lisa Tuttle
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2026/feb/13/the-best-recent-science-fiction-fantasy-and-horror-review-roundup

Week in wildlife: a thirsty raccoon, a superhero squid and a delinquent swan
This week’s best wildlife photographs from around the world
Elena Goodinson
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/gallery/2026/feb/13/week-in-wildlife-a-thirsty-raccoon-a-superhero-squid-and-a-delinquent-swan

2026.02.11

ICE

US restaurants targeted for opposing ICE: ‘I refuse to cook for fascists’
Restaurants face one-star reviews and less business in an already precarious industry. Some restaurateurs fear speaking out as immigrants themselves
Adam Reiner
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/10/us-restaurant-owners-ice-immigration

Ohio city stands up to Trump’s ‘attitude of hate’ toward Haitian community
Churches in Springfield provide networks of support as Haitians face uncertainty over the future of TPS legal protections
Fabiola Cineas
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/10/springfield-churches-trump-attacks-haitan-community

ICE to Congress: Mass deportations are lawful and will continue
In testimony before a House panel, agency head Todd Lyons defended ICE operations in Minnesota and declined to comment on the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.
by Ana Radelat
https://www.minnpost.com/national/washington/2026/02/ice-to-congress-mass-deportations-are-lawful-and-will-continue/

An independent investigative journalist at The Northern Watch combed through DHS’ “Worst of the Worst” registry meant to showcase high-profile arrests made during Operation Metro Surge to create a statewide map of where these arrests took place, and the type of crimes the arrested had committed. The arrests in DHS’ database account for only 11% of the 3,000 arrests the government has said they’ve made, and Northern Watch found that in rural Minnesota, “ICE appears to be taking credit for administrative transfers of inmates who were already in custody.” Via MinnPost
https://www.northernnewsnow.com/2026/02/09/i-mapped-every-confirmed-ice-arrest-minnesota-heres-what-i-found/

ICE increasingly targeting Minnesota immigrants with active work permits
ICE agents knocked on Wilmer Andrade’s door claiming a warrant for his arrest. He has a work permit, a pending visa application and no final order of removal. In Operation Metro Surge, people like him are targets.
by Andrew Hazzard
https://sahanjournal.com/immigration/ice-targets-immigrants-with-work-permits/

More News

FDA declines to review Moderna application for new flu vaccine
Moderna requests meeting to discuss refusal as decision could have implications for all new and updated vaccines
Melody Schreiber
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/10/fda-moderna-flu-vaccine

Mark Carney reminds Trump that Canada paid for key border bridge US president says he won’t open
Trump earlier had ranted against bridge and also warned that China would ‘terminate’ hockey in Canada
Leyland Cecco in Toronto and agencies
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/10/trump-canada-windsor-detroit-bridge

Actor Noel Clarke arrested over allegation of attempted rape in 2007
Former Doctor Who star is also facing allegations of exposure and sexual assault by touching
Rachel Hall
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/feb/10/actor-noel-clarke-arrested-over-allegation-of-attempted-in-2007

Trump administration removes LGBTQ+ Pride flag from Stonewall national monument
‘They cannot erase our history. Our Pride flag will be raised again,’ says Manhattan borough president
Cecilia Nowell
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/10/lgbtq-pride-flag-stonewall-trump-removal

Debunked claims from election deniers influenced FBI raid in Georgia, affidavit reveals
The 28 January raid of the Fulton county election office also came after a referral from a White House lawyer
Sam Levine in New York and George Chidi in Atlanta
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/10/fbi-raid-fulton-county-voting-office-search-affidavit

Minnesota state flags are a becoming hot commodities at flag shops throughout the state, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune. “Lee Herold, who owns Herold Flags in Rochester, said sales of the Minnesota flag have gone up about 75% since the start of the federal government’s Operation Metro Surge, while sales of the old flag have also increased.” In Minneapolis, the Nicollet Ace Hardware store only recently started carrying Minnesota flags. They sold out in a matter of hours. Via MinnPost
https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-flag-sales-soar-during-ice-surge/601579509

Heineken to cut 6,000 jobs as people drink less beer
Dutch brewer lowers forecasts for 2026 profit growth as cost of living and consumer health concerns reduce sales
Joanna Partridge
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/feb/11/heineken-cut-jobs-people-drink-less-beer

Wallace, Gromit and a new use for lentils: blockbuster Aardman exhibition opens at Young V&A
Children are encouraged to get hands-on as the world’s leading stop-motion studio showcases its work in east London
Catherine Shoard
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/feb/10/aardman-exhibition-wallace-gromit-london

2026.01.28

ICE

“Gov. Tim Walz said that President Donald Trump pledged to “do things differently” on the federal immigration surge during a 10-minute Monday morning call,” according to MPR News. Walz also said “Trump agreed to consider reducing the number of immigration enforcement agents in the Twin Cities and ensure the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension could conduct independent investigations into the killings of [Alex] Pretti and Renee Macklin Good.” Via MinnPost
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/01/26/gov-tim-walzs-first-sit-down-interview-since-dropping-out-of-2026-race

“Border czar” Tom Homan is taking over ICE operations in Minnesota at President Donald Trump’s behest. The 64 year old “became the face of Trump’s immigration policy when the president began his second term. Homan, a staunch supporter of Trump, was on record advocating for deporting illegal immigrants and opposing sanctuary-city policies,” according to the Minnesota Star Tribune. Homan was investigated for allegedly accepting a $50,000 bribe from undercover agents posing as businessmen during an FBI operation; the Department of Justice shut the investigation down, citing insufficient evidence. Via MinnPost
https://www.startribune.com/tom-homan-is-coming-to-minneapolis-to-lead-ice-who-is-he/601571692?utm_source=gift

Two women are facing federal charges “after allegedly biting the fingers of federal agents during the protests that followed the shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis on Saturday,” KARE11 reports. “Claire Feng and Emily Baierl are each charged with assaulting and interfering with a federal law enforcement officer in violation of U.S. codes.” Via MinnPost
https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/ice-in-minnesota/federal-charges-filed-against-2-women-accused-of-biting-federal-agents-fingers/89-ca186edd-5ebb-40ad-8565-470b5acb33d6

A federal judge has ruled that “any removal or transfer of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, is on hold while a court case proceeds,” PBS reports. “The father and son are now at family detention facility in Dilley, Texas, near San Antonio.”  Via MinnPost
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/judge-issues-temporary-order-barring-removal-of-5-year-old-and-father-detained-in-minnesota

The gun lobby is divided in its response to the Alex Pretti shooting
Some National Rifle Association members were not happy with the gun group’s failure to back Pretti’s right to carry. Via MinnPost
by Jennifer Mascia and Alma Beauvais for The Trace
https://www.minnpost.com/news/2026/01/gun-rights-pretti-shooting-nra-goa-nagr/

‘Sanctuary’ label obscures actual levels of ICE cooperation across Minnesota
State prisons are in full compliance with ICE on inmate transfer requests, recent data shows, while counties provide various levels of coordination.
by Ana Radelat and Shadi Bushra
https://www.minnpost.com/public-safety/2026/01/sanctuary-label-obscures-actual-levels-of-ice-cooperation-across-minnesota/

Two agents who shot Alex Pretti put on leave as Trump tries to quell backlash
Fallout from second fatal shooting amid immigration operation in city dogs White House, though raids continue
Hugo Lowell
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/28/trump-minnesota-immigration-enforcement-raids

ICE thwarted from entering Ecuador’s consulate in Minneapolis by employee
Action comes amid federal agencies’ campaign in the city, prompting an official complaint to US embassy in Quito
Chris Stein
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/28/ice-ecuador-consulate-minneapolis

Bruce Springsteen releases anti-ICE song dedicated to Minneapolis
Singer says song is in response to ‘state terror’ visiting city, painting image of unrest due to ‘King Trump’s private army’
Marina Dunbar
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/28/bruce-springsteen-minneapolis-trump-ice-song

More News

Threat of US-Iran war escalates as Trump warns time running out for deal
US president says armada heading towards Iran is ‘prepared to fulfil its missions with violence if necessary’
Patrick Wintour and Andrew Roth
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/28/trump-threat-us-iran-war-armada-nuclear-programme

“The Trump administration on Monday targeted Minnesota schools, saying they have violated federal law by allowing transgender girls to play sports with their peers,” according to The 19th. “Minnesota is not the first state to be targeted by the administration over trans girls in sports, but the move came as the administration confronts backlash to the increasingly unpopular wave of immigration enforcement action focused in the state.” Via MinnPost
https://19thnews.org/2026/01/minnesota-schools-targeted-trans-girls-in-sports/

FBI executes search warrant at election office in Fulton county, Georgia
County spokesperson says warrant seeks number of 2020 election records while FBI declines to give further details
Sam Levine in New York and George Chidi in Atlanta
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/28/fbi-search-warrant-fulton-county-georgia

Live TV report on cougar capture in San Francisco neighborhood interrupted by coyote
‘Your eyes do not deceive you,’ ABC7 told viewers about unexpected turn during report from Pacific Heights
Marina Dunbar
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/28/san-francisco-mountain-lion-coyote

Maine’s ‘Lobster Lady’ who fished for nearly a century dies aged 105
Virginia ‘Ginny’ Oliver, had entered the business when she was eight and liked ‘being along the water’
Ramon Antonio Vargas and agencies
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/28/maine-lobster-lady-dies-aged-105

What really causes migraines? (Paywalled?)
Sofia Quaglia
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20260127-what-really-causes-migraines