Category Archives: Minneapolis

2026.01.13

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2026.01.12

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2026.01.11

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2026.01.09

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2026.01.08

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

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

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

Viewed From Across the Pond:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2025.12.31

Beer alternatives from around the world: https://youtu.be/cQ01gCIPit4

What is norovirus and how contagious is it?
Symptoms of the virus include diarrhea and vomiting and it infects about 684 million people globally every year
Adrienne Matei
https://www.theguardian.com/wellness/2025/dec/30/what-is-norovirus-and-how-contagious-is-it

We sacrificed 14 shirts to find the best stain remover in the US, for spills from wine to oil
Even the messiest eaters can find stain fighters for every laundry nightmare, all tested against 10 common culprits
Jenny McGrath
https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter-us/2025/dec/30/best-stain-removers-laundry-tested

The man taking over the Large Hadron Collider – only to switch it off
Next head of Cern backs massive replacement for world’s largest machine to investigate mysteries of the universe
Ian Sample Science editor
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/dec/31/large-hadron-collider-head-of-cern-mark-thomson

‘It’s not a hen party hellscape’: Dublin’s Temple Bar strives to shake off its bad reputation
Despite reviews of the district as a raucous tourist trap, improved policing has restored safety and an eclectic vibe
Rory Carroll Ireland correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/31/dublin-temple-bar-renaissance-not-hen-party-hellscape

Burkina Faso and Mali ban US nationals in retaliation to Trump’s visa decision
Announcements mark latest twist in the frosty relationship between west African military governments and the US
Guardian staff and agencies
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/31/mali-burkina-faso-retaliatory-travel-ban-us-nationals

Five tech trends we’ll be watching in 2026
From datacenters to AI, we’ll be keeping our eye on the technology that will be shaping your life in the coming year
Blake Montgomery
https://www.theguardian.com/global/2025/dec/30/five-tech-trends-well-be-watching-in-2026

The 50 best films of 2025 in the UK
https://www.theguardian.com/film/ng-interactive/2025/dec/08/the-50-best-films-of-2025-in-the-uk

The 50 best TV shows of 2025
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/ng-interactive/2025/dec/10/the-50-best-tv-shows-of-2025

New Year’s Eve live:​ Sydney fireworks ring in 2026 as Asia sees in the new year ahead of Europe and the US
Yohannes Lowe (now) and Robyn Vinter (earlier)
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/live/2025/dec/31/new-years-eve-2026-world-ring-in-live-latest#top-of-blog

My year:
Three weeks in hospital
Two months in transitional care
Lost 30 pounds
Gained new accoutrements
Ongoing PT
Solar panels installed
Four new ceiling fans
Two Bosch undersink water heaters installed
Difficulty obtaining old, old asthma drug (theophylline)
Gained a handicapped parking permit and MN cancelled my driver’s license

Happy New Year!
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/live/2025/dec/31/new-years-eve-2026-world-ring-in-live-latest?CMP=share_btn_url&page=with%3Ablock-6954efe08f083c44d70dd5d5#block-6954efe08f083c44d70dd5d5

2025.12.30

Iceland has hottest Christmas Eve ever with temperature of 19.8C recorded
Meteorological office reports high temperatures across country and record measured at Seyðisfjörður in east
Helena Horton Environment reporter
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/30/iceland-record-temperatures-christmas-eve-met-office-seyisfjorur

Five charts that explain the global economic outlook for 2026
Inflation is predicted to cool but uncertainty over AI-driven growth and trade policy poses risks in the year ahead
Richard Partington Senior economics correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/dec/30/five-charts-that-explain-the-global-economic-outlook-for-2026

Top 5 local news stories of 2025: Feeding Our Future, immigration and fraud
Aimee Bock was convicted at trial this year, immigration detainees said they’re being held in detention for long periods of time and Minneapolis attempts to enforce police reforms.
by Joey Peters
https://sahanjournal.com/news/top-5-local-news-stories-2025-feeding-our-future-immigration/

Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway predict: https://youtu.be/98aQh7e6qh0

George Clooney and wife Amal granted French citizenship
The actor said privacy laws protecting children from paparazzi were a key factor in the family’s decision
Agence France-Presse
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/dec/29/george-clooney-wife-amal-granted-french-citizenship

‘A total knockout!’ The best television you never watched in 2025
From the most beautiful show Netflix has ever made to a thriller about a menopausal hitwoman and a dazzling documentary set in outer space, here are some TV gems that may have passed you by this year
Kate Abbott, Alexi Duggins, Phil Harrison, Stuart Heritage and Hollie Richardson
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/dec/29/a-total-knockout-the-best-television-you-never-watched-in-2025

‘There is a crack in everything’: capturing the dark of winter – in pictures
How do you photograph darkness? A question Sarah Lee considers with her work as the nights draw in: ‘I’ve always been drawn to photographing the darkness as the winter months draw in after the clocks go back and we head towards the solstice. I wondered why that was given that the world itself seems so dark at the moment. I realised this year that it is not the darkness I’m photographing, but, rather, the light. Always the light.’
Sarah Lee
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2025/dec/30/there-is-a-crack-in-everything-capturing-the-dark-of-winter-in-pictures

The Pitt to A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: 12 of the best TV shows to watch this January (Paywalled)
Caryn James
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20251224-12-of-the-best-tv-shows-to-watch-this-january

Will came out in Stranger Things, but did we like it?
The internet is, um, divided on the long-awaited scene.
Rachel Shatto
https://www.out.com/gay-tv-shows/stranger-things-will#rebelltitem1

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!

2025.12.23

Just when the holiday travel season is upon us, flu cases have begun to surge, KSTP reports. “The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) reported nearly 1,900 cases and 558 hospitalizations in its latest weekly update, with the highest cases among children aged 4 and younger and adults 65 and older. Seniors accounted for most hospitalizations.” Travelers should be aware if they are sick and need to fly, and handwashing and mask-wearing can help to stave off the virus as well as protect others. Via MinnPost
https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/flu-cases-in-minnesota-spike-just-as-holiday-travel-begins/

Do you live on a property with a private well? If so, it might be worth testing it for safety. MPR News reports on a free water screening clinic that “are put on by the Minnesota Well Owners Organization, Mayo Clinic, Freshwater Society, the United State Geological Survey and the Minnesota Groundwater Association. … Recent research from Mayo Clinic shows a significant reliance on well water use in the Midwest and unanimous support for the need for further well water testing information and resources for patients and their clinicians.” Via MinnPost
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/12/22/private-well-owners-in-minnesota-encouraged-to-test-for-arsenic-other-contaminants

Number of people in ICE detention hits record high, data shows
ICE held more than 68,400 people as of 14 December, breaking previous high set at beginning of December
Will Craft and Andrew Witherspoon in New York
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/22/ice-detentions-record-immigration

US regulators approve Wegovy pill, first oral medication to treat obesity
Food and Drug Administration’s approval hands drugmaker Novo Nordisk an edge in the race to market an obesity pill
Associated Press
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/22/us-regulators-approve-wegovy-weight-loss-pill

Trump administration plans to promote loyal diplomats after recall of 30 ambassadors, sources say
Move comes as union representing US diplomats said it was ‘deeply concerned’ by the process, which could ‘politicise’ foreign service
Andrew Roth, global affairs correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/23/trump-administration-recalls-30-ambassadors-promote-loyal-diplomats

Trump’s attacks on Somali community are eroding inroads that boosted GOP in 2024
Some Somalis who voted for Trump are rethinking their alignment with the Republican Party after the president’s targeted attacks on their community.
by Atra Mohamed and Shubhanjana Das
https://sahanjournal.com/democracy-politics/somali-republicans-trump-vote-ice-target/

‘For the first time, she could tell people who she was’: Ireland’s gender recognition decade
Ireland’s 2015 Gender Recognition Act was born in an era of optimism and consensus, but as gender-critical activism grows so does debate whether it can hold
Libby Brooks
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/dec/23/ireland-gender-recognition-act-decade

Are sweet potatoes healthy?
This holiday staple is also one of the world’s oldest crops – here’s what to know about adding sweet potatoes to your diet
Adrienne Matei
https://www.theguardian.com/wellness/2025/dec/19/are-sweet-potatoes-healthy

‘I want that escape route’: Americans seek dual citizenships under Trump
Some US citizens, grappling with issues from LGBTQ+ rights to the economy, are looking to the countries their families once left behind
Jessica Furseth
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/22/us-families-dual-citizenship-under-trump

2025.12.18

Both St. Paul, Minneapolis have Christmas markets worth visiting
St. Paul’s European Christmas Market is the clear No. 1, but the Minneapolis Christkindl Market in the North Loop is worth a stop, too.
by Bill Lindeke
https://www.minnpost.com/cityscape/2025/12/both-st-paul-minneapolis-have-christmas-markets-worth-visiting/

Rainfall creates crimson spectacle at beach on Iran’s Hormuz Island
Streams of soil turn sand and surrounding water red, creating sharp contrast with blue waters of Persian Gulf
Associated Press in Tehran
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/18/rainfall-iran-hormuz-island-red-beach

Man sues Tennessee county after he was jailed over meme related to Charlie Kirk killing
Lawsuit alleges that Larry Bushart’s first amendment rights were violated when he was arrested and jailed for 37 days
Anna Betts
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/18/tennessee-charlie-kirk-meme-arrest-lawsuit

Bavarian pensioner lays trap to catch phone fraudster who was out for his gold
Second ‘exemplary’ success for 85-year-old who had already rumbled bogus police officer demanding €60,000
Deborah Cole in Berlin
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/18/german-pensioner-lays-trap-catch-fraudsters-after-gold

‘It’s an open invasion’: how millions of quagga mussels changed Lake Geneva for ever
The molluscs are decimating food chains in Switzerland, have devastated the Great Lakes in the US, and this week were spotted in Northern Ireland for the first time
By Phoebe Weston
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/dec/18/invasive-quagga-mussels-lake-geneva-aoe

US government admits negligence in helicopter-plane collision that killed 67
Official response to lawsuit filed by victims’ relatives admits FAA and army failures played role in Washington DC crash
Associated Press
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/17/us-government-helicopter-crash-washington-dc

The motorcyclist fighting a deadly disease in the African bush
8 hours ago
Kang-Chun Cheng
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20251217-the-motorcyclist-fighting-the-worlds-second-deadliest-parasite-in-the-african-bush