Category Archives: Music

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

More News

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

2026.02.09

ICE

Inside Minnesotans’ moonshot to cover rent for their immigrant neighbors
The need for emergency rental assistance is bigger than a GoFundMe, but that’s not stopping residents from trying.
by Trevor Mitchell
https://www.minnpost.com/metro/2026/02/inside-minnesotans-moonshot-to-cover-rent-for-their-immigrant-neighbors/

Maine shaken by ICE raids as backlash threatens Republican Senate control
Workers and unions condemn ICE operation as ‘horrific’ as pressure builds on Susan Collins, facing re-election this year
Michael Sainato
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/09/maine-ice-raids

Whistle becomes key tool in protests against Trump’s ICE crackdown
Protesters have been blowing whistles to alert people to agents’ presence – and that has upset figures on the right
Adam Gabbatt
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/09/whistle-protest-trump-ice

The Minnesotans trapped at home, too terrified of ICE to go outside: ‘Our house is like a jail’
The surge of federal immigration agents has forced many families to remain inside for weeks, living in fear of roving ICE patrols snatching people off the street
Maanvi Singh in Minneapolis
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2026/feb/09/minnesota-ice-immigration-deportation-raids

Winter Olympian Gus Kenworthy says he has received death threats over anti-ICE protest
British freestyle skier targeted on Instagram account
‘A lot of the messages have been awful – it’s insane’
Sean Ingle in Livigno
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/feb/09/gus-kenworthy-death-threats-anti-ice-protest-winter-olympics

Where do Minnesota Republicans stand on immigration and the Good and Pretti killings? Sahan asked all 112 Republicans in the Legislature, gubernatorial race and Congress. (2026.01.30)
Minnesota Republican lawmakers largely supported federal immigration enforcement in the state, and did not directly criticize the killings of two civilian observers. A few broke ranks by calling for an end to Operation Metro Surge.
by Becky Z. Dernbach, Joey Peters, Cynthia Tu and Katelyn Vue
https://sahanjournal.com/democracy-politics/minnesota-republicans-lawmakers-governors-race-immigration/

More News

Files cast light on Jeffrey Epstein’s ties to cryptocurrency
Newly released documents detail convicted sex offender’s early backing of bitcoin and Coinbase
Adam Willems
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/feb/09/jeffrey-epstein-crypto

Epstein was not ostracised for his crimes. To some powerful men, he became even more appealing
Moira Donegan
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/feb/09/jeffrey-epstein-crimes-powerful-men-abuse-metoo-movement

Ebo Taylor, Ghanaian highlife pioneer and guitarist, dies age 90
Taylor, who did for Ghanaian music what his friend Fela Kuti did for Nigeria, has been called the greatest rhythm guitarist in history
Laura Snapes
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/feb/09/ebo-taylor-ghanaian-highlife-pioneer-dies-age-90

2026.02.04

ICE

As Minnesota legislative session nears and Operation Metro Surge drags on, lawmakers ready response to ICE
Minnesota DFLers are considering laws similar to ones that passed in other blue states. But they are still likely to see legal (and Republican) scrutiny.
by Cleo Krejci and Matthew Blake
https://www.minnpost.com/state-government/2026/02/as-minnesota-legislative-session-nears-and-operation-metro-surge-drags-on-lawmakers-ready-response-to-ice/

Trump’s border czar says 700 immigration officers to leave Minnesota immediately
About 2,000 officers will remain in the state after this week’s drawdown.
by Steve Karnowski, Associated Press
https://www.minnpost.com/metro/2026/02/trumps-border-czar-says-700-immigration-officers-to-leave-minnesota-immediately/

U.S. Rep. Kelly Morrison visited the Whipple Federal Building on Monday and described the conditions she observed in a video posted to YouTube, KARE 11 reports. “During my visit yesterday, I got confirmation that the facility has no specific medical policy and no real medical care on site. There was not a nurse present yesterday at all. There are no beds, no real blankets, minimal food, extremely cold temperatures. People are in locked cells with leg shackles.” Agents did not answer her questions about how many people are currently being held, and how many had been sent to the hospital over the past week. Via MinnPost
https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/ice-in-minnesota/no-real-medical-care-representative-describes-conditions-for-detainees-at-whipple-building/89-0995e964-97b1-4d52-97ac-20aaf3b043c5

On Tuesday U.S. citizens who have been affected by the federal immigration crackdown spoke at a public forum organized by Democratic lawmakers in Washington. Renee Macklin Good’s brothers were among the speakers. “[Another] was Aliya Rahman of Minneapolis, who was dragged out of her car by federal immigration enforcement agents three weeks ago. Rahman said she is autistic and has a traumatic brain injury.” Rahman also described conditions at Whipple. “I saw Black and brown bodies shackled together, chained together, being marched by yelling agents outdoors. I continue to hear the word ‘bodies’ because that is how agents refer to us.” Via MinnPost
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/02/04/renee-macklin-goods-brothers-others-call-for-ice-reforms-at-public-forum

ICE attorney who said ‘this job sucks’ removed from detail
Julie Le expressed frustration to judge, in response to questions on why ICE has failed to comply with court orders
Sara Braun
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/04/ice-attorney-minnesota-removed-after-court-statement

Democrats say Trump’s immigration crackdown has undermined efforts to combat human trafficking
House Democrats say US anti-trafficking efforts have been hamstrung by diversion of resources to immigration raids
Lauren Gambino
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/04/trump-immigration-hinders-human-trafficking-efforts

I knew Trump would target Minnesota. I didn’t expect this level of violence
Rachel Leingang in Minneapolis
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/04/trump-minnesota-ice-immigration

More News

Precinct caucuses showed early GOP frontrunners, KSTP reports. “As of 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, the Minnesota Republican Party was reporting 76% of caucus results, with House Speaker Lisa Demuth leading the crowded field of candidates with 4,837 votes (32.5%). Kendall Qualls was second at 3,804 (25.6%) with Mike Lindell next at 2,583 votes (17.3%). The party’s 2022 gubernatorial nominee, Scott Jensen, was fourth with 884 votes but well behind the top three and basically on par with the number of “undecided” votes (865).” Via MinnPost
https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/minnesota-caucus-results-show-early-frontrunners-among-gop-governor-candidates/

Revealed: Israel bulldozed part of Gaza war cemetery containing allied graves
Satellite images and witness testimony show destruction as IDF claims it was forced to take defensive measures
Seham Tantesh in Gaza, Julian Borger in London and Ben Doherty in Sydney
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/04/idf-bulldoze-gaza-war-cemetery-allied-graves-satellite-images

‘It’s an absolute bloodbath’: Washington Post lays off hundreds of workers
Former Post executive editor blasts owner Jeff Bezos’s ‘sickening efforts to curry favor’ with Trump
Jeremy Barr in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/feb/04/washington-post-layoffs

Fulton county commission chair says he was warned of arrest before FBI election office raid
Robb Pitts said call came days before federal agents seized 2020 election documents in Georgia
George Chidi
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/04/fulton-county-georgia-fbi-election-warns-office-raid

Pentagon threatens to cut ties with Scouting America over ‘core values’
Defense department says it may end support unless youth group abandons inclusivity and returns to ‘God and country’ values
Richard Luscombe
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/04/boy-scouting-america-pentagon-threat

‘One moment it was a little blip. The next, our friends are dying’: the gay porn soundtrack composers lost to the Aids crisis
Gay porn in the 80s was home to beautifully moody synth music that is only now getting rediscovered – tragically too late for many of its creators
Daniel Dylan Wray
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/feb/04/gay-porn-soundtrack-composers-lost-to-aids-crisis-80s

The place that stayed with me: I was cautious in showing my queerness, until a night spent dancing at a Tokyo gay bar
Despite hearing many words of warning about expressing public affection, travelling in Japan with my boyfriend helped me loosen up
Daniel Nour
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/feb/05/the-place-that-stayed-with-me-i-was-cautious-in-showing-my-queerness-until-a-night-spent-dancing-at-a-tokyo-gay-bar

‘She thought it was too sexy!’: portraits of Kate Moss, Grace Jones and a tea-drinking chimp – in pictures
From a gold-covered Dennis Rodman to Jack Nicholson sitting in the snow, Albert Watson has spent a career shooting the stars – as well as the occasional giant coffee spoon
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2026/feb/04/she-thought-it-was-too-sexy-portraits-of-kate-moss-grace-jones-and-a-tea-drinking-chimp-in-pictures

Wildlife photographer of the year – people’s choice 2026
A shortlist of 24 images has been selected for the wildlife photographer of the year people’s choice award. You can vote for your favourite image online. The winner will be announced on 25 March and shown from that date as part of the overall wildlife photographer of the year exhibition, which runs until 12 July at the Natural History Museum in London
Elena Goodinson
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/gallery/2026/feb/04/wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-peoples-choice-2026

2026.02.02

ICE

Two federal agents reportedly identified in fatal shooting of Alex Pretti
Jesus Ochoa and Raymundo Gutierrez are both officers with Customs and Border Protection, ProPublica reports
Marina Dunbar
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/01/border-patrol-agents-identified-alex-pretti-minneapolis

Public health crisis unfolding in Minneapolis as residents avoid healthcare
Providers are arranging home visits and telehealth as neighbors pick up prescriptions, groceries and diapers
Melody Schreiber
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/02/public-health-crisis-minneapolis-ice

More News

Kennedy Center will halt entertainment operations for two years, Trump says
DC arts venue, which has seen wave of canceled events after Trump’s takeover, will start renovations in July
Diana Ramirez-Simon
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/01/kennedy-center-dc-closed-trump

Democrat flips reliably red Texas district in victory that stuns Republican party
Taylor Rehmet’s win adds to Democrats’ record of overperforming in special elections so far this cycle
Associated Press
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/01/democrat-wins-red-texas-district-taylor-rehmet

Kyrsten Sinema gave $9,000 to man she’s accused of having an affair with
Funds, paid to former security guard Matthew Ammel, were from former US senator’s campaign committee in October
Marina Dunbar
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/01/kyrsten-sinema-senator-bodyguard-payment

Why TikTok’s first week of American ownership was a disaster
Blake Montgomery
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/feb/01/tiktok-first-week

New Epstein files reveal he may have trafficked girls to others despite official denials
Allegations prompt questions about officials’ contentions that there isn’t evidence to investigate third parties
Victoria Bekiempis in New York
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/02/epstein-files-new-batch

Trump threatens to sue Trevor Noah over Epstein joke at Grammys
Awards host alluded to president’s association with late sex offender in awards ceremony remarks
Richard Luscombe
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/02/trevor-noah-trump-grammys

Lisa Bloom on the fight for Epstein’s victims: ‘So many powerful men were enablers’
The US lawyer on her fearsome reputation, the criticism she faced for advising Harvey Weinstein, and how 40 years of legal experience did not prepare her for the Epstein files
By Amelia Gentleman
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/feb/02/epstein-files-victims-lawyer-lisa-bloom-harvey-weinstein

Norway’s crown princess had years of contact with Epstein, files suggest
Mette-Marit apologises for ‘poor judgment’ as documents reportedly include scores of email exchanges with child sex offender
Ashifa Kassam European community affairs correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/01/norway-crown-princess-contact-epstein-files-appear-to-show

Son of Norway’s crown princess arrested on new charges before start of rape trial
Marius Borg Høiby arrested on suspicion of assault and threats with knife as mother faces questions over Epstein
Miranda Bryant Nordic correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/02/marius-borg-hoiby-son-of-norway-crown-princess-arrested-new-charges-before-rape-trial

These states voted to protect abortion rights. Conservative lawmakers are not standing down
A trial in Missouri illustrates how hard it is to restore abortion rights, even when voters demand it
Carter Sherman
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/02/abortion-rights-conservative-lawmakers

Is Jeff Bezos going to destroy the Washington Post? It sure looks like it
Margaret Sullivan
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/feb/02/jeff-bezos-destroy-washington-post

Gold and silver prices seesaw as FTSE 100 hits record high
Trump’s pick of ‘respected central banker’ Kevin Warsh as Fed chair prompts investors to sell safe haven assets
Lauren Almeida
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/feb/02/plunge-in-price-of-gold-and-silver-rattles-global-stock-markets

2026.02.01

ICE

Building power
ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement)
Backing down isn’t an option’: Minnesota ICE shootings mobilize Americans to join ICE observer groups
The killings of Minneapolis residents Renee Good and Alex Pretti have inspired people across the US to document federal agents’ activities in their communities
Lex McMenamin
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2026/jan/31/ice-observer-document-immigration-agents

‘We’re fighting for the soul of the country’: how Minnesota residents came together to face ICE
Networks created after police killed George Floyd were reactivated to challenge Trump’s mass deportation policy
Rachel Leingang in Minneapolis
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/01/minnesota-twin-cities-ice-protests

Chicago mayor orders police to investigate alleged illegal ICE activity in city
Brandon Johnson gives police ‘clear procedure’ to follow if they witness or get reports of agents involved in illegal activity
Edward Helmore
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/31/chicago-ice-brandon-johnson

More News

Shooting at Mardi Gras parade in Louisiana leaves six people injured
One person taken into custody after a mass shooting in Clinton leaves six injured, including a child
Coral Murphy Marcos
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/31/mardi-gras-parade-shooting-louisiana

Resistance to Trump 2.0 is getting more confrontational
Dana R Fisher
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/feb/01/trump-resistance-protests

The FBI’s seizure of 2020 ballots in Georgia is a signal of what’s to come
Austin Sarat
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/feb/01/fbi-raid-georgia-2020-election-ballots

Jeffrey Epstein files: don’t be fooled. Millions of files are still unreleased
Moira Donegan
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jan/31/jeffrey-epstein-unreleased-files

Handling of Epstein files is ‘outrageous’, say attorneys of his sex trafficking survivors
Tranche of government-held files filled with ‘ham-fisted redactions’ and expose survivors’ identities, say attorneys
Edward Helmore
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/01/jeffrey-epstein-files-sex-trafficking-survivors

Democrats accuse DoJ of not releasing millions of Epstein files despite legal requirement
Justice department on Friday released 3m pages and lawmakers accuse it of not releasing roughly 50% of records
Lauren Gambino
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/31/democrats-justice-department-epstein-files

US committee is reconsidering all vaccine recommendations
Move is dramatic departure for advisory group under Kirk Milhoan, who says he doesn’t like the term ‘established science’
Melody Schreiber
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/01/vaccine-recommendations-acip

America’s contract to protect white women has always been tenuous
Saida Grundy
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2026/feb/01/white-supremacy-women-renee-good-ice-killing

Why TikTok’s first week of American ownership was a disaster
Blake Montgomery
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/feb/01/tiktok-first-week

‘I never imagined this!’ How KPop Demon Hunters could make history at the Grammys and the Oscars
As the film’s megahit song Golden looks likely to sweep everything in awards season, its singer Ejae explains why she’s ready to step out from behind her animated alter ego
Katie Hawthorne
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/jan/31/kpop-demon-hunters-grammys-oscars-real-life-singers-ejae-golden

Animators React to KPop Demon Hunters – ft. THE DIRECTORS!
Corridor Crew
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7L-ka-MsEE

Interview
Milli Vanilli’s Fab Morvan on his lip-syncing downfall and Grammys comeback: ‘The truth will set you free’
Garth Cartwright
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/feb/01/milli-vanilli-fab-morvan-interview-grammy-book-you-know-its-true

How to make mulligatawny – recipe
Have you forgotten how good this spicy soup tastes? Here are nine easy steps to rediscovering the Indian-inspired winter warmer
Felicity Cloake
https://www.theguardian.com/food/2026/feb/01/how-to-make-mulligatawny-recipe-felicity-cloake

Inside Myanmar’s five-year armed resistance – a photo essay
Five years after the junta’s coup, the civil war devastating Myanmar has reached a turning point. The military is carrying out large-scale counter-offensives across the country to reclaim territory seized by pro-democracy rebels of various ethnic and religious backgrounds
By Robin Tutenges
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/01/inside-myanmar-armed-resistance-junta-coup-photo-essay

2026.01.30

ICE

‘Streets of Minneapolis’: 32 protest songs inspired by the Twin Cities’ ICE resistance
MinnPost contributor Jim Walsh compiles a playlist by songwriters who are tapping into their talent, anger, artistry and empathy to support Minnesota.
by Jim Walsh
https://www.minnpost.com/arts-culture/2026/01/streets-of-minneapolis-32-protest-songs-inspired-by-the-twin-cities-ice-resistance/

“ICE officers in Minnesota were directed on Wednesday to avoid engaging with ‘agitators’ as they carry out President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown,” Reuters reports. “The new guidance, offering the most detailed look so far at how operations would change after two fatal shootings of U.S. citizens protesting in Minneapolis, also orders U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers only to target immigrants who have criminal charges or convictions.”
https://www.reuters.com/world/ice-officers-minnesota-directed-not-interact-with-agitators-new-orders-2026-01-29/

Ex-CNN anchor Don Lemon arrested on charges connected to Minnesota church protest
Lemon’s lawyer said he was taken into custody after attending protest in which demonstrators disrupted a church service earlier in January
Sam Levine, Jeremy Barr and Anna Betts in New York
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/30/don-lemon-minnesota-protest-charges

Antifa used to unmask neo-Nazis, now it’s exposing ICE: ‘Predators don’t get anonymity’
Following in a long American tradition of identifying fascists, a network of leftists has set out to name and shame Trump’s immigration agents
Christopher Mathias
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/30/antifa-unmasking-ice

Minneapolis is in a state of chaos. Racist immigration policies are to blame
Jamil Smith
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jan/30/minneapolis-ice-chaos-racist-governance

More News

“Minnesota and Wisconsin are among the 11 states reporting their first measles cases of 2026,” WCCO reports. Minnesota’s first reported case stems from exposure from within the United States. “The best way to prevent measles, health experts say, is through immunization.” Via MinnPost
https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/minnesota-wisconsin-report-first-measles-cases-of-2026/

Small risk of severe acute pancreatitis with weight-loss jabs, UK regulator warns
Agency updates guidance after increase in reports of condition to its yellow card scheme
Anna Bawden Health and social affairs correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/jan/29/small-risk-severe-acute-pancreatitis-weight-loss-jabs-mhra

The secret to long life? It could be in the genes after all, say scientists
New study into ‘heritability’ shows that 50% of the variation in human lifespan could be down to genetics
Nicola Davis Science correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/jan/29/long-life-age-health-genetics-science-research

AI use in breast cancer screening cuts rate of later diagnosis by 12%, study finds
Swedish study of 100,000 women found higher rate of early detection, suggesting potential to support radiologists
Tobi Thomas Health and inequalities correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/jan/29/ai-use-in-breast-cancer-screening-cuts-rate-of-later-diagnosis-by-12-study-finds

Why a T-shirt in a hit movie is trending with Brazilian progressives: ‘Almost every day they sell out’
Even Brazil’s president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has received one, after Wagner Moura wore it in The Secret Agent
Tiago Rogero in Rio de Janeiro
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/30/brazil-secret-agent-tshirt-politics

Judge rules Luigi Mangione will not face death penalty in healthcare CEO case
Capital punishment taken off table but Mangione will still face federal charges over killing of Brian Thompson
Anna Betts in New York and agencies
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/30/luigi-mangione-death-penalty-dismissed

Catherine O’Hara, actor known for Home Alone and Schitt’s Creek, dies aged 71
Actor, also known for Beetlejuice and her work with Christopher Guest, died after a brief illness
Benjamin Lee
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/jan/30/catherine-o-hara-dead-actor-home-alone

2026.01.27

ICE

That’s our Gov!
https://youtu.be/Sn53Yjt9_gU

After Alex Pretti killing, Minnesota politicians are inching (definitely not bounding) toward bipartisan solutions
Maybe the Walz-Trump call marked a shift. But politicians on both sides are still reciting familiar lines.
by Matthew Blake
https://www.minnpost.com/state-government/2026/01/operation-metro-surge-after-alex-pretti-killing-minnesota-politicians-are-inching-definitely-not-bounding-toward-bipartisan-solutions/

WHITE! STRAIGHT! GUNTOTTING MALE!
Why Trump is finally waving a white flag in Minnesota
kos, author
by kos
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/1/26/2365601/-Why-Trump-is-finally-waving-a-white-flag-in-Minnesota?pm_campaign=front_page&pm_source=top_news_slot_4&pm_medium=web

Border patrol commander to leave Minneapolis after shooting of Alex Pretti
Gregory Bovino, an aggressive promoter of Trump’s deportation agenda, is said to have been stripped of ‘commander at large’ title
Lauren Gambino, George Chidi and agencies
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/27/gregory-bovino-minneapolis-minnesota-alex-pretti-shooting

‘A militia that kills’: uproar in Italy over ICE security role at Winter Olympics
Milan’s mayor says agents ‘clearly not welcome’ in co-host city and that Italy can take care of security itself
Angela Giuffrida in Rome and Jakub Krupa
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/27/italy-ice-security-role-winter-olympics

How ICE is using facial recognition in Minnesota
Mobile Fortify app being used to scan faces of citizens and immigrants – but its use has prompted a severe backlash
Sanya Mansoor
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/jan/27/ice-facial-recognition-minnesota

A week of ICE and outrage in Minneapolis: the turmoil of the days leading up to Alex Pretti’s death
Since the Trump administration sent ICE agents into the city in December, there have been 3,000 arrests and two fatal shootings. In the freezing cold, as the crisis deepens, the Minnesotan people continue to resist
Oliver Laughland
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/27/a-week-of-ice-and-outrage-in-minneapolis-the-turmoil-of-the-days-leading-up-to-alex-prettis-death

State, feds clash in court over preserving evidence in Alex Pretti killing
The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension filed a lawsuit to prevent the federal government from destroying evidence in the case.
by Katrina Pross
https://sahanjournal.com/public-safety/alex-pretti-shooting-immigration-lawsuit-destroying-evidence/

More News

Renowned Minnesota author Kao Kalia Yang’s new picture books meet the current moment
‘I write because I don’t know what to do with all of the things that are going on in the world,’ Yang said.
by Sheila Regan
https://www.minnpost.com/artscape/2026/01/renowned-minnesota-author-kao-kalia-yangs-new-picture-books-meet-the-current-moment/

Families of two men killed in Trump’s military boat strikes sue US government
First-of-its kind suit filed by civil rights attorneys on behalf of families centers on 14 October strike in Caribbean Sea that killed six
Aram Roston
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/27/trump-military-boat-strikes-lawsuit

Alex Vindman, Trump impeachment witness, to run as Democrat for Senate
Vindman, who served on national security council, will challenge Republican incumbent in Florida if nominated
Associated Press
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/27/alex-vindman-running-florida-senate-trump

Girl, 5, deported to Honduras despite being US citizen, becomes latest victim of Trump crackdown
Mother whose visa application was pending says she will send girl back to US soon accompanied by another relative
Claudia Mendoza in Puerto Cortés, Honduras, and Tiago Rogero in Rio de Janeiro
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/27/five-year-old-girl-us-citizen-and-mother-deported-honduras

‘Delays, lowballs, outright denials’: how the LA wildfires have exposed the US’s broken insurance industry
Insurance practices in an age of climate volatility raise troubling questions about home ownership and housing affordability – the bedrock of the American middle class
Andrew Gumbel in Los Angeles
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/27/la-wildfires-insurance-industry

Masked thugs, sneering elites and terrified citizens: a picture of the US today. We used to have a name for this
Marina Hyde
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jan/27/us-masked-thugs-sneering-elites-terrified-citizens-ice-donald-trump

Why I’m launching a feminist video games website in 2026
Maddy Myers
https://www.theguardian.com/games/2026/jan/26/why-im-launching-a-feminist-video-games-website-in-2026-mothership

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!

2025.12.12

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

2025.12.04

MPR News looks at how many Somalis in Minnesota could be impacted by a planned federal operation that would target those who have final orders of deportation. Out of the approximately 80,000 Minnesota Somalis, “[l]ocal advocates estimate that a few hundred people statewide could be directly affected by such an operation. This comes on the heels of the Trump administration’s recent call to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali nationals, a move that could similarly affect several hundred more.” There are currently 705 Somali migrants in the U.S. with TPS. Via MinnPost
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/12/03/how-many-somalis-in-minnesota-could-be-impacted-by-federal-intervention

With the 100th anniversary of the Heights Theater coming up, the Columbia Heights icon has been sold, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune. Longtime owner Tom Letness is passing the baton to the group that runs Chicago’s Music Box Theater, “a similarly vintage yet adventurous movie house with a good reputation. They intend to keep a lot of the current film programming in place and add a lot more.”  Via MinnPost
https://www.startribune.com/heights-movie-theater-columbia-minneapolis-sold-chicago-music-box-theater-wurlitzer-organ/601538558?utm_source=gift

‘Never seen anything like this’: alarm at memo from top US vaccine official
Vinay Prasad memo said at least 10 children had died from Covid vaccination – but offered scant evidence for claim
Melody Schreiber
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/04/us-vaccines-vinay-prasad-memo

Detainees at ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ facing ‘harrowing human right violations’, new report alleges
Amnesty International finds immigrants at Florida facility were shackled and left outside in metal cage for up to a day
Richard Luscombe in Miami
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/04/alligator-alcatraz-human-right-violations-amnesty-report

New England warming faster than most places on Earth, study finds
Pace of area’s temperature rise, outpaced in US only by Alaskan Arctic, apparently increased in past five years
Oliver Milman
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/03/new-england-warming

How an invasion of purple flowers made Iceland an Instagram paradise – and caused a biodiversity crisis
Nootka lupins, introduced in the 1940s to repair damaged soil, are rampaging across the island, threatening its native species
Patrick Greenfield
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/dec/04/invasive-species-flowers-iceland-nootka-lupins-lupines-aoe

‘Biggest band that ever lived’: inside the Grateful Dead art show
As the band celebrate their 60th anniversary, a California exhibition draws attention to the unique psychedelic artwork that has long told their story
Matt Shaw
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/dec/04/grateful-dead-band-art-show-california

Interview
Ballet star Matthew Ball on gruelling roles and getting ogled on Instagram: ‘I don’t feel precious about my body’
Lyndsey Winship
https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2025/dec/04/matthew-ball-dancer-interview-royal-ballet-mayara-magri-dance

Interview
Paul Anka on his incredible, star-studded career: ‘Revenge is a motivator like you wouldn’t believe’
Jim Farber
The musician, who wrote My Way and Puppy Love among others, talks career longevity, shrewd business and which star bullied him in his youth
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/dec/03/paul-anka-musician-career-interview

Indian scientists spot Milky Way-like galaxy from 12 billion years ago
Geeta Pandey
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crmdk7wkmz4o

Almshouse’s 15th Century painting sells for £5.7m
Curtis Lancaster
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czxgy49qgvvo