Category Archives: News

2026.03.06

Does private equity deserve to be the scourge of eldercare? Minnesota lawmakers demand more information
DFL legislation would make nursing and assisted living homes disclose their corporate structure.
by Matthew Blake
https://www.minnpost.com/state-government/2026/03/does-private-equity-in-eldercare-deserve-scrutiny-minnesota-lawmakers-demand-more-information-on-nursing-home-ownership-structure/

After failed resolution, Democrats’ last leverage over Iran war may be Pentagon budget
“We have the power of the purse,” said Rep. Betty McCollum, the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense.
by Ana Radelat
https://www.minnpost.com/dc-memo/2026/03/after-failed-resolution-democrats-last-leverage-over-iran-war-may-be-pentagon-budget/

Minnesota has an ambitious goal to replace lead lines by 2033. More funding is needed to keep it on track.
State and federal funding for lead service line replacement will run out in 2027 if no action is taken.
by Brian Arola
https://www.minnpost.com/greater-minnesota/2026/03/minnesota-has-an-ambitious-goal-to-replace-lead-lines-by-2033-more-funding-is-needed-to-keep-it-on-track/

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is out, and Minnesota lawmakers are publicly reacting to her departure from DHS, WCCO-TV reports. “Kristi Noem has done a stunning amount of damage and it’s good she’s gone. But this doesn’t change the fact that we need a complete overhaul of DHS, impartial investigations into the killings of two American citizens, and information on children that were taken from Minnesota,” Gov. Walz posted on X. Via MinnPost
https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/kristi-noem-dhs-minnesota-minneapolis-reactions/
https://x.com/GovTimWalz/status/2029642594825748501

Good riddance to Kristi Noem. Her replacement won’t be an improvement
Moira Donegan
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/mar/06/good-riddance-to-kristi-noem-her-replacement-wont-be-an-improvement

Kristi Noem confronts grim truth that everyone is expendable in Trump world
David Smith
in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/05/kristi-noem-fired

Legal experts sound alarm over federal interference in Minnesota elections
Threats to deploy federal agents to polling places, along with a Congressional bill requiring proof of citizenship, would create barriers for many naturalized and U.S. citizens.
by Mohamed Ibrahim
https://sahanjournal.com/democracy-politics/minnesota-election-interference-midterms/

US lost 92,000 jobs in February just before Trump joined Iran conflict
The unemployment rate was 4.4% in February, with 130,000 jobs added in January
Michael Sainato
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/mar/06/february-jobs-report

Texas lawmaker ends re-election bid after admitting to affair with ex-staffer
Republican congressman Tony Gonzales had repeatedly denied affair with former aide who later died by suicide
Guardian staff and agency
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/06/texas-tony-gonzales-reelection

Humanity heating planet faster than ever before, study finds
Researchers identify sharp rise to about 0.35C every decade, after excluding natural fluctuations such as El Niño
Ajit Niranjan Europe environment correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/mar/06/humanity-heating-planet-faster-than-ever-before-study-finds

Weight-loss jab could be made for $3 a month, study finds
Cheap semaglutide, the drug in Ozempic and Wegovy, could help millions with diabetes and obesity in 160 countries
Kat Lay, Global health corespondent
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2026/mar/06/generic-drugs-weight-loss-semaglutide-ozempic-wegovy-diabetes-obesity-study

10 of the best fruit and vegetables to plant now for a hassle-free harvest
If you long for freshly picked produce but don’t know where to start, try these sure-fire winners
Jack Wallington
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/mar/06/best-fruit-vegetables-to-plant-hassle-free-harvest

Hard core! Apple peeling champion slices through competition to produce nearly four-metre strip of skin
Though she lives with constant pain, Stanthorpe’s Kerrie Stratford still has what it takes to claim her 22nd harvest festival title
Susan Chenery
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/mar/06/stanthorpe-apple-peeling-champion-kerrie-stratford-queensland

2026.03.05

Trump fires homeland security secretary Kristi Noem
Markwayne Mullin, Republican senator and Maga ally, to replace Noem as Democrats cheer departure of ‘disaster’
Chris Stein in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/05/trump-kristi-noem-homeland-security

Trump administration is failing to address spread of measles, experts say
As number of cases climbs past 1,000, experts say CDC is not taking obvious steps amid funding cuts
Hannah Harris Green
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/05/trump-administration-measles

US judge orders refunds for more than $130bn in illegal Trump tariffs
Trade court directs customs to repay importers with interest after supreme court ruled tariffs unlawful
Associated Press
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/mar/05/trump-tariff-refunds-supreme-court

‘A subversion of the justice system’: DoJ shifts into Trump’s ‘political wing’ as criminal investigations accelerate
President has ‘succeeded in completely politicizing’ justice department, experts say, using it to punish his enemies
Peter Stone in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/05/trump-justice-department-politicization

Vladimir review – Rachel Weisz is unswervingly brilliant in a TV show you’ll admire for years to come
This adaptation of the 2022 novel – starring Weisz, Leo Woodall and John Slattery – fits it perfectly to television. It’s a proper show for proper grownups
Lucy Mangan
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2026/mar/05/vladimir-review-rachel-weisz-is-unswervingly-brilliant-in-a-tv-show-youll-admire-for-years-to-come

Marsupials previously thought extinct for millennia discovered in New Guinea
The chances of finding one mammal species thought to be lost was ‘almost zero’ and finding two is ‘unprecedented’, biologist Tim Flannery says
Adam Morton
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/mar/05/marsupials-discovered-new-guinea

How a clump of moss helped convict grave robbers in Illinois
Four cemetery workers dug up and moved more than 100 bodies to resell the burial plots nearly 20 years ago
Ian Sample Science editor
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/mar/05/how-moss-helped-convict-grave-robbers-illinois

2026.03.04

Protesters demanded hotels ban ICE agents. Here’s why that didn’t happen.
Despite widespread opposition to Operation Metro Surge, local leaders have so far been stymied in efforts to limit their hotel stays.
by Trevor Mitchell
https://www.minnpost.com/metro/2026/03/protesters-demanded-hotels-ban-ice-agents-heres-why-that-didnt-happen/

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended her characterization of Minnesotans killed during Operation Metro Surge as “agitators” during a nearly five-hour Senate hearing on Tuesday, the AP reports. “It was Noem’s first congressional appearance since the shooting deaths of the two protesters galvanized widespread opposition to how the Trump administration is executing its mass deportation agenda, a centerpiece policy of President Donald Trump’s second term.” Via MinnPost
https://apnews.com/article/noem-testifies-congress-homeland-security-immigration-enforcement-ebb715699e3f4f6dd6fdd22157b4e1a7

Minnesota Republicans ask Kristi Noem to limit ICE activity near schools
In a mid-February letter, four House Republicans asked the Homeland Security secretary to keep enforcement actions away from schools and children when possible.
Avatar photo
by Becky Z. Dernbach
https://sahanjournal.com/education/minnesota-republicans-kristi-noem-ice-action-near-schools/

Federal judge weighs contempt charge for Minnesota’s top federal prosecutor over ICE failures
A federal judge told Minnesota’s U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen that he isn’t ruling out imprisonment over government failures to follow through with court orders related to immigrants released from federal custody.
Avatar photo
by Andrew Hazzard
https://sahanjournal.com/public-safety/federal-judge-contempt-imprisonment-us-attorney-daniel-rosen-ice-immigration/

Minnesota Congress members expected to vote with parties on resolution to stop Trump’s military strikes on Iran
While the attempt to rein in the president’s war-making power is expected to fail, lawmakers are demanding the administration justify Operation Epic Fury as the conflict escalates.
by Ana Radelat
https://www.minnpost.com/national/washington/2026/03/minnesotas-lawmakers-emmer-illhan-omar-to-vote-on-halting-trumps-military-strikes-on-iran/

At House hearing, Walz will defend anti-fraud actions and accuse Trump administration of political retribution
Walz and Ellison have been asked to testify before a House committee investigating fraud and plan to pivot from fraud to Operation Metro Surge.
by Ana Radelat
https://www.minnpost.com/national/washington/2026/03/house-hearing-tim-walz-anti-fraud-accuse-trump-administration-political-retribution/

Global sea levels have been underestimated due to poor modelling, research suggests
Analysis shows average levels are 30cm higher than thought, and up to 150cm in south-east Asia and Indo-Pacific
Tara Russell
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/mar/04/global-sea-levels-underestimated-poor-modelling-research

House opens inquiry into Texas lawmaker over alleged affair with aide
Tony Gonzales allegedly had affair with Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, who later died after setting herself on fire
Associated Press
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/04/tony-gonzales-texas-rep-alleged-affair

Louisiana mayor convicted of raping 16-year-old boy at her home while still in office
Misty Roberts, 43, faces sentences of up to 10 and seven years in prison after July 2024 sexual assault at pool party
Ramon Antonio Vargas
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/04/louisiana-mayor-convicted-rape-16-year-old

Workers at top 20 US low-wage firms rely on public assistance, report says
Exclusive: study finds workers at 20 S&P 500 firms rely on Medicaid and Snap as CEO pay and buybacks soar
Michael Sainato
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/mar/04/workers-medicaid-snap-low-pay

‘Thought it was a collapsed drain’: golf course sinkhole exposes lost wine cellar
Groundsman stumbles across room, sealed for more than 100 years, that was part of 12th-century Manchester hall
Mark Brown North of England correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/mar/04/thought-it-was-a-collapsed-drain-golf-course-sinkhole-exposes-lost-wine-cellar

‘He paints phalluses the way others paint landscapes’: the disturbing genius of erotica pioneer Félicien Rops
A new exhibition at Kunsthaus Zurich revisits the Belgian artist whose wild women of the demimonde scandalised the belle epoque – and still shock audiences today
Christian House
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2026/mar/04/laboratory-of-lust-exhibition-kunsthaus-zurich-felicien-rops

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

2026.02.28

ICE

St. Paul church protest over ICE draws charges against 30 more
Attorney General Pam Bondi accused the group of civil rights violations in the January church protest during Operation Metro Surge.
By Sarah Raza, AP
https://www.minnpost.com/metro/2026/02/st-paul-church-protest-over-ice-draws-charges-against-30-more/

‘Liberty Vans’ appear across US to help immigrants – and document ICE raids
Volunteers offer moral and legal support, and document ICE actions with the aim of holding people accountable
Victoria Namkung in Los Angeles
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/28/liberty-vans-ice-immigrants

More News

Iran: US and Israel launch major attack on Iran as Tehran retaliates across the Middle East – live
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2026/feb/28/israel-attacks-iran-as-blasts-heard-in-tehran-live-updates?CMP=share_btn_url&page=with%3Ablock-69a2fcaf8f08e575db5bd62e#block-69a2fcaf8f08e575db5bd62e

Trump’s unprovoked attack on Iran has no mandate – or legal basis
Julian Borger
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/28/trump-unprovoked-attack-on-iran-has-no-mandate-and-no-clear-objective

US backs Pakistan’s ‘right to defend itself’ against Taliban after strikes on Afghanistan
Taliban offer to resolve dispute via dialogue after Pakistan bombed cities in Afghanistan in latest escalation with its neighbour
Callum Jones
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/28/us-backs-pakistans-right-to-defend-itself-against-taliban-after-strikes-on-afghanistan

Trump administration warns tariff refund process ‘will take time’
DoJ says it will not ask US supreme court to rehear tariffs case despite president’s complaint on Truth Social
Coral Murphy Marcos
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/27/trump-tariff-refunds

Trump just got much closer to bringing CNN to heel
Margaret Sullivan
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/feb/28/trump-paramount-skydance-warner-bros-cnn-netflix

State of the Swamp Destroys Trump’s Longest, Angriest State of the Union
As Trump ranted through a record-breaking grievance fest, celebrities, activists, and everyday Americans turned ridicule into resistance—and stole the night.
Cliff Schecter and Blue Amp Media
https://www.blueamp.co/p/state-of-the-swamp-destroys-trumps

Joe Biden warns that Donald Trump will try to ‘steal’ midterm elections
In a rare public address, former president said US is experiencing ‘dark days’ and urged Americans to vote
Adam Gabbatt
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/28/joe-biden-donald-trump-midterm-elections

Midterm ‘blue wave’ could block Trump’s agenda and launch investigations – here’s what’s at stake
Democrats hope to capture the House, but the Senate could be a heavier lift in November’s midterm elections
Chris Stein, Sam Levine and Andrew Witherspoon
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/28/midterms-democrats-house-senate

A forecast full of uncertainty. What to make the of the state’s economic outlook in the age of Trump
Despite positive numbers, Walz and lawmakers had a muted response Friday and said little new spending is on the way.
by Matthew Blake and Shadi Bushra
https://www.minnpost.com/state-government/2026/02/a-forecast-full-of-uncertainty-what-to-make-the-of-the-states-economic-outlook-in-the-age-of-trump/

Researchers praise ‘stunning’ results of new prostate cancer treatment
Early trials of the drug VIR-5500 showed it shrinking tumours in some patients
Nicola Davis Science correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/feb/28/researchers-praise-stunning-results-of-new-prostate-cancer-treatment

‘Viruses don’t know borders’: US anti-vaccine rhetoric could impact global measles crisis
Experts say global measles vaccination rates are falling as Trump officials signal a deprioritization of the virus
Hannah Harris Green
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/feb/28/anti-vaccine-rhetoric-global-measles-crisis

North Dakota judge finalizes $345m judgment against Greenpeace in pipeline case
Judge slashed a $667m damages award to Energy Transfer over Greenpeace’s role in Dakota Access Pipeline protests
Reuters
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/27/north-dakota-greenpeace-access-pipeline-energy-transfer

Tasting 23 Kinds of Citrus with a Fruit Expert | America’s Test Kitchen
https://youtu.be/oLGonLqAH88?si=CQNg66XdZZhYppwx

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

2026.02.25

ICE

Singer, medical researcher, ICU nurse, outdoor adventurer. The Minnesota Star Tribune has a lengthy profile of Alex Pretti’s life before he entered the national spotlight as the second observer in Minneapolis killed by an immigration agent. “Outside of work, Pretti’s penchant for action translated to activism.” Via MinnPost
https://www.startribune.com/alex-prettis-journey-to-the-center-of-a-crisis/601575572?utm_source=gift

Stand With Minnesota, the mutual aid clearinghouse organized by Ashley Fairbanks that MinnPost reported on earlier this month, has raised over $20 million dollars for Minnesotans affected by Operation Metro Surge. The Guardian has a Q&A with Fairbanks, where she again emphasized the need for rent relief. “Everything else, we can rebuild. There’s other assistance. But with rent, no one’s coming to save them,” she said. Via MinnPost
https://www.minnpost.com/metro/2026/02/inside-minnesotans-moonshot-to-cover-rent-for-their-immigrant-neighbors/

‘I can’t risk going to work’: As ICE arrests escalated, mom, son huddled at home, afraid to leave for groceries or school
Nuvia and her son relied on a network of mutual aid donations, which are dwindling as Operation Metro Surge winds down. Volunteers say many families are still recovering from the impacts of the ICE surge.
by Anshu Patel
https://sahanjournal.com/immigration/minneapolis-minnesota-mutual-aid-recipient-ice-operation-metro-surge/

‘My children are here’: How journalist Georgia Fort’s arrest impacted her daughters
As the Trump administration tries to stop individuals from documenting immigration enforcement, parents are trying to figure out how to explain constitutional rights to their children.
Amanda Becker
https://19thnews.org/2026/02/journalist-georgia-fort-arrest-impact-children/

How do you explain ICE to your child? Immigrant families are having ‘The Talk’
For generations, Black Americans have prepared their children for the realities of racism. As ICE expands its reach, more parents are navigating similar conversations.
Candice Norwood
https://19thnews.org/2026/02/ice-immigrant-parents-families-the-talk/

More News

Donald Trump’s two-hour State of the Union address in 3 minutes – video
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/video/2026/feb/25/al-green-iran-record-length-speech-trump-state-of-the-union-address-in-3-minutes-video

Trump blasts ‘fraud’ in Minnesota in State of the Union address focused on the economy and immigration
Minnesota’s Democrats had their own messages, with Sen. Tina Smith and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey headlining counter-events in Washington.
by Ana Radelat
https://www.minnpost.com/national/washington/2026/02/trump-blasts-fraud-in-minnesota-in-state-of-the-union-address-focused-on-the-economy-and-immigration/

Why the longest-ever State of the Union address was the most inconsequential
Amid Trump’s lies and xenophobic rants, people struggling to pay bills and make ends meet are unlikely to be moved
David Smith in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/24/trump-state-of-union-speech-analysis

Democrats refuse to stand for Trump as Al Green ejected over ‘apes’ protest sign
Texas Democrat removed for holding ‘Black people aren’t apes’ sign as colleagues stay seated while Republicans cheer
Gabrielle Canon and David Smith
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/24/al-green-sign-protest-state-of-union

Jobs, gas prices and ending wars: factchecking Trump’s State of the Union claims
The president’s lengthy speech to Congress contained myriad inflated, misleading or simply false claims
Guardian staff
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/25/trump-state-of-the-union-factcheck

Trump has lost the ability to entertain. Sadly, he hasn’t lost the ability to offend
Moira Donegan
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/feb/24/trump-state-of-the-union-speech

Investigation urged into immigration practices of company owned by Maga donors
Milwaukee city council member calls for inquiry into Uline’s previous ‘shuttle program’ to bring in Mexican workers
Stephanie Kirchgaessner
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/25/wisconsin-official-uline-investigation-maga-donors

Macron appoints new head of crisis-hit Louvre after jewellery heist
Christophe Leribault, most recently Versailles director, will be tasked with improving security and ‘restoring climate of trust’
Staff and agencies in Paris
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/25/macron-appoints-new-head-of-crisis-hit-louvre-paris-after-jewellery-heist

Citizen scientists discover a Great Barrier Reef coral giant ‘like a rolling meadow’
Volunteer group Citizens of the Reef made the find as part of the Great Reef Census
Donna Lu
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/feb/24/citizen-scientists-discover-great-barrier-reef-coral-giant-census

Break up with your liquid detergent. Try these plastic-free laundry sheets instead
Quit lugging liquid – detergent sheets have all the cleaning power with a fraction of the weight and zero of the sticky spillage
Jon Chan
https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter-us/2025/oct/07/laundry-detergent-sheets-hey-sunday-review

Fresh from a Minicon a couple of years ago: Midwest Side Story
https://youtu.be/c745eLCHmDM?si=2BS4TTBBP0UOO5in

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