Category Archives: News

2026.02.13

ICE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2026.02.12

ICE

Federal authorities announce an end to the immigration crackdown in Minnesota Federal officials have announced an end to an immigration crackdown in Minnesota that led to mass detentions, protests and two deaths.
by Steve Karnowski, Associated Press
https://www.minnpost.com/metro/2026/02/federal-authorities-announce-an-end-to-the-immigration-crackdown-in-minnesota/

Latest polling shows disapproval of Trump on immigration
About 3 in 10 U.S. adults trust Republicans to do a better job handling immigration, while a similar share say the same of Democrats.
By Steve Peoples and Amelia Thomson-Deveaux, AP https://www.minnpost.com/national/2026/02/latest-poll-shows-disapproval-of-trump-on-immigration/

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Reading and writing can lower dementia risk by almost 40%, study finds
Cognitive health in later life is ‘strongly influenced’ by lifelong exposure to intellectually stimulating environments, say researchers
Andrew Gregory Health editor
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/feb/11/reading-writing-lower-dementia-risk-study-finds

Why most democracies won’t touch Trump’s Board of Peace
Adam Gabbatt
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/11/the-board-of-peace-most-democracies-wont-touch

Man pardoned by Trump for attacking US Capitol found guilty of child abuse Andrew Paul Johnson was found guilty of five counts including molesting a child under 12 and another under 16
Victoria Bekiempis
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/11/man-trump-pardoned-us-capitol-child-sexual-abuse

Why has Maga lost its mind over Bad Bunny?
Moustafa Bayoumi
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/feb/11/bad-bunny-halftime-show-maga-reaction

WCCO has a story about the Minnesota Department of Human Services’ “new web page dedicated to fact-checking claims about Medicaid fraud in Minnesota.” The page lists several unsupported but widely reported claims about fraud in the state. Via MinnPost
https://www.minnpost.com/glean/2026/02/ice-crackdown-in-minnesota-widely-unpopular/

US officials lift 10-day closure of El Paso airspace after balloon mistaken for drone FAA initially cited ‘security reasons’ for shutting off skies around Texas airport in area along border with Mexico
Oliver Holmes and Victoria Bekiempis
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/11/faa-close-airspace-el-paso-texas-airport

Why is the Washington Post cratering so spectacularly?
Margaret Sullivan
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/feb/12/washington-post-fires-staff

How to Get to Heaven from Belfast review – if you see nothing else this year, watch this
When old school friends reunite at a funeral, they suspect foul play. Cue this frenetic, witty caper from Derry Girls’ Lisa McGee – complete with a sensational performance from Saoirse-Monica Jackson
Lucy Mangan
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2026/feb/12/how-to-get-to-heaven-from-belfast-review-if-you-see-nothing-else-this-year-watch-this

Apocalypse no: how almost everything we thought we knew about the Maya is wrong For many years the prevailing debate about the Maya centred upon why their civilisation collapsed. Now, many scholars are asking: how did the Maya survive?
By Marcus Haraldsson
https://www.theguardian.com/news/2026/feb/12/apocalypse-no-how-almost-everything-we-thought-we-knew-about-the-maya-is-wrong

Grisly discovery brings new answers in mystery of Belgian tourist’s disappearance in Australian wilderness
Searchers hope that finding Celine Cremer’s bones, teeth and car key in Tasmania’s north-west will help them solve what happened to her
Tory Shepherd
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/feb/12/celine-cremer-belgian-tourist-tasmania-australia

‘Unprecedented’ spate of toxic mushroom illnesses jar California After state sees four deaths and 40 hospitalizations, public health officials and foraging experts urge caution
Katharine Gammon in Los Angeles
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/12/california-toxic-mushroom-deaths

‘People ought to know’: Blue Boy Trial brings Japan’s trans history up to date Kasho Iizuka’s feature casts trans actors to revisit a notorious 1965 trial that made gender reassignment illegal for more than 30 years. He explains why the history remains unfinished
Blake Simons
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/feb/12/blue-boy-trial-japan-trans-history-kasho-iizuka

Bud Cort, star of Harold and Maude, dies aged 77
Actor best-known for role in Hal Ashby’s black comedy also appeared in films by Robert Altman and Wes Anderson
Benjamin Lee
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/feb/11/bud-cort-dead-harold-and-maude-actor

James Van Der Beek, star of Dawson’s Creek, dies aged 48
Actor who also starred in Varsity Blues and Rules of Attraction revealed in 2024 he had been diagnosed with cancer
Kate Abbott
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2026/feb/11/james-van-der-beek-dies

Ugly tears and floppy-haired heartthrobs: Dawson’s Creek’s 10 best moments
As fans mourn the death of James Van Der Beek, we look back at the show he made a teen sensation
Anna Spargo-Ryan
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2026/feb/12/dawsons-creek-10-best-moments-james-van-der-beek

2026.02.11

ICE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2026.02.10

ICE

Local police aid ICE by tapping school cameras amid Trump’s immigration crackdown
Local police assisted federal immigration agents by repeatedly searching school cameras that record license plate numbers, data show
Mark Keierleber of the 74
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/10/ice-school-cameras-police-license-plates

Community members are expressing fear that ICE agents are disguising themselves, WCCO reports. “People describing themselves as constitutional observers tell WCCO that in the past week, reports of ICE agents disguising themselves have flooded in from the Twin Cities metro and rural areas of the state,” including alleged agents dressed as construction workers, Uber drivers and utility workers.
https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/community-members-fear-ice-agents-disguising-themselves/

‘These are people’s livelihoods’: Minnesota’s economy in crisis amid ICE surge
Small businesses across the Twin Cities are suffering and owners say ‘Metro Surge’ could be worse than Covid-19
Lauren Aratani
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/10/minnesota-small-business-ice-immigration-agents

Federal judge blocks California from enforcing ICE mask ban
Judge rules that law discriminates against federal government because it does not apply to state authorities
Dara Kerr and agencies
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/09/judge-california-ice-masks

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Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl hidden messages, cameos, symbolism, and ratings
The Puerto Rican superstar gave viewers one of the most fun, political, and daring Super Bowl Halftime Shows of all time.
By Bernardo Sim
https://www.out.com/gay-music/bad-bunny-super-bowl#rebelltitem1

A couple of teas or coffees a day could lower risk of dementia, scientists say
Findings suggest smaller cognitive decline, but US study cannot prove daily caffeine hit is good for the brain
Ian Sample Science editor
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/feb/09/tea-coffee-could-lower-dementia-risk-scientists-say

Judge’s order removes imminent threat of Minnesota losing federal child care money
The Trump administration tried in early January to take $467 million in federal assistance away from Minnesota, but a judge says it must now prove in court that the proposed action would be justified.
by Matthew Blake
https://www.minnpost.com/state-government/2026/02/judges-order-removes-imminent-threat-of-minnesota-losing-federal-child-care-money/

For Minnesota farmers, it’s been a season of discontent
Tariffs, ICE enforcement and dysfunctional politics have made for a tense backdrop to the annual winter farm-show circuit.
by Forrest Peterson
https://www.minnpost.com/greater-minnesota/2026/02/for-minnesota-farmers-its-been-a-season-of-discontent/

As more immigrant workers stay home — or leave Minnesota altogether — construction projects are falling behind schedule, the Minnesota Star Tribune reports. Home builders are facing delays “as the federal immigration crackdown in Minnesota has fueled a shortage of roofing, drywall and other construction workers, according to developers and real estate agents.” At the same time, some potential home sellers “are not listing their existing homes as planned because their new-build homes are not ready.”  
https://www.startribune.com/ice-immigration-crackdown-minneapolis-delaying-construction-new-home-builders-real-estate/601575566?utm_source=gift

‘They always gave us the heaviest work’: how Maga billionaires relied on Mexican labor
Trump administration seeks to remove ‘illegal aliens’ but Uline’s past employment practices reveal a different reality
Stephanie Kirchgaessner and Maanvi Singh
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/10/uline-maga-billionaires-mexican-labor

Republican congressman says Epstein files ‘likely incriminated’ six more men
Thomas Massie says he may reveal the names under congressional privilege if justice department does not
Richard Luscombe
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/10/thomas-massie-epstein-files-redacted-names

Paul Thomas Anderson and Jonny Greenwood demand Phantom Thread music removed from Melania film
Director and composer of 2017 drama allege breach of agreement after score reused in controversial documentary
Adrian Horton
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/feb/09/melania-movie-greenwood-anderson-phantom-thread

US judges dismiss lawsuits accusing Neil Gaiman of sexual assault
Former nanny Scarlett Pavlovich filed suit in three US states alleging author assaulted her in New Zealand in 2022
Associated Press
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2026/feb/09/us-judges-lawsuits-neil-gaiman

Actor Catherine O’Hara died of a blood clot in her lungs, death certificate says
Schitt’s Creek and Home Alone star died aged 71 in January after being rushed to hospital due to breathing difficulties
Diana Ramirez-Simon and agencies
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2026/feb/09/catherine-o-hara-actor-cause-of-death

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/

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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

2026.02.08

ICE

‘A profound sense of being hunted’: with all eyes on Minneapolis, ICE arrests continue quietly across the US
Immigration operations are still stoking fear and disrupting the ability to go to work, school or doctor’s appointments
Chris Stein in Washington DC, George Chidi in Charlotte, Amanda Ulrich in San Diego and Jeremiah Hayden in Portland
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/07/ice-arrests-continue

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From New York to New Mexico: new Epstein files shed light on his sprawling ranch outside Santa Fe
Several men appear in photos on the nearly 10,000-acre Zorro ranch, which included a 26,700 sq ft mansion
Anna Betts and Victoria Bekiempis
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/08/epstein-files-new-mexico-ranch

Washington Post publisher Will Lewis abruptly resigns amid criticism of staff cuts
Departure comes days after newspaper laid off nearly one-third of staff, including more than 300 journalists
Jeremy Barr
https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/feb/07/washington-post-will-lewis-resigns

NSA detected foreign intelligence phone call about a person close to Trump
Whistleblower says that Tulsi Gabbard blocked agency from sharing report and delivered it to White House chief of staff
Cate Brown
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/07/nsa-foreign-intelligence-trump-whistleblower

Rightwing critics blame Mamdani as New York snow fails to melt
Murdoch tabloid leads charge as big freeze persists – could the mayor please do something about the weather?
Adam Gabbatt in New York
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/08/mamdani-snow-ice-freeze-storm

These US states want polluters to pay for the rising insurance costs of climate disasters
Proposals by California, Hawaii and New York lawmakers aim to hold fossil fuel industry accountable for soaring rates
Dharna Noor
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/08/proposal-fossil-fuel-companies-insurance-costs

Trump shifts blame to aide as he refuses to apologize for racist video of Obamas
After first dismissing uproar over depiction of Obamas as apes, White House then said it was erroneously posted by staffer
Hugo Lowell in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/07/white-house-blame-trump-racist-video

Bad Bunny to meet political moment as Maga fumes over Super Bowl show
Puerto Rican superstar promises ‘the world will dance’ in all-Spanish half-time gig that comes as Trump agents wage deadly crackdown
Lauren Gambino in Los Angeles
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/08/bad-bunny-super-bowl-trump-maga

The world heard JD Vance being booed at the Olympics. Except for viewers in the US
Bryan Armen Graham in Milan
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/feb/07/jd-vance-boos-winter-olympics

In your face: Close-up Photographer of the Year Awards 2026 – in pictures
Animals, insects, flora and fauna – the world photographed in close-up in the annual competition dedicated to micro and macro photography. Cupoty 7 was won by underwater photographer Ross Gudgeon, triumphing over 12,000 entries from 63 countries
Sarah Gilbert
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2026/feb/08/in-your-face-close-up-photographer-of-the-year-awards-2026-in-pictures

2026.02.07

ICE

Small cities consider their options as they respond to ICE’s prolonged presence
Uncertainty over how to react to federal agents operating in Greater Minnesota towns has given way to a push for policy solutions.
by Brian Arola
https://www.minnpost.com/greater-minnesota/2026/02/small-cities-consider-their-options-as-they-respond-to-ices-prolonged-presence/

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Alarm bells sound over Trump’s ‘take over the voting’ call
Democracy experts say there is little doubt about president’s desire to interfere in elections this November
Sam Levine in New York
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/07/trump-interference-voting-midterms

Trump news at a glance: Trump creates distance, but no apology, after promoting racist video of Obamas
Democrats outraged and Republicans mostly silent after president shared racist video of former president and first lady – key US politics stories from Friday 6 February
Guardian staff
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/06/trump-news-at-a-glance-briefing-today-latest

The Epstein files reveal that a vast global conspiracy actually exists – sort of
J Oliver Conroy
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/07/epstein-files-global-conspiracy

Sex and snacks, but no seat at the table: the role of women in Epstein’s sordid men’s club
Amelia Gentleman
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2026/feb/07/sex-and-snacks-but-no-seat-at-the-table-the-role-of-women-in-epsteins-sordid-mens-club

State violence against Black Americans laid the groundwork for fascism
Jason Stanley
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/feb/06/state-violence-black-americans-fascism

Outrage after US Congress votes to slash $125m in funding to replace toxic lead pipes
Move will hit Michigan, Illinois, New York and other states with highest levels of lead drinking water pipes the hardest
Tom Perkins
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/07/congress-lead-pipe-funding

Pardoned January 6 rioter pleads guilty to threatening Hakeem Jeffries
Christopher Moynihan pleads guilty to misdemeanor charge over threats last October to kill congressman
Guardian staff and agency
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/06/january-6-rioter-hakeem-jeffries

‘A harmful barrier’: new Florida law mandates all driving tests to be offered in English only
Critics say law will disproportionately affect immigrant communities and those who speak limited English
Adria R Walker
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/07/florida-driving-tests-english

Rembrandt lion drawing raises $18m for big cat conservation at US auction
Chalk artwork sold for record price at a New York Sotheby’s auction with proceeds going to the Panthera charity
Ramon Antonio Vargas
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/07/rembrandt-lion-auction-big-cat-conservation

2026.02.06

ICE

‘You’re not going to investigate a federal officer’
It doesn’t happen often, but local law enforcement can arrest and charge federal agents. Legal experts say there’s a moral obligation to at least try to hold federal immigration officers accountable when they violate the Constitution and the law.
By Andy Mannix, Melissa Sanchez and Nicole Foy / ProPublica
https://www.minnpost.com/national/2026/02/youre-not-going-to-investigate-a-federal-officer/

Sahan Journal has the story of Minnesotans who have been transferred to ICE detention centers in Texas and released with no way to return home. “In recent weeks, lawyers have filed a flurry of successful court challenges compelling the government to release their clients, but that has left an increasing number of Minnesotans stranded outside detention facilities far from home,” they report. “In some cases, ICE has refused to return identification cards or work permits to those released from detention, attorneys say.”
https://sahanjournal.com/immigration/ice-detainees-stranded-after-release/

Man arrested in early-morning Minneapolis federal raid is charged with cyberstalking
The 6 a.m. raid, which involved at least 11 officers, took place at Eat Street Flats in the Whittier neighborhood. The man arrested doxxed a “pro-ICE individual,” according to a criminal complaint.
by Joey Peters
https://sahanjournal.com/public-safety/federal-raid-kyle-wagner-detained-whittier-minneapolis/

More News

Trump shares video with racist imagery of Barack and Michelle Obama in late-night posting spree
In clip amplifying false claim that Trump won 2020 election, the Obamas’ faces are superimposed on bodies of apes
Richard Luscombe
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/06/trump-racist-video-barack-michelle-obama

On Thursday the City of Anoka opened the state’s first municipal cannabis dispensary, MPR News reports. In August, MinnPost reported on 13 cities, including Anoka, that were applying to run municipal cannabis stores, and how successful municipal liquor stores provide a model. Via MinnPost
https://www.minnpost.com/greater-minnesota/2025/08/blazing-new-trails-these-13-minnesota-cities-are-considering-municipal-cannabis-stores/


Amazon shares tumble as $200bn AI rollout plan worries markets – as it happened
Graeme Wearden
https://www.theguardian.com/business/live/2026/feb/06/uk-house-prices-jump-halifax-stock-markets-inflation-latest-news-updates

Wot? No sternly worded letters?
‘Grind the country to a halt’: Democrat urges national strike if Trump meddles in midterms
In wake of Donald Trump’s call for Republicans to ‘take over’ voting, senator Ruben Gallego urges citizens to take a stand and give the ‘ultimate response’
David Smith in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/06/donald-trump-voting-midterms-democrat-national-strike

Penisgate’ at the Olympics: why inject acid into your penis, and what are the health risks?
The World Anti-Doping Agency is investigating whether ski jumpers were injecting their penises with hyaluronic acid in order to fly further
Natasha May
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/feb/06/penisgate-winter-olympics-ski-jumpers-acid-penis-health-risks-explainer

Trump’s family is embroiled in a $500m UAE scandal. We’ve hardly noticed
Mohamad Bazzi
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/feb/06/trump-family-uae-crypto-deal

So the Epstein scandal is about politics? Silly me for thinking it’s about the mass abuse of women and girls
Marina Hyde
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/feb/06/jeffrey-epstein-scandal-politics-mass-abuse-women-girls

Elton John accuses Daily Mail publisher of ‘abhorrent’ invasion of privacy
Singer says articles about his health and birth of son ‘outside even the most basic standards of human decency’
Michael Savage Media editor
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/feb/06/elton-john-david-furnish-daily-mail-publisher-high-court

Horror in Wellington as millions of litres of untreated sewage flow into the sea
Residents of New Zealand capital advised not to enter the water, collect seafood or walk their dogs on local beaches after wastewater plant failure
Maya Yang
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/06/wellington-sewage-leak-sea-new-zealand

Japan cherry blossom festival cancelled because of unruly tourist ‘crisis’
Authorities scrap Arakurayama Sengen park cherry blossom festival near Mount Fuji because of tourists trespassing, littering and ‘defecating in private yards’
Maya Yang
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/06/japan-cherry-blossom-festival-cancelled-tourists

Botox to nose vibrations: The new treatments offering hope to migraine patients (Paywalled?)
Sofia Quaglia
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20260205-botox-to-nose-vibrations—the-new-treatments-offering-hope-to-migraine-patients

2026.02.05

ICE

Without immigrants, our cities would grind to a halt
It’s impossible to imagine the Twin Cities — or any major U.S. city — prospering without the contributions of immigrants.
by Bill Lindeke
https://www.minnpost.com/cityscape/2026/02/without-immigrants-our-cities-would-grind-to-a-halt/

County attorneys nix proposal for Minnesota sheriffs to coordinate with ICE
The Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association sought a way around Minnesota law that prohibits holding inmates past their release date for ICE.
by Ana Radelat
https://www.minnpost.com/national/washington/2026/02/county-attorneys-nix-proposal-for-minnesota-sheriffs-to-coordinate-with-ice/

Trump’s border-czar takeover does little to calm Minneapolis tensions: ‘The agenda is still the same’
Experts say Tom Homan’s charge, replacing Greg Bovino’s aggressive tactics, may change the tone, but not the mission
Shrai Popat in Minneapolis
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/05/tom-homan-minnesota-gregory-bovino

ICE agents in Oregon cannot arrest people without warrants, judge rules
US federal judge issued a preliminary injunction barring warrantless arrests unless there is a likelihood of escape
Associated Press
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/05/ice-immigration-raids-oregon

More News

Revealed: private jet owned by Trump friend used by ICE to deport Palestinians to West Bank
Exclusive: Luxury aircraft owned by property tycoon close to US president’s family has twice flown Palestinian men from Arizona to Tel Aviv
Harry Davies, Alice Speri and Sufian Taha
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/05/revealed-private-jet-owned-by-trump-friend-used-by-ice-to-deport-palestinians-to-west-bank

Steve Bannon calls for immigration agents at polling sites during midterms
Ex-Trump adviser adds to elections officials’ concern about potential interference from Trump administration in voting
Rachel Leingang
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/04/steve-bannon-ice-immigration-agents-polling-sites-midterm-elections

Trump is Leading America’s Global Collapse (w/ Robert Kagan) | The Bulwark Podcast
https://youtu.be/YTfhw69fy6U?si=QeIXj919xnel9951

‘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

California can use new congressional maps in November, supreme court rules
Approved by voters, the new maps give Democrats as many as five seats, neutralizing five GOP seats added by Texas
Lauren Gambino
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/04/california-new-voting-maps-supreme-court

Pro-gun groups quickly rallied for Alex Pretti. Why didn’t they do the same for a Black gun owner?
Abené Clayton
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/04/alex-pretti-philando-castile-pro-gun-groups

LaMonte McLemore, Grammy-winning singer with 5th Dimension, dies aged 90
Singer was member of vocal group that scored 1960s hits with Up, Up and Away and Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In
Associated Press
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/feb/04/lamonte-mclemore-dies-5th-dimension

Woody Allen, a Florida mansion rulebook and a Paris ‘wife hunt’: stories you may have missed from the Epstein files
Huge release of files provides extraordinary detail on the extent of the disgraced financier’s network
Jason Burke, Daniel Boffey, Emine Sinmaz, and Richard Luscombe
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/05/woody-allen-a-florida-mansion-rulebook-and-a-paris-wife-hunt-stories-you-may-have-missed-from-the-epstein-files

From Jay Kelly to Wicked 2: the Oscar-primed films that fizzled this season
It was a great year for Sinners and One Battle After Another but films with megastars like George Clooney, Julia Roberts and The Rock all struggled
Benjamin Lee
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/feb/05/oscar-primed-films-that-fizzled

Craft beer has gone stale: let’s hear it for age-old favourites
Richard Godwin
https://www.theguardian.com/food/2026/feb/05/craft-beer-old-favourites-beer-richard-godwin

‘Do you love me?’: The Viking messages unearthed on Sweden’s rune stones (Paywalled?)
Matilda Welin
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20260202-the-viking-secrets-revealed-by-swedens-rune-stones

A Winter Olympics training ski crash and a graduation ceremony: photos of the day – Thursday
The Guardian’s picture editors select photographs from around the world
Arnel Hecimovic
https://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2026/feb/05/winter-olympics-training-ski-crash-graduation-ceremony-photos-of-the-day-thursday

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