Category Archives: Photography

2025.04.12

Is Minnesota about to finally launch its legal marijuana market? New regulations are set to be published on Monday, according to Office of Cannabis Management spokesperson Josh Collins. Via the Minnesota Star Tribune. Via MinnPost

Tuberculosis could end if there’s more US public health funding, experts say
Resurgence could be on horizon as outbreaks pick up speed in US and abroad amid public health program cuts
Melody Schreiber

How climate change is supercharging pollen allergies
Amanda Ruggeri

The mystery of why some people develop ALS
Sarah Pitt

Boarding passes and check-in could be scrapped in air travel shake-up
Facial recognition and a ‘journey pass’ stored on passengers’ phones are part of UN-backed plans to digitise air transport
Sammy Gecsoyler

‘Fika has become more expensive’: rising coffee prices affect a Swedish tradition
Swedes are stockpiling supplies of the drink amid cost hikes, with some saying the coffee culture is changing
Miranda Bryant in Stockholm

The science behind the perfect cup of coffee: everything you need to know, from grind size to roast
New research on the optimal pour height this week adds another layer to the quest for caffeinated perfection
Esther Addley

Epic win: why the Odyssey is having a moment
With new translations, a film starring Ralph Fiennes and a Christopher Nolan blockbuster on the way, Homer’s saga about a soldier’s return from battle speaks to our times in unexpected ways
Charlotte Higgins

‘Really important stories’: What nine rare 1800s photos reveal about US history
Deborah Nicholls-Lee

Why Icelanders are happier than ever
Lindsey Galloway

2025.04.11

Jp Lawrence at the Star Tribune reports: “A teacher and youth sports coach in New Ulm, Minn., was sentenced to six years in federal prison after he pleaded guilty last year to a charge he shared videos of child sexual abuse.” Via MinnPost

MPR News’ Elizabeth Shockman reports: “Lawmakers last year ordered required training for school resource officers, a decision rooted in the 2020 police killing of George Floyd. A recent training session in St. Michael – the first of its kind in Minnesota – offered a glimpse of life in schools that’s real but rarely discussed.”
Via MinnPost

The Strib’s Christopher Magan reports: “A melee outside the Franklin Library in Minneapolis involving contract security guards and an Indigenous man, who was banned from the facility, has activists and a county commissioner calling for the security firm’s removal.”
Via MinnPost

Cosmic visions, Edwardian bling and Middle Eastern monuments – the week in art
Ravishing photos of space, glittering images of a golden age and Ali Cherri’s archaeological sculpture – all in your weekly dispatch
Jonathan Jones

DIY Dubai chocolate: Ravneet Gill’s recipe for crunchy pistachio chocolate
Our baker’s take on the viral bar is made with vermicelli pastry, dark chocolate and white chocolate pistachio cream. It’s simple. Just chill!
Ravneet Gill

2025.04.06

Ang Lee’s Film Festival talk highlights local-global movie connections
Filmmaker’s work with ‘Brokeback Mountain’ producer and Minnesota native Bill Pohlad led to this weekend’s Minneapolis appearance.
by Nick Kouhi
https://www.minnpost.com/arts-culture/film/2025/04/ang-lees-film-festival-talk-highlights-local-global-movie-connections/

Exclusive: how the Atlantic’s Jeffrey Goldberg got added to the White House Signal group chat
Internal investigation cleared the national security adviser Mike Waltz, but the mistake was months in the making
Hugo Lowell in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/06/signal-group-chat-leak-how-it-happened

‘False teacher’: Trump’s pick to head the ‘White House faith office’ roils some fellow Christians
Paula White, a millionaire televangelist who speaks in tongues, was criticized for an alleged cash-for-blessings scheme
Adam Gabbatt
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/05/paula-white-faith-office-trump

Doge’s attack on social security causing ‘complete, utter chaos’, staff says
Understaffed agency sent into ‘death spiral’ as employees warn Musk-led cuts will lead to structural collapse
Michael Sainato
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/06/musk-doge-social-security

Senate approves Republican plan for trillions in tax breaks and spending cuts
Vote fell mostly along party lines and now goes to the House, where it could be voted on as soon as next week
Associated Press
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/05/senate-republicans-trillions-tax-breaks-spending-cuts

Second child reportedly dies of measles in Texas amid growing outbreak
US health and human services department confirmed death but insisted the exact cause is under investigation
Ramon Antonio Vargas
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/06/texas-measles-death-child

A White Lotus actor’s guide to Thailand
Mayra Peralta
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20250225-a-white-lotus-actors-guide-to-thailand

Anti-Trump protests hit cities worldwide – in pictures
Thousands of ‘Hands Off’ protesters – in the US and across major European cities – took to the streets on Saturday in a show of defiance
Diana Ramirez-Simon
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/gallery/2025/apr/05/anti-trump-hands-off-worldwide-protests

2025.04.02

I see the bad moon a-risin’
I see depression on the way
I see earthquakes and lightnin’
I see bad times today:

Erica Zurek at MPR News reports: “The Minnesota Department of Health announced layoffs and reductions in public health services on Tuesday due to cuts in federal funding.” Via MinnPost

US health agency layoffs gut mine safety, infertility and smoking programs
Thousands lost jobs as sweeping cuts reshape public health, leaving experts and lawmakers scrambling
Jessica Glenza and Marina Dunbar
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/02/hhs-cdc-fda-layoffs

From CCX Media: “The Robbinsdale Area School District has announced plans to lay off more than 200 of its employees as it struggles with a $21 million budget deficit.” Via MinnPost

Ian Russell at KARE 11 reports: “For roughly a year and a half now, meals at many schools in Minnesota have been free for all. At the State Capitol Tuesday, some lawmakers pushed to alter who qualifies.” Via MinnPost

Israel announces intention to seize large areas of Gaza Strip in major escalation
Defence minister Israel Katz says seized land ‘will be added to the state of Israel’s security areas’
Bethan McKernan in Jerusalem
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/02/israel-announces-intention-seize-large-areas-gaza-strip

US supreme court weighs restricting Medicaid payments to ‘defund’ Planned Parenthood
In first abortion-related case since Trump win, court to consider clinics’ acceptance of low-income insurance
Carter Sherman
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/02/planned-parenthood-medicaid-us-supreme-court

New Orleans clergy abuse survivors say they’ve lost confidence in case’s judge
Comments come after it was revealed judge ignored DoJ recommendations against expelling survivors from panel
Ramon Antonio Vargas and David Hammer of WWL Louisiana
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/02/new-orleans-clergy-abuse-survivors-judge

Scandal-hit creative writing website NaNoWriMo to close after 20 years
The US nonprofit, whose online community encouraged members to write a novel in a month, has been rocked by controversy in recent years
Ella Creamer
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/apr/02/creative-writing-nanowrimo-to-close-after-20-years

Neil Young says he may be barred from returning to US over Donald Trump criticism
The US-Canadian dual citizen speculates he may be ‘barred or put in jail to sleep on a cement floor’ after his European tour, after years of speaking against Trump
Michael Sun
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/apr/02/neil-young-fears-us-ban-donald-trump-criticism

Basquiat to Delaney: inside the exhibition honouring 50 years of art in Black Paris
The vast show at the Pompidou highlights how the French capital became a haven for creatives from across the diaspora
Jason Okundaye
https://www.theguardian.com/news/2025/apr/02/basquiat-delaney-inside-exhibition-honouring-50-years-art-black-paris-pompidou

Two near lifesize sculptures found during excavations of Pompeii tomb
The detailed relics were found in a necropolis and experts believe the woman depicted could have been an important priestess
Angela Giuffrida in Rome
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/01/two-near-lifesize-sculptures-found-during-excavations-of-pompeii-tomb

Hot-air balloons and spring sunshine: photos of the day – Wednesday
Hot-air balloons in the air during the annual hot-air balloon festival, held since 1950 to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the Islamic holiday marking the end of Ramadan, in Central Java. Photograph: Devi Rahman/AFP/Getty Images
Matt Fidler
https://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2025/apr/02/spring-sunshine-and-hot-air-balloons-photos-of-the-day-wednesday

2025.03.31

Judge disregarded bankruptcy trustee’s recommendation and punished New Orleans clergy abuse survivors
Molestation survivors were removed from committee in settlement talks after lawyer was accused of improperly identifying school chaplain as child sexual abuser
Ramon Antonio Vargas and David Hammer of WWL Louisiana in New Orleans
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/31/new-orleans-archdiocese-child-sex-abuse-settlement

US Bank vice-chair Terry Dolan believed to be on board crashed plane in Minnesota
Authorities still confirming identity of those on board fallen aircraft that crashed in Brooklyn Park on Saturday
Guardian staff and agencies
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/31/terry-dolan-us-bank-plane-crash-minnesota

Hundreds of thousands of Canadians face power outages due to ice storm
More than 300,000 without power as storm, expected to continue overnight, pummels Ottawa, Quebec and Ontario
Reuters
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/30/canada-ontario-ottawa-quebec-power-outage

The Danish island of seaweed cottages, salt and seafood
The remote North Sea isle of Læsø is world-famous for the gastronomic delights that come from its waters – so the best way to explore it is in waders
Ailsa Sheldon
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2025/mar/31/denamrk-island-laeso-seaweed-cottages-salt-and-seafood

The most beautiful village in England: how Bibury became a victim of its charm
Once a tranquil haven in the Cotswolds, Bibury now grapples with overtourism as hordes of selfie-snapping visitors pour into its narrow lanes
Jamie Grierson
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/mar/30/the-most-beautiful-village-in-england-how-bibury-became-a-victim-of-its-charm

William Morris designs out in the wild – in pictures
Kathryn Bromwich
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/gallery/2025/mar/29/william-morris-designs-out-in-the-wild-in-pictures

‘This is the information age’: How Microsoft founder Bill Gates mapped out the new internet era back in 1993
Greg McKevitt
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20250327-how-bill-gates-predicted-our-it-age-back-in-1993

2025.03.29

MinnPost News Quiz
https://www.minnpost.com/news-quiz/

Esme Murphy at WCCO News writes the proposed cut to Medicaid in Minnesota is $1.5 billion a year from an annual budget that, as of 2024, stands at roughly $18 billion. 1.3 million Minnesotans rely on Medicaid for their health care, 40% of Minnesota kids depend on it and, when it comes to nursing homes, 55% of nursing home residents rely entirely on Medicaid. Via MinnPost

Christopher Snowbeck at the Star Tribune is reporting UnitedHealth Group has scrubbed mentions of diversity, equity and inclusion goals from parts of its corporate website, including a page on careers and company culture that formerly included a dedicated section on DEI. Via MinnPost

Ya missed it?
Skygazers gather across northern hemisphere to glimpse partial solar eclipse
Eclipse peaked in London at about 11am on Saturday and was visible in parts of UK between about 10am and noon
Hayden Vernon
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/mar/29/skygazers-gather-northern-hemisphere-glimpse-partial-solar-eclipse

From Greenland to Europe and Senegal: the partial solar eclipse – in pictures
The moon partly obscured the sun during an phenomenon that could be seen across the northern hemisphere
Lizzie Tucker
https://www.theguardian.com/science/gallery/2025/mar/29/from-greenland-to-europe-and-senegal-the-partial-solar-eclipse-in-pictures

Top US vaccine official resigns over RFK Jr’s ‘misinformation and lies’
Dr Peter Marks was seen as a guardrail against any future politicisation of the FDA’s approval of life-saving vaccines
Stephanie Kirchgaessner in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/29/top-us-vaccine-official-resigns-over-rfk-jrs-misinformation-and-lies-dr-peter-marks

Nearly 500 confirmed cases of measles across 19 US states, says CDC
Government reports largest outbreak is in Texas, and 70 people across US needing hospitalization
Guardian staff and agency
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/28/measles-cases-us-cdc

Myanmar earthquake: death toll passes 1,600 as search for survivors continues
Aid agencies warn of ‘extremely difficult’ response amid Myanmar’s continuing civil war with true scale of disaster yet to emerge
Rebecca Ratcliffe in Bangkok, Esther J and agencies
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/29/myanmar-earthquake-death-toll-rises-to-almost-700-as-search-for-survivors-continues

‘Our town looks like a collapsed city’: Myanmar earthquake – in pictures
The death toll is expected to rise after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake devastated Myanmar and brought down a high rise building in the capital of Thailand. Its epicentre was about 11 miles (17.2km) from Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city
Mike Hohnen
https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2025/mar/29/our-town-looks-like-a-collapsed-city-myanmar-earthquake-in-pictures

Fears for Bagan’s towering Buddhist temples after Myanmar earthquake
City is close to Sagaing faultline and monuments were significantly damaged after the last earthquake in 2016
Kevin Rushby
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/28/fears-for-fate-of-bagans-towering-buddhist-temples-after-myanmar-earthquake

‘The physics community has never split like this’: row erupts over plans for new Large Hadron Collider
Ambitious project could soak up funding for subatomic physics for decades, say opponents
Robin McKie, Science Editor
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/mar/29/the-physics-community-has-never-split-like-this-row-erupts-over-plans-for-new-large-hadron-collider

New drug for lower back pain could be ‘a gamechanger’
Exclusive: early stage trials of drug that uses antibiotics finds benefits for people whose pain is caused by infection
Denis Campbell Health policy editor
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/mar/28/new-drug-for-lower-back-pain-could-be-a-gamechanger

Alarm as Florida Republicans move to fill deported workers’ jobs with children: ‘It’s insane, right?’
Governor Ron DeSantis leads push to loosen child labor laws as immigration crackdown leads to workforce shortage
Richard Luscombe in Miami
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/29/florida-republicans-immigrant-jobs-child-labor

Gold leaf and Gatsby: Brussels lays claim to birth of art deco with year of celebrations
Throughout 2025, the Belgian capital is marking 100 years of the movement with events, exhibitions and film screenings
Jennifer Rankin in Brussels
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2025/mar/29/gold-leaf-and-gatsby-brussels-lays-claim-to-birth-of-art-deco-with-year-of-celebrations

Where cider houses rule in Spain: a tour of Asturias
Loved by the Spanish but less known in the UK, the region is recognised by Unesco for its centuries-old cider culture – and has plenty more to offer
Alyssa McMurtry in Oviedo
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2025/mar/29/where-cider-houses-rule-in-spain-a-tour-of-asturias

Meera Sodha: ‘I’m thrilled to have new ingredients in the kitchen’
Our cook on why she’s changing the way she writes her recipes
Meera Sodha
https://www.theguardian.com/food/2025/mar/29/meera-sodha-im-thrilled-to-have-new-ingredients-in-the-kitchen

The return of Sicily’s ancient ‘white gold’
Vittoria Traverso
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20250328-the-return-of-sicilys-ancient-white-gold

2025.03.25

You go to war with the clown car you have, not the clown car you might want or wish to have at a later time.
Stunning Signal leak reveals depths of Trump administration’s loathing of Europe
Andrew Roth in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/25/stunning-signal-leak-reveals-depths-of-trump-administrations-loathing-of-europe

‘They chose the billionaire’: Tim Walz returns to Minnesota as part of redemption tour
The former Democratic VP nominee’s tours around the US and vows to ‘bring revenge’ against Republicans
Rachel Leingang in Rochester, Minnesota
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/24/tim-walz-democrat-tour-minnesota

Nathan Lane says ‘homophobia is alive and well’ in Hollywood
In a Vanity Fair interview The Producers and The Birdcage star claimed that being an out gay actor cost him roles in his career
Andrew Pulver
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/mar/25/nathan-lane-says-homophobia-is-alive-and-well-in-hollywood

Iron age hoard found in North Yorkshire could change Britain’s history
More than 800 objects unearthed near Melsonby show the north was ‘definitely not a backwater’ 2,000 years ago
Mark Brown North of England correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/mar/25/iron-age-hoard-melsonby-north-yorkshire

The magical medieval tale revealed by a hi-tech camera
Donna Ferguson
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250324-the-magical-medieval-tale-revealed-by-a-100000-dollar-camera

Nasa rover discovers largest organic compounds yet found on Mars
Presence of long-chain alkanes in rock raises new questions about possible existence of life billions of years ago
Ian Sample Science editor
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/mar/24/nasa-curiosity-rover-mars-long-chain-alkanes-rock-sample-discovery

The image that changed our view of the Universe forever
https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0l039dj/the-image-that-changed-our-view-of-the-universe-forever

Stamp fanatic professor stole 3,000 items from Scotland’s national archive
Academic who died in 1987 is thought to be responsible for documents that vanished over a 30-year period
Libby Brooks Scotland correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/mar/25/stamp-fanatic-professor-stole-3000-items-from-scotlands-national-archive

Callooh! Callay!
US postmaster general resigns with immediate effect
Louis DeJoy led dramatic effort to restructure the US postal service over past five years
Reuters
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/24/postmaster-general-louis-dejoy-resigns

Tokyo court orders dissolution of ‘Moonies’ Unification church
Assassination of former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe spurred official request for closure of South Korea-based sect
Associated Press in Tokyo
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/25/tokyo-court-orders-dissolution-of-moonies-unification-church

Glasgow demolitions and a Gaza umbrella: photos of the weekend
Elena Goodinson
https://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2025/mar/23/glasgow-demolitions-gaza-umbrella-photos-of-the-weekend

Most Britons do not know scale of UK’s involvement in slavery, survey finds
Vast majority unaware how many people were enslaved and for how long, although poll finds support for reparations is rising
Chris Osuh Community affairs correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/25/most-britons-do-not-know-scale-of-uks-involvement-in-slavery-survey-finds

2025.03.20

The Pioneer Press’ Steve Karnowski reports: “A jury found the alleged ringleader of a massive pandemic fraud case in Minnesota guilty on all counts Wednesday for her role in a scheme that federal prosecutors say stole $250 million from a program meant to feed children in need.” Via MinnPost

Ah, spring and the sweet smell of stadium subsidies in the open air:
Frederick Melo at the Pioneer Press reports: “Calling the home of the Minnesota Wild vital to the future of its downtown, the city of St. Paul will ask state lawmakers to cover half the cost of what’s being pitched as a $769 million, top-to-bottom renovation of the Xcel Energy Center and St. Paul RiverCentre, with the hockey team covering 30% and St. Paul splitting the remaining 20% of the price with Ramsey County.”

Where do swear words come from?

Where do swear words come from?

Don’t call it zombie deer disease’: scientists warn of ‘global crisis’ as infections spread across the US
A contagious, fatal illness in deer, elk and moose has taken hold in the US and is now reaching other countries. While it has not infected humans yet, the risk is growing
Todd Wilkinson in Yellowstone national park, US
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/mar/20/chronic-wasting-disease-spread-zombie-deer-global-us-aoe

Dark energy: mysterious cosmic force appears to be weakening, say scientists
Findings could open up possibility the universe will end in a reverse big bang or ‘big crunch’, say cosmologists
Hannah Devlin Science correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/mar/19/dark-energy-mysterious-cosmic-force-weakening-universe-expansion

‘It’s beautiful, don’t you think?’ The urban miners unearthing treasure in Belgium’s homes and garages
As the historic town of Leuven strives to become carbon neutral, it is transforming how its building are made – and demolished. Are there lessons for the rest of the world?
Oliver Balch
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/mar/19/its-beautiful-dont-you-think-the-urban-miners-unearthing-treasure-in-belgiums-homes-and-garages

Tesla’s challenges run deeper than ‘toxic’ controversy around Elon Musk
Theo Leggett
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz61vwjel2zo

Financial Times Analysis: $1.4 Billion of Tesla Assets “Appear to have gone astray”
by Citizen Earth
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2025/3/19/2311341/-Financial-Times-Analysis-1-4-Billion-of-Tesla-Assets-Appear-to-have-gone-astray?pm_campaign=front_page&pm_source=trending&pm_medium=web

‘The melodramatic penis’: How The White Lotus reveals the hidden codes of male nudity on screen
Laura Martin
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20250319-why-on-screen-male-nudity-is-still-rare-and-taboo

A local expert’s guide to seeing the most beautiful tulips in the Netherlands
Eva Sandoval
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20240330-a-local-experts-guide-to-seeing-the-most-beautiful-tulips-in-the-netherlands

At Squirrel Haus Arts donated space: Karen E.Cooper, author, historian and Friends member, will present a free talk sponsored by Friends of Minnehaha Park.
More Famous than Niagara:
Minnehaha Falls in the 1850s
Thursday, March 20
6:00pm—7:30pm
Squirrel Haus Arts
3450 Snelling Ave, Minneapolis
https://www.squirrelhausarts.com/events

2025.03.14

Walz to tour red districts where GOP is too scared to face constituents by Walter Einenkel https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2025/3/13/2309950/-Walz-to-tour-red-districts-where-GOP-is-too-scared-to-face-constituent?pm_campaign=front_page&pm_source=top_news_slot_7&pm_medium=web

Shocker! Former Trump crony has been indicted for child sex crimes by Alex Samuels https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2025/3/13/2309952/-Shocker-Former-Trump-crony-has-been-indicted-for-child-sex-crimes?pm_campaign=front_page&pm_source=top_news_slot_8&pm_medium=web

ARTS & CULTURE Teatro del Pueblo celebrates a Broadway legacy with ‘Voces Latinas’ Also this weekend: a Latina art exhibit at CLUES Art Gallery, a Holi celebration at Midtown Global Market and a chance to help shape a Pan-African Museum in St. Paul by Myah Goff https://sahanjournal.com/arts-culture/twin-cities-things-to-do-teatro-del-pueblo-holi-fest-clues/

Freeloader Friday: 91 Free Things To Do This Weekend
St. Pat’s Day parties, band jams, a meat raffle, and more.
By Jessica Armbruster
https://racketmn.com/freeloader-friday-91-free-things-to-do-this-weekend-5

The Woman’s Club of Minneapolis May Be Closed by Summer
Plus feds defund the schools, celebrating Front Row Paul, and a skyway-walkin’ birthday in today’s Flyover news roundup.
By Keith Harris
https://racketmn.com/the-womans-club-of-minneapolis-may-be-closed-by-summer

Survivor who ignited US Catholic church’s reckoning with abuse killed in Louisiana
Scott Anthony Gastal, who at age 11 had testified in court in the 1980s that his priest had raped him, was beaten to death
Ramon Antonio Vargas
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/14/church-abuse-survivor-louisiana-killed

‘It’s an extremely sexy story’: How the legendary tale of ‘rebel’ saint Mary of Egypt became a medieval blockbuster
Donna Ferguson
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20250313-how-the-legendary-tale-of-rebel-saint-mary-of-egypt-became-a-medieval-blockbuster

‘It’s human conceit to think we’re alone’: life must extend beyond Earth, leading space scientist says
Exclusive: It is imperative humans expand their understanding of space, argues Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock
Nicola Davis Science correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/mar/14/life-must-extend-beyond-earth-leading-space-scientist-says

Meanwhile, back here on Earth: Fatberg weighing 30,000kg is pulled from a sewer in Western Australia
The blockage – thought to be the state’s biggest ever – was discovered at a wastewater facility during routine maintenance
Rafqa Touma
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/14/fatberg-weighing-30000kg-is-pulled-from-a-sewer-in-western-australia

Baby wombat grabber Sam Jones leaves Australia after intense backlash including from PM and immigration minister
Montana-based hunting influencer flies out of Australia on Friday after home affairs minister said he couldn’t ‘wait to see the back of this individual’
Graham Readfearn
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/mar/14/sam-jones-baby-wombat-australia-backlash-leaving-australia

Holi celebrations and a lunar eclipse: photos of the day – Friday
Girls are smeared with coloured powder during Holi celebrations in Kolkata, India. Photograph: Dibyangshu Sarkar/AFP/Getty Images
The Guardian’s picture editors select photographs from around the world
https://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2025/mar/14/holi-celebrations-lunar-eclipse-photos-of-the-day-friday

Take your pic! Sony world photography open award winners – in pictures
Feasting polar bears, flying octopuses and gadgets galore – these stunning images won in their category at this year’s awards
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2025/mar/13/sony-world-photography-open-award-winners-in-pictures

Om Ali: An ‘unforgettable’ sweet with a sinister history
Soumya Gayatri
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20250312-om-ali-an-unforgettable-sweet-with-a-sinister-history

2025.03.01

Future of George Floyd Square divides community, city leaders five years after murder
Some community members want the intersection turned into a pedestrian plaza, others want it to remain open to car traffic to help support nearby businesses.
by Katrina Pross
https://sahanjournal.com/public-safety/george-floyd-square-development-minneapolis-city-council/

Kennedy Jr backtracks and says US measles outbreak is now a ‘top priority’ for health department
Health secretary earlier said outbreak was ‘not unusual’ but with first US measles death in decade steps up response
Guardian staff and agencies
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/01/kennedy-jr-measles-outbreak-health-department

Email shows that Musk ally is moving to close office behind free tax filing program at IRS
Program is apparently being closed according to email from former Tesla engineer installed in GSA
Nick Robins-Early
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/01/musk-close-irs-free-filing-system

Tortured death of trans man in western New York echoes notorious 90s killing
Seven people have been arrested over ‘horrific’ death of Sam Nordquist, 24. A similar case in Wyoming once helped fuel the LGBTQ+ rights movement
Edward Helmore
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/01/sam-nordquist-killing-matthew-shepard

‘I was in shock’: DC gallery pulls exhibits of Black and LGBTQ+ artists amid Trump DEI crackdown
Art Museum of the Americas’ abrupt cancellation after anti-diversity order is ‘how fascism unfolds’, curator says
David Smith in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/01/art-museum-of-americas-exhibit-trump-dei

Holidays at a one-time Communist luxury beach haven? Yugoslav resort built for Tito to rise from ruins
Revolutionary leader’s derelict Adriatic getaway is on verge of a new life after starring in Kate Winslet film and hit Mr Beast YouTube video
Kim Willsher in Kupari
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/01/communist-tito-yugoslav-adriatic-luxury-beach-resort

‘I don’t know whether I’d describe it as fun’: Aimee Lou Wood on the intensity of making The White Lotus
She is the Sex Education star now stealing the show in Mike White’s hit series and about to appear in a gritty new Netflix drama. It’s all she ever wanted – but somehow, this ‘sad and shy’ actor finds folding the washing more rewarding than fame
Zoe Williams
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2025/mar/01/i-dont-know-whether-id-describe-it-as-fun-aimee-lou-wood-on-the-intensity-of-making-the-white-lotus

From Unforgiven to The Firm: Guardian writers pick their favourite Gene Hackman movies
After the death of the esteemed actor, writers highlight their favourite movies from a long and varied career
‘He let us hate him’: Gene Hackman had a rare power – he didn’t need to be liked
Radheyan Simonpillai, Andrew Pulver, Benjamin Lee, Charles Bramesco, Andrew Lawrence, Pamela Hutchinson, Scott Tobias and Jesse Hassenger
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/mar/01/from-unforgiven-to-the-firm-guardian-writers-pick-their-favourite-gene-hackman-movies

Melek Erdal’s recipes for börek cake and yoghurt soup
Greek and Turkish flavours flourish in a spinach and feta filo pie and yoghurt and spinach soup with fried bulgur dumplings
Melek Erdal
https://www.theguardian.com/food/2025/mar/01/borek-cake-and-yoghurt-soup-recipes-melek-erdal

Tickled pink: rhubarb growers see explosion in demand for Yorkshire crop
Despite wet weather hitting yields, supermarkets are reporting a doubling in rhubarb sales compared to last year
Robyn Vinter North of England correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/food/2025/mar/01/tickled-pink-rhubarb-growers-see-explosion-in-demand-for-yorkshire-crop

Sydney Mardi Gras parade 2025 – in pictures
All the colour, costume and camp of the 47th edition of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
Jim Powell
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/gallery/2025/mar/01/sydney-mardi-gras-parade-2025-in-pictures