Category Archives: Photography

2025.05.03

Once bitten, twice shy. But oft bitten? A Wisconsin man has been bitten by snakes hundreds of times. Often on purpose, it turns out. Tim Friede “began injecting himself with small doses of snake venom and then slowly increased the amount to try to build up tolerance. He would then let snakes bite him,” according to MPR News and Associated Press. Now scientists are studying his blood. Via MinnPost

‘Unparalleled’ snake antivenom made from man bitten 200 times
James Gallagher
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cr5d0l7el36o

World may be ‘post-herd immunity’ to measles, top US scientist says
As infections pummel communities in the US, Mexico and Canada, fear of ‘the most contagious human disease’ grows
Jessica Glenza
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/03/measles-post-herd-immunity

Could DNA testing shed new light on 93-year mystery of Lindbergh baby case?
A new lawsuit seeks to examine ransom notes linked to the 1932 kidnap and murder of the transatlantic aviator’s son
Edward Helmore
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/03/lindbergh-baby-case-dna-testing

‘Clothes can contain a lot of emotion’: How black men have used flamboyant fashion to express pride and resistance
Deborah Nicholls-Lee
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20250502-how-black-men-have-used-bold-fashion-as-resistance

From cassoulet in Carcassonne to patisseries in Paris – a tour of France in 10 classic dishes
France does many foods exceptionally well, but certain areas offer unique and exceptional culinary experiences. We select 10 delicacies and the best regions in which to try them
Carolyn Boyd
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2025/may/03/culinary-tour-of-france-french-food

The artichoke so prized that people sell fakes
Catherine Bennett
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20250502-the-artichoke-so-prized-that-people-sell-fakes

Ribbon cutting for ‘modern Asian mall’ at new Pan Asian Center in Maplewood planned for this weekend
Toua Xiong’s long-range redevelopment plan for former Sears and Macy’s stores includes retail, restaurants, offices, a spa and event center.
by Alfonzo Galva
https://sahanjournal.com/business-work/pan-asian-center-maplewood-mall-redevelopment/

My local Shuang Hur Supermarket’s meat guy retired. They’ve lost the duck roaster! The whole pig roaster! Ittsa calamity!
http://shuanghur.com/

2025.05.02

Elliot Hughes at the Star Tribune reports: “Jill Sobule, whose 1995 single “I Kissed a Girl” was the first song with openly gay themes to hit the Billboard Top 20, died Thursday morning in a house fire in Woodbury.” Via MinnPost
https://www.minnpost.com/glean/2025/05/i-kissed-a-girl-singer-killed-in-woodbury-house-fire/

Groundbreaking musician Jill Sobule dies in house fire
George Wright
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4g4l9nxjd0o

Trump officials gut 25 centers that monitor flooding and drought in the US
White House orders closure of USGS water science centers, which shares data with weather service for flood warnings
Tom Perkins
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/02/trump-administration-united-states-geological-service

Moldy food, used underwear: inside the US prisons where Trump is jailing immigrants
As Trump dramatically expands detention, immigrants are moved to notorious penitentiaries where they report horrific conditions
Sam Levin in Los Angeles
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/01/trump-immigrants-federal-prisons

Mummy mystery solved: ‘air-dried’ priest was embalmed via rectum
Method of preserving 18th-century Austrian vicar has never been seen before, say researchers
Nicola Davis Science correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/02/mummy-mystery-solved-air-dried-priest-was-embalmed-via-rectum

David Beckham at 50: his gorgeous, outrageous life in 50 pictures
One of the most photographed men in the world, he has gone from captain of the England football team to elder statesman. We look back at the red cards, redemption, scandals, fashion and family life
Tim Dowling on David Beckham at 50
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/may/02/david-beckham-at-50-his-gorgeous-outrageous-life-in-50-pictures

Archaeological project maps historic boat sheds on Isles of Scilly
‘Pilot gigs’ were crucial for islanders for centuries and 90 important sites housing the boats have been identified
Steven Morris
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/may/02/archaeological-project-maps-historic-boat-sheds-isles-of-scilly

‘Delicious seafood served with charm and ice-cold white wine’: readers’ favourite restaurants in France
From a hidden gem in Nice to a rustic revelation in Beaujolais and a bargain bistro in Brittany
Guardian readers
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2025/may/02/readers-favourite-restaurants-in-france

Thunderbolts* to Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning: 12 of the best films to watch this May
Nicholas Barber
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20250423-12-of-the-best-films-to-watch-in-may


Public Functionary launches free series by local filmmakers of color
Also this weekend: A community open mic honors elders at Indigenous Roots Cafe and a pop-up market at Eat Street Crossing features 26 local makers and six food vendors.
by Myah Goff
https://sahanjournal.com/arts-culture/twin-cities-things-to-do-film-screenings-open-mic-pop-up-market/

2025.05.01

Robert De Niro supports daughter Airyn as she comes out as trans: ‘I don’t know what the big deal is’
After her announcement of her transition, the actor said: ‘I loved and supported Aaron as my son, and now I love and support Airyn as my daughter’
Andrew Pulver
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/may/01/robert-de-niro-daughter-airyn-trans

Lawyers for New Orleans clergy abuse survivors ramp up pressure to depose archbishop
Lawyers for hundreds of survivors argue Gregory Aymond should be questioned under oath about role in the clergy abuse crisis
David Hammer of WWL Louisiana in New Orleans
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/01/new-orleans-clergy-abuse-archbishop

Justice department civil rights division loses 70% of lawyers under Trump
More than 250 lawyers have left or been reassigned since January as critics fear ‘end of the division as we’ve known it’
Sam Levine in New York
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/01/civil-rights-division-doj-trump

In the US, not even $11,000 a month can buy you dignity at the end of your life
After watching my father’s struggle in a system that values profit over compassion, I wonder: how much longer will we accept a future where most of us lose our sense of human worth in old age?
Laura Fraser
https://www.theguardian.com/society/ng-interactive/2025/may/01/nursing-home-assisted-living-costs-care

Shoes on at home or shoes off? If you care about your health, it’s a no-brainer
Polly Hudson
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/commentisfree/2025/apr/30/shoes-on-at-home-or-shoes-off-if-you-care-about-your-health-its-a-no-brainer

Trial aims to silence tinnitus before it takes hold
https://www.bbc.com/news/videos/cd02x42z0ndo

The Underground Railroad went all the way to Canada – and a new photo exhibit preserves that legacy
For an estimated 30,000 Black people, the journey from enslavement in the US ended north of the border
Adria R Walker
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/01/canada-underground-railroad

Tate Modern: 25 jaw-dropping and unforgettable moments from the first 25 years
When the gallery opened in 2000, it transformed the artistic life of Britain – and the world. We look back at spiders, splinters, sexual dependency and sunsets
By Dale Berning Sawa, Eddy Frankel, Tim Jonze, Charlotte Jansen, Oliver Wainwright and Evan Moffitt
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2025/may/01/tate-modern-25-jaw-dropping-and-unforgettable-moments-from-the-first-25-years

Dachshunds, kangaroos and a tortoise on the loose – take the Thursday quiz
Questions on general knowledge and topical trivia, plus a few jokes, every Thursday. How will you fare?
Martin Belam
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/may/01/the-guardian-thursday-quiz-general-knowledge-topical-news-trivia-208

That…: 10 of the best TV shows to watch this May
Caryn James
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20250429-10-of-the-best-tv-shows-to-watch-this-may

2025.04.22

Northfield residents warned of elevated levels of manganese in drinking water, advised to use bottled water or filter
Emily Baude KSTP
https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/northfield-residents-warned-of-elevated-levels-of-manganese-in-drinking-water-advised-to-use-bottled-water-or-filter/

Rice crisis: Japan imports grain from South Korea for first time in more than 25 years
Japanese consumers who used to treat foreign-grown rice with scepticism have been forced to develop a taste for it amid domestic shortage
Justin McCurry in Tokyo
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/22/japan-south-korea-rice-import-crisis

Experts talk realism of Conclave movie: ‘Gets a lot of the details right’
After the death of Pope Francis, experts weigh in on how much the real-life papal election will mirror the hit Oscar-winning movie
Adrian Horton
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/apr/22/conclave-movie-pope-francis

How an American businessman lost his job and found himself in an old French vineyard
One day, life as a finance consultant stopped making sense for Peter Hahn, so he took to organic winegrowing in the Loire instead
Genevieve Fox
https://www.theguardian.com/food/2025/apr/22/how-an-american-businessman-lost-his-job-and-found-himself-in-an-old-french-vineyard

US to impose tariffs of up to 3,521% on south-east Asia solar panels
Ahead of a global summit in London comes a warning that lessons on energy security have not been learned
Julia Kollewe
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/apr/22/us-huge-tariffs-south-east-asian-solar-panels-energy-summit

Gold hits $3,500 for first time as US dollar sinks to three-year low
With many stock markets in the red and Dow Jones headed for worst April since 1932, gold could even reach $4,000
Julia Kollewe and Graeme Wearden
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/apr/22/gold-hits-3500-us-dollar-sinks-three-year-low-stock-markets

Ex-US senator’s wife convicted in gold bars bribery scheme
Brandon Drenon
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c70zlj8dpn8o

Show us your mussels! A mouthwatering trip to Vigo, Spain’s seafood capital
The Galician city on the Atlantic coast has the EU’s largest fishing port, which provides its many bars and restaurants with a spectacular trawl of oysters, clams and mussels
Fiona Dunlop
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2025/apr/22/food-trip-to-vigo-galicia-spain-seafood-capital

The extraordinary rise of bakery tourism: ‘People travel from all over the world. It’s mind-blowing!’
Beer crawls are out and bakery crawls are in, with people arranging whole days, weekends or even holidays around the search for the perfect loaf or croissant
Chris Marshall
https://www.theguardian.com/food/2025/apr/22/the-extraordinary-rise-of-bakery-tourism

2025 Sony World Photography Awards: Winners revealed

2025.04.20

‘It blew us away’: how an asteroid may have delivered the vital ingredients for life on Earth
Extraterrestrial rocks, recently delivered by a space probe, could answer the big questions about alien lifeforms and human existence
Robin McKie Science Editor
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/apr/20/it-blew-us-away-how-an-asteroid-may-have-delivered-the-vital-ingredients-for-life-on-earth

The big picture: Wolfgang Tillmans’s tender image of two boys off the coast of Denmark
The German photographer captures a moment of tranquility one Scandinavian summer
Emily LaBarge
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2025/apr/20/the-big-picture-wolfgang-tillmans-ocean

The Fighting Temeraire: Why JMW Turner’s greatest painting is so misunderstood
Matt Wilson
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20250415-jmw-turner-at-250-why-his-greatest-painting-the-fighting-temeraire-is-so-misunderstood

‘Why be toxic?’: Russell T Davies hits back at claims Doctor Who too woke
Screenwriter says he has no time for ‘online warriors’ criticising show, which now has two minority ethnic leads
Hannah Al-Othman North of England correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/apr/17/russell-t-davies-hits-back-at-claims-doctor-who-too-woke

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