Category Archives: Photography

2026.03.02

More than 250 Minnesota National Guard members are currently serving in the Middle East amid the the U.S. and Israel’s attacks on Iran. In response to a KARE 11 inquiry, a guard spokesperson did not release their locations but said the troops are “grateful for the strong support of those back home.” The Minnesota National Guard units hail from Duluth, Marshall and Stillwater.
https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/mn-national-guard-in-iran-attacks-continue/89-d22e34f2-8983-4d17-badb-22b0160c8597

The Pioneer Press reported the beaver expert in the new Pixar movie “Hoppers” is a nod to a University of Minnesota beaver expert who helped the film producers learn about beavers.
https://www.twincities.com/2026/03/01/emily-fairfax-umn-beaver-expert-hoppers-pixar/

Thousands flee Beirut and southern Lebanon amid Israeli strikes: what we know so far on day three of the Iran war
Middle East conflict spreads as Hezbollah attacks Israel, prompting strikes on Beirut; oil prices soar; drone hits UK base in Cyprus
Guardian staff
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/02/thousands-flee-beirut-and-southern-lebanon-amid-israeli-strikes-what-we-know-so-far-on-day-three-of-the-iran-war

Private jet prices soar as wealthy scramble to leave Dubai
People drive to Oman and Saudi in hope of a flight, while most tourists stay stuck in hotels and on cruise ships
Pjotr Sauer, Lorenzo Tondo in Palermo and Kate Connolly in Berlin
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/02/dubai-private-jet-prices-soar-tourists-stuck-wealthy-leave

Middle East crisis pushes up oil prices – and could drive inflation rises too
Heather Stewart Economics editor
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/mar/02/middle-east-crisis-oil-prices-inflation-us-iran-interest-rates-growth

As measles spreads in South Carolina, RFK Jr’s allies work to gut vaccine laws
Activists who dispute safety of vaccines are pushing to limit immunization requirements in schools
Michelle R Smith
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/02/measles-south-carolina-rfk-jr-vaccine-laws

The Democrat who schools Republicans – ‘I would say do more of that’
Isaiah Martin’s videos have gone viral – he thinks his party should follow his lead and stand up to Republican excess
Adam Gabbatt
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/01/isaiah-martin-democrats-republicans

The UK has arrested high-profile figures connected to Jeffrey Epstein. Will the US?
In contrast with the takedowns of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Peter Mandelson, US consequences have been limited to resignations and apologies
Victoria Bekiempis
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/02/jeffrey-epstein-uk-us-arrests

Rijksmuseum reveals painting to be early work by Rembrandt
17th-century Dutch master’s Vision of Zacharias in the Temple to go on display this week
Senay Boztas in Amsterdam
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2026/mar/02/rijksmuseum-painting-early-work-rembrandt-van-rijn-amsterdam

‘I’m dying for the day heterosexuals have to come out’: Catherine Opie and her astonishing shots of queer America
Famed for having a child’s drawing of a family carved into her back, the photographer has devoted her life to queer America, from endurance swimmers to drag artists to her son in a tutu. Now she’s finally getting a major UK show
Emma Brockes
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2026/mar/02/catherine-opie-photographer-queer-america-drag-pink-tutu

Stardew Valley at 10: the anticapitalist game that cures burnout and inspires queer art
Since 2016, the cosy, inclusive, non-heteronormative escapism of the beloved farming sim has inspired a community of devoted fans, and helped it shift 50m units
Jordan Erica Webber
https://www.theguardian.com/games/2026/mar/02/stardew-valley-at-10-the-anticapitalist-game-that-cures-burnout-and-inspires-queer-art

My search for the perfect brown bar in Amsterdam
I swerved the tourist traps and went on a bar crawl of the city’s bruine kroegen, the cosy, dimly lit pubs that are the Netherlands’ ‘surrogate living rooms’
Ben West
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2026/mar/02/my-search-for-the-perfect-brown-bar-in-amsterdam

Rare ‘blood moon’ total lunar eclipse to loom over North America, Australia and New Zealand
Eclipse will feature a deep, coppery-red full moon on 3 March, with scientists predicting the best times to see it
Ima Caldwell
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/mar/02/blood-moon-total-lunar-eclipse-2026-march-3-full-worm-what-date-time-australia-america

2026.03.01

Trump’s current war on Iran picks up where a longstanding enmity left off
Robert Tait in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/01/trump-us-iran-war-history

Hundreds of thousands of travellers stranded or diverted by airspace closures in Middle East
Chaos as key transit hubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha close, and more than 1,000 flights by major Middle Eastern airlines cancelled
Mark Sweney and agencies
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/01/hundreds-of-thousands-of-travellers-stranded-or-diverted-amid-air-space-closures-in-middle-east

Trump’s Iran strike tests the Maga vow of ‘no more wars’
David Smith in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/01/trump-iran-strike-maga-war-promise

What the US–Israeli strikes on Iran mean for the price of oil
Effective closure of the strait of Hormuz could spell trouble for many developed economies
Jillian Ambrose Energy correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/mar/01/us-israel-strikes-iran-oil-price

‘We thought it was fireworks’: Dubai’s luxury seekers shaken by Iranian missiles
Authorities seek to reassure visitors after tourists at five-star resorts had to shelter in underground car parks
Pjotr Sauer
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/01/dubai-missile-drone-attack-iran-us-israel-war-middle-east

Outcry grows over ‘clown car’ cabinet but no sign Trump ready for shakeup
Antics of RFK Jr, Kristi Noem and others prompt derision – could their erratic behaviour prove president’s undoing?
David Smith in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/01/trump-cabinet-rfjk-jr

US moving pregnant immigrant girls to Texas to avoid providing abortions, critics say
Ex-official calls transfer of unaccompanied girls as young as 13, many pregnant due to rape, a human rights violation
Melody Schreiber
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/01/pregnant-immigrant-children-texas-abortion

Austin bar shooting leaves three people dead and 14 wounded, police say
Police confronted man with gun at popular beer garden and then ‘returned fire, killing the suspect’
Associated Press
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/01/texas-bar-shooting

Shia LaBeouf blames ‘small man complex’ for alleged assaults and homophobic slurs
Transformers film franchise star says ‘big gay people are scary’ to him in interview and he doesn’t want to go to rehab
Ramon Antonio Vargas in New Orleans
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/mar/01/shia-labeouf-alleged-assaults-homophobic-slurs

Missiles in the Middle East and lunar new year celebrations: photos of the weekend
The Guardian’s picture editors select photographs from around the world
https://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2026/mar/01/missiles-middle-east-iran-israel-strikes-lunar-new-year-weekend-photos

2026.02.27

ICE

ICE won’t be at polling places in 2026 election, Trump administration official says
Election officials had feared that federal agents would interfere with the 2026 midterms, even though federal law prohibits armed troops at polling places.
By Nathaniel Rakich, Votebeat
https://www.minnpost.com/elections/2026/02/ice-wont-be-at-polling-places-in-2026-election-trump-administration-official-says/

Will Trump try to seize voting machines to disrupt the midterm elections?
State election leaders have been raising concerns about the intent behind Trump’s recent moves on elections
George Chidi in Atlanta
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/27/trump-voting-machines-midterm-election

Minnesota nonprofits are in a race to distribute millions in mutual aid to tenants facing eviction
State lawmakers are considering a bill to expand which nonprofits can issue eviction-blocking letters assuring landlords that money is on the way.
by Shadi Bushra
https://www.minnpost.com/state-government/2026/02/minnesota-nonprofits-are-in-a-race-to-distribute-millions-in-mutual-aid-to-tenants-facing-eviction/

A story of surviving Minnesota’s record surge in legal appeals over unconstitutional ICE detentions
Attorneys and advocates say it’s critical to be prepared and act quickly in order to get home.
by Cleo Krejci and Shadi Bushra
https://www.minnpost.com/public-safety/2026/02/a-story-of-surviving-minnesotas-record-surge-in-legal-appeals-over-unconstitutional-ice-detentions/

The chief federal judge for Minnesota issued a stern warning to the chief federal prosecutor for the state, as well as to Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials, reports the AP, instructing them to comply with court orders or risk criminal contempt charges. “Increasingly, this Court has had to resort to using the threat of civil contempt to force ICE to comply with orders,” wrote Chief Judge Patrick Schiltz. “The Court is not aware of another occasion in the history of the United States in which a federal court has had to threaten contempt — again and again and again — to force the United States government to comply with court orders.” Via MinnPost
https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-immigration-crackdown-chief-judge-prosecutor-15aeb88128432ad899e1f0c9ae039464

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Protecting police, pursuing ‘agitators’ and fraud, fraud, fraud: What Republican legislators are up to in St. Paul.
The party is advancing reams of fraud legislation, while holding the line on ICE and guns.
by Matthew Blake
https://www.minnpost.com/state-government/2026/02/protecting-police-pursuing-agitators-and-fraud-fraud-fraud-what-republican-legislators-are-up-to-in-st-paul/

A Minneapolis man says he opened an Amazon package delivered to his doorstep and found a loaded gun. “Travis Meier had ordered a hydration vest designed for carrying water on long-distance runs or bike rides,” MPR News reports. “It was the vest he’d ordered, but Meier said it felt heavier than he’d expected. So he checked the pockets. Inside was a holstered handgun — a Ruger LCP 380.” An Amazon spokesperson told MPR the company is still looking to it. The customer received a gift card for his trouble.
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/02/27/loaded-gun-in-amazon-package-delivered-to-minneapolis-man

North Minneapolis artist Namir Fearce builds a Black, queer sanctuary at MCAD
Also this weekend: stand-up comedy at The Cedar and a Black History Month concert at Can Can Wonderland.
by Myah Goff
https://sahanjournal.com/arts-culture/twin-cities-things-to-do-mcad-show-hahamasala-can-can-wonderland/

Pakistan declares state of ‘open war’ after bombing major Afghan cities
Wave of strikes comes after Taliban forces attack Pakistani border troops following earlier action from Islamabad
Jason Burke in London, Shah Meer Baloch in Islamabad and Kate Lamb in Sydney
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/27/pakistan-declares-state-of-open-war-after-bombing-major-afghan-cities

CBS News and CNN staffers fear ‘disaster’ as Paramount wins Warner Bros battle
Decision by Netflix to walk away from takeover leaves workers anxious about possible merger of news networks
Jeremy Barr in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/feb/27/cbs-news-cnn-paramount-warner-bros-employees

Democrats outraged at US military’s downing of CBP drone near Mexico border
Second time in two weeks military used laser to attack what it mistakenly thought was a threat, disrupting air traffic
Ed Pilkington
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/27/cbp-border-drone-military-democrats

Trump officials move to kill system that protects US from chemical disasters
EPA rolls back rules as chemical firms claim provisions in RMP protection system too expensive to implement
Tom Perkins
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/feb/27/trump-fire-chemical-safety-system-epa

Trump says affordability crisis is over. Voters and data disagree
Tom Perkins
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/feb/27/trump-state-union-inflation-prices-affordability

Trump has embraced a disturbing strategy to silence free speech
David Bralow
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/feb/27/trump-free-speech-ftc-media-matters

Trump’s tariffs weren’t economic policy. They were a corruption machine
David Sirota
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/feb/27/trumps-tariffs-economic-policy-corruption

Six planets due to parade across night sky in rare celestial spectacle
Jupiter, Saturn, Venus, Mercury, Neptune and Uranus will all be visible at same time in curved line across sky
Nicola Davis Science correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/feb/27/six-planets-due-to-parade-across-night-sky-in-rare-celestial-spectacle

Science of sex and gender being misrepresented by Trump officials, experts warn
Scientists say crackdown on gender-affirming care could have impact on healthcare of all Americans
Melody Schreiber
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/27/trump-administration-gender-healthcare

Kansas revokes driver’s licenses from trans residents in latest assault on rights
Law demanding IDs match ‘sex at birth’ also includes bathroom ban provision for trans people in public buildings
Sara Braun
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/26/kansas-trans-drivers-license-law-assault-on-rights

George Takei: ‘I’ve spent two minutes longer in zero gravity than Shatner’
As told to Rich Pelley
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/feb/26/george-takei-ive-spent-two-minutes-longer-in-zero-gravity-than-shatner

Underwater Photographer of the Year 2026 – in pictures
The annual competition draws thousands of entries from across the world and brings together images from below the water’s surface that show the diversity and challenges of subaquatic life
All photographs courtesy of Underwater Photographer of the Year 2026
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/gallery/2026/feb/27/underwater-photographer-of-the-year-2026-in-pictures

2026.02.22

ICE

Worst of the worst? Most US immigrants targeted for deportation in 2025 had no criminal charges, documents reveal
A Guardian analysis finds the vast majority of people who entered deportation proceedings for the first time from January to August last year had no criminal convictions
Will Craft
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/22/us-immigration-trump-administration

How daily routines in Minneapolis and St Paul have changed amid 3,000 federal immigration agents – in pictures
Many people have been sheltering at home. Protests have become part of the daily rhythm. Community networks continue to patrol and document agents’ interactions
Bridget Bennett in Minneapolis and St Paul
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2026/feb/22/minneapolis-st-paul-daily-routines-immigration

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Homeland security to suspend TSA PreCheck and Global Entry airport security programs
Democrats accuse DHS of ‘kneecapping’ programs that help speed registered travelers through security lines
Guardian staff and agencies
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/22/homeland-security-suspends-tsa-precheck-global-entry-airport-security-programs

Trump warns Netflix of ‘consequences’ unless it pulls top Democrat from board
US president calls for removal of Susan Rice as streaming platform pursues takeover of Warner Bros Discovery
Joanna Partridge
https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/feb/22/trump-warns-netflix-of-consequences-unless-it-pulls-top-democrat-susan-rice-from-board

The world order we’re leaving behind may be replaced by no order at all
Eduardo Porter
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2026/feb/22/world-order-trump

Greenland says ‘no, thanks’ to Trump’s US hospital boat
Leaders of both Denmark and Arctic territory rebuff US president’s claim that islanders are ‘not being taken care of’
Deborah Cole and agencies
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/22/greenland-does-not-need-us-hospital-boat-sent-by-trump-says-denmark

Nasa may roll back Artemis II rocket launch after helium flow discovery
Agency statement comes one day after announcement of 6 March target for astronauts’ mission to circle the moon
Guardian staff and agencies
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/21/nasa-artemis-ii-rocket-launch

Baftas 2026: the red carpet, the ceremony, the winners – follow live!
Eyes and teeth darlings, it’s the biggest night of the year in British cinema – here’s a minute-by-minute update of all the gowns, gossip and glitz of the night
Stuart Heritage, Chloe Mac Donnell, Andrew Pulver, Nadia Khomami and Catherine Shoard
https://www.theguardian.com/film/live/2026/feb/22/baftas-2026-the-red-carpet-the-ceremony-the-winners-follow-live

‘That’s a losing battle’: baboon incursions cause tense human-wildlife standoff in Cape Town
Animal rights activists disagree with authorities on how best to handle boom in primate population near Table Mountain
By Rachel Savage in Cape Town. Photography by Tommy Trenchard
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/feb/22/baboon-population-cape-town-south-africa-animal-rights-activists

Let a thousand stinky blossoms bloom: how Australia became the world’s corpse flower destination
Australian collections of the endangered and notoriously unpredictable flowers have popped off in recent years, as ‘personas’ like Putricia, Stinkerella and Smellanie prove a hit with nosy spectators
Petra Stock and Josh Nicholas
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/feb/22/corpse-flowers-australia-putricia-stinkerella-smellanie

What’s the best way to learn a new language? (Paywalled?)
Krupa Padhy
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20260220-whats-the-best-way-to-learn-a-new-language

2026.02.21

ICE

The Department of Homeland Security maintains a website detailing the “worst of the worst” who were arrested in Minnesota that is rife with errors, KARE 11 reports. “The Department of Homeland Security’s “Worst of the Worst” website features people arrested in Minnesota who the department says have been convicted of serious crimes. But the list has raised many questions. The Minnesota Department of Corrections’ ongoing fact-check is having trouble confirming that some of the crimes listed were committed, even in other states. Officials also point out that hat a number of the “worst of the worst” arrests did not take place in the community during Operation Metro Surge, but actually were direct transfers from Minnesota prisons to ICE custody.” 
https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/ice-in-minnesota/worst-of-the-worst-website-rife-with-errors-cnn/89-f052d30f-4ce0-4334-ae87-cc7bf3948936

ICE actions are keeping others from traveling to Minnesota.  “A major German soccer team canceled its trip to Minnesota due to the immigration crackdown under the Trump administration,” KOMO reports. Christoph Pieper, Werder Bremen’s head of communications, said in a statement that “[p]laying in a city where there’s unrest and people have been shot, that does not fit with our values here at Werder Bremen. Furthermore, it was unclear for us which players could be able to enter the United States due to the stricter entry requirements.”  Via MinnPost
https://komonews.com/news/nation-world/german-soccer-team-cancels-minnesota-trip-due-to-ice-tom-homan-alex-pretti-renee-good-immigrant-white-house

DoJ cases against protesters keep collapsing as officers’ lies are exposed in court
String of embarrassing defeats for prosecutors as experts condemn DoJ effort to cast people as ‘violent perpetrators’
Sam Levin in Los Angeles
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/21/doj-protesters-federal-agents-cases

‘Don’t go to the US – not with Trump in charge’: the UK tourist with a valid visa detained by ICE for six weeks
Karen Newton was in America on the trip of a lifetime when she was shackled, transported and held for weeks on end. With tourism to the US under increasing strain, she says, ‘If it can happen to me, it can happen to anyone’
Jenny Kleeman
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/21/karen-newton-valid-visa-detained-ice

Detentions and disappearances: how ICE has driven fear into Michigan’s Arab communities
Arab Americans in Dearborn and beyond are being swept up by ICE at places of worship and work, with devastating consequences
Stephen Starr in Dearborn, Michigan
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/21/michigan-arab-communities-ice-fear

US citizen shot and killed by federal immigration agent last year, new records show
Shooting death of Ruben Ray Martinez, 23, in Texas was not publicly disclosed by Department of Homeland Security
Associated Press
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/20/us-citizen-killed-federal-immigration-agent

A bar, kitchen and flat-screen TVs: the $70m jet DHS is eyeing for deportations
The department is reportedly considering buying a Boeing plane for deportation flights and for use by Trump officials
Richard Luscombe
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/20/luxury-jet-dhs-deportation-flights-trump-officials

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Furious Trump signs global 10% duty after supreme court issues tariff blow
President calls six justices a ‘disgrace to the nation’ while praising three justices who dissented
George Chidi
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/20/trump-tariff-scotus-response

The supreme court’s tariffs ruling puts Trump on notice with a bloody nose
Ed Pilkington
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/21/trump-tariffs-ruling-supreme-court

‘Dictator vibes’ as dear leader Trump puts name and face front and center
Banner at justice department just the latest example of how president has imposed himself on daily US life
Richard Luscombe
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/21/trump-name-face-justice-department

Trump news at a glance: president lobs insults at US supreme court for striking down his global tariffs
Trump called justices ‘fools’ and ‘disgrace to the nation’ after their rebuke of his aggressive trade tactic – key US politics stories from 20 February 2026 at a glance
Guardian staff
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/20/trump-administration-news-updates-today

Epstein files place renewed attention on US authorities’ failure to stop him
Files show accuser in 2011 provided extensive account of abuse as questions mount over why action was not taken
Victoria Bekiempis
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/21/epstein-files-victim-reports-police-fbi-failures

Tale of two nations: Andrew’s UK arrest highlights US passivity on Epstein files
David Smith in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/feb/21/andrew-epstein-files-us-uk

CBS News is convulsing as Larry Ellison tries to please Trump
Margaret Sullivan
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/feb/21/cbs-trump-anderson-cooper-stephen-colbert-paramount

Ohio mayor arrested on voyeurism charges after allegedly sniffing girl’s underwear
Claims against Wesley Dingus came from teen who had been staying at his residence and hid camera in bedroom
Marina Dunbar
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/20/ohio-mayor-arrested-voyeurism-wesley-dingus

US envoy Mike Huckabee says it would be ‘fine’ if Israel took all Middle East land
Rightwing Trump ally tells Tucker Carlson Israel has biblical right to land from ‘wadi of Egypt to the great river’
Edward Helmore
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/20/mike-huckabee-israel-middle-east-tucker-carlson

‘We can see that courage’: Greece recovers long-lost photos of Nazis’ May Day executions
Culture ministry hails ‘exceptional historical importance’ of prints that show resistance fighters’ final moments
Helena Smith in Athens
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/21/greece-recovers-long-lost-photos-nazi-may-day-executions-athens-kaisariani

How the beaches, culture and people of Corfu hit me for six
A cricket match kindled my love affair with the Greek island, inspiring both a literary festival and my new novel
Alex Preston
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2026/feb/21/corfu-beaches-culture-people-alex-preston

Meera Sodha’s recipe for rhubarb and custard trifle
Nostalgia and comfort combine in abundance in this retro dessert that’s strictly for kids of all ages
Meera Sodha
https://www.theguardian.com/food/2026/feb/21/rhubarb-and-custard-trifle-recipe-meera-sodha

2026.02.18

ICE

After my ICE arrest, I learned one crucial way to treat trauma. We can all take part
An illustration of numerous gentle, overlapping hands forming the shape of a protective flower enclosing a small, curled up child.
I was detained for writing a op-ed about Gaza as a student at Tufts. My experience has only made me feel more connected to others facing oppression
Rümeysa Öztürk
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2026/feb/18/rumeysa-ozturk-trauma-children-ice-gaza

Conservative Georgia town pushes back against ICE detention center: ‘We are Americans after all’
Social Circle, a mostly Maga town, builds strange bedfellow coalition against plans to convert warehouse
Timothy Pratt in Social Circle, Georgia
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/18/ice-detention-center-warehouse-georgia

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In other session news, a bill backed by more than two dozen GOP lawmakers would make protesting in front of someone’s place of residence a gross misdemeanor. Legal repercussions could also include restraining orders, Fox 9 reports. Via MinnPost
https://www.fox9.com/news/residential-protesting-minnesota-new-gop-proposal-feb-2026

Nevada sues Kalshi to block company’s prediction market operation in state
State regulators seek to block Kalshi from offering events contracts that would allow residents to bet on sports
Reuters
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/18/nevada-kalshi-lawsuit-prediction-market

Billionaire Les Wexner to testify before Congress about ties to Epstein
Wexner, who has denied misconduct related to Epstein, is one of several subpoenaed by House oversight panel
Victoria Bekiempis
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/18/les-wexner-jeffrey-epstein-congress

Nazi letters reveal paper restorers’ role in compiling Holocaust ‘hitlist’
Exclusive: Research uncovers programme to make centuries-old records legible to detect people’s ancestry
Dalya Alberge
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/18/nazi-letters-paper-restorers-holocaust-research

Excruciating tropical disease can now be transmitted in most of Europe, study finds
‘Shocking’ data shows the climate crisis and invasive mosquitos mean chikungunya could spread in 29 countries
Damian Carrington Environment editor
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/feb/18/tropical-disease-chikungunya-transmitted-europe-study

Coffee-growing countries becoming too hot to cultivate beans, analysis finds
Five countries responsible for 75% of world’s coffee supply record average of 57 extra days of coffee-harming heat a year
Damien Gayle
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/feb/18/coffee-growing-countries-too-hot-to-cultivate-beans-analysis

Hazardous substances found in all headphones tested by ToxFREE project
Substances include chemicals that can cause cancer, neurodevelopmental problems and the feminisation of males
Damien Gayle
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/feb/18/hazardous-substances-headphones

‘He invented a style’: war chronicler Robert Capa refashioned himself and revolutionised photography
A Paris exhibition showcases how the Magnum agency founder documented not just battle but also victims of war
Jon Henley
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2026/feb/18/robert-capa-war-photographer-magnum-musee-de-la-liberation-de-paris

Here’s a great costume idea for conventions — all you need is a couple of woodworking tools! Be great for dieting too!

The Schandmantel

Rio de Janeiro carnival 2026 – in pictures
Rio de Janeiro’s carnival is full of contrasts: wealth brushes up against poverty, joyful abandon unfolds alongside hard labour. Its visual expression also explores notions of power. In a country with the largest Catholic population in the world, racy nun costumes are everywhere during the festival. Along with revellers dressing up in sexy police costumes, the Catholic cosplay reveals an element of carnival’s underlying subversive nature: authority figures softened, flipped, and reconsidered through street theatre and play
Avery Leigh White
https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2026/feb/18/rio-de-janeiro-carnival-2026-in-pictures

2026.02.17

ICE

“The Trump administration has formally denied Minnesota law enforcement access to information and evidence from the FBI investigation into the shooting death of Alex Pretti by federal agents on Jan. 24 in Minneapolis,” according to the Minnesota Star Tribune. “The [Bureau of Criminal Apprehension] and other law enforcement offices in Minnesota have longstanding ties to the FBI and a history of working together on criminal investigations of all sorts. The rupture in the relationship first became apparent after the killing of [Renee] Good, when Trump administration officials, including Vice President J.D. Vance, quickly branded Good a domestic terrorist, and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said the federal government was not investigating” the agent who allegedly shot Good. Via MinnPost
https://www.startribune.com/trump-administration-formally-denies-minnesota-investigators-access-to-evidence-in-alex-pretti-shooting/601583232?utm_source=gift

FBI won’t share Alex Pretti shooting evidence, Minnesota authorities say
State’s governor had demanded impartial inquiry into the shooting of the VA nurse by federal immigration agents
José Olivares
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/16/fbi-alex-pretti-minnesota-authorities-information-sharing

“Dozens of Minnesotans are sharing their experiences of violent interactions with ICE agents during the surge,” MPR News reports. “A class-action lawsuit by the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota added sworn declarations from more than 80 observers or protesters who allege First Amendment violations.” Via MinnPost
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/02/16/more-than-80-minnesotans-detail-useofforce-intimidation-by-ice-agents-in-lawsuit

More News

Minnesota lawmakers are tapping campaign funds to bolster their security
Although Congress has boosted the amount of money provided for members’ security, some Minnesota lawmakers are spending more for their personal safety.
by Ana Radelat and Shadi Bushra
https://www.minnpost.com/national/washington/2026/02/minnesota-lawmakers-are-tapping-campaign-funds-to-bolster-their-security/

With the Minnesota Legislature set to return, DFLers are on the offensive. Republicans have a leaner agenda.
GOP leaders seek a bonding bill. Democrats want that too, plus an assault weapons ban and immigration enforcement reform.
by Matthew Blake
https://www.minnpost.com/state-government/2026/02/with-the-minnesota-legislature-set-to-return-dflers-are-on-the-offensive-republicans-have-a-leaner-agenda/

‘I feel like I’m in a financial prison’: Trump Wall Street plan puts ‘mom and pop’ investors at risk, advocates say
Trump says everyday Americans deserve a chance to buy higher-risk ‘alternative’ investments. Critics say this could lead to big losses for small investors
Susan Antilla
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2026/feb/17/trump-wall-street-plan-mom-and-pop-investors-risks

Colbert accuses Trump administration of censorship after CBS pulls interview
Host says lawyers barred him from discussing decision to drop Texas Democrat segment amid FCC rules scrutiny
Richard Luscombe
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2026/feb/17/colbert-trump-administration-censorship-cbs
On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiTJ7Pz_59A&pp=ygUaY29sYmVydCB0YWxhcmljbyBpbnRlcnZpZXc%3D

More than 600 people were fired or punished for posting about Charlie Kirk’s death. They want justice
Acolytes of the far-right activist urged employers to fire his critics. Now those who were terminated are suing and claiming their right to free speech
John Semley
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2026/feb/17/people-fired-punished-posting-charlie-kirk-death

France issues red flood alerts after ‘exceptional’ rainfall
Aftermath of Storm Nils causes chaos across country with flooding under way or expected on Garonne, Maine and Loire rivers
Ajit Niranjan Europe environment correspondent.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/17/red-flood-alerts-storm-nils-exceptional-rainfall

The Blood Countess review – Isabelle Huppert reigns supreme in a surreal vampire fantasia
Vienna turns into a playground of camp, cruelty and aristocratic disdain in a blackly comic take on the Báthory legend – with Huppert gloriously suited to the title role
Peter Bradshaw
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/feb/16/blood-countess-film-review-isabelle-huppert

Tent painting, sand wrestling and year of the horse: photos of the day – Tuesday
The Guardian’s picture editors select photographs from around the world
Eithne Staunton
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/gallery/2026/feb/17/tent-painting-year-of-the-horse-photos-of-the-day-tuesday

Me

TurboTax & Me
I owe! I owe! I owe! Less than my first rough through, but more than I wish. My hope that the solar panel installation credit would cover my last estimated tax payment fell foul to a large unexpected capital gains tax hit. The host of medical bills I’d expected never materialized.

Theophylline & Me
Ive taken theophylline, an ancient and now little-prescribed drug from a tree in India, since before the dinosaurs vanished. Over the years, cost and sense never went together. Various weight pills of the drug varied wildly and were not related to the dose. A 200 MG pill might cost 30 times as much as a 600 MG pill. Right now, it has just vanished. CVS just fails to fill it. Walgreens and Amazon think they can provide it. Amazon claimed they can get 200 MG pills with a 3-month supply for only $1,028 and change. My BC & BS insurance formulary doesn’t cover the 200 MG dose, and they denied my first request for a waiver. I reapplied, and they approved it. The Amazon price dropped to only $450! A Canadian pharmacy can provide it for $177.40 ($23.03 to Herr Trump’s tariffs). Cost Plus, which ustta not have much, has 300 MG for $15.12 for 90 pills. Of course, this is three prescriptions I’ve not filled, and I don’t have a paper prescription for that dose. (A downside to theophylline is you need blood tests for aminophylline levels to determine if you’re taking enough to be effective and too little to be toxic. A couple of years ago, I went too high in the range, which I can’t recommend.)

Happy Lunar New Year!
It’s the year of the horse, and given I am not chemically compatible with horses, who knows what the year holds? Sure hard to beat the last one though.

Ramadan
Starting today or tomorrow as determined by a moon-sighting committee.

Shrove Tuesday

Git yer pancakes ready!

2026.02.16

Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano erupts – video
The Kilauea volcano in Hawaii erupted on Sunday, sending lava fountains, ash and smoke into the air. The US Geological Survey said it was the 42nd episode of lava fountains since the current series of intermittent eruptions began in December 2024. The plume from the latest eruption reached more than 10,000 metres (35,000 feet), according to the National Weather Service
Source: US Geological Survey
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/video/2026/feb/16/hawaiis-kilauea-volcano-erupts-video

Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights is big movie with a very small mind
Adrian Horton
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/feb/16/emerald-fennell-wuthering-heights-review

Train derails in Switzerland amid fatal avalanches across the Alps
Swiss police say derailment near Goppenstein injured five as large areas of western Alps remain under category 5 avalanche risk
Peter Beaumont
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/16/train-derails-switzerland-fatal-avalanches-alps

Cyprus appeals to residents to cut water use by two minutes a day amid drought
Island’s reservoirs hit record lows even before tourist season starts as Cypriots are warned ‘every drop counts’
Helena Smith in Athens
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/16/cyprus-appeals-reduce-water-use-reservoirs-record-lows-drought

Intermittent fasting no better than typical weight loss diets, study finds
Researchers say limited eating approaches such as 5:2 diet not a ‘miracle solution’ amid surge in their popularity
Ian Sample Science editor
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/feb/16/intermittent-fasting-no-better-than-typical-weight-loss-diet-study-finds

A new diagnosis of ‘profound autism’ is under consideration. Here’s what parents need to know
Category describes people who have little or no language, an IQ of less than 50 and require 24-hour supervision
Kelsie Boulton, Marie Antoinette Hodge and Rebecca Sutherland for the Conversation
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/feb/15/profound-autism-meaning-what-is-parents-need-to-know

Italy’s famous Lovers’ Arch collapses into the sea on Valentine’s Day
Rock structure which served as backdrop to countless proposals disappears into the Adriatic after storm
Lorenzo Tondo in Palermo
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/16/italy-lovers-arch-puglia-collapse-adriatic-sea-valentines-day

Shamelessly Stolen from Tom Scott’s Newsletter:
This video of the mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani, officiating weddings at at the NYC Marriage Bureau fascinated me for a couple of reasons. To be clear, it’s a very well-produced PR piece by the Mayor’s Office: something like this a great way to make a political figure seem down-to-earth and friendly. And at the surface level, it’s a lovely Valentine’s video, too! But there’s a couple of subtle details that reveal how that down-to-earth effect is produced in 2026, and I reckon they would have been unthinkable five years ago:
And second: blink and you’ll miss it, but on the shot of the dog, it’s obvious that the seating is cracked and faded. The building doesn’t look perfect — but it’s never shown to be run-down in a way that affects any couple’s Big Day. The imperfections here, I think, are curated just as much as the video cuts, the words, and the music
First: most of the couples interviewed are holding a big, clunky, square wireless mic-box! That would never have appeared in a professionally produced video just a couple of years ago: subtle lapel mics would have been clipped on, or maybe there would even have been a sound op with a boom pole. But now, the desire to appear authentic and down-to-earth on social media means that, even in an otherwise glossy video, the producer just asks the interviewee to hold a bit of consumer electronics. Never mind the expensive camera, lens, editing, and everything else: hand them a mic, and suddenly everything Feels Genuine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUp01MXUkpo
 

Carnival, lunar new year and anti-US fervour: photos of the day – Monday
Eithne Staunton
https://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2026/feb/16/carnival-lunar-new-year-and-anti-us-fervour-photos-of-the-day-monday

2026.02.14

ICE

What is it about Minnesota that made it a target for Trump’s ICE crackdown?
The Democratic-leaning midwestern state where federal agents killed two citizens is in many ways anathema to the administration
Rachel Leingang in Minneapolis
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/14/why-minnesota-ice-crackdown-trump

Feds open perjury probe into ICE officers’ testimony about north Minneapolis shooting of Venezuelan man
by Michael Biesecker | The Associated Press, Jim Mustian | The Associated Press and Jack Brook | The Associated Press
https://sahanjournal.com/news-partners/ap-us-immigration-enforcement-minnesota-ice-shooting/

Journalist Don Lemon pled not guilty on Friday to charges related to his involvement in covering a protest at a Minneapolis church last month. “Lemon’s attorneys are also asking for the Department of Homeland Security to return his seized cellphone,” CBS News reports. “Independent journalist Georgia Fort and one other person charged in the case are set to be arraigned on Tuesday.” Via MinnPost
https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/don-lemon-nekima-levy-armstrong-st-paul-church-protest-arrest-arraignment/

Don Lemon pleads not guilty to civil rights charges after Minnesota anti-ICE protest
Former CNN anchor said he was working as a journalist when he was arrested at protest during church service
Lucy Campbell and agencies
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/13/don-lemon-pleads-not-guilty-anti-ice-protest-minnesota

More News

D.C. Memo: Senate Republicans pile on Ellison in fiery hearing
Plus: Emmer calls Frey a criminal; Republicans split with Trump on Canada tariffs; a reader writes, and more.
by Ana Radelat
https://www.minnpost.com/national/washington/2026/02/d-c-memo-senate-republicans-pile-on-ellison-in-fiery-hearing/

US homeland security department partially shut down after lawmakers fail to agree funding
Lawmakers left Washington for a long weekend without resolving an impasse over much-criticized agency’s funding
Robert Tait in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/13/us-homeland-security-department-shutdown

US justice department sues Harvard over admissions records access
Justice department accuses university of failing to comply with government’s request for over 10 months
Lucy Campbell
https://www.theguardian.com/education/2026/feb/13/harvard-justice-department-lawsuit

US fixation on the hard-hat economy and making manufacturing great again makes little sense
Eduardo Porter
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/feb/14/trump-manufacturing-jobs-economy

‘The time of monsters’: everyone is quoting Gramsci – but what did he actually say?
Line handily sums up people’s bewilderment at state of world, but it isn’t quite what the Marxist thinker wrote
Philip Oltermann European culture editor
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/14/the-time-of-monsters-everyone-is-quoting-gramsci-but-what-did-he-actually-say

Nose for trouble: Italian town seeks ‘odour evaluators’ to sniff out bad smells
Mayor of Brendola in Vicenza says he has received complaints from residents who live near industrial zones
Angela Giuffrida in Rome
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/14/italian-town-brendola-odour-evaluators-sniff-out-bad-smells

Experience: I’m a professional chef in Antarctica
You have to be careful managing supplies – there is one delivery a year
Olivier Hubert
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/feb/13/experience-im-a-professional-chef-in-antarctica

Pancake flipping and Palestine Action: photos of the day – Friday
The Guardian’s picture editors select photographs from around the world
Eithne Staunton
https://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2026/feb/13/pancake-flipping-and-palestine-action-photos-of-the-day-friday

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

More News

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