Category Archives: Politics

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

2025.03.19

Alex Derosier at the Pioneer Press reports: “Minnesota Republicans are calling for the resignation of a state senator police arrested Monday on suspicion of seeking sex from someone he believed was a minor.” Via MinnPost

George Orwell and me: Richard Blair on life with his extraordinary father
Simon Hattenstone
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/mar/19/george-orwell-me-richard-blair-life-with-extraordinary-father

Sponsors drop San Francisco Pride as festival decries ‘rights backtracking’
Comcast, Anheuser-Busch and others cancel funding as US becomes increasingly hostile toward LGBTQ+ communities
Dani Anguiano
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/18/anheuser-busch-coors-pull-sponsorship-san-francisco-pride

Scientists hail ‘avalanche of discoveries’ from Euclid space telescope
Data from European Space Agency’s mission has allowed researchers to create detailed catalogue of 380,000 galaxies
Ian Sample Science editor
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/mar/19/scientists-hail-avalanche-discoveries-euclid-space-telescope

Nasa releases first high-def images of sunset on the moon
Scientists eager to examine images to research phenomenon known as lunar horizon glow, first documented in 1972
Richard Luscombe
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/mar/18/nasa-images-sunset-on-moon

Fancy a Belgian city break without the crowds of Ghent or Bruges? Mechelen might be the answer
The majestic Flemish city is dotted with renaissance palaces, great bars and eye-catching contemporary art – yet it’s firmly off the tourist trail
John Brunton
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2025/mar/19/belgium-city-break-ghent-bruges-mechelen

Piper, no! Parker Posey’s viral White Lotus accent is a gift to us all
The actor’s lorazepam-fueled North Carolinian line delivery in the comedy drama series has taken the internet by storm
Stuart Heritage
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/mar/18/parker-posey-accent-white-lotus

Resurrection plants: The drought-resistant ‘zombie plants’ that come back from the dead
Alex Riley
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250318-resurrection-plants-the-drought-resistant-zombie-plants-that-come-back-from-the-dead

Ben & Jerry’s boss ‘ousted over political activism’
João da Silva
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckg8pk9rpx4o

2025.03.18

Well! Eero support asked me to install their app on a second phone to check an issue. Then they emailed me to ask how I was doing on that. Today, I emailed that I was waiting for them to send me a phone. Stay tuned.

So yesterday the guy from Hayes Windows showed up to do some work I set up last year. The window in the sunroom which I have not rehung in the couple of years since I moved into the house, is now hung. The bathroom pocket window, which has been broken since I moved into the house a couple of years ago is on its way to have two panes replaced and one pane moved for esthetics. Along with it went one large lower broken window from a bedroom, and the wooden storm window from the lower stair pocket window, which was not in good shape the last time I put it in after I bought the house a couple of years ago. (Why have time and weather not healed it?) Of course, snow is predicted for tomorrow.
https://hayeswindows.com/

Ya think?
The Star Tribune’s Deena Winter and Jeff Day report: “The city of Minneapolis withdrew its request that a controversial pastor’s nonprofit get a nearly $650,000 violence prevention contract on the same day two violence interrupters who have worked for the pastor were charged with multiple felonies in a shootout after a community barbecue last week.” Via MinnPost

Wait for it:
The Pioneer Press’ Steve Karnowski reports: “A federal judge dismissed the charges Monday against a Minnesota man accused of hiding a stolen pair of ruby slippers that Judy Garland wore in the 1939 musical ‘The Wizard of Oz’ after prosecutors informed the court that he died on Sunday.” Via MinnPost

Gold hits record high over $3,000 amid rising geopolitical tensions; Thames Water receives six takeover offers – business live
https://www.theguardian.com/business/live/2025/mar/18/gold-hits-record-high-over-3000-geopolitical-tensions-weakening-us-dollar-oil-stock-markets-inflation-business-live-news?CMP=share_btn_url&page=with%3Ablock-67d917018f08d273c01e5858#block-67d917018f08d273c01e5858

‘It’s back to drug rationing’: the end of HIV was in sight. Then came the cuts
The abrupt halt to US funding threatens to undo decades of advances, dramatically increasing infections and deaths, but some see an opportunity for Africa to lead the response
Kat Lay, Global health correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2025/mar/18/global-health-trump-usaid-cuts-hiv-aids-2030-drugs-vaccine-research-africa

Why is Gavin Newsom handing Steve Bannon a megaphone? It’s becoming clear
Margaret Sullivan
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/mar/17/gavin-newsom-steve-bannon-podcast

Harvard offers free tuition to students from families earning under $200,000
Ivy League school is latest US university to make step with aim to make it affordable to ‘more students than ever’
Marina Dunbar
https://www.theguardian.com/education/2025/mar/17/harvard-free-tuition

​How a tiny village in a deserted part of Spain became a centre for gay weddings
A couple of hours’ drive from Madrid, Campillo de Ranas has played a huge role in promoting same-sex marriage – and revived the fortunes of the ‘black villages’ of Guadalajara
Paul Richardson
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2025/mar/18/how-a-tiny-village-in-a-deserted-part-of-spain-became-a-centre-for-gay-weddings

‘A very deep bond of friendship’: The surprising story of Van Gogh’s guardian angel
Deborah Nicholls-Lee
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20250317-the-surprising-story-of-van-goghs-guardian-angel

How sex with Neanderthals changed us forever
https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0kytlx7/how-sex-with-neanderthals-changed-us-forever

The Matrix film producer files for bankruptcy
João da Silva
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgwzp2jpneo

2025.03.17

How, err, convenient?
Jeff Wald at FOX 9 reports: “Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management licensing website shut down at 9 p.m. on Friday, leaving business applicants scrambling to complete the process by the 11:59 p.m. deadline.” Via MinnPost
https://www.fox9.com/news/mn-cannabis-licensing-down-hours-before-deadline

Happy trails, Peter Callaghan, your Minnesota legacy lives on
State government reporter Peter Callaghan ended his time at MinnPost on Friday after more than 10 years.
by Elizabeth Dunbar
https://www.minnpost.com/inside-minnpost/2025/03/happy-trails-peter-callaghan-your-minnesota-legacy-lives-on/

Let the heavy avalanche of sternly worded letter begin!
Democrats demand investigation into Musk over possible criminal corruption
Leading figures urge Pam Bondi to examine ‘Mr Musk’s activities at the FAA’ amid conflict-of-interest concerns
Martin Pengelly in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/17/democrats-elon-musk-investigation

A missile here, a missile there, pretty soon we’re talking WWIII.
Japan to deploy long-range missiles able to hit North Korea and China
Planned missiles on Kyushu said to be part of ‘counterstrike capabilities’, as fears grow over US security pact
Gavin Blair in Tokyo
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/17/japan-long-range-missiles-north-korea-china-us-security-pact

From sewage and scum to swimming in ‘blue gold’: how Switzerland transformed its rivers
In the 1960s, the Swiss had some of the dirtiest water in Europe. Now, their cities boast pristine rivers and lakes – and other countries are looking to follow their lead
Phoebe Weston in Geneva
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/mar/17/from-sewage-and-scum-to-swimming-in-blue-gold-how-switzerland-transformed-its-waterways-aoe

‘All the birds returned’: How a Chinese project led the way in water and soil conservation
The Loess plateau was the most eroded place on Earth until China took action and reversed decades of damage from grazing and farming
By Helen Davidson
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/mar/14/how-china-led-way-water-soil-conservation

Bad Art Expert! Bad! Bad! Bad!
The art expert did it: LGG Ramsey revealed as 1951 thief of Van Dyck painting
Exclusive: How one historian’s investigative work led to artwork finally being returned to ‘English Versailles’
Dalya Alberge
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2025/mar/17/art-expert-did-it-lgg-ramsey-revealed-1951-thief-van-dyck-painting

Avoid the White Lotus effect: Thailand travel without the tourists
The country is no stranger to pop-culture fuelled overtourism. But behind the scenes there are islands, wild places and temples to explore
Eloise Basuki
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2025/mar/17/white-lotus-filming-location-setting-koh-samui-four-seasons

Ittsa chewing gum and a floor wax!
The explosive potential of custard powder
Veronique Greenwood
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250313-the-explosive-potential-of-custard-powder

May your green beer look half as fine coming up as it did going down:
Dublin goes green to celebrate St Patrick’s Day
Kevin Sharkey
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwygjq5jv93o

2025.03.16

Russell T Davies: gay society in ‘greatest danger I’ve ever seen’ after Trump win
Exclusive: Doctor Who writer says he feels ‘a wave of anger heading towards us’ and hostility in UK as well as US
Hannah Al-Othman North of England correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/16/russell-t-davies-gay-society-greatest-danger-ever-seen-trump

Back to cash: life without money in your pocket is not the utopia Sweden hoped
Miranda Bryant
Nordic countries were early adopters of digital payments. Now, electronic banking is seen as a potential threat to national security
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/mar/16/sweden-cash-digital-payments-electronic-banking-security

Rocks and racism? How geologists created and perpetuated a narrative of prejudice
Kathryn Yusoff sparked a culture war with her latest book, suggesting slavery and white supremacy informed the work of geology’s founding fathers. Here, she and other experts suggest that attitudes have changed little since
Miriam Frankel
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/mar/16/rocks-and-racism-how-geologists-created-and-perpetuated-a-narrative-of-prejudice

Unearthed notebooks shed light on Victorian genius who inspired Einstein
Michael Faraday’s illustrated notes that show how radical scientist began his theories at London’s Royal Institution to go online
Donna Ferguson
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/mar/15/notebooks-michael-faraday-victorian-scientist-einstein

They had a fairytale American childhood – but was radiation slowly killing them?
Sophie Williams
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2e7011n03vo

The ancient drink serving the world for 13,000 years
Scientists have found evidence of ancient beer production from different kinds of crops all over the world.
From our modern point of view, beer might just be a mind-altering beverage. But in fact, it has played a significant part in human life since near the dawn of civilisation.
Video by Pierangelo Pirak
https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p09h36ld/the-ancient-drink-serving-the-world-for-13-000-years

The fascinating history of the f-word
It’s one of the most versatile words in the English language, but where does it come from? Lexicographer, etymologist and broadcaster Susie Dent activates the f-bomb and takes us on a journey through time.
Animation by Adrian Hartrick and Dominika Ozynska
https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p08fy0xs/the-fascinating-history-of-the-f-word

How Covid-19 changed the way we die
The pandemic forced many people in England and Wales to reflect how they might die with dignity, and the numbers of those wanting to die at home is on the rise
Harriet Sherwood, Pamela Duncan and Matthew Pearce with graphics by Tural Ahmedzade
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/mar/16/how-covid-19-changed-way-we-die-england-wales

Demon-child movie wows China – and smashes global box office records
Virtually unknown in the west, Ne Zha 2 is the world’s highest-grossing animation at £1.6bn – outdoing Inside Out 2 – just weeks after its release
Amy Hawkins Beijing
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/mar/16/ne-zha-2-animation-chinese-box-office-inside-out-2

‘I’ve always felt a little neurospicy. But it’s my factory setting!’ Natasha Rothwell on taking The White Lotus by storm
Michael Hogan
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/mar/15/ive-always-felt-a-little-neurospicy-but-its-my-factory-setting-natasha-rothwell-on-taking-the-white-lotus-by-storm

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

2025.03.13

Paul Walsh at the Star Tribune reports: “More than two years after receiving their first tip about suspected sex trafficking at a downtown New Prague massage parlor, police raided the business and arrested its owner on allegations of promoting prostitution.” Via MinnPost

Walz outlines impacts of Trump’s plans to dismantle U.S. Department of Education By Aki Nace https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/us-department-of-education-dismantling-minnesota-impact-walz-trump/

Passing probe captures images of mysterious Mars moon
Hera spacecraft takes photos of red planet’s second moon, Deimos, while en route to asteroids 110m miles away
Ian Sample Science editor
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/mar/13/passing-probe-captures-images-of-mysterious-mars-moon

California atmospheric river threatens flooding in areas still reeling from fires
Parts of Los Angeles hit by January blazes under evacuation warnings as west coast braces for heavy rain and snow
Michael Sainato
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/13/california-atmospheric-river-wildfires-los-angeles

Woman who lived to age 117 had genes keeping her cells ‘younger’, study shows
Maria Branyas Morera, US-born supercentenarian who died in Spain last August, found to have microbiota of an infant
Ramon Antonio Vargas
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/13/supercentenarian-aging-genes-study

Baby wombat-snatching US influencer at risk of losing Australian visa
Video footage, described as ‘callous’ and ‘pretty dreadful’, shows Sam Jones grabbing the joey from its mother at night
Graham Readfearn
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/13/sam-jones-us-influencer-baby-wombat-stolen-from-mother-ntwnfb

‘In plain sight’: how The Hague museum was secret hideout from Nazi forced labour
Mauritshuis exhibition reveals how Dutch men hid in attic to avoid being taken to Germany in second world war
Senay Boztas in The Hague
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/13/hague-museum-secret-hideout-nazi-forced-labour-mauritshuis

Larry Stanton: the artist who captured New York’s gay scene at a time of crisis
A new exhibition in Los Angeles celebrates the life and work of a painter who died at 37 of Aids as he tried to preserve a record of those around him
Veronica Esposito
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2025/mar/13/larry-stanton-new-york-los-angeles-exhibition

What snow can teach us about street design
‘Sneckdown’ is a term used for when there is a build up of snow at a street intersection. These so called ‘sneckdowns’ are informing urban planners how to design safer and more pleasant streets for pedestrians and drivers in the US.
Produced by Cagney Roberts and Darryl Laiu
https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0kx9vx8/what-snow-can-teach-us-about-street-design

An Italian cultural ambassador’s guide to Rome
Andrea Carlo
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20250310-alberto-angela-an-italian-cultural-ambassadors-guide-to-rome

Woman arrested in US for allegedly holding stepson captive for 20
Ana Faguy
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c05m01mp999o

‘He strangled me without asking’ – experts say choking during sex now normal for many
Sima Kotecha
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62zwy0nex0o

Now that Uptown’s killed and dead, it’s time to worry about Dinkytown: How Alive or Dead is Dinkytown in 2025? Depends on Who You Ask. Business owners, politicians, students, and longtime observers debate the health of the singular Minneapolis neighborhood. By Jay Boller https://racketmn.com/dinkytown-minneapolis-university-mn-in-2025

2025.03.11

Nightlife
Wisconsin’s oldest gay bar, co-owned by Trixie Mattel, has now closed
“It would’ve been irresponsible of us to think that throwing more money at the problem would fix it,” This Is It! co-owner George Schneider wrote.
Bernardo Sim
https://www.out.com/nightlife/trixie-mattel-owned-gay-bar-this-is-it-shutdown#rebelltitem1

‘Stolen off a donkey’: why is The White Lotus so obsessed with graphic penis footage?
From Jason Isaacs’ shocking flash to Theo James wearing a prosthetic he described as ‘ginormous’, the luxury resort drama is packed with male nudity. Why are so many men going full frontal?
Michael Hogan
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/mar/11/the-white-lotus-graphic-penis-male-nudity

Male blue-lined octopuses inject females with venom during sex to avoid being eaten, study shows
Tetrodotoxin immobilises the female – who is about two to five times bigger than the male – so mating can occur, researchers observed
Donna Lu Science writer
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/mar/11/blue-lined-octopus-sex-venom-tetrodotoxin

USDA cuts more than $1bn in local food purchases for schools, food banks
Millions of children could lose free school meals as food costs rise, warns School Nutrition Association president
Michael Sainato
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/11/usda-cuts-food-banks-schools

If only they actually cared and provided things like medical care, childcare, and support:
Pronatalists are ascendant on the right. Can they agree on how to make Americans have more babies?
The movement unites ‘family values’ conservatives and tech bro rightwingers. Will this incoherent coalition hold?
Carter Sherman
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/11/what-is-pronatalism-right-wing-republican

Only seven countries worldwide meet WHO dirty air guidelines, study shows
Annual survey by IQAir based on toxic PM2.5 particles reveals some progress in pollution levels in India and China
Ajit Niranjan Europe environment correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/mar/11/only-seven-countries-worldwide-meet-who-dirty-air-guidelines-study-shows

Don’t need that science shit no more:
Nasa announces shuttering of two departments and office of chief scientist
Office of technology, policy and strategy and one covering DEI initiatives were eliminated in line with ‘efficiency’ cuts
Richard Luscombe
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/mar/10/nasa-cuts-firing-chief-scientist

Music flows as Stevie Wonder and Lauryn Hill lead tributes at Roberta Flack memorial
Grammy winner, who died last month at 88, remembered at New York service with series of star performers
Diana Ramirez-Simon and agencies
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/mar/10/roberta-flack-memorial-stevie-wonder-lauryn-hill

K-pop singer Wheesung found dead at home aged 43
Tributes have been paid to singer who had a string of hits in South Korea including a cover of Craig David’s Insomnia
Sian Cain and agencies
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/mar/11/k-pop-singer-wheesung-found-dead-at-home-aged-43-autopsy-cause

Kevin Drum died March 7, 2025
https://jabberwocking.com/health-update-100/

2025.03.10

This Modern World by Tom Tomorrow

Norfolk woman refuses to hand over 16th-century Italian painting identified as stolen
Exclusive: Barbara De Dozsa’s husband bought Madonna and Child by Antonio Solario in 1973 after it was stolen from a museum
Dalya Alberge
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/mar/10/norfolk-woman-refuses-to-hand-over-16th-century-italian-painting-identified-as-stolen

JD Vance’s cousin says vice-president and Trump are ‘useful idiots’ to Putin Nate Vance reportedly spent three years trying to help Ukraine repel Russian troops and has been alarmed by his cousin’s remarks Ramon Antonio Vargas
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/10/trump-vance-putin

Kleptocrats to benefit from Trump DoJ’s anti-corruption pause, experts warn
Former prosecutors criticize Pam Bondi’s decision to halt enforcement of bribery laws as short-sighted and dangerous
Peter Stone in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/10/trump-doj-pam-bondi-corruption

Alzheimer’s research centers face Trump-imposed $65m funding delay across the US
Researchers report difficulties retaining staff as White House cost-cutting stresses US medical research system
Jessica Glenza
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/10/alzheimers-research-trump-funding-cuts

US added to international watchlist for rapid decline in civic freedoms
Civicus, an international non-profit, puts country alongside Democratic Republic of Congo, Italy, Pakistan and Serbia
Anna Betts
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/09/watchlist-decline-civic-freedoms-civicus

Myanmar junta’s promise of elections denounced as ‘sham’ by experts
There are fears military will deploy further violence in run-up to any poll, which is unlikely to be viewed as credible
Rebecca Ratcliffe in Bangkok
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/10/myanmar-juntas-promise-of-elections-denounced-as-sham-by-experts

New treatment could cure one in 20 cases of high blood pressure
TTT therapy burns away nodules that lead to salt buildup in body, which increases risk of stroke or heart attack
Denis Campbell Health policy editor
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/mar/09/new-treatment-could-cure-high-blood-pressure-due-to-primary-aldosteronism

Watch: Tropical storm erodes iconic Australian beach
Ex-tropical cyclone Alfred caused huge swells and flooding as it hit Australia’s east coast over the weekend.
https://www.bbc.com/news/videos/ce8v6lzrn73o

Tourists leave India temple town after gang rape-murder
Imran Qureshi
BBC Hindi, Bengaluru
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9de6vqlwypo

Athol Fugard: Death of a great South African playwright
Farouk Chothia
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8j0rk1kl8no

2025.03.09

I suspect Harris growing a penis and turning white would have helped more:
Tim Walz says he and Harris were too ‘safe’ during 2024 presidential campaign
Former vice-presidential candidate claims pair should have held more in-person events around the US
Adam Gabbatt
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/08/tim-walz-2024-presidential-campaign

Northern lights sightings expected in Scotland over weekend
Met Office says aurora borealis may be visible across north of country and possibly even further south
Donna Ferguson
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/mar/08/northern-lights-sightings-expected-in-scotland-over-weekend

Wales on a plate: 10 of the best restaurants, hotels, pubs and food hubs
From market fare to fine dining – your gastronomic guide to the most delicious destinations around the country
Annabelle Thorpe
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2025/mar/09/wales-finest-food-10-best-restaurants-inns-hotels-and-gastro-hubs

Go outside, ditch the phone, get humble: my top 10 Scandi life lessons after a decade in Denmark
After 12 years, we’ve said goodbye to one of the happiest countries on Earth. From friluftsliv (the joy of the open air) to janteloven (realising you’re no better than others) here’s what I’ve learned
Helen Russell
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/mar/08/top-10-scandi-life-lessons-after-decade-in-denmark

Mass blackouts in storm-hit eastern Australia
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq8y3xgkpw9o

Deadly floods engulf Argentine city after fierce storm
Robert Plummer and Henri Astier
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4g07dqep0ko

A very camp environment’: why Alan Turing fatefully told police he was gay
Ubiquity of then-illegal relations at King’s College, Cambridge, explains puzzling 1952 admission, says scholar
Donna Ferguson
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/mar/08/a-very-camp-environment-why-alan-turing-fatefully-told-police-he-was-gay

Can you solve these time puzzles from the ancient world?
Martha Henriques
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240228-leap-year-can-you-solve-these-time-riddles

Sole portrait of England’s ‘nine-day queen’ thought to have been identified by researchers
‘Compelling evidence’ suggests figure is Lady Jane Grey, making it only known depiction made before 1554 execution
Nadia Khomami Arts and culture correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2025/mar/07/sole-portrait-of-england-nine-day-queen-lady-jane-grey-thought-to-have-been-identified-by-researchers

Shamelessly stolen from Andrew Ducker:
Game-Changing Vaccine Offers Long-Lasting Protection Against COVID-19 & Flu
https://scitechdaily.com/game-changing-vaccine-offers-long-lasting-protection-against-covid-19-flu/