Category Archives: Travel

2025.04.24

Trump denies aid for Arkansas after storms that killed more than 40 people
Latest denial of disaster funding comes as Trump has repeatedly stated he wants to eliminate Fema
Gloria Oladipo
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/24/trump-denies-aid-arkansas-tornados

Non-hormonal male contraceptive implant lasts at least two years in trials
Product known as Adam implanted in sperm ducts could offer a reversible alternative to condoms and vasectomies
Nicola Davis Science correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/apr/24/non-hormonal-male-contraceptive-implant-lasts-two-years-trials

Meet the new American refugees fleeing across state lines for safety
Americans have often moved between states for opportunities. Now they’re being forced to uproot themselves to escape hostile forces under Trump
Ed Pilkington
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2025/apr/24/american-refugees-escape

What to do if your phone is lost or stolen: practical steps to restore peace of mind
From remotely locking your phone to changing passwords, do this quickly to protect yourself and restore peace of mind
Samuel Gibbs Consumer technology editor
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/apr/23/what-to-do-phone-lost-stolen-change-passwords

K-pop singer Bain of Just B comes out during US concert
Fan Wang
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd6jzd6g9nwo

The eight Asian sauces to keep in your pantry
Doris Lam
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20250423-the-eight-asian-sauces-to-keep-in-your-pantry

‘Its strength is its simplicity’: The benefits of cleaning with vinegar
Katarina Zimmer
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250423-is-vinegar-safer-and-more-sustainable-than-other-cleaning-products

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

2025.04.21

What did JD Vance have to do with the Pope’s demise? — You decide!

Mars King at the Pioneer Press reports: “Whether you have an official autism diagnosis or an inkling that you could be on the spectrum, you are invited to a happy hour on Wednesday. Happy Hour for Adults with Autism kicks off at 4 p.m. April 23 and will give attendees the chance to socialize without the stigma, according to event sponsors Fraser, a provider of autism and early childhood mental health services, and Sheletta Brundidge, a local business owner and mother of three children who are on the spectrum.” Via MinnPost
https://www.twincities.com/2025/04/19/happy-hour-adults-with-autism-minneapolis-rfk-jr/

The Star Tribune’s Jon Bream reports: “Monday marks the ninth anniversary of Prince’s passing. As Paisley Park has done previously on April 21, it will be open for free for people to pay their respects.” Via MinnPost
https://www.startribune.com/prince-anniversary-death-paisley-park-chanhassen-concert-film-greensboro-candle-lighting/601335340

Amy Klobuchar calls on supreme court to hold Trump officials in contempt
Senator warns of US getting ‘closer to a constitutional crisis’ as Samuel Alito’s dissent signals deference to Trump
Edward Helmore
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/20/amy-klobuchar-samuel-alito-trump-immigration

How the Fuck Do Some Democrats Not Get That Due Process Is the Fight?
https://rudepundit.blogspot.com/

The ancient history of Iceland’s warring Viking families
https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0l4kk08/the-ancient-history-of-iceland-s-warring-viking-families

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

2025.04.19

It’s for real this time: the Real ID deadline is near. Via MinnPost
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/04/18/minnesota-license-centers-overwhelmed-as-real-id-deadline-looms

There will be more places to enjoy street food in Minneapolis soon. Via MinnPost
https://sahanjournal.com/business-work/minneapolis-city-council-expanded-sidewalk-food-cart-ordinance/

Now that there are buds on the trees, farmers market season is nearly upon us. Via MinnPost
https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-lifestyle/where-to-find-farmers-markets-around-the-twin-cities-metro-

Hue new? Scientists claim to have found colour no one has seen before
Contested discovery achieved by experiment firing laser pulses into eyes, stimulating retina cells
Ian Sample Science editor
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/apr/18/scientists-claim-to-have-found-colour-no-one-has-seen-before

Regulators approve $35bn merger of Capital One and Discover Financial
Acquisition expected to be completed on 18 May after Federal Reserve and currency comptroller sign off on deal
Associated Press
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/apr/18/capital-one-discover-financial-merger

Why everyone is suddenly so interested in US bond markets
Michael Race
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg838qq7zqo

Pubs in England and Wales allowed to stay open later for VE Day anniversary
Venues to remain open until 1am as PM urges UK to come together to mark 80th anniversary on 8 May
Kiran Stacey Political correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/18/pubs-in-england-and-wales-allowed-to-stay-open-later-for-ve-day-anniversary

2025.04.18

Survivor of notorious New Orleans child sex abuser priest speaks out for first time
Neil Duhon blames archdiocese for allowing his rapist to prey on children throughout his career
Ramon Antonio Vargas and David Hammer of WWL Louisiana in New Orleans
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/18/new-orleans-clergy-abuse-survivor-neil-duhon

Medical cannabis shows potential to fight cancer, largest-ever study finds
Analysis aims to solidify agreement on cannabis’s potential as a cancer treatment, lead author of research says
Hannah Harris Green
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/18/medical-cannabis-cancer-study

Republicans in many states forge ahead with bills requiring proof of citizenship to vote
State-level attack come as House has approved the Save Act, that requires voters to submit proof they are US citizens
Rachel Leingang
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/18/republican-states-bills-proof-of-citizenship-vote

Trump officials take control of Penn Station revamp from New York’s MTA
Transport department claims decision to take over project will ‘save taxpayers approximately $120m’
Jenna Amatulli
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/17/trump-penn-station-new-york-mta

FDA to suspend quality-control program for food testing due to staff cuts
The FDA labs that test food to prevent illness have been affected by wider health and human services staff cuts
Maya Yang and Reuters
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/17/fda-suspends-quality-control-food-testing-staff-cuts

Millennium-old monks’ manuscripts return to Ireland for exhibition
Books include religious scriptures and scribbled jokes, giving glimpse of daily lives of early medieval Irish monks
Rory Carroll Ireland correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/18/millennium-old-monks-manuscripts-return-to-ireland-for-exhibition

Pink smoke, pigs and Pixar: a dozen movie Easter eggs to feast on
Hidden references and in-jokes in cinema can be an acquired taste, but here’s a festive selection of the best arch nods for aficionados to enjoy
Peter Bradshaw, Stuart Heritage, Phil Hoad, Anne Billson, Laura Snapes, Lucy Knight, Luke Holland, Tom Shone, Hollie Richardson, Ryan Gilbey, Gwilym Mumford and Ben Child
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/apr/18/pink-smoke-pigs-and-pixar-a-dozen-movie-easter-eggs-to-feast-on

Queer Asian-American movies you should absolutely watch
Mey Rude | 04/17/25
https://www.out.com/film/queer-asian-american-movies#rebelltitem4

Severance to Adolescence: 10 of the best TV shows of 2025 so far
Caryn James and Hugh Montgomery
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20250417-the-best-tv-shows-of-2025

How climate change could affect arsenic in rice
Amanda Ruggeri
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250417-how-climate-change-could-affect-arsenic-in-rice

2025.04.16

Seth Rogen attack on Trump edited out of science awards show coverage
Presenting an award at the Breakthrough prize ceremony, the actor and writer allegedly accused the president of destroying American science
Andrew Pulver
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/apr/16/seth-rogen-attack-on-trump-edited-out-of-science-awards-show-coverage

In the red: global wine sales fall to lowest levels since 1961
Consumption and production falls in almost every market as industry fears a ‘generational’ change in drinking habits
Agence France-Presse in Paris
https://www.theguardian.com/food/2025/apr/15/global-wine-sales-fall-lowest-levels-since-1961

Millions tune in for three-week live stream of Sweden’s moose migration
Slow TV is attracting viewers with hits such as a knitting marathon, burning firewood and swimming salmon
Jon Henley
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/15/millions-tune-in-for-three-week-live-stream-of-swedens-moose-migration

I was sufficiently vaccinated against measles in childhood – or so I thought
One of the requirements of graduate school in the US stumped me: an immunization certificate for the MMR vaccine
Jean Iversen
https://www.theguardian.com/wellness/2025/apr/09/measles-vaccination-adulthood

Beyond the buffet: Why all-inclusive resorts are sending guests off site
Chadner Navarro
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20250415-why-all-inclusive-resorts-are-sending-guests-off-site

Peru’s ex-president and first lady sentenced to 15 years in jail
Vanessa Buschschlüter
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c33z6kn7xvyo

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

2025.04.08

Chris Riemenschneider at the Star Tribune reports: “The co-founder of one of Minneapolis’ most reputable breweries, Falling Knife, (Tom) Berg died unexpectedly over the weekend. The cause of death is believed to be heart failure, the brewery’s representatives said. He was 46.” Via MinnPost

The White Lotus season three finale review – the show’s least satisfying ending ever
The most interesting character was sidelined, the deaths were riddled with lazy logic and it all felt frustratingly middling. Season four will have some redeeming to do
Stuart Heritage

The creators of The White Lotus tried to avoid stereotypes of Thailand. They didn’t succeed
Rachel Harrison

Five nurses from same unit in Boston hospital diagnosed with brain tumors
Newton-Wellesley hospital says it ruled out environmental risk as staff members diagnosed with benign growths
Anna Betts

US supreme court allows deportations under 18th-century law with limits
In 5-4 ruling, court laid down terms for invoking Alien Enemies Act, stating challenges must take place in Texas
Cecilia Nowell and agencies

Rightwing group backed by Koch and Leo sues to stop Trump tariffs
New Civil Liberties Alliance says president’s invocation of emergency powers to impose tariffs is unlawful
Robert Tait in Washington

‘What if we didn’t suck?’: the leftist influencer who wants to campaign for Congress differently
Kat Abughazaleh has been critical of what she describes as Democrats’ lack of vision and says the party has lost touch with many of its voters, especially young people
Lauren Gambino

How ‘liberation day’ rout compares with other notorious stock market crises
Richard Partington Senior economics correspondent

Sweet, sticky and sold out everywhere: why is there such a craze for Dubai chocolate?
The creamy pistachio bar is all over TikTok, but good luck trying to find it in shops. Connoisseurs, market-watchers and the woman who invented it discuss its sudden rush to fame
Emine Saner

The Penguin Lessons is just the latest film that teaches us how animals rescue men from loneliness
The comedy, about a curmudgeon played by Steve Coogan and his waddling new friend, joins a subgenre of movies from King Kong to John Wick – in which men are emotionally and socially rescued by animals
Sophie Monks Kaufman

2025.04.07

From Bring Me the News: “Tom Ross, the mayor of Minot, North Dakota, announced his resignation Tuesday. The announcement came after an investigation into an explicit video he had sent to City Attorney Stefanie Stalheim was made public.”  Via MinnPost

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

Curtains, wellies, nuclear subs and a tsar’s palace: how William Morris mania swept the world
His unmistakable floral patterns – awash with willow, blackthorn and pimpernel – are now on everything from walking sticks to the seats submariners sit on. We go behind the scenes of a dazzling new show
Oliver Wainwright
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2025/apr/07/william-morris-mania-nuclear-subs-tsars-palace

Asian stocks see their worst drop in decades after Trump tariffs
Peter Hoskins
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c934qzd094wo

Myanmar fighting continues despite post-earthquake ceasefires
Mallory Moench
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp31wk21zveo#:~:text=Myanmar%20fighting%20continues,Mallory%20Moench