Category Archives: Travel

2025.04.06

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2025.04.05

Planned construction on Interstate 94 in Minneapolis starts this weekend with a full shutdown of the section between I-35W and Highway 280, reports MPR News. And various disruptions on that section of I-94 will be in place for the next several months. Via MinnPost

A Minneapolis man accused of shooting his neighbor has been found incompetent to stand trial, reports Bring Me The News. Via MinnPost

Space probe to map carbon content of world’s remotest tropical forests Revolutionary scanner to be fired into Earth orbit this month to measure effects of deforestation Robin McKie Science editor https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/apr/05/space-probe-to-map-carbon-content-of-worlds-remotest-tropical-forests

Painkillers without the addiction? The new wave of non-opioid pain relief
Pharma firms are developing drugs that avoid the brain’s opioid receptors to minimise the risks of dependence and overdoses, but not all experts are convinced
Ayisha Sharma
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/apr/05/painkillers-without-the-addiction-the-new-wave-of-non-opioid-pain-relief

‘My father’s death saved my life’: director Steve McQueen on grief, gratitude and getting cancer
After his dad died at 67, the 12 Years a Slave film-maker knew it was only a matter of time before he would get prostate cancer, too. The disease kills 12,000 men a year in the UK – a disproportionate number of them black. Now, in a bid to save lives, he is speaking out about his own diagnosis, alongside the doctors who successfully treated him
Simon Hattenstone
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2025/apr/05/my-fathers-death-saved-my-life-director-steve-mcqueen-on-grief-gratitude-and-living-with-cancer

Major endometriosis study reveals impact of gluten, coffee, dairy and alcohol
Edinburgh University report authors say dietary changes could benefit women living with the disease
Victoria Allen
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/apr/05/major-endometriosis-study-reveals-impact-of-gluten-coffee-dairy-and-alcohol

Patwa is not ‘broken English’: the African ties that bind US and Caribbean languages
Centuries later, Jamaican Patwa and US Gullah Creole retain many Africanisms adopted from enslaved people
Zakiya McKenzie
https://www.theguardian.com/news/ng-interactive/2025/apr/05/patwa-is-not-broken-english-the-african-ties-that-bind-us-and-caribbean-languages

‘Too sticky. Too saucy. Too weird’: could I persuade my son to eat the food of my heritage? Before she became a mother, Samantha Ellis secretly judged other parents who let their children subsist on white bread and pesto-pasta. And when her son was born she couldn’t wait to share the Iraqi Jewish food of her ancestors. Unfortunately, he had other ideas … Samantha Ellis https://www.theguardian.com/food/2025/apr/05/too-sticky-too-saucy-too-weird-could-i-persuade-my-son-to-eat-the-food-of-my-heritagehttps://www.theguardian.com/food/2025/apr/05/too-sticky-too-saucy-too-weird-could-i-persuade-my-son-to-eat-the-food-of-my-heritage

The Christian right has set the US on the road to Gilead. Without a fight, other nations may follow
Deborah Frances-White
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/apr/05/christian-right-us-gilead-roe-v-wade-europe-women-rights-abortion

George Santos prosecutors seek seven-year prison term for campaign fraud
Disgraced Republican congressman ‘made a mockery’ of election system and merits long sentence, US officials say
Associated Press
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/04/george-santos-prosecutors-campaign-fraud

Broken and in the grip of civil war, can Myanmar rebuild after earthquake?
The junta’s poor emergency response leaves people fearing prolonged chaos, despite the relentless propaganda
Rebecca Ratcliffe, Esther J and reporters in Mandalay and Sagaing
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/05/myanmar-earthquake-rebuild-junta-civil-war

Los Angeles agrees to $4bn deal to settle thousands of sexual abuse claims
County’s offer – largest of its kind – would settle lawsuits filed over alleged abuse in juvenile facilities since 1959
Associated Press
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/04/los-angeles-sexual-abuse-claims-settlement

Former Washington archbishop Theodore McCarrick, defrocked over abuse allegations, dies aged 94
Most senior American prelate in Catholic church to face accusations of sexual abuse died in state of Missouri
Agence France-Presse
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/05/former-washington-archbishop-theodore-mccarrick-defrocked-over-abuse-allegations-dies-aged-94

2025.04.04

I worked in Trump’s first administration. Here’s why his team is using Signal
Kevin Carroll
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/apr/05/why-trump-administration-used-signal-hegseth-gabbard

What will Trump do when his tariffs backfire?
Nils Pratley
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/03/the-world-looks-on-and-wonders-how-much-pain-is-trump-willing-to-take

Chance of asteroid hitting Moon increases slightly
Maddie Molloy
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpdznz83x8vo

This Hawaiian island’s ‘freakosystems’ are a warning from the future
Matthew Ponsford
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250403-the-new-hawaiian-freakosystem-emerging-on-oahu-accidentally-created-by-humans

Did John and Yoko split because of Richard Nixon? The making of revelatory music film One to One
The director of One to One: John & Yoko reveals how he was given access to a trove of intimate and family archive material that changes how we see the star couple
Kevin Macdonald
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/apr/04/one-to-one-john-and-yoko-film-archive

From gun-toting monkeys to triple homicides: the wildest theories for the White Lotus finale
Will Gaitok go rogue? Might there be an incest-related shooting? Could primates do it? Here’s a rundown of the top rumours around the last episode’s looming death (or deaths)
Michael Hogan
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/apr/04/from-gun-toting-monkeys-to-triple-homicides-the-wildest-theories-for-the-white-lotus-finale

Edwardian homes for sale in England and Scotland – in pictures
From a Devon terrace in need of modernisation to a vast six-bedroom house near Aberdeen, properties that exude craftsmanship
Anna White
https://www.theguardian.com/money/gallery/2025/apr/04/edwardian-homes-for-sale-england-scotland

Drop to A Minecraft Movie: 11 of the best films to watch this April
Nicholas Barber
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20250404-11-of-the-best-films-to-watch-this-april

‘I love my country’: Ken Burns on showing the dark parts of US history
Christopher Luu
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20250402-ken-burns-influential-interview-katty-kay

Your weekend: Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival, a Mexican-inspired opera
This year’s film festival features Latin dramas, Somali and Chinese documentaries, a film on Hmong identity and a documentary on Black liberation in the wake of George Floyd’s murder.
by Myah Goff
https://sahanjournal.com/arts-culture/things-to-do-minneapolis-international-film-festival-mexican-opera/

2025.04.02

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2025.04.01

New blood test checks for Alzheimer’s and assesses progression, study says
Procedure for patients with thinking and memory problems could help medics decide which drugs are most suitable
Nicola Davis Science correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/mar/31/new-blood-test-checks-alzheimers-assesses-progression?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

Icelandic town and Blue Lagoon spa evacuated after volcanic eruption
Those who have not already left Grindavík warned nearby eruption could be much bigger than previous 10 since 2021
Miranda Bryant Nordic correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/01/grindavik-iceland-and-blue-lagoon-thermal-spa-evacuated-after-volcanic-eruption

Rightwing groups across US push new bans to limit ‘obscene’ books in libraries
Critics say bans would hinder rights as proponents would impose their beliefs on others who don’t share their views
Eric Berger
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/01/new-book-bans-library-schools

A tower topped with a pangolin! The Oxford university building inspired by Tolkien … and the pandemic
A chubby, rhubarb and custard-coloured tower bedecked with anteaters and moles make a fun neighbour to the city’s dreaming spires. It’s left some locals lost for words
Oliver Wainwright
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2025/apr/01/a-tower-topped-with-a-pangolin-the-oxford-university-building-inspired-by-tolkien-and-the-pandemic

Myanmar earthquake: China and others step into aid gap left by Trump cuts
US president accused of blowing up country’s ability to respond to disasters by removing funding
Kate Lamb, Rebecca Ratcliffe and Joseph Gedeon
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/31/myanmar-earthquake-us-slow-to-act-as-other-countries-step-in

What’s the difference between all the various paprikas?
This versatile spice has long outgrown its Spanish and Hungarian roots to bring richness, warmth, colour and flavour to a host of dishes
Anna Berrill
https://www.theguardian.com/food/2025/apr/01/whats-the-difference-paprikas-kitchen-aide-anna-berrill

With Indigenous food hub, barbecue spot in works, chef Sean Sherman expands his vision
The chef behind Owamni recently purchased the Co-op Creamery Building on Franklin Avenue where he is working to scale up a kitchen to supply Indigenous foods to schools, hospitals and other institutions.
by Macy-Châu Diễm Trần
https://sahanjournal.com/business-work/sean-sherman-minneapolis-indigenous-barbecue-restaurant/

Hooters restaurant chain files for bankruptcy protection
Founded in 1983, the restaurant known for waitresses in skimpy outfits has run into financial difficulties lately
Associated Press
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/01/hooters-restaurant-bankruptcy

The Last of Us to Dying for Sex: 11 of the best TV shows to watch this
Caryn James
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20250331-11-best-tv-shows-to-watch-in-april

For us, by us: 15 great trans movies made by trans filmmakers
Mey Rude | 03/31/25
https://www.out.com/film/best-trans-films-made-by-trans-filmmakers#rebelltitem1

Coyote vs Acme: $70m Looney Tunes film to be released after being canned by Warner Bros
Live-action animated film starring John Cena and Will Forte will hit cinemas in 2026, after it was controversially shelved in favour of a $30m tax write-down
Sian Cain and agencies
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/apr/01/coyote-vs-acme-70m-looney-tunes-film-to-be-released-after-being-canned-by-warner-bros

‘Remarkable’ Bletchley Park code breaker Betty Webb dies aged 101
Veteran lauded for helping preserve history and legacy as well as vital role played during second world war
Jamie Grierson
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/01/remarkable-bletchley-park-code-breaker-betty-webb-dies-aged-101

2025.03.31

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2025.03.30

When the physicists need burner phones, that’s when you know America’s changed
John Naughton
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/29/when-the-physicists-need-burner-phones-thats-when-you-know-americas-changed

The Observer view on JD Vance: spurned in Greenland and humiliated at home, the vice-president should resign
Observer editorial
His foolish foreign trip and the response to the Signal chat leak reflect the irresponsibility of White House team
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/mar/30/the-observer-view-on-jd-vance-spurned-in-greenland-and-humiliated-at-home-the-vice-president-should-resign

Interview
‘I go for the jugular’: Carrie Coon on The White Lotus, female friendship and toxic politics
Eva Wiseman
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/mar/30/i-go-for-the-jugular-carrie-coon-on-white-lotus-female-friendship-and-toxic-politics

Always roll your clothes! 13 travel packing hacks to save you space and money – according to seasoned travellers
We asked the experts about keeping luggage as light as possible (and still being ready for anything)
Hayley Spencer
https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter/2025/mar/30/travel-packing-hacks-uk

‘I’ve not heard of incel before’: Teenager dissects Adolescence with his worried parents
Anna Lamche
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c93nzv49dg2o

No survivors after plane crashes into house in Minnesota
16 hours ago
Phil McCausland
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3evj8w8vy1o

Richard Chamberlain, Shogun star, dies aged 90
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3v9xzw09z0o

2025.03.29

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2025.03.25

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2025.03.24

How did childcare in the US become so absurdly expensive?
Families are taking out lines of credit, working second jobs, commuting for hours and forgoing careers. It doesn’t need to be this way, experts say
Robin Buller
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/24/childcare-daycare-cost-absurdly-expensive

DNA testing firm 23andMe files for bankruptcy as CEO steps down
Co-founder Anne Wojcicki to pursue independent bid as California attorney general tells users to delete data
Julia Kollewe
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/mar/24/dna-testing-firm-23andme-bankruptcy-ceo-anne-wojcicki-data

Prostate cancer surgery breakthrough offers hope for erectile function
Neurosafe procedure allows doctors to remove prostate while preserving as much nerve tissue around it as possible
Ian Sample Science editor
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/mar/24/prostate-cancer-surgery-erectile-function-neurosafe

‘The goal is to disassemble public health’: experts warn against US turn to vaccine skepticism
As measles sickens hundreds and health secretary RFK Jr spreads dubious information, experts sound the alarm
Jessica Glenza
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/24/vaccine-disinformation-trump-measles-covid

The one change that worked: I volunteered in a Paris bar – and found a whole new life in France
At first, I didn’t know my mouchoir from my torchon, but shifts at Le Bar Commun improved my French, opening up a world of opportunities
Megan Clement
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/mar/24/one-change-paris-bar-french-opportunities

A French university is offering ‘scientific asylum’ for US talent. The brain drain has started
Alexander Hurst
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/mar/24/french-university-scientific-asylum-american-talent-brain-drain

‘I’m not stepping down’: Chuck Schumer defies Democrats’ calls over funding bill
Party leader faces backlash over his decision to support Republican-led bill to avoid government shutdown
Maya Yang
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/23/chuck-schumer-democrats-funding-bill

Francis Bourgeois explores Malaysia’s iconic jungle railway
https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0kz9068/francis-bourgeois-explores-malaysia-s-iconic-jungle-railway

‘We use them every day’: In some parts of the US, the clack of typewriter keys can still be heard
Chris Baraniuk
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250321-the-people-who-still-use-typewriters

Pioneering trial could ‘switch off’ arthritis
Sharon Barbour
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clynp17k23po