Category Archives: Travel

2025.05.24


13 Minnesota cities and counties want to open government-run cannabis dispensaries
Nicole Ki
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/05/23/minnesota-cities-and-counties-wait-to-open-cannabis-dispensaries

Expert calls Musk’s ‘Doge’ involvement ‘one of the greatest brand destructions’
Top US marketing professor Scott Galloway says on Pivot podcast Tesla owner ‘has alienated his core demographic’
Ramon Antonio Vargas
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/may/24/elon-musk-doge-scott-galloway

‘Alexa, what do you know about us?’ What I discovered when I asked Amazon to tell me everything my family’s smart speaker had heard
For years, Alexa has been our on-call vet, DJ, teacher, parent, therapist and whipping boy. What secrets would the data reveal?
Jeremy Ettinghausen
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/may/24/what-i-discovered-when-i-asked-amazon-to-tell-me-everything-alexa-had-heard

Sperm from cancer-risk donor used to conceive at least 67 children across Europe
Case of man carrying rare genetic variant fuels calls for limit on number of children that can be fathered by one donor
Hannah Devlin Science correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/may/23/sperm-donor-cancer-risk-children-europe

‘I had the audacity not to peg it!’ Timothy Spall on cancer, cosy crime and being heckled on the red carpet
Ryan Gilbey
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/may/23/i-had-the-audacity-not-to-peg-it-timothy-spall-on-cancer-cosy-and-being-heckled-on-the-red-carpet

Sirat to Eddington and Sentimental Value: The 12 Cannes films you need to know about
Rebecca Laurence, Hugh Montgomery and Nicholas Barber
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20250523-the-12-cannes-films-you-need-to-know-about

Director Stanley Kubrick’s house up for sale
Danny Fullbrook
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crlj0g6100no

2025.05.22

Judge rules White House violated order by deporting migrants to South Sudan
Eight people apparently deported as their lawyers say the migrants are at ‘risk of harm’ and that there is ‘no clarity’
Maya Yang and Maanvi Singh
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/21/trump-deportations-south-sudan

DoJ moves to cancel police reform deals with Minneapolis and Louisville
Trump officials seek to dismiss Biden-era consent decrees reached after deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor
Rachel Leingang and agencies
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/21/justice-department-settlement-minneapolis-louisville

Alan Turing papers saved from shredder could fetch £150,000
Documents including signed copy of 1938 PhD dissertation to be auctioned after they were nearly thrown out
Jamie Grierson
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/may/21/alan-turing-papers-saved-from-shredder-could-fetch-150000

A huge Democratic victory in Omaha offers a lesson for the party
Katrina vanden Heuvel
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/may/21/omaha-election-win-democrats-lessons-john-ewing-jr

Australia approves new drug to treat early Alzheimer’s disease
Kisunla is first new treatment registered by TGA in 25 years but could cost patients more than $80,000 and less than one in five will be eligible
Natasha May Medical reporter
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/may/22/australia-approves-donanemab-kisunla-new-drug-treat-early-alzheimers-disease

Winners, resigners, guest dogs and royal losers – take the Thursday quiz
Questions on general knowledge and topical trivia, plus a few jokes, every Thursday. How will you fare?
Martin Belam
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/may/22/the-guardian-thursday-quiz-general-knowledge-topical-news-trivia-211

2025.05.19

Is it true that … male pattern baldness is inherited from the mother?
It is often down to genetics, but hair loss is also affected by hormones, stress and other factors
Kate Lloyd
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/may/19/is-it-true-that-male-pattern-baldness-is-inherited-from-the-mother

Athletes and fitness influencers use creatine, but what is it? And does it work?
We find out if this fitness supplement can be used to build muscle mass, decrease fatigue and improve mental health
Adrienne Matei
https://www.theguardian.com/wellness/2025/may/15/what-is-creatine-benefits-drawbacks

Runaway rice prices spell danger for Japan’s prime minister as elections loom
Attempts to bring down the price of the Japanese staple have had little effect amid a cost-of-living crisis
Justin McCurry in Tokyo
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/19/runaway-rice-prices-spell-danger-for-japans-prime-minister-as-elections-loom

Human statues in Bolivia and flowers at Chelsea – photos of the day: Monday
Joanna Ruck
https://www.theguardian.com/news/gallery/2025/may/19/human-statues-in-bolivia-and-flowers-at-chelsea-photos-of-the-day-monday

Solving the mystery of a dinosaur mass grave at the ‘River of Death’
Rebecca Morelle Science editor
Alison Francis Senior science journalist
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0k3x8lmje1o

The pilots chasing ‘sky rivers’ and cyclones from Japan to the US
Sophie Hardach
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250516-the-pilots-chasing-sky-rivers-and-cyclones-from-japan-to-the-us

Still booting after all these years: The people stuck using ancient Windows computers
Thomas Germain
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250516-the-people-stuck-using-ancient-windows-computers

2025.05.17

What links Tasmin Archer, Gareth Gates and Zayn Malik? The Saturday quiz
From Tsar Alexander II and Queen Anne to Korky the Cat, test your knowledge with the Saturday quiz
Thomas Eaton
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/may/17/what-links-tasmin-archer-gareth-gates-and-zayn-malik-the-saturday-quiz

Top winemaker ‘may have to leave its Spanish vineyards due to climate crisis’
Familia Torres has been making wine in Catalonia since 1870, but says it may have to move to higher altitudes in 30 years’ time
Sarah Butler
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/may/17/top-winemaker-spanish-vineyards-climate-crisis-familia-torres

The Little Sister review – a discerning drama of queer Muslim coming-of-age
Hafsia Herzi manages sexuality with confidence in her first Palme d’Or competition film, featuring an affecting lead performance from newcomer Nadia Melliti
Peter Bradshaw in Cannes
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/may/16/the-little-sister-review-cannes-hafsia-herzi

Meera Sodha’s vegan recipe for crispy black bean burgers
These vegan burgers are child’s play and fun to make, too
Meera Sodha
https://www.theguardian.com/food/2025/may/17/meera-sodha-vegan-recipe-crispy-black-bean-burgers

Antihistamines, masks and showers: how to manage seasonal allergies
With pollen season in full swing, here is what to know about allergy treatments and when to seek medical help
Madeleine Aggeler
https://www.theguardian.com/wellness/2025/may/13/how-to-treat-manage-seasonal-allergies

The poison paradox: How Australia’s deadliest animals save lives
Katy Watson
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0lnp3ny4wro

The camera tech propelling shows like Adolescence
Chris Baraniuk
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62g6vdl3vqo

2025.05.16

Budget breakthrough? What Gov. Walz and the Legislature did and didn’t accomplish
Explaining Thursday’s State Capitol budget news amid the bipartisan boasting and a frenzied pushback.
by Matthew Blake
https://www.minnpost.com/state-government/2025/05/budget-breakthrough-what-gov-walz-and-the-legislature-did-and-didnt-accomplish/

Thousands without power in Twin Cities after storm
A powerful storm blew through Minnesota on Thursday afternoon, knocking down trees and damaging power lines.
Author: Felicity Dachel
https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/thousands-without-power-twin-cities/89-f489d1c3-bcab-4558-8488-74cfa6c0c230?ref=exit-recirc

DNC vice-chair David Hogg on Democratic party: ‘We need to dramatically change’
Lauren Gambino
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/16/david-hogg-dnc-democrats-trump

Murderbot review – Alexander Skarsgård is hella cool as a bored Robocop who hates all humans
This space comedy is about a cyborg who reprograms himself to go rogue … then just wants to mock stupid humans and glob out in front of the telly. It’s such a funny premise – but sadly falls short
Lucy Mangan
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/may/16/murderbot-review-alexander-skarsgard

Mexico demands compensation from YouTube star MrBeast after pyramid chocolate video
Celebrity used trips to ancient Maya cities to advertise his own-brand snacks, drawing criticism from Mexico’s archaeology and history institute
Agence France-Presse
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/16/mexico-demands-compensation-from-youtube-star-mrbeast-after-pyramid-chocolate-video

Brontë sisters’ Bradford birthplace opens for visitors
Queen Camilla opens house, refurbished after 18-month fundraising campaign, where you can stay ‘in the same room the Brontës slept in’
David Barnett
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/may/15/bronte-sisters-bradford-birthplace-opens-for-visitors

Author denied UK visa unable to attend premiere of play based on his memoir
Exclusive: London theatre urges Home Office to reconsider as Ibrahima Balde unable to watch adaptation of award-winning book
Daniel Boffey Chief reporter
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/may/15/author-ibrahima-balde-denied-uk-visa-to-attend-premiere-of-play-based-on-his-memoir

The world’s five happiest cities for 2025
Lindsey Galloway
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20250515-the-worlds-five-happiest-cities-for-2025

‘People are still haunted by what happened’: How history’s brutal witch trials still resonate now
Lindsay Baker
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20250516-how-historys-brutal-witch-trials-still-resonate-now

2025.05.14

Hagia Sophia restoration to protect 1,500-year-old Unesco ‘masterpiece’
Istanbul landmark’s most extensive works in years will include efforts to prevent earthquake damage
Ruth Michaelson in Istanbul
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/14/hagia-sophia-restoration-works-istanbul-earthquakeshttps://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/may/14/enzo-review-laurent-cantet-swan-song-robin-campillo-cannes-film-festival

Enzo review – Laurent Cantet’s swan song is a heartfelt tale of youth and desire
This powerful drama from the late film-maker and his longtime collaborator Robin Campillo, who directs, charts the growing pains of a teenager from a privileged family
Peter Bradshaw
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/may/14/enzo-review-laurent-cantet-swan-song-robin-campillo-cannes-film-festival

Chimpanzees use leaves to wipe bums and clean up after sex, study finds
Research looking at hygiene and healthcare habits of the primates finds implications for understanding origin of human healthcare
Nicola Davis Science Correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/may/14/chimpanzees-use-leaves-to-wipe-bums-and-clean-up-after-sex-study-finds

How the humble chestnut traced the rise and fall of the Roman Empire
Sophie Hardach
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250513-what-chestnuts-reveal-about-the-roman-empire

Is the US finally on track to build a high-speed rail network?
Sam Gruet & Megan Lawton
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cze1erz9jxko

2025.05.13

The cardamom conundrum: what’s the difference between green and black pods?
Did you even know there is a black cardamom? And white and red ones, too? And that some are good for sweet recipes and others for curries? Our top cooks have all the spicy smarts
Anna Berrill
https://www.theguardian.com/food/2025/may/13/whats-the-difference-between-green-and-black–white-red-cardamom-pods-kitchen-aide-anna-berrill

Inside the world’s largest archeology museum – the Grand Egyptian Museum in pictures
Featuring pharaohs and sustainable design, the $1bn museum in Giza, Egypt, is finally opening after years of delays
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/gallery/2025/may/12/grand-egyptian-museum-pictures

Watch dramatic moment monkey family defends baby from python
Leaf monkeys are close-knit family groups that work closely to protect themselves and newborns.
Produced by the BBC Natural History Unit.
https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0l9r1x3/watch-dramatic-moment-monkey-family-defends-baby-from-python

2025.05.11

YouTube player

Billie Piper on toxic masculinity, raising teens, and playing complex characters: ‘I’ve been a woman on the edge – I’m not afraid of it!’
Kate Lloyd
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/may/10/billie-piper-tv-baftas-interview

Tea-licious! 17 awesome ways to use earl grey, from ice-cream and cocktails to strudel and salad
Who’d have guessed there’s so much you can do with bergamot-flavoured tea? Apparently you can even drink it
Tim Dowling
https://www.theguardian.com/food/2025/may/11/tea-licious-17-awesome-ways-to-use-earl-grey-from-ice-cream-and-cocktails-to-strudel-and-salad

2025.05.09

‘Hollowing out’: New Zealand grapples with an uncertain future as record numbers leave
Surge of departures – mostly fleeing a weak economy – fuels concern over the longer-term impact on the country as some small towns scramble for survival
Michelle Duff in Wellington
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/09/leaving-new-zealand-record-departure-numbers

From sea sparkles to fireflies: Chasing Australia’s ‘big four’
Frankie Adkins
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20250508-australias-mysterious-glowing-big-four

The best science fiction, fantasy and horror – reviews roundup
The Devils by Joe Abercrombie; The Incandescent by Emily Tesh; Land of Hope by Cate Baum; A Line You Have Traced by Roisin Dunnett
Abigail Nussbaum
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/may/09/the-best-science-fiction-fantasy-and-horror-reviews-roundup

Rediscovered Thomas & Friends pilot to be released
Paul Glynn
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czel5x60y7lo

The town where deer roam free (and mostly peacefully)
https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0l5vc1h/the-town-where-deer-roam-free-and-mostly-peacefully-

Minnesota Songkran Festival: Celebrate Thai New Year at the Capitol this weekend
Also this weekend: Festival de las Calaveras brings live Mexican rock and wrestling to The Hook and Ladder Theater, while a Mother’s Day concert honors Black women in music at the Dakota.
by Myah Goff
https://sahanjournal.com/arts-culture/things-to-do-twin-cities-songkran-fest-mexican-punk-jamecia-bennett/

2025.05.06

My coverage of the Met Gala:

Mall Park in Uptown: A missed opportunity for meaningful community engagement
Opposition to the redesign mostly came from renters adjacent to the Minneapolis park — not privileged residents fighting change.
by Mike Erlandson
https://www.minnpost.com/community-voices/2025/05/mall-park-in-uptown-a-missed-opportunity-for-meaningful-community-engagement/

X-ray reveals ancient Greek author of charred first century BC Vesuvius scroll
Ink traces show text is part of work by Epicurean philosopher Philodemus, burned during AD79 volcano eruption
Ian Sample
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/may/06/x-ray-reveals-ancient-greek-author-of-charred-first-century-bc-vesuvius-scroll

Osteoarthritis study could lead to new treatments
Grace Shaw
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy48jynpm8wo

The enthusiast searching for stunning sea slugs
Zhara Simpson
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckg1dk3km25o

I made a Wallace & Gromit contraption in real life! - Joseph's Machines