2025.02.24

Roberta Flack, soul and R&B icon behind Killing Me Softly, dies aged 88 Much-loved singer known for Killing Me Softly With His Song, The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face and duets with Donny Hathaway and Peabo Bryson, had suffered a stroke in 2016 Ben Beaumont-Thomas and Safi Bugel https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/feb/24/roberta-flack-soul-and-rb-icon-behind-killing-me-softly-dies-aged-88

Mitch McConnell is retiring from US politics. Good riddance
Moira Donegan
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/feb/24/mitch-mcconnell-is-retiring-from-us-politics-good-riddance

2,000 year old book about Roman emperors enters bestseller charts The Lives of the Caesars, translated from Latin by The Rest Is History podcast co-host Tom Holland, details everything from ancient policy failures to sex scandals Ella Creamer https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/feb/24/book-sex-scandals-roman-emperors-bestseller-charts-the-lives-of-the-caesars-tom-holland

‘It stirred the people to breathless wonder and scalding abuse’: The tumultuous history of the Sydney Opera House Myles Burke https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20250221-the-tumultuous-history-of-the-sydney-opera-house

‘The flying bum’: can a UK firm making huge airships finally get off the ground?Airlander maker HAV scales up to build world’s biggest aircraft, which it says will have 90% lower emissions than a conventional plane Jasper Jolly https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/feb/24/the-flying-bum-uk-firm-airships-airlander-hav

2025.02.23

Review ‘It could get an orgasm out of a cabbage’: the best vibrators, tested From bullets to rabbits to wand vibrators, our sexual wellbeing expert demystifies what’s available, and rates her top 16 models (she tested 53) Alix Fox https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter/2025/feb/23/best-vibrators-bullet-rabbit-wand

Coming soon to an unvaxed youngin near you: Texas measles outbreak grows to 90 cases, worst level in 30 years Epicenter of latest outbreak had one of state’s highest immunization exemption rates for 2023-24 school year Gloria Oladipo https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/22/texas-measles-outbreak

‘Something stirring beneath the surface’: What eight ghostly portraits found hidden inside masterpieces reveal Kelly Grovier https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20250221-eight-portraits-found-hidden-inside-masterpieces

2025.02.22

Missouri lawmaker proposes registry of pregnant women ‘at risk’ for abortions Dubbed ‘eHarmony for babies’, bill would create connected databases for pregnant women and those looking to adopt Carter Sherman https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/22/missouri-abortion-registry-bill

Brazilian city in Amazon declares emergency after huge sinkholes appear In Buriticupu, about 1,200 people risk losing their homes, and residents have seen the problem escalate in 30 years Reuters in Buriticupu https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/21/amazon-brazil-sinkhole

Woman charged in dating app druggings and one death of older men in Las Vegas FBI says Aurora Phelps met men online for dating then drugged them and stole cars and money Associated Press https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/22/las-vegas-dating-app-druggings-death

‘My paedophile letters’: French surgeon to stand trial accused of abusing 299 patients, mostly children Joël Le Scouarnec’s ‘black books’ of handwritten notes in which alleged sexual abuse was recorded are at the heart of case against him Kim Willsher in Paris https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/feb/22/my-paedophile-letters-french-surgeon-to-stand-trial-accused-of-abusing-299-patients-mostly-children

‘You dream about such things’: Brit who discovered missing pharaoh’s tomb may have unearthed another Archaeologist believes his ‘find of the century’ – of Pharaoh Thutmose II – could be surpassed by ongoing excavation Donna Ferguson https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/feb/22/you-dream-about-such-things-brit-who-discovered-missing-pharaohs-tomb-may-have-unearthed-another

‘We’re clearly heading towards collapse’: why the Murdoch empire is about to go bang
An explosive succession trial and an astonishing interview with one of Rupert’s sons have exposed the paranoia and hatred at the heart of global media’s most powerful family. This could get messy…
Jane Martinson https://www.theguardian.com/media/2025/feb/22/were-clearly-heading-towards-collapse-why-the-murdoch-empire-is-about-to-go-bang

UK soil breakthrough could cut farm fertiliser use and advance sustainable agriculture
Research group says discovery could lead to new type of environmentally friendly farming
Robin McKie, Science Editor https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/feb/22/uk-soil-breakthrough-could-cut-farm-fertiliser-use-and-advance-sustainable-agriculture

Historic England acquires collection featuring some of UK’s oldest photos
Janette Rosing built up pioneering trove of 8,000 images dating back to the early days of the Industrial Revolution
Lanre Bakare Arts and culture correspondent https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2025/feb/21/historic-england-acquires-collection-featuring-some-of-uks-oldest-photos

2025.02.21

Advocates decry judge’s removal of editorial critical of Mississippi leaders Judge issues restraining order over local paper’s editorial commenting on city council convening without notice Associated Press https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/20/mississippi-editorial-judge

Elon Musk in row with Danish astronaut over claim Biden abandoned ISS pair Musk claimed without evidence Nasa’s Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams were left stranded on orbital outpost for ‘political reasons’ Miranda Bryant Nordic correspondent and Agence France-Presse https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/feb/21/elon-musk-butch-wilmore-suni-williams-nasa-astronaut-iss-claims-biden

‘Life-changing’ gene therapy for children born blind Smitha Mundasad https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5ydnz2d75xo

Review A Thousand Blows review – the irresistible new boxing drama from the Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight’s latest series is a hugely fun journey into the murky world of Victorian bare-knuckle fighting. It’s a ripping yarn full of audacious dialogue Lucy Mangan https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/feb/21/a-thousand-blows-review-the-irresistible-new-boxing-drama-from-the-peaky-blinders-creator

‘Avatar’ Sequel Series ‘Seven Havens’ Ordered at Nickelodeon, Set After ‘Legend of Korra’ By Joe Otterson https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/avatar-last-airbender-seven-havens-animated-series-nickelodeon-1236313495/

The sweet Dutch sandwich that makes no sense Deborah Nicholls-Lee https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20250220-hageslag-dutch-sandwich

Scotch makers condemn English single malt whisky proposal Mitchell Labiak & Dearbail Jordan https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c80yr1e4328o

Rare sketch portrait found in US wheelie bin Paul Burnell https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clydwgxl4dwo

2025.02.20

The sweet smell of hindsight in the morning!
Some Democrats now admit they screwed up by voting for Trump’s nominees Oliver Willis, author https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2025/2/20/2304999/-These-Senate-Democrats-regret-voting-to-confirm-Trump-s-awful-nominees?pm_campaign=front_page&pm_source=top_news_slot_1&pm_medium=web

Are CEOs walking away from civic leadership? The answer depends on who you ask, but there’s no doubt the obstacles to CEO involvement in civic affairs are multiplying. by Liz Fedor https://www.minnpost.com/twin-cities-business/2025/02/are-ceos-walking-away-from-civic-leadership/

Minnesota colleges and public schools shaken as Trump takes aim at education Colleges and K-12 schools that fail to eliminate DEI practices and ‘wokeness’ threatened by funding cuts. by Ana Radelat https://www.minnpost.com/education/2025/02/minnesota-colleges-and-public-schools-shaken-as-trump-takes-aim-at-education/

Delta offers $30,000 to passengers in Canada plane flip – ‘no strings attached’ Plane caught fire and flipped at Toronto’s Pearson airport, hospitalizing 21 of 80 people onboard Jessica Glenza https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/20/delta-payments-toronto-plane-crash

Wot? No cherry on top? Let’s be clear – the US never had moral supremacy. With Trump, it’s not even pretending any more Owen Jones https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/feb/20/us-moral-supremacy-donald-trump-president

Historic US ocean liner moves out of Philadelphia after nearly 30 years
The SS United States, once the largest passenger ship built entirely in the US, has been towed from Philadelphia after nearly 30 years.
Launched in 1951, the ship was a symbol of luxury and innovation, carrying nearly a million passengers before its retirement in 1969.
Now on its way to Alabama, it will be intentionally sunk to form the world’s largest artificial reef.
This transformation aims to support marine life and attract divers to the site.
https://www.bbc.com/news/videos/cx2gkxwpgggo

First pharaoh’s tomb found in Egypt since Tutankhamun’s
Frances Mao
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5ym30v356po

Hotdogs and motorways: The ripples created by Denmark’s Ozempic and Wegovy boom Adrienne Murray https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20250220-hotdogs-and-motorways-the-ripples-created-by-denmarks-ozempic-and-wegovy-boom

2025.02.19

Dustin Nelson also reports: “Paul Simon unretired a day after performing with Sabrina Carpenter during the ‘Saturday Night Live 50th Anniversary Special’ and … will bring the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer to Minneapolis for three nights at the Orpheum Theatre on April 20, 22, and 23.” Via MinnPost

Trump cuts threaten a ‘generation of scientists’ as many weigh leaving US President’s call to ‘Make America Healthy Again’ has led to slashes in NIH funding – endangering jobs and vital research Hannah Harris Green https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/19/trump-nih-funding-scientists

Factchecking Donald Trump’s claims about the war in Ukraine As US-Russia talks continue in Saudi Arabia, we look at the US president’s misleading and outright false statements Jakub Krupa and Pjotr Sauer https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/19/factchecking-donald-trump-claims-war-ukraine

DoJ prosecutors ordered to explain Eric Adams corruption indictment dismissal Federal judge asks prosecutors to explain decision in court as Hochul discusses removing mayor with party leaders George Joseph https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/19/eric-adams-doj-prosecutors-hochul

Thousands rescued from illegal scam compounds in Myanmar as Thailand launches huge crackdown Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos have become havens for criminal syndicates operating online scam operations and tricking thousands into enslaved work Leila Goldstein https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/19/myanmar-scam-call-centre-compound-rescues-thailand-crackdown

Environment more crucial than genes in risk of early death, study suggests Analysis of UK BioBank data shows importance of factors including living conditions and smoking, say experts Nicola Davis Science correspondent https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/feb/19/environment-more-crucial-genetics-explaining-risk-early-death-study

The people who can’t develop Alzheimer’s – but could be key to a cure
A man who was the only member of his blood family to avoid getting Alzheimer’s is shedding light on how the disease unfolds
Scientists have long been trying to understand the root cause of Alzheimer’s
Clare Wilson
https://inews.co.uk/news/science/people-cant-develop-alzheimers-cure-3539671

Life and style ‘Gaba is the off switch of the brain’: Is it also the answer to better sleep, sobriety and less anxiety? Products that enhance the uptake of this neurotransmitter are burgeoning – including drinks that mimic the effects of alcohol, without the hangover. Here’s what happened when I tried them Steve Rose https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/feb/19/gaba-is-the-off-switch-of-the-brain-is-it-also-the-answer-to-better-sleep-sobriety-and-less-anxiety

Why is Spain’s economy booming? Thanks to migration – which proves xenophobia doesn’t pay María Ramírez https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/feb/19/spain-economy-booming-migration-gdp-growth

Why are Americans toasting their fairy bread, and can the New York Times stop them? The delicacy for kids (and adults alike) requires just three ingredients – so how can people be getting the sacred recipe so wrong? Rafqa Touma explains it to Caitlin Cassidy https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2025/feb/20/why-are-americans-toasting-their-fairy-bread-and-can-the-new-york-times-stop-them

2025.02.18

A quarter of US shoppers have dumped favorite stores over political stances A new poll also found that four in 10 Americans have shifted spending to align with moral views in recent months Lauren Aratani in New York https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/18/shoppers-political-boycotts-spending-patterns-poll

No evidence of hate crime in killing of US transgender man, authorities say Five people charged with murder in Sam Nordquist’s death in upstate New York also identified as LGBTQ+, say officials “A felony complaint obtained by 13WHAM provides gut-wrenching details of Nordquist’s brutal killing. Authorities say he was tortured and sexually assaulted using a table leg and broomsticks.

He was also reportedly subjected to repeated, prolonged beatings which included being punched, kicked and struck with various objects such as sticks, belts, ropes, dog toys and canes, ultimately leading to his death.'” Anna Betts https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/18/sam-nordquist-killing-hate-crime

‘He targeted me’: Guy Pearce says he ‘sobbed’ over Kevin Spacey encounters The Oscar-nominated actor has said he is attempting to be more candid about his former co-star’s alleged behaviour Catherine Shoard https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/feb/18/guy-pearce-kevin-spacey

Republican proposes making Trump’s birthday a public holiday Claudia Tenney’s bill combining Flag Day with Trump’s birthday could face steep odds of success in Congress Ramon Antonio Vargas https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/18/trump-birthday-holiday-republican-bill

Acting social security head who denied access to Musk team leaves agency Michelle King opts to retire after 30 years rather than grant request by ‘department of government efficiency’ Jessica Glenza https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/18/musk-social-security-administration-michelle-king

Why did a plane crash in Toronto, and how did everyone survive? James FitzGerald https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm2dnnvvjkeo

Passenger films his escape from upside down crashed plane
A passenger has filmed his escape from an upside down plane after it skidded along a runway during a failed landing.
Video from inside the crashed plane at Toronto airport shows passengers clambering over belongings and seats to exit the aircraft. Crew on board the flight can be heard telling people to leave everything behind as they are helped through a plane door. All passengers survived when the plane skidded and overturned when it came into land. Footage on social media shows the aircraft in flames as it careered along the runway. https://www.bbc.com/news/videos/c0lzl2ekrk5o

Authorities to give update after plane crashes and flips in Toronto https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c0q080y02xgt

New footage of Delta plane flip at Toronto airport

2025.02.17

A kitchen in Rome Pasta Rachel Roddy’s recipe for hazelnut and mushroom ragu with pasta Its origins may be a mystery, but what is certain is that this luxuriant alternative to meat ragu is totally delicious Rachel Roddy https://www.theguardian.com/food/2025/feb/17/hazelnut-mushroom-ragu-recipe-pasta-rachel-roddy

Is it true that … retinol thins the skin? Side effects from using the vitamin A derivative may give people the wrong impression about how it works Kate Lloyd https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/feb/17/is-it-true-that-retinol-thins-the-skin

Lewis Carroll collection given to his Oxford college in surprise US donation
Exclusive: Christ Church college taken aback to receive hundreds of the author’s letters, photos and rare items
Dalya Alberge
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/feb/16/lewis-carroll-oxford-surprise-us-donation

2025.02.16

Well! Imagine that! Elon Musk’s mass government cuts could make private companies millions Defense and tech firms – including Musk’s own – await potential contracts as Doge decimates US agencies Nick Robins-Early https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/feb/16/elon-musk-doge-government-privatization

DeSantis urged to declare emergency over toxic red tide algae off Florida coast Harmful algae bloom off south-west coast blamed for deaths of marine life and poses threat to beaches Richard Luscombe in Miami https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/16/florida-red-tide-ron-desantis

‘The greatest propaganda op in history’: Trump’s reshaping of US culture evokes past antidemocratic regimes The president’s full-court press to dominate media and control cultural institutions is straight out of the authoritarian playbook David Smith in Washington https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/16/trump-culture-democracy

‘It can be really frightening’: knowing the common signs that a loved one is dying can help in their final days Lydia Hales https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/feb/16/it-can-be-really-frightening-knowing-the-common-signs-that-a-loved-one-is-dying-can-help-in-their-final-days

The Narrow Road to the Deep North review: This WW2 miniseries is a ‘stunning’ showcase for Jacob Elordi Hugh Montgomery https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20250215-the-narrow-road-to-the-deep-north-review-this-ww2-miniseries-is-a-stunning-showcase-for-jacob-elordi