2026.04.23

[lsanderson]

Explaining Republicans and DFLers different points of view on fraud
A House debate over a fraud prevention bill this week illustrated a contrast in how each party contemplates fraud.
by Matthew Blake
https://www.minnpost.com/state-government/capitol-conversations/2026/04/minnesota-fraud-prevention-house-republicans-dflers-different-points-of-view/

Minneapolis City Council finds something to agree on: process
In a moment of cohesion, the Council has made clear to the Minneapolis Charter Commission that they’d like to approve the mayor’s appointments, thank you very much.
by Trevor Mitchell
https://www.minnpost.com/metro/2026/04/minneapolis-city-council-finds-something-to-agree-on-process/

And finally, something worth raising a glass to: residents in nursing homes and assisted-living facilities can now enjoy happy hour — legally — after the “Grandparents’ Happy Hour,” bill was signed into law Wednesday by Gov. Tim Walz, Valley News Live reported.
https://www.valleynewslive.com/2026/04/22/minnesotas-grandparents-happy-hour-bill-signed-into-law/

Trump administration moves to ease federal restrictions on marijuana
Marijuana had the same classification as heroin, LSD and others before being reclassified for lower potential for abuse
Edward Helmore
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/apr/23/trump-administration-reclassify-marijuana-schedule-iii

RFK Jr agenda suffers another loss as trans advocates hail ‘huge step forward’
Judge’s repeal of Trump ban on gender-affirming care for children ‘a meaningful win for patients’, experts say
Melody Schreiber
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/apr/23/rfk-jr-agenda-trans-care-children

‘Worth a thousand words’: Trump photo obscuring women’s tennis team sparks backlash
Guardian sport
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/23/trump-photo-georgia-tennis-white-house-women

Indonesia
The ‘big durian’: one day in Jakarta, the world’s largest city
People line up for commuter train at Manggarai Station, District of Tebet, South Jakarta.
People line up for commuter train at Manggarai Station, District of Tebet, South Jakarta.
Photograph: Joshua Irwandi/The Guardian

The UN has officially designated Jakarta the world’s largest city, home to 42 million. We explore a day in the life of the ‘big durian’.
Michael Neilson in Jakarta
https://www.theguardian.com/world/ng-interactive/2026/apr/23/jakarta-profile-worlds-largest-city

Why are White House journalists partying with Trump?
Margaret Sullivan
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/apr/23/white-house-correspondents-dinner-trump

Scientists make breakthrough in solving mystery of volcanic lightning
Research shows fine carbon coating on silica in updraught causes electrical charge – and spectacular display
David Hambling
https://www.theguardian.com/news/2026/apr/23/volcanic-lightning-mystery-scientists-breakthrough-carbon-electrical-charge

Ruth Slenczynska, last surviving pupil of Rachmaninoff, dies aged 101 (Paywalled?)
Mark Savage
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62ly04pre3o

Dippy the injured axolotl rescued from Welsh river
Family found creature under a bridge and are documenting its recovery in a fish tank on TikTok
Caroline Davies
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/apr/23/dippy-injured-axolotl-welsh-river-tiktok

Towering tulips and contemplative cows – readers’ best photographs
https://www.theguardian.com/community/gallery/2026/apr/22/towering-tulips-and-contemplative-cows-readers-best-photographs