In effort to protect children, France bans smoking at parks and beaches
Eleanor Beardsley PARIS — A restrictive outdoor smoking ban has come into force in France, a country where café culture, which often includes a glass of wine and a cigarette, is a way of life. As of Sunday, smokers are no longer allowed to light up in public parks, at swimming pools, or at beaches, […]
Kickstarter Tabletop Alert: ‘Deep Regrets’
Can you keep your sanity while fishing up increasingly strange things from the ocean? Deep Regrets is a strategic, horror-themed fishing game for 1-5 players, ages 16 and up, and takes about 30-150 minutes to play. The base game, along with the new expansion, Even Deeper Regrets, is currently seeking funding on Kickstarter, with a […]
Could the Solar System Lose a Planet to a Passing Star?
The UniverseFridays How a Passing Star Could Oust Planets from the Solar System Close stellar encounters could change the structure of our planetary system, potentially dooming Earth or other worlds to oblivion By Phil Plait edited by Lee Billings This artist’s concept depicts one of the solar system’s inner planets slamming into Earth after being […]
‘Kisses yes, Bezos No,’ protesters say, as Bezos wedding stirs controversy in Venice
By The Associated Press VENICE, Italy — Hundreds of protesters marched through Venice’s central streets on Saturday to say “No” to billionaire Jeff Bezos, his bride and their much-awaited wedding extravaganza, which reached its third and final day amid celebrity-crowded parties and the outcries of tired residents. On Friday, the world’s fourth-richest man and his […]
A Conversation with Kickstarter and Crowdfunding Tabletop Roundup
Earlier this week I got to chat with Asher McClennahan, the head of games at Kickstarter. I was curious to hear how tariffs had affected things like the number of projects launching or being backed, and also whether some of the “tried-and-true” advice about launching projects is actually true. As far as tariffs go, McClennahan […]
China hosts first fully autonomous AI robot football match
Footage of three-a-side game shows humanoids struggling to kick the ball or stay upright They think it’s all over … for human footballers at least. The pitch wasn’t the only artificial element on display at a football match in China on Saturday. Four teams of humanoid robots took on each other in Beijing, in games…
Get’cha Head in the Game With the High School Musical Cast Now
A lot has changed since High School Musical debuted on Disney Channel in 2006. Head back to East High to find out what Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale and more stars are up to now. We’ve got exactly what you’ve been looking for: An update on the cast of Disney’s High School Musical. It’s…
U.S. National Climate Assessments Website Goes Dark
Top Website for Crucial U.S. Climate Information Goes Dark Links to the U.S.’s most comprehensive climate reports—the National Climate Assessments—disappeared from the Internet on Monday, along with the official government website that houses them By Chelsea Harvey & E&E News As night falls on the eastern U. S. Hurricane Ian can be seen moving slowly…
Heathrow shutdown caused by problem found seven years ago
Issues at an electrical substation which caused a fire that resulted in Heathrow Airport closing were first detected seven years ago but not fixed, a report has found. The investigation found that National Grid, which owns the substation, had been aware of a fault since 2018. The report details numerous opportunities to rectify issues at…
America has a major birthday coming up — here’s what to expect for the big 2-5-0
Chloe Veltman Parades, pageants, flag-waving and fireworks. These, plus a good dose of history, will all play a role in the United States Semiquincentennial celebrations leading up to and on July 4, 2026 — the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Various national, statewide and local groups are involved in the…
4 Nonfiction Books Scientific American Recommended In June
See The 4 Books Scientific American Loved Reading In June Here’s a collection of exclusive book recommendations, from slithering snakes to a river’s impact, for your summer reading lists, curated by Scientific American By Brianne Kane edited by Andrea Gawrylewski Summer reading is a time-honored tradition. The experience of diving into a captivating thriller or…
Slow-motion humiliation for Starmer as he loses control of Commons
The extraordinary thing about Tuesday’s welfare reform vote is it felt, albeit perhaps just fleetingly, like the fraught and chaotic parliamentary rows about Brexit. Or even the bumpy moments for Boris Johnson and Liz Truss. It is extraordinary to say that because the parallel seems absurd: those moments in recent years happened to prime ministers…
Travel Like a Bravoleb: Early Prime Day 2025 Deals Up to 70% Off
These Bravoleb-approved travel picks will make packing for your next vacation a breeze — and they’re all majorly on sale! Our writers and editors independently determine what we cover and recommend. When you buy through our links, E! may earn a commission. Learn more. Summer is officially here. That means it’s time to start thinking about packing…
Judge blocks Kristi Noem from ending temporary protected status for Haitians
Homeland security secretary attempting to end legal status for approximately 521,000 Haitian immigrants A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration’s bid to end temporary deportation protections and work permits for approximately 521,000 Haitian immigrants before the program’s scheduled expiration date. Earlier this year, the Department of Homeland Security rescinded Joe Biden’s extension of temporary…
States sue Trump administration for sharing health data with DHS
By Jude Joffe-Block Twenty states, led by California, sued the Trump administration Tuesday after federal health officials shared sensitive data about Medicaid recipients with the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees immigration enforcement. “The Trump Administration has upended longstanding privacy protections with its decision to illegally share sensitive, personal health data with ICE,” said California…
Weather tracker: Temperatures plunge in Chile, Argentina and Uruguay
Cold spell expected to push northwards as storm system that has brought torrential rain in Bolivia and Brazil clears A sharp cold spell affecting the southern half of South America is expected to intensify and push northwards in the coming days as a broad area of high pressure builds over the continent. Over the weekend,…
Russia’s Space Program Is Another Casualty of the War in Ukraine
Russia’s Space Program Is Another Casualty of the War in Ukraine To achieve its ambitious plans for missions to the moon and beyond, Russia needs other spacefaring nations as partners. But the war in Ukraine is making that help increasingly hard to find By Eugene Gerden edited by Lee Billings A Russian Soyuz rocket is…
Government wins welfare bill vote after big concessions to rebels
The government has won a vote on its benefits bill by 75 votes, but only after offering last-minute concessions to Labour rebels. Ministers had already watered down their plans once by reversing some cuts to universal credit and protecting current claimants of personal independence payment (Pip) from stricter eligibility rules. However, some Labour MPs were…
Sean “Diddy” Combs Jury Reaches Verdict on 4 Out of 5 Charges
The jury in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal case has reached a verdict on four out of five charges but have not reached a consensus on one charge due to “unpersuadable views.” Court will resume July 2. There is a major update in the federal case of Sean “Diddy” Combs. After two days of deliberations, the…
RFK Jr. singled out one study to cut funds for global vaccines. Is that study valid?
By Gabrielle Emanuel Last week, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made a pronouncement that stunned the global health world. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance — which has vaccinated more than half the world’s children in many of the world’s lowest-income countries — was hosting a major event to solicit donations for its…
Find Fame in ‘FlipToons’
Everyone wants to be the next big breakout cartoon—assemble the best cast of characters and find fame! FlipToons is a deck-building game for 1 to 4 players, ages 10 and up, and takes about 15–30 minutes to play. It retails for $19.95 and will be released at Gen Con 2025, with pre-orders open now that…
Three former bosses of Lucy Letby arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter
Three former senior staff at the hospital where nurse Lucy Letby murdered seven babies and attempted to kill seven others have been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter. They worked on the senior leadership team at the Countess of Chester Hospital between 2015 and 2016 and were bailed after being questioned on Monday. The…
UK court upholds Cayman Islands law legalising same-sex partnerships
Advocates say the move could turn the tide for other British overseas territories battling for LGBTQ+ rights A court in London has upheld a Cayman Islands law legalising same-sex civil partnerships, in a move that campaigners say could turn the tide for other British overseas territories battling for LGBTQ+ rights. On Monday, the privy council,…
Could China’s New Ozempic-like Drugs Beat Out Current Weight-Loss Medications?
Could China’s New GLP-1 Drugs Beat Out Ozempic? GLP-1 drugs currently being tested in China target complications associated with obesity such as heart disease, fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes By Rachel Fieldhouse & Nature magazine A drug that outperforms placebo in helping people to lose weight is one of a growing number of…
Farewell to USAID: Reflections on the agency that President Trump dismantled
Ari Daniel A storied US agency, one that began under President Kennedy in 1961 with the aim of providing global stability through a wide array of humanitarian aid and development programs, has now formally closed. Since January, the Trump administration has systematically dismantled the US Agency for International Development (USAID), canceling thousands of contracts and…
Pop Mart CEO & Labubu Maker’s Billion Dollar Net Worth Revealed
The Labubu is the hottest toy of 2025, and the net worth of Wang Ning—the founder of the company Pop Mart, which distributes the toy—is proof. Labubu is securing the bag—in more ways than one. As sales of the toy continue to skyrocket, Mart’s Wang Ning is cashing in on a staggering, 10-digit profit. Ning—who…
Is RFK Jr’s divisive plan to Make America Healthy Again fearmongering – or revolutionary?
There’s a saying that Robert F Kennedy Jr is very fond of. He used it on the day he was confirmed as US health secretary. “A healthy person has a thousand dreams, a sick person only has one,” he said as he stood in the Oval Office. “60% of our population has only one dream…
Archaeologists Recreate Prehistoric Tools to Build a Canoe for 140-Mile Ocean Voyage
Scientists Used Prehistoric Tools to Build a Canoe, Then Paddled Across 140 Miles from Taiwan to Japan Researchers and expert seafarers teamed up to re-create an ocean journey from more than 30,000 years ago By Nora Bradford edited by Andrea Thompson Expert paddlers in the dugout canoe recreating the ancient journey from Taiwan to the…
Twenty bodies discovered in Sinaloa as Mexican cartel violence surges
Grisly finding comes at end of worst month in war between Sinaloa factions as government tries to stop killings Mexican authorities have found 20 bodies in the state of Sinaloa, a region gripped by a war between factions of the Sinaloa drug cartel that is reaching new heights of violence. The state prosecutor’s office said…
Summer Learning Loss Happens, but Kids Quickly Recover
The Science of ParentingMondays Summer Learning Loss Happens, but Kids Quickly Recover During the summer, kids can forget some of what they learned during the school year. They recover quickly, but here are some tips to stem the slide By Megan Kuhfeld & Simona Beattie edited by Megha Satyanarayana Cut through the claims: Get email…
Chris Mason: Labour still has a big persuasion job ahead
“I’ve not had as much quality time with my colleagues since the Brexit wars,” a minister told me with a wry smile. A remark that gets to the heart of this benefits row within the Labour Party: this is a government with a big majority, that has already performed a big U-turn and yet is…
DOJ announces a record-breaking takedown of health care fraud schemes
Ryan Lucas The Justice Department has charged a Pakistani national who allegedly orchestrated a $650 million fraud scheme that primarily targeted an Arizona Medicaid program offering addiction treatment and other services for Native Americans. Court papers say the defendant, Farrukh Ali, conspired with at least 41 substance abuse clinics to bill the state for hundreds…
23 Bravoleb-Approved Early Amazon Prime Deals from Ariana Madix & More
Amazon’s Early Prime Day deals are here—shop the finds Bravo stars like Kyle Richards, Kandi Burruss, Ariana Madix, Paige DeSorbo, Gia Giudice, Madison LeCroy, and more are loving. Our writers and editors independently determine what we cover and recommend. When you buy through our links, E! may earn a commission. Some brands featured in this…
White House says Canadian PM ‘caved’ to Trump demand to scrap tech tax
Trump officials hail U-turn as Mark Carney says decision to rescind digital services tax means revival of trade talks The United States has said that Canada’s prime minister Mark Carney “caved” to demands from the White House after his government abruptly scrapped their digital services tax on US technology companies, which was set to go…
World’s Oldest Rocks Confirmed in Canada
Rocks in Canada Are Confirmed as World’s Oldest In 2008 scientists reported that rocks in Canada were the world’s oldest. New data appear to confirm this contested claim By Alexandra Witze & Nature magazine An artistic impression of Earth during the Hadean eon, when the planet formed its first solid crust—most of which later sank…
The WNBA is expanding again, adding 3 new cities for a record 18 teams
Russell Lewis The WNBA juggernaut is not slowing down. The women’s basketball league announced Monday it’s adding three new teams for a record 18 franchises: Cleveland will begin play in 2028, Detroit joins in 2029 and Philadelphia will tip off in 2030. The WNBA has 15 existing squads — including the Golden State Valkyries, which…
Early Prime Day Home Deals: Save on Ninja, Dyson, KitchenAid, & More
Snag the best early Prime Day 2025 deals now on top home and kitchen picks, including must-see Ninja gadgets, a Dyson vacuum, cooling summer bedding, and so much more. Our writers and editors independently determine what we cover and recommend. When you buy through our links, E! may earn a commission. Some brands featured in this…
Why Did the Company behind the Dakota Access Pipeline Sue Greenpeace?
Talking to the Host of Drilled about the Legal Battles around Standing Rock Energy Transfer, the company behind the Dakota Access Pipeline, sued the nonprofit Greenpeace over alleged conspiracy—the host of Drilled explains why By Rachel Feltman, Alex Sugiura, Jeffery DelViscio & Fonda Mwangi Rachel Feltman: For Scientific American’s Science Quickly, I’m Rachel Feltman. In…
Chile communist Jeannette Jara to lead beleaguered ruling coalition at election
Former labor minister, 61, won primary for leftwing parties with over 60% of vote ahead of November election The Chilean communist Jeannette Jara, the country’s former labor minister, has won the primary election for leftwing parties with surprising ease, beating out a more moderate rival to clinch over 60% of the vote. The decisive upset…
Israeli strike on Gaza seafront cafe kills at least 20 Palestinians, witnesses and rescuers say
At least 20 Palestinians were killed in an Israeli air strike that hit a popular seafront cafe frequently used by activists, journalists, and local residents in western Gaza on Monday, according to medics and eyewitnesses. Rescue teams evacuated 20 bodies and dozens wounded from Al-Baqa Cafeteria, an outdoor venue which consisted of tents along the…
Two firefighters shot dead in Idaho ambush, police say
Two US firefighters have been fatally shot and a third wounded after a man intentionally started a fire and began shooting at first responders in a “total ambush” which lasted several hours, authorities said. The gunman, who investigators said acted alone, began shooting after crews responded to a fire at Canfield Mountain, just north of…
In effort to protect children, France bans smoking at parks and beaches
Eleanor Beardsley PARIS — A restrictive outdoor smoking ban has come into force in France, a country where café culture, which often includes a glass of wine and a cigarette, is a way of life. As of Sunday, smokers are no longer allowed to light up in public parks, at swimming pools, or at beaches,…
Heat Domes Are Hotter and Lingering Longer—Because of the Arctic
Heat Domes Are Hotter and Lingering Longer—Because of the Arctic A rapidly warming Arctic is driving long-lasting summer extremes, such as this month’s sweltering temperatures, new research suggests By Chelsea Harvey & E&E News The sun rises over Manhattan on June 24, 2025 in New York City as the first heat wave of the year…
Seoul wrestles with how to handle invasion of ‘lovebugs’
Swarms in South Korean capital trigger heated debate over pest control as experts say rising temperatures partly to blame Seoul residents are grappling with an invasion of so-called “lovebugs” that have swarmed hiking trails and urban areas across the South Korean capital, with experts debating how to handle the infestations that are surging as the…
A Gigantic Megacomet Is Erupting as It Zooms through the Solar System
Astronomers Spy Jets Spewing from Megacomet Zooming through the Solar System Recent observations have revealed carbon monoxide venting from the largest comet ever seen, providing clues about its origins in the mysterious depths of the outer solar system By Jonathan O’Callaghan edited by Lee Billings In this artist’s impression, a comet erupts with jets of…
‘Heinous direct assault’ on firefighters kills at least 2 in northern Idaho
Russell Lewis The Kootenai County, Idaho Sheriff’s department has lifted a shelter in place order for Coeur d’Alene that was issued this afternoon in response to an active shooter in a recreation area. A press release from the department issued around 8pm local time Sunday says, “This evening, members of the SWAT team located a…
US must rule out more strikes before new talks, Iranian minister tells BBC
The US must rule out any further strikes on Iran if it wants to resume diplomatic talks, Tehran’s deputy foreign minister has told the BBC. Majid Takht-Ravanchi says the Trump administration has told Iran through mediators it wants to return to negotiations, but had “not made their position clear” on the “very important question” of…
Protesters in Bangkok demand resignation of prime minister over leaked phone call
Paetongtarn Shinawatra has angered Thai nationalists, who accuse the Thai leader of kowtowing to Cambodia Thousands of protesters have gathered in Bangkok to demand the resignation of Thailand’s prime minister over a leaked phone call with a former Cambodian leader. Paetongtarn Shinawatra has faced growing pressure over her handling of a border dispute with neighbouring…
Ava Phillippe Makes Red Carpet Debut With Boyfriend Dakota Brubaker
Ava Phillippe, whose parents are Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillipe, made her red carpet debut with boyfriend Dakota Brubaker at the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project 2025 Block Party June 28. Ava Phillippe and Dakota Brubaker are red carpet official. The daughter of Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe stepped out on the red carpet ahead…
‘It’s not Chinese assistance’: Australia accuses China of taking undue credit for aid projects in the Pacific
Minister Pat Conroy says Chinese ‘branding’ of multilateral development projects to bolster its influence in the region is a consistent frustration Australia news live: latest politics updates Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast China is bolstering its geo-political influence in the Pacific by “branding” Asian Development Bank projects – funded…
Beyoncé Avoids Falling From Flying Car Due to Prop Malfunction
Beyoncé nearly suffered a scary fall after a prop flying car malfunctioned during the first of two Cowboy Carter shows at Houston’s NRG Stadium on June 28. Beyoncé wasn’t crying any alligator tears—despite her recent onstage mishap. During the first of two Cowboy Carter shows at Houston’s NRG Stadium on June 28, the “Texas Hold…
Republican Sen. Thom Tillis will not seek reelection next year after Trump attacks
Deirdre Walsh Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina announced on Sunday that he would not seek reelection next year. Tillis was one of the most high-profile Republicans to say he could not support President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” Republicans’ massive tax and spending bill, in its current form. Trump on social media had attacked…
‘Mariupol is diseased’: Residents deny Russia’s stories about occupied city
“What they’re showing on Russian TV are fairy tales for fools. Most of Mariupol still lies in ruins,” says John, a Ukrainian living in Russian-occupied Mariupol. We’ve changed his name as he fears reprisal from Russian authorities. “They are repairing the facades of the buildings on the main streets, where they bring cameras to shoot.…
Kickstarter Tabletop Alert: ‘Deep Regrets’
Can you keep your sanity while fishing up increasingly strange things from the ocean? Deep Regrets is a strategic, horror-themed fishing game for 1-5 players, ages 16 and up, and takes about 30-150 minutes to play. The base game, along with the new expansion, Even Deeper Regrets, is currently seeking funding on Kickstarter, with a…
Jamaica’s film industry gets boost from government funding and co-production initiative
Black River film festival invited US, European and African producers and directors to explore partnerships with local film-makers A film festival has brought US, European and African producers and directors to Jamaica to explore collaborations with local film-makers, who are set to benefit from several million US dollars-worth of government investment to boost the domestic…
Inside Jeff Bezos & Lauren Sánchez’s Pajama-Themed Wedding Celebration
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s Venice weeklong wedding celebrations concluded with a star-studded pajama party. See how Kim Kardashian, Oprah, Leonardo DiCaprio and more dressed for the occasion. Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez aren’t done partying yet. After the Amazon founder and his partner of six years officially tied the knot during a lavish wedding…
Glastonbury Festival ‘appalled’ by punk duo Bob Vylan’s IDF chants
Glastonbury Festival organisers said they are “appalled” by comments made by punk duo Bob Vylan that called for “death” to the Israeli military during a performance on Saturday. Rapper Bobby Vylan led chants of “free, free Palestine” and “death, death to the IDF [Israel Defense Forces]”. The festival said the statements “very much crossed a…
Creating Bird Flu Vaccines for Humans at a Biosecure Laboratory
This is How We Fight Bird Flu If H5N1 Becomes the Next Human Pandemic This San Antonio, Tex., lab takes biosecurity seriously. Suit up with its scientists and go behind the scenes of the science of vaccine creation. By Naeem Amarsy, Jeffery DelViscio, Fonda Mwangi, Alex Sugiura & Rachel Feltman Rachel Feltman: For Scientific American’s…
Alone in Tehran, a young Iranian turns to ChatGPT and video games for comfort
By Jane Arraf AMMAN, Jordan — Roxana, a young shop manager living alone in Tehran, was panicking during the war with Israel. Her family lives outside the Iranian capital. Her boyfriend was on an Iranian base doing compulsory military service; unreachable and potentially in danger. Even her psychotherapist had fled the bombing in Tehran. So…
‘We’ll keep fighting’: search persists for priest thought to be murdered on Pinochet torture ship
No trace has ever been found of Michael Woodward, but almost two years since Chile assumed responsibility for finding victims, cautious progress is being made In the weak winter sunshine forensic investigators in white suits cast long shadows as they stepped between gravestones at Playa Ancha cemetery in the Chilean coastal city of Valparaíso. No…
Trump calls for Gaza deal, slams Netanyahu trial
By The Associated Press TEL AVIV, Israel — U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday pleaded for progress in ceasefire talks in the war in Gaza, calling for a deal that would halt the fighting in the 20-monthlong conflict as the sides appeared to be inching closer to an agreement. An Israeli official said plans were…
Review – New History of the DC Universe #1: At the Beginning
Ray: Uniting one of the top DC writers of all time with two of its most long-running artists, this book takes on an incredibly ambitious goal – retelling the entire history of the DCU according to the new all-encompassing timeline. The framing device finds Barry Allen, now retired as the Flash ever since he lost…
Makeup Artist Kristofer Buckle Reveals Plastic Surgery Transformation
Celebrity makeup artist Kristofer Buckle shared insight into his recovery days after undergoing several cosmetic procedures, noting that he didn’t experience pain “at any point.” Kristofer Buckle is unpacking his plastic surgery journey. The celebrity makeup artist—whose clients include Khloe Kardashian, Blake Lively and Mariah Carey—shared an update with his social media followers four days…
Food retailers pushed to make healthy options more appealing
Food businesses must make it easier for customers to buy healthy food, under new government plans announced on Sunday. Supermarkets and food manufacturers in England will partner with the government to tackle obesity rates by encouraging people to make their weekly shop healthier. Ministers say it will be up to food retailers to decide how…
Could the Solar System Lose a Planet to a Passing Star?
The UniverseFridays How a Passing Star Could Oust Planets from the Solar System Close stellar encounters could change the structure of our planetary system, potentially dooming Earth or other worlds to oblivion By Phil Plait edited by Lee Billings This artist’s concept depicts one of the solar system’s inner planets slamming into Earth after being…