The latest roadblock for House Republicans’ ‘big beautiful bill’: Senate Republicans
Deirdre Walsh As House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., feverishly works to finalize the details of a massive package that includes major portions of President Trump’s agenda, many Senate Republicans are dismissing the legislation before it is even finished in the House. “Unfortunately, it’s a sad joke,” Wisconsin GOP Sen. Ron Johnson said Wednesday “Wimpy,” and […]
Kickstarter Tabletop Alert: The Return of ‘Whale Riders’
Whale Riders travel up and down the Ice Coast to trade, and with the coming winter, there’s time for one more trip before everything freezes over. Whale Riders is a resource-management game for 2 to 6 players, ages 8 and up, and takes about 45 minutes to play. It’s currently seeking funding on Kickstarter, with […]
Gear Review: The RIG M2 Pro HD STREAMSTAR
One such upgrade you’ll be looking for is in your audio gear. RIG Gaming recently released the M2 Pro HD STREAMSTAR microphone, geared towards streamers, content creators, and gamers. They sent me one so I could share my thoughts with our readers. The RIG M2 Pro HD STREAMSTAR is a USB Microphone with built-in Bluetooth, […]
What Is a Galaxy?
The UniverseFridays What Is a Galaxy? Galaxies come in many shapes and sizes, and trying to define them is difficult By Phil Plait edited by Lee Billings A view of the spiral galaxy NGC 3982, as seen by NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. Galaxies come in many different variations, but astronomers classify them into four main […]
The Strange and Surprising History of the Once-Rejected Zero
Zero Is Foundational to Modern Mathematics. But It Was Rejected for Centuries By Manon Bischoff edited by Daisy Yuhas I’m a zero at mental arithmetic. It’s true—I struggle with this skill—but I want to focus on the phrase itself. In our language, we often equate zero with something negative. But zero is the only real […]
Gene Hackman’s pacemaker activity suggests he died several days before he was found
By Juliana Kim , Ayana Archie Officials say actor Gene Hackman, 95, probably died days before he and his wife’s bodies were found Wednesday at their home in Santa Fe, N.M. Hackman’s pacemaker was last active on Feb. 17, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adam Mendoza said at a news conference on Friday. A pacemaker is…
Weather tracker: six cyclones swirl simultaneously in southern hemisphere
Bianca, Garance and Honde churn across Indian Ocean as Alfred, Rae and Seru spin through south-west Pacific Three developed in the south-west Pacific. Severe Tropical Cyclone Alfred formed on 20 February in the Coral Sea to the north-east of Australia, reaching an intensity equivalent to a category 4 hurricane on Thursday with sustained winds of…
Offset Requests Joint Custody of All 3 Kids in Cardi B Divorce
Offset is seeking joint legal custody of his and Cardi B’s three children amid their ongoing divorce, according to court documents obtained by TMZ. Offset and Cardi B are making custody moves. Amid the estranged couple’s ongoing divorce proceedings, the “Ric Flair Drip” rapper has requested joint legal custody of their kids Kulture, 6, Wave,…
Macron says French-Algerian author under ‘arbitrary detention’ in Algeria
French president voices concern for health of Boualem Sansal, who is on hunger strike over his imprisonment The French president, Emmanuel Macron, has said he is concerned about the “arbitrary detention” and health of Boualem Sansal, days after the French-Algerian author began a hunger strike over his imprisonment in Algeria. On Tuesday, Pen America issued…
Anthony Bourdain’s Assistant Reveals His Final Texts to Her
Anthony Bourdain’s assistant Laurie Woolever recently talked about her friendship with the late icon, including the last text he sent to her. Laurie Woolever is thinking about her late friend Anthony Bourdain. Six years after the famed chef died, Woolever—who worked as Bourdain’s personal assistant for nearly a decade—reflected on their friendship in her upcoming Care and Feeding memoir, including their final text…
Argentina’s Crypto Scandal Swindled Thousands. What Did Javier Milei Know?
Trump Administration A new cryptocurrency called $Libra bilked investors out of $250 million. It had been promoted by President Javier Milei. By Jack Nicas and David Yaffe-Bellany Jack Nicas, who covers Argentina, reported from Rio de Janeiro. David Yaffe-Bellany, who covers the crypto industry, reported from San Francisco. The scandal began with a tweet. “The…
What it was like in the room during Oval Office shouting match
The day began with the same cordial routine the White House reserves for visiting foreign dignitaries. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was welcomed by US President Donald Trump at the door of the West Wing with an honour guard, and the leaders shook hands politely. We were in the Oval Office as part of Ukrainian media…
Minister resigns over cuts to overseas aid, saying UK’s reputation will be deeply harmed
International Development Minister Anneliese Dodds has resigned over the prime minister’s cuts to the aid budget. In a letter to Sir Keir Starmer, Dodds said the cuts to international aid, announced earlier this week to fund an increase in defence spending, would “remove food and healthcare from desperate people – deeply harming the UK’s reputation”.…
Meeting Trump at White House, Zelenskyy hopes for continued aid in war with Russia
Joanna Kakissis KYIV — President Trump is set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House today to sign a preliminary deal to give the U.S. access to Ukraine’s critical raw materials in exchange for possible aid in the future. It’s the first face-to-face meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump since Trump’s inauguration, and…
US shutdown of HIV/Aids funding ‘could lead to 500,000 deaths in South Africa’
USAid cuts to clinics dispensing antiretroviral drugs will be ‘death sentence for mothers and children’, expert warns Sweeping notices of termination of funding have been received by organisations working with HIV and Aids across Africa, with dire predictions of a huge rise in deaths as a result. After the US announced a permanent end to…
New NASA Space Telescope Will See the Universe in 102 Colors
New NASA Space Telescope Will See the Universe in 102 Colors NASA’s SPHEREx mission will survey the entire sky in 102 different “colors” of light, offering scientists an unprecedented look at the earliest days of the universe and much more By Meghan Bartels edited by Lee Billings Short for Spectro-Photometer for the History of the…
Bachelor’s Joey Graziadei Reveals Crucial Advice For Grant Ellis
The Bachelor season 29 star Grant Ellis receives important advice from his predecessor Joey Graziadei in E! News’ exclusive clup from the show’s March 3 episode. Will you accept this advice, Grant Ellis? While filming the current 29th season of The Bachelor, the show’s latest leading man received some words of wisdom from his predecessor,…
After Insults and False Claims, Trump to Host Zelensky for Minerals Deal
Russia-Ukraine War President Trump will meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine on Friday after falsely asserting that Ukraine started the war with Russia and calling him a “dictator without elections.” By Peter Baker Reporting from the White House President Trump will host President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine at the White House on Friday to…
King asks Moroccans not to kill sheep for Eid al-Adha as drought reduces herds
First such request in 29 years blames economic hardship and climate crisis for high livestock prices and shortages King Mohammed VI has urged his fellow Moroccans not to slaughter sheep for upcoming Eid al-Adha festivities as the country grapples with dwindling herds due to a six-year drought. The request was delivered on Wednesday by the…
The International Space Station May Need More Microbes to Keep Astronauts Healthy
The International Space Station May Need More Microbes to Keep Astronauts Healthy The overly sterile environment of the International Space Station is missing important microbes, a new detailed map shows. If we want to live off Earth, we may need to take more of our bacterial friends with us By Allison Parshall edited by Lee…
Why Scam Centers in Southeast Asia Keep Flourishing
A China-led crackdown on online fraud rescued thousands from Myanmar this month. But this massive business of grift keeps growing. By Hannah Beech Hannah Beech reported from Mae Sot, Thailand, where she has documented the growth of the cyberfraud industry over the past five years. There are usually no international flights out of the airport…
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa Death Investigation: 911 Call Revealed
Following news of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa’s deaths, a 911 call was released revealing how the caller discovered the couple’s deceased bodies in their Sante Fe, N.M., home. The moment police were notified about Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa‘s deaths has surfaced. Shortly after the legendary actor, 95, and his wife, 64,…
The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) Is Safe from Climate Collapse―for Now
Crucial Ocean-Current System Is Safe from Climate Collapse―for Now The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation likely won’t completely collapse with global warming, but any weakening could have grave consequences worldwide By Humberto Basilio & Nature magazine There have long been worries that a critical network of currents in the Atlantic Ocean could come to a halt…
North Korea Is Sending More Troops to Russia, South Korea’s Spy Agency Says
Russia-Ukraine War The fresh deployment comes after North Korea suffered heavy casualties on the front lines in Russia’s war against Ukraine, the South’s spy agency says. By Choe Sang-Hun Reporting from Seoul Despite the heavy casualties it has suffered in the war between Russia and Ukraine, North Korea appears to have sent more troops to…
Deadly blasts hit M23 rebel rally in captured DRC city of Bukavu
Deaths and injuries reported after explosions at rally attended by thousands in city captured by rebel group Several people have been killed and dozens more injured after blasts at a mass rally held by the M23 group in Bukavu, the city in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo captured by the rebels earlier this month.…
UK-US trade deal could mean tariffs ‘not necessary’, says Trump
A trade deal between the US and UK could happen “very quickly”, President Donald Trump said at a joint press conference with Sir Keir Starmer. Speaking during the prime minister’s visit to the White House, Trump envisaged “a real trade deal” which could see the UK avoid the kind of tariffs the president has been…
A movement is calling for an ‘economic blackout’ on Friday. Here’s what to know
By Chandelis Duster An organization is calling for a national boycott in the form of an “economic blackout” on Friday, urging Americans not to shop for 24 hours. This movement, spearheaded by The People’s Union USA, a grassroots group, follows the rollback of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at several companies, including Target. The boycott…
GAO Issues Unprecedented Warning on State of U.S. Disaster Response as Trump Cuts FEMA Staff
Government Watchdog Issues Unprecedented Warning on State of U.S. Disaster Response The delivery of disaster aid is on the Government Accountability Office’s High-Risk List for the first time as climate-related costs soar,Federal Emergency Management Agency staffing lags, and the Trump administration makes further cuts By Thomas Frank & E&E News Fire-affected residents meet with FEMA…
Trump administration ends funding for UN program fighting HIV/Aids
Peter Marocco sends letter to UNAids terminating US involvement in serious blow to live-saving health service The Trump administration has terminated its funding of the joint United Nations program on HIV/Aids, known as UNAids, delivering another devastating blow to the global fight against the disease. The notice that US funding of UNAids is being cut…
Ocalan Says PKK Fighters Should Disarm
Syria After Civil War Abdullah Ocalan, the leader of the Kurdish insurgent group P.K.K., called on his fighters to lay down their arms after decades of battling the Turkish state. By Safak Timur and Ben Hubbard Safak Timur reported from Istanbul. The imprisoned leader of a Kurdish guerrilla movement that has waged a bloody insurgency…
More than 100,000 African seeds put in Svalbard vault for safekeeping
Seeds of 177 species from across Africa to be stored in Norway to preserve crop diversity in case of disaster More than 100,000 seeds from across Africa have been deposited in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, the world’s repository for specimens intended to preserve crop diversity in the event of disaster. Among the latest additions…
Syrian Jews return to Damascus for the first time in decades, hoping to build bridges
By Jane Arraf DAMASCUS — If there is a verbal expression of heartache, Rabbi Yusuf Hamra uttered it as he stepped inside the Faranj synagogue in the Syrian capital last week. It was the last place he had said prayers before leaving Syria 33 years ago in a wave of emigration by Syria’s Jews. “Ach,…
Why are the Tate brothers heading to the US?
Controversial influencer Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan are travelling to the US after leaving Romania, where they face charges of rape, trafficking minors and money laundering, all of which they deny. Questions remain about why they were allowed to travel and what happens next with their legal cases. Andrew Tate, 38, and his brother…
Does Time Work Differently in the Quantum Realm?
In the Quantum Realm, Time’s Arrow Might Fly in Two Directions Scientists studying a centuries-old mystery of physics suggest two “arrows of time” control the evolution of quantum systems By Gayoung Lee edited by Lee Billings If a cup of water spills on the floor, the water can’t unspill—that is, it’s inconceivable that each water…
Some European Allies Fear Trump Is Out to Destroy Them
Russia-Ukraine War Debate is building over just how deep the Trump administration’s antagonism runs, and whether the real goal is to destroy the European Union. By Steven Erlanger Steven Erlanger, the chief diplomatic correspondent for Europe, reported from Munich and Berlin. Follow live updates on the Trump administration here. During his first term in office,…
Gene Hackman, Betsy Arakawa Death: Police Say 2 Dogs Survived
After Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa and their dog were found dead Feb. 26, authorities are providing more insight into what they found in the couple’s home. More information is coming to light about Gene Hackman’s death. After the Hollywood titan was found dead in his New Mexico home alongside his wife of more…
UK’s Starmer to Meet Trump With a Boost on Defense and Pleas for Ukraine
Trump Administration Prime Minister Keir Starmer of Britain cut international aid to raise military spending. He’s hoping to make a case for Ukraine at the White House. By Mark Landler Reporting from London Now it’s Keir Starmer’s turn. After President Emmanuel Macron of France navigated his meeting with President Trump on Monday, skirting the rockiest…
Africa’s medical system risks ‘collapse in next few years’, warns health leader
Focusing foreign aid on infectious diseases has allowed a rise in cancer and diabetes that African governments don’t have resources to fight, says Dr Githinji Gitahi Health services in Africa are at risk of “collapse in the next few years” due to soaring chronic diseases, a senior public health leader has warned. Foreign aid to…
Why Abby Lee Miller Nearly Quit Dance Moms Over Maddie Ziegler
Everyone’s replaceable, swears Dance Moms alum Abby Lee Miller. But producers were nearly left scrambling when the Mad House star threatened to leave the show for this reason, she revealed to E! News. Abby Lee Miller was ready to swing from the metaphorical chandelier in defense of former student Maddie Ziegler. “I quit my job many…
Hollywood legend Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa found dead at their home
Oscar-winning US actor Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa and their dog have been found dead at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. In a career spanning more than six decades, Hackman received two Academy Awards for his work on the movies The French Connection and Unforgiven. A statement from the Santa Fe County…
How Trump’s crackdown plays into misperceptions about immigrants and crime
Joel Rose When the first migrant detainees arrived at the U.S. naval base in Guantánamo Bay on military planes, the Trump administration described them as hardened criminals. “It is holding those that are the worst of the worst,” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told Fox News earlier this month. That was the public message. But…
Trump Firings and Funding Freezes Leave Western States Scrambling to Prepare for Wildfire Season
Western States Scramble to Prepare for Wildfire Season amid Trump Cuts The Trump administration’s moves to slash Forest Service personnel and pause wildfire-related grants have left states to pick up the pieces on prevention and mitigation By Natalie Fertig, Jordan Wolman & E&E News A firefighter stands on top of a fire truck to battle…
Michelle Trachtenberg’s Ex Shawn Ashmore Speaks Out on Her Death
Shawn Ashmore, who dated Michelle Trachtenberg from 2004 to 2006, paid tribute to the Buffy the Vampire Slayer star after she died Feb. 26 at the age of 39. Shawn Ashmore is honoring his ex. The X-Men alum, who dated Michelle Trachtenberg from 2004 to 2006, shared a tribute to the late actress following news…
Israeli hostage release: Hamas hands over four bodies
Hamas has handed over what it says are the bodies of four Israeli hostages from Gaza. Israel is testing DNA samples to confirm they are the remains of Shlomo Mansour, 86, Ohad Yahalomi, 50, Tsachi Idan, 50, and Itzik Elgarat, 69, all of whom were taken by Hamas in the 7 October 2023 attacks. Israel…
Unknown illness kills more than 50 in north-west DRC
The outbreak, first discovered in three children who ate a bat, has caused 431 cases and 53 deaths An unknown illness first discovered in three children who ate a bat has killed more than 50 people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) over the past five weeks, according to health workers. As of…
Israel and Hamas Exchange Prisoners and Hostage Remains
Trump Administration The militant group turned over four coffins it said contained the bodies of Israeli captives, and Israel began releasing Palestinian prisoners. By Aaron BoxermanAdam RasgonNatan Odenheimer and Ephrat Livni Aaron Boxerman, Adam Rasgon and Natan Odenheimer reported from Jerusalem. Hamas turned over what it said were the remains of four Israeli hostages early…
The Trump administration kills nearly all USAID programs
By Fatma Tanis , Frank Langfitt The Trump administration is terminating thousands of USAID foreign assistance grants and awards, according to the State Department. The move effectively guts the six-decade-old agency. The announcement came just hours before a federal district court deadline for the Trump administration to restart payments on those grants. The government still…
Bird Flu Strikes Rats, Pet Cats and Egg Supplies
The Latest on Bird Flu’s Hits to Egg Supplies, Rats and Cats Avian influenza continues to fuel egg shortages. Plus, a delayed CDC study on household cats reveals concerning human exposure routes By Lauren J. Young edited by Tanya Lewis Black rat (Rattus rattus). We’re regularly rounding up the latest news on avian influenza. Here’s…
Mother of Egypt detainee ready to end hunger strike if UK makes progress
Laila Soueif was hospitalised with low blood sugar this week as she tries to secure release of son Alaa Abd el-Fattah A mother declared at risk of sudden death due to her 150-day hunger strike to free her jailed son has been persuaded to end her fast if UK ministers show any sign of progress…
Ukraine needs US security guarantee to deter Putin – PM
Sir Keir Starmer has reiterated his call for a US security guarantee in Ukraine to deter Vladimir Putin from invading again, as he prepares to meet Donald Trump. Speaking on the plane to Washington DC, Sir Keir said he hopes the UK-US relationship could go from “strength to strength” But the two leaders appear to…
Olivia Munn Details Husband John Mulaney’s Support Amid Cancer Journey
Olivia Munn exclusively gave E! News an update on her breast cancer journey and how husband John Mulaney has made her treatment “so much easier.” Things are looking up for Olivia Munn. Nearly one year after sharing her breast cancer diagnosis, the Newsroom alum offered a positive update on her health. “I’m doing good now,” she…
Rejecting Trump’s Call to Annex Their Nation, Canadians Rally Around the Flag
Trump Administration While Canadians are not generally known for flag waving, President Trump’s threats have led to a surge in flag sales and buffed up the national symbol’s image. By Ian Austen Reporting from Ottawa On a good day in February, Debbie Hartlen might sell one Canadian flag at her workshop in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.…
5 minerals in Ukraine that may be part of a deal with the U.S.
By Scott Neuman President Trump says Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy is ready to sign a deal with the U.S. to provide valuable minerals in exchange for what Ukraine is hoping will be additional military aid to help defend against Russia’s advances, as the war in Ukraine enters its fourth year. Zelenskyy described it as a…
Teddi Mellencamp Posts First Instagram After Brain Tumor Surgery
Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum Teddi Mellencamp returned to social media for the first time to celebrate a special occasion two weeks after undergoing emergency surgery for brain tumors. Teddi Mellencamp is on the up and up. Two weeks after The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum underwent emergency surgery for multiple brain tumors,…
Christianity declines among U.S. adults while “religiously unaffiliated” grows, study says
Jason DeRose The portion of the U.S. population identifying as Christian has declined significantly over the last two decades, but a massive new Pew Research study finds that trend may be leveling off. The study, which surveyed 37,000 Americans, found that 62% identify as Christian. By comparison, when Pew did a similar study in 2007,…
Doug Ford: rightwing populist becomes Canada’s anti-Trump figurehead
The Ontario premier says he’s ready to stand up to Trump over tariffs – will that yield a third straight election win? The day Donald Trump won the United States presidential election was a happy one for Doug Ford. The conservative politician who oversees Canada’s most populous province – and its largest economy – made…
Trump’s Pentagon Is Making a Big Mistake in Denying Climate Change
Opinion ArgonautWednesdays The U.S. Military Will Be Less Prepared to Fight if Climate Cuts Proceed The U.S. Department of Defense suddenly pretending that climate change isn’t real is penny-wise and pound foolish By Dan Vergano edited by Megha Satyanarayana A military police officer walks near a destroyed gate in Tyndall Air Force Base, in Florida…
What we know about US-Ukraine minerals deal
Ukraine says it has agreed to the terms of a major deal that would give the US access to its deposits of rare earth minerals. Kyiv hopes the deal – which would give the US a financial stake in the country – will encourage the White House to protect Ukraine if the war with Russia…
U.S.-Ukraine Minerals Deal Draft Features Vague Reference to Security Guarantees
Russia-Ukraine War A copy of the agreement obtained by The New York Times says that the United States “supports Ukraine’s effort to obtain security guarantees needed to establish lasting peace.” By Andrew E. Kramer and Constant Méheut Andrew Kramer reported from Kyiv, Ukraine, and Constant Méheut from Warsaw. A draft of an agreement calling for…
‘Stand Up for Science’ Rallies Will Protest Trump Attacks on Research
‘Stand Up for Science’ Rallies Will Protest Trump Attacks on Research Amid President Donald Trump’s attacks on government scientists and science funding, researchers are arranging rallies to “Stand Up for Science” in Washington, D.C., and nationwide on March 7 By Meghan Bartels edited by Dean Visser March for Science rally in Lafayette, Indiana, on April…
The Price Is Right Secrets That Will Leave You Jumping For Joy
Come on down…and celebrate The Price Is Right‘s 10,000th episode Feb. 26 by discovering the actual behind-the-scene secrets about America’s longest-running game show. “Come on down, you’re the next contestant on The Price Is Right!” If you grew up in the ’80s or ’90s, you likely dreamed of hearing those words in person as you…
What if I’m missing a form? Attorneys answer tax questions from NPR’s audience
By Marielle Segarra , Malaka Gharib For many people, filing taxes to the Internal Revenue Service is a befuddling process. There’s a lot of jargon. The forms can be confusing to fill out. And there can be financial and legal penalties if you make a mistake. That’s why New York-based tax attorneys Hana Boruchov and…
UK suspends aid to Rwanda over support for DRC rebels
The UK government will cease attending events hosted by Rwanda, as well as pausing aid to all but the ‘poorest and most vulnerable’ The UK government has announced it will cease attending events hosted by the Rwandan government and suspend aid to the east African nation over advances by Kigali-backed rebels in the Democratic Republic…
Ahmed al-Shara: The Evolution of Syria’s New Leader
Syria After Civil War Ahmed al-Shara’s unlikely path from membership in Al Qaeda to head of state has raised questions about how he intends to govern Syria. Ahmed al-Shara’s unlikely path from membership in Al Qaeda to head of state has raised questions about how he intends to govern Syria. Ahmed al-Shara, who went by…
Chris Mason: PM upends Labour manifesto to confront Europe’s new reality
A big moment and a big decision, ahead of a big meeting. The government’s announcement that it will crank up defence spending and shrivel the international aid budget amounts to a big shift in strategy, posture and political positioning. Take a look at the Labour Party’s election manifesto, written less than a year ago, if…