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 […]
Ukraine’s allies push for 30-day ceasefire starting Monday
Joanna Kakissis KYIV – Four European leaders joined Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv today in pressing Russian President Vladimir Putin to accept a 30-day unconditional ceasefire – or face more sanctions on Russia. “The ceasefire must be comprehensive: in the air, at sea and on land,” Zelenskyy told reporters. “It is quite possible to […]
Rubio is in Saudi Arabia to discuss the Gaza ceasefire and Ukraine war
Aya Batrawy DUBAI — Secretary of State Marco Rubio is holding meetings in Saudi Arabia on Monday to discuss President Donald Trump’s displacement and redevelopment plans for the Gaza Strip and to meet with Russian counterparts on steps to ending the war in Ukraine. This is Rubio’s first visit to the Middle East as secretary…
Why Justin Timberlake Missed SNL 50: The Anniversary Special
Justin Timberlake, who has been a part of memorable Saturday Night Live sketches like “D–k In a Box,” was not among the star-studded guests at the SNL 50: The Anniversary Special on Feb. 16. Unfortunately, Justin Timberlake did not bring sexy back to Studio 8H for SNL 50: The Anniversary Special. The “Cry Me a River”…
Woman shot dead on Valentine’s Day named
A woman who was shot dead outside a Kent pub on Valentine’s Day has been named by police as Lisa Smith. Tributes to Ms Smith, 43, from Slough, have been left at the scene of the fatal shooting outside the Three Horseshoes pub in Knockholt shortly after 19:00 GMT on Friday. Flowers and balloons –…
A Norovirus Vaccine Is Closer Than Ever Before
A Vaccine for the Dreaded Norovirus Is Closer Than Ever Norovirus infection rates are extremely high this year, raising the question: Why can’t a vaccine protect us from the stomach bug? By Meghan Bartels edited by Lauren J. Young Norovirus conjures a nightmarish series of gastrointestinal symptoms, and the hated infection has been rampant this…
Rwanda-backed M23 rebels capture eastern DRC’s second-largest city
Congolese authorities accused of abandoning Bukavu after government confirms fall to militia group M23 rebels have captured and occupied Bukavu, the second-largest city in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Congolese government has confirmed, days after the Rwanda-backed militia launched an attack. In a statement posted on X, the DRC communications ministry said…
Rubio Lands in Saudi Arabia for Talks on Gaza and Ukraine
Trump Administration Marco Rubio’s visit to Riyadh, his first as secretary of state, came amid uncertainty about the future of Gaza and Ukraine and criticism of unilateral U.S. moves over the wars in both places. By Patrick Kingsley and Ismaeel Naar Patrick Kingsley reported from Jerusalem, and Ismaeel Naar from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Secretary of…
M23 Rebels in Congo Say They Have Entered Bukavu
Congo-Rwanda Conflict Last month, M23 rebels backed by Rwanda took the city of Goma in a bloody battle. This weekend, the group entered the gold-trading center of Bukavu in eastern Congo after government soldiers fled. By Elian Peltier and Justin Makangara Elian Peltier reported from Dakar, Senegal, and Justin Makangara from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of…
Men Actually Crave Romantic Relationships More Than Women Do
Men Actually Crave Romantic Relationships More Than Women Do Multiple-study analysis looks at why men’s emotional intimacy is much more difficult outside of romantic relationships By Clarissa Brincat edited by Sarah Lewin Frasier Research explores why men seem to find romantic relationships more important than women do. Join Our Community of Science Lovers! Drawing on…
‘Fake bailiffs said they’d take my furniture’
A man has described how criminals pretending to be bailiffs almost tricked him into paying thousands of pounds to settle a fictitious debt as part of an elaborate scam. In what has been reported as a growing problem, people are phoned up and told bailiffs are on the way to their home to remove their…
She suspected a heart attack, but was diagnosed with broken heart syndrome
Allison Aubrey If you’ve ever had a scary experience, when your adrenaline is pumping, as you deal with a threat or shock, you may relate to Maria Carraballo’s experience. While on vacation in Puerto Rico, Carraballo, 75, was swimming with her two young grandsons, when the current began to pull them away from the shore.…
Why We’re All Envious of Serena Williams’ Marriage to Alexis Ohanian
Ever since Alexis Ohanian wed Serena Williams in a star-studded 2017 affair, the Reddit cofounder and dad of two has simply been acing married life and putting other husbands to shame. Remember the time Alexis Ohanian commissioned a series of billboards to be set up in Palm Springs, welcoming wife Serena Williams back to competition…
Brazil asks UN to ditch proposed levy on global shipping
Those supporting the deal hope it will raise billions to help poor countries deal with climate breakdown Brazil has asked the UN to throw out plans for a new levy on global shipping that would raise funds to fight the climate crisis, despite playing host to the next UN climate summit. The proposed levy on…
Can Europe conjure a united front on Ukraine’s future?
Europe’s leaders are scrambling. Their hastily convened security summit in Paris on Monday is proof of that. They are still reeling from not being invited by the US to talks with Russia over the future of Ukraine. US President Donald Trump said on Sunday he could be meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin “very soon”. Can…
Why Friendships Matter More Than You Think
Love Isn’t Just about Romance. Here’s How Nonromantic Bonds Shape Our Lives Valentine’s Day often focuses on romance, but deep friendships deserve love, too. Here’s why they matter. By Rachel Feltman, Fonda Mwangi & Madison Goldberg [CLIP: Theme music] Rachel Feltman: Happy Valentine’s Day, listeners! For Scientific American’s Science Quickly, I’m Rachel Feltman. For many…
Left Out of Ukraine Talks, Europe Races to Organize a Response
Russia-Ukraine War The Trump administration’s push for direct negotiations with Russia without Ukraine’s involvement leaves the European allies with no clear role. By Andrew E. Kramer Reporting from Kyiv, Ukraine While American officials prepared on Sunday for the start of talks with Russia over ending the war in Ukraine, European leaders were rushing to formulate…
Government Accountability official says fraud does exist, but it’s not widespread
Luke Garrett President Trump and Elon Musk have vowed to uncover and eliminate fraud in the federal government, and the White House has pointed to a recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report as evidence and justification for their ongoing efforts to take over and dismantle federal agencies. The GAO is an agency under Congress that…
Bad Bunny Makes Surprising Confession About His SNL Milestone
After Bad Bunny both hosted and starred as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live, he revealed what his favorite part of taking on double duty was. Bad Bunny loves trying new things. One year after the “Monaco” rapper took on double duty as host and musical guest on Saturday Night Live, he shared insight into…
Cook Islands PM defends signing of wide-ranging deal with China
Mark Brown says Beijing deal that covers trade, investment, oceans, infrastructure and transport complements ties with New Zealand The Cook Islands says it has signed a deal to expand relations with China, stressing that the accord does not impinge on ties with former colonial power New Zealand. Prime minister Mark Brown said he signed an…
JWST Spies a Giant Space Hamburger—and Maybe Planetary Origins, Too
The UniverseFridays JWST Spies a Giant Space Hamburger—and Maybe Planetary Origins, Too It’s neither fast nor food, but a spectacular object called HH 30 looks appetizing for astronomers in a new image from the James Webb Space Telescope By Phil Plait edited by Lee Billings HH 30, a complex assemblage of gas and dust surrounding…
PM ‘ready and willing’ to put UK troops on the ground in Ukraine to protect peace
Sir Keir Starmer has said he is “ready and willing” to put UK troops on the ground in Ukraine to help guarantee its security as part of a peace deal. Writing in the Daily Telegraph, the UK prime minister said securing a lasting peace in Ukraine “is essential if we are to deter Putin from…
SNL 50 Red Carpet Fashion: See Every Celebrity Arrive (Live Updates)
From Adam Sandler to Amy Poehler, A-list comedians are hitting the red carpet for SNL 50: The Anniversary Special in New York Feb. 16. See every star arrive. You can feel the excitement in your funny bones. To mark the 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live, Hollywood stars are hitting the red carpet in New…
Brother of British national held in Nigeria says UK has ‘turned its back’
Kingsley Kanu, brother of Indigenous People of Biafra leader Nnamdi Kanu, calls on PM to defend British citizens The brother of a British national being held in Nigeria after falling victim to extraordinary rendition has accused the UK government of turning its back, and called on Keir Starmer to “wake up” and “defend British citizens”.…
Trump’s Proposal to Expel Palestinians From Gaza Hangs Over Rubio’s Israel Trip
Trump Administration Scholars of international law say President Trump’s vision for American control of a Gaza without Palestinians would be ethnic cleansing and a war crime. By Edward Wong and Isabel Kershner Edward Wong reported from Washington, and Isabel Kershner from Jerusalem. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel…
Jacob Kiplimo sets new half marathon record, finishes in under 57 minutes
Juliana Kim Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda ran with a vengeance in Barcelona on Sunday — masterfully reclaiming the half marathon world record after the title was taken from him last year. “What a day!” he wrote on Instagram. “Today everything has been perfect, the course, the weather and of course myself.” A post shared by…
US deports 119 immigrants of varying nationalities to Panama
People from Afghanistan, Iran, China and other countries flown out as Trump’s deportation effort intensifies The US has sent undocumented immigrants from several Asian countries whose governments have refused to accept them to Panama, in a move signalling an intensification of the Trump administration’s deportation effort. A military plane carrying 119 immigrants from countries including…
‘No durable peace’ in Ukraine if Europe not in talks, says minister
There can be “no durable peace” in Ukraine without European nations, particularly Ukrainians, taking part in talks to end the war with Russia, the business secretary has told the BBC. Jonathan Reynolds downplayed divisions between the US and its allies over resolving the conflict, after concerns over the Trump administration moving ahead with peace talks…
Why Aren’t We Losing Our Minds Over the Plastic in Our Brains?
Opinion Cross CurrentsFridays Why Aren’t We Losing Our Minds Over the Plastic in Our Brains? New research on microplastics in brains reminds us that while scientists compile safety data, our leaders should still act By Megha Satyanarayana edited by Dan Vergano Richard Thompson, director of the Marine Institute of Plymouth analyzes nurdles and other micro-plastics…
Protests are set to take place on Presidents Day. Here is why
By Chandelis Duster Protests are set to take place in several major cities across the U.S. on Monday, the Presidents Day holiday, according to activists. These demonstrations are being organized by the 50501 Movement, which stands for “50 protests. 50 states. 1 movement.” The protests are a response to what organizers describe as “the anti-democratic…
Trump Team Leaves Behind an Alliance in Crisis
Trump Administration news analysis European leaders felt certain about one thing after a whirlwind tour by Trump officials — they were entering a new world where it was harder to depend on the United States. By David E. Sanger and Steven Erlanger Reporting from Munich Many critical issues were left uncertain — including the fate…
Nordstrom Quietly Released Their Presidents’ Day Deals up to 60% Off
PSA: Your favorite luxury retailer is having a major winter sale right now, with many luxury brands starting at $27. Our writers and editors independently determine what we cover and recommend. When you buy through our links, E! may earn a commission. Learn more. Luxury fashion lovers, get ready to shop ‘til you drop! Nordstrom just…
Duck Dynasty’s Sadie Robertson Is Pregnant, Expecting Baby No. 3
Duck Dynasty star Sadie Robertson and husband Christian Huff are expecting their third child. Get more details about their baby news and growing family. The Duck Dynasty flock is growing. Sadie Robertson, the third-eldest of Korie and Willie Robertson‘s six children and the granddaughter of Duck Commander founder Phil Robertson, and her husband Christian Huff…
Mexico threatens to escalate US gunmakers lawsuit with terror charges
Claudia Scheinbaum warns of reciprocal action if Washington designates country’s cartels as terrorist groups Mexico’s president has warned US gunmakers they could face fresh legal action as accomplices of organized crime if Washington designates the country’s cartels as terrorist groups. The Latin American country, which is under mounting pressure from Donald Trump to curb illegal…
Trump administration’s mixed messaging on foreign policy leaves world guessing
A cracked windscreen forced US Secretary of State Marco Rubio into a rapid U-turn as his plane, en route to the Munich Security Conference, had to turn back an hour into the flight. America’s top diplomat, his senior officials and the travelling press returned to Andrews Air Force Base near Washington DC on Thursday night.…
Fans in Montreal loudly boo U.S. anthem prior to Americans’ 4 Nations game vs. Canada
By The Associated Press MONTREAL — Fans in Montreal loudly booed the U.S. national anthem prior to the 4 Nations Face-Off game between the Americans and Canada on Saturday night. It’s the second time “The Star-Spangled Banner” drew that reaction in two games the United States has played at the NHL-run international tournament. And it…
Volunteers Search for ISIS Kidnap Victims
They are the missing, torn from their families a decade ago by ISIS militants. Many are likely dead. Some may have been sold into sexual slavery. Others have been trapped in detention camps. The world has moved on, save for a band of searchers who refuse to give up. No international body is searching for…
A Perfectly Cooked Egg, according to Materials Science
How Do You Cook a Perfect Egg? Scientists Have Figured It Out Materials scientists have found a way to perfectly cook an egg white and egg yolk simultaneously By Arminda Downey-Mavromatis edited by Andrea Thompson Join Our Community of Science Lovers! Hard-boiling, soft-boiling or using a trendy sous vide—no matter the approach, cooking a whole…
Armed Bandits in Brazil Pursue New Loot: Ozempic
Criminals are targeting pharmacies and stealing weight-loss medication in a country with body image insecurities and where many cannot afford the drugs. Criminals are targeting pharmacies and stealing weight-loss medication in a country with body image insecurities and where many cannot afford the drugs. A video monitoring system inside a pharmacy in São Paulo. Ozempic…
European leaders set to hold emergency summit on Ukraine
European leaders are set to gather next week for an emergency summit on the war in Ukraine, in response to concerns the US is moving ahead with Russia on peace talks that will lock out the continent. Sir Keir Starmer, who is expected to attend the summit in Paris, said it was a “once-in-a-generation moment…
Tom Cruise and Ana de Armas Step Out Over Valentine’s Day Weekend
Tom Cruise and Ana de Armas were photographed out together on an outing in London just before the Valentine’s Day holiday. Fans’ eyes were wide open as they watched Tom Cruise and Ana de Armas out together in London. The Mission: Impossible actor and Blade Runner 2049 actress were photographed walking in the Soho neighborhood, with…
Amazon workers vote against unionizing a North Carolina warehouse
Alina Selyukh Amazon workers in North Carolina have voted against unionizing as the retail giant once again prevailed in its fight against labor organizing. Around 4,300 workers at a warehouse in Garner, N.C., a suburb of Raleigh, were eligible to cast ballots over the past week. They voted whether to join the grassroots union called…
Muhsin Hendricks, world’s ‘first openly gay imam’, shot dead in South Africa
Police say motive for killing of Hendricks, who ran a mosque for LGBTQ+ Muslims near Cape Town, is unknown Muhsin Hendricks, considered the world’s “first openly gay imam”, has been shot dead near the southern city of Gqeberha, South African police have said. The imam, who ran a mosque intended as a safe haven for…
Christina Haack Shows Support for Ex Ant Anstead and Renée Zellweger
Without saying a word, Christina Haack has signaled how she feels about ex Ant Anstead’s relationship with Renée Zellweger. Christina Haack is down with this ex’s loving relationship too. The HGTV star liked her ex-husband Ant Anstead‘s Feb. 13 tribute to his girlfriend Renée Zellweger, which promotes her latest film, Bridget Jones: Mad About the…
Vance and Musk Attack German Consensus on Nazis and Speech
Trump Administration news analysis Vice President JD Vance and Elon Musk have challenged decades-long approaches to political extremism that were designed to prevent another Hitler. By Jim Tankersley Reporting from Munich The American vice president visited a concentration camp on Thursday afternoon. He laid a wreath at the foot of a statue, made the sign…
Urgent CDC Data on Influenza and Bird Flu Go Missing as Outbreaks Escalate
Urgent CDC Data on Influenza and Bird Flu Go Missing as Outbreaks Escalate Delays in CDC analyses of infectious disease threats and agency silence will harm Americans, doctors and public health experts warn By Amy Maxmen & KFF Health News Sonya Stokes, an emergency room physician in the San Francisco Bay Area, braces herself for a daily…
Arsenal accused of snub to DRC minister over ‘bloodstained’ Visit Rwanda deal
Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, foreign minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), who was in London this week to raise concerns over Rwanda’s support for the M23 militia, said she attempted to meet Arsenal officials to discuss the club’s Visit Rwanda sponsorship deal. However, Arsenal, one of the world’s most popular Premier League clubs…
German Chancellor Rebukes Vance for Supporting Party That Downplays Nazis
Trump Administration At the Munich Security Conference, Olaf Scholz accused the U.S. vice president of unacceptable interference in Germany’s coming elections. By Jim Tankersley and Andrew E. Kramer Jim Tankersley reported from Munich, and Andrew E. Kramer from Kyiv, Ukraine. Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany on Saturday accused Vice President JD Vance of unacceptably interfering…
Tennis’ top-ranked Jannik Sinner gets a 3-month ban in doping case settlement
By The Associated Press Top-ranked tennis player Jannik Sinner accepted a three-month ban in a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency and said Saturday the agreement ends a case that was “hanging over me” since his two positive doping tests nearly a year ago. WADA, which was seeking to ban the three-time Grand Slam champion…
White Lotus Season 3 Premiere: Where You’ve Seen the Cast Before
With HBO premiering The White Lotus season three on Feb. 16, stars including Jason Isaacs, Leslie Bibb, Aimee Lou Wood and Natasha Rothwell may look familiar. Get ready to do a double take. Because yes, that really is Lucius Malfoy leaving the Wizarding World behind for a stay at The White Lotus. Jason Isaacs—who played…
British couple held in Iran named as family urge safe return
The family of a British couple in custody in Iran say they are united in their determination to secure their safe return. Craig and Lindsay Foreman were arrested in January, but news of their detention emerged on Thursday when state-run Iranian media reported they were being held on unspecified security charges. The couple, in their…
Why Jillian Michaels Says Much of the Diet Industry Is “Bulls–t”
There’s no need to sweat over finding the right diet for you, Jillian Michaels insisted in an exclusive interview with E! News. Instead, detailed the wellness expert, follow these no-nonsense tips. Keto and plant-based and intermitten fasting, oh my! Selecting the perfect diet for your body can require some pretty heavy lifting. Which is why Jillian…
A Quick, Quiet Trip to Belarus Signals a Turn in U.S. Policy
Trump Administration After years of the U.S. trying to isolate Russia’s closest ally, a meeting with Belarus’s president points to better relations, raising hopes of loosening his repression and his embrace of Moscow. By Andrew Higgins and Tomas Dapkus The senior American diplomat slipped quietly into Belarus, a police state run by a strongman reviled…
Tumors Hijack the Nervous System to Fuel Their Own Growth
Tumors Hijack the Nervous System to Fuel Their Own Growth Interrupting signals exchanged between tumors and the nervous system could become a critical pillar of cancer care By Ingrid Wickelgren edited by Gary Stix Brain tumor. Cancer arises as an enemy from within. One of the body’s own cells becomes damaged or corrupted and then…
Are immigrants still welcome in Mayor Eric Adams’ New York City? We asked New Yorkers.
Jasmine Garsd It’s part of the lore of New York City: a place where immigrants from around the world come to try their luck. Their influence is everywhere: from a slice of pizza to the immigrant-owned bodegas blasting bachata music. But in recent months, as the national sentiment continues to be divided on immigation, the…
‘I closed my eyes to brace for impact’: the man who escaped a whale’s mouth
Adrián Simancas encountered a humpback off Chile’s coast – but scientists say he was never at risk of being swallowed Adrián Simancas had been paddling for two hours in the calm but icy seas of the Strait of Magellan, off the coast of Chilean Patagonia, when something massive emerged from the water and dragged him…
Vance Tells Europeans to Stop Shunning Parties Deemed Extreme
Trump Administration His comments shocked attendees at the Munich Security Conference and seemed to target efforts to sideline the hard-right party the Alternative for Germany. transcript While the Trump administration is very concerned with European security and believes that we can come to a reasonable settlement between Russia and Ukraine. And we also believe that…
See Emma Watson’s Rare Public Outing at NBA All-Star Celebrity Game
Harry Potter star Emma Watson stepped out for the 2025 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game Feb. 14 amid her ongoing literature studies at Oxford University. Emma Watson is trading quidditch for basketball. The Harry Potter star, who is currently completing her masters degree in literature at Oxford University in England, made a rare public appearance when…
Rwandan-backed M23 rebels enter Bukavu in eastern DRC
Rebels make rapid advance into capital of South Kivu province, less than a month after taking Goma Rebels from the Rwandan-backed M23 group have entered Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, after a rapid advance south in recent days. M23 fighters entered the city’s Kazingu and Bagira…
‘Trapped in our home’ – Doorbell camera captures neighbour’s abuse and threats
It’s the early hours of the morning in March 2024 and Ben is woken by shouting and swearing. It’s aimed at him, and he says it feels threatening. It’s the woman who lives in the flat below. An hour before, Ben could see and hear threats on the screen of his doorbell camera. It’s been…
Trump Administration Starts Firing Energy Department, Forest Service and Other Employees
Trump Administration Starts Firing Energy Department and Other Employees The Department of Energy, Forest Service and Office of Personnel Management are among agencies that have begun firing staffers By Brian Dabbs, Marc Heller, Kevin Bogardus, Heather Richards & E&E News Demonstrators hold signs during a rally for federal workers at the U.S. Capitol in Washington,…
A Valentine’s Day aurora may be visible in the skies of the northern U.S.
By Chandelis Duster Some Americans may get a special treat during the Valentine’s Day weekend if the northern lights illuminate the night sky with a hint of romance. While it’s possible this could happen, space weather scientists warn the chances are slim. The northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, may be visible across parts of North…