Supreme Court temporarily blocks full SNAP benefits even as they’d started to go out
Jennifer Ludden The U.S. Supreme Court temporarily granted the Trump administration’s request to block full SNAP food benefits during the government shutdown, even as residents in some states had already begun receiving them. The Trump administration is appealing a court order to fully restart the country’s largest anti-hunger program. The high court decision late Friday […]
Why Is the Milky Way Warped?
The UniverseFridays Our Milky Way’s Warped Disk Keeps Getting Weirder Observations show the disk of our galaxy is not flat but warped and waving. Astronomers are still working out the reasons why By Phil Plait edited by Lee Billings Observations from the European Space Agency’s Gaia mission have revealed a giant wave rippling through the […]
After California’s vote to counter Trump, here’s where redistricting stands
Larry Kaplow Loading… California voters this week made the biggest Democratic move yet against President Trump’s effort to reshape voting maps in favor of Republicans in the 2026 midterm elections. They overwhelmingly approved a map for congressional districts that could help Democrats win five more seats in the U.S. House. The ballot language itself referred […]
How Supermassive Black Holes Can Become Cosmic Nightmares
The UniverseFridays Do We Live in a Haunted Galaxy? Huge eruptions from the Milky Way’s supermassive black hole in the distant past may have sterilized much of the inner galaxy By Phil Plait edited by Lee Billings Stay connected to The Universe: Get email alerts for this weekly column by Phil Plait Galaxies are spooky […]
Why an interstellar comet has scientists excited
Jaclyn Diaz An ancient comet that entered our solar system this summer is offering a rare opportunity to learn more about distant planetary systems far beyond the reach of any spacecraft, researchers say. The comet is special both because it is interstellar — meaning it came from outside our solar system — and also because […]
England triumph is most-watched TV moment of 2025
England beat Spain on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Basel England’s dramatic Euro 2025 final victory against Spain was the most watched television moment of the year so far, with a peak live audience of 12.2 million across all BBC platforms. Sarina Wiegman’s side retained their title by defeating the world champions on penalties…
Trump lands trade deal with EU. And, Pete Buttigieg on what’s next for Democrats
By Brittney Melton here to get it delivered to your inbox, and listen to the Up First podcast for all the news you need to start your day. President Trump announced yesterday that he struck a trade deal with the European Union after talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Scotland. Under the agreement,…
Tetris Presents Math Problems Even Computers Can’t Solve
The Impossible Problems Hidden in a Simple Game of Tetris How complex can a simple game be? Tetris pushes even supercomputers to their limits and amazes mathematicians By Manon Bischoff edited by Daisy Yuhas The gameplay screen of the game Tetris as seen on a 1989 Nintendo Game Boy. As a child of the 1990s,…
Thailand and Cambodia agree to ‘immediate and unconditional’ ceasefire
Malaysian PM says countries have reached ‘common understanding’ to halt the worst fighting in a decade Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an “immediate and unconditional” ceasefire after talks in Malaysia that aimed to halt the worst fighting between the neighbouring countries in more than a decade. The Malaysian prime minister, Anwar Ibrahim, who hosted…
See Pete Davidson, Pregnant Elsie Hewitt’s Romantic Date Night in LA
Pete Davidson and Elsie Hewitt—who’s currently pregnant with their first baby—turned the July 27 premiere of the actor’s upcoming film, The Pickup, into a PDA-filled date night. Live from California, it’s Pete Davidson and Elsie Hewitt’s sweet date night. Over a week after the model announced that she and the Saturday Night Live alum are expecting their first baby, the couple stepped out to celebrate…
The Kardashians Throw Grandma MJ a Lavish 91st Birthday Party
Kris Jenner’s mom Mary Jo Campbell, known affectionately by the Kardashians as MJ, celebrated her 91st birthday with a lavish garden-themed party. Grandma MJ is proving that age truly is just a number. After all, Kris Jenner’s mom (real name Mary Jo Campbell) celebrated her 91st birthday July 26 with a lavish floral affair. In…
Lionesses defy odds to create English football history
This video can not be played England beat Spain on penalties to win Euro 2025 “This year it was meant for England.” Lucy Bronze, England’s most decorated footballer, the one player who epitomises what it is to be a Lioness, just had a feeling all along. Even with a fractured tibia throughout the tournament, Bronze…
Male Birth Control Pill YCT-529 Passes Human Safety Test
First Hormone-Free Male Birth Control Pill Shown Safe in Early Human Trial A hormone-free pill, called YCT-529, that temporarily stops sperm production by blocking a vitamin A metabolite has just concluded its first safety trial in humans, getting a step closer to increasing male contraceptive options By Hannah Seo edited by Lauren J. Young Photo…
Medical groups are concerned that RFK Jr. may dismiss a panel of primary care experts
Pien Huang Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. may soon dismiss the members of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, an advisory panel of primary care experts, raising “deep concern” from the American Medical Association and other top medical groups. The plan was first reported in The Wall Street Journal. “It’s very…
New Zealand attorney general warns her government’s electoral reform could breach human rights law
Judith Collins also said the controversial electoral law reform could disenfranchise Māori New Zealand’s prime minister Christopher Luxon has defended his government’s plans to overhaul its electoral laws, despite warnings from his own attorney general the changes could breach human rights law and disenfranchise more than 100,000 voters. The right-wing government last week announced its…
Princess Charlotte Joins Dad Prince William at Women’s Euro 2025 Final
Princess Charlotte proved she is becoming the biggest sports fan in the royal family as she joined Prince William to see England win the Euro 2025 final in Switzerland July 27. Princess Charlotte is proving to be quite the sports fan. After all, the 10-year-old joined her dad Prince William at the UEFA Women’s Euro…
Victorian Labor party members to push for ‘immediate’ federal recognition of a Palestinian state
Exclusive: Labor Friends of Palestine to move three ‘urgency resolutions’ at weekend conference, but PM maintains no immediate plans for the move Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Victorian Labor members will use this weekend’s state conference to demand the federal government “immediately” recognise a Palestinian state and impose sanctions…
‘We’ll remember this forever’: England fans jubilant as their heroes win again
“We’ll remember this forever.” So says Jo from Sevenoaks as she and her friends emerge from St Jakob-Park in Basel moments after England won the women’s Euros. Again. She is certainly dedicated. Jo was at a festival in the UK a mere 24 hours ago. I ask them how this moment ranks out of 10…
Steve Jobs’ Daughter Eve Jobs Marries Harry Charles in Lavish Wedding
Eve Jobs—the daughter of the late Steve Jobs and Lauren Powell Jobs—tied the knot with British Olympian Harry Charles in a gorgeous wedding ceremony at the Estelle Manor in the U.K. Eve Jobs is officially riding into a new chapter. The daughter of the late Steve Jobs and Lauren Powell Jobs tied the knot with…
Jeremy Bowen: Israel’s aid measures a gesture to allies horrified by Gaza starvation
Israel has responded to sustained and growing international condemnation that it is responsible for starvation in Gaza by announcing a series of measures the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said would ‘improve the humanitarian response.’ It is allowing airdrops of aid, carrying out the first one itself during the night and allowing the United Arab Emirates…
NASA Employees Warn Science and Safety Are at Risk from White House Budget Cuts
NASA Staff Rebuke White House Cuts in Rare Public Dissent A declaration of dissent from past and present NASA employees warns that science and safety are at risk and joins similar documents from staff at other federal science agencies By Alexandra Witze & Nature magazine More than 280 NASA employees past and present, including at…
His name is Mohammad Al-Motawaq. He is 18 months old. And he is starving in Gaza
By Anas Baba , Emily Feng GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — In a tent by the Mediterranean Sea, Hidaya Al-Motawaq cradles her crying baby boy and tries to offer what comfort she can. “Khalas,” she murmurs repeatedly. “Khalas, khalas.” Enough, that’s enough. Mohammad is a year and a half old and nearly all bone. His…
Images of children starving in Gaza have shaken some world leaders out of inertia – but what will Labor do?
Anthony Albanese’s government enters its first full week of federal parliament under pressure from outside and inside its ranks Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Images of emaciated, skeletal children in Gaza landed on news outlets’ front pages last week. It seemed to shake some world leaders and ordinary citizens…
‘We need a real solution’: Gazans welcome aid plan but fear it will not end crisis
Residents of Gaza have cautiously welcomed reports of a temporary humanitarian pause to allow aid into the besieged enclave, but many say the relief must be the beginning of a broader, lasting solution to the deepening crisis. Israel’s military said it will open humanitarian corridors to allow convoys of food and medicine to enter, after…
Nonfiction and Fiction Summer Reading Recommendations from Scientific American
Bring These Scientific American–Recommended Books to the Beach This Summer If you’re seeking a summer read, Scientific American has some fantastic fiction and notable nonfiction to recommend. By Rachel Feltman, Brianne Kane, Fonda Mwangi & Alex Sugiura Rachel Feltman: For Scientific American’s Science Quickly, I’m Rachel Feltman. You might not know this, but Scientific American…
Bachelor Nation Status Check: See Whose Love Is Still In Bloom
Hannah Brown has shed her bachelorette status, marrying Adam Woolard in a trés chic French affair. And she’s not the only with a rosy future. We’re checking in with all the Bachelor Nation pairs. Former Bachelorette Hannah Brown has walked down the aisle and you better believe Jesus still loves her. Six years removed from…
Here’s a puzzling question: Why are stocks at record highs despite looming tariffs?
By Rafael Nam From businesses to Americans across the country, everybody seems worried that the economy will be hit badly if the massive tariffs threatened by President Trump go into effect this week on Aug. 1. Yet anybody who has looked recently at their 401(k) statements or retirement accounts will have noticed something surprising: Stocks…
Hong Kong issues arrest warrants for 19 activists based overseas
Authorities accuse activists linked to pro-democracy group Hong Kong Parliament of subversion Hong Kong’s national security police have issued arrest warrants for 19 activists based overseas, accusing them of subversion under a stringent national security law, marking the largest such tally yet. They are accused of organising or participating in the Hong Kong Parliament, a…
Attempt to unseat 24 ‘pro-China’ opposition politicians in Taiwan fails
Voters reject all the recall motions in a DPP-backed bid to unseat opposition MPs and gain a legislative majority An unprecedented attempt in Taiwan to unseat 24 “pro-China” opposition politicians and give a parliamentary majority to the ruling party has failed, with voters in every seat rejecting the notion. Polls opened on Saturday morning for…
Heat Dome’s Extreme Heat and Humidity Triggers Alerts across Eastern U.S.
Millions Swelter under Relentless Heat Dome Smothering Eastern U.S. High humidity and low overnight temperatures will put tens of millions of people under heat alerts over the course of the coming week By Meghan Bartels edited by Clara Moskowitz HeatRisk forecast for July 27, 2025. The NWS HeatRisk is an experimental color-numeric-based index that provides…
Israel intercepts Gaza-bound activist boat carrying food aid
Pro-Palestinian group Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) says Israeli troops have boarded a boat that was trying to bring food aid to the Gaza Strip by sea. It said the Handala vessel was intercepted in international waters. Video footage purportedly showed activists on board with their hands up as several armed soldiers took control of the…
Swamp People Star Junior Edwards Dead
Swamp People star Junior Edwards’ family and costars shared tributes to the longtime History Channel reality TV personality and alligator hunter on July 26 after his death. Junior Edwards has died. The Swamp People star’s family and costars announced his passing in a series of social media posts on July 26. Swamp People‘s Ashley “Deadeye”…
Nearly 4,000 NASA employees opt to leave agency through deferred resignation program
By Chandelis Duster Nearly 4,000 NASA employees have opted to leave the space agency through the Trump administration’s deferred resignation program, NASA said on Saturday. The cuts amount to an estimated 20% of NASA’s workforce, and will reduce the agency from 18,000 to 14,000 employees, NASA spokesperson Cheryl Warner said in a statement shared with…
Gaza aid site offered a ‘women only’ day. It didn’t stop the killing
The food distribution was announced in advance, like many before it, in a post on social media carrying an illustration of smiling Palestinians receiving boxes of aid. This time, however, the invitation shared by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) was different, featuring illustrations of only women. “Tomorrow at our morning distribution at our location in…
U.S. Ends Support for CMB-S4 Project to Study Cosmic Inflation
By Nadia Drake edited by Lee Billings An aerial view of the U.S. Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station in Antarctica. Budgetary challenges and crumbling infrastructure at the station helped scuttle the U.S.-led Cosmic Microwave Background Stage 4 (CMB-S4) project. Amid simmering anxiety about the future of federally funded science, the U.S. government has quietly withdrawn support…
Johnny Depp Pays Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne During Concert Surprise
Johnny Depp surprised fans by joining Alice Cooper’s July 25 concert in London to perform Black Sabbath’s hit “Paranoid” as a tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, who died three days prior at the age of 76. Johnny Depp is paying tribute to one of his rock icons. The actor surprised fans by joining Alice Cooper mid-concert…
The bitter feud fuelling the border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia
Animosity between former friends and political patriarchs Hun Sen and Thaksin Shinawatra is exacerbating clashes The dispute over Thailand and Cambodia’s contested border, which dates back more than a century to disagreements over colonial-era maps, has broken into conflict before. But the most recent clashes, which erupted on Thursday, have been fuelled by another factor:…
Israel’s military says aid airdrops will begin in Gaza as hunger grows
By The Associated Press DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — Israel’s military announced that airdrops of aid would begin Saturday night in Gaza, and humanitarian corridors will be established for United Nations convoys, after increasing accounts of starvation-related deaths. The statement late Saturday followed months of experts’ warnings of famine amid Israeli restrictions on aid. International…
Vanessa Hudgens’ Baby Bump Bikini Photos Are on Fire
See photos and get all the details from pregnant Vanessa Hudgen’s Mexico vacation ahead of the birth of her and husband Cole Tucker’s second baby. We can’t take our eyes off of Vanessa Hudgens‘ Mexico babymoon photo album. The pregnant High School Musical alum treated fans to a sneak peek inside her recent tropical getaway…
Israel to open Gaza humanitarian corridors as aid drops begin
Israel has said it is prepared to open humanitarian corridors to allow UN convoys into Gaza, following weeks of international pressure and a growing hunger crisis. In a statement on Saturday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it had allowed air drops of humanitarian aid to resume, the first of which consisted of seven pallets…
Heat Dome Temperatures May Break Records in Eastern U.S.
Scorching Heat Dome Grips Eastern U.S., with No Relief in Sight Tens of millions of people are already under heat alerts, and the worst is yet to come By Meghan Bartels edited by Sarah Lewin Frasier HeatRisk forecast for July 28, 2025. The NWS HeatRisk is an experimental color-numeric-based index that provides a forecast risk…
Steve Aoki and Wife Sasha Aoki Welcome First Baby Together
DJ Steve Aoki and his wife Sasha Aoki have welcomed their first baby together, a baby boy, the couple shared: “He came out on his own time.” Steve Aoki and Sasha Aoki are amped up about their new roles. Six months after the DJ and Columbia University alum—who tied the knot in July 2024—shared they…
Security tightens as Donald Trump plays golf during Scotland visit
A major security operation has ramped up as Donald Trump played golf on the first day of his private visit to Scotland. The US president teed off at his luxury resort Trump Turnberry in South Ayrshire at about 10:00, having arrived at Prestwick Airport on Friday evening. The day passed without incident, while hundreds of…
Men freed from El Salvador mega-prison endured ‘state-sanctioned torture’, lawyers say
Venezuelans back home under Maduro-Trump deal tell of isolation, beatings and dirty water – ‘a living nightmare’ Venezuelans that the Trump administration expelled to El Salvador’s most notorious megaprison endured “state-sanctioned torture”, lawyers for some of the men have said, as more stories emerge about the horrors they faced during capacity. When José Manuel Ramos…
The Surprising Math and Physics behind the 2026 Trionda World Cup Soccer Ball
The Surprising Math and Physics behind the 2026 World Cup Soccer Ball Here’s how the new tetrahedron-based design for the “Trionda” soccer ball may affect next year’s big game By Emma R. Hasson edited by Sarah Lewin Frasier Each World Cup brings an exciting new ball design. The 2026 Trionda ball is at center. Every…
PEPFAR escaped the rescission ax. But where does it stand?
By Gabrielle Emanuel When Kenneth Ngure thinks about the global effort to control HIV/AIDS, he says, he feels like he’s flying. “It’s like an airplane that’s traveling at cruising altitude, seeking its destination,” says Ngure, the president-elect of the International AIDS Society and associate professor of global health at the Jomo Kenyatta University in Kenya.…
Interstellar Meteors Hit Earth All the Time but Still Elude Astronomers
The UniverseFridays The Sky Is Falling—From Another Star Astronomers think small space rocks from beyond our solar system routinely strike Earth—but proving it isn’t easy By Phil Plait edited by Lee Billings Some shooting stars in Earth’s skies probably come from beyond the solar system. Stay connected to The Universe: Get email alerts for this…
Huddle Up and See How Much Money Sports Stars Make
Ever wonder how much money your favorite sports stars make? We’ve worked out the Xs and Os to reveal how much Steph Curry, Patrick Mahomes, Caitlin Clark and more athletes rake in from competing. The guy on the Chiefs is running straight to training camp. Travis Kelce and his Kansas City Chiefs teammates kicked off…
Trump praises PM as he arrives in Scotland for four-day trip
US president Donald Trump said “it’s great to be in Scotland” as he landed for a four-day private visit. After Air Force One touched down at Prestwick Airport, just before 20:30, the US president was met by Scottish Secretary Ian Murray and Warren Stephens, US Ambassador to the UK. Trump spoke to journalists before the…
Woman allegedly stabs colleague with scissors in attack at InterContinental Sydney hotel
The 31-year-old was charged with attempted murder after alleged attack that left co-worker with upper body wounds Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast A woman has been charged with attempted murder after she allegedly wielded scissors in a stabbing attack against her co-worker in a luxury hotel in central Sydney.…
Organ Proteins Reveal How Aging Accelerates at 50 Years Old
Organs Age in Waves Accelerating at 50 Years Old Aging is a complex process that plays out differently across different organs, according to growing evidence By Heidi Ledford & Nature magazine Color enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan of the human heart, highlighting the cardiac conduction system (yellow). Join Our Community of Science Lovers! It is…
Has the Billboard Hot 100 caught the Holy Ghost?
By Corey Antonio Rose For the first time, multiple Christian musicians are charting on the Billboard Hot 100 at the same time — and staying there for weeks. Has the mainstream music industry found Jesus Christ? Brittany talks with University of Michigan-Dearborn Professor Emerita Dr. Deborah Smith Pollard and Christianity Today reporter Kelsey Kramer McGinnis…
Anthony Anderson Addresses Sexual Comment About Lindsay Lohan at 17
Anthony Anderson’s rep spoke out on a resurfaced video of a sexual comment he made about Lindsay Lohan, then 17, on The Sharon Osbourne Show, saying it was “intended as comedy.” Anthony Anderson is speaking out on backlash against him. The Black-ish star set the record straight after a clip of his 2003 appearance on…
Cambodia calls for ‘immediate ceasefire’ with Thailand as deadly clashes enter a third day
Thousands of people have been evacuated from either side of the border, while fighting has left at least 32 people dead Cambodia wants an “immediate ceasefire” with Thailand, the country’s envoy to the United Nations has said, with Bangkok also signalling an openness to talks after two days of deadly clashes that have left 32…
Starmer suggests UK will play role in new Gaza aid air drops
Sir Keir Starmer has suggested that the UK will play a role in dropping aid into Gaza by air after more than a third of MPs signed a letter calling on the government to recognise a Palestinian state. On Friday, Israel said it would allow foreign countries to deliver air supplies in the coming days…
Travis Kelce’s Coach Andy Reid Reacts to His Body Transformation
Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Travis Kelce is in “great shape” after losing weight during his off-season: “He looks like he’s 20.” Travis Kelce is ready for the next NFL season. In fact, Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said the 35-year-old now “looks like he’s 20” after working on his physique…
Lobbyist breaches go unsanctioned as critics call for Australia’s rules to be strengthened
Federal government says more than a dozen breaches were administrative but lack of penalties prompts calls for ‘a big stick to sanction lobbyists’ Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcas Not a single lobbyist has been sanctioned under the federal government’s code of conduct and transparency rules for almost three years…
What Scientists on Greenland’s Ice Sheet Are Learning about Our Changing Climate
What It’s Like to Live and Work on the Greenland Ice Sheet Think: subzero temperatures, bone-rattling storms and mysteries about the future of our planet under the ice. By Jeffery DelViscio & Rachel Feltman Barbara Olg Hild, the polar bear guard, stands in the GreenDrill camp during a blizzard that lasted for two straight days.…
NSW real estate agents threaten renters with fees if they are not home for tradespeople – but legally they don’t have to be
More than 2,100 people contacted the tenants’ union in 2024 for advice about access, despite ‘no basis’ for the charge Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast New South Wales real estate agents are threatening renters with fees as high as $330 if they are not at home to let maintenance…
And Just Like That: Fate of Carrie and Aidan’s Relationship Revealed
Warning: This article contains major spoilers for And Just Like That’s episode “Present Tense.” And Just Like That…it’s the end of Aidan and Carrie. ) and her long-distance lover Aidan Shaw (John Corbett) deciding if they will—or won’t—wait for each other over the course of five years, their rekindled romance has officially come to an…
3 ways Indigenous knowledge protects nature
Despite representing less than 5 percent of the world’s population, Indigenous Peoples steward more than a quarter of Earth’s land and seas and protect a significant share of Earth’s biodiversity. Studies show that when Indigenous Peoples have the right to govern their land, biodiversity increases and forests are protected. On International Day of the World’s…
Trump and Fed chairman clash over renovation site cost. And, Gaza peace talks stalled
By Brittney Melton here to get it delivered to your inbox, and listen to the Up First podcast for all the news you need to start your day. President Trump yesterday toured the ongoing renovation project at the Federal Reserve headquarters with Fed Chairman Jerome Powell. The construction cost has soared from $1.9 billion to $2.5 billion…
South Park creator makes mock apology to Trump after White House attacks episode
The episode, broadcast on Wednesday, made several jokes at the US president’s expense, including depicting him naked in bed with Satan. After it aired, the White House described South Park as a “fourth-rate” show that was “hanging on by a thread with uninspired ideas in a desperate attempt for attention”. Asked about the reaction during…
Thailand-Cambodia border dispute: 130,000 Thai civilians evacuated amid second day of clashes
Thailand has evacuated more than 130,000 people along the Cambodian border, it said on Friday, as the country’s leader warned cross-border clashes could develop into war. Clashes that began on Thursday resumed early on Friday, the Thai military reported, as the two countries fought in their bloodiest military clashes in over a decade. Fighting had…
Doctors’ strike disruption will be kept to a minimum, Streeting says as walkouts begin
Health Secretary Wes Streeting is promising to keep NHS services running as a five-day walkout by resident doctors gets underway in England. He said the disruption would be kept to a minimum after NHS England ordered hospitals to only cancel treatments in exceptional circumstances. In previous strikes, the focus has been on staffing emergency care…