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 […]
Jury selection in Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs sex trafficking trial begins today
Isabella Gomez Sarmiento Jury selection for the trial of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs will begin in New York City today. The media mogul, who’s been in custody since his arrest last September, faces criminal charges for sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy and transporting to engage in prostitution. Combs has pleaded not guilty on all charges. The selection […]
Mysterious Glowing Structure Discovered Near Solar System
Giant, Glowing Gas Cloud Discovered Just 300 Light-Years Away An enormous glowing cloud that contains approximately 3,400 solar masses worth of gas has been discovered near the solar system By Keith Cooper & SPACE.com A crescent-shaped gas cloud has been spotted on the edge of the so-called Local Bubble, shown here in this artist’s illustration […]
Trump wants to take Greenland: Four ways this saga could go
In recent weeks, US President-elect Donald Trump has shown renewed interest in taking control of Greenland, a largely autonomous territory of Denmark in the Arctic and the world’s largest island. He first indicated an intention to buy Greenland in 2019, during his first term as president, but this week he went further, refusing to rule…
‘My father should die in prison’, daughter of Dominique Pelicot tells BBC
Warning: This story contains descriptions of sexual abuse It was 20:25 on a Monday evening in November 2020 when Caroline Darian got the call that changed everything. On the other end of the phone was her mother, Gisèle Pelicot. “She announced to me that she discovered that morning that [my father] Dominique had been drugging…
‘National catastrophe’: drama school funding crisis in England sparks concern
Actors Samuel West and Paapa Essiedu join calls for urgent action to protect and expand access to arts World-leading drama schools in England are facing a financial crisis that threatens to turn back the clock, shutting down opportunities for talented young people from diverse and less privileged backgrounds, according to leading figures in the arts.…
Two pearls, a saw, a toy – this is what the survivors of LA fires went back for
For thousands of residents of Los Angeles, the fires took almost everything they had. At least 10 people are dead, and thousands of homes destroyed, after five days of burning. But as the embers cooled, some residents of Altadena, which was ravaged by the Eaton Fire, returned to see what remained: An artifact from their…
Rail passengers face disruption from Avanti strikes every Sunday until June
Train managers on west coast mainline to take action from 12 January to 25 May in dispute over rest-day working Passengers on Great Britain’s west coast mainline have been warned of disruption to Avanti services on every Sunday from this weekend to the end of May. Train managers represented by the the National Union of…
Hundreds of California prison inmates fight wildfires – and stigma
Nearly 1,000 incarcerated men and women have joined the frontlines in a battle against record-breaking wildfires burning across southern California. The number deployed – now 939 – are part of a long-running volunteer programme led by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). Their numbers have steadily increased since Tuesday, the day the deadly…
The Fight Over Lee Kuan Yew’s House
A son of the country’s founding father says he has been persecuted by the government because of a feud with his older brother, who until May was prime minister. By Sui-Lee Wee Sui-Lee Wee interviewed members of the Lee family as well as relatives and close family friends, and reviewed more than 1,000 pages of…
Alec Baldwin Sues for Malicious Prosecution After Rust Shooting Trial
Nearly six months after Alec Baldwin’s trial for involuntary manslaughter in connection to cinematographer Halyna Hutchins’ death was dismissed, the actor filed a lawsuit for malicious prosecution. Alec Baldwin is taking legal action. Nearly six months after a New Mexico judge dismissed the actor’s involuntary manslaughter trial in connection to the 2021 fatal shooting of…
When Carter met Kim – and stopped a nuclear war
Three decades ago, the world was on the brink of a nuclear showdown – until Jimmy Carter showed up in North Korea. In June 1994, the former US president arrived for talks in Pyongyang with then leader Kim Il-sung. It was unprecedented, marking the first time a former or sitting US president had visited. But…
Second Sydney synagogue vandalised with swastikas as NSW premier condemns ‘monstrous’ acts
Police investigating graffiti on Newtown synagogue a day after similar attack in Allawah A second Sydney synagogue has been vandalised with swastikas in as many days in an attack the Jewish community said was intended to erode social cohesion. The Newtown synagogue in Sydney’s inner west was the latest site targeted, with red swastikas spray…
Man City agree £33.6m deal for Lens defender Khusanov
Abdukodir Khusanov has made 18 appearances for Uzbekistan Manchester City have agreed a 40m euros (£33.6m) deal with Lens for central defender Abdukodir Khusanov. Sources with knowledge of the deal say there are additional bonus payments attached to the sale, with the player due to undergo a medical before the transfer is officially confirmed. City…
Christina Haack Reveals Whether She’d Ever Get Married Again
The Flip Off star Christina Haack shared her thoughts on whether or not she’d get married again in the future amid her divorce from third husband Josh Hall. Christina Haack hasn’t flipped her perspective on marriage. The HGTV star—who is in the midst of a divorce from her estranged third husband Josh Hall—explained why she…
Kathie Lee Gifford Surprises Hoda Kotb During Her Final Today Show
Kathie Lee Gifford surprised her former Today fourth hour co-host Hoda Kotb in honor of her last day. One last toast for Hoda Kotb. And fittingly, her former cohost Kathie Lee Gifford was the one to do it. In honor of the long-time Today anchor’s final day Jan.10, the former Kathie Lee & Hoda host…
England’s decade-long quest to bring Women’s Ashes home
This video can not be played ‘You get sledged at breakfast’ – Knight wants England to stick together A lot has changed in the decade since England’s women last held the Ashes trophy. There have been six different prime ministers in the UK, Brexit, a global pandemic and three Olympic Games, and women’s cricket is…
Lala Kent Says Daughter Sosa “Struggling to Breathe” Amid L.A. Fires
Vanderpump Rules‘ Lala Kent revealed she and daughters Ocean, 3, and 4-month-old Sosa fled the dangerous conditions in Los Angeles amid the devastating ongoing wildfires. Lala Kent‘s family has found safety in the desert amid the ongoing devastating Los Angeles fires. The Vanderpump Rules alum—who is mom to daughters Ocean, 3, and 4-month-old Sosa—revealed she…
Glasgow beat Racing to seal Champions Cup knockout spot
Sebastian Cancelliere scored the third try of the match. Champions Cup Glasgow (22) 29 Tries: Horne, Dobie, Cancelliere, Tuipulotu, Darge Cons: Horne, Jordan Racing 92 (7) 19 Tries: Habosi, Mazibuko, Tedder Cons: Tedder (2) Glasgow Warriors booked their spot in the knockout stages of the Champions Cup with a clinical destruction of Racing 92 at…
Britney Spears Shares She Evacuated Home Amid Los Angeles Wildfires
Britney Spears shared she evacuated her home as the Los Angeles Wildfires—which have destroyed properties belonging to Paris Hilton, Billy Crystal and more—rage on. Britney Spears has evacuated to safety. As four significant Los Angeles wildfires—Palisades, Kenneth, Eaton and Hurst—rage on throughout the city, the “Womanizer” singer shared that she is among the evacuees. “I…
Potter ‘excitement’ short lived – but West Ham find ‘positives’
This video can not be played Aston Villa come from behind to beat West Ham A quirk of fate meant Graham Potter’s last game in management was a 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa. It cost him his job at Chelsea in April 2023, as the Blues acted less than 24 hours later to end his…
#BookTok’s Obsession Twisted Is Headed to Netflix
Ana Huang’s Twisted book series is being turned into a Netflix TV show after the rights were obtained in a deal that will make any #BookTok fanatic scream with joy. Twisted is heading to the small screen. The rights to the book series written by Ana Huang were obtained by Netflix in a seven-figure deal,…
MPs urge checks as Shein refuses to answer questions
The London Stock Exchange (LSE) has been asked what checks are in place to vet firms after fast-fashion retailer Shein refused to answer “basic questions” over its supply chain. Liam Byrne, chair of the Business and Trade Committee, wrote to Dame Julia Hoggett asking if the stock market had tests in place to “authenticate statements”…
Why Ballerina Farm’s Hannah Neeleman Is Temporarily Moving to Ireland
Ballerina Farm TikToker Hannah Neeleman and her husband Daniel Neeleman moved their family from Utah to Europe as they embark on “a very big adventure.” Here’s why they’re moving. Influencer Hannah Neeleman is cooking up something new for her family. The Ballerina Farm founder revealed that she and her husband Daniel Neeleman—who share eight children Henry, 12, Charles, 10, George,…
Could a mango-flavoured pill end intestinal worms?
A new tablet being developed to cure intestinal worms has shown promising results in trials and could help eradicate the parasitic infection, which affects about 1.5 billion people globally, researchers say. The mango-flavoured pill is a combination of two existing anti-parasitic drugs that, used together, appear more effective in getting rid of worms. These worms…
Teen whose art sells for £23,000 gets first painting lesson
A teenage artist who has already sold works for £23,000 has just passed another milestone – her first ever painting lesson. Makenzy Beard, 17, made waves back in 2020 when a portrait she painted of her neighbour went viral on social media. The painting went on to appear at The Royal Academy of Arts, a…
What Miles Teller’s Wife Keleigh Wishes She Saved Amid L.A. Wildfires
After Keleigh Sperry and Miles Teller’s home burned down during the Los Angeles wildfires, the model shared what she wished she brought with her as they evacuated. Keleigh Sperry is reflecting on her unimaginable loss. After the model and her husband Miles Teller’s Pacific Palisades home burned down amid the wildfires ravaging Los Angeles, she…
The quest to catch the Cairngorms’ mysterious lynx
On the face of it, it seems a near-impossible task. Catch one of the most elusive wild cat species set loose in a landscape twice the size of the Lake District National Park. But this week experts were faced with this challenge not once, but twice. Barely 24-hours after two escaped cats were captured in…
Tammy Slaton’s Sister Amanda Shares Support Amid Weight Loss Journey
1000-Lb. Sisters star Tammy Slaton received some encouraging words from her sister, Amanda Halterman, as she continues her quest to lose weight and improve her health. Tammy Slaton’s family has her back. As the 1000-Lb. Sisters star continues to document her weight loss journey on the TLC series, she received encouragement from her sister, Amanda…
Stormy, hot weather forecast for most of Australia with flash flooding risk in NSW and Queensland
BoM says expected storms in Brisbane and severe thunderstorms and heavy rain in Sydney due to lingering north-easterly winds A stormy and hot weekend is in store for most of Australia with tempestuous weather continuing in the north and along the east coast, while some parts of the country swelter through dry conditions and severe…
Probation: ‘Too few staff, with too little experience, managing too many offenders’
Warning: This story contains descriptions of suicide and acts of violence Holding his chin in his hand and staring into the distance, a probation officer tells me how he planned to end his life. “I started to prepare how I was going to do it,” he says. “I needed to get out of this work…
Post Malone Enjoys Rare Golfing Day With His Fiancée
Post Malone and his fiancée made a rare outing while enjoying their vacation in Europe. See the cute moment. Post Malone turned the fairway into the perfect date spot. The “Pour Me a Drink” singer enjoyed some fun in the sun with his fiancée during a trip to Rome, where they were joined by some…
Trump’s property company in talks to buy back his Washington DC hotel
Trump International hotel, currently a Waldorf Astoria, was a venue for influence peddling, opponents say Donald Trump’s property company is in negotiations to re-purchase his Washington hotel, which opponents say was a venue for illicit influence peddling during his first presidency. The Trump International hotel, housed in the city’s old post office building a short…
Ruby Franke’s Daughter Shares What Made Her Fear Siblings Might Die
Ruby Franke’s eldest daughter, Shari Franke, described her fear that her siblings were “going to die” before their mother’s arrest in her new memoir, The House of My Mother. Ruby Franke’s daughter Shari Franke is opening up about her deepest fears. In her new book, The House of My Mother: A Daughter’s Quest for Freedom,…
UK should consider letting IS members return, terror watchdog says
The government should consider repatriating British members of the Islamic State group (IS) who are being held in Syrian detention camps, the government’s independent terrorism legislation reviewer Jonathan Hall KC has said. Mr Hall’s comments come after Donald Trump’s incoming counter-terrorism chief, Sebastian Gorka, said that if the UK wanted to be seen as a…
US and UK toughens sanctions on Russian oil industry
The Biden administration has imposed some of its toughest sanctions yet on Russia, in a move designed to hit Moscow’s energy revenue that is fuelling its war in Ukraine. The measures target more than 200 entities and individuals ranging from traders and officials to insurance companies, as well as hundreds of oil tankers. In a…
Vanderpump Rules’ Katie Maloney Is “Numb” After Death of Father
Vanderpump Rules alum Katie Maloney is mourning the death of her dad Richard Maloney, who passed away Jan. 5. His cause of death has not been shared. Katie Maloney is in mourning. The Vanderpump Rules alum shared that her dad Richard Maloney died on Jan. 5. “I feel like I am a stranger to grief,”…
IDF soldiers on leave among New Orleans truck attack victims
Adi Levin and a fellow reservist in the Israel Defense Forces came to New Orleans as part of a six-week trip to the US Two Israeli military members on leave were critically wounded in the New Year’s Day truck attack on New Orleans’ famed Bourbon Street and remain hospitalized, according to a diplomatic official from…
LA fires burn area twice the size of Manhattan – worst the city has seen in recent history
California has seen deadly blazes over the years – Camp fire decimated Paradise town in 2018 and Tubbs fire burned 36,810 acres in 2017 The destruction caused by the wildfires ravaging Los Angeles is the worst the city has seen in recent history. The wildfires, which began on 7 January, have torched the US’s second…
In court with the ‘9/11 mastermind’, two decades after his arrest
Sitting on the front row of a war court on the US’s Guantanamo Bay naval base in Cuba, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, one of the world’s most notorious defendants, appeared to listen intently. “Can you confirm that Mr Mohammed is pleading guilty to all charges and specifications without exceptions or substitutions?” the judge asked his lawyer…
Did Bill Hader and Ali Wong Break Up? Here’s the Truth
After Bill Hader didn’t walk the 2025 Golden Globes red carpet with his girlfriend Ali Wong, the Saturday Night Live alum shut down rumors that it was because the couple had called it quits. Bill Hader will always be Ali Wong‘s definitely. After he didn’t walk the red carpet alongside the Beef star at the…
Fox News headed for trial, again, over 2020 election fraud claims
David Folkenflik Fox News appears to be headed once more to court over the lies involving election fraud it aired about the 2020 presidential race. This time, it’s over the false claims that election tech company Smartmatic sabotaged the re-election of then-President Donald Trump. In April 2023, on the eve of a trial in Delaware…
Jennifer Garner Shares “Guilt” After Losing a Friend in LA Wildfires
Jennifer Garner got candid about her emotions as her Los Angeles County hometown of Pacific Palisades contended with the wildfire currently moving through the city. Jennifer Garner is reflecting on the difficult situation facing Southern California. The Alias alum got candid about the inner turmoil she has faced after experiencing a loss due to the devastating wildfires currently making their way through her Los Angeles…
‘I had to save myself’: details emerge about Los Angeles wildfire victims
Death toll rises to 11 as first identified victims were Altadena residents affected by ongoing Eaton fire At least 11 people have died in the wildfires surging across the Los Angeles area. As local law enforcement scrambles to identify victims and inform their families, details are emerging about five of the Los Angeles residents killed…
Reform UK councillors resign in protest over Farage
Ten Reform UK councillors in Derbyshire say they have resigned in protest over Nigel Farage’s leadership. The group blamed the party operating in an “increasingly autocratic manner” for their decision and said they feel Reform “has lost its sense of direction” since Farage took over as leader last June. But Farage told BBC Newsnight the…
More people in late 20s still living with parents
An impression – or possibly a fear – that 20-somethings are still hanging about in the family home is based on fact, an influential think-tank has concluded. The proportion of 25 to 34-year-olds still living with their parents has increased by more than a third in nearly two decades, according to the Institute for Fiscal…
Khloe Kardashian Slams Alleged Arsonist Amid Los Angeles Fires
Khloe Kardashian shared a scathing message after police took a suspect into custody for “possible arson” near the Kenneth Fire in California’s Woodland Hills. Khloe Kardashian is reacting to upsetting news. After an unidentified person was taken into custody by the Los Angeles Police Department for “possible arson” following the eruption of the Jan. 9…
Labour MPs urge Rachel Reeves to demand Jimmy Lai’s release
UK chancellor will be first to make an official visit to China in a decade Labour MPs have urged Rachel Reeves to demand Jimmy Lai’s release when she becomes the first UK chancellor to make an official visit to China in nearly a decade. Nine Labour MPs have joined a cross-party call for Reeves to…
Reeves pledges to ‘make UK better off’ on China visit
Making working people in Britain better off will be at the “forefront” of the chancellor’s mind during her visit to China, the Treasury has said, following criticism of the trip amid trouble on the financial markets at home. Rachel Reeves will meet her opposite number in Beijing this weekend to explore trade and investment opportunities…
‘Hotel of mum and dad’ in UK at its fullest in two decades, study finds
Almost a fifth of adults aged 24-34 are living with parents, particularly in areas of high-cost housing The “hotel of mum and dad” is the busiest it has been for two decades as an increasing number of young adults in the UK choose – or are forced by low wages and rising rents – to…
How Pamela Anderson Is Getting the “Best Payback” After Pam & Tommy
Pamela Anderson shared insight into her feelings surrounding the Emmy-nominated Hulu series Pam & Tommy as she promotes her new film The Last Showgirl, which earned a slew of nominations. Pamela Anderson is loving this new chapter in her life. As the actress basks in the glow of several award nominations for her performance in…
U.S. ambassador to Israel makes his final push for release of U.S. hostages from Gaza
Daniel Estrin JERUSALEM — The U.S. is seeking the release of all seven American hostages held in Gaza in negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, the U.S. Ambassador to Israel Jacob J. Lew told NPR on Friday. “We are going to do everything we can in this round to get…
California fires: 10 killed and 10,000 structures destroyed as blazes continue
Strong winds and low humidity continue as five fires rage across Los Angeles area, with death toll expected to rise Weather forecasters in Los Angeles expect fast, dry winds to return towards the end of the weekend, threatening to fuel wildfires that have already destroyed 10,000 structures and killed 10 people. Urgent “red flag” alerts…
Biden extends protections for immigrants from Venezuela, El Salvador and Ukraine
Sergio Martínez-Beltrán President Joe Biden on Friday extended Temporary Protected Status for immigrants living in the U.S. from some countries, including Venezuela, El Salvador and Ukraine. Biden’s actions come 10 days before he leaves office, and could benefit about a million migrants who will be shielded from deportation for up to 18 months. Carlos Argueta,…
Bird flu outbreak confirmed in Scotland with protection zone in place
A protection zone has been set up following an outbreak of bird flu in Angus. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), of the H5N1 strain, was reported at Over Ascreavie House, Kingoldrum, in the Kirriemuir area. Chief veterinary officer Sheila Voas announced the report on Friday night. A 3km (1.8 mile) protection zone and a 10km…
JoJo Siwa Shares Costumes She Packed for Los Angeles Fire Evacuation
As JoJo Siwa prepared for a potential evacuation amid the Los Angeles fires, the “Karma” singer shared the music video costumes she included amongst her belongings. JoJo Siwa isn’t messing around amid the Los Angeles wildfires. The Dance Moms alum shared which of her belongings she was planning to save in the event the ongoing…
U.S. TikTok Ban Looms as Supreme Court Hears Arguments
U.S. TikTok Ban Looms as Supreme Court Hears Arguments TikTok is on the clock: ByteDance, the app’s China-based owner, must sell it by January 19 or face a ban By Ben Guarino edited by Dean Visser Participants hold signs in support of TikTok outside the U.S. Capitol Building on March 13, 2024 in Washington, D.C.…
Did Tom Holland Ask Zendaya’s Dad for Permission Before Proposing?
Days after Zendaya flashed a diamond ring at the 2025 Golden Globes, Tom Holland’s father confirmed the couple are engaged, and that Tom planned every detail before proposing. Tom Holland wove the perfect engagement for Zendaya. Less than a week after the Spider-Man actress debuted a 5-carat diamond ring on her left ring finger at the 2025 Golden Globes, Tom’s father Dominic Holland confirmed the…
More than half a million students were out of school because of LA fires this week
Jonaki Mehta More than 600,000 students in and around Los Angeles have had their schooling disrupted by the historic fires this week. School districts across the region started announcing school closures on Tuesday and Wednesday. That includes the second-largest school district in the nation, Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), which serves more than 500,000…
Grooming gang rhetoric risks inciting mass violence, says Wes Streeting
Exclusive: Health secretary points to New Zealand mosque massacre and says entire communities must not be tarred with the same brush The use of inflammatory language over grooming gangs risks vilifying entire communities and could lead to atrocities such as the mosque massacre in New Zealand that killed more than 50 people, the health secretary…
Temperature drops to -17.3C in Scottish hamlet
Temperatures in a hamlet in northern Scotland dropped to -17.3C on Friday – the UK’s coldest January night in 15 years. The mercury in Altnaharra, which is in the most northern region of the Highlands, plummeted shortly before 20:00, the Met Office said. It is the coldest January overnight temperature since 2010, when temperatures dropped…
‘It’s like a ton of bricks fell on me’ – Victims’ loved ones share stories
At least 10 people have died as wildfires rage in Los Angeles – and there are fears that number will rise. Officials say it may take several weeks to identify victims as traditional methods – such as fingerprinting and visual identification – may not be possible. Here is what we know about those who are…
How Gossip Girl’s Samantha Rose Baldwin Rescued Her Cat From Fire
Gossip Girl actress Samantha Rose Baldwin detailed her heroic efforts to save her 10-year-old cat from the ongoing Los Angeles wildfires. Samantha Rose Baldwin is leaving no feline behind. Amid the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, the actress—who appeared on season two of the Gossip Girl reboot—braved the flames to rescue her 10-year-old tortoiseshell cat,…