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 […]
Burning is risky – so why are tan lines having their time in the sun on social media?
Gen Z influencers spruik tan lines as summer’s ‘fav accessory’ to generation ‘obsessed’ with looks In life, there are lots of pleasurable things that we know aren’t that good for us: simple carbs deep-fried in vegetable oil, drinking one or two wines over the recommended limit at dinner with friends, and sitting in the Australian…
U.S. Imposes New Sanctions to Squeeze Russia’s Energy Sector
Russia-Ukraine War The Biden administration is cracking down on the Russian “shadow fleet” and taking steps to curb oil and gas production. By Alan Rappeport Reporting from Washington The United States on Friday announced new sanctions targeting Russia’s energy sector and its “shadow fleet” of oil tankers in what could be a final attempt by…
CW Stars Courtney Ford, Brandon Routh Divorce After 17 Years Together
Legends of Tomorrow costars Courtney Ford and Brandon Routh announced their breakup after 17 years of marriage. The actress filed for divorce on Jan. 8. Courtney Ford and Brandon Routh are exiting the Waverider solo. The DC’s Legends of Tomorrow costars shared they have broken up in a joint post on Instagram one day after…
‘I felt less human, not human at all’: Australia faces moral crossroads over Nauru
Who is accountable for what happens in an offshore processing centre? It’s remarkable this is still a question in Australia Aarash lost his youth to offshore processing. Sixteen when he was sent to Nauru, he says he cannot remember a single birthday in more than a decade. “When I see younger ones that age, having…
Kelly Clarkson’s Kids Remy & River Make Guest Appearance on Show
Kelly Clarkson made a recent episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show a family affair by welcoming her kids Remy and River to the studio. Kelly Clarkson is keeping it in the family. During the Jan. 8 episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show, the “Since U Been Gone” singer welcomed her kids River, 10, and Remy,…
Will We Find Planet Nine with the Vera Rubin Observatory’s New Telescope?
Largest Camera in the World Will Look for Planet Nine Pluto was unseated as the ninth planet in our solar system. Will we find a real Planet Nine? By Rachel Feltman, Clara Moskowitz, Fonda Mwangi & Madison Goldberg [CLIP: Theme music] Rachel Feltman: For Scientific American’s Science Quickly, I’m Rachel Feltman. Unless you’re really on…
Sisters seemed fine before going missing, says brother as police launch search
Two 32-year-old sisters missing in Aberdeen seemed “fine” in the days running up to their disappearance, according to their brother. Eliza and Henrietta Huszti – who are part of a set of triplets – were last seen in Market Street at Victoria Bridge at about 02:12 GMT on Tuesday. Police have launched a major land,…
Giant pink slug makes a comeback on extinct volcano in NSW national park
Exclusive: The kaputar slug, which can grow longer than a human hand, was almost wiped out in the black summer bushfires of 2019-20 A giant, fluorescent pink slug’s comeback on Mount Kaputar has been mapped by eager citizen scientists. The kaputar slug grows up to 20cm long – outstripping the average human hand – and…
Sky Sights to Watch in 2025
The UniverseFridays Here’s What to Watch in 2025’s Skies The heavens will provide a bounty of viewing treasures in the coming year By Phil Plait edited by Lee Billings A partial solar eclipse, as seen from southern Utah in May of 2012. Although there will be no total solar eclipses in 2025, a partial one…
UK has enough gas says No 10 after supply warning
The UK has enough gas to meet winter demand, the government has said, after British Gas owner-Centrica warned about “concerningly low” supplies. Centrica, which owns the country’s largest gas storage facility, said the UK “has less than a week of gas demand in store” due to the colder-than-usual weather. The government said it monitors energy…
Nick Viall Reveals He’s on “Water Fasting” Diet
Nick Viall is taking new steps in his dietary habits for 2025. The Bachelor alum revealed he’s on a “water fasting” diet. New year, new diet for Nick Viall. The Bachelor alum kicked off 2025 by revealing that he is doing an unconventional water diet that has left him “hangry.” “I haven’t eaten in 36…
‘It was extraordinary’: Spanish captain recalls rescue of woman who gave birth in dinghy
Mother and newborn saved from inflatable boat off Canary Islands, on a route on which thousands have died The call that would lead to one of the most poignant images of the humanitarian emergency in the deadly waters off the Canary Islands came at 4am Monday morning. The command centre of Spain’s Salvamento Marítimo (Maritime…
Why We’re So Preoccupied by the Past
Opinion Why We’re So Preoccupied by the Past People talk more about past events than future ones—and memories hold clues for navigating the present By Jeremy R. Manning edited by Daisy Yuhas The arrival of a new year often brings up a mix of emotions. For some of us, a change in the calendar serves…
Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag Share the Items Left After Losing Home
Spencer Pratt uncovered several items from the ruins of his family home with Heidi Montag after losing everything in the Palisades fire. Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag are seeing what’s left of their home. The reality star couple—who lost their home in the Pacific Palisades fire—has been documenting the aftermath of their devastation, including Spencer returning…
Thursday Briefing
Devastating wildfires in California. By Natasha Frost Multiple wildfires raged across thousands of acres in Southern California, displacing tens of thousands of people and ravaging entire Los Angeles neighborhoods, as strong winds and a dwindling water supply stymied firefighters’ efforts to stop the destruction. At least five people have died, the authorities said, and the…
Zuckerberg approved Meta’s use of ‘pirated’ books to train AI models, authors claim
Sarah Silverman and others file court case claiming CEO approved use of dataset despite warnings Citing internal Meta communications, the filing claims that the social network company’s chief executive backed the use of the LibGen dataset, a vast online archive of books, despite warnings within the company’s AI executive team that it is a dataset…
Minister rejects Burnham’s call for grooming inquiry
A cabinet minister has rejected a call from Labour’s Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham for a new national inquiry into grooming gangs, while leaving the door open for a future investigation. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said she disagreed with Burnham’s support for a fresh inquiry into historical child sexual abuse in areas including Oldham and…
Wildfire victims report looting. And, Trump set for sentencing in hush money case
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. Firefighters were able to slow the spread of wildfires in Los Angeles yesterday after the Santa Ana winds eased, allowing crews to drop water from above. Red flag warnings,…
Inmates are fighting California wildfires in long-running and controversial practice
Jaclyn Diaz Nearly 800 incarcerated people are among the more than 7,500 personnel helping fight the historic, and destructive, Southern California wildfires. The five raging wildfires have destroyed homes, businesses and landmarks throughout Los Angeles. “As of today, 783 Fire Camp firefighters have been working around the clock cutting fire lines and removing fuel from…
What happened to Ryan Giggs’ coaching career?
Giggs is director of football at Salford City, and has been in their dugout this season Ryan Giggs is the Premier League’s most decorated player and a successful former Wales manager, so why is he seen by some as being out in the cold in football? Despite all that he has achieved in the game,…
Djokovic wants to ‘focus on tennis’ after poisoning claim
Novak Djokovic is aiming to win a record-extending 11th title at the Australian Open, which begins on Sunday Australian Open 2025 Dates: 12-26 January Venue: Melbourne Park Coverage: Live radio commentary on Tennis Breakfast from 07:00 GMT on BBC 5 Sports Extra, plus live text commentaries on the BBC Sport website and app Novak Djokovic…
Bob Woodward told key Republican Biden was corrupt, new book claims
Washington Post reporter said ‘everyone in DC’ knew Biden ‘allowed his family to sell access to him’, James Comer says In a new book, James Comer of Kentucky, the Republican chair of the powerful US House oversight committee, claims that in a private conversation the Washington Post reporter Bob Woodward told him “everyone in DC…
Trump set for sentencing in his New York felony conviction
Ximena Bustillo After months of legal twists and turns, Donald Trump’s most active criminal case is finally reaching a conclusion. The former and future president is scheduled to appear in a Manhattan courtroom on Friday for his sentencing on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to conceal a payment to an adult film star.…
Andy Burnham joins calls for ‘limited’ national inquiry into sexual abuse gangs
Greater Manchester mayor says scope of inquiry he commissioned in Oldham did not have same legal powers The Greater Manchester mayor, Andy Burnham, has joined calls for a “limited” national inquiry into grooming gangs, saying the scope of the local inquiry he had commissioned in Oldham did not have the same legal powers. On Wednesday,…
Kremlin Confirms Readiness for Putin to Meet Trump
Trump Transition The president-elect had said the Russian leader wanted to meet him to discuss the war in Ukraine. The Kremlin stopped short of that, saying it could only happen after he takes office. By Ivan Nechepurenko The Kremlin said on Friday that Russia remains open to a meeting between President Vladimir V. Putin and…
Ferguson defends decision not to bring Young on against dad
This video can not be played Ferguson defends decision to not bring Young on against dad Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson has defended his decision not to bring on Tyler Young during his side’s FA Cup defeat by Everton at Goodison Park. The League One side were beaten 2-0 by the Toffees on Thursday night after…
Budget tax changes will push up price of fresh food, says Sainsbury’s boss
NICs increase will add £140m to wage bill of supermarket, which has announced 5% pay rise for staff Changes to employers’ national insurance contributions announced in the government’s October budget will drive inflation, particularly on fresh food, according to the boss of Sainsbury’s as he announced a 5% pay rise for workers. “It is coming…
Her family thought they would return home the next day. Now, their house is gone
Frank Langfitt On the opening day of California’s destructive wildfires, Jinghuan Liu Tervalon was keeping an eye on Watch Duty, an app that tracks the flames. Altadena, her Los Angeles County town, was still only under an evacuation warning on Tuesday. Then, a friend who’s married to a firefighter called and warned her that the…
Moyes in talks with Everton over return to club
David Moyes spent 11 years as Everton boss from 2002 David Moyes is in talks with Everton over a potential return to Goodison Park after the sacking of manager Sean Dyche. While a deal is not yet done, and Moyes is not the only candidate, BBC Sport has been told by a well-placed source that…
‘Telford model’ is more effective for child abuse inquiries, says former chair
Tom Crowther KC says public inquiries seen as ‘Rolls-Royce solution’ but local review in Shropshire led to real progress Public inquiries are seen as the “Rolls-Royce solution” to tackling the grooming gangs scandal but local reviews are more effective, the former chair of the Telford child sexual exploitation (CSE) inquiry has said. Tom Crowther KC…
Weather tracker: powerful Santa Ana winds fuel California wildfires
Gusty conditions have enabled fires to take hold and spread at great speed. Plus, a cold snap grips South Korea The rapid spread of one of the most destructive wildfires in the history of Los Angeles is believed to have been fuelled by strong Santa Ana winds and months of drought. Santa Ana winds occur…
Belgium’s Food Agency Advises Against Eating Your Christmas Tree
The country’s food agency warned against using evergreens in food after the city of Ghent suggested an unusual form of recycling: spruce needle butter. By Amelia Nierenberg Amelia Nierenberg reported from London. She bought a potted holiday tree this year, which she plans to water, but not eat. Go ahead and recycle your Christmas tree.…
Q&A: CIA Chief on how the U.S. intel community handled Russia, China and Mideast
By Mary Louise Kelly , Noah Caldwell , Ashley Brown During his four years at the helm of the Central Intelligence Agency, William Burns has witnessed firsthand a dizzying number of international crises. Early in his tenure, in the summer of 2021, he flew to Kabul to negotiate with the Taliban over the U.S. withdrawal…
Sainsbury’s to raise pay to £12.60 an hour due to ‘tough’ inflation
Sainsbury’s has said it will raise hourly pay though it is cautious about recruiting new staff this year due to rising costs. The supermarket chain said wages would rise 5% to £12.60 but it will be introduced in two phases “to help manage a particularly tough cost inflation environment”. Sainsbury’s expects costs to jump due…
TikTok is heading to the Supreme Court to challenge its U.S. ban. Here’s what to know
Bobby Allyn For the past four years, TikTok has been facing an existential crisis: It’s under threat of being banned in the United States. But the video app’s fate may soon be decided. On Friday, the Supreme Court will hear arguments from TikTok’s lawyers and the Justice Department. At stake are the app’s estimated 170…
‘High demand’ for City of Culture opening ceremony
Additional tickets for the opening ceremony of City of Culture have been released due to “high demand”, organisers have said. Despite minus temperatures being forecast for Rise, the curtain-raiser for Bradford 2025, the event is expected to be popular. The open-air performance in City Park tonight has Bradford-born magician Steven Frayne, formerly known as Dynamo,…
How these suburban moms in Ukraine manage grief by training to down Russian drones
Joanna Kakissis NEAR BUCHA, Ukraine — The suburban moms in army-green fatigues assemble their rifles in a cold forest outside the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv. Valentyna trained as a veterinarian. Inna is a teacher. Tetiana used to be a water utilities inspector. The others include a real estate agent, a nanny and a pastry chef.…
South Africa police find 26 naked Ethiopians held by suspected traffickers
Three people arrested after group escapes Johannesburg house by breaking a window and burglar bar South African police have rescued 26 Ethiopians from a suspected human trafficking ring in Johannesburg after the group broke a window and burglar bar to escape from a house where they were being held naked. Three people were arrested on…
Israeli Hostage Declared Killed in Gaza as Fears for Captives Mount
Middle East Crisis Hamza Ziyadne, 23, was abducted in the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel alongside his siblings and father, whose body was also recovered this week. By Aaron Boxerman Reporting from Jerusalem The Israeli military said on Friday that Hamza Ziyadne, an Arab citizen of Israel held hostage in Gaza, had been killed in…
Ontario leader warns of ‘pain’ for US if Trump moves forward with tariffs on Canada
Premier of most populous province says rhetoric clouds trade relationship worth hundreds of billions of dollars The United States will “feel pain” if Donald Trump doesn’t back down from his threat to impose steep tariffs on its northern neighbour, the leader of Canada’s most populous province has warned. After a tumultuous week that left Canadian…
After 17 years, it’s Hoda Kotb’s last ‘Today’ show
Eric Deggans This may be tough to remember, as the tears and outrageous stories flow this morning during Hoda Kotb’s final appearances on NBC’s Today show. Once upon a time, when she was working with Kathie Lee Gifford, Kotb was considered the most serious adult in the TV room. This notion stretches back to 2007,…
Mel Gibson one of a host of celebrities whose homes have burned
Mel Gibson has revealed his home has been destroyed in the Los Angeles wildfires while he was away recording Joe Rogan’s podcast. The Oscar-winning film star said his Malibu property was “completely toasted” and criticised California Governor Gavin Newsom over the crisis. At least 10 people have died in the wildfires, which have burned down…
Pink Fire Retardant, a Dramatic Wildfire Weapon, Poses Its Own Dangers
Los Angeles Wildfires It’s widely used because it can slow flames in ways that water can’t. But it also contains heavy metals and other harmful compounds. By Hiroko Tabuchi From above the raging flames, these planes can unleash immense tankfuls of bright pink fire retardant in just 20 seconds. They have long been considered vital in…
Venezuela’s Autocrat Detains U.S. Citizens As He Tightens Grip on Power
President Nicolás Maduro will be sworn in for another six years on Friday, and he is hoping to use foreign prisoners to get his way on the global stage. By Julie Turkewitz and Genevieve Glatsky Reporting from Bogotá, Colombia He is an autocrat condemned inside and outside his country as having stolen the nation’s last…
Sites without sound: Oslo leads in quiet, low-emission electric construction
Norwegian capital’s sites were 98% free of fossil fuels last year, and it aims to increase use of electric machinery Quiet electric machines like these make it easy to work in the city centre, the construction manager said – and keep the neighbours happy. “If they have less noise, we get fewer complaints.” The peaceful…
Hey, meat eaters. Your gut health can rival a vegan’s. Here’s how
Maria Godoy Our guts are home to trillions of microbes that have a profound influence on our overall health. Now, a new study finds that — whether you’re vegan, vegetarian or omnivore — the key to a healthy gut microbiome is the same: Eat lots of different plant-based foods. Gut microbes break down food that…
Fire evacuation alert sent to millions in error
Residents were already on edge as more fires erupted across the Los Angeles region, traumatising millions of people who feel that after four days there’s no end in sight. Then on Thursday afternoon came another jolt in the form of a text alert. This one was mistakenly sent to every cell phone in the county…
10 people have died in the wildfires spreading across Southern California
By Ayana Archie This is a developing story. For the latest local updates head to LAist.com and sign up for breaking news alerts. Fires continue to rage on in Southern California, as tens of thousands of acres of land have been decimated, and the flames have been partially contained. The latest on the fires | What’s been lost…
21 Products That Reviewers Say Actually Helped Solve “Gross” Problems
Our writers and editors independently determine what we cover and recommend. When you buy through our links, E! may earn a commission. Learn more. If you’re looking to hit the refresh button on all your pesky problems, from personal care to home maintenance & more, it may be time to do a little shopping. But…
UK security officials monitor Elon Musk’s posts
UK officials are monitoring social media posts by Elon Musk and others as a possible security risk. The monitoring is being carried out by a team in the Home Office’s Homeland Security group, which is responsible for reducing national security risks and, according to a government website, “focuses on the highest harm risks to the…
Lebanon Turns a Political Page as Hezbollah’s Hold Is Weakened
Syria’s Civil War News Analysis A stinging defeat in war has left the once untouchable group on its most uncertain footing in years. By Christina Goldbaum For decades, Hezbollah’s grip on Lebanon was iron tight. With its vast arsenal, the militant group was more powerful than the country’s national military. It controlled or held sway…
Kenya court rules that criminalising attempted suicide is unconstitutional
The judgment has been welcomed as an important shift in perceptions by human rights and mental health groups A Kenyan judge has declared as unconstitutional sections of the country’s laws that criminalise attempted suicide. In a landmark ruling on Thursday, Judge Lawrence Mugambi of the country’s high court stated that section 226 of the penal…
Two more lynx spotted in Scottish Highland woods after pair captured
Police urge public not to approach illegally released big cats understood to have been spotted by cameras in Cairngorms Two more lynx have been seen in the Scottish Highlands, close to the site where two more of the illegally released big cats were captured on Thursday. Police Scotland has urged the public not to approach…
Two more lynx spotted in the Highlands, a day after others recaptured
Police say two more lynx have been spotted in the same area where a pair of the wild cats were captured on Thursday. They were seen near Kingussie in the Cairngorms National Park. Police Scotland have warned members of the public not to approach the animals and said officers are working with specially-trained personnel to…
Shui Ka-chun, Hong Kong Activist, Dies
A social worker and teacher imprisoned for his activism, he later wrote about the toll of incarceration and worked to help others behind bars. By Tiffany May Reporting from Hong Kong Shiu Ka-chun, a former social worker and pro-democracy lawmaker in Hong Kong who devoted his last years to helping protesters imprisoned after a crackdown…
Jimmy Carter is no saint in my house
You’re reading the Code Switch newsletter, written by Jasmine Romero, our outgoing interim executive producer. listen to the Code Switch podcast to hear about all the messy and meaningful ways race shows up in all of our lives. Let’s take a stroll through history: It’s early January and we’re a few weeks away from the inauguration of…
Lisa Nandy rejects calls for England to boycott Afghanistan cricket match
Culture secretary says it should go ahead despite pressure for it to be cancelled over Taliban’s treatment of women England should be allowed to play next month’s cricket match against Afghanistan, the culture and sport secretary has said, despite calls for a boycott over the Taliban government’s treatment of women. Lisa Nandy backed a decision…
Alec Baldwin sues prosecutors in Rust trial
Alec Baldwin has filed a lawsuit against those involved in pursuing criminal charges against him over the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the film set of Rust. The US actor is suing the defendants, including special prosecutor Kari Morrissey and Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies, for malicious prosecution and civil rights violations. Baldwin…
What do Greenlanders make of Donald Trump’s advances for their home?
Though few welcome idea of being acquired by the US, status quo as part of Denmark is not universally popular Greenland’s prime minister has called for unity and calm after Donald Trump reheated his global row with Nato allies on Tuesday, when the US president-elect said he was prepared to use tariffs or military force…
Visa-waiver system could overwhelm UK immigration services, law firm warns
There are also fears electronic travel authorisation will threaten post-peace tourism sector in Northern Ireland The UK Home Office’s already burdened immigration services could be overwhelmed this summer when a new visa-waiver system comes into force for European business travellers and tourists in April, a leading law firm has said. There have also been fresh…