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 […]
I woke from a coma to find my baby had been born
A woman who was placed in an induced coma after experiencing severe pregnancy sickness has described waking to find her baby had been born. Atlanta McIntyre, 29, from Llantrisant in Rhondda Cynon Taf, had excessive nausea and vomiting during her pregnancy, known as hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). During one episode of vomiting, Ms McIntyre choked and…
Dearest Gentle Readers, the Bridgerton Valentine’s Day Collab Is Here
Calling all diamond debutantes: Bridgerton‘s Walmart Valentine’s Day drop Is the talk of the ton with tea sets and royal finds fit for a queen! E! may get a commission if you purchase something through our links. Learn more. Dearest Gentle Readers, prepare to swoon! The Bridgerton x Walmart Valentine’s Day collab has officially arrived, and…
TikTok to make final plea at Supreme Court against US ban
TikTok will appear before the US Supreme Court on Friday in a last-ditch effort to overturn a ban, in a case testing the limits of national security and free speech. The popular social media platform is challenging a law passed last year ordering the firm to be split from its Chinese owner or be blocked…
‘We want the whole truth’: residents of Queensland city plagued by foul odours fear inquiry won’t clear the air
After years of enduring fetid smells from waste plants, some in Ipswich are sceptical of a freshly announced inquiry into the health impacts Residents of a city who have endured years of noxious odours from waste plants are divided over the announcement of an inquiry into the health impacts. For the last six years, residents…
Streeting defends NHS use of private sector but says it must ‘pull its weight’
Health secretary accused of talking ‘utter nonsense’ about private sector’s ability to help cut NHS waiting times Wes Streeting has defended the growing use of the private sector to help tackle long waiting lists for treatment but said providers must “pull their weight” and not take resources away from the NHS. The health secretary, who…
Inside Hoda Kotb’s Amazing Journey to Motherhood
After Today coanchor Hoda Kotb signs off from the NBC morning show Jan. 10, following nearly two decades on-air, her most captive audience will be waiting at home: Daughters Haley, 7, and Hope, 5. For years, time was tight in Hoda Kotb‘s jam-packed mornings. Between 3:15 when her alarm roused her awake and 7 a.m.,…
Chiefs again or will Lions roar? Lowdown on NFL play-offs
Quarterbacks Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen (left to right) are all trying to win the Super Bowl NFL play-offs Dates: 10-26 January 2025 BBC coverage: Live text coverage of every match on the BBC Sport website and app, and live radio commentary of selected games on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and BBC…
Jimmy Carter Funeral: Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood Show United Front
Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood attended President Jimmy Carter’s funeral, where they performed, three months after Brooks was accused of sexual assault in a lawsuit. Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood are momentarily stepping back into the spotlight. While the couple have remained largely out of the public eye since an anonymous woman filed a sexual…
The Liverpool fan set to play at Anfield for Accrington
This video can not be played Watch Josh Woods’ reaction to getting Liverpool in the FA Cup draw Two months ago, Josh Woods was sitting in the Kop at Anfield cheering Liverpool to a Champions League win over Bayer Leverkusen and singing You’ll Never Walk Alone. Accrington Stanley’s 24-year-old forward is a Liverpool fan who…
‘The scale is blowing my mind’: Bradford ready to shift perceptions as city of culture
From a spectacular theatrical opening to Afrobeat brass bands via David Hockney and Wallace and Gromit, the city has big plans Below-zero temperatures are forecast at City Park on Friday evening but the warmth radiating from Bradford’s mighty UK city of culture opening will undoubtedly put everyone in the mood to celebrate. The city was…
Alec Baldwin sues New Mexico officials over handling of ‘Rust’ shooting case
By The Associated Press SANTA FE, N.M. — Actor Alec Baldwin has filed a civil lawsuit for malicious prosecution and civil rights violations in the fatal shooting of a cinematographer on the set of the Western movie Rust. The lawsuit was filed Thursday at state district court in Santa Fe, where a judge in July…
Children born and raised in secret for years to get NSW birth certificates
Tribunal finds young couple faced ‘difficult situation’ and were too afraid to tell their ‘conservative’ parents in China about the pregnancies A young woman who kept two pregnancies secret and gave birth at home was afraid to speak up in part due to her conservative Chinese background. At 19 years old the woman gave birth…
‘Pizzagate’ gunman killed by police in North Carolina, authorities say
By The Associated Press KANNAPOLIS, N.C. — A man who fired a gun inside a restaurant in the nation’s capital after a fake online conspiracy theory called “Pizzagate” motivated him to do so nearly a decade ago was shot and killed by North Carolina police during a weekend traffic stop. Edgar Maddison Welch was a…
Musk interviews German far-right frontwoman
Elon Musk took his endorsement of Germany’s far-right party to the next level on Thursday, hosting a live chat with its frontwoman, Alice Weidel. The 74-minute conversation ranged across energy policy, German bureaucracy, Adolf Hitler, Mars and the meaning of life. The world’s richest man unequivocally urged Germans to back Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) in…
Pregnant Kylie Kelce Teases Name for Baby No. 4 With Jason Kelce
Kylie Kelce, who is pregnant with her and Jason Kelce’s fourth baby girl, shared insight into how her and the NFL alum are choosing a name. Kylie Kelce and Jason Kelce are still thinking about a name for their latest recruit. And while the couple—who are parents to daughters Wyatt, 5, Elliotte, 3, and Bennett,…
Novak Djokovic’s claim he ate ‘poisoned’ food in 2022 Melbourne hotel detention ‘possible but very unlikely’, experts say
Doubt cast on tennis former world number one’s comments in GQ interview as debate reopens about handling of visa saga Experts have cast doubt on Novak Djokovic’s claim that he was “poisoned” by the food he ate in hotel immigration detention during his Australian Open visa saga, suggesting it is possible but unlikely. Interviews with…
Gerald Ford Tells Jimmy Carter “Welcome Home Old Friend” in Eulogy
Before President Jimmy Carter is laid to rest, his colleagues and loved ones are honoring his life. And that includes the late President Gerald Ford, who had made an agreement with President Carter during their lifetimes to write and read the other’s eulogy at their funeral. But, given that Ford—who died in 2006—was 11 years…
The Papers: ‘Lost Angeles’ and ‘Musk seeks plan to oust Starmer’
Several papers lead for a second day on the turmoil facing UK bond markets. The Daily Mail says experts are warning Rachel Reeves that she is facing a debt crisis “like the 1970s”. Daily Telegraph says the Conservatives have accused the chancellor of being “missing in action”, after she decided to go ahead with a…
ColourPop’s New Moon Makeup Collection Has Dropped & It’s Selling Out
Get ready to sparkle and shine—ColourPop’s New Moon-inspired collection is here, packed with sultry reds, warm oranges, and rich golds for every Twilight lover’s dream look. E! may get a commission if you purchase something through our links. Learn more. Twilight fans, ColourPop is back with its second Twilight-inspired collection—this time, paying homage to New Moon.…
Libya expels 600 Nigeriens in ‘dangerous and traumatising’ desert journey
Largest known deportation of people back to Niger to date comes as EU is accused of outsourcing cruelty to reduce Mediterranean crossings More than 600 people have been forcibly deported from Libya on a “dangerous and traumatising” journey across the Sahara, in what is thought to be one of the largest expulsions from the north…
Israeli settlers in West Bank see Trump win as chance to go further
On a clear day, the skyscrapers of Tel Aviv are visible from the hill above Karnei Shomron, an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank. “I do feel different from Tel Aviv,” said Sondra Baras, who has lived in Karnei Shomron for almost 40 years. “I’m living in a place where my ancestors lived thousands…
Michael Sheen to fund new national theatre for Wales
Hollywood actor Michael Sheen is funding a new theatre company to fill the gap left by the folding of National Theatre Wales. He will be the artistic director of Welsh National Theatre, which will aim to tell “big stories on big stages for big audiences”. The first production, due in autumn 2026 and starring Sheen…
2024 Is Officially the Hottest Year on Record
Earth Surpasses 1.5 Degrees C in Hottest Year on Record 2024 was the hottest year on record and the first to top 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming. All 10 of the hottest years have been in the last decade By Andrea Thompson edited by Dean Visser Join Our Community of Science Lovers! It’s official: 2024…
Proof Lizzo Is Feeling Good as Hell Amid Transformation
Lizzo showed off her trimmer figure in a black bikini, while also giving fans a look at her wood therapy routine, which is said to help reduce cellulite and wrinkles. Lizzo is letting you know exactly how she feels. The “Juice” singer flaunted her trimmer figure for fans, while also giving them a peek at…
‘I paid fake doctor thousands for fillers – now I look like a gargoyle’
A former tattooist who left a woman “looking like a gargoyle” after giving her botched face fillers had been posing as a doctor at his aesthetics clinic, a BBC investigation has revealed. It comes as a leading practitioner warns of more “death and disfigurement” as plans to regulate the industry continue to be delayed. Andrea…
‘I’m bursting with ideas’: Michael Sheen launches new national theatre for Wales
Welsh star promises big, bold plays that bring vital ‘under-explored’ stories about Wales to life Michael Sheen, a global star of screen and stage, is spearheading a new national theatre for Wales, promising to create big, bold plays that bring vital stories about his homeland to life. Sheen said he was bursting with ideas and…
Los Angeles fires burn through city as death toll expected to rise
Burned areas cover more than 30,000 acres of LA and teams search for casualties as fires continue to rage Crews were combing through the rubble in Los Angeles with cadaver dogs in search of additional victims from the still burning fire siege that has forced tens of thousands to flee and reduced entire neighborhoods to…
Pamela Anderson Admits She and Ex Tommy Lee Are Not in Good Place
Pamela Anderson shared that she’s not on the best terms with her ex-husband Tommy Lee, saying she and the Mötley Crue drummer—with whom she shares sons Brandon and Dylan—are having “kind of a moment.” It looks like Pamela Anderson hasn’t really been rocking with her ex-husband Tommy Lee. The Baywatch alum shared that she’s currently…
Violent protests in China after student falls to his death
The death of a teenage boy sparked violent protests in a city in north-west China, the BBC has confirmed through verified video. In the videos shared on social media, protesters can be seen hurling objects at police and officers beating some demonstrators in Pucheng in Shaanxi province. Authorities said the teenager fell to his death…
Winter Storm Cora brings cold and snow to the Southern U.S.
By Nate Perez Sleet and snow began to fall across much of the southern U.S. Thursday and more is expected Friday as the second major winter storm sweeps across the country. Winter Storm Cora is expected to bring between four to six inches of snow between Texas and the Carolinas by Sunday. But parts of…
Reeves heads to China as pressure continues over market trouble
The Chancellor Rachel Reeves is travelling to China in a bid to boost trade and economic ties, as she faces pressure over government borrowing costs hitting their highest level in years. The three day-visit has been criticised by some Conservatives who claim she should have cancelled the trip to prioritise dealing with economic issues at…
Tearful Jennie Garth Thanks Ex Peter Facinelli for Helping Her in Fire
Beverly Hills, 90210 actress Jennie Garth shared her gratitude for her ex-husband Peter Facinelli for letting her stay with him amid the Los Angeles fires. Jennie Garth is feeling gratitude for her ex. The Beverly Hills, 90210 actress shared that her former husband Peter Facinelli welcomed her to his home amid the devastating fires in Los…
Trump special counsel report in limbo despite appeals court ruling
Injunction barring the release of Jack Smith’s report remains in place for at least three more days A federal appeals court on Thursday rejected an attempt to block special counsel Jack Smith from releasing his final report into the two federal criminal cases he brought against Donald Trump but, crucially, did not lift a temporary…
Jimmy Carter Laid to Rest in Georgia Next to Wife Rosalynn Carter
Jimmy Carter—the 39th president of the United States, who died on Dec. 29 at 100—was laid to rest at the Georgia home he shared with wife Rosalynn Carter. Former President Jimmy Carter has reached his final resting place. The 39th president of the United States was laid to rest Jan. 9 next to his wife…
Boeing and Google give $1m each to Trump’s inauguration
US aviation giant Boeing has told BBC News it is donating $1m (£812,600) to an inauguration fund for President-elect Donald Trump. Google has also confirmed that it has made a similar donation as the two firms join a growing list of major American companies contributing to the fund. Trump’s inauguration, marking the start of his…
Sydney synagogue vandalised with swastikas in attack in NSW premier’s electorate
Police launch investigation as Chris Minns condemns ‘monstrous, appalling’ incident in Allawah, Kogarah Nazi swastikas have been scrawled across a Sydney synagogue in another episode of antisemitism, horrifying the Jewish community. The attack on the Southern Sydney Synagogue, in Allawah in NSW premier Chris Minns’ electorate of Kogarah, was committed by “bastards … with hate…
Ronda Rousey Welcomes Baby No. 2 With Husband Travis Browne
Ronda Rousey gave birth to her second baby with husband Travis Browne amid the Santa Ana windstorm, which fanned the flames of the Los Angeles fires. Ronda Rousey has some knockout news. The former MMA fighter and wrestler gave birth to her second baby with husband Travis Browne, she announced on Instagram Jan. 9. “Our…
2024 first year to pass 1.5C global warming limit
The planet has moved a major step closer to warming more than 1.5C, new data shows, despite world leaders vowing a decade ago they would try to avoid this. The European Copernicus climate service, one of the main global data providers, said on Friday that 2024 was the first calendar year to pass the symbolic…
Jedidiah Duggar and Wife Katey Duggar Welcome Twin Babies
19 Kids and Counting star Jedidiah Duggar and his wife, Katey Duggar, welcomed twin baby girls, who join the couple’s son Truett Oliver, 2, and daughter Nora Kate, 19 months, in the family. Jedidiah Duggar’s household can count two new members. The 19 Kids and Counting alum and his wife, Katey Duggar, welcomed twin baby girls Jan.…
Pop star Chappell Roan wins BBC Sound Of 2025
Pop star Chappell Roan has won BBC Radio 1’s Sound of 2025 – the station’s annual poll to identify music’s biggest rising stars. Her win caps a wild 12 months in which she rocketed from relative obscurity to the top of the charts, thanks to her colourful, 80s-influenced brand of synth-pop. She was named winner…
Police officer and man shot during physical altercation in Brisbane
Two in hospital after Queensland police were called to reports of a disturbance at a house on Tamar Street in Annerley A police officer and a man are being treated for potentially life-threatening injuries after both were shot in an altercation in Brisbane’s south on Friday morning. Queensland police were called to reports of a…
Gunman in ‘Pizzagate’ conspiracy attack fatally shot by North Carolina police
During traffic stop, officers fire at Edgar Welch, 2016 shooter at eatery mistakenly thought to be center of pedophile ring The gunman involved in the 2016 “Pizzagate” conspiracy theory attack on a Washington DC pizza restaurant that was mistakenly thought to be at the center of a pedophile ring has died after being shot by…
Price of resale tickets to be capped under plans to tackle touts
The government has announced plans to cap the price of resale tickets in a clamp-down on ticket touts who bulk buy tickets and then resell them for huge profits. The cap would apply to tickets in the live events industry including sport, music, comedy and theatre. It was one of the government’s election promises, after…
Zach Bryan Defends Himself After Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia Breakup
Zach Bryan hit back at online criticism following his breakup with Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia, saying he’s “allowed to have love, laughter and good people” in his life. Zach Bryan has had enough. The country music star called out “couch warriors attacking and belittling my friends” following his breakup with Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia, who alleged she…
Court annuls marriage after Melbourne bride thought wedding was ‘sham’ to boost groom’s Instagram
Judge finds woman ‘believed she was acting in a social media event’ rather than official ceremony A Melbourne couple’s marriage has been annulled after the bride told a court she had thought their wedding was nothing more than a social media stunt to boost his Instagram following. In an October family court judgment published on…
Milo Ventimiglia & Pregnant Wife Jarah Mariano Lose Home in Fire
This Is Us star Milo Ventimiglia—whose wife, Jarah Mariano, is pregnant with their first baby—reacted to seeing the remains of his home after the property was lost in the Los Angeles fire. Milo Ventimiglia is sharing his unfathomable loss. The This Is Us star—whose wife, Jarah Mariano, is pregnant with the couple’s first baby—confirmed he…
Inside the UK’s first legal drug consumption room
Welcome to the Thistle – the UK’s first and only drug consumption room. After nearly a decade of deadlock and wrangling over drug laws the centre is finally ready to open. On Monday it will welcome its first clients who will come in to inject illegally-bought heroin or cocaine under medical supervision. The Thistle is…
Why George W. Bush’s Belly Tap of Barack Obama Is Going Viral
George W. Bush gave fellow former president Barack Obama a friendly belly tap at the Jan. 9 funeral of Jimmy Carter, and the internet was obsessed with the viral moment. George W. Bush is giving a new meaning to the presidential hello. The former president was one of several U.S. leaders who attended the funeral…
Trump loses Supreme Court appeal to block hush-money sentencing
Ximena Bustillo A divided U.S. Supreme Court rejected President-elect Donald Trump’s request to stop his sentencing in the New York hush-money case, scheduled for Friday. The court, in a rationale for its order Thursday, said Trump could address his issues with the verdict through appeals, and that “the burden that sentencing will impose on the…
9/11 guilty pleas delayed after US government objects
The US government has succeeded in temporarily blocking the accused mastermind of the 9/11 terror attacks from pleading guilty amid a dispute over the terms of a pre-trial agreement. Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two co-defendants reached deals last summer to plead guilty to all charges in exchange for not facing a death penalty trial. In…
Hiring freeze at dozens of NHS cancer and diagnostic units despite rising referrals
Dozens of NHS hospitals have banned their cancer or diagnostic units from hiring new staff, despite GPs referring growing numbers of people who they fear may have the disease. Doctors warned that widespread recruitment freezes imposed on both types of units over the last year risked undermining Keir Starmer’s drive, outlined this week, to cut…
News live: Australia ready to send firefighters to California, emergency minister says; Minns condemns ‘horrifying’ vandalism of synagogue
Australia is ready to send firefighting assets to the US if authorities request help to contain California blazes, the federal minister for emergency management, Jenny McAllister, has said. McAllister told Sky News the federal government had contacted its US counterparts with the offer as fast-moving fires continue to burn across Los Angeles. At least five…
Craig Melvin Details Hoda Kotb’s Final Days Before Today Exit
Today anchor Craig Melvin exclusively told E! News that it’s been “bittersweet” as they get ready for Hoda Kotb’s Jan. 10 departure: “Everyday it’s just a rollercoaster of emotions.” Craig Melvin will be missing Hoda Kotb today and everyday. The NBC anchor—who will be replacing Hoda after her final appearance on Today Jan. 10—shared what it’s been like as the…
‘Dyche looked a beaten man – now Everton owners face huge decision’
Sean Dyche was sacked by Everton’s new owners the Friedkin Group just three weeks after they took control Everton’s decision to sack Sean Dyche comes after the manager ran out of road and ideas and new owners the Friedkin Group decided they could not let the rot of this season end in relegation. It has…
Scott Disick Reveals “Hook Up” Advice He Gave Son Mason Disick
Scott Disick got candid about sharing dating tips with 15-year-old son Mason Disick, telling Khloe Kardashian the stern advice he gave the teen about “hook ups.” Scott Disick is keeping up with his son Mason Disick’s love life. The Keeping Up With the Kardashians alum revealed he’s discussed dating with his 15-year-old son—whom he shares…
UK music industry hails proposals to crack down on ticket touting
Resale prices could be capped at 30% over face value, while resale websites face greater legal obligations The price at which tickets for live events can be resold is to be capped under “gamechanging” proposals put forward by the government to crack down on touting in the sector. In a move hailed by music industry…
Supreme Court rejects Trump bid to halt hush-money case sentencing
The US Supreme Court has rejected Trump’s last-minute bid to halt his Friday sentencing in his hush-money criminal case. The president-elect had urged the top court to consider whether he was entitled to an automatic stay of his sentencing, but the justices rejected the application by 5-4. Trump was found guilty of falsifying records to…
Rebels issue demand for RFU chief Sweeney sacking
Sweeney was appointed as the RFU’s chief executive in 2019 The crisis at the top of English rugby erupted on Thursday evening as grassroots rebels broke cover to demand Bill Sweeney be sacked, only for the Rugby Football Union to reject a petition for a vote on their under-fire chief executive’s future. The collective, which…
Cuts, tax rises and doing nothing: Rachel Reeves’ options to tackle economic woe
Labour’s fiscal rules may limit the chancellor’s ability to act, but waiting it out may be the best option The UK government has come under pressure from a bond market sell-off and the tumbling pound, heaping pressure on the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, to reassure investors about Britain’s economic and financial position. After a challenging first…
‘Everton need stability’ – how chaotic day unfolded
This video can not be played Leighton Baines reflects on ‘unique day’ as Everton interim manager Everton have been mired in chaos in recent years and have been thrown into disarray again following a strange day at Goodison Park. New owners the Friedkin Group had promised to show their commitment to the club “through actions,…