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 […]
Politics content to be pushed to Instagram and Threads users
The firm says its part of its reorientation towards “free expression” – a move that saw it ditch fact checkers on Tuesday. The change will be introduced in the US this week before being expanded globally next week. Users will not be able to turn off unsolicited political posts but can choose between three settings…
Greens attack Woodside proposal to bury CO2 from WA gas project under pristine reef
Party labels plan for offshore carbon capture and storage near Scott Reef ‘nothing but greenwashing’ and calls on Albanese government to extend public consultation Woodside Energy has proposed burying 4m tonnes of CO2 a year from its multibillion-dollar Browse project in undersea storage off the coast of Western Australia. The federal environment department published the…
‘Traitors’ Season 3: Shop Official Merch Now
There’s no better way to celebrate the reality series heading into its third season than with some must-have ‘The Traitors’ tops, hoodies, hats, totes, and so much more! The products featured in this article are from brands available in NBCUniversal Checkout. E! makes a commission on purchases. The Traitors are back, and the drama is about…
Why are UK borrowing costs rising and what does it mean for me?
Government borrowing costs have been steadily rising in recent months, and have now hit their highest levels for several years. Why is this happening and how does it affect you? A bond is a bit like an IOU that can be traded in the financial markets. Governments generally spend more than they raise in tax…
A major winter storm will bring snow to the South. Here are tips from winter experts
By Mara Hoplamazian Much of the southern U.S. is bracing for significant snowfall and frigid temperatures this week. Weather warnings and watches extend throughout the region, including northern Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Georgia, where several inches of snow could fall. The second major winter storm of 2025 is expected to bring snow and freezing…
Lego links up with TV hit Bluey for toy sets to be launched this year
Partnership ‘a long time coming’ and is latest expansion of Australian-made animated series The global hit children’s TV show Bluey is to make its Lego debut with the first sets due to hit shelves later this year. The world of Bluey, which has proved such a small-screen hit a film is to be made for…
Jessica Alba Compared Her & Cash Warren to “Roommates” Before Breakup
Jessica Alba gave a candid look into her marriage to Cash Warren—including how they’d become more like roommates—less than a year before their separation. Jessica Alba was honest about the realities of marriage ahead of her breakup with Cash Warren. Following the news that the pair are separated with a divorce on the horizon, an…
Average renter would take 8.3 years to save enough for a house deposit, new Victorian analysis shows
Exclusive: PBO report based on wage growth, house prices and rent rises says nearly a decade needed if 20% of gross income is put aside It could take almost a decade for the average Victorian renter who puts aside 20% of their gross income to save enough money for a home deposit in 2035, according…
Special ed students benefit from being integrated at school. It doesn’t always happen
Jonaki Mehta Kellen Hedler, 11, is outgoing and gregarious. He dances on a hip-hop team, and he enjoys all kinds of sports. Adaline Whitmer, 7, is bubbly, yet shy. She’s starting to come out of her shell since she began cheerleading at a local gym. Both Kellen and Adaline attend public elementary schools in Oklahoma.…
How Elon Musk seized on baseless memo claim to fuel wave of misinformation
Elon Musk’s online attacks on former Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown over grooming gangs draw on a baseless claim about a Home Office memo supposedly issued 17 years ago, research by BBC Verify has established. A wave of social media posts – including some amplified by Mr Musk – allege that a 2008 Home Office…
What’s next for Canada? 5 questions will help decide the future after Trudeau
By Bill Chappell Canada is entering a major transition in its national politics after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed he will resign. Questions about his political future had been raging for weeks, but his exit raises even more issues. After losing support within his own party and at the polls, Trudeau said on Monday that…
Former Scotland rugby union captain Stuart Hogg sentenced after admitting domestic abuse
The former Scotland rugby union captain Stuart Hogg will be supervised for a year as an alternative to jail after he admitted abusing his estranged wife over the course of five years. He pleaded guilty to a single charge of domestic abuse of his ex-partner, Gillian Hogg, when he appeared at Selkirk Sheriff Court on…
Truss issues legal threat to PM over claim she crashed economy
Former Prime Minister Liz Truss has sent a legal “cease and desist” letter to Sir Keir Starmer demanding he stop saying she “crashed the economy”. Her lawyers argue the claim made repeatedly by Sir Keir is “false and defamatory” and harmed her politically in the run-up to losing her South West Norfolk seat in the…
Elon Musk Is Trying to Break Germany’s Quarantine on the Far-Right AfD
news analysis Political leaders have shunned the Alternative for Germany. But on his social media platform X, Mr. Musk is pitching the party as mainstream. By Jim Tankersley Reporting from Berlin Elon Musk is not just dabbling in German politics. He is attempting to break a political blockade that has kept the nation’s most prominent…
Lily Allen Says She’s Not “Good” Amid David Harbour Breakup Rumors
Amid rumors that Lily Allen and Stranger Things’ David Harbour have separated after four years of marriage, the “Littlest Things” singer got candid about her mental health. Lily Allen is opening up about a rough patch. Amid rumors that the “Littlest Things” singer has split from her husband David Harbour after four years of marriage,…
Prince William Praises “Remarkable” Kate Middleton in B-Day Message
Prince William made rare personal comments about his wife Kate Middleton in honor of her 43rd birthday. See the sweet tribute to the Princess of Wales. Prince William penned a birthday message fit for a princess. In honor of Kate Middleton’s 43rd birthday Jan. 9, the Prince of Wales dedicated a rare and personal tribute…
Lloyds to let customers use Halifax and BoS branches, raising job cut fears
Account holders at the group’s three brands will be able to use any of their locations, but unions fear site closures Lloyds Banking Group will allow customers to use any of its Halifax, Bank of Scotland and Lloyds branches as part of a shake-up that has sparked fears of job cuts and site closures, weeks…
Russia says it is keeping close eye on Trump’s claim to Greenland
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said Russia is closely monitoring the situation, after US President-elect Donald Trump refused to rule out military action to take Greenland from Denmark. Peskov said the Arctic was in Russia’s “sphere of national and strategic interests and it is interested in peace and stability there”. Trump’s remarks on Greenland –…
Wildfires upend lives in Southern California. And, Jimmy Carter’s state funeral
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. Nearly 30,000 acres continue to burn early today across Los Angeles County. At least five people have died and the fires have destroyed whole neighborhoods. Every school in Los…
Bad Sleep Leaves the Brain More Vulnerable to Intrusive Thoughts
Here’s Why Bad Sleep and Toxic Thoughts Go Hand-in-Hand Findings reveal the memory-related brain processes that generate unwanted thoughts when people are sleep deprived By Rachel Nuwer edited by Gary Stix Imagine you are attending a friend’s housewarming party, and—in front of everyone—you spill a glass of red wine on their brand-new white couch. You…
Lebanese Lawmakers Choose a President After 2 Years of Gridlock
Middle East Crisis Lawmakers elected Joseph Aoun, the commander of the Lebanese military, the first step in forming a government to lead a country recovering from economic crisis and a devastating war. By Euan Ward Reporting from Beirut, Lebanon Lebanon’s fractured Parliament overcame more than two years of gridlock on Thursday to choose a new…
White powder sent to Belgian PM’s office identified as poison strychnine
Aide of Alexander De Croo hospitalised after opening letter containing potentially fatal poison A white powder in a letter that hospitalised an aide to Belgium’s prime minister, Alexander De Croo, has been identified as strychnine, a poison that can be fatal. The Brussels prosecutor’s office revealed on Wednesday the nature of the substance that was…
U.S. Efforts to Cut Emissions Stalled in 2024 as Power Demand Surged
After staying flat for nearly two decades, electricity use is starting to rise again, and the boom in wind and solar power hasn’t kept pace. By Brad Plumer America’s efforts to cut its climate change pollution stalled in 2024, with greenhouse gas emissions dropping just a fraction, 0.2 percent, compared to the year before, according…
What’s the latest on the LA fires, and what caused them?
Out-of-control wildfires are ripping across parts of Los Angeles, leading to at least five deaths, burning down hundreds of buildings, and prompting more than 130,000 people to flee their homes in America’s second-largest city. Despite the efforts of firefighters, the biggest blazes remain totally uncontained – with weather conditions and the underlying impact of climate…
Looking to have fun without alcohol? This guy has ideas that may help
Allison Aubrey If you’re looking for inspiration to stick with your Dry January commitment, you may want to check out booze-free gatherings happening all over the country. A Mindful Drinking Fest returns to Washington, D.C., this weekend. There’s Mocktails & Mingle in Chicago, a Dry Vibes celebration in Kansas City, a Mocktail Fest in Miami,…
Kurdish general urges Trump to leave US troops in north-east Syria
Exclusive: SDF leader says removal of 2,000-strong force would leave door open for Islamic State resurgence The leader of the Kurdish forces that control north-eastern Syria has called on Donald Trump to maintain a US military presence in the region, warning that a retreat would risk a resurgence of Islamic State in the country. Gen…
I Ditched My $200 Cream for This $18 Moisturizer—and Never Looked Back
Yep, 100,000+ rave reviews prove you don’t need to spend $200 for hydration miracles. E! may get a commission if you purchase something through our links. Learn more. Between harsh winter winds, holiday jet-setting, and sleepless nights, my skin was suffering. Dry patches on my chin, redness on my cheeks, and that dreaded burning sensation when…
All 5 living presidents expected to attend Jimmy Carter’s National Cathedral funeral
Elena Moore Political leaders in Washington will honor the life of former President Jimmy Carter with a funeral service at the National Cathedral this morning. Carter, who died on Dec. 29 at 100, was the nation’s longest-living president. Thursday’s event marks the final public tribute to Carter, following additional funeral services and ceremonies since Saturday…
European imports of liquefied natural gas from Russia at ‘record levels’
Rystad Energy releases data days after Ukraine stopped flows of Russian gas through its pipelines Europe bought a record amount of liquefied natural gas from Russia last year, data shows, despite EU efforts to ditch the fossil fuels funding Putin’s war chest. Ships carrying 17.8m tonnes of ultra-cold Russian gas docked in European ports in…
Hansen available for Six Nations after ban over ’16 men’ comments
Hansen has been one of Ireland’s standout performers in recent years Connacht wing Mack Hansen will be available to play in Ireland’s Six Nations opener against England after being handed a three-match ban for comments he made about the refereeing in his club’s loss to Leinster. Hansen said the refereeing of his side’s United Rugby…
How Prince William Supported Kate Middleton Through Cancer Treatment
While Kate Middleton has since returned to the spotlight, Prince William was the face of their family in public and his wife’s No. 1 champion at home while she underwent chemotherapy. In 2011, Prince William and Kate Middleton vowed at the altar to look after each other—for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health.…
Million year-old bubbles could solve ice age climate mystery
What is probably the world’s oldest ice, dating back 1.2m years ago, has been dug out from deep within Antarctica. Working at temperatures of -35C, a team of scientists extracted a 2.8km-long cyclinder, or core, of ice – longer than eight Eiffel Towers end-to-end. Suspended inside the ice are ancient air bubbles which scientists hope…
U.S. Saw an Opportunity While It Pushed to Arm Ukraine
Russia-Ukraine War The White House seized a rare chance to undermine Russia and build up regional allies as it built a coalition to support the Ukrainians. By John Ismay John Ismay reported from the first meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in April 2022 and has covered its activities ever since. Just weeks after…
Venezuela tumbles deeper into dictatorship with Nicolás Maduro set to extend 12-year rule
Global democratic leaders pledge a boycott as exiled opposition leader vows to return to challenge ceremony Venezuela’s tumble into authoritarianism is poised to enter an even harsher new phase this week with Nicolás Maduro set to extend his 12-year rule despite widespread suspicions that he stole last year’s presidential election. The man widely believed to…
Imprisoned Belarus activist resurfaces after being incommunicado for over 700 days
By The Associated Press Viktar Babaryka, 61, has been denied meetings with his family and lawyers while serving a 14-year sentence in a penal colony after failing to get on the ballot against authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko in a 2020 election. Babaryka was last heard from in February 2023, and other prisoners said later that…
These Comfy J.Crew Ballet Flats Survived Hours of Walking in Paris
Sleek, stylish, and oh-so cushiony, we finally found a pair of flats under $35 that give you the best of both worlds—and they survived the cobblestone streets of Paris! E! may get a commission if you purchase something through our links. Learn more. If you’re anything like me, sometimes, style takes priority over comfort. Especially if…
Greggs sales growth slows amid ‘lower consumer confidence’
Bakery chain says fewer shoppers on high streets over Christmas also to blame in ‘more challenging market’ Greggs, the UK’s biggest bakery chain, has reported slowing sales growth over the festive period, blaming weakening consumer confidence and fewer shoppers on high streets. The company said its total sales rose by 11.3% to just over £2bn…
Rugby star Stuart Hogg sentenced for domestic abuse
Former Scotland rugby union captain Stuart Hogg has been given a one-year community payback order after he admitted a domestic abuse charge against his estranged wife. The 32-year-old was previously given a five-year non-harassment order and fined £600 after breaching bail conditions. He had admitted shouting and swearing and acting in an abusive manner towards…
More fires erupt in Southern California and spread to the Hollywood Hills
By Ayana Archie Nearly 30,000 acres remained burning early Thursday across Los Angeles County as firefighters struggled to control a patchwork of deadly blazes that has forced mass evacuations and leveled entire communities. At least five people have died as new fires broke out late Wednesday in Los Angeles County, totaling about more than 29,000…
Who Is Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative Leader on a Path to Become Canada’s Next Prime Minister?
Canada’s Political Turmoil Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative leader, enjoys a commanding lead in the polls as Canadians look to the next general election. By Norimitsu Onishi Reporting from Montreal In Parliament, he called a leftist opposition leader and former Trudeau supporter “a fake, a phony and a fraud’’ and a “sellout.’’ Enraged, the leader stood…
Putin Gets a Snub in the Vast Wine Cellars of a Former Soviet Republic
The Russian president celebrated his 50th birthday at a winery in Moldova. After the invasion of Ukraine, it moved the bottles he was given away from public view. By Andrew Higgins Reporting from deep underground in Cricova, Moldova Hermann Goering, Hitler’s right-hand man, survived the cut. His bottles of wine — part of a collection…
William shares message to wife Kate on her 43rd birthday
The Prince of Wales has wished his wife, Catherine, a happy birthday as she turns 43. “To the most incredible wife and mother. The strength you’ve shown over the last year has been remarkable,” William wrote in a message posted on social media. “George, Charlotte, Louis and I are so proud of you. Happy Birthday,…
How Scott Disick Is Talking to Son Mason About His Alcohol Addiction
Scott Disick detailed the candid conversations he’s had with his and Kourtney Kardashian’s 15-year-old son Mason Disick about his past struggles with alcohol. Scott Disick is keeping it real with his kids. The Flip it Like Disick star, who shares children Mason, 15, Penelope, 12, and Reign, 10, with ex Kourtney Kardashian, revealed he doesn’t…
Fluoride analysis triggers renewed debate over what levels are safe for kids
Pien Huang Most communities in the U.S. add fluoride to the tap water. It has been common practice for nearly 80 years to protect against tooth decay and cavities, and it’s considered a major achievement in public health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says research shows that community water fluoridation reduces cavities by…
Wildlife groups urge UK government to ban lead ammunition
Environment secretary Steve Reed urged to bring in ‘full and swift ban’ to protect health of people, wildlife and pets Wildlife charities have called on the government to ban the sale and use of lead in ammunition used for outdoor shooting. The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT), RSPB, Wildlife and Countryside Link, Chem Trust and…
Jessica Alba and Cash Warren Break Up After 16 Years of Marriage
Jessica Alba and film producer Cash Warren, who have three kids together, have decided to part ways after more than a decade of marriage. Jessica Alba and Cash Warren are being honest about the state of their relationship. The Dark Angel alum, 40, and the film producer, 45, have broken up after 16 years of…
Bergvall controversy fuels Postecoglou’s tirade on ‘change’
This video can not be played ‘I thought people would protect the sanctity of the game’ Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final between Tottenham and Liverpool looked to be petering towards a largely forgettable draw, until late controversy was followed by a late winner. Lucas Bergvall got the game’s only goal with four minutes remaining for Spurs,…
Japanese crime leader pleads guilty to conspiring to sell nuclear materials to Iran
By The Associated Press NEW YORK — The purported leader of a Japan-based crime syndicate pleaded guilty Wednesday to charges alleging that he conspired to traffic uranium and plutonium from Myanmar in the belief that Iran would use it for nuclear weapons. Takeshi Ebisawa, 60, of Japan, entered the plea in Manhattan federal court to…
Mozambique opposition leader returns after post-election violence
Venâncio Mondlane went into self-imposed exile after disputed elections in October, saying he feared being assassinated Mozambique’s opposition leader, Venâncio Mondlane, has returned to the country from self-imposed exile, saying he was ready for talks with the government after claiming October’s elections were stolen from him. In large dark sunglasses, Mondlane dropped to his knees…
Egypt Sees Its Refugees as a Scapegoat and an Opportunity
Syria’s Civil War Palestinians, Sudanese and Syrians fleeing war have found a home in the country. But Cairo says newcomers are straining resources and is seeking financial help from the West. By Vivian Yee Reporting from Cairo In easier times for Egypt’s refugees, Azza Mostafa, a pro-government TV anchor, had nothing but generous words for…
Oscar nominations postponed because of LA fires
The announcement of this year’s Oscar nominations has been delayed by two days because of the deadly wildfires raging in the Los Angeles area. It had been scheduled for Friday 17 January, but the stars and films up for Academy Awards will now be revealed on 19 January. The voting for the nearly 10,000 Academy…
Paige DeSorbo Denies Cheating on Craig Conover With Marcello Hernandez
Paige DeSorbo denied cheating on ex-boyfriend Craig Conover with Marcello Hernandez. Here’s how the SNL star reacted to the speculation. She came all this way, had to explain, direct from Paige DeSorbo. Less than two weeks after the Summer House star shared that she and Craig Conover broke up after three years of dating, Paige addressed speculation that she cheated on him with Saturday Night…
David Lammy says Trump’s rhetoric can be ‘destabilising’ but threat to invade Greenland won’t happen – UK politics live
Good morning. For the first time in six months, David Lammy, the foreign secretary, was put up by No 10 to do the morning broadcast interview round – ahead of a speech he is giving later. At PMQs yesterday, perhaps surprisingly, Keir Starmer was not asked about Donald Trump’s suggestion that he might invade Greenland,…
West Ham confirm Potter as new manager
Graham Potter has been without a club since he was sacked by Chelsea in April 2023 West Ham have confirmed former Brighton and Chelsea boss Graham Potter as their new manager. The 49-year-old has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the London side, who sacked Julen Lopetegui on Wednesday after six months in charge. Potter takes…
Man extradited to Queensland from NSW over alleged 1997 murder of former partner initially ruled as suicide
Keith Lees charged with murdering Meaghan Rose whose body was found at the base of cliffs at Mooloolaba A 72-year-old man has been extradited to Queensland and charged with the alleged murder of his former partner almost 28 years ago. Keith Lees was arrested in Dural, in Sydney’s north-west, last week after spending about 18…
Rachel Lindsay to Pay Bryan Abasolo $500,000 in Divorce Settlement
The Bachelorette alums Rachel Lindsay and Bryan Abasolo have settled their divorce one year after filing to end their marriage, according to documents obtained by E! News. Rachel Lindsay and Bryan Abasolo have reached a settlement after a thorny year of divorce proceedings. The Bachelorette alums, who met and fell in love on season 13…
Fake Aldi map prank wreaks ‘havoc’ on village
Residents in a rural village are urging people not to travel there in search of a supermarket giant falsely included in a map of the area. Villagers in Cyffylliog in Denbighshire, said a stream of cars have recently come through the area and a milk tanker became stuck after Google Maps said Aldi had a…
Jessica Alba Shared Happy Couple Pics Before Cash Warren Divorce News
Jessica Alba said she had the “best day” with Cash Warren and their kids Honor, 16, Haven, 13, and Hayes, 7, at Universal Studios Hollywood shortly before news of her divorce broke. Jessica Alba and Cash Warren will always put family first. Four days before news of the longtime couple’s breakup surfaced, the Dark Angel…
M&S reports strong festive sales but says UK firms will take hit from tax rises
Sales at food halls rise 8.9% over Christmas, with 23 December its biggest ever day of food trading Marks & Spencer has hailed a “good Christmas” with strong sales of food but warned that British businesses face higher costs from the government’s tax increases. The UK retailer said sales at established food halls rose 8.9%,…
‘Where do I go?’: Fear and anxiety as people flee
Raging wildfires surrounding Los Angeles have spread to Hollywood Hills, a residential neighbourhood overlooking the historic Hollywood area of the city. The Sunset fire broke out at around 18:00 (14:00 GMT) local time on Wednesday, covering much of Hollywood in thick smoke and forcing an evacuation order. While driving in Hollywood, I saw many people…