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 […]
As winter storms strike, airlines scramble to de-ice planes and keep them flying
Joel Rose WASHINGTON — When the temperature plunges, the de-icing crews go to work. First the big truck pulls up alongside a plane. Then the bucket operator sprays the wings, tail and fuselage with a mixture of hot fluids that melts ice so the jet can take off safely. “It’s just one of those frustrating…
The latest on the Southern California wildfires. And, Meta is ending fact-checking
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. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced yesterday that the company, which owns Facebook and Instagram, would stop working with third-party fact-checkers. The company established these extensive partnerships after the 2016…
Harry Jowsey Slid Into Sabrina Carpenter’s DMs After Her Breakup
Too Hot to Handle alum Harry Jowsey—who has been celibate for “a couple months”—revealed that he slid into Sabrina Carpenter’s DMs the day he found out she’d split from Barry Keoghan. Harry Jowsey is too quick to handle. The Boyfriend Material podcast host shot his shot with Sabrina Carpenter immediately after he learned that she and Barry Keoghan…
Huge problems with axing fact-checkers, Meta oversight board says
The co-chair of the independent body that reviews Facebook and Instagram content has said she is “very concerned” about how parent company Meta’s decision to ditch fact checkers will affect minority groups. Helle Thorning-Schmidt, from Meta’s oversight board, told the BBC she welcomed aspects of the shake-up, which will see users decide about the accuracy…
Former Brexit negotiator Oliver Robbins expected to get top job at Foreign Office
Exclusive: Appointment of former Brexit negotiator as permanent undersecretary thought to be imminent The former Brexit negotiator Oliver Robbins is expected to be appointed as the UK Foreign Office’s most senior civil servant, the Guardian understands. Robbins, who was on the shortlist last year to take over as cabinet secretary but failed to get the…
Ukraine Strikes Oil Depot Near Russian Air Base, Ukrainian Military Says
Russia-Ukraine War The attack was the latest effort to inflict pain on Russia even as Kyiv is losing ground on the battlefield at home. By Cassandra Vinograd Reporting from Kyiv, Ukraine Ukraine attacked an oil depot near a critical military airfield in southern Russia on Wednesday, the Ukrainian military said, the latest strike in a…
Met to investigate handling of Al Fayed complaints
Two complaints against the Metropolitan Police over its handling of allegations against Mohamed Al Fayed are to be investigated by the force under the direction of the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The Met is currently reviewing a total of 21 allegations made before the former Harrods boss died in 2023. It referred two…
Italian journalist Cecilia Sala freed from detention in Iran
Sala, who had been detained since 19 December, is flying home, Italian PM’s office says Cecilia Sala, an Italian journalist detained in solitary confinement in Iran, has been freed and is heading back to Italy. A plane carrying the 29-year-old took off from Tehran after “intensive work on diplomatic and intelligence channels”, a statement from…
Survival of the luckiest? New study hints at the potential role of luck in evolution
By Jonathan Lambert For many, evolution boils down to a simple phrase: survival of the fittest. Within a population, individuals vary in their ability to survive and reproduce, and the winners of this competition shape the next generation. “Everywhere we look, outcomes across populations are unequal,” says Matthew Zipple, an evolutionary biologist at Cornell University.…
After Helene’s floods, North Carolina tries to tame trauma’s lasting damage
By Katia Riddle ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Sebastian Saraellno Paez’s parents already were in a panic, he recalls, when he woke up on Friday, Sept. 27. Hurricane Helene hit the night before and now, water — two feet deep and rising — surrounded his family’s home. Trying to remain calm and think about solutions, the 17-year-old…
Europe will not allow attacks, says France, after Trump Greenland threat
France has said the European Union will not allow other nations to attack its “sovereign borders”, after US President-Elect Donald Trump refused to rule out using military force to seize Greenland. On Tuesday, Trump reiterated his desire to acquire the autonomous Danish territory, saying it was “critical” for national and economic security. French Foreign Minister…
Italy Says Cecilia Sala, Journalist Detained by Iran, Has Been Released
Cecilia Sala, 29, who was detained last month while on a reporting trip, was on a plane home, the Italian government announced. By Emma Bubola Reporting from Rome Cecilia Sala, an Italian journalist who was detained last month in Iran while on a reporting trip, was released and on her way back to Italy on…
EU Commission urged to act over Elon Musk’s ‘interference’ in elections
MEPs say enforcement of Digital Services Acts has been ‘too slow’, as Musk plans livestream with German far-right politician The EU executive has been “too slow” in enforcing a major law intended to ensure good behaviour of social media companies, MEPs have said, amid growing concern about the aggressive forays of Elon Musk into European…
Body found in search for British climbers missing in Italy
Discovery comes almost a week after Aziz Ziriat and Sam Harris went missing in Dolomites A body has been found in the search for Aziz Ziriat and Sam Harris, two British hikers who have been missing in the Dolomites for nearly a week, Italy’s alpine rescue service said. The body, which has not yet been…
Body found in search for two British men missing in Italian mountains
A body believed to be one of two British men has been found after they went missing in the Dolomites, Italy’s alpine rescue service has said. Aziz Ziriat, 36, and Samuel Harris, 35, from London, were last heard from on 1 January after sending messages home from the Trentino region in northern Italy. They did…
‘Don’t be boring!’ How to cope with the social pressure to drink during Dry January
Malaka Gharib If your New Year’s resolution is to drink less alcohol, Life Kit is here to help. , and get tips and strategies to help you stay alcohol-free for a month. Start your journey any time. Gooch, who has been sober for seven years, knows now that this reaction comes from a societal belief that drinking…
How to Build Your Amazon Winter Capsule Wardrobe
Learn how to craft a fashionable winter capsule wardrobe with Amazon’s versatile essentials. From warm coats to cozy sweaters, you can put together chic outfits while sticking to affordable prices. Our writers and editors independently determine what we cover and recommend. When you buy through our links, E! may earn a commission. Some brands featured…
A looming ‘demographic cliff’: Fewer college students and ultimately fewer graduates
From Hechinger Report By Jon Marcus Pickup trucks with trailers and cars with yawning trunks pulled up onto untended lawns in front of buildings from which people lugged books, furniture, mattresses, trophy cases and artwork. Anything else of value had already been sold by a company that specializes in auctioning off the leftover assets of…
Morning coffee may lower risk of heart disease-related death, research suggests
The time of day you drink a cup of coffee may lower the risk of an early death, new research suggests. The study found that people who drank coffee in the morning had a lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease and had a lower mortality risk than all-day coffee consumers – but the research…
With Stakes High, Lebanese Lawmakers to Try Again to Choose a President
Middle East Crisis Despite pressure by the United States and others to elect a president in order to receive financial support, a consensus candidate has yet to emerge who can clearly end Lebanon’s political gridlock. By Euan Ward Lebanon’s deeply divided Parliament is set Thursday to try to elect a new president, potentially ending a…
Malawi sees influx of refugees from post-election violence in Mozambique
Marauding gangs and political unrest since October’s polls have driven thousands of Mozambicans across the border into Malawi, despite its drought, food and fuel shortages On a sunny Saturday afternoon, Manase Madia, 50, shows his Mozambican identity card. Once a sign of pride, he does not know what to believe in any more. Over the…
Glass of milk a day cuts bowel cancer risk, study finds
A large UK study has found further evidence that people with more calcium in their diet – equivalent to a glass of milk a day – can help reduce their risk of bowel cancer. The researchers analysed the diets of more than half a million women over 16 years and found dark leafy greens, bread…
Brenda Song Shares How Motherhood Made Her “Question a Lot”
Disney Channel alum Brenda Song revealed she questioned her acting career after welcoming her two sons, Dakota and Carson, with fiancé Macaulay Culkin. Mom life has had a lasting impact on Brenda Song. The Suite Life of Zack and Cody alum—who shares sons Dakota, 3, and Carson, 2, with fiancé Macaulay Culkin—admitted that since becoming…
Winter illnesses return with a vengeance
Rob Stein The winter holiday rituals are behind us. It’s cold and snowy in many places. And, now, unfortunately, another annual tradition is upon us. “Respiratory season is here,” says Dr. Brendan Jackson, an epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “It is getting to be in full swing now with a lot…
Justin Trudeau’s Political Career in Photos
Canada’s Political Turmoil In Photos A magnet for cameras, Justin Trudeau was at the center of moments that defined Canada’s image over the last decade. In Photos A magnet for cameras, Justin Trudeau was at the center of moments that defined Canada’s image over the last decade. Justin Trudeau burst onto the international scene in…
Do they mean us? Mexicans bemused as Emilia Pérez sweeps film awards
Film largely praised by international critics but Mexicans ridiculed idea that it represents their country A musical about a Mexican cartel boss who fakes their death, transitions and is reborn as a heroine searching for the forcibly disappeared is sweeping international film awards, but prompted amusement and outrage in Mexico. Emilia Pérez, directed by Jacques…
Berries, creek water and two muesli bars: how missing hiker survived in Kosciuszko national park
After almost two weeks missing in the rugged Australian Alps, Hadi Nazari has been found alive It’s some of Australia’s harshest, most unforgiving terrain. In Kosciuszko national park, the bush can be so thick in places you can’t see far beyond what’s in front of your face. The ranges are steep and remote. Extreme UV…
Paris Jackson Celebrates 5 Years of Sobriety With Moving Message
Paris Jackson, the only daughter of Michael Jackson, marked a milestone in her ongoing sobriety journey from alcohol and heroin. Paris Jackson is celebrating another chapter in her sobriety journey. The only daughter of the late Michael Jackson marked five years sober from alcohol and heroin with a powerful message about what it means to…
What legacy will Bibby Stockholm asylum barge leave behind?
The cost of the Bibby Stockholm will no longer fall on the taxpayer or the Home Office by the end of the week, the BBC understands. Since July 2023, the barge has been moored at Portland Port in Dorset, and until the end of November, was housing just under 500 men awaiting the outcome of…
A Far-Right Government in Austria Would Be a Jolt, but Not Unexpected
News analysis The Freedom Party and its leader, Herbert Kickl, have steadily built support by demonizing immigrants, while entering Austria’s political mainstream. By Jim Tankersley and Christopher F. Schuetze Reporting from Berlin The political party on the verge of leading Austria would take an already conservative country into a growing group of nations shifting to…
Bezos’ Blue Origin is nearing liftoff on the 1st flight of its newest, biggest rocket
By Scott Neuman A massive new rocket developed by Blue Origin, the private space firm founded by billionaire Jeff Bezos, is on the pad at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida and ready for its maiden flight as early as Friday, the company has confirmed. “This is our first flight and we’ve prepared rigorously…
Allison Holker Details Stephen “tWitch” Boss’ Final Words to Daughter
Allison Holker, whose husband Stephen “tWitch” Boss died by suicide in 2022, revealed the devastating final words that the late Ellen DeGeneres Show producer said to their daughter Weslie. Allison Holker is sharing more about Stephen “tWitch” Boss’ final days. The 36-year-old—who shared kids Weslie, 16, Maddox, 8, and Zaia, 5, with the late Ellen…
‘Run for your lives!’ LA residents abandon cars to flee fire on foot
Screaming Los Angeles residents left their cars behind to flee a fast-moving wildfire as it closed in on a picturesque celebrity enclave, eyewitnesses said, describing scenes straight out of a Hollywood disaster movie. A windstorm whipped a seemingly typical brush fire into a raging inferno within a matter of hours on Tuesday, sending the blaze…
France warns Donald Trump against threatening EU ‘sovereign borders’
Foreign minister hits out after US president-elect refuses to rule out military action to take control of Greenland France has warned Donald Trump against threatening the “sovereign borders” of the European Union after the US president-elect refused to rule out military action to take control of Greenland, an autonomous territory of EU member Denmark. The…
Bid to halt child safeguarding bill sickening, says Phillipson
Pushing for a new national inquiry into grooming gangs by halting the progress of a bill aimed at bolstering child safety is “utterly sickening”, the education secretary has said. Bridget Phillipson told the BBC the Tory Party’s plan to bring forward an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill “would kill it stone dead”.…
Top Tory claims Elon Musk ‘may have saved humanity’ as Starmer attacks Badenoch over child safety – UK politics live
Good morning. Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch will be in the Commons today for the first PMQs of 2025 and the Tory calls for national inquiry into grooming gangs will continue to be near the top of the news agenda. That is because Badenoch is pushing for a vote on the children’s wellbeing and schools…
Here’s Why I Bought the Uniqlo Puffer Over a North Face Puffer
As a NY shopping editor, I’ve tested countless puffers. Here’s why I always say name brands don’t automatically equal quality, plus more synthetic and natural options I loved. E! may get a commission if you purchase something through our links. Learn more. As a New York shopping editor, I’ve tested countless puffers—and I can confidently say…
What to know about the wildfires spreading through Southern California
By Ayana Archie More than 4,000 acres of land are burning in Southern California from three wildfires, forcing tens of thousands of people to evacuate. With firefighters having not contained any portion of the fires and high winds forecast overnight, anxiety grew over what conditions residents and officials will face as Wednesday breaks. Here’s what…
Sofía Vergara Reveals She’s Manifesting a Boyfriend in 2025
In a recent interview, the Modern Family actress—who split from her husband, Joe Manganiello, in July 2023—revealed she’s manifesting a “boyfriend” or “lover” in the new year. Sofia Vergara may not have walked away from the 2025 Golden Globes with a trophy in hand, but she’s eyeing a bigger prize. Asked what she has her…
How Bodyguards Are Keeping South Korea’s President Yoon From Detention
South Korea Turmoil President Yoon Suk Yeol’s security service stopped an effort to detain him on insurrection charges and has vowed to do so again. Its roots are in the era of military dictatorships. By Choe Sang-Hun Reporting from Seoul South Korea’s Presidential Security Service, an agency assigned to protect the president, prides itself on being…
‘To break America, rugby must learn to love its stars’
Michael Yormark, far left, with Roc Nation clients and South Africa internationals Cheslin Kolbe, Siya Kolisi, Jordan Hendrikse and Aphelele Fassi Rugby must learn to love its stars if an unprecedented push to break the United States is to succeed, according to the agents who represent some of the sport’s biggest names and America’s most…
UK weather live: Met Office weather warning for snow in southern England comes into force
Good morning and welcome to the Guardian’s live coverage of the UK’s freezing weather. A fresh weather warning is set to come into force as it is revealed that 300 properties have flooded across England since New Year’s Eve, reports the PA news agency. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow…
What Sets the SAG Awards Apart From the Rest
Before Joey King and Cooper Koch reveal the nominees for the 2025 SAG Awards Jan. 8, we’re sharing what makes the honor extra special. The Actor trophies will be dispersed at the Feb. 23 ceremony. There’s nothing quite like being recognized by your peers. Winning an Oscar, Emmy or a Golden Globe comes with an undeniable…
Missing hiker found after 13 days in Australian mountains
A hiker who went missing for nearly two weeks in New South Wales, Australia has been found alive, having survived on foraged berries and two muesli bars. Medical student Hadi Nazari went missing on Boxing Day after he wandered off to take photos during a hike with his friends in Kosciuszko National Park in the…
Hadi Nazari: hiker missing in Kosciuszko national park since Boxing Day found alive
Hadi Nazari, 23, found after going missing two weeks ago, discovered two muesli bars at a hut while lost, police say A 23-year-old hiker missing since Boxing Day in the remote Kosciuszko national park has been found alive. Hadi Nazari stumbled into the path of a group of hikers at about 3.15pm on Wednesday, on…
Former Cambodian Opposition Member Lim Kimya Killed in Bangkok
The shock killing of a former Cambodian politician stoked safety fears that Thailand is no refuge for those fleeing autocracy. By Hannah Beech Reporting from Bangkok The killer was waiting by a noodle stand on Tuesday afternoon, on a busy street in Bangkok, with foreign backpackers milling around. When the bus traveling from the border…
Jake Johnson Shares Message to Aubrey Plaza’s Late Husband Jeff Baena
Four days after Jeff Baena, husband of Aubrey Plaza, died by suicide at age 47, Jake Johnson honored his Joshy collaborator and friend with a bittersweet tribute, writing, “I love you Jeff.” Jake Johnson is remembering his late friend. Four days after Jeff Baena, husband of Aubrey Plaza, died by suicide at age 47, the…
Wednesday briefing: What Elon Musk’s focus on grooming gangs reveals about alt-right online discourse
Good morning. What is a news story in the UK? Whatever Elon Musk says it is. That is the conclusion you might draw, anyway, from the influence of the billionaire Trump adviser’s posts on X claiming that “a quarter-million little girls were – still are – being systematically raped by migrant gangs in Britain”, and…
‘Unfair’ to call parents into school to change nappies
Parents being called into school to change children’s pull-ups and nappies is “unfair”, one father has said. Blaenau Gwent council has said teachers and school staff will no longer change pupils who have wet or soiled themselves due to “very high levels of pupils coming to school in nappies”. But one charity said it was…
Mahout charged after elephant kills tourist in Thailand
Thai police have charged a mahout after an elephant in his care killed a Spanish tourist last week. Theerayut Inthaphudkij, 38, was charged with negligence causing death, local authorities said Monday. The tourist – 22-year-old Blanca Ojanguren García – sustained a head injury after being shoved by the elephant while she was bathing the animal.…
Labour hopes ‘new deal for farmers’ can reset relationship with industry
Steve Reed to announce focus on making farming ‘more profitable and sustainable’ at Oxford Farming Conference The government is aiming to reset its relationship with farmers with what it describes as a “new deal” for the industry. Farmers have protested in their tens of thousands after controversial changes were made to agricultural inheritance tax and…
Palisades Fire: Spencer Pratt & Heidi Montag’s House Burns Down
During the Palisades fire in Los Angeles Jan. 7, The Hills alums Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag sadly had their home burn down, but were able to escape the wildfire, spurred by winds of up to 80 mph. Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag have lost their home. The Hills alums were able to safely evacuate…
Meghan Markle Mourns Death of Beloved Dog Guy
Meghan Markle shared a heartbreaking tribute to her late dog, Guy, noting she “cried too many tears to count” following his death. Meghan Markle has lost a faithful friend. The Duchess of Sussex announced the death of her dog, Guy, sharing a montage of photos and videos of her adored pet alongside her family, including…
‘I can’t get divorced as I can’t get my pension valued’
“I thought I was done crying,” says teacher Amy Goldsmith. “I’m two and a half years into my world having been turned upside down and I would very much like that to be over.” Like hundreds of other teachers, Amy is stuck, unable to go ahead with her divorce because of long delays working out…
Communist spies and assassination attempts: how the cold war still shapes South Korean politics
Attitudes to North Korea are key to understanding President Yoon Suk Yeol’s attempt to impose martial law and its aftermath As South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol remains barricaded in his residence facing arrest, his descent from star prosecutor to isolated leader reveals a deeper story about a cold war-era ideology that continues to shape…
First international commercial flight since Assad’s ouster lands in Syria
By The Associated Press DAMASCUS, Syria — The first international commercial flight since the fall of former Syrian President Bashar Assad landed Tuesday at the Damascus airport. The Qatar Airways flight landed at Damascus International Airport, greeted by the passengers’ relatives and friends inside a terminal building. Ashad al-Suleibi, head of Syria’s Air Transport Authority,…
Men on secret 1970s pro-paedophile list could still work with children today
A secret list of more than 300 people who belonged to a network that called publicly for the legalisation of sex with children has been handed to the BBC. A small number of those named on the list may still have contact with children through paid work or volunteering, the BBC has discovered. They were…
The UN wants to influence a pluralist Syria – but will the country listen?
Syrians are suspicious after allegations of complicity with the brutal Assad regime during 14 years of civil war The UN special envoy for Syria will urge the security council to back a transition to a pluralist democratic Syria, but faces resistance within the country. The interim government fears the lifting of sanctions will be tied…
Stephen “tWitch” Boss’ Brother & Friend Slam Allison Holker’s Tell-All
Stephen “tWitch” Boss’ brother Dré Rose weighed in on Allison Holker’s upcoming memoir, which details the late dancer’s struggles with drug addiction and mental health. Stephen “tWitch” Boss‘ family and friends are taking issue with his widow Allison Holker. Just over two years after the Ellen DeGeneres Show star died by suicide in December 2022, his wife of nine…
In Tibet, Earthquake Survivors Face Freezing Weather Conditions
Rescuers rushed to distribute blankets and tents to those displaced by the magnitude-7.1 quake that struck Tibetan villages near Nepal, toppling over 3,000 homes. By Tiffany May Rescuers working in subzero conditions and bracing winds searched the rubble on Wednesday after a strong quake in Tibet toppled thousands of houses in a remote area near…