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 […]
Wicked Star Marissa Bode’s Girlfriend Speaks Out on Public Attention
Wicked star Marissa Bode’s girlfriend Lauren “Wren” Brooks got candid about what it’s really been like to see her partner’s rise to stardom up close. They deserve each other—Marissa Bode and her girlfriend, Lauren “Wren” Brooks. Amid the Wicked actress’s newfound stardom, Wren got candid about the highs and lows of experiencing fame up close…
The Papers: ‘Meta reins in fact-checking’ and A&E ‘flu crisis’
The Financial Times says the change will help the social media giant to build bridges with Donald Trump as he prepares to return to the White House. It also notes that the move brings Meta’s boss, Mark Zuckerberg, into closer alignment with his fellow social media billionaire, Elon Musk, who slashed content moderation after buying…
Gaza Cola launched by Palestinian activist to rebuild destroyed hospital
Sales of fizzy drink from London hoped to raise money and send a message to big firms ‘investing in armed trade’ Gaza’s healthcare is on the brink of “total collapse”, according to the UN, because of the targeting of hospitals by Israel. While it is still impossible to say how much time and money it…
BBC Sound of 2025: Barry Can’t Swim is a new dance music superstar
Scottish producer Barry Can’t Swim is one of the new superstars of dance music, his colourful and woozy grooves winning over packed crowds from Glastonbury to Coachella, and earning Brit Award and Mercury Prize nominations in 2024. Now, he has started the new year with another accolade – after coming third on the BBC’s Sound…
Brisbane traffic congestion ranked 10th worst in world but experts question ‘black box’ analysis
Academics say traffic scorecard uses ‘rogue metric’ which may make Brisbane’s congestion appear as bad as Los Angeles and Jakarta Brisbane ranks among the world’s most congested cities – ahead of sprawling megacities like Bangkok and well in front of Sydney and Melbourne – according to a transport analytics report. “This is a rogue metric,”…
How To Get Rid of Back & Chest Acne According to an Expert
The products featured in this article are from brands available in NBCUniversal Checkout. E! makes a commission on purchases. Acne is so annoying. Whether you’re a teenager navigating inflammatory and cystic acne, in your 20s dealing with hormonal acne, or an adult acne sufferer trying to fade acne scars, nobody actually wants a pimple. And it’s…
Ruby Franke’s Daughter Details “Scary” Abuse and Punishment
Ruby Franke’s oldest daughter Shari Franke spoke out about her mistreatment at the hands of the parenting influencer, who is serving prison time for second-degree aggravated child abuse. Content warning: This story discusses child abuse. Ruby Franke‘s daughter is speaking out about her traumatic childhood. Nearly two years after the parenting influencer was arrested on…
Rolls-Royce factory to expand for more bespoke cars
Luxury carmaker Rolls-Royce will expand its Goodwood factory and global headquarters to meet the growing demand for bespoke models. It will invest more than £300 million so it can build more highly-customised versions of its cars for its super-rich clientele. The 120-year old British brand came under full control of German carmaker BMW in 2003…
Fast-moving wildfire destroys homes as strong winds hit southern California
Fire quickly consumed hundreds of acres in the Pacific Palisades, an affluent community north of Santa Monica A fast-moving wildfire erupted in Los Angeles county on Tuesday, quickly consuming nearly 3,000 acres and destroying homes in an affluent community along the Pacific Ocean. Late Tuesday evening, new evacuations were ordered in a different part of…
Ryan Reynolds Makes First Appearance Since Blake Lively’s Lawsuit
Ryan Reynolds stepped out for the first time since his wife Blake Lively filed a formal lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, attending the National Board Awards in New York City on Jan. 7. Ryan Reynolds is making time for a marvelous night out. The Deadpool actor stepped out for his first public appearance since news broke…
Rolls-Royce to invest £300m in expansion of Goodwood factory
Luxury carmaker driven to meet demand for bespoke upgrades, after recording third-highest annual sales in 2024 Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has said it will invest £300m in expanding its Goodwood factory in West Sussex to meet the growing demand for bespoke upgrades, after the luxury carmaker recorded its third-highest annual sales in 2024. The investment will…
Meghan ‘devastated’ after death of rescue dog
The Duchess of Sussex has said she is “devastated” following the death of her dog, Guy. In a post on Instagram, Meghan said had “cried too many tears to count” over the dog’s passing and thanked him for “so many years of unconditional love”. The duchess said she had adopted the beagle from an animal…
The Viral Bissell Steam Cleaner Removes Stains in Seconds & I’m Amazed
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 in this article are partners of Amazon’s Creator Connections program, which means E! may make an increased commission on your purchase if you buy something through our links. Learn more. When…
Labour says cap on school uniform items could save families £50 a child
Government plans to limit branded student kit to three articles, plus a tie, from September 2026 in England Plans to cap the number of branded uniform items schools in England can require to three, plus a tie, could save families more than £50 a child, with additional annual savings of £450 from free breakfast clubs…
Rising costs force ‘difficult choices’ on schools
Head teachers say they face “difficult choices” over what their schools can afford, as a new report says they could be forced into further cuts next year. The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) says costs will outpace funding for schools in 2025-26. Schools say that means they will struggle to fund the government’s proposed pay…
DWTS’ Gleb Savchenko Tells Brooks Nader He’s Ready for Baby No. 3
Dancing With the Stars pro Gleb Savchenko—who shares two kids with ex Elena Samodanova—joked that he wants to have a baby with his girlfriend Brooks Nader, saying, “I think I’m ready for a 3rd one.” Apparently Gleb Savchenko is ready to take his romance with Brooks Nader to the next level. The Dancing With the…
Schools in England face ‘death by a thousand cuts’, headteachers say
Rising costs likely to outstrip funding in coming year, despite recent injections of additional money Schools in England are facing “death by a thousand cuts”, headteachers have said, after a leading economics thinktank said rising costs are likely to outstrip funding in the coming year, despite recent injections of additional money. Without more ambitious government…
‘Music is back’ as sales hit a 20-year high
Captivated by major new releases from Taylor Swift, Coldplay and Billie Eilish, music fans in the UK spent more on recorded music in 2024 than ever before, new figures show. Streaming subscriptions and vinyl sales shot up, with consumers spending a total of £2.4 bn over the last 12 months. That overtakes the previous high…
November inflation rises to 2.3% amid speculation over pre-election interest rate cut from RBA
Economists had predicted a November annual CPI inflation figure within the Reserve Bank of Australia’s preferred 2% to 3% target range The monthly inflation rate rose to 2.3% in November, according to the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The underlying inflation rate – the Reserve Bank’s preferred measure for prices – has…
Luxury Hair Care Finds Under $50
Want salon-quality hair without breaking the bank? These budget-friendly hair care picks deliver the same luxurious results as high-end products—at a fraction of the price! The products featured in this article are from brands available in NBCUniversal Checkout. E! makes a commission on purchases. There’s no better feeling than coming home from the hair salon with…
How Canada’s immigration debate soured – and helped seal Trudeau’s fate
Immigration has long been a polarising issue in the West but Canada mostly avoided it – until now. With protests and campaign groups springing up in certain quarters, some argue that this – together with housing shortages and rising rents – contributed to Justin Trudeau’s resignation. But could Donald Trump’s arrival inflame it further? At…
Former Cambodian opposition politician shot dead in Bangkok – reports
A gunman on a motorcycle opened fire on the dual Cambodian-French national as he arrived in Thai capital from Cambodia’s Siem Reap A former Cambodian opposition MP and French citizen was shot dead by a gunman on a motorcycle in Bangkok on Tuesday, according to Thai media. “Lim Kimya… died at the scene. Officers with…
Justin Baldoni’s Lawyer Reacts to Alleged Diss in Deadpool & Wolverine
Justin Baldoni’s lawyer commented on the alleged dig made by Ryan Reynolds in Deadpool & Wolverine amid wife Blake Lively’s legal battle over It Ends With Us. Justin Baldoni‘s lawyer is taking issue with Deadpool & Wolverine. While discussing the It Ends With Us star and director’s legal troubles with costar Blake Lively, Baldoni’s lawyer Bryan Freedman commented on what he believes…
David Dobrik Shares Before-and-After Pics of Major Body Transformation
YouTuber David Dobrik revealed the before-and-after of his recent fitness transformation in a series of photos and videos. See the results of his jaw-dropping glow-up. David Dobrik is hitting the like button on the results of his fitness journey. To kick off the new year, the YouTuber revealed before-and-after photos of the major body transformation…
Foreign tourists among three dead after Rottnest Island seaplane crash, WA premier says
Privately owned Cessna 208 Caravan 675 plane was carrying seven people when it crashed off Western Australia coast Three people have died after a seaplane crashed near Western Australia’s popular tourist destination Rottnest Island with seven people on board. The privately owned Cessna 208 Caravan 675 seaplane is believed to have struck a small limestone…
SAS had golden pass to get away with murder, inquiry told
A former senior UK Special Forces officer has told a public inquiry into alleged war crimes in Afghanistan that the SAS had a “golden pass allowing them to get away with murder”. The accusation was published by the Afghanistan Inquiry on Wednesday as part of a release of material summarising seven closed hearings with members…
Lisa Kudrow Finds Hidden Note From Matthew Perry in Gift He Gave Her
Friends alum Lisa Kudrow discovered a note from late costar Matthew Perry inside the “Cookie Time” jar that he had gifted her following the show’s end. Lisa Kudrow knows that the late Matthew Perry will be there for her even though he’s gone. The Friends alum recently revealed that her costar—who died in October 2023…
Man accused of setting fire to Caulfield racecourse grandstand faces court
Alleged arsonist Travis Bird, 51, charged with nine offences over Tuesday’s blaze and another three grassfires at nearby Attenborough Park A man accused of setting fire to a heritage-listed racecourse grandstand will remain behind bars after facing court. Travis Bird, 51, appeared at Melbourne magistrates court on Wednesday after being charged with nine offences –…
Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater’s Date Night Is Off to a Bang Bang
Ariana Grande and her Wicked costar Ethan Slater, who have been dating since 2023, enjoyed a date night at the 2025 National Board of Review Awards in New York City Jan. 7. Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater‘s future is unlimited. After all, more than a year after their romance was made public, the Wicked costars bewitched fans everywhere with their…
Denmark Updates Coat of Arms Amid Trump Push to Buy Greenland
Before President-elect Donald Trump’s latest remarks, King Frederik X signaled his commitment to the territory in a decidedly old-fashioned way. By Alex Vadukul Over the last month, President-elect Donald J. Trump has repeatedly discussed his desire for the United States to purchase Greenland, and during a long news conference on Tuesday he refused to rule…
‘Flat packing them’: soldier says SAS described killing Afghans in casual way
Inquiry hears elite forces had a ‘kill all males on target whether they posed a threat or not’ policy in Afghanistan Afghans who were killed by members of the SAS in Afghanistan were described dismissively as having been “flat packed” according to revealing testimony given by a former member of the elite force’s sister unit…
‘It’s tricky, they fly a lot’ – Arteta on Carabao Cup balls
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have played in three different competitions so far this season – with different balls used in each Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta still believes his side can reach the Carabao Cup final – but says his players must first master the “tricky” ball used in the competition. The Gunners were beaten 2-0 by…
Fury would be ‘massive favourite’ against Joshua – Jones
This video can not be played If I see Joshua, it’s on sight – Dubois Tyson Fury would be a “massive favourite” against Anthony Joshua if the heavyweights fight this year, says former world super-featherweight champion Barry Jones. British rivals Joshua and Fury have long been linked with fighting each other and are both coming…
Scarlett Johansson to Guest Host Today After Hoda Kotb’s Departure
Jenna Bush Hager announced that Marvel star Scarlett Johansson will join her at the Today With Jenna & Friends desk beginning Jan. 21 to guest host after Hoda Kotb exits the morning show. Get ready to say good morning to Scarlett Johansson. The Black Widow star will join Today With Hoda and Jenna cohost Jenna…
Meta ending factchecking will create misinformation and trolling ‘free-for-all’, Sarah Hanson-Young warns
Mark Zuckerberg says ‘time to get back to our roots around free expression’ as he announces overhaul Meta’s decision to end factchecking on its platforms including Facebook and Instagram will create a “free-for-all on misinformation, disinformation, abuse and trolling”, the Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young has warned. The company’s billionaire founder, Mark Zuckerberg, said it was…
Panama Unsettled by Trump Threat to Seize Canal
Jimmy Carter’s Farewell Few took the president-elect’s combative comments at face value, but they still sent a shudder through a country that has been invaded by the United States before. By Annie Correal and Emiliano Rodríguez Mega Reporting from Mexico City President-elect Donald J. Trump’s suggestion on Tuesday that the United States might reclaim the…
First Human Bird Flu Death in U.S. Reported—How Worried Should We Be?
What Does First U.S Bird Flu Death Tell Experts about Disease Severity? Louisiana has reported the first U.S. fatality from avian influenza. Most of the country’s human cases have been mild By Tanya Lewis edited by Dean Visser The first human death in the U.S. from the H5N1 avian influenza virus was reported this week.…
Elon Musk knows ‘absolutely nothing’ about women and girls’ safety, says Jess Phillips
Elon Musk knows “absolutely nothing” about protecting women and girls, Jess Phillips has said after the billionaire called her a “rape genocide apologist” and an “evil witch”. Speaking for the first time since Musk’s flurry of abuse to his 210 million followers on X, Phillips, the safeguarding minister, said the comments had made her more…
Disaster by the Numbers: The Crisis in Sudan
Sudan’s Civil War The United States just formally declared that genocide has taken place in the northeast African nation, but the calamity there dates back decades. By Eve Sampson A civil war in Sudan that has killed 150,000 people and forced more than 11 million others from their homes, by some estimates, prompted the U.S.…
Austin Butler and Kaia Gerber Break Up After 3 Years of Dating
Model Kaia Gerber and Elvis star Austin Butler have called it quits after about three years of dating. Get details about their romance. Kaia Gerber and Austin Butler‘s burning love has fizzled out. The model and the Elvis star have split after about three years of dating, according to multiple outlets. They reportedly split at…
England have ‘power’ to boycott Afghanistan match – MP
Jos Buttler (left) has been England’s limited-overs captain since June 2022 England’s men’s players have the “power” to make their own stand and refuse to play Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy, according to Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) met with Antoniazzi on Tuesday after she sent a cross-party letter…
Even Salah would struggle at Spurs – Postecoglou
Tottenham appointed Ange Postecoglou in June 2023 Ange Postecoglou says even in-form Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah would find life a struggle at the moment in the Tottenham team he manages. Spurs are set to face the Reds in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday (20:00 GMT), during a difficult run of…
U.S. Presses for Release of Americans Held in Afghanistan
The White House has discussed a possible swap with the Taliban for a prisoner at Guantánamo Bay, according to people familiar with the matter. By Julian E. Barnes and Carol Rosenberg Julian Barnes reported from Washington, and Carol Rosenberg from Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. U.S. officials made a new offer to the Taliban over the weekend…
Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman’s Son Connor Cruise Shares 2025 Update
Connor Cruise—the 29-year-old son of Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman—shared a rare photo of himself hitting the golf course with his friends. Take a look. Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman‘s son is teeing up for a great year. Connor Cruise recently kicked off 2025 at the links, swinging by Lost City Golf Course in Sun…
Watchdog criticises ex-bosses of king’s charity over donor dealings
Scottish Charity Regulator finds monarch’s former personal aide, Michael Fawcett, put foundation at ‘significant risk’ Former bosses of King Charles’s charity, including the monarch’s former personal aide, Michael Fawcett, have been criticised by a charity watchdog over their handling of a series of controversial dealings with wealthy donors. The Scottish Charity Regulator said the trustee…
Special educational needs the biggest issue for schools, says Ofsted
Special educational needs and disabilities (Send) is the “biggest issue” affecting schools in England, Ofsted’s chief inspector has said. Sir Martyn Oliver told the education committee that the Send system’s high costs and poor outcomes represented a “lose-lose situation”. Government figures for the 2023/24 academic year showed more than 1.6 million children had Send, an…
Trump Warns ‘All Hell Will Break Out’ if Hostages in Gaza Are Not Freed
Middle East Crisis The president-elect did not elaborate on what actions he might take if the captives are not released by the time he takes office. By Michael D. Shear and Michael Crowley Reporting from Washington President-elect Donald J. Trump said on Tuesday that “all hell will break out in the Middle East” if the…
Life-threatening windstorm triggers wildfire in Southern California
By Liz Baker , Emily Alfin Johnson This is a developing story. For the latest local updates, head to LAist.com. Gusty winds are creating extreme fire danger for much of Southern California today, where several small blazes have already sent firefighters scrambling. The National Weather Service warned of strong winds and possible fire risks for…
Investigators in Bangladesh demand Tulip Siddiq’s bank account details
Anti-money laundering officials ask banks for information on UK minister and seven of her family members Anti-money laundering officials in Bangladesh have demanded bank account details for Tulip Siddiq, the UK anti-corruption minister, in the latest escalation of the inquiries into her family’s financial interests. The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU), which investigates money laundering…
The Best Snow Boot Deals From Sorel, UGG, Hunter & More
Keep your feet warm and dry this season with these waterproof winter boots (that are also on sale) from REI, Nordstrom Rack, Amazon, and more. 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’ve walked for any amount of…
I’m a Shopping Editor, and These Are My 2025 Skincare Resolutions
With sensitive, oily skin, I finally found a routine that works. Here’s what I’m carrying into 2025, the products that made a difference in 2024, and my new goals for healthy, glowing skin! Our writers and editors independently determine what we cover and recommend. When you buy through our links, E! may earn a commission.…
Search begins for British hikers missing in northern Italy since New Year’s Day
Aziz Ziriat, 36, and Samuel Harris, 35, were ‘planning on going off-grid’ during holiday in the Dolomites A search is under way for a pair of British hikers in the Dolomites in northern Italy who have been missing since New Year’s Day. Aziz Ziriat, 36, and Samuel Harris, 35, last sent messages home on 1…
Man who exploded Cybertruck in Las Vegas used ChatGPT in planning, police say
By The Associated Press LAS VEGAS — The highly decorated soldier who exploded a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump hotel in Las Vegas used generative AI including ChatGPT to help plan the attack, Las Vegas police said Tuesday. A laptop, cellphone and watch are still under review nearly a week after 37-year-old Matthew Livelsberger fatally…
Faisal Islam: Soaring UK borrowing costs are a problem for Rachel Reeves
Economists have warned that the government is “on course” to miss its own Budget borrowing targets after interest rates for UK long-term borrowing rose to their highest levels this century. The official forecaster, the Office for Budget Responsibility will start the process of updating its forecast next month, to be presented to parliament in late…
US imposes sanctions on senior Hungarian government minister
US treasury accuses Antal Rogán, a close aide of leader Viktor Orbán, as key to ‘system of corruption’ The United States has imposed sanctions on a senior member of the Hungarian government for alleged corruption, in a move which Budapest said it would challenge as soon as Donald Trump takes office. The US treasury accused…
Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary Says He’s Near Deal to Buy TikTok
Shark Tank‘s Kevin O’Leary—a.k.a. “Mr. Wonderful”—said he’s nearing a deal to buy TikTok from its Chinese-owned parent company ByteDance to avoid the U.S. ban on the social media app. Kevin O’Leary is ready to make a deal to stop the U.S. TikTok ban. The Shark Tank star has teamed up with other entrepreneurs—including former Los…
Wild weather brings snow to the South and Santa Ana winds to the West
Jaclyn Diaz A developing storm is expected to bring more wintry weather across the country, threatening the normally warm areas of New Mexico, Texas and other areas in the South with snow and freezing rain starting Wednesday. Meanwhile, strong winds walloping the West Coast are posing serious fire risks in southern California, with some communities…
Sub-zero temperatures forecast as floods remain
Wintry weather is forecast to tighten its grip in many parts of the UK this week with sub-zero temperatures plunging even lower than during the heavy snowfall of the past weekend. Weather forecasters predict the coldest nights of the year so far on Wednesday and Thursday, and temperatures are expected to fall as low as…
Orlando Bloom Shares Glimpse Inside Vacation With Katy Perry in Japan
Orlando Bloom shared how he and fiancé Katy Perry rang in the new year during their relaxing trip to Japan. Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry loved their getaway to Japan unconditionally. Indeed, the Pirates of the Caribbean actor and the “Firework” singer—who got engaged in 2019—celebrated the new year with a magical trip to…
Strasbourg court finds Greece guilty of ‘systematic’ pushback of asylum seekers
In ‘potentially trailblazing’ decision, European court of human rights finds country engaging in illicit deportations The European court of human rights has found Greece guilty of conducting “systematic” pushbacks of would-be asylum seekers, ordering it to compensate a woman forcibly expelled back to Turkey despite her attempts to seek protection in the country. In a…