Can Life Survive the Death of the Sun?
The UniverseFridays When the Sun Becomes a Red Giant, Will Any Planet Be Safe? The future is bright—too bright—for life as we know it once the sun transforms into a red giant star By Phil Plait edited by Lee Billings An artist’s impression of the far-future sun, swollen to become a red giant star, as […]
Proof That Adult Brains Make New Neurons Settles Scientific Controversy
Proof That Adult Brains Make New Neurons Settles Scientific Controversy Adult brains grow new neurons, and scientists have finally pinpointed where they come from By Nora Bradford edited by Allison Parshall Neural precursor cells (green) are have been difficult to identify in human brians. Join Our Community of Science Lovers! For at least six decades, […]
Astronomers Found the Most Self-Destructive Planet in the Sky
Astronomers Found the Most Self-Destructive Planet in the Sky This planet triggers flares on its star—spelling its ultimate doom By Jacek Krywko edited by Sarah Lewin Frasier In this artist’s impression, the planet HIP 67522 b sends a wave of energy along magnetic field lines toward the surface of its host star—triggering a massive flare […]
In effort to protect children, France bans smoking at parks and beaches
Eleanor Beardsley PARIS — A restrictive outdoor smoking ban has come into force in France, a country where café culture, which often includes a glass of wine and a cigarette, is a way of life. As of Sunday, smokers are no longer allowed to light up in public parks, at swimming pools, or at beaches, […]
Kickstarter Tabletop Alert: ‘Deep Regrets’
Can you keep your sanity while fishing up increasingly strange things from the ocean? Deep Regrets is a strategic, horror-themed fishing game for 1-5 players, ages 16 and up, and takes about 30-150 minutes to play. The base game, along with the new expansion, Even Deeper Regrets, is currently seeking funding on Kickstarter, with a […]
American Airlines plane, Blackhawk helicopter collide midair near D.C.-area airport
Joel Rose A commercial airplane collided in midair with a Blackhawk helicopter as the jet was approaching a runway at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday night, according to federal aviation officials. The accident happened as the jet, operated by regional carrier PSA Airlines on behalf of American Airlines, was attempting to land just…
ICC prosecutor seeks arrest warrants over atrocities in Darfur
Karim Khan says civilians being targeted and communities destroyed in western region of Sudan The prosecutor for the international criminal court has said he is seeking arrest warrants for people accused of atrocities in Sudan’s Darfur region, where the US and others have determined that a paramilitary group and its allies have perpetrated genocide. Karim…
Recapping RFK, Jr’s First Day of Confirmation Hearings in 5 Takeaways
RFK Jr., Confirmation Hearing Showed 5 Ways He Threatens Public Health From Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s views on vaccines to Medicaid, here are some ways his nomination for head of the Department of Health and Human Services could have sweeping effects on health care By Tanya Lewis edited by Lauren J. Young Robert F. Kennedy Jr.,…
Emilia Pérez’s Karla Sofía Gascón Denies Breaking Oscars Rule
Emilia Pérez’s Karla Sofía Gascón addressed accusations she violated Oscars rules by bad-mouthing fellow nominee Fernanda Torres, clarifying that the I’m Still Here star “has been a wonderful ally.” Karla Sofía Gascón is still here for her fellow Oscar nominee Fernanda Torres. The Emilia Pérez star denied speaking ill of the I’m Still Here performer—who she’s…
DeepSeek’s A.I. Chatbot Awkwardly Navigates China’s Censors
Asked about sensitive topics, the bot would begin to answer, then stop and delete its own work. It refused to answer questions like: “Who is Xi Jinping?” By Vivian Wang Vivian Wang, reporting from behind the Great Firewall, had an intriguing conversation with DeepSeek’s chatbot. As the world scrambles to understand DeepSeek — its sophistication,…
Stampede at India’s Maha Kumbh Mela Hindu Festival: Many Feared Dead
Stampede at Festival in India People were trampled as pilgrims at the Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the world’s biggest gatherings, gathered where the Ganges and Yamuna Rivers meet, officials said. By Hari Kumar and Anupreeta Das Hari Kumar reported from Prayagraj, India, and Anupreeta Das from New Delhi. At least 30 people were killed…
Trump Asks SpaceX to Return NASA’s ‘Stranded’ Astronauts to Earth ASAP
Trump Asks SpaceX to Return NASA’s ‘Stranded’ Astronauts to Earth ASAP Despite a recent request from Trump, NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore were already scheduled to return to Earth on a Crew Dragon capsule this spring By Mike Wall & SPACE.com NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore on the International Space Station. Join Our Community of Science Lovers! Well, this…
Trump’s pick for Commerce Secretary is Howard Lutnick. Here’s what to know
Alina Selyukh We’re following the confirmation hearings for the incoming Trump administration. See our full politics coverage, and follow NPR’s Trump’s Terms podcast or to stay up to date. Who: Howard Lutnick Nominated for: Commerce Secretary You might know them from: Lutnick is a billionaire investor and long-time Wall Street CEO. What does this role do: The Commerce Department is responsible for enforcing…
King involved in name change of Agincourt submarine that sparked ‘woke’ row
King Charles was involved in a decision to change the name of a new royal submarine from HMS Agincourt to HMS Achilles, a move that was branded “woke nonsense” by former defence secretary Grant Shapps, the BBC has been told. The name change was announced this week, and followed reports of concern within the Ministry…
Lammy tells Rwanda it is putting $1bn in aid ‘under threat’ in DRC invasion
UK foreign secretary issues direct warning during phone call with Rwandan president after escalation of conflict Rwanda has put $1bn of global aid under threat by taking part in the invasion of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the UK foreign secretary, David Lammy, has said. He made the direct warning in a phone call…
Italy sends 49 refugees to Albania in bid to resume disputed scheme
Latest push to process migrants in Balkan country despite court challenge comes amid increase in boat arrivals Italy has transported 49 people to Albania, in the latest push by Giorgia Meloni’s government to enforce a legally disputed plan to have asylum claims processed in the Balkan country as part of a hardline policy critics have…
2025 Missions to the Sun Seek to Study Space Weather and Shape of the Heliosphere
Why 2025 is an Exciting Year in Heliophysics From space weather to science missions, there’s a lot to be excited about in heliophysics this year. By Rachel Feltman, Meghan Bartels, Fonda Mwangi & Jeffery DelViscio Rachel Feltman: For Scientific American’s Science Quickly, I’m Rachel Feltman. Life as we know it couldn’t exist without the sun,…
TikToker Mikayla Nogueira Shares Side Effect of 60-Lb. Weight Loss
Beauty TikToker Mikayla Nogueira responded to fan speculation over why she hasn’t been wearing her wedding ring in her recent videos and detailed her weight loss journey. Mikayla Nogueira is clearing up the rumors. The TikToker, who wed Cody Hawken in 2023, responded to speculation after fans noticed that she wasn’t wearing her engagement ring…
Reeves backs third Heathrow runway as part of push for economic growth
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has backed a third runway at London’s Heathrow Airport as part of a fresh plan to get the UK’s sluggish economy growing. She said Heathrow expansion, which has been delayed for decades over environmental concerns, would “make Britain the world’s best connected place to do business”. In a wide-ranging speech to business…
He Survived 15 Months of War in Gaza, Then Died as Cease-Fire Neared
Middle East Tensions Middle East Tensions Middle East Tensions Fighting claimed lives until the final moments before the truce between Israel and Hamas took effect. For some, an unexpected delay of a few hours proved deadly. By Bilal Shbair and Erika Solomon Bilal Shbair reported from Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip. After more…
Two ways Trump aims to reshape government. And, how U.S. children are doing in school
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. President Trump is working to dramatically reshape the federal government, as shown by two actions this week. He has issued a sweeping memo to pause trillions of dollars in…
Pristine Ancient Forest ‘Frozen in Time’ Discovered in Rocky Mountains
Pristine Ancient Forest Found Frozen in Time in Rocky Mountains A melting ice patch in the Rocky Mountains uncovered an ancient forest, and these trees have stories to tell about dynamic landscapes and climate change By K.R. Callaway & LiveScience Long-frozen whitebark pines emerge from a melting ice patch in the Yellowstone region. Join Our…
All That You Wanted to Know About She’s All That
It’s been 26 years since She’s All That debuted. Celebrate the anniversary by learning what went down behind the scenes of the star-studded Freddie Prinze Jr. and Rachael Leigh Cook teen drama. This movie was all that. Case in point: She’s All That had Freddie Prinze Jr., Rachael Leigh Cook and all the elements of…
66 million years ago, a fish chewed up and spit out food. It’s now a fossil in Denmark
By James Doubek About 66 million years ago, just before the mass extinction that wiped out the dinosaurs, a fish chewed up and spit out some sea creatures. Unbeknownst to that fish, its rejected meal was preserved in fossil form. And it’s now arrived at a museum in Denmark. “It is truly an unusual find,”…
Chris Mason: Labour must make economic growth ideas work this time
Labour were talking about economic growth for months before the general election and they have been talking about it for months afterwards as well. The thing is, there hasn’t been any, or next to none of it. This is a problem, for the daily lives of millions of us, and the government’s prospects and popularity,…
Inside Colombia’s Crisis Over Trump’s Deportations
Trump Administration Trump Administration Trump Administration When Colombia’s president, Gustavo Petro, refused military planes carrying deportees, infuriating President Trump, he revealed how heated the question of deportations has become. When Colombia’s president, Gustavo Petro, refused military planes carrying deportees, infuriating President Trump, he revealed how heated the question of deportations has become. President Gustavo Petro…
Giorgia Meloni says she is under investigation for repatriation of Libyan warlord
Rome prosecutor launches investigation into controversial release of Osama Najim, who is wanted by the ICC for alleged war crimes Giorgia Meloni has said she is under investigation in connection with Italy’s unexpected release and repatriation last week of a Libyan general who is wanted for war crimes by the international criminal court. The Italian…
Reeves set to welcome Heathrow expansion as growth plans outlined
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to welcome Heathrow’s expansion on Wednesday, the BBC understands, as she reveals Labour’s latest plans for growth. A move to encourage in principle a planning application for a third runway at the airport will mark the first stage of the process and come as part of a major speech setting…
See you latte: Starbucks plans to cut 30% of its menu
Alina Selyukh Starbucks plans to cut about 30% of food and drink options from its menu by late 2025, as part of the chain’s plan to change its vibe and stem the loss of customers across U.S. stores. This week, the coffee giant also began offering ceramic mugs and free coffee and tea refills for…
Fighting between DRC army and M23 rebels rages in eastern city of Goma
At least 100 people killed and 1,000 wounded in three days of heavy fighting in North Kivu Dead bodies lay on the streets and explosions and gunfire echoed across the largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on Tuesday, as fighting continued to rage between the army and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. Residents…
Snake Facts for the Lunar New Year
Celebrate Lunar New Year with 7 Snake Facts In honor of the Year of the Snake, let’s appreciate the strange anatomy and evolution of these slithery reptiles By Allison Parshall edited by Dean Visser Blue Insularis snake. As the new moon rises this week, it ushers in a new year on the lunar calendar used…
U.S. Move to Suspend Mine Clearing Funds Alarms Vietnam
Large swaths of land in Southeast Asia are littered with unexploded bombs dropped by American forces during the Vietnam War. By Sui-Lee Wee and Anton L. Delgado The Vietnam War ended half a century ago, but American weapons from that era continue to kill people to this day. Unexploded bombs rained down by American troops…
Have Dry, Sensitive Skin? Add These Gentle Products to Your Routine
Stop stripping stressed skin with harsh products—try these gentle picks from Bubble Skincare to The Outset. The products featured in this article are from brands available in NBCUniversal Checkout. E! makes a commission on purchases. We’ve all tried a product that left our skin feeling stripped and irritated during our quest for glass skin. It’s a…
Justin Baldoni Made Comment on Blake Lively’s Boobs in 2 AM Voice Memo
Justin Baldoni made a comment to Blake Lively about having a “baby on your boob” in a voice memo he allegedly sent to the actress during the making of It Ends With Us. Justin Baldoni commented on Blake Lively‘s breastfeeding during the making of It Ends With Us, according to a leaked voice memo. In an…
Chastened by Past Wars, Kremlin Tries to Elevate Its Veterans
Russia-Ukraine War Russia-Ukraine War Russia-Ukraine War Russians who fought in Chechnya and Afghanistan came home to silence and stigma. There’s a very public push to make things different this time. By Valerie Hopkins and Alina Lobzina Valerie Hopkins reported from Moscow and Alina Lobzina from London. When Ilya Rusinov returned to the Russian work force…
How Trump’s Order to Rename Gulf of Mexico and Denali Works
Can Trump Just Order New Names for Denali and the Gulf of Mexico? A geographer explains how maps’ place names, such as the Gulf of Mexico and Denali, are decided By Innisfree McKinnon & The Conversation US Morning light on Mt. Denali in Denali National Park. The following essay is reprinted with permission from The…
5 economic papers that lit up our brains — and what they say about our confusing world
Greg Rosalsky We at Planet Money are constantly reading the work of economists and other social scientists to glean ideas, evidence and insights about the economy, and, more generally, the confusing world around us. Often this work provides the seeds for episodes or newsletters. But sometimes they’re just interesting things we learned privately, and we…
After Israel-Hezbollah Truce, Lebanon Ponders How to Clear Debris
Middle East Tensions Middle East Tensions Middle East Tensions The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has left behind lots of rubble. Some experts fear that much of it will be dumped into the environment without controls. By Aryn Baker For the past three months, Ahmad Mehdi has been living in half a home. In October,…
Charities reeling from USAid freeze warn of ‘life or death’ effects
Abrupt order has done ‘serious damage’, say experts, with supply chains halted, HIV clinics struggling to source drugs and refugee camps facing loss of vital services Clinics in Uganda are scrambling to find new sources for vital HIV drugs, aid workers in Bangladesh fear refugee camp infrastructure will crumble, and mobile health units may have…
Expressive Faces Make People More Likable
Opinion Expressive Faces Make People More Likable Facial expressions do far more than just broadcast emotions By Eithne Kavanagh, Jamie Whitehouse & Bridget Waller edited by Daisy Yuhas A skilled card player—eyes hidden by dark shades and features kept as still as possible—looks at their hand. Any small giveaway that they’re bluffing or holding great…
Woman arrested for second time over girls’ school crash deaths
The driver of a car that crashed into a school tea party, killing two eight-year-old girls, has been rearrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. Claire Freemantle, 48, previously expressed her “deepest sorrow” and said she had “no recollection of what took place” after the deaths of Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau in…
Allison Holker Details “Being Taken Advantage of” as a Teenager
Allison Holker recently reflected on her childhood struggles, detailing her experiences in her memoir. Allison Holker is reflecting on a painful past experience. The widow of Stephen “tWitch” Boss—who died by suicide in December 2022—is opening up about her personal life in her upcoming memoir This Far. In addition to detailing her late husband’s private…
DeepSeek a wake-up call for US tech firms, Trump says
US President Donald Trump has called the rise of Chinese company DeepSeek “a wake-up call” for the US tech industry, after the emergence of its artificial intelligence (AI) model triggered shockwaves on Wall Street. Shares in major tech firms such as Nvidia fell sharply, with the chip giant losing almost $600bn (£482bn) in market value.…
Trump signs executive order taking aim at DEI programs in the military
By Ayana Archie President Trump signed an executive order Monday ending diversity programs in the nation’s military. The directive was among a series of executive orders the White House released Monday night that sought to reshape the country’s armed forces. Trump also signed executive orders tasking Pentagon officials with reviewing its policy on transgender troops…
One of Europe’s most-wanted drug traffickers living in Sierra Leone, say Dutch prosecutors
Jos Leijdekkers, reportedly the son-in-law of African country’s president, was sentenced to 24 years in prison One of Europe’s most wanted men, the Dutch crime boss Jos Leijdekkers, is hiding out in Sierra Leone, Dutch prosecutors have said. The statement came after Dutch media published footage that appeared to show the violent drug trafficker at…
Uber Drivers Helped Evacuate L.A. during Wildfires—But Were Left Unprotected
Uber Drivers Helped Evacuate L.A.—But Were Left Unprotected Drivers for ride-hailing apps helped evacuate people during the recent wildfires in the Los Angeles area. But by classifying such workers as contractors, California’s Proposition 22 excludes them from state rules that require companies to protect employees from workplace exposure to smoke By Ariel Wittenberg & E&E…
Bachelor Grant Ellis Teases “Tough” Final Rose Ceremony
As The Bachelor’s Grant Ellis embarks on his journey to find true love, the reality star exclusively told E! News his final decision was far from easy. This story contains spoilers from the Jan. 27 episode of The Bachelor. There’s no easy way to say goodbye—just ask Grant Ellis. And the Bachelor star had to do…
China’s Tibet Dam Project Has Its Neighbors Worried
The hydropower dam, in quake-prone Tibet, is set to be the world’s biggest. But China has said little about the project, which could affect nearby countries. By Tiffany MayIsabelle Qian and Suhasini Raj Step aside, Three Gorges Dam. China’s latest colossal infrastructure project, if completed, will be the world’s largest hydropower dam, high up in…
Home secretary to reject call to widen extremism definition
The government is set to reject internal advice to widen the definition of extremism to include potentially violent environmentalists, the far left, conspiracy theorists and men prejudiced against women. The BBC has been told Home Secretary Yvette Cooper does not agree with the central findings of a rapid “sprint” report she commissioned last year, and…
Rebels Backed by Rwanda Announce Capture of Key City in Eastern Congo
The M23 militia, funded and directed by Rwanda, said it had seized the city of Goma, terrifying its people, many of whom sought shelter there after fleeing the rebel advance. By Caleb Kabanda and Ruth Maclean Photographs by Guerchom Ndebo Caleb Kabanda reported from Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Ruth Maclean from Dakar, Senegal.…
Miley Cyrus Reflects on Her “Mistakes” in Life
Grammy winner Miley Cyrus told The Last Showgirl’s Pamela Anderson that she does not look back on her past controversies in the same way that critics might: “I would not go back and change anything.” Miley Cyrus knows that life is all about the climb. The Disney Channel alum recently reflected on the “detours” she’s…
Why DeepSeek’s AI Model Just Became the Top-Rated App in the U.S.
Why DeepSeek’s AI Model Just Became the Top-Rated App in the U.S. By Stephanie Pappas edited by Jeanna Bryner DeepSeek’s artificial intelligence assistant made big waves Monday, becoming the top-rated app in the Apple Store and sending tech stocks into a downward tumble. What’s all the fuss about? The Chinese start-up, DeepSeek, surprised the tech…
Justice Department moves to fire at least 12 officials who investigated Trump
By Ryan Lucas , Carrie Johnson The acting attorney general moved on Monday to fire several Justice Department officials who worked on the federal criminal investigations into President Donald Trump, according to two department officials familiar with the matter. In termination letters sent to more than a dozen officials, acting Attorney General James McHenry wrote…
Rwandan-backed rebels M23 claim capture of eastern DRC city Goma
Fighters enter city on border with Rwanda after lightning advance, raising risk of broader regional war Fighters from the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group claim to have taken the eastern city of Goma after a lightning advance in recent weeks that has forced thousands from their homes and risked reigniting a…
At Auschwitz, a Solemn Ceremony at a Time of Rising Nationalism
World leaders and a dwindling group of survivors joined in a ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi death camp by the Red Army. transcript Translator: “Let’s take seriously what the enemies of democracy preach. We must avoid the mistake of the 1930s, when the world failed to take seriously…
France seeks UN resolution naming Rwanda as backer of M23 rebels in DRC
France is seeking western support for a UN security council resolution that names Rwanda as being behind the M23 rebel group attacks inside the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including the surprise weekend seizure of parts of Goma, the largest city in eastern DRC. UN officials said as many as 4,000 Rwandan troops were escorting…
How districts are responding after Trump cleared the way for immigration arrests at schools
From By Robin Young , Hafsa Quraishi President Donald Trump has put an end to a longstanding policy that restricted federal agents from making immigration arrests at sensitive locations like churches, hospitals and schools. The Migration Policy Institute estimates 733,000 school-aged children live in the United States without legal status. Chalkbeat reporter Kalyn Belsha says…
Survivors of Auschwitz deliver warning from history as memories die out
Their numbers are dwindling but the voices of the Auschwitz survivors remain powerful. “We were stripped of all humanity,” said Leon Weintraub, 99, the oldest of four who spoke beside the notorious Death Gate at the Birkenau extermination camp. World leaders and European royalty rubbed shoulders with 56 survivors of Hitler’s genocide of European Jews…
Refugee’s justice hopes ‘crushed’ after Italy releases Libya war crimes suspect
David Yambio says Rome ‘has blood on its hands’ after freeing police chief he alleges beat him in Tripoli prison A man who says he experienced abuses at a notorious prison in Tripoli at the hands of the head of Libya’s judicial police, Osama Najim, has said Italy has “crushed” his hopes for justice by…
Taylor Swift, Brittany Mahomes Reunite on the Field After Chiefs Win
Taylor Swift and Brittany Mahomes celebrated on the field as their men Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs won the AFC Championship and secured their spot in Super Bowl LIX. Taylor Swift and Brittnay Mahomes’ support for their men is always in style. As Travis Kelce, who has been dating the Grammy…
Glasgow child sex abuse gang given life sentences
The seven members of one of Scotland’s biggest child sex abuse rings have been given life-long sentences and warned that they may never be released. Three victims under the age of 13 were subjected to horrific sexual abuse and violence in a Glasgow drug den dubbed “the beastie house” over a seven-year period. Police said…
AI Is Too Unpredictable to Behave According to Human Goals
Opinion AI Is Too Unpredictable to Behave According to Human Goals AI “alignment” is a buzzword, not a feasible safety goal By Marcus Arvan edited by Ben Guarino In late 2022 large-language-model AI arrived in public, and within months they began misbehaving. Most famously, Microsoft’s “Sydney” chatbot threatened to kill an Australian philosophy professor, unleash…
A plan to save TikTok. And, Palestinians return to northern Gaza
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. Tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians in Gaza began walking home today for the first time in over a year. The long trek home to the devastated areas of…
Cease-Fires in Gaza and Lebanon Will Most Likely Hold for Now, Analysts Say
Middle East Tensions News Analysis Bloodshed over the weekend highlighted the brittleness of the cease-fires in both places. Still, Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah each have reasons to postpone a new escalation, at least for a few weeks. By Patrick Kingsley Reporting from Jerusalem The cease-fires in Gaza and Lebanon will most likely hold for now,…
Auschwitz holds observances on the 80th anniversary of the death camp’s liberation
By The Associated Press OSWIECIM, Poland — The 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz by Soviet troops is being marked on Monday at the site of the former death camp, a ceremony that is widely being treated as the last major observance that any notable number of survivors will be able to attend. Elderly…