JWST Sees Hints of an Atmosphere on a Potentially Habitable Exoplanet
Hints of Atmosphere on Earth-Sized Exoplanet Raise Hopes for Life A monumental sign of an atmosphere on TRAPPIST-1e could be the precursor to finally finding a living world around another star By Jonathan O’Callaghan edited by Lee Billings This artist’s concept shows the volatile red dwarf star TRAPPIST-1 and its four most closely orbiting planets, […]
How to See Faster-Than-Light Motion
The UniverseFridays How to See Faster-Than-Light Motion Superluminal velocities are common but illusory By Phil Plait edited by Clara Moskowitz The light echo around the star V838 Monocerotis as seen by the Hubble Space Telescope in November 2005. Stay connected to The Universe: Get email alerts for this weekly column by Phil Plait When I […]
How Many Planets Orbit Our Nearest Neighboring Star?
New Instrument Checks on Proxima Centauri’s Planets Fresh results from near-infrared instruments foretell a bright future for finding life elsewhere in the Milky Way By Ivan Farkas edited by Lee Billings An artist’s impression of the Proxima Centauri system, with the planets Proxima b and Proxima d—the latter confirmed by the NIRPS planet-hunting instrument. Some […]
Starship’s 10th flight breaks streak of bad luck
Nell Greenfieldboyce SpaceX’s massive Starship rocket racked up some much-needed successes on its 10th test flight, hitting key test objectives and breaking a streak of failures that bedeviled the spaceship this year. The silver and black two-stage rocket, which stands about 400 feet tall, blasted off from the SpaceX facility in south Texas near Boca […]
SpaceX Successfully Launches Starship Spacecraft After String of Mishaps
SpaceX Successfully Launches Starship Spacecraft after String of Mishaps Overcoming three recent failed tries, Elon Musk’s rocket company successfully flew its reusable jumbo booster and upper-stage Starship spacecraft By Dan Vergano edited by Clara Moskowitz An earlier SpaceX Starship and Super Heavy booster are moved to the launch pad at Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas. […]
See Channing Tatum and New GF Inka Williams Get Cozy on Date Night
Channing Tatum and Inka Williams were spotted on a date night with friends and a dog weeks after confirming their romance. Channing Tatum and Inka Williams‘ romance appears to be heating up. The pair was photographed looking cozy on a date night in Santa Monica, Calif. March 22, three weeks after they went public with…
Venezuela says it will start accepting repatriation flights from the U.S. again
By Joe Hernandez Venezuela has announced that it will resume accepting flights of its citizens who are deported by U.S. immigration authorities. Jorge Rodríguez, the president of Venezuela’s National Assembly, said on Saturday in a post on social media that the repatriation flights would begin again as early as Sunday. “Migration is not a crime,”…
South African ambassador expelled from US welcomed home by supporters
Ebrahim Rasool, declared persona non grata by Washington, was surrounded by crowds at Cape Town airport The South African ambassador who was expelled from the US and declared persona non grata by the Trump administration was welcomed home on Sunday by hundreds of supporters who sang songs praising him. Crowds at Cape Town International airport…
Reeves confirms 15% cut to Civil Service running costs
Government running costs will be cut by 15% by the end of the decade, the chancellor has promised. Rachel Reeves told the BBC savings would be made from back office and administrative roles rather than front-line services. But unions warned the impact of cuts would still be felt by the public. It comes ahead of…
Pope Francis is discharged from the hospital after treatment for respiratory infection
By Ruth Sherlock , Rebecca Rosman , Joe Hernandez ROME — Pope Francis was discharged from Rome’s Gemelli hospital Sunday, five weeks after he was admitted for a case of bronchitis and later suffered other medical complications, including pneumonia in both lungs. Appearing weak but in good spirits, the pope briefly greeted hundreds of faithful…
How Scammers Launder Money and Get Away With It
Global Economy Documents and insiders reveal how one of the world’s major money laundering networks operates. Documents and insiders reveal how one of the world’s major money laundering networks operates. By Selam Gebrekidan and Joy Dong Photographs and Video by Chang W. Lee Graphics by Weiyi Cai Reporting from Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville, Cambodia Every…
Celebrity Health Scares: Tracy Morgan, Matt Kirschenheiter and More
The same day Tracy Morgan spoke out about falling ill at a Knicks game, Gina Kirschenheiter shared her ex Matt had a heart attack. Here is what more celebs have shared about their health scares. Tracy Morgan had to call a time-out. After the 30 Rock alum threw up at a New York Knicks Game,…
How Real Is Severance? The Show’s Neurosurgery Consultant Breaks Down Its Science
The Neurosurgeon Who Advised Severance Breaks Down Its Science A neurosurgeon who has acted as a consultant for Severance explains the science behind the show’s brain-altering procedure—and whether it could ever become reality. By Rachel Feltman, Fonda Mwangi, Naeem Amarsy & Alex Sugiura Rachel Feltman: For Scientific American’s Science Quickly, I’m Rachel Feltman. Today we’re…
US blocks Canadian access to cross-border library, sparking outcry
US officials claim move was to curb drug trafficking while Quebec town says it ‘weakens collaboration’ among nations The US has blocked Canadian access to a library straddling the Canada-US border, drawing criticism from a Quebec town where people have long enjoyed easy entry to the space. The Haskell Free Library and Opera House is…
Reeves defends taking free Sabrina Carpenter tickets
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed she accepted free tickets to a Sabrina Carpenter concert, saying she will declare them. Speaking on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Reeves said she attended the concert a couple of weeks ago with a family member. “I do now have security which means it’s not as easy as it would have…
What’s the Definition of a ‘Moon’?
The UniverseFridays What Makes a Moon? Defining the word “moon” is harder than you might think By Phil Plait edited by Lee Billings A quintet of Saturn’s moons come together in this image from NASA’s Cassini spacecraft. Stay connected to The Universe: Get email alerts for this weekly column by Phil Plait Here’s a simple…
Step Into the Luxurious, Real-Life Hotels Featured on The White Lotus
The White Lotus giving you vacation envy? No fear, step into the luxurious suites that served as filming locations for the HBO show’s seasons in Thailand, Sicily and Hawaii. There’s more than just luggage to unpack on the third season of The White Lotus. After all, fans have now witnessed , the Ratliff brothers’ kiss…
Humming along in an old church, the Internet Archive is more relevant than ever
Emma Bowman The nonprofit, founded in 1996, is a digital library of internet sites and cultural artifacts. This includes hundreds of billions of copies of government websites, news articles and data. The Wayback Machine is the archive’s access point to nearly three decades of web history. But many of the million or so daily visitors…
Keir Starmer Talks Trump, Russia-Ukraine War and the Fragile Europe-US Alliance
Trump Administration The British prime minister said in a series of conversations that the tectonic shifts in America’s relationship with Europe and Russia had to be a ‘galvanizing moment.’ Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Barrow-in-Furness, England, on Thursday.Andrew Testa for The New York Times By Mark Landler Mark Landler spoke with Prime Minister Keir Starmer…
Mark Carney to announce Canadian election and will run in Ottawa’s Nepean riding
Recently installed prime minister expected to confirm 28 April ballot as he seeks to keep Liberal party in government Mark Carney will run for election in the Ottawa riding of Nepean as the new Canadian prime minister seeks to join parliament for the first time, his Liberal party has announced. Carney on Sunday is predicted…
Three people die attempting to cross US-Mexico border amid California storm
Authorities found two men and one woman dead in Otay Mountain wilderness due to harsh terrain and cold weather Three people died last week as they attempted to cross the US-Mexico border near San Diego, California, amid a storm that brought near freezing temperatures to the challenging mountain terrain, according to the US border patrol.…
How Tariffs Work—And What Economic Studies Show about Their Real Impact
The Science behind Tariffs and How They Work President Donald Trump is threatening steep tariffs on virtually all imports. Here’s what that means and what economics research suggests would be the impact By Meghan Bartels edited by Jeanna Bryner Container port, Shenzhen, China. Confusion over tariffs has largely shaped the first months of President Donald…
Pope Francis to be discharged from hospital on Sunday
Pope Francis will be discharged from Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Sunday and will need at least two months of rest at the Vatican, doctors treating him have said. The 88-year-old was admitted to the hospital on 14 February with a severe respiratory infection that resulted in double pneumonia. During the past five weeks, he presented…
Pregnant Kylie Kelce and Jason Kelce Mourn Death of Dog Baloo
As they prepare for baby No. 4, Kylie Kelce and Jason Kelce are navigating the loss of their Irish woldhound Baloo, who died one year after the death of their dog Winnie. As they prepare to expand their family, Kylie Kelce, Jason Kelce and their three daughters are navigating a tragic loss. The host of…
Hundreds arrested in Turkey in protests against the detention of Istanbul’s mayor
By The Associated Press ISTANBUL — Prosecutors early Sunday requested that detained Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, the top challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, be formally arrested over allegations of corruption and terror links. A court is now set to decide whether the popular opposition figure will be charged and jailed pending a trial. The…
Pope Francis Will Be Discharged From the Hospital on Sunday, Doctors Say
Pope Francis The 88-year-old pontiff has been hospitalized for six weeks with pneumonia in both lungs. He will need to rest in the Vatican for at least two months, his doctors said. By Jason Horowitz and Elisabetta Povoledo Reporting from Rome Pope Francis’ condition has improved enough that he will be discharged from a hospital…
Trump says Boeing will build the new generation of fighter jets, the F-47
By Rebecca Rosman President Trump has announced that Boeing will build the U.S. Air Force’s next generation of fighter jets. “They will have unprecedented power,” Trump said on Friday, adding that “America’s enemies will never see [them] coming.” Trump is the 47th U.S. president and the jet is being called the F-47. “The generals picked…
Jake Paul Is Engaged to Dutch Speedskater Jutta Leerdam
Jake Paul has announced his engagement to Jutta Leerdam, an Olympic medal-winning Dutch speedskater. Find out more about his proposal and their road to romance. Boxer Jake Paul has moved on to a different kind of ring. The 28-year-old—who beat Mike Tyson in a boxing match last year—recently proposed to his Dutch girlfriend Jutta Leerdam.…
Movie Math Reveals the Formula for a Hollywood Blockbuster
Math Reveals the Formula for a Hollywood Blockbuster Most movies follow one of six emotional arcs. Which one sells the most tickets? By Manon Bischoff edited by Daisy Yuhas What was the last movie you saw in theaters? I rarely go to the movies anymore, partly because I prefer TV series—particularly action shows with spies…
The Sniper’s Nest
In One Image The Sniper’s Nest By Ivor Prickett and Peter Robins This is the commander of a sniper team in the Sudanese Army. His targets, members of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, are on the other side of the Blue Nile. So is Sudan’s presidential palace. The repeated use of a sniper rifle has…
Urgent investigation ordered into power outage that closed Heathrow Airport
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has ordered an urgent investigation into the power outage caused by a substation fire that shut Heathrow Airport on Friday. The investigation, led by the National Energy System Operator (NESO), would build a “clear picture” of the incident and UK’s energy resilience more broadly to prevent it “from ever happening again”,…
Trump revokes legal status of 530,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans
Move takes effect on 24 April as president weighs also stripping parole status from some 240,000 Ukrainians in US The new policy affects people who are already in the US and who came under the humanitarian parole program. It follows an earlier Trump administration decision to end what it called the “broad abuse” of the…
Judge in US deportations case says Trump administration lawyers were ‘disrespectful’
James Boasberg considers whether to maintain block on deportation of accused Venezuelan gang members A federal judge who temporarily blocked Donald Trump’s administration from deporting accused Venezuelan gang members under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act law condemned the lawyers for being “intemperate and disrespectful” in court. The Washington DC-based judge, James Boasberg, continues considering whether…
‘If Big George hit you, you stayed hit’: George Foreman obituary
George Foreman was a two-time heavyweight champion, winning his titles 21 years and nine months apart One version of George Foreman had only mayonnaise sandwiches to eat at school. Another was winning Olympic gold aged 19. Another was committing muggings at 15. The 20-something version of Foreman was one-third of heavyweight boxing’s “holy trinity”, with…
A Deep Dive Into Jason Momoa’s Romance With Adria Arjona
Jason Momoa, who shares two children with ex-wife Lisa Bonet, has found love with Hitman actress Adria Arjona. It wasn’t too long before Jason Momoa dipped his toe back into the dating pool once he and Lisa Bonet announced their separation in January 2022 after 16 years together, four of them as husband and wife. But…
Pakistan Is Trying to Integrate the ‘Most Dangerous Place’ on Earth. It’s Failing.
The country’s former tribal areas bordering Afghanistan are plagued by escalating militancy, leading to widespread disillusionment. By Zia ur-Rehman Zia ur-Rehman traveled to Pakistan’s former tribal districts bordering Afghanistan for this story. The rugged borderlands of northwestern Pakistan have long had a reputation for lawlessness and militancy, labeled by President Barack Obama as “the most…
Israel strikes multiple sites in southern Lebanon in response to rocket attack
By Kat Lonsdorf TEL AVIV, Israel — The Israeli military said it struck multiple Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, after several rockets were fired from there toward northern Israel Saturday morning. Lebanese health officials said two people had been killed, including a child, and several more were injured. Sirens rang out in the northern Israeli…
Can Earth’s Rotation Be a Power Source? Physicists Debate Bold New Idea
Can Earth’s Rotation Generate Electricity? Physicists Divided over Controversial Idea Experiments suggest an unusual magnetic material could help harness energy from Earth’s rotation. But not everyone is convinced By Elizabeth Gibney & Nature magazine A device can supposedly create a tiny current by manipulating Earth’s magnetic field as the planet rotates. Electricity can be generated…
Flights resume at London Heathrow after a daylong closure sparked travel chaos
By The Associated Press LONDON — London Heathrow Airport said it was “fully operational” on Saturday, after an almost daylong closure sparked by an electrical substation fire. But airlines warned that severe disruption will last for days as they scramble to relocate planes and crews and get travelers to their destinations. The airport’s boss said…
Every Hunger Games Easter Egg in Sunrise on the Reaping
Suzanne Collins’ newest Hunger Games installment, Sunrise on the Reaping, has been catching fire with fans, and we volunteer as tribute to provide you with all the key details you might’ve missed. Warning: This article contains spoilers from Sunrise on the Reaping. Take a trip back to the arena. Suzanne Collins’ latest Hunger Games novel,…
Trump’s Attempts to Resolve Global Conflicts Quickly Face Diplomatic Reality
Russia-Ukraine War news analysis Allies say the foreign policy version of “flood the zone” is working. But critics argue that the hurry-up approach in Israel, Ukraine and Iran may not lead to stable, durable solutions to conflicts around the world. By Michael D. Shear Reporting from London When it comes to confronting global conflicts, President…
Scientists identify ‘tipping point’ that caused clumps of toxic Florida seaweed
Giant blobs along 5,000-mile-wide sargassum belt has killed animals, harmed human health and discouraged tourism Scientists in Florida believe they have identified a “tipping point” in atmospheric conditions in the Atlantic Ocean they say caused giant clumps of toxic seaweed to inundate beaches around the Caribbean in recent summers. Previous theories for the Great Atlantic…
Walking Shouldn’t Be So Dangerous in the U.S.
Opinion Cross CurrentsFridays Walking Shouldn’t Be So Dangerous in the U.S. About 20 people die every day in the U.S. after being hit by a car. To make walking safer, we need a big cultural shift in how we view pedestrian safety By Megha Satyanarayana Houston Police Department officers investigate the site where a motorist…
Heavyweight boxing legend George Foreman dies aged 76
Boxing heavyweight legend George Foreman has died aged 76. Known as Big George in the ring, the American built one of the most remarkable and enduring careers in the sport, winning Olympic gold in 1968 and claiming the world heavyweight title twice, 21 years apart – the second making him the oldest champion in history…
Hegseth Orders Elimination of Pentagon Climate Planning, but Wants Extreme Weather Preparation
Hegseth Orders Elimination of Climate Defense Planning, but Still Wants Extreme Weather Preparation The Defense secretary aims to purge climate work from the Pentagon. But critics say his carve-out for weather resiliency misses the point By Scott Waldman & E&E News U.S Air Force airmen drive through flood waters caused by Hurricane Matthew at Seymour…
What on Earth is ‘natural capital’?
In this installment, we break down “natural capital,” a concept that could revolutionize the way nature is protected. What is “natural capital”? It’s the stock of renewable and non-renewable natural resources (e.g., plants, animals, air, water, soils, minerals) that combine to provide benefits to people. What kind of benefits are we talking about? The air…
Why Indigenous rights matter
Editor’s note: The attention given to Indigenous peoples in global policy processes such as the Paris Agreement reflects a growing acknowledgment of their knowledge, their rights and their crucial roles in helping to protect some of the world’s most important places for biodiversity. But while the importance of Indigenous rights is considered a given by…
Massive reforestation effort puts down roots in Brazilian Amazon
A new project seeks to kickstart a revival for the world’s largest rainforest by planting new trees — tens of millions of them. The project, announced Friday at the “Rock in Rio” music fest in Brazil, aims to restore 73 million trees in the Brazilian Amazon by 2023. Spanning 30,000 hectares of land (about 74,000…
Women conservation leaders ‘a tide lifting everyone’
The climate crisis affects women disproportionately: They’re 14 times more likely to die during a disaster and constitute 80 percent of all climate refugees. But a new wave of women conservation leaders is spearheading efforts around the world to prevent and adapt to the impacts wrought by climate breakdown. ELLE magazine dedicated its July issue…
Study: To make conservation go ‘viral,’ keep it simple, social
What makes a video go “viral”? What makes people stand in line for hours to buy a new smartphone or eat at a hip restaurant? And what does any of that have to do with conservation? A new study suggests that some of the same features that make a new gadget popular, such as simplicity,…
What on Earth is ‘reforestation’?
In this installment and video, we explore “reforestation,” a practice critical to stopping climate change. What’s reforestation? That’s easy: It’s helping to bring forest back to an area where it was destroyed. I have a feeling there’s more to it than that. Well, yes: Reforestation involves indigenous peoples, wildlife, breathable air — even the cocoa…
‘My Africa’ field notes: Portraits of hope for Africa’s elephants
Editor’s note: On April 20, Conservation International will release its new virtual reality film, “My Africa,” at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York, with a world release on April 30. The film tells the story of a young Samburu woman in Kenya whose community is working to save elephants, reknitting an ancient coexistence between…
Voice of America staff sue Trump administration for shutting down network
David Folkenflik Six Voice of America journalists sued Kari Lake and the Trump administration on Friday, alleging their moves to shut down the U.S.-funded network were unlawful and unconstitutional. The journalists say that the government’s acts violate their First Amendment rights on free speech grounds and usurp the U.S. Congress’s control of the power of…
Flights Resume at Heathrow After Substation Fire Shut Down Airport
Heathrow Airport Closure The blaze forced Britain’s largest airport to cancel or divert more than 1,000 flights on Friday and removed a linchpin of global air travel. Counterterrorism police were investigating the cause of the fire. transcript “We have lost power equal to that of a mid-sized city, and our backup systems have been working…
The doctor is in: Indonesia’s whale sharks get annual check-up
Imagine swimming with a shark as big as a bus. Now imagine trying to measure, tag and take blood samples from this shark — giving it a physical, as in a typical doctor’s visit — but underwater and in less than 30 minutes. For nine days, I helped complete the world’s first health assessment of…
What on Earth is ‘land tenure’?
Editor’s note: In this installment, we break down “land tenure,” a concept with major implications for conservation. What is land tenure? At its most basic, “land tenure” refers to the rights of people or communities to manage (own and use) the land that they reside on. Meaning, if you reside on the land, you get…
What is Climate Week? 3 things you need to know
Editor’s Note: Climate Week is taking place from September 23 to September 29. Check Conservation News for coverage of this global forum. World leaders will gather next week for the three-day UN Climate Summit, aimed at redoubling countries’ efforts to curb climate-warming carbon emissions. Joining them in New York: business leaders, climate experts, activists and…
Stunning Antarctic Sea Creatures Discovered after Iceberg Breaks Away
Stunning Antarctic Sea Creatures Discovered after Iceberg Breaks Away A calving iceberg exposed a region that never before had been seen by human eyes, revealing a vibrant, thriving ecosystem By Ashley Balzer Vigil edited by Andrea Thompson A large sponge, a cluster of anemones, and other life is seen nearly 230 meters deep at an…
OnlyFans Model Allegedly Murdered Client While Filming BDSM Content
OnlyFans creator Michaela Rylaarsdam, known professionally as Asshley SinCal, is facing a murder charge after an alleged sexual encounter led to the death of a 56-year-old man. An OnlyFans creator is facing a murder charge after an alleged sexual encounter gone wrong. Michaela Rylaarsdam was charged over the 2023 death of Michael Dale, according to…
Power struggle leads to coup in Tigray as war looms between Ethiopia and Eritrea
Tigray’s interim leader flees as rival faction seizes control, while Ethiopian tanks and troops move to border of Eritrea Aregawi was building a tour-guiding business when war struck Ethiopia’s Tigray region in 2020. He spent the next two years fighting on the frontline. Now he is among those who fear Tigray is on the brink…
How did a single fire bring down Europe’s busiest airport?
It seems astounding that a single fire at an electricity source shut down one of the world’s busiest airports. The disruption to the journeys of thousands of passengers and millions of tonnes of trade goods on Friday has prompted a series of questions over the resilience of the UK’s major infrastructure. Disaster recovery plans keep…
Germany, ‘Orphaned’ by U.S., Shakes Off the Shock and Stirs to Action
Germany’s Politics News analysis No country in Europe is as much a product of enlightened postwar American diplomacy. Now adrift, it has begun to reckon with a new world. By Steven Erlanger Reporting from Berlin The United States gave Germany its democracy and its constitution. It supported German reunification when France and Britain had their…
Homeland Security makes cuts to civil rights and immigration oversight offices
Ximena Bustillo The Department of Homeland Security is cutting jobs in the oversight divisions focused on civil rights as a part of a broader reduction in force effort across the federal government. The affected offices, confirmed by DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, are the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL), the Office of the…
New tech could transform science of wildlife ‘selfies’
A groundbreaking new effort could greatly expand our knowledge of where the wild things are. Placed by researchers in forests and natural areas around the world, motion-detector cameras — known as “camera traps” — snap thousands of photos a day of animals rarely seen by human eyes. These unwitting selfies have provided scientists an unequaled…
Off Panama’s coast, divers resurrect a ‘ghost’ of the deep
Editor’s note: Edgardo Ochoa was scouting for dive training sites in Panama Bay in 2000 when he made a troubling discovery. Nearly two decades later, as a marine safety officer for Conservation International (CI), he was able to do something about it. This is his story. Back in 2000, as a unit diving officer at…