How Supermassive Black Holes Can Become Cosmic Nightmares
The UniverseFridays Do We Live in a Haunted Galaxy? Huge eruptions from the Milky Way’s supermassive black hole in the distant past may have sterilized much of the inner galaxy By Phil Plait edited by Lee Billings Stay connected to The Universe: Get email alerts for this weekly column by Phil Plait Galaxies are spooky […]
Why an interstellar comet has scientists excited
Jaclyn Diaz An ancient comet that entered our solar system this summer is offering a rare opportunity to learn more about distant planetary systems far beyond the reach of any spacecraft, researchers say. The comet is special both because it is interstellar — meaning it came from outside our solar system — and also because […]
Did Astronomers Photograph UFOs Orbiting Earth in the 1950s?
UFOs Are Just One Explanation for Mysterious Patterns in Old Telescope Data New peer-reviewed research reporting strange lights in the pre-space-age sky is sparking curiosity and controversy By Jonathan O’Callaghan edited by Lee Billings For generations, UFO enthusiasts have longed for claims of aliens visiting Earth to be seriously investigated by scientists. Now they are […]
Dungeons & Dragons – Starter Set: Heroes of The Borderlands
For many, Dungeons & Dragons may seem like a insurmountable entry point to the world of RPGs, and, in many ways, especially without at least one seasoned veteran in your group, it isn’t necessarily an incorrect assumption. The all new Dungeons & Dragons – Starter Set: Heroes of The Borderlands aims to eliminate that hurdle […]
Kickstarter Tabletop Alert: Time Loop Shenanigans in ‘Chronofiends!!’
The research station is stuck in an ever-shrinking time loop—use your time-manipulating powers to accomplish your objectives before time runs out! Chronofiends!! (yes, the exclamation points are part of the title) is a cooperative time-loop game for 1 to 4 players, ages 13 and up, and takes about 90 minutes to play. It’s currently seeking […]
Royals watch Red Arrows flypast and have tea with veterans for VE Day anniversary
Four generations of the Royal Family appeared on Buckingham Palace’s balcony to watch the Red Arrows flypast, marking 80 years since the end of World War Two in Europe. The King and senior royals watched on as a war-time Lancaster bomber led the 23-strong formation, including Typhoons and the Red Arrows, before waving to crowds.…
Sudan fails in attempt to make UAE accountable for acts of genocide
Largely expected decision by international court of justice marks second diplomatic victory for Gulf state An attempt by Sudan’s government to make the United Arab Emirates legally accountable for acts of genocide in West Darfur has been rejected by the international court of justice after the judges voted by 14 to 2 to declare they…
A Maryland town backed Trump’s cost-cutting pledge. Now it’s a target
Frank Langfitt EMMITSBURG, Md. — Frank Davis saw a lot of waste during his decades in the federal government. In November, he voted for Donald Trump to get rid of it. So far, Davis likes a lot of what he’s seen. “I’m probably gonna get shot for this, but he is doing what he said…
Red Arrows, royals and a packed Mall – the celebrations in pictures
Four days of events to commemorate 80 years since Victory in Europe Day began with a military procession through London in front of huge crowds, followed by a dramatic RAF flypast over Buckingham Palace. Proud veterans joined politicians and three generations of royals for the day’s poignant and celebratory events. The Red Arrows jetted through…
Cuttlefish May Communicate with Discolike Arm Gestures
Cuttlefish May Communicate with Discolike Arm Gestures Scientists identified four arm wave signals cuttlefish use: “up,” “side,” “roll” and “crown” By Chris Simms edited by Sarah Lewin Frasier Researchers observed the common cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) routinely wave its arms in four flashy gestures. Join Our Community of Science Lovers! Cuttlefish wave their expressive arms in…
Zendaya’s Euphoric Met Gala Looks Prove She’s a Fashion Icon
Zendaya, who’s expected to attend the 2025 Met Gala on May 5, has become a highlight of the fashionable event over the years with jaw-dropping red carpet looks, including her 2024 outfit changes. Zendaya‘s Met Gala looks? Simply marvelous. With the 2025 Met Gala just hours away, the Spider-Man actress—who has become a red carpet…
Rights groups condemn arrest of Hong Kong activist Anna Kwok’s father and brother
Arrests are the first case of the city’s national security law being used to target the relatives of pro-democracy campaigners Human rights groups have condemned the arrest of relatives of Anna Kwok, an exiled pro-democracy activist who is wanted by the Hong Kong police, in the first example of the city’s national security law being…
Israel security cabinet approves plan to expand Gaza offensive
Israel’s security cabinet has approved a plan to expand its military offensive against Hamas, which reportedly includes capturing Gaza and holding the territory. The Israeli military has called up tens of thousands of reservists in preparation for the move, saying it is “increasing the pressure” with the aim of bringing home the remaining Israeli hostages…
Dossier of alleged Sudan war crimes handed to Metropolitan police
Lawyers say evidence file outlines atrocities including torture and rape carried out by the Rapid Support Forces in the country’s brutal civil conflict Scotland Yard has received a dossier of evidence documenting myriad alleged war crimes committed by a paramilitary group during the conflict in Sudan. Lawyers have submitted a 142-page file of evidence 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…
Met Gala 2025: Theme and Dress Code Explained
Stars will arrive at the Met Gala 2025 in looks with the evening’s dress code, “Tailored For You” in mind. Read on for a closer look at the dress code and theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” The red carpet is being rolled out for the biggest night in fashion. Meanwhile, celebrities like Rihanna, Kim Kardashian…
An exhibit honoring victims of gun violence is taken down at ATF headquarters
By Kristin Wright An exhibit showing victims of gun violence has been taken down at the headquarters of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Department of Justice has confirmed. The exhibit showed the portraits of 120 people killed in gun violence. A digital kiosk with biographies of each person was also…
Griefbots Create Digital Immortality and Raise Ethical Concerns around AI Chatbots
AI Offers Digital Immortality for Deceased Loved Ones—But Should It? AI chatbots called “griefbots” or “deadbots” offer our loved ones a new digital way to grieve but raise ethical and privacy concerns. By Rachel Feltman, Naeem Amarsy, Fonda Mwangi & Alex Sugiura Rachel Feltman: For Scientific American’s Science Quickly, I’m Rachel Feltman. The idea of…
Royal Family hopes nothing distracts from VE Day commemorations
The Royal Family is hoping “nothing will detract or distract” from VE Day commemorations this week, which fall days after Prince Harry’s interview. The King and Queen are looking forward to the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe and the end to World War Two, Buckingham Palace said. Events begin on Monday…
Two arrested over bomb plot targeting Lady Gaga concert in Rio attended by millions
Two people have been arrested in connection to an alleged planned attack on Brazil’s LGBTQ community at the singer’s Sunday concert, police say Two people have been arrested in connection with an alleged plot to detonate explosives at a free Lady Gaga concert in Rio de Janeiro, in what authorities believe was an attempt to…
Sister Wives’ Kody Brown Shares Regrets After Son Garrison’s Death
After Sister Wives stars Kody Brown and ex Janelle Brown’s son Garrison died by suicide last March, the patriarch expressed his regrets while reflecting on his grief journey in the latest episode. Content warning: This article includes mention of suicide. Kody Brown is looking back with a new perspective. More than one year after the…
Does a president need to uphold the Constitution? Trump says ‘I don’t know’
Luke Garrett President Trump — when asked if he thinks he needs to uphold the Constitution on “Meet the Press with Kristen Welker” — said, “I don’t know,” but added that his lawyers “are obviously going to follow what the Supreme Court said.” The response came after a series of questions regarding the right to…
Measles Vaccine Denial Is a Massive Brainwashing Campaign
Opinion ArgonautWednesdays The Brainwashing Campaign That Is Measles Misinformation A shameful mass propaganda campaign is unfolding in the U.S., one that will make millions of kids needlessly sick with measles By Dan Vergano Fake gravestones to signify victims of the measles outbreak in Samoa in 2019 sit in the grass outside the U.S. Capitol as…
How Billie Lourd Is Honoring Late Mom Carrie Fisher for Star Wars Day
Eight years after she lost mother Carrie Fisher, Billie Lourd shared how she is honoring her mother’s Princess Leia legacy on Star Wars Day May 4. Billie Lourd isn’t letting May the Fourth pass her by without giving her mom some love. In celebration of what fans of the sci-fi series deem Star Wars day…
Trump says he ‘doesn’t rule out’ using military force to control Greenland
President has repeatedly expressed idea of expansion into autonomous territory within fellow Nato member Denmark Donald Trump would not rule out using military force to gain control of Greenland, the world’s largest island and an autonomous territory within Denmark, a fellow Nato member with the US. Since taking office, the US president has repeatedly expressed…
Syrian security forces ‘oversaw’ armed civilians who killed Alawites, accused man says
One of the men accused of taking part in a wave of sectarian violence against Syria’s Alawite minority two months ago has told the BBC that he and other armed civilians who travelled to the area were advised and monitored by government forces there. Abu Khalid said he had travelled as a civilian fighter to…
Why ‘Evolving’ Dark Energy Worries Some Physicists
Latest Dark Energy Study Suggests the Universe Is Even Weirder Than We Imagined If dark energy is weakening, as suggested by recent results, then the cosmos is far stranger than most physicists had supposed By Lyndie Chiou edited by Lee Billings An artist’s concept of the dark energy-driven accelerating expansion of the universe. New results…
Lindsay Arnold Wanted to Remove “Stigma” Around Breast Augmentation
Former Dancing With the Stars pro Lindsay Arnold, who partnered with Hallmark this Mother’s day, explained to E! News her decision to document her breast augmentation surgery on social media. Lindsay Arnold hopes that her openness is helping others. The former Dancing With the Stars pro—who shares kids Sage, 4, and June, 20 months, with husband Sam Cusick—shed…
Catholic leaders criticize Trump for posting apparent AI photo of himself as the pope
By Joe Hernandez Some Catholic leaders and at least one U.S. Catholic group are criticizing President Trump after he posted on social media what appears to be an artificial intelligence-generated image of himself dressed as the pope. Trump posted the image on his Truth Social account on Friday night, and shortly after it was reposted…
Fourteen children arrested over boy’s fire death in Gateshead
Fourteen children have been arrested over the death of a 14-year-old boy following a fire at an industrial unit. The blaze broke out at Fairfield industrial park in the Bill Quay area of Gateshead on Friday evening. It was extinguished but a body believed to be that of Layton Carr, who had been reported missing,…
US jury’s $30m verdict brings hope for Cuban exiles over confiscated land
Lawsuit brought under Helms-Burton could spur others pursuing compensation for property seized by Castro Long before it became one of Cuba’s most popular tourist destinations in the 1990s, the small island of Cayo Coco, with its pristine beaches and powdery white sands, attracted a different kind of clientele. Inspired by its unspoiled beauty, and his…
Iranians among eight arrested in two separate anti-terror operations
Eight men, including seven Iranian nationals, have been arrested in two separate counter-terrorism police investigations. Five were arrested at various locations around England on Saturday as part of a “pre-planned” investigation into a plot to “target a specific premises”, the Metropolitan Police said. Four – two aged 29, one aged 40 and one aged 46…
Surprise, These Celebrities Actually Have the Same Name
From the two most famous Michael Jordans to the not-so-obvious who share their given moniker with a fellow celebrity—looking at you, Katy Perry—check out these stars with the same name. There’s almost zero chance that you’re the only person who has your name. Sure, some monikers are more unique than others—celebrity parents are seeing to…
Lady Gaga rocks Copacabana Beach with a free concert for more than 2 million fans
By The Associated Press RIO DE JANEIRO — Lady Gaga gave a free concert Saturday night in front of 2 million fans who poured onto Copacabana Beach for the biggest show of her career. “Tonight, we’re making history. (…) Thank you for making history with me,” Lady Gaga told a screaming crowd. The Mother Monster,…
Gigi Hadid Makes Bradley Cooper Romance IG Official With PDA Pic
NBC sportscaster Mike Tirico left the network’s broadcast coverage of the Kentucky Derby 2025 after suffering a “significant” nut allergy reaction. An Instagram romance is born. Gigi Hadid has made her relationship with boyfriend Bradley Cooper social media official, more than a year after they started dating. The supermodel included a photo of the two…
Sir John Curtice: The map that shows Reform’s triumph was much more than a protest vote
There is no doubt that Reform performed well in Thursday’s local council elections. The party won most votes, most seats and overall control of most councils. True, the party’s share of the votes cast across all 23 councils where elections took place on Thursday was no more than 31%. So despite doing well, it secured…
Trump Quietly Halts Money to States for Preventing Disaster Damage
Trump Quietly Halts Money to States for Preventing Disaster Damage President Trump is the first president in at least three decades to deny governors’ requests for funding that’s meant to protect people and property By Thomas Frank & E&E News President Donald Trump is considering a major overhaul to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. CLIMATEWIRE…
Arizona governor pauses deportation for Guatemalan who gave birth days ago
‘Erika’, 24, gained public attention after lawyer said federal agents denied him access to her in a Tucson hospital A Guatemalan immigrant who crossed the US border eight months pregnant and gave birth in Arizona has avoided fast-track deportation after intervention by the state’s governor, her lawyer and a federal official said on Saturday. The…
The Vatican installs chimney to signal the selection of the next pope
Clare Marie Schneider Workers attached a chimney atop the Sistine Chapel on Friday, ahead of the election process for the next pope. The chimney, which is attached to the chapel before a new pope is elected, will signal to the public the election of Pope Francis’ successor. With the death of Pope Francis last month,…
World may be ‘post-herd immunity’ to measles, top US scientist says
As infections pummel communities in the US, Mexico and Canada, fear of ‘the most contagious human disease’ grows The US is enduring the largest measles outbreak in a quarter-century. Centered in west Texas, the measles outbreak has killed two unvaccinated children and one adult and spread to neighboring states including New Mexico and Oklahoma. “Measles…
This week proves Nigel Farage’s PM ambition is not a wild notion
In the first week of 2025, Nigel Farage told me his ultimate goal was to become prime minister. It stuck in my mind that he chose to add: “I’m not joking.” Nobody in the two traditional main parties finds his stunning success this week funny. “Farage is no longer someone we can just laugh off,”…
Kentucky Derby 2025: See Dannielynn Birkhead and More Celebs Arrive
The 2025 Kentucky Derby was attended by a slew of celebrities, including Dannielynn Birkhead, Alix Earle and Selma Blair. Get details and see photos from the event. These stars were off to the races—in style. The 2025 Kentucky Derby, held at the Churchill Downs racecourse in Louisville May 3, brought out celebs such as Alix…
If a Chatbot Tells You It Is Conscious, Should You Believe It?
Opinion If a Chatbot Tells You It Is Conscious, Should You Believe It? AI systems could show signs of consciousness. We need to develop better tests to show whether they are actually aware By Susan Schneider Early in 2025 dozens of ChatGPT 4.0 users reached out to me to ask if the model was conscious.…
Florida lawmakers try to balance condo safety with cost
By Greg Allen Florida lawmakers have sent the governor a measure aimed at providing relief for tens of thousands of condominium owners struggling with rising costs in aging buildings. A law passed shortly after 98 people died in the 2021 collapse of a residential tower in the town of Surfside, located outside of Miami, placed…
Australia PM Albanese makes stunning comeback with landslide win
Labor’s Anthony Albanese has defied the so-called “incumbency curse” to be re-elected Australia’s prime minister in a landslide. Official vote counting won’t finish for days, but Albanese’s centre-left government will dramatically increase its majority after the conservative Liberal-National coalition suffered a thumping defeat nationwide. “Today, the Australian people have voted for Australian values: for fairness,…
This hockey town in Michigan has deep ties to Canada. Then came Trump’s tariffs
From the local sports team to local businesses, Saginaw is intimately intertwined with its northern neighbor There are few entities that embody the close, fraternal ties between the US and Canada quite like the Saginaw Spirit junior ice hockey team. In a place whose fortunes have been more down than up in recent decades, the…
Opinion: Curse other drivers? So do the pros — but they get fined
Scott Simon The governing body that oversees Formula One racing is worried about F1 drivers dropping F-bombs, and now the sport’s most prominent driver says he feels… inhibited. Max Verstappen, the 4-time world champion for the Red Bull Racing team, was given a penalty over his remarks at a press conference last fall, when he…
Could the Sun Unleash Dangerous Superflares?
The UniverseFridays Could the Sun Fry Earth with a Superflare? Stars like the sun might erupt with extreme explosions about once per century By Phil Plait edited by Lee Billings Artist’s concept of a space-weather outburst from the sun impacting Earth’s atmosphere. Stay connected to The Universe: Get email alerts for this weekly column by…
Katherine Heigl Shares One Condition for 27 Dresses Sequel
Katherine Heigl exclusively told E! News what it would take for her to return for a 27 Dresses sequel amid her new ventures, which includes her Bandlands Ranch dog nutrition brand. Katherine Heigl’s future may include a 28th bridesmaid dress. But amid rumblings that a sequel to 27 Dresses is in the works, the Grey’s…
King Charles to open Canada parliament as PM Carney reacts to Trump threats
Liberal PM will also meet with US president on Tuesday amid tensions over threatened annexation and tariffs King Charles has accepted an invitation to open Canada’s parliament on 27 May, in “an historic honour that matches the weight of our times”, the country’s prime minister, Mark Carney, said on Friday. In his first news conference…
My impression of Prince Harry during our exclusive interview
Dawn in a beautiful, expensively landscaped home in Santa Barbara, Californa, is a strange time and place to meet a British prince. However, the Duke of Sussex infamously stepped away from the usual business of being royal. It’s a decision he says he was forced to make. The home wasn’t his, but rather a convenient…
Solar Geoengineering Is Possible with Existing Aircraft, Study Finds
Solar Geoengineering Is Possible with Existing Aircraft, Study Finds Scientists previously thought that solar geoengineering—or releasing particles into the atmosphere to reflect solar rays—would require specialized high-altitude vehicles By Chelsea Harvey & E&E News CLIMATEWIRE | A futuristic geoengineering proposal might be easier to accomplish in the real world than scientists previously thought. The new…
Inside Dannielynn Birkhead’s Surprisingly Normal World
Seventeen years after Anna Nicole Smith’s death, her beloved daughter Dannielynn Birkhead—who just turned 18— is incredibly well adjusted, says dad Larry Birkhead: “She’s a good kid.” Perhaps it’s fitting that Dannielynn Birkhead loves rollercoasters when you consider the tedious climbs and sharp descents that marked her first year of life. There was the untimely passing of half-brother Daniel Smith, who overdosed…
The Trump administration says it will cut EPA staffing to Reagan-era levels
By Alejandra Borunda The Trump administration announced plans for a significant reorganization of the Environmental Protection Agency on Friday, and signaled major cuts in staffing to come – especially for the agency’s scientific research arm. EPA administrator Lee Zeldin said the EPA expects to cut staff to levels similar to the 1980s, when President Ronald…
Federal judge strikes down Trump order targeting the law firm Perkins Coie
Ryan Lucas A federal judge on Friday struck down President Trump’s executive order targeting the prominent law firm of Perkins Coie, finding it unconstitutional and declaring it an attack on the foundational principles of the American legal system. The ruling from U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell is the first to permanently block an executive order…
Self-Driving Cars Have New Rules in the U.S. Here’s Why That Matters
Self-Driving Cars Have New Rules in the U.S. Here’s Why That Matters New rules that trim crash reporting requirements and widen testing access for U.S. robotaxis are hailed as an innovation edge and criticized for eroding safety oversight By Deni Ellis Béchard edited by Dean Visser On April 24, with a brief video and a…
Harry’s emotional avalanche hits the Royal Family
This BBC interview with Prince Harry will become one of those famous moments when television collides with the world of the royals. It was like an emotional avalanche. It began with some stones being kicked over with questions about security and then the interview turned into a spectacular release of what seemed to be a…
Venezuela rejects UN ruling to refrain from holding election in disputed region
Neighboring Guyana has also laid claim to the mineral rich Essequibo, and Venezuela plans to elect officials to govern it Venezuela’s government has said it “categorically” rejected a ruling from the U N’s top court ordering the South American country to refrain from holding elections for officials who supposedly would oversee a resource-rich region in…
Trot on Over to See the Best Kentucky Derby Looks of All Time
The 2025 Kentucky Derby will take place at Churchill Downs in Louisville May 3. But the event isn’t just horseplay. We’re tipping our hat to Travis Kelce, Jessica Simpson and more of the best looks. We’re not horsing around: It’s almost time for the 2025 Kentucky Derby. The event’s 151st outing will take place at…
US designates two powerful Haitian gangs as terrorist groups
Rubio calls Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif ‘threat to US national security’ and says support for groups could lead to charges The United States has designated a powerful Haitian gang alliance, whose members have taken control of almost all the capital city as a “transnational terrorist group”. The criminal coalition known as Viv Ansanm (Live…
Reform UK makes big gains in English local elections
Nigel Farage’s Reform UK has made big gains in English local elections, cementing it as a prime challenger to Britain’s traditional main parties. It has won over 660 of around 1,600 council seats contested on Thursday, which were last fought in 2021. Reform has seized control of eight authorities from the Conservatives after elections on…
Under Trump, National Science Foundation Cuts Off All Funding to Scientists
National Science Foundation Halts Funding Indefinitely National Science Foundation staff were told to freeze outgoing funding days after NSF leadership introduced a new policy that requires that grants be screened for “alignment with agency priorities” By Dan Garisto & Nature magazine Join Our Community of Science Lovers! Staff members at the US National Science Foundation…
Justin Bieber’s Pastor Addresses Accusations His Church Is a “Cult”
Justin Bieber’s pastor Judah Smith addressed accusations that his church is actually a “cult” amid speculation about his close friendship with the Grammy-winning singer. Justin Bieber’s longtime pastor is defending his church’s purpose. Amid rumors about the nature of the “What Do You Mean” singer’s friendship with Judah Smith, who leads the nondenominational Christian church…
Medical journals hit with threatening letters from Justice Department
Rob Stein The letters began arriving at medical journals around the country over the last few weeks. “It has been brought to my attention that more and more journals and publications … are conceding that they are partisans in various scientific debates,” wrote Edward R. Martin Jr., the interim U.S. attorney for the District of…
Kelsey Grammar Shares His Sister Karen’s Final Moments Before Stabbing
Kelsey Grammar detailed his sister Karen Grammar’s final moments before her tragic death, nearly 50 years after the 18-year-old was raped and stabbed to death in Colorado. Content warning: This story contains graphic details. Kelsey Grammar is still processing his sister Karen Grammar’s gruesome death 50 years later. On July 8, 1975, the Frasier star,…