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 […]
Lawyer for Ugandan opposition politician ‘arrested and tortured’
Eron Kiiza, who was representing regime opponent Dr Kizza Besigye, was assaulted and sentenced to nine months’ jail, say colleagues A human rights lawyer involved in a case featuring a prominent Ugandan opposition leader has been tortured after he was arrested and detained without trial, according to colleagues who have visited him. Eron Kiiza was…
Brad Pitt Reacts After Woman Is Conned Out of $850K by Alleged Catfish
Brad Pitt’s rep addressed a French woman’s story of being conned into an online relationship with a scammer posing as the Oscar winner, who allegedly swindled her out of $850,000. Once upon a time in Hollywood, a scammer posing as Brad Pitt allegedly ran off with thousands of dollars in a catfishing scheme. That was…
Trinidad and Tobago extends state of emergency amid escalating violence
Parliament unanimously agrees on three-month extension of security measures after gang warfare kills six last week Escalating violence in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) has caused the country’s government to extend emergency security measures declared in December, after a week of bloody gang warfare that left at least six dead. Late on Monday evening, the T&T…
Blue Origin’s New Glenn Rocket Finally Takes Flight
Blue Origin’s New Glenn Rocket Finally Takes Flight The heavy-lift New Glenn rocket soared to success, reaching orbit on its highly anticipated inaugural flight but failing to land its booster on an ocean barge By Nadia Drake edited by Lee Billings A Blue Origin New Glenn rocket is seen on the launch pad on Dec.…
Trump’s energy secretary nominee faces questions over climate posts and LA fires
By Julia Simon 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: Chris Wright Nominated for: Secretary of Energy You might know them from: Wright is the CEO of Liberty Energy, a Denver-based oil and gas…
Musk Said to Have Intervened to Help Free Italian Jailed in Iran
The Italian journalist was released soon after Elon Musk met with an Iranian ambassador, officials in Iran said. So was an Iranian detained in Italy who was wanted by the U.S. By Farnaz FassihiEmma Bubola and Edward Wong When an Italian journalist was arrested in Iran in December, her boyfriend back home feared she might…
U.S. TikTok Users Flock to RedNote as Ban Looms
Why Are U.S. TikTok Users Signing Up for RedNote? Thousands of U.S. TikTok users are joining China-based app RedNote, spawning memes, jokes and confusion By Ben Guarino edited by Dean Visser A TikTok creator and advocate wears a button showing support for TikTok. Other users have flocked to alternative apps, such as China-based RedNote. Join…
‘A trash can for the US’: anger in Mexico and Canada over toxic waste shipments
Exclusive: US companies are increasingly shipping toxic waste to other countries, where some argue it poses a risk US companies ship more than 1m tons of hazardous waste to other countries each year, raising questions over possible impacts on health and the environment, an investigation by the Guardian and Quinto Elemento Lab has found. Exports…
Pregnant Jinger Duggar Reveals Sex of Baby No. 3 With Jeremy Vuolo
Jinger Duggar and husband Jeremy Vuolo revealed the sex of their third baby amid the 19 Kids and Counting star’s pregnancy. Jinger Duggar gets to count on having her first boy. The 19 Kids and Counting alum—who is currently pregnant with baby No. 3—joined husband Jeremy Vuolo in a YouTube video to reveal the sex of…
Will Lewis’s first year at ‘Washington Post’: Cancellations, red ink and an exodus
David Folkenflik One debacle after another has engulfed The Washington Post since veteran newspaper executive Will Lewis became CEO and publisher a year ago this month, with the charge from owner Jeff Bezos to make the storied newspaper financially sustainable. Frustration boiled over on Tuesday night. More than 400 Post journalists, including some editors, signed…
Mozambique Is at a Crossroads as a New President Is Sworn In
Unrest in Mozambique Unrest in Mozambique Unrest in Mozambique Daniel Chapo was sworn in at a time of widespread anger directed at his party, Frelimo, which has led the country for 50 years and was accused of rigging the election. Daniel Chapo was sworn in at a time of widespread anger directed at his party, Frelimo, which has…
Bowen: Long-overdue deal may stop the killing but won’t end the conflict
A senior Palestinian official told the BBC that Hamas would release three female soldiers on the first day of the ceasefire. Mediators in Doha are trying an earlier start to the ceasefire, Thursday evening instead of Sunday. Until the ceasefire does come into effect, the war that started when Hamas attacked Israel on 7 October…
Flags to be raised for Trump’s inauguration, despite half-staff order for Carter’s death
By Alana Wise Flags will be flown at full-staff on Jan. 20 for Donald Trump’s inauguration as president, despite an order from President Biden to lower the flags to half-staff in remembrance of the late President Jimmy Carter. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, a Republican, announced the decision to raise the flags to full…
A Crucial Coal Mine in Ukraine Under Attack by Russian Forces Finally Shuts Down
Russia-Ukraine War Russia-Ukraine War Russia-Ukraine War The mine, near the frontline city of Pokrovsk, produced coking coal crucial for Ukraine’s steel industry. It kept running until the very last moment, when Russian forces finally reached its gates. By Constant Méheut and Daria Mitiuk Photographs by Finbarr O’Reilly The reporters visited the mine this summer and…
Suspected outbreak of deadly Marburg virus disease kills eight in Tanzania
Healthcare workers among suspected cases of Ebola-like disease as WHO issues warning of high risk to the country and its neighbours A suspected outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD) in Tanzania has killed eight people and poses a high risk to the country and its neighbours, global health leaders have said. The World Health Organization…
Sally Struthers Says “Passive Aggressive” Betty White Fat Shamed Her
Gilmore Girls actress Sally Struthers recalled a bad interaction she had with Betty White, saying the Golden Girls alum fat shamed her in a room full of people. Sally Struthers is not keeping it all in the family when it comes to Betty White. The Gilmore Girls alum revealed her true feelings about the Golden Girls actress, who died in 2021 at…
Gaza ceasefire deal to take effect on 19 January, Qatar says
Israel and Hamas have agreed a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal following 15 months of war, mediators Qatar and the US say. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani said the agreement would come into effect on Sunday so long as it was approved by the Israeli cabinet. US President Joe…
Does Fact-Checking Work on Social Media?
Does Fact-Checking Work? Here’s What the Science Says Communication and misinformation researchers reveal the value of fact-checking, where perceived biases come from and what Meta’s decision could mean By David Adam & Nature magazine Meta plans to scrap its third-party fact-checking programme in favour of X-like ‘community notes’. It is said that a lie can…
Timothée Chalamet, Selena Gomez and More Score 2025 BAFTA Nominations
Conclave, Emilia Pérez and The Brutalist led the list of 2025 BAFTA nominations, which also included nods for Timothée Chalamet, Selena Gomez, Ariana Grande and Hugh Grant. The 2025 BAFTA nominations are here, giving Hollywood something to celebrate amid the devastating fires in Los Angeles. Actors Will Sharpe and Mia McKenna-Bruce announced the list of nominees for the…
The secret to doing hard things and getting stuff done
By Marielle Segarra , Clare Marie Schneider Over the last year, NPR graphics reporter Daniel Wood — a busy dad of three — says he’s been able to maintain “a workout cadence I’ve never, ever had before.” The secret to his good exercise regime? He has an accountability group. “Through a combination of good encouragement…
UK stalls Chagos Islands deal until Trump administration can ‘consider detail’
Future of Diego Garcia military base should be considered before handover to Mauritius signed off, No 10 says The UK government will not sign off a deal to hand back the Chagos Islands to Mauritius until Donald Trump’s administration has had a chance to consider the future of the joint military base, Downing Street has…
Landmark debt swap to protect Indonesia’s coral reefs
Editor’s note: Conservation International announced on Jan. 15, 2025, that the debt-for-nature swap between the United States, Indonesia and several non-governmental organizations has officially been finalized. This means that US$ 35 million will begin to flow toward the protection and restoration of Indonesia’s highest-priority coral reef ecosystems, including Raja Ampat, where Conservation International has worked…
Visas for Guest Workers Can Spur High Technology and U.S. Jobs
Opinion Two Simple Reforms Can Make H-1B Visas Great Again Although warring MAGA factions seem locked in a foreign worker battle with no middle ground, two straightforward changes would provide global talent while minimizing domestic job losses By Hal Salzman edited by Dan Vergano Just in time for the holidays, an internecine fight about what…
Many Syrians Want Justice for Regime Crimes. Others Want Revenge.
Syria’s Civil War Syria’s Civil War Syria’s Civil War The new interim Syrian government says it will hunt down and punish senior security officials and others, but concern is growing about attacks on former low-level members of the Assad regime’s forces. By Raja Abdulrahim Photographs by Ivor Prickett Reporting from Idlib, Taftanaz and Aleppo, Syria…
Surprise fall in inflation boosts interest rate cut hopes
UK inflation unexpectedly dipped in December, raising expectations of an interest rate cut next month. Prices rose 2.5% in the year to December, down from 2.6% the month before, marking the first fall in inflation for three months. The drop was driven by hotel prices falling and smaller rises in airfares than usual, but prices…
Halt illegal imports of conflict minerals from DRC, campaigners urge EU
Law to stop armed groups profiting from trade in gold, tin, tungsten and tantalum is being breached, rights groups say The European Union has been urged to clamp down on illegal imports of conflict minerals from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) after evidence was found that current regulations had been breached. The advocacy…
Biden to remove Cuba from list of state sponsors of terrorism
Deal negotiated through Catholic church will involve ‘gradual’ release of 553 political prisoners, says Havana The Biden administration has notified Congress that it will remove Cuba from its list of state sponsors of terrorism in a deal the country’s communist government said would involve the “gradual” release of 553 political prisoners. The deal, which administration…
Venn Diagrams’ History and Popularity Outside of Math Explained
Opinion The Curious History of Venn Diagrams By Jack Murtagh edited by Jeanna Bryner In his book The Mathematical Universe, mathematician William Dunham wrote of John Venn’s namesake legacy, the Venn diagram, “No one in the long history of mathematics ever became better known for less.” While Venn diagrams may not have solved any long-standing…
South Korean law enforcement officers detain impeached President Yoon
By The Associated Press SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korean law enforcement officials on Wednesday detained impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol over his brief imposition of martial law last month. In a video message recorded before he was escorted to the headquarters of an anti-corruption agency, Yoon lamented that the “rule of law has…
The British Public Dislikes Elon Musk. He Can Still Sway Politics.
His influence is partly the result of a very online political establishment, and partly thanks to a right-leaning media that is hostile to Keir Starmer’s Labour government. By Mark Landler Reporting from London He is a deeply unpopular figure in Britain, according to opinion polls, and his social media channel has lost users in the…
Julia Stiles Details Bond With Heath Ledger 26 Years Later
Julia Stiles exclusively told E! News what it was like working with the late Heath Ledger while filming 10 Things I Hate About You, saying he was “such a bright light” on set of the 1998 teen comedy. Julia Stiles is sharing 10 things she loves about the late Heath Ledger. The Save the Last Dance…
Chris Mason: Political heat map flashes red over Treasury
If you were to produce a political heat map of the government right now, there is one big bit that would be bright red, and probably flashing: the Treasury. Firstly, there have been all of the headlines about the now former Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Tulip Siddiq. For all of the complexities and subtleties…
50,000 Scientists Urge Congress to Protect Research from Trump
50,000 Scientists Urge Congress to Protect Research from Trump Two open letters from scientists and science advocacy groups reflect a growing anxiety about the future of federal science under President-elect Trump By Chelsea Harvey & E&E News President-elect Donald Trump is greeted by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on stage during a campaign event at Desert…
The FDA calls for at-a-glance nutrition labels on the front of packaged foods
Maria Godoy The Food and Drug Administration wants to change how packaged food is sold in the U.S. In the waning days of the Biden administration, the agency has proposed requiring a new label on the front of most packaged food and drinks aimed at helping Americans make healthier food choices. The proposed labels would…
News spotlight: A quarter of freshwater species face extinction, study finds
A new study is ringing alarm bells for freshwater species, finding nearly a quarter are at risk of extinction. The study, from researchers at the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), named dams, farms, invasive species and pollution as responsible for the decline, Julia Jacobo reported for ABC News. The findings are “alarming,”…
Canada’s provincial leaders in disarray over response to Trump tariff threats
Responses range from conciliation to retaliation, including cutting off electricity and halting the purchase of US liquor Canada’s provincial premiers are sharply divided on how to prepare for US trade tariffs, less than a week before Donald Trump takes office with a threat to dramatically reshape the relationship between the two countries. Canadian officials have…
South Korean Investigators Try Again to Detain President Yoon at His Residence
South Korea Turmoil South Korea Turmoil South Korea Turmoil More forces are expected to join the operation to take Yoon Suk Yeol in for questioning after the last attempt was foiled by his large security team. By Choe Sang-Hun and Victoria Kim Choe Sang-Hun reported from Seoul. Criminal investigators armed with a court-issued warrant began a second, much-anticipated…
Tulip Siddiq resigns as Treasury minister
Treasury minister Tulip Siddiq has resigned after growing pressure over an anti-corruption investigation in Bangladesh. She had referred herself to the prime minister’s standards adviser, Sir Laurie Magnus, after questions about links to her aunt, who was ousted last year as Bangladesh’s prime minister. Sir Laurie said he had “not identified evidence of improprieties” but…
Ellen DeGeneres Debuts Gray Hair Transformation After Return From U.K.
Ellen DeGeneres stepped out in Los Angeles without her signature blonde pixie cut months after her reported move to the United Kingdom with wife Portia de Rossi. Ellen DeGeneres is back on her old stomping grounds. Two months after making headlines with her and wife Portia de Rossi‘s reported move to England, the former talk…
After Los Angeles Fires, Drinking Water Safety Is at Risk
Wildfires May Be Contaminating Los Angeles Water with Harmful Chemicals Fires can make drinking water, pipes and tanks unsafe. An environmental engineer explains why that’s so and what to do By Andrew J. Whelton & The Conversation US Water runs from a pipe where a home once stood, destroyed by the Palisades Fire, on January…
Reeves vows action on growth amid rising debt costs
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has pledged to go “further and faster” to improve economic growth after market turbulence saw the cost of servicing UK debt rise. The last few days have seen pressures on the public finances increase, after government borrowing costs hit their highest level for several years. Conservative shadow chancellor Mel Stride called it…
Bodies recovered from illegal goldmine in South Africa where many feared dead
Fifteen bodies brought to surface amid claims 109 are dead and between 400 and 800 people still alive and trapped Fifteen bodies have been brought out of an illegal goldmine in South Africa and 44 people have been taken out alive since Monday, after police blocked supplies of food, water and medicine to the workers…
Israel and Hamas Near Agreement on Cease-Fire Deal, Qatar Says
Middle East Crisis Middle East Crisis Middle East Crisis The negotiations, mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the United States, appear to be making progress after months of failed attempts to achieve a breakthrough. By Adam RasgonAaron BoxermanIsabel Kershner and Ismaeel Naar Israel and Hamas appeared close to an agreement to declare a cease-fire in Gaza…
Special counsel defends Trump indictment in report. And, Israel-Hamas ceasefire nears
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. The Department of Justice released today its election interference report against President-elect Donald Trump. Although special counsel Jack Smith won’t record a criminal conviction against Trump, the report asserts…
Christina Haack’s Ex Josh Hall Goes IG Official With New Girlfriend
Amid his ongoing divorce with Flip Off costar Christina Haack, Josh Hall made his new relationship with model Stephanie Gabrys Instagram official. Josh Hall officially hard-launched his new relationship. Amid his ongoing divorce with ex Christina Haack, the 44-year-old made his new romance with girlfriend Stephanie Gabrys Instagram official with a short birthday tribute.…
Los Angeles Firefighters Risk Cancer from Urban Smoke
Los Angeles Firefighters Risk Cancer from Urban Smoke Wildfires are storming into urban areas more frequently, and toxins in homes and cars are increasing cancer risk for firefighters By Ariel Wittenberg & E&E News A firefighter battles a house fire along PCH as the Palisades Fire burns in Malibu Wednesday. CLIMATEWIRE | Firefighter Matt Alba…
A tortoise survival tale: How Tiptoe escaped Southern California’s wildfires
Alina Hartounian This is a developing story. For the latest local updates head to LAist.com and sign up for breaking news alerts. Dark gray smoke puffed into the sky behind him as Tiptoe the African sulcata tortoise crunched on the green lawn beneath him. Flames were visible down the street, cars sped past, and Tiptoe’s owner, Caitlin Doran,…
A New Age of American Interference in Europe
Elon Musk and MAGA are already disrupting the status quo, and Europe seems ill-prepared. By Katrin Bennhold For the last decade or more, Europe’s governments have been trying to resist covert influence operations from adversaries like Russia and China. Now they have a very different challenge: Fending off overt efforts by Elon Musk and Donald…
Jessica Simpson & Eric Johnson’s Sweetest Family Moments Before Split
Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson have broken up after 10 years of marriage, but in that time, they shared a lifetime of memories. Here is a roundup of the former couple’s sweetest family moments. Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson‘s life together had a little bit of everything. Yet after months of speculation, Jessica confirmed…
Trapped in the dark for 35 hours – Red Sea dive-boat survivors tell of terrifying escapes
“By the end, I was just wondering how I would prefer to die.” Spending 35 hours trapped in a pitch-black air pocket in the upturned hull of a boat has taken its toll on Lucianna Galetta, her voice cracking as she recounts her ordeal. A video she managed to film briefly using the light on…
Man in Brazil wrongly charged for 62 crimes after police use flawed photo ID
Police relied on showing photo of Paulo Alberto da Silva Costa, wrongly jailed for years, to victims to identify him as an alleged perpetrator Paulo Alberto da Silva Costa was having a regular day at work as a doorman in Rio de Janeiro when he was arrested in 2020. It was only then that he…
Djimon Hounsou Says He’s “Struggling” With Money Despite Long Career
Gladiator actor Djimon Hounsou said he’s”struggling financially to make a living” despite having been nominated for two Oscars: “I’m definitely underpaid.” Djimon Hounsou is getting candid about his finances as a working actor. “I’ve been in this business and making films now over two decades,” he told CNN‘s Larry Madowo in a recent interview. “And…
Why Urban Wildfires like L.A.’s Release Such Toxic Smoke
What Makes Urban Wildfire Smoke So Toxic Wildfires burning in cities unleash a toxic, unpredictable combination of compounds into the air By Allison Parshall edited by Dean Visser Smoke over destroyed homes in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, US, on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. Firefighters are making some progress on controlling…
LA braces for stronger winds as fires continue to burn
Los Angeles residents are bracing for further destruction as weather forecasts indicate that winds helping fuel the flames might pick up again. Three fires continue to blaze. The largest, the Palisades Fire, has burned more than 23,000 acres and remained at 14% contained as of Monday evening. LA Mayor Karen Bass said “urgent preparations” are…
South Africa launches operation at illegal gold mine amid fears many dead
Phone video shared by mining NGO appears to show dozens of wrapped bodies in underground tunnel The South African government has launched a mission to bring to the surface potentially hundreds of people in an illegal mine who last year had supplies of food, water and medicine blocked by police in an attempt to force…
Russia and Ukraine Battle Inside Kursk, With Waves of Tanks, Drones and North Koreans
Russia-Ukraine War Russia-Ukraine War Russia-Ukraine War Ukrainian soldiers are describing fierce clashes as Russian forces try to retake territory in the Kursk region that could be key in eventual cease-fire talks. A destroyed Ukrainian tank on Thursday a few miles from the border with Russia’s Kursk region. By Marc Santora and Liubov Sholudko Photographs by…
Special counsel in Hunter Biden case denounces president for criticism of the probe
By NPR Washington Desk The Department of Justice on Monday released special counsel David Weiss’ final report after his investigation of criminal allegations against President Biden’s son Hunter Biden. Biden last month signed a full and unconditional pardon for his son, after earlier promising not to do so, saying “raw politics has infected this process…
Gaza ceasefire deal being finalised, Palestinian official tells BBC
The terms of a deal between Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages are being finalised, a Palestinian official familiar with the negotiations has told the BBC. It comes as US President Joe Biden said a deal was “on the brink” of coming to fruition, and that his administration…
Destructive Los Angeles Fires Explained in Photos
Photos Show Why Los Angeles Fires Were the Worst in City’s History The ferocity and scale of the fires that tore through the Los Angeles area become clearer in photographs By Andrea Thompson & Amanda Stosz A home on Mariposa Street in Altadena, Calif., goes up in flames during the Eaton Fire on January 8.…
Starmer has ‘full confidence’ in Reeves as pound falls
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said he has “full confidence” in Chancellor Rachel Reeves as she faces criticism over the falling pound and rising government borrowing costs. The pound fell to $1.21 on Monday, its lowest level since November 2023, while one measure of the rate at which the government can borrow money hit…