How Many Rogue Planets Are in the Milky Way?
The UniverseFridays How Many Rogue Planets Roam the Milky Way? According to new simulations, many, even most, planets get ejected from their star early in their history By Phil Plait edited by Lee Billings An artist’s impression of a rogue planet in the depths of interstellar space. Stay connected to The Universe: Get email alerts […]
When Was the First Exoplanet Discovered?
The UniverseFridays When Was the First Exoplanet Discovered? Evidence of alien worlds goes back farther than you think By Phil Plait edited by Lee Billings This artist’s concept shows an exoplanet and debris disk orbiting a polluted white dwarf. Stay connected to The Universe: Get email alerts for this weekly column by Phil Plait For […]
As Starlink and Other Satellites Proliferate, Astronomers Learn to Manage Interference
In a Sky Full of Satellites, Astronomers Find Creative Ways to Observe the Stars Swarms of satellites launched by SpaceX and other companies are disrupting astronomical observations. Here’s how scientists are coping By Alexandra Witze & Nature magazine Satellite streaks appear in a photograph taken above the Pinnacles in Nambung National Park, Western Australia. In […]
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,” […]
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 […]
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt reach divorce deal
Hollywood stars Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have reached a divorce settlement following an eight-year legal battle, according to her lawyer. The couple, who married in 2014 and have six children, were among the most high-profile pairs in the entertainment industry and dubbed ‘Brangelina’ by the press. Jolie filed for divorce in 2016, citing “irreconcilable…
Serbian court jails parents of teenager who killed 10 in school attack
Trial conducted solely against teenager’s parents as their son could not be criminally prosecuted due to his age A Belgrade court has jailed the parents of a 13-year-old boy after he shot dead nine students and a security guard at an elementary school in Serbia’s capital last year. The killings, on 3 May 2023, deeply…
Summer House’s Paige DeSorbo Shares What Led to Craig Conover Split
Summer House star Paige DeSorbo detailed what led to her and Southern Charm star Craig Conover breaking up after three years of dating—and where they stand now. Paige DeSorbo and Craig Conover are entering a season of change. The Summer House star recently confirmed she and the Southern Charm star have broken up after three…
Why 2025 promises plenty of political fireworks
Politics in 2025 will be dominated by a single controlling thought: do things start feeling any better? The answer to that will drive much else in the political conversation: the fortunes, mood and demeanour of the government, the revival or otherwise of the Conservatives and the prominence or otherwise of everyone else. 2024 was a…
Kristin Cavallari Shares Rare Pic of 9-Year-Old Daughter Saylor’s Face
Kristin Cavallari, who shares three kids with ex-husband Jay Cutler, posted a rare photo of their 9-year-old daughter Saylor, revealing the striking similarities between mom and daughter. Kristin Cavallari has a clone—and no, this is not a conspiracy theory. The Laguna Beach alum shared a rare photo of her 9-year-old daughter Saylor, whom she shares…
Treasury says Chinese hackers remotely accessed documents in ‘major’ cyber incident
By The Associated Press WASHINGTON — Chinese hackers remotely accessed several U.S. Treasury Department workstations and unclassified documents after compromising a third-party software service provider, the agency said Monday. The department did not provide details on how many workstations had been accessed or what sort of documents the hackers may have obtained, but it said…
Man arrested after alleged bungled Sydney gangland ambush led to chase and shots fired at police car
Police rushed to Edensor Park after two armed men were seen trying to break into a home alleged to have gang-related affiliations A man has been arrested after an alleged bungled gangland shooting resulted in a high-speed chase through south-west Sydney. Police had attended a home in Edensor Park about 1.30am on Tuesday after two…
The Papers: ‘Arise Sir Gareth’ and ‘justice for our Liam’
There’s praise for Gareth Southgate’s knighthood across the front pages, accompanied by a number of different pictures of him while he was leading England’s men’s footballers. “Arise Sir Gareth,” declare the Daily Express and the Daily Star. “Southgate scores in new year honours,” says the Times. According to the Daily Mirror, he “lifted a nation…
Rebel Wilson and Ramona Agruma Are Now Legally Married
Three months after Rebel Wilson and Ramona Agruma’s wedding ceremony in Italy, the couple legally tied the knot in second celebration in Sydney, Australia surrounded by family. Rebel Wilson and Ramona Agruma‘s marriage is aca-official. Three months after have a wedding ceremony in Italy, the Pitch Perfect star and fashion designer legally tied the knot…
South Korea to inspect Boeing aircraft as it struggles to find cause of plane crash
By The Associated Press SEOUL, South Korea — South Korean officials said Monday they will conduct safety inspections of all Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by the country’s airlines, as they struggle to determine what caused a plane crash that killed 179 people a day earlier. Sunday’s crash, the country’s worst aviation disaster in decades, triggered…
Can flood of cheap new EVs coming to Europe save its carmakers?
Analysts argue 2024 is minor blip and that lobbying for relaxation of rules could harm industry in long term Affordable new electric family cars – particularly those that are EU-made – have been tough to come by in Europe for the past few years. There were no launches of homegrown electric models for less than…
Sophie Ellis-Bextor: Saltburn led to 110 gigs in 2024
In 2024 Sophie Ellis-Bextor played more shows than she ever has before – 110. To put this into context, Taylor Swift’s total for the year (albeit on a bigger scale) was 83. The singer is clear as to the reason – the film Saltburn. Or more specifically, the scene in Emerald Fennell’s black comedy about…
Detectado un caso de encefalitis japonesa en Victoria genera advertencia de riesgo “alto” para las próximas semanas
People living near the Murray River or adjacent regions urged to take extra precautions to avoid disease transmitted by mosquitoes A potentially deadly mosquito-borne virus has been found in a person in regional Victoria, the first case in Australia since 2022. Japanese encephalitis, a flavivirus related to dengue and yellow fever, was detected in a…
Parents of women killed by ex-boyfriends receive honours
Two women whose daughters were murdered by their ex-partners have said a “bereaved mother is not to be messed with” after receiving honours for their campaign to strengthen domestic violence laws. Carole Gould and Julie Devey co-founded the group Killed Women after their daughters – Ellie Gould, 17, and Poppy Devey Waterhouse, 24 – were…
Dora Moono Nyambe, TikToker and Humanitarian, Dead at 32
Dora Moono Nyambe, who rose to fame on TikTok and even captured the attention of Mr. Beast with her humanitarian efforts in Zambia, has died at 32. Read on to see the tributes that have poured in. The humanitarian community is mourning a devastating loss. Zambian teacher Dora Moono Nyambe, who rose to fame using…
South Korea plane crash investigations intensify as questions raised over airport embankment
Families of the dead remain at Muan international airport to demand more information, as criticism of airport layout mounts The investigation into Sunday’s plane crash in South Korea, in which all but two of the 181 people aboard died, intensified on Tuesday as authorities came under pressure to explain how the jetliner lost control and…
Sadiq Khan and Emily Thornberry among politicians on honours list
Senior Labour MP Emily Thornberry and Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, are among a number of politicians named in the New Year Honours list. Thornberry said she was “both honoured and surprised” to have been made a dame. Khan said it was already the “honour of my life to serve the city I love”…
Today Cohosts Have Strong Opinions on Controversial Bedroom Habit
Today show cohosts Al Roker, Sheinelle Jones, Craig Melvin and Dylan Dreyer weighed in with their thoughts when it came to a bedroom practice. The Today show is ready to put this debate to bed. Well, sort of. ICYMI, a few of the morning show’s cohosts including Al Roker, Sheinelle Jones, Craig Melvin and Dylan…
Melbourne doctor formed cult before using god-like status to rape members’ children
Pradeep Dissanayake forced members to give him money and send hourly messages of praise before he sexually abused two girls, court of appeal says A Melbourne skin doctor established a Buddhist-Christian cult and used his “godlike status” to rape his followers’ children while forcing them to give him money and send hourly text messages of…
‘Miscarriage not dark secret to hide’ says Klass as she becomes MBE
Myleene Klass has been recognised in this year’s New Year Honours for services to women’s health, miscarriage awareness and to charity. Speaking to the BBC, the musician and TV presenter said she was “utterly shocked and surprised” to be made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). She added that she was…
How Hailey Bieber & Justin Bieber Celebrated First Christmas With Jack
Hailey Bieber shared a few festive photos of her Christmas celebrations after welcoming her first baby—son Jack, 4 months—with husband Justin Bieber. Justin Bieber doesn’t wanna miss out on this holiday. Indeed, the singer and wife Hailey Bieber appear to be enjoying a cozy holiday season while celebrating their first Christmas with son Jack Bieber,…
New Year 2025 weather: Australia’s east could get stormy as wider heatwave persists
Risk of east coast showers to continue on New Year’s Day, BoM says, while parts of NSW and Queensland set to stay dry and Victoria temperatures easing Some Australians will welcome the new year with showers and storms while others will continue sweltering through heatwave conditions. The risk of severe thunderstorms will continue for parts…
10 Years After Obama’s Opening to Cuba, Despair Replaces Hope
A decade since the United States and Cuba restored diplomatic relations — which many believed would transform the island — Cuba is in its worst crisis since Fidel Castro took power. A decade since the United States and Cuba restored diplomatic relations — which many believed would transform the island — Cuba is in its…
Nearly 2,300 applicants died waiting for a parent visa to Australia with processing times of up to 31 years
‘Providing an opportunity for people to apply for a visa that will probably never come seems both cruel and unnecessary’, review says Wait times for visas to bring parents to Australia are so long that nearly 2,300 applicants died before receiving a visa in the last three years, according to the home affairs department. The…
Reality TV Couples Check: Who’s Still Together & Who Broke Up in 2024
It’s time to bid farewell to 2024. While some reality stars, like Bravo’s Craig Conover and Paige DeSorbo, said goodbye to old romances this year, others said hello to new ones. Get the full report. Reality check: Relationships have ups and downs, and reality TV couples experienced several highs and lows this year. Take Bachelor…
Post Office campaigners vow to fight on as they get OBEs
Former sub-postmasters turned campaigners in the Post Office scandal have said they will fight on after being made OBEs in the New Year Honours list. Lee Castleton, Seema Misra, Chris Head and Jo Hamilton were honoured for services to justice. The group were thrust into the limelight after an ITV drama showed how hundreds of…
‘I pray to God he comes back’: sister concerned as search for missing hiker in Kosciuszko national park enters sixth day
Friends last saw missing man Hadi Nazari, 24, descending the Hannels Spur Trail on Thursday The search for a 24-year-old hiker missing in Kosciuszko national park since Boxing Day has entered its sixth day, with the man’s sister expressing fears about potential threats to his safety. Hadi Nazari, an experienced hiker whose birthday was on…
Migrants Arrested in Killing of Mexican Immigration Agent
Officials said the agent was attacked by a group of migrants at a checkpoint in the northern state of Chihuahua after asking to see their identification papers. At least two migrants were arrested. By Emiliano Rodríguez Mega and Annie Correal Reporting from Mexico City A federal immigration agent in Mexico was killed on Monday afternoon…
Sofia Richie Shares Parenting Hack for 7-Month-Old Daughter Eloise
Sofia Richie, who welcomed baby Eloise with husband Elliot Grainge in May, recently shared the entertaining parenting trick she discovered. Sofia Richie is saying hello to a stylish way of keeping her daughter Eloise occupied. The 26-year-old—who welcomed her first baby with husband Elliot Grainge earlier this year—recently joked about the entertainment hack she discovered for…
Female pop stars celebrate a record-breaking year in UK charts
From Taylor Swift to Charli XCX, women had a record-breaking year on the British charts, according to new figures from the British Phonographic Institute (BPI). Female pop artists topped the singles chart for an unprecedented 34 weeks – the highest ever figure. Twenty-one of those weeks belonged to Sabrina Carpenter, whose hit singles Espresso, Taste…
Liam Payne Death Investigation: 5 People Charged in Case of Fatal Fall
Two months after Liam Payne’s fatal fall in Argentina, five people have been charged in connection with his death—three being accused of negligent homicide and two being accused of drug supply. Several people are being held accountable for the death of Liam Payne. Two months after the One Direction alum suffered a fatal fall from the…
Blair was urged to delay work rights for eastern Europeans, files reveal
Senior ministers urged the then-Prime Minister Tony Blair to delay granting employment rights to eastern and central European workers when the EU expanded in 2004, newly-released files have revealed. In February that year, Foreign Secretary Jack Straw pointed out that Britain was alone amongst the bigger EU members in offering a “concession”. The concession meant…
‘Moving to the mountaintops’: rising seas displace tens of thousands in Papua New Guinea
Gulf province councillor says growing numbers are leaving, in what climate activist describes as a ‘humanitarian crisis’ Two years ago fisher Siri James lived on the southern coast of Papua New Guinea, in a small village near Pariva beach. But as the tides continued to rise, James was forced to move further in from the…
Israeli Military Forces Patients and Staff to Leave Hospital in Northern Gaza
Middle East Crisis The hospital, Kamal Adwan, has been caught in the middle of Israel’s monthslong offensive against Hamas militants in northern Gaza. By Adam Rasgon and Abu Bakr Bashir Reporting from Jerusalem The Israeli military forced patients and staff members to leave one of the last functioning hospitals in northern Gaza on Friday, leaving…
Could AI robots replace human astronauts in space?
On Christmas Eve, an autonomous spacecraft flew past the Sun, closer than any human-made object before it. Swooping through the atmosphere, Nasa’s Parker Solar Probe was on a mission to discover more about the Sun, including how it affects space weather at Earth. This was a landmark moment for humanity – but one without any…
Canadian Ministers Meet Trump Aides at Mar-a-Lago to Discuss Border, and Tariffs
Trump Transition President-elect Donald J. Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on Canadian exports unless the country stops the flow of migrants and fentanyl to the U.S. By Ian Austen and Lisa Friedman Ian Austen reported from Ottawa, and Lisa Friedman from West Palm Beach, Fla. Two top Canadian ministers met on Friday with members…
Shameless Star Cozies Up to Paris Hilton’s Brother Conrad in Xmas Pic
Shameless star Emma Kenney celebrated Christmas with Paris Hilton’s brother Conrad Hilton, igniting rumors of a romance between the two. Paris Hilton’s younger brother Conrad Hilton may have a new lady in his life. And not just any lady, as he fueled relationship rumors with Shameless alum Emma Kenney in a new photo taken over…
South Korean court issues arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol
The warrant was sought over Yoon’s controversial and short-lived decision to impose martial law early in December A South Korean court has approved an arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol, who has been impeached and suspended from power over his decision to impose martial law on 3 December, investigating authorities said. The Corruption Investigation…
New Year’s Eve fireworks 2024: the best places to watch NYE celebrations around Australia
Night skies will light up on New Year’s Eve to welcome in 2025. Here’s your guide to child-friendly shows plus what time and where to see the fireworks in Sydney, Melbourne and across the country Night skies across Australia will light up on New Year’s Eve to herald the beginning of 2025. Whether you are…
Laura Kenny: Can elite sport damage women’s fertility?
Olympic gold-medallist Dame Laura Kenny is Britain’s most successful female athlete. She has two young boys but also had a miscarriage and an ectopic pregnancy, and has always wondered if the physical toll of elite sport had damaged her fertility. The BBC News Health team has investigated. Dame Laura, 32, gave her body to cycling…
Geoffrey Owens Sparks Debate for Donating Nicki Minaj’s $25K “Handout”
After Geoffrey Owens shared he was having financial struggles, the Cosby Show alum raised eyebrows by revealing he donated a $25,000 “handout” that he recieved from Nicki Minaj to charity. Geoffrey Owens‘ response to a star’s generous offering is raising eyebrows. After he admitted to experiencing financial hardships back in 2018, the Cosby Show alum—who…
Monday Briefing
Jimmy Carter dies at 100. By Natasha Frost Jimmy Carter, who from 1977 to 1981 served as the 39th president of the U.S., died yesterday at his home in Plains, Ga. At 100, he was the longest-living president in American history. Here’s our obituary. Carter was a lifelong farmer who worked with his hands building…
Russia and Ukraine swap at least 300 prisoners in exchange deal
Some of the freed Ukrainians had been held since war’s early days, while Russians were captured in Ukraine’s Kursk offensive Russia and Ukraine have carried out a major prisoner exchange, with at least 150 people from each side returning home before New Year’s Eve, in a swap partly brokered by the United Arab Emirates. “The…
Who’s dropped in on No 10? Visitors’ books made public for first time
Visitors’ books from Downing Street signed by some of the most famous figures in recent history have been made public for the first time. World leaders and members of the Royal Family are among the names in the three red leather, gilt-tooled volumes being released by the National Archives, spanning 1970 to 2003. The names…
Cute Workout Clothes for Crushing Your 2025 Fitness Goals
From supportive sports bras to compression leggings, these cute workout clothes will actually make you want to hit the gym. The products featured in this article are from brands available in NBCUniversal Checkout. E! makes a commission on purchases. Like everyone else, you’ve probably made a list of all the New Year’s resolutions you want to…
South Korea Clears Way to Detain President in Martial Law Inquiry
The police are investigating whether President Yoon Suk Yeol tried to lead an insurrection when he declared martial law and plunged the country into crisis. By Qasim Nauman and Choe Sang-Hun Reporting from Seoul A court in South Korea cleared the way for the police to detain President Yoon Suk Yeol for questioning on Tuesday,…
Welsh Ambulance Service declares critical incident
The Welsh Ambulance Service has declared a critical incident because of increased demand across the 999 service and extensive hospital handover delays. It said more than 340 calls were waiting to be answered across Wales at the time the critical incident was declared on Monday evening. In addition, more than half of the trust’s ambulance…
Live Aid campaigner Bob Geldof was ‘scathing about African leaders’, files reveal
Singer urged Tony Blair not to appoint African co-chair to commission on aid, UK government papers show The Live Aid campaigner Bob Geldof urged Tony Blair not to appoint an African co-chair to the UK-led organisation working to overhaul international aid to the continent because he thought African leadership was “very weak” on the issue,…
Craig Conover Shared Plans to Marry Paige DeSorbo Weeks Before Breakup
Three weeks before Paige DeSorbo revealed her breakup with Craig Conover, the Southern Charm star shared that marriage and kids were likely in their future, saying, “We’re playing the long game.” It looks like Craig Conover‘s relationship didn’t turn out exactly how he planned. Three weeks before Paige DeSorbo revealed she and the Southern Charm…
Jimmy Carter will have funeral services in Plains, Ga., Atlanta and Washington, D.C.
Stephen Fowler ATLANTA — Funeral services for former president Jimmy Carter have been released, spanning six days, three cities and multiple stops at places that held significance during his life. Carter died Sunday at the age of 100. In a release from the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region, the group tasked with coordinating state funerals,…
Littler survives scare to reach Worlds quarter-finals
Fourth seed Luke Littler is highest-seeded player left in his side of the draw Teenager Luke Littler survived a massive scare but beat Ryan Joyce 4-3 to reach the quarter-finals of the PDC World Darts Championship. The 17-year-old was again, as has been the case throughout the tournament, far from his best, particularly on doubles,…
Kate Beckinsale Says She Was Forced Into Photo Shoot After Miscarriage
Kate Beckinsale detailed some of the alleged mistreatment she faced in Hollywood, including a demand to pose for a photo shoot the day after a miscarriage. Kate Beckinsale is getting candid on some of her harder moments in Hollywood. In the wake of Blake Lively‘s legal complaint against her It Ends With Us costar Justin…
Labour government discussed Tanzania asylum camp plan in 2004, files show
Newly released files show proposals to divert £2m – earmarked to prevent conflict in Africa – to fund scheme Tony Blair’s government discussed diverting £2m earmarked to prevent conflict in Africa in order to fund a controversial pilot scheme to process and house asylum-seekers in Tanzania, newly released government files show. Under the scheme, Britain…
China Hacked Treasury Dept. in ‘Major’ Breach, U.S. Says
By Ana Swanson Reporting from Washington The announcement comes after revelations in recent months that China had penetrated deep into U.S. telecommunications systems, gaining access to the phone conversations and text messages of U.S. officials and others. In a letter informing lawmakers of the episode, the Treasury Department said that it had been notified on…
Auroras May Light Up New Year’s Sky after Solar Outbursts
Auroras May Light Up New Year’s Sky after Solar Outbursts Will still more auroras ring out 2024, a year marked by the celestial displays? By Meghan Bartels edited by Lee Billings The northern lights seen over Lindisfarne Castle in England on October 10, 2024. The sun is bidding farewell to 2024 with a bang—or rather…
In Jimmy Carter’s hometown of Plains, people remember the former president
By Grant Blankenship PLAINS, Ga. — By late Monday morning, flags were at half-staff in this small downtown and the decorations were coming down—early. “This next week was gonna be our packing up Christmas,” said Jillian Williams, a fixture of the business community in this strip of shops by the railroad tracks where holly boughs…
Kristin Cavallari Sets Record Straight on Kardashian-Jenner Beef
Kristin Cavallari clarified whether she has beef with the Kardashian-Jenners after calling out Scott Disick for allegedly ending her friendship with Kourtney Kardashian. Kristin Cavallari is sharing her side of the story. After blaming Scott Disick for her alleged falling out with Kourtney Kardashian, Kristin set the record straight on their dynamic, saying she doesn’t “really…
Trinidad and Tobago Declares State of Emergency Over Rising Crime
To curb gang killings and a rise in homicides, the measure empowers the military to make arrests and allows the authorities to enter suspects’ homes without warrants and deny them bail. By Frances Robles and Prior Beharry Prior Beharry reported from Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. The government of Trinidad and Tobago, facing an…
US Treasury says it was hacked by China in ‘major incident’
The breach occurred in early December and was made public in a letter penned by the Treasury Department to lawmakers notifying them of the incident. The US agency characterised the breach as a “major incident”, and said it had been working with the FBI and other agencies to investigate the impact. A spokesman for the…
Olaf Scholz: German election ‘will not be decided by social media owners’
Chancellor’s New Year’s Eve address follows Elon Musk’s endorsement of German far-right party AfD on X The German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, has urged voters not to let the “owners of social media channels” decide next year’s snap election, after Elon Musk repeatedly endorsed the far-right party Alternative für Deutschland (AfD). In a New Year’s Eve…