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 […]
Abbie Stockard, Girlfriend of NBA’s Walker Kessler, Wins Miss America
Alabama nursing student Abbie Stockard, whose boyfriend is Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler, was crowned the 97th Miss America after competing against 51 other hopefuls Jan. 5. A new Miss America has been crowned. Alabama native Abbie Stockard—who is dating Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler—claimed the title at the 2025 edition of the annual beauty…
Justin Trudeau’s reluctant departure will leave his Liberal party in freefall
His protracted refusal to quit as PM could even result in the demise of Canada’s ‘natural governing party’ Justin Trudeau’s decision to resign as prime minister has jolted his ailing Liberal party, kicking off a leadership race that could determine the future – or the demise – of Canada’s “natural governing party”. On a frigid…
Snow and ice warnings remain after floods hit UK
Yellow warnings for snow and ice remain in place after severe flooding and snow caused travel disruption and school closures across the UK. On Monday, major incidents were declared in Lincolnshire and Leicestershire after flooding caused by heavy rains, with hundreds of flood warnings still in place across England. North Yorkshire Police said the body…
Will Smith Cryptically Teases New Matrix Project
Will Smith teased a new project as he referenced his decision to turn down the role of Neo in The Matrix, leading fans to speculate that the venture might be related to the sci-fi franchise. Will Smith may be entering The Matrix. At least, that’s what the Oscar winner hinted at in a mysterious video…
What We Know About HMPV, the Virus Spreading in China
Global Health While cases are climbing in China, the situation is very different from what it was when Covid-19 emerged five years ago, medical experts say. HMPV is common and decades old. By Stephanie Nolen Stephanie Nolen covers global health. Reports of a surge in cases of a respiratory virus in China have evoked dark…
Biden arrives in New Orleans to console families of victims: ‘You got to hang on’
President flew into city where US army veteran drove truck into crowd, killing 14 and injuring 30 others Joe Biden arrived in New Orleans late on Monday afternoon with a message to the grieving families of victims in the deadly new year’s attack during celebrations in the city’s famed French Quarter: “It takes time. You…
Hoda Kotb Reveals New Business Venture After Leaving Today
Today coanchor Hoda Kotb, who announced her departure from the news program in September, shared details of her next chapter during her Jan. 6 appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show. It’s almost time to say “good morning” to Hoda Kotb for the last time. Ahead of her final Today appearance on Jan. 10, the coanchor—who…
Rudy Giuliani is held in contempt of court in $148 million defamation case
By The Associated Press NEW YORK — Rudy Giuliani was found in contempt of court Monday for failing to properly respond to requests for information as he turned over assets to satisfy a $148 million defamation judgment granted to two Georgia election workers. Judge Lewis J. Liman ruled after hearing Giuliani testify for a second…
How Myles Smith wrote 2024’s biggest British hit
Rising pop star Myles Smith can still remember the first time he felt famous. “This might sound trivial,” says the singer, “but I was playing a concert where I asked the audience, ‘Does anyone have cookies?’ “And within about 10 minutes, the whole dressing room was full of cookies. “It was the best thing ever.”…
Southern California warned of ‘life-threatening, destructive’ windstorm
Officials warn of fire risks and potential outages as gusts could reach 80mph in Los Angeles county and Ventura Southern California could experience a “life-threatening, destructive” windstorm this week, with forecasters warning of major fire risks unusual for January and potential power outages. The gusts are expected to intensify on Tuesday into Wednesday, potentially reaching…
Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster Confirm They’re Dating
Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster, who costarred on Broadway’s The Music Man in 2022, confirmed their romance after their respective splits from spouses Deborra-Lee Furness and Ted Griffin. The curtain is going up on a new romance. Sutton Foster and Hugh Jackman, whose chemistry in Broadway’s The Music Man captivated fans, confirmed their relationship months after romance…
North Korea says new hypersonic missile will ‘contain’ rivals
North Korea has claimed it fired a new intermediate-range ballistic missile tipped with a hypersonic warhead which “will reliably contain any rivals in the Pacific region”. The launch on Monday – Pyongyang’s first in two months – came as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was in Seoul for talks with some of South Korea’s…
‘Extensive’ inquiry after police shoot and kill man in Adelaide during mental health incident
South Australian police commissioner says officers allegedly threatened by man at Craigburn Farm took ‘action necessary to protect themselves’ Police have shot and killed a 40-year-old man in Adelaide after they said he confronted officers with a knife during a mental health episode. South Australian police shot the man at his home in the suburb…
Record year for wind power in 2024
Wind provided more electricity than ever last year as the UK moved further away from planet-warming fossil fuels to power the nation, new data shows. Wind generated nearly 83 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity across Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland), up from nearly 79TWh in 2023, show figures from the National Energy System Operator (Neso),…
Kylie Jenner Shares Pics After Golden Globes With Timothée Chalamet
Kylie Jenner, who attended the 2025 Golden Globes Jan. 5 with boyfriend Timothée Chalamet, shared behind-the-scenes pictures from the “cuuutest night” in a new Instagram post. Kylie Jenner is making her date night with boyfriend Timothée Chalamet a little more known. The Kardashians star gave a peek into her night at the Golden Globes, where…
One of two brothers accused of murdering Chloe Mason in Caboolture was defending home and family, lawyer says
Solicitor claims Kaine Thomson-Gleeson was acting in self-defence when 23-year-old was fatally shot A solicitor for one of two brothers accused of shooting dead a woman after chasing her down a residential street has claimed his client acted in response to an armed threat. Codye Ian Thomson, 29, of Marsden and Kaine Raymond Thomson-Gleeson, 32,…
Nikki Garcia Walks First Red Carpet Since Artem Chigvintsev Breakup
Nikki Garcia made her first public appearance since her split from ex-husband Artem Chigvintsev, walking the red carpet at the premiere of Netflix’s WWE Monday Night Raw in Los Angeles. Nikki Garcia is re-entering the ring. Less than two months after she settled her divorce and mutually dropped her dual restraining order with ex-husband Artem Chigvintsev, the…
December sales provide little cheer for retailers
Shoppers spent more in December compared with the year before but it wasn’t enough to make up for an overall lacklustre year for retailers, new figures suggest. Doing particularly well over Christmas were gifts including beauty advent calendars, jewellery and AI-enabled tech, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) said. December’s growth of 3.2% was boosted by…
‘Everyone owns the beach’: Australian PM throws shade in cabana debate
Anthony Albanese says beachgoers using shade structures to reserve patch of sand are going against Australia’s spirit of equality The Australian prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has weighed in on a drama unfolding on the country’s beaches, declaring that beachgoers who use portable cabanas to claim a patch of sand are going against the nation’s spirit…
Child mental health crisis: Better resilience is the solution, say experts
She has seen a surge in schoolchildren struggling. “It really impacts pupils at secondary school, but some are as young as seven,” she explains. “We’re seeing children with depression, anxiety and stress – and that’s leading to panic attacks, self-harm and eating disorders. They’re not making it to school or are so anxious they cannot…
Adam Brody Reveals Bathroom Secret That Helps Leighton Meester Romance
Adam Brody admitted that having separate bathrooms might be the secret to his decade-long marriage with Leighton Meester, joking that “it’s nice.” Adam Brody and Leighton Meester are flush with ideas for a successful relationship. The Nobody Wants This star shared what he thinks has helped his 10-year long marriage to the Gossip Girl alum: using different bathrooms. “We have de facto separate…
Rural internet deserts in England and Wales to finally get fast broadband
Government announces new contracts to install gigabit level fibre coverage for 131,000 households and businesses The last corners of England and Wales yet to be covered by a £5bn push to widen fast broadband could finally get access to rapid downloads, streaming and video calls after the government announced £289m in new taxpayer-funded contracts enabling…
Justin Bieber Shares How Baby Jack Is Following in His Footsteps
Justin Bieber and Hailey Bieber’s son, Jack Blues Bieber, is already primed for hockey fandom as the 4-month-old received an autographed jersey from Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews. Justin Bieber’s only intention? Passing on his love of hockey. The “What Do You Mean?” singer is making sure his 4-month-old son, Jack Blues Bieber—whom he…
Labour to make taking intimate images without consent a criminal offence
Ministers say predators could face two years in jail, and plan to include creating sexually explicit deepfakes in bill Predators who take intimate images of unwitting victims or install cameras to do so could face up to two years’ in jail under plans drawn up by Labour. Ministers have also confirmed that they plan to…
American Driver Is Fatally Shot by Police Officer in Mexico
The shooting in Ciudad Juárez was being investigated. A prosecutor said the driver, from Texas, had accelerated in the officer’s direction and nearly hit him. By Annie Correal Reporting from Mexico City An American man was killed when a Mexican police officer opened fire on the car he was driving in Ciudad Juárez, across the…
“Stop shooting! My daughter is dead”: Woman killed as West Bank power struggle rages
Warning: This story contains distressing details. Just before New Year, 21-year-old Shatha al-Sabbagh was out buying chocolate for her family’s children from a shop in Jenin, in the occupied West Bank. The “fearless” journalism student – who wanted to shed light on the suffering of the Palestinians – was with her mother, two young nephews…
UK retailers may have to cut thousands of jobs after bleak Christmas
British Retail Consortium figures show sales growth close to flatlining, as card spending fails to rise Britain’s largest retailers are warning they could be forced to cut thousands of jobs this year as the industry braces for higher taxes and employment costs after a bleak Christmas shopping season. In the latest sign of tough trading…
The Math Mystery That Connects Sudoku, Flight Schedules and Protein Folding
Opinion The Math Mystery That Connects Sudoku, Flight Schedules and Protein Folding Thousands of notoriously difficult problems in computer science are actually the same problem in disguise By Jack Murtagh edited by Jeanna Bryner With NP-complete problems you could discover a fast algorithm to solve Sudoku puzzles that could also break the encryption schemes that…
McDonald’s workers make fresh harassment claims
McDonald’s workers have said they are still facing sexual abuse and harassment, a year after the boss promised to clean up behaviour at the fast-food chain. One 19-year-old worker, Matt, told the BBC some of his colleagues were scared of going into work, and that managers would “touch up” other members of staff. Since the…
US transfers 11 Yemeni prisoners from Guantánamo to Oman
Major resettlement reduces population in US detention facility in south-eastern Cuba to just 15 people The United States has sent 11 Yemeni detainees at the Guantánamo Bay detention center to Oman, the Pentagon said on Monday, in a major resettlement that nearly halves the detention facility’s remaining number of prisoners. The released men include Tawfiq…
‘Peace within pain’ – Jones on playing through grief
Jones (left) was a tryscorer in Leicester’s defeat by Harlequins at Allianz Stadium before crossing for a hat-trick in last weekend’s win over Sale Sharks England centre Meg Jones says she is finding “peace in the pain” after suffering the loss of both parents in quick succession. Jones’ father passed away from lung cancer last…
CFPB sues Berkshire Hathaway-owned mortgage lender for alleged predatory practices
By Scott Neuman The U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said Monday that it is suing a Tennessee-based mortgage lender owned by Berkshire Hathaway, accusing the company of predatory practices aimed at steering borrowers into manufactured homes they could not afford. The CFPB said that Vanderbilt Mortgage & Finance often disregarded evidence that borrowers could not…
Hailey Bieber Step Outs for Girls’ Night With Kendall Jenner
Hailey Bieber enjoyed a dinner date with BFF Kendall Jenner just days after husband Justin Bieber proved the couple—who welcomed baby Jack in August 2024—is still going strong. While Kylie Jenner had a night to remember at the 2025 Golden Globes, sister Kendall Jenner also hit the town with Hailey Bieber. The Rhode Beauty founder and Kardashians star were the epitome of glam…
What Is Human Metapneumovirus, and Why Are Cases Rising in China?
HMPV Cases Are Rising Across Asia, but Experts Say Not to Panic A common respiratory virus called human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, has been spreading in some countries in Asia, including China, India, Malaysia and Kazakhstan. Here’s what we know By Lauren J. Young edited by Dean Visser Human metapneumovirus particles. Cases of a common respiratory…
Golden Globes: See Leighton Meester React to Ex Sebastian Stan’s Win
Leighton Meester cheered on ex-boyfriend Sebastian Stan as he picked up the award for Best Actor, Musical or Comedy at the 2025 Golden Globes Jan. 5. The Gossip Girl costars dated from 2008 to 2010. Hey, Upper East Siders, Sebastian Stan and Leighton Meester are serving you with some relationship nostalgia. The Gossip Girl costars, who dated from 2008 to 2010, were one of the many former couples to reunite at…
‘Forever Chemicals’ Reach Tap Water via Treated Sewage, Study Finds
Wastewater, even after treatment to make it drinkable, contains high levels of PFAS, according to researchers. By Hiroko Tabuchi As the world grapples with climate change, population growth and dwindling supplies of fresh water, more people are set to rely on treated wastewater to sustain their daily lives. But wastewater, even after treatment, contains high…
Caulfield Racecourse fire: suspicious blaze engulfs grandstand in Melbourne’s south-east
Victoria police say nobody has been injured and a crime scene has been established Major parts of a Caulfield Racecourse grandstand have been destroyed in a suspicious early morning fire. Fire Rescue Victoria responded to the blaze at Station Street in Caulfield East in Melbourne’s south-east at 6.20am on Tuesday. “Firefighters arrived on scene to…
First bird flu death reported in the U.S., according to the CDC
By Will Stone The U.S. has recorded its first death in a person infected with bird flu. The patient was a resident of southwest Louisiana who was hospitalized last month with the first known severe case of bird flu in the country. On Monday, the Louisiana Department of Health said the person had died from…
Cooper promises law to tackle child abuse cover ups
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has said those who cover up or fail to report child sexual abuse could face professional or criminal sanctions under a new offence to be introduced this year. The proposal was one of 20 recommendations made by Professor Alexis Jay following her seven year inquiry into child sexual abuse, which concluded…
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck Settle Divorce After 4 Months
Less than five months after Jennifer Lopez filed for divorce from Ben Affleck following two years of marriage, the former couple have reached a divorce settlement. Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez are moving on. Less than five months after the Hustlers star filed for divorce from the two-time Oscar winner, the pair reached a divorce…
‘Beat Liverpool and Forest are in the title race’
Nuno Espirito Santo has guided Nottingham Forest to third in the Premier League When Nottingham Forest face Liverpool at the City Ground next week it will be a top-of-the-table match that barely anyone could have predicted back in August. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are six points behind the leaders after Monday’s 3-0 win at Wolves…
Meta taps Trump ally and UFC CEO Dana White to join its board
Shannon Bond Dana White, the Ultimate Fighting Championship president and supporter of President-elect Donald Trump, is joining the board of Facebook and Instagram parent company Meta. White’s election as a Meta director two weeks before Trump takes office comes as Silicon Valley is courting the incoming administration, following what has been a frosty relationship with…
A Timeline of Justin Trudeau’s Rise and Fall
Canada’s Political Turmoil The Canadian prime minister, who said on Monday he would step down, has spent a quarter-century in the political spotlight. By Matina Stevis-GridneffIan Austen and Ephrat Livni Justin Trudeau’s announcement that he would step down as Canada’s prime minister was expected after he faced political struggles in recent months, but it nonetheless…
Hadi Nazari’s camera and campfire found as search continues for hiker missing in Kosciuszko national park
NSW police ‘hopeful’ of finding 23-year-old Hadi Nazari alive in remote national park as they track movements since he was last seen on Boxing Day Police are hopeful a 23-year-old hiker missing since Boxing Day could still be alive in the remote Kosciuszko national park after a camera and campfire were found. The extensive search…
We asked global thinkers how to improve life on earth in 2025. Here are their wishes
By NPR Staff Making a wish is such a basic human instinct. Like when your birthday rolls around and candles are lit on a cake. Blow them out and make a wish. But of course you can’t tell anyone your wish or it won’t come true. But not every wish is kept secret. Over the…
Minneapolis agrees to court-supervised police reform after George Floyd’s killing
Consent decree had been under negotiation since justice department issued a critique of authorities in June 2023 The Minneapolis city council on Monday approved an agreement with the federal government in response to the murder of George Floyd that would require reforms within the city’s police department under longterm court supervision. The agreement was not…
U.S. Envoy Says Israel Will Withdraw From Southern Lebanon
Middle East Crisis With the deadline looming for the terms of a fragile cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah to be met, an American diplomat on Monday said “much progress” had been made recently. By Euan Ward Reporting from Beirut, Lebanon A top U.S. envoy who helped broker the cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah issued reassurance…
Kristin Cavallari Shares She’s Debating Having Baby No. 4
The Hills alum Kristin Cavallari, who shares kids Camden, Jaxon and Saylor with ex-husband Jay Cutler, shared a funny TikTok video Jan. 6 where she contemplated if she wanted another child. Kristin Cavallari may have a case of baby fever. The Hills alum—who shares kids Camden, 12, Jaxon, 10, and Saylor, 9, with ex-husband Jay…
ECB responds to calls for Afghanistan fixture boycott
England last played Afghanistan at the 2023 World Cup The England and Wales Cricket Board has called for a unified response to action against Afghanistan amid calls for the England men’s team to boycott next month’s Champions Trophy match between the sides. England are due to face Afghanistan in Lahore on 26 February, but UK…
Aubrey Plaza Breaks Silence on Husband Jeff Baena’s Death
Three days after Aubrey Plaza’s husband, director Jeff Baena, died at the age of 47, the actress spoke out on the loss. Aubrey Plaza is grieving after her husband Jeff Baena‘s death. The Parks and Recreation alum spoke out for the first time since Baena, her frequent collaborator and husband of five years, passed away…
U.S. Sends 11 Guantánamo Prisoners to Oman to Start New Lives
The secret mission left the smallest number of prisoners at Guantánamo Bay since the day the detention center opened in 2002. By Carol Rosenberg Reporting from Guantánamo Bay in Cuba The U.S. military sent 11 Yemeni prisoners at Guantánamo Bay to Oman to restart their lives, the Pentagon said on Monday, leaving just 15 men…
Pentagon agrees to settle historic lawsuit with LGBTQ+ veterans over discharge status
Quil Lawrence Despite that the ban on gay troops ended more than a decade ago, a surprisingly small fraction of the tens of thousands of vets affected have accessed benefits they are due. The Pentagon has now agreed to settle a class action lawsuit that may change that for about 35,000 veterans. “This settlement is…
Canada’s Justin Trudeau resigns, citing ‘internal battles’
Under growing pressure from his own party, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced he will step down and end his nine-year stretch as leader. Trudeau said he would stay on in office until his Liberal Party can choose a new leader, and that parliament would be prorogued – or suspended – until 24 March.…
32 dolphins have died since an oil spill near southern Russia, experts say
By The Associated Press Thirty-two dolphins have died since fuel oil spilled out of two storm-stricken tankers three weeks ago in the Kerch Strait, which separates the Russia-occupied Crimean Peninsula from Russia’s southern Krasnodar region, an animal rescue group said Sunday. Russia’s Delfa Dolphin Rescue and Research Center said the deaths are “most likely related…
Jennifer Lopez Reunites With Ex Ben Affleck at His Home
Less than five months after Jennifer Lopez filed for divorce from estranged husband Ben Affleck, the Hustlers star reunited with the Oscar winner and his son Samuel at his home in Los Angeles. This is a pair of friendly exes…now. Less than five months after filing for divorce from estranged husband Ben Affleck, Jennifer Lopez…
Hundreds join huge scrum for medieval game
Hundreds of people have turned out to take part in a centuries-old rugby-style game involving rival villagers. The annual Haxey Hood game between pubs in the North Lincolnshire villages of Haxey and Westwoodside dates back to the 14th Century. It involves large crowds of people facing off in a mass scrum to push a leather…
Who Could Replace Trudeau as Canada’s Prime Minister?
Canada’s Political Turmoil Whoever replaces Mr. Trudeau as the leader of Canada’s Liberal Party will become the prime minister. Not long after they’ll face a general election, and the daunting challenge of keeping the job. By Ian AustenVjosa Isai and Matina Stevis-Gridneff After 12 years leading the Liberal Party of Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau…
Permanent contraception surged after Roe v Wade overturned, study finds
Young adults living in states likely to ban abortion obtained tubal sterilizations and vasectomies in months after ruling In the months after the US supreme court overturned Roe v Wade, permanent contraception in the form of tubal sterilizations and vasectomies surged among young adults living in states likely to ban abortion, new research released on…
US winter storm leaves four dead as millions hit by snow, ice and bitter cold
Hundreds of thousands left without power and flights canceled as state of emergencies declared in several states Millions of Americans were hit by a major winter storm on Monday that brought heavy snow, ice, strong winds and freezing temperatures as it moved east out of the center of the country and into the mid-Atlantic region,…
Golden Globes: Nikki Glaser Hosting Moments We’re Still Talking About
Nikki Glaser pulled double duty as both a nominee and host of the 2025 Golden Globes. Relive the night by looking back at some of her unforgettable moments as emcee. While many would be nervous to host an award show in front of millions of people (you know, casual), Nikki Glaser was ready to go…