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 […]
Ruby Franke’s Daughter Shari Shares “Hope” She Has for Her Mom
Shari Franke, the eldest of Ruby Franke and Kevin Franke’s five children, shared her thoughts on her mom’s future amid her 30-year sentence for child abuse. Ruby Franke’s daughter has a simple request for her mother. Kevin Franke‘s eldest child Shari Franke reflected on her mom’s future. “I just hope that she can get the help she needs,” Shari…
Zelensky Expresses Hope for 2025, but Russia Presses On With Attacks
Russia-Ukraine War In his New Year’s address, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine urged continued U.S. support. By Marc Santora Reporting from Kyiv, Ukraine Hoping to bolster the resolve of a nation whose heart “is covered in scars” after more than 1,000 days of unrelenting Russian assaults, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine said in his New…
Gypsy Rose Blanchard Shares Postpartum Update After Welcoming Baby
Gypsy Rose Blanchard—who was released from prison in 2023—shared a selfie after welcoming her first baby with boyfriend Ken Urker. Motherhood is in full bloom for Gypsy Rose Blanchard. The Life After Lock Up star shared an update on her well-being after giving birth to her first child, a baby girl named Aurora Urker, with partner Ken Urker…
Montenegro Shooting Kills 12, Including 2 Children, Officials Say
The authorities in the small Balkan country reported after a search that the gunman, whose rampage followed a bar fight, had been found dead. By Alan Yuhas A gunman killed at least 12 people, including two children, after a bar fight in Montenegro on Wednesday, leading to a manhunt and a government declaration of three…
US Teenager Fighting for His Life After Father and 2 Others Killed in Mexico
Jason Peña, now 14, was shot in the head on a highway in the state of Durango, a family spokeswoman said. His father and uncle, both U.S. citizens, and a Mexican relative were also killed. By Annie Correal Reporting from Mexico City An American teenager was fighting for his life after he was shot in…
Ozzy Osbourne Once Drank 28 Gallons of Alcohol to Get Through Holidays
Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne, who has been open about his struggles with addiction and sobriety, recalled one year where he drank 28 gallons of alcohol “before it was Christmas f–king Eve.” Ozzy Osbourne is no ordinary man when it comes to the holidays. The 76-year-old—who has been open about his struggle with alcohol and…
‘Like a cat toying with a mouse’ – but Littler’s victory was far from inevitable
Luke Littler averaged 102.73 to make history as the youngest winner of the PDC World Championship It would be easy to say that it all felt so inevitable. Luke Littler, the runner-up last year, came into this year’s PDC World Championship as the favourite and left having won it in dominant and breathtaking fashion. Among…
Gaza Cease-Fire Before Trump’s Inauguration Looks Unlikely
Middle East Crisis Despite a recent Biden administration push, talks between Israel and Hamas to end the war appear not to have made significant progress, according to officials familiar with the discussions, as Israeli airstrikes have continued. By Adam Rasgon and Aaron Boxerman Reporting from Jerusalem Talks between Israel and Hamas to end the war…
Selena Gomez’s Celebrity Crushes Are Better Than That Same Old Love
Selena Gomez shared that her celebrity crushes were Chad Michael Murray and Jesse McCartney when she was a kid, admitting that Jesse’s “Beautiful Soul” music video was “life-changing” for her. Selena Gomez‘s heart wants what it wants. And when she was younger, the Only Murders in the Building star’s heart was reserved for her two…
How to look after pets during the cold spell
Cockapoo Luna (left) and Daisy play in the snow during a walk at Sixmilewater Park in Ballyclare, Northern Ireland Cold weather has marked the arrival of 2025, with snow and ice warnings in place for much of the country. Many of us will be opting for our thickest coats and gloves when we venture outside.…
What are cold weather payments and who can get them?
Cold weather payments have been triggered for the start of 2025. Some people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are entitled to the money when there is a prolonged period of below-zero temperatures. In Scotland, those on low incomes and benefits may receive a separate winter heating payment, which does not depend on how low…
Liam Payne Death: Man Arrested on Suspicion of Supplying Singer Drugs
Two months after Liam Payne died at his Argentina hotel, one of the five people charged in connection with his death has been arrested on suspicion of supplying cocaine to the One Direction alum. More light has been shed on those being held accountable for Liam Payne’s passing. Days after five people were charged in connection to…
How Darts Became London’s Rowdiest Winter Party
The professional darts championships draw tens of thousands of raucous fans. The beer flows freely in the stands, but the competition is serious. Fans brought out their holiday best for the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, or “Ally Pally,” in London.Craig Bernard for The New York Times By Claire Moses Claire Moses attended a…
New Orleans coroner releases identities of most truck attack victims
More than half of the 12 identified were from local areas and all ranged in age from 18 to 63 The New Orleans coroner’s office has released the identities of most of the 14 people killed in the deadly truck attack aimed at New Year’s Day revelers on the city’s famous Bourbon Street. More than…
Guantánamo Convict Sues to Stop U.S. Plan to Send Him to Prison in Iraq
A court filing said the prisoner was at risk for abuse and might not be able to get adequate health care if transferred. By Carol Rosenberg An Iraqi who pleaded guilty to commanding insurgents who committed war crimes in Afghanistan filed suit in federal court on Friday, seeking to stop his transfer from the U.S.…
How to drive in snow and icy weather
Snow and ice is forecast across much of the UK from Saturday, with a Met Office yellow warning in place for England and Wales and parts of Scotland. In very bad conditions it may be best to avoid driving at all, but if you do need to use your car make sure you are as…
Joe Jonas Shares Confession About Jonas Brothers’ Purity Rings
Joe Jonas made a hilarious joke about his embarrassment over wearing purity rings as a teen alongside his Jonas Brothers bandmates Nick Jonas and Kevin Jonas. Joe Jonas is burning up… with embarrassment. The Jonas Brothers member joked that he wasn’t immune to the negativity he faced when he and his bandmates—brothers Nick Jonas and…
Briton among dead in New Orleans vehicle attack
A British national was among at least 14 people killed in the vehicle attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day, the Foreign Office has confirmed. In a statement, the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said it was supporting the deceased person’s family. An FCDO spokesperson said: “We are supporting the family of a…
Denise Richards Ruptured Breast Implants While Filming Special Forces
Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Denise Richards revealed that she ruptured both of her breast implants while competing on season three of Special Forces, and has yet to get them fixed. Denise Richards really pushed past her own limits. The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum revealed that she dealt with some serious issues while competing on…
A Half-Ton Piece of Space Junk Falls Onto a Village in Kenya
No one was hurt by the object, believed to be part of a launch rocket. Experts say the frequency of such incidents is increasing as the amount of debris in orbit around the Earth grows dramatically. By Lynsey Chutel A glowing ring of metal, more than eight feet in diameter and weighing more than 1,100…
Meta is killing off its own AI-powered Instagram and Facebook profiles
Instagram profile of ‘proud Black queer momma’, created by Meta, said her development team included no Black people Meta is deleting Facebook and Instagram profiles of AI characters the company created over a year ago after users rediscovered some of the profiles and engaged them in conversations, screenshots of which went viral. The company had…
How to keep warm when budgets are squeezed
Sub-zero temperatures are hitting the UK just as gas and electricity prices have risen for millions of households. Energy bills are about 50% higher than pre-Covid levels, leaving many struggling to cover the cost alongside other financial demands. So what can you do to stay warm while keeping costs down? Keeping warm over the winter…
Jack Nicholson, 87, Seen in Rare Photo With Daughter Lorraine
Three-time Oscar winner Jack Nicholson, who hasn’t starred in a movie since 2010’s How Do You Know, made a rare appearance in a picture featured in his daughter Lorraine Nicholson’s holiday roundup. Heeeeeeeere’s Jack Nicholson. The 87-year-old—who has not been seen in public in almost two years—made a rare and heartwarming cameo with his daughter…
Friday Briefing: F.B.I. Said the New Orleans Attacker Acted Alone
Plus, eat better in 2025. By Justin Porter Investigators said yesterday that the U.S. Army veteran who plowed a pickup truck into a crowd of New Year’s revelers in New Orleans acted alone. They had said earlier in their investigation that they were looking into whether other people might have helped him plant explosives in…
FBI finds bomb-making material at home of New Orleans attack suspect
Investigators recover equipment from house rented by attacker who killed 14 and injured dozens on New Year’s Day Authorities have confirmed finding bomb-making materials at the New Orleans home that US military veteran Shamsud-Din Jabbar rented before ramming a pickup truck into a crowd of New Year’s revelers, according to an FBI statement containing the…
Is JFK’s Grandson Really Justin Baldoni’s Lawyer? Here’s the Truth
After John F. Kennedy’s grandson Jack Schlossberg joked that he was representing Justin Baldoni in his lawsuit against the New York Times, the actor’s lawyer slammed the “ridiculous” post. Justin Baldoni‘s legal counsel is not bringing on a new member. In the days following the It Ends With Us star and director’s lawsuit against The New York Times for their Dec.…
Police search for motive in Las Vegas Cybertruck explosion at Trump hotel
Matthew Livelsberger died in an apparent suicide after reportedly breaking up with wife six days before explosion Police in the US were still investigating the possible motivations and background of Matthew Livelsberger, the decorated special forces soldier who died in an apparent suicide and vehicle bombing of a Trump hotel in Las Vegas on New…
What Happened to Carter’s White House Solar Panels? They Lived On.
Jimmy Carter (1924-2024) The panels, removed under Ronald Reagan, found new homes from Maine to China. And their legacy still reverberates. By Austyn Gaffney It was a novel idea at the time, but one that made sense: In 1979, President Jimmy Carter had 32 solar panels installed on the roof of the White House. They…
Chilean president makes historic trip to south pole amid Antarctica sovereignty claim
Gabriel Boric is first Latin American leader to reach planet’s southernmost point, according to his office Chile’s president Gabriel Boric has made a historic trip to the south pole to reaffirm his country’s “claim to sovereignty” over its part of Antarctica, his office said. Boric is the first Latin American leader to reach the Earth’s…
Johnson re-elected as House Speaker in razor-tight margin
Republican Mike Johnson survived a razor-thin vote to remain House Speaker in a drama-filled, highly-anticipated vote that marked the start of complete Republican control in Washington. Johnson could only afford to lose two votes because of the tight margin of control Republicans have in Congress. While he came close to losing re-election, he survived the…
Why Fans Think Ryan Reynolds Trolled Justin Baldoni in Deadpool Sequel
Marvel fans are speculating that Ryan Reynolds’ movie Deadpool & Wolverine, contains digs at Justin Baldoni, who Ryan’s wife Blake Lively has since sued for sexual harassment. Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s dispute may have already hit the big screen. Some social media users are speculating that the movie Deadpool & Wolverine, which stars the actress’…
Honduran Leader Threatens to Push U.S. Military Out of Base if Trump Orders Mass Deportations
In pushing back against President-elect Donald J. Trump’s plan, President Xiomara Castro threatened that bases hosting U.S. troops could “lose all reason to exist in Honduras.” By Annie Correal Reporting from Mexico City Honduras’s president threatened to push the U.S. military out of a base it built decades ago in the Central American country should…
Golden Globes: Why Nikki Glaser Won’t Make It Ends With Us Drama Jokes
Nikki Glaser, who will host the 2025 Golden Globes Jan. 5, said she won’t mention the legal battles surrounding It Ends With Us’ Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni: “The tone is celebratory.” Nikki Glaser has a boundary for her Golden Globes While the comedian—who is pulling double duty as both host and nominee at the…
Trump’s Falsehoods Aside, China’s Influence Over Global Ports Raises Concerns
The president-elect inaccurately said that Chinese soldiers operate the Panama Canal. But China’s strategic positions in shipping worry Washington officials. By Ana Swanson Ana Swanson covers international trade and is based in Washington. It was a Christmas message that no one saw coming. On Dec. 25, President-elect Donald J. Trump went on his social media…
The soldier who died in Cybertruck explosion wrote it was intended as a ‘wakeup call’
By The Associated Press A highly decorated Army soldier who died in an explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck at the Trump hotel in Las Vegas left a note saying it was stunt to serve as “wakeup call” for the country’s ills, investigators said Friday. Matthew Livelsberger, a 37-year-old Green Beret from Colorado Springs, Colorado, also…
Nigel Farage ‘very pleased’ Elon Musk backs Reform UK, calling him a ‘hero’
Speaking at party conference, its leader calls reports of tech mogul’s potential $100m donation ‘somewhat overexaggerated’ Nigel Farage has hailed Elon Musk as a “hero” and said he was “very pleased he’s backing our party”, but he called reports that the tech mogul was preparing to donate $100m (£80m) to Reform UK “somewhat overexaggerated”. Speaking…
South Korean President’s Supporters Camp Out Near His Home
South Korea Turmoil For days, thousands have been outside the house in central Seoul, trying to shield President Yoon Suk Yeol. By Choe Sang-Hun Reporting from Seoul Thousands of supporters of President Yoon Suk Yeol have been camped out for days on the pavement near his home in central Seoul, vowing to block anyone from trying…
Teenager Littler demolishes Van Gerwen to claim historic world title
Luke Littler is the youngest PDC world darts champion in history Incredible Luke Littler etched his name into darting history with a crushing 7-3 victory over Michael van Gerwen to become the youngest ever PDC World Championship winner. The 17-year-old was in unstoppable form as he raced into a 4-0 lead, and despite Van Gerwen…
TikToker Shares Eerie Message on “Incredible” Ex Before Murder-Suicide
Shortly before Jennifer Sheffield was found dead alongside her estranged husband Brandon Sheffield in an alleged murder-suicide, the TikToker shared an eerily positive message about their divorce. Jennifer Sheffield was hopeful about her next chapter. Shortly before she and her estranged husband Brandon Sheffield were found dead in what police told Dark Horse Press Now…
Judge sets date for Trump hush-money sentencing but rules out prison term
President-elect will be sentenced for his 34 felony convictions on 10 January, Judge Juan Merchan rules A judge on Friday set Donald Trump’s sentencing in his hush-money case for 10 January – little over a week before he is due to return to the White House – but promised not to jail him. Judge Juan…
Heidi Klum Returning to Project Runway After Almost a Decade Away
Heidi Klum is set to return to Project Runway eight years after exiting the hit competition series, according to a new report. Heidi Klum’s latest project is bringing her full circle. While the supermodel said Auf Wiedersehen to Project Runway in 2017 after hosting the series for 16 seasons, she’s set to return for season…
Trump to be sentenced over hush money case but judge signals no jail time
A judge has ordered that Donald Trump will be sentenced on 10 January in his hush-money case in New York – less than two weeks before he is set to be sworn in as president. Judge Juan Merchan signalled he’d sentence Trump to a conditional discharge, in which a case is closed without jail time,…
About 30 killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza as truce talks set to resume
‘Harsh day’ of bombardments with several children among dead, says Gaza’s civil defence agency Gaza’s civil defence agency said about 30 people were killed in Israeli bombardments on Friday, as Hamas said indirect negotiations for a truce in the war were set to resume in Qatar. The Israeli military said three rockets targeted its territory…
Biden Blocks Takeover Bid of U.S. Steel by Japan’s Nippon
The president said he was moving to protect national security in deciding the fate of the iconic Pennsylvania-based company, which became a contentious political issue in an election year. By Alan Rappeport Reporting from Washington President Biden blocked the $14 billion takeover of U.S. Steel by Nippon Steel of Japan in an announcement on Friday…
Tish Cyrus Shares How Quitting Weed Has Affected Her Mental Health
Seven months after she stopped smoking weed, Tish Cyrus—who managed the careers of daughters Miley Cyrus and Noah Cyrus—shared insight into how quitting marijuana has affected her anxiety. Tish Cyrus is getting candid about cannabis. The podcast host—who has managed the careers of her daughters Miley Cyrus and Noah Cyrus—shared insight into why she…
Britt Allcroft, Who Brought Thomas the Tank Engine to TV, Dies at 81
She adapted the children’s book series to TV, creating a lasting cultural behemoth that spawned movies, merchandise and theme parks. By Isabella Kwai Britt Allcroft, a British producer, director and writer who adapted the antics of a cheerful, impetuous locomotive into a TV series, “Thomas & Friends,” which became a sprawling franchise and a longtime…
Trump will be sentenced Jan. 10 in New York case, days before his inauguration
Ximena Bustillo President-elect Donald Trump is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 10 in New York, 10 days before he is sworn in to be president of the United States. In a decision Friday, New York Judge Juan Merchan noted that his inclination was to not impose a sentence of incarceration. In the filing, Merchan noted…
Austrian liberal party quits coalition talks leaving negotiations in disarray
Surprise move by Neos raises doubts about viability of forming centrist government excluding far right The smallest of three parties in talks to form Austria’s next government has unexpectedly quit the negotiations, throwing into disarray an effort to form a centrist ruling coalition without the far-right Freedom party (FPÖ). The surprise move by the liberal…
Christina Haack’s Ex Josh Hall Details “Tough Year” Amid Divorce
Christina Haack’s estranged husband Josh Hall reflected on his tough 2024, which saw him getting a divorce from the HGTV star after two years of marriage. Josh Hall is looking forward to rebuilding in 2025. Christina Haack’s estranged husband rang in the new year by reflecting on the “tough” year he faced in 2024, during…
U.S. Hits Chinese Cybersecurity Company With Sanctions After Breach
The agency imposed penalties on a company it blamed for supporting the Chinese hacking group Flax Typhoon in a 2022-23 infiltration. By Zach Montague Reporting from Washington The Treasury Department imposed sanctions on a Beijing-based cybersecurity company on Friday, blaming it for helping Chinese hackers infiltrate U.S. communications systems and conduct surveillance across four continents.…
FBI concerned about copycat potential after deadly New Orleans attack
Bulletin says vehicle-ramming attacks ‘likely to remain attractive’ and urges law-enforcement agencies to be alert US law enforcement and intelligence agencies are reportedly concerned about copycat vehicle-ramming attacks following the attack in New Orleans by a US military veteran, Shamsud-Din Jabbar. According to a bulletin seen by Reuters, the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security…
The Housemaid Starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried Is Underway
Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried and more have started filming Paul Feig’s adaptation of #BookTok favorite The Housemaid. From #BookTok to the big screen. Fans on social media already can’t get enough of Freida McFadden’s novel The Housemaid, and soon they’ll be able to see the thriller come to life with some of the biggest stars. which at…
Sutton’s predictions v The Zutons frontman Dave McCabe
Manchester United held out for a battling 0-0 draw the last time they went to Anfield, but can Ruben Amorim’s struggling side stop Premier League leaders Liverpool this time? “If you are United, you are praying for a narrow defeat,” said BBC Sport football expert Chris Sutton. “There is not a single United fan who…
Polar vortex expected to bring snow, ice and brutal cold to most of US
Starting Saturday, millions of people are going to be hit by moderate to heavy snow from Kansas City to Washington – including a high chance of at least 8in (20cm) of snow between central Kansas and Indiana – the National Weather Service warned Friday. As the storm moves out on Monday, hundreds of millions of…
The attack in New Orleans reveals ISIS’ influence lingers, experts say
Jaclyn Diaz The FBI says the man responsible for the ramming attack in New Orleans that killed at least 14 people, worked alone and executed his plan after being inspired by the terrorist group ISIS. Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old Army veteran from Houston, was killed in an exchange of gunfire with police following the attack.…
Debate Over U.S. Sanctions on Russia For Ukraine War Intensifies
Russia-Ukraine War The president-elect has said he will use sanctions sparingly while vowing to end the war in Ukraine, renewing questions over their efficacy. By Patricia Cohen Patricia Cohen, based in London, has been covering the sanctions on Russia since the country’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Thousands of far-reaching sanctions have been imposed…
Selena Quintanilla’s Killer Yolanda Saldívar Files for Parole
Nearly 30 years after Yolanda Saldívar murdered Mexican-American icon Selena Quintanilla, she is seeking parole. Yolanda Saldívar is seeking an early release. Nearly 30 years after she was convicted of killing Selena (full name Selena Quintanilla Perez) in 1995, the former employee of the Queen of Tejano Music has filed a petition for parole in…
Keir Starmer to announce radical NHS changes to cut waiting times
Exclusive: Patients in England to get direct referrals for tests without seeing consultant, but critics say plan is ‘deluded’ Keir Starmer will attempt to reset his premiership next week by setting out a series of radical NHS changes aimed at reducing waiting times for millions of patients in England. The shake-up comes after a torrid…
‘I lost my voice laughing’: Darts fans on the pantomime of watching live
As teenage sensation Luke Littler lands yet another 180, hundreds of people in fancy dress wave signs at the camera with their own bizarre range of messages to catch the eye of the TV audience. And amid the noisy, party atmosphere a hapless guy destined to become viral on TikTok struggles to carry five giant…
The Mozambique Song, and Rapper, Inspiring a Youth Uprising
“Povo no Poder,” or “People in Power,” by the rap star Azagaia, has become the unofficial anthem of the protests over a disputed election. By Tavares Cebola and John Eligon Tavares Cebola reported from Marracuene, Mozambique, and John Eligon from Johannesburg. The young men huddled around a parked car, bobbing to a beat that thumped…