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 […]
Natalia Grace Slams Pedophile, Violent Accusations in Rare Interview
Natalia Grace’s adoptive parents accused her of lying about her age. Ahead of The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: The Final Chapter, she shared her side of the story. Natalia Grace wants the world to know the real her. More than a decade after the now-21-year-old became subject to public fascination when her first adoptive parents alleged she was…
How Trump and Musk’s interventions prompt fresh diplomatic challenge
In Donald Trump’s first term, governments around the world braced for his morning social media posts. What policy would be reversed, what insult thrown? Four years on, diplomats are once more getting twitchy when the sun rises on America’s east coast. Back then, they learned to take Trump – as the adage had it –…
Naples, Italy: A Popular Tourist Destination Suffering from Violence and Unemployment
The southern Italian city has become fashionable for tourists, models and actors in a social media age. Yet it remains merciless for many of its youth. The southern Italian city has become fashionable for tourists, models and actors in a social media age. Yet it remains merciless for many of its youth. Mourners for the…
Mike Johnson fails to secure majority votes for House speakership
Chamber will likely be forced in to a second ballot after three Republicans vote against Johnson in first round After initially facing internal dissent, Trump-endorsed Republican Mike Johnson secured the House speakership in the first round of voting on Friday. Johnson couldn’t afford to lose more than one Republican vote, and three Republican members of…
Biden made diversifying the federal bench a top priority. Here’s a look at his legacy
Carrie Johnson President Biden leaves office this month after appointing 235 lawyers to the bench — more than a quarter of all active federal judges. He named the first Black woman to the U.S. Supreme Court, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. He appointed more women of color to federal appeals courts than all previous presidents combined.…
Ice-T and Coco Celebrate Their “Sexy” 24th Marriage Anniversary
Ice-T and Coco shared their love for each other on their 24th wedding anniversary with steamy posts. Ice-T and Coco Austin are ringing in a major milestone. The Law and Order: Special Victims Unit star and the model, who are parents to daughter Chanel Nicole, 9, not only celebrated the start of 2025 on Jan.…
Rybakina’s ex-coach suspended as investigation into conduct continues
Elena Rybakina was coached by Stefano Vukov until shortly before last year’s US Open World number six Elena Rybakina’s former coach Stefano Vukov has been provisionally suspended by the WTA while an investigation into his behaviour towards the player continues. Earlier this week, Kazakhstan’s Rybakina announced Vukov, who helped her win Wimbledon in 2022, was…
Starmer’s team hope policy blitz will prove that Labour can deliver change
Those close to PM worry voters are running out of patience and want reforms to directly help public Keir Starmer has at last managed a family holiday, but by next week the Madeira sun may already feel a distant memory as he embarks on a policy blitz that could be crucial in deciding his government’s…
No progress on Liverpool contract – Salah
Mohamed Salah has won the Champions League and Premier League with Liverpool Mohamed Salah says there has been no progress on extending his Liverpool contract – and a breakthrough is “far away”. The Egypt forward has entered the final six months of his deal and can now hold talks with non-English clubs over a free…
Trolling the UK: the issues enraging Elon Musk, world’s richest ‘pub bore’
Unprompted outbursts on X suggest the Tesla boss is hellbent on making life awkward for Keir Starmer While Keir Starmer was trying to enjoy a family holiday in Madeira over the new year, Elon Musk was trying to spoil it. The world’s richest man has been using X to lob insults and slurs in the…
Elon Musk Trolls Britain and Defends Tommy Robinson in Flurry of Social Media Posts
In a barrage of posts rife with misinformation, he revived questions about a child sex abuse scandal, vilified the prime minister and defended a jailed far-right agitator. By Mark Landler Reporting from London He demanded the release of a convicted criminal and far-right agitator. He falsely accused the prime minister, Keir Starmer, of failing to…
2025 Golden Globes Host Nikki Glaser Says Jo Koy Was a “Little Naïve”
Nikki Glaser has some constructive feedback for Jo Koy. As the comedian prepares to host the 2025 Golden Globes, set to air live from the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills Jan. 5, she reflected on what the previous emcee taught her through his controversial monologue at last year’s affair. “It taught me the importance of…
The U.S. Surgeon General wants cancer warnings on alcohol. Here’s why
By Milton Guevara , Steve Inskeep U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy is calling on Congress to require health warning labels that inform consumers about the link between alcohol consumption and the risk of cancer. Murthy released a new advisory detailing how drinking alcohol increases the risk of developing seven types of cancer. “Alcohol is the…
Bumrah strikes in feisty finale but Australia on top
This video can not be played Bumrah takes final-ball wicket after altercation Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Fifth Test, day one, Sydney India 185: Pant 40; Boland 4-31, Starc 3-49 Australia 9-1: Bumrah 1-7 Australia trail by 176 runs Scorecard Australia dismissed India for 185 on day one of the fifth Test but a fired-up Jasprit Bumrah struck…
Musk accused of ‘politicising’ rape of young girls in UK to attack Starmer
Ex-health worker who exposed paedophile ring says billionaire’s triggering of row ignores plight of survivors Elon Musk has “politicised” the rape of young girls in the UK in an attempt to attack Keir Starmer, a former health worker who exposed a major paedophile ring has told the Guardian. Sara Rowbotham, who gathered evidence that led…
Meghan McCain Slams Meghan Markle’s “Out of Touch” Netflix Series
The View alum Meghan McCain criticized Meghan Markle’s upcoming Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, labeling the lifestyle project as “tone deaf.” Meghan McCain isn’t hiding her point of view. Following the trailer debut for Meghan Markle’s upcoming Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, the political commentator dismissed the Suits alum’s new project as being “completely and…
Palestinian Authority Temporarily Bans Al Jazeera
Middle East Crisis The authority’s official news media accused the Qatari-backed broadcaster of “inciting sedition” and “interfering in internal Palestinian affairs,” though it did not provide detailed examples of law breaking. By Aaron Boxerman Reporting from Jerusalem The Palestinian Authority announced on Wednesday that it would temporarily bar Al Jazeera from operating in its areas,…
House Speaker vote puts GOP unity to the test
Deirdre Walsh Republicans are taking the first steps Friday to usher in a new era of full GOP control in Washington as Congress comes into session. But the usually ceremonial process in the House is already bogged down in political infighting over who should be elected Speaker of the House. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La,…
More than 2,200 people died in Mediterranean in 2024, UN finds
Figure includes hundreds of children, who make up one in five migrants trying to reach Europe fleeing war and poverty More than 2,200 people either died or went missing in the Mediterranean while trying to reach Europe in search of refuge in 2024. The figure, cited in a statement from Regina De Dominicis, the regional…
Israeli Threat to UNRWA Looms Over Gaza
Middle East Crisis The U.N. agency known as UNRWA has been the backbone of aid to Gaza. Now, Israel is moving to ban it over accusations that it shielded Hamas militants. By Jack Nicas Reporting from Jerusalem and from the Qalandiya refugee camp in the Israeli-occupied West Bank To Palestinians, the United Nations Relief and…
Angelina Jolie Calls Out “Liars” Amid Brad Pitt Divorce Settlement
Days after settling her divorce with Fight Club actor Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie revealed her biggest pet peeve—and she did not hold back. Angelina Jolie has no tolerance for dishonesty. In fact, the Maria actress—who recently settled her divorce from Brad Pitt after a nearly decade-long legal battle—has admitted that it is one of the…
‘Masterful’ novelist David Lodge dies aged 89
Author and critic David Lodge, best known for his Booker Prize-nominated comic campus novels Small World and Nice Work, has died at the age of 89. In the books, the former literature professor satirised academic life, and both went on to be adapted for television. His other celebrated works included Changing Places and The British…
Cutting out alcohol for Dry January? These apps can help
By April Fulton The new year is an opportunity to hit the reset button on your health, especially if you overindulged over the holidays. For many people, that means diving into Dry January by vowing to give up alcohol for the month. Dry January has taken off since a UK-based group organized the first campaign…
Smuggled Starlink devices allegedly used to defy India’s internet shutdowns
Civilian and armed groups in conflict-ridden state of Manipur using SpaceX’s satellite internet, sources say Elon Musk’s satellite-based Starlink – currently unlicensed for use in India – is being used by militant groups in the conflict-ridden state of Manipur to circumvent government internet shutdowns, fighters and security sources have said. The satellite internet service provider,…
European Ministers Visit Syria to Strengthen Ties With New Government
Syria’s Civil War Top diplomats from Germany and France went to Damascus on behalf of the European Union. It’s the first such trip in years, part of a flurry of Western outreach. By Aaron Boxerman Syria’s new leaders met the French and German foreign ministers in the capital, Damascus, on Friday in one of the…
The Best Dr. Martens Deals: Save Up to 60% With Shoes as Low as $59
Lace up and save big! These iconic Dr. Martens deals offer up to 60% off, with classic styles starting at just $59. Don’t miss your chance to snag a pair of these must-have boots for less! Our writers and editors independently determine what we cover and recommend. When you buy through our links, E! may…
Strictly’s Amy froze embryos after cancer diagnosis
Strictly Come Dancing’s Amy Dowden said she “would love a family” after freezing five of her embryos following her breast cancer diagnosis in 2023. The 34-year-old from Caerphilly underwent egg retrieval prior to treatment to give her and her husband Ben Jones the chance to try for a baby in future. She announced in February…
German artists sign open letter against TV show host accused of sexism
Choice of Thilo Mischke, author of Around the World In 80 Women, for ARD’s flagship arts show criticised More than 100 prominent German writers and artists have signed an open letter refusing to appear on one of Germany’s top culture programmes on public television after the broadcaster announced a new host who has been accused…
Saudi Arabia and U.A.E. Tread Cautiously With Syria’s New Leaders
Syria’s Civil War The two Mideast powerhouses have been trying to block the rise of Islamist groups in the region for two decades. The rebel takeover in Damascus will test that approach. By Ismaeel Naar Reporting from Manama, Bahrain, and from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates For decades, Syria was Iran’s closest Arab ally in…
Britt Allcroft, Thomas the Tank Engine Series Creator, Dead at 81
The creator of the beloved children’s series Thomas & Friends, Britt Allcroft, died at the age of 81. The Thomas the Tank Engine and his fans all over the world are in mourning. Britt Allcroft, who co-created the beloved Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends children’s series, has died. She was 81. “It is with…
Why is it so hard to arrest South Korea’s impeached president?
There were more than 100 police officers and they were armed with a warrant, but South Korean authorities failed to arrest suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol after a six-hour deadlock outside his home. That’s how long the confrontation with Yoon’s security team lasted as they formed a human wall and used vehicles to block the…
Man murdered after perceived slight at pub karaoke
A “cowardly” man murdered a pub goer with one punch after he thought he was making fun of his partner’s karaoke singing. Christopher Cooper, 39, punched 64-year-old Kelvin Evans, from Gorseinon, Swansea, once to the head outside the Station Hotel pub on 26 May 2023. Judge Geraint Walters told Swansea Crown Court that Cooper appeared…
A Long Fight to Keep a Closer Eye on Madrasas Unravels in Pakistan
In a deal with Islamist parties, Pakistan is abandoning a requirement that religious seminaries, long seen by Western officials as a potential threat, register with the government. By Zia ur-Rehman Reporting from Karachi, Pakistan They draw millions of poor Pakistani children with the simple promise of free education, meals and housing. For devout families, they…
Caelynn Bell Details Fertility Journey With Husband Dean Bell
Bachelor Nation’s Caelynn Bell shared that growing her and husband Dean Bell’s family was a major goal for 2025, detailing the fertility struggles she has faced along the way. Caelynn Bell is sharing insight into her and Dean Bell’s family plans. While revealing her and her husband of more than a year’s goals and aspirations…
What Is the Zodiac—And What Does It Mean for You?
The UniverseFridays What Is the Zodiac—And What Does It Mean for You? The familiar zodiac constellations are defined by Earth’s motion around the sun, but they don’t define your fate By Phil Plait edited by Lee Billings Stay connected to The Universe: Get email alerts for this weekly column by Phil Plait I’m a Libra.…
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Share Royal PDA in Netflix Trailer
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle gave viewers a rare glimpse at their relationship in the trailer for the Suits alum’s upcoming Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s romance is no flash in the pan. And in the first trailer for her upcoming lifestyle series, With Love, Meghan—which features the Duchess of…
South Korea’s Dueling Protests
South Korea Turmoil A standoff between the impeached president’s security team and officials seeking to detain him was echoed on the streets outside the presidential residence. By John Yoon Reporting from Seoul It was another call to action on Friday for the South Korean protest movement that had faced down security forces just a month ago…
Apple’s AI notification falsely claims Littler has already won world darts final
A news summary from Apple has falsely claimed darts player Luke Littler won the PDC World Championship – before he has even played in the final. On Friday morning, an iPhone notification based on a news story of Littler winning the semi-final of the PDC World Championship falsely made it appear that the BBC was…
Barcelona to fine e-scooter users up to €500 for riding on pavements
Council to crack down on antisocial behaviour linked to rapid rise of e-scooter riders in city Anyone riding an electric scooter on the pavement or without a helmet in Barcelona faces a fine of up to €500 (£415) from 1 February as part of a crackdown on antisocial behaviour linked to the rapid rise of…
Jumping ‘Numts’ from Mitochondria Can Be Fast and Deadly
Jumping ‘Numts’ from Mitochondria Can Be Fast and Deadly Bits of DNA from mitochondria can skip surprisingly fast into our genome and may reduce lifespan By Martin Picard edited by Madhusree Mukerjee Little loops floating inside this illustration of a mitochondrion represent its DNA. Mitochondria descend from an ancient bacterium that was swallowed, millions of…
Study: Cash handouts have a dramatic impact on the deadliest infectious disease
By Gabrielle Emanuel What if the best medicine isn’t a pill or vaccine — but it’s cold cash? There’s a growing body of research that suggests economic programs that give money to very poor people can have major health benefits. Now, a new study — out on Friday in Nature Medicine — proves this approach…
Rightwing thinktank booked to brief Kevin Rudd on Project 2025 months before Trump win, documents reveal
Heritage Foundation officials were due to outline their conservative blueprint at Australian embassy, correspondence shows The rightwing thinktank behind Project 2025 – cast as a playbook for Donald Trump’s second presidential term – was scheduled to brief Australian ambassador to the US, Kevin Rudd, on the manifesto months before last year’s election, documents reveal. The…
Lala Kent Shares Confession About Drinking Her Breast Milk in Coffee
Vanderpump Rules alum Lala Kent recently revealed that she “drank 10 ounces” of her own breastmilk in her morning coffee. Lala Kent‘s reality TV future may be uncertain, but she’s still getting real about her life. The Vanderpump Rules alum—who gave birth to her second daughter, Sosa, via sperm donor, in September—recently shared how she isn’t…
Shops offered grottos and wine to combat ‘drab’ December
The number of people going to shops has fallen for the second year in a row, according to a leading data monitor, after the year ended on a “drab December” for retail. Footfall dropped 2.2% in 2024, having also fallen in 2023, the British Retail Consortium’s (BRC) analysis of Sensormatic’s data found. Experts said a…
South Korea Fails to Detain Impeached President in Standoff at His Home
South Korea Turmoil Blocked by bodyguards, officials retreated after several hours without serving a court warrant to hold President Yoon Suk Yeol for questioning on insurrection charges. By Choe Sang-HunJohn Yoon and Jin Yu Young Reporting from Seoul When around 100 criminal investigators and police officers entered a hilly compound in central Seoul on Friday morning,…
An aspiring nurse, a football star, a single mother and a father of 2 killed in New Orleans attack
By The Associated Press An 18-year-old woman dreaming of becoming a nurse, a single mother, a father of two and a former Princeton football star were killed when the driver of a white pickup truck sped down Bourbon Street, packed with holiday revelers. Officials have not yet released the names of the 14 people killed…
Heliophysics Is Set to Shine in 2025
Heliophysics Is Set to Shine in 2025 The science of the sun and its effects on the solar system is a sprawling discipline that expects a very exciting 2025 By Meghan Bartels edited by Lee Billings The sun sends out a constant flow of charged particles called the solar wind, which ultimately travels past all…
‘A look into the future’: TV drama about Danish climate refugees divides opinion
Families Like Ours has become national talking point but some scientists say events depicted could not happen Featuring scenes of huge crowds boarding ferries, protest and desperation as six million Danes become climate refugees and life as they know it rapidly collapses, the new TV series by the Oscar-winning director Thomas Vinterberg is a potential…
Biden blocks Nippon Steel from buying US Steel
US President Joe Biden has formally blocked the takeover of US Steel by a bigger Japanese company, saying foreign ownership could pose risks for national security. The controversial decision comes a year after Nippon Steel first announced the $14.9bn (£12bn) deal, describing it as a lifeline for its smaller Pennsylvania-based rival. But the transaction soon…
Sydney Sweeney & Fiancé Jonathan Davino Pack on the PDA in Rare Photo
Euphoria’s Sydney Sweeney shared a heartwarming look back at 2024 on her Instagram, including throwbacks with friends and a rare photo locking lips with fiancé Jonathan Davis. Sydney Sweeney left 2024 feeling euphoric. In fact, the HBO star closed out the year with a fabulous photo dump highlighting her favorite parts of the year. And…
Bravo’s Craig Conover Froze His Sperm Before Paige DeSorbo Breakup
Southern Charm star Craig Conover revealed during the show’s Jan. 2 episode that he froze his sperm before his split from Paige DeSorbo. Craig Conover and Paige DeSorbo were planning for the future ahead of their split. Craig, 35, froze his sperm months before the Bravo stars broke up after three years of dating to accommodate…
Israel confirms it is holding Gaza hospital chief Abu Safiya
Israel has confirmed it is holding Gaza hospital director Dr Hussam Abu Safiya after earlier telling a local NGO that it was unaware of his case, sparking concern for his well being. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) statement said he was “currently being investigated by Israeli security forces” in person. The statement did not offer…
Thai prime minister declares £324m in assets including 217 designer handbags
Paetongtarn Shinawatra made required wealth declaration to national anti-corruption commission Thailand’s prime minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has declared £324m in assets including a collection of 217 designer handbags and 75 luxury watches in submissions on her wealth to a government body. Paetongtarn, daughter of the billionaire ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, took office in September, the fourth…
Neil Young reverses his Glastonbury ‘boycott’
Neil Young has announced he will play this year’s Glastonbury Festival, just days after saying he had turned down a slot because of the BBC’s involvement. The 79-year-old had announced that he and his band would not play the event because the BBC “wanted us to do a lot of things in a way we…
Kaley Cuoco Officiates Sister Briana Cuoco’s New Year’s Eve Wedding
Kaley Cuoco helped her sister kickstart the new year with a big bang. The Big Bang Theory star served as the officiant at the wedding of her younger sister Briana Cuoco, who married during a sweet New Year’s Eve ceremony. In a post shared by Kaley, 39, the actress poses with her fiancé Tom Pelphrey…
FBI says deadly New Orleans attack suspect acted alone. And, the House speaker vote
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 FBI says Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the driver who rammed a pickup truck into a crowd in New Orleans on New Year’s Day, acted alone. The agency backed off of…
Massive cleanup under way in Ghana after fire destroys one of world’s biggest secondhand markets
Thousands of traders face ruin after blaze razes two-thirds of Accra’s Kantamanto, which receives an estimated 15m used clothes from global north each week A huge cleanup operation is taking place after a fire devastated one of the world’s biggest secondhand clothes markets. Thousands of traders’ stalls were destroyed in the blaze that started at…
Hospital admissions for flu quadruple in England as NHS bosses warn of ‘huge’ strain
Cold snap expected to add to pressure as NHS England figures show 5,074 flu patients in hospital by 29 December The number of people admitted to hospital with flu in England has quadrupled in a month, as health leaders said “huge” pressure in the NHS will only get worse as temperatures plummet this weekend. Figures…
Musk ‘misinformed’ on grooming gangs, says minister
Elon Musk’s attack on the government’s handling of grooming gangs is “misjudged and certainly misinformed”, Health Secretary Wes Streeting has said. Tech multi-billionaire Musk has posted a series of messages on his social media site X, accusing Sir Keir Starmer of failing to prosecute gangs that systematically groomed and raped young girls, and calling for…
Farmers are abandoning their land. Is that good for nature?
By Dan Charles A century ago, a thousand people lived in this village. Today, there are only about 200. People left for jobs in Bulgaria’s cities, or abroad. Their heirs may still own land around the village where crops once grew, or sheep grazed, but much of that land now sits unused. Shrubs and small…