How Supermassive Black Holes Can Become Cosmic Nightmares
The UniverseFridays Do We Live in a Haunted Galaxy? Huge eruptions from the Milky Way’s supermassive black hole in the distant past may have sterilized much of the inner galaxy By Phil Plait edited by Lee Billings Stay connected to The Universe: Get email alerts for this weekly column by Phil Plait Galaxies are spooky […]
Why an interstellar comet has scientists excited
Jaclyn Diaz An ancient comet that entered our solar system this summer is offering a rare opportunity to learn more about distant planetary systems far beyond the reach of any spacecraft, researchers say. The comet is special both because it is interstellar — meaning it came from outside our solar system — and also because […]
Did Astronomers Photograph UFOs Orbiting Earth in the 1950s?
UFOs Are Just One Explanation for Mysterious Patterns in Old Telescope Data New peer-reviewed research reporting strange lights in the pre-space-age sky is sparking curiosity and controversy By Jonathan O’Callaghan edited by Lee Billings For generations, UFO enthusiasts have longed for claims of aliens visiting Earth to be seriously investigated by scientists. Now they are […]
Dungeons & Dragons – Starter Set: Heroes of The Borderlands
For many, Dungeons & Dragons may seem like a insurmountable entry point to the world of RPGs, and, in many ways, especially without at least one seasoned veteran in your group, it isn’t necessarily an incorrect assumption. The all new Dungeons & Dragons – Starter Set: Heroes of The Borderlands aims to eliminate that hurdle […]
Kickstarter Tabletop Alert: Time Loop Shenanigans in ‘Chronofiends!!’
The research station is stuck in an ever-shrinking time loop—use your time-manipulating powers to accomplish your objectives before time runs out! Chronofiends!! (yes, the exclamation points are part of the title) is a cooperative time-loop game for 1 to 4 players, ages 13 and up, and takes about 90 minutes to play. It’s currently seeking […]
Deaths predicted amid the chaos of Elon Musk’s shutdown of USAid
The impact of the billionaire’s declaration has been swift and brutal, with food and crucial drugs abandoned in warehouses, vital programmes closed and workers laid off Critical supplies of life-saving medicines have been blocked and children left without food and battling malnutrition as multiple effects were reported across the globe after Elon Musk resolved to…
Where a Strongman Failed, Women Are Now Fueling a Democratic Revival
A leftist movement in Sri Lanka that took power after an economic collapse is seizing a rare opportunity to rally more women into politics. By Mujib Mashal and Pamodi Waravita Reporting from Colombo, Sri Lanka It was a brief remark during a mundane session of Parliament. But to Harini Amarasuriya, Sri Lanka’s prime minister, it…
‘Clear failings’ found in NHS care of triple killer
A major review into the NHS care and treatment of a paranoid schizophrenic who killed three people in Nottingham has identified numerous failings that show “the system got it wrong”. Valdo Calocane stabbed to death students Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley-Kumar, both 19, and 65-year-old school caretaker Ian Coates on 13 June 2023. The case,…
Travis Kelce Reacts to Taylor Swift “Manifesting” Chiefs at Super Bowl
Travis Kelce explained how girlfriend Taylor Swift may have influenced the Kansas City Chiefs’ upcoming Super Bowl appearance, referencing a moment during her Eras Tour concert. Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift are guilty as sin when it comes to manifesting. The Kansas City ChiefsNFL team successfully making it to the 2025 Super Bowl, where they’ll…
Mathematicians Solve Infamous ‘Moving Sofa Problem’
Opinion Mathematicians Solve Infamous ‘Moving Sofa Problem’ What’s the largest couch that can turn a corner? After 58 years, we finally know By Jack Murtagh edited by Jeanna Bryner For those who have wrestled a bulky couch around a tight corner and lamented, “Will this even fit?” mathematicians have heard your pleas. Geometry’s “moving sofa…
Police say around 10 people killed in Sweden school campus shooting
Police say around 10 people have been killed in a shooting at an education centre in central Sweden, including the suspected gunman. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson described Tuesday’s attack at Risbergska school in Orebro, 200km (124 miles) west of the capital city Stockholm, as the “worst mass shooting in Swedish history”. Police said they believe…
Allison Holker Says Stephen “tWitch” Boss Left Her $1 Million Tax Bill
Allison Holker, the widow of Stephen “tWitch” Boss, got candid about her financial situation following her late husband’s death in her new memoir, This Far. Allison Holker is still feeling the pinch in the wake of Stephen “tWitch” Boss’ death. In her new memoir This Far: My Story of Love, Loss, and Embracing the Light,…
Winter storm to move across U.S. but the South will see record high temps
By Chandelis Duster A winter storm will bring snow and icy conditions from the Midwest to the Northeast that will endanger travel, but the South will see record high temperatures this week — reaching into the 80s in some places, according to forecasters. Starting late Wednesday and continuing into Thursday, wintry weather will bring light…
As Australia’s Election Nears, Peter Dutton Has a ‘Trump Lite’ Approach
Trump Administration Peter Dutton, who wants to be prime minister, has been taking aim at “wokeness.” But Australia’s electorate isn’t America’s, and there are lines he won’t cross. By Victoria Kim Reporting from Sydney, Australia It’s been called the Trump playbook, the Trump card, the Trumpist approach, campaigning as “Donald Trump lite” and even “going…
Mauritian PM expects ‘speedy resolution’ with UK over Chagos Islands
Navin Ramgoolam says Keir Starmer expressed confidence about finalising agreement within weeks Downing Street has refused to comment on the prospect of an imminent deal over the Chagos Islands, after the Mauritian prime minister said Keir Starmer had told him he was confident about finalising an agreement in the coming weeks. An interim deal on…
Letby did not murder babies, medical experts claim
Serial killer Lucy Letby did not murder any babies, a panel of international medical experts has claimed. Letby, now 35, is serving 15 whole life prison sentences after being convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven others. The 14-strong panel attributed some of the deaths at the Countess of Chester’s neonatal unit…
H5N9 in Poultry, Tuberculosis Outbreak in Kansas and RFK, Jr.’s Confirmation Hearings
Tuberculosis Outbreak, Highly Pathogenic Bird Flu Strain and Polar Bear Hair In this week’s roundup, catch up on the spread of bird flu in the U.S., a tuberculosis outbreak in Kansas and lessons from fossilized vomit. By Rachel Feltman & Madison Goldberg [CLIP: “Let There Be Rain,” by Silver Maple] Rachel Feltman: Happy Monday, listeners!…
‘There is nothing here’: the island left behind by Lagos’s economic boom
Politicians in Nigeria hope the country’s largest city will one day look like Dubai, but on nearby Refuge Island people live without electricity For the estimated 2,000 residents of Refuge Island life sometimes feels like that of a refugee. A dozen communities live on the island, which lies in a lagoon on the eastern fringes…
The moon’s grand canyons were carved in the blink of an eye
Nell Greenfieldboyce The Grand Canyon in Arizona got carved by water over millions of years of slow but steady erosion. Two similarly-sized canyons on the moon got carved by flying rocks in about ten minutes. That’s because these two canyons formed in the wake of an asteroid or comet smashing into the moon, a crash…
China Strikes Back After Trump Imposes 10% Tariff on Goods
Trump Tariffs After a 10 percent tariff on Chinese products took effect on Tuesday, China announced retaliatory measures, including tariffs and an investigation of Google. By Ana Swanson and Chris Buckley Ana Swanson reported from Washington and Chris Buckley from Bangkok. Follow live updates on President Trump’s tariffs and the global fallout. Beijing responded swiftly…
Usher Reveals Advice for Kendrick Lamar Ahead of Super Bowl Show
Usher is passing the torch and sharing advice for Kendrick Lamar before he takes the stage during the Super Bowl LIX Apple Music Halftime Show. Usher wants Kendrick Lamar to win big with his Super Bowl Halftime Performance. After bringing the house down with his medley of hits during last year’s Super Bowl the “Yeah”…
Car Bomb in Syria Kills 15 Agricultural Workers
Syria’s Civil War Syria’s Civil War Syria’s Civil War The blast, which detonated next to a truck carrying agricultural workers, underscored the challenges faced by the country’s interim president. By Euan Ward Reporting from Beirut, Lebanon A car bomb killed 15 agricultural workers in northern Syria on Monday, the country’s civil defense force said, as…
Pastor pushed out after parishioners complain about focus on racial justice
Frank Langfitt CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Sunday after Donald Trump won a second term, Pastor Ben Boswell took to the pulpit at Myers Park Baptist, a liberal church in Charlotte, and delivered the sort of blunt, provocative sermon for which he is well known. Boswell likened the moment to what he called the “gathering dark…
Trump’s trade war with neighbours is delayed – what did they all get out of it?
President Donald Trump has suspended for 30 days the hefty tariffs on Mexico and Canada that he threatened after last-minute negotiations with the two US neighbours. He can point to concessions on border and crime enforcement as a victory. But Canada’s Justin Trudeau and Mexico’s Claudia Sheinbaum also can claim political wins. A trade war…
All the Celeb Kids Who Have Made Their Modeling Debuts at Fashion Week
From Gigi Hadid to Dream Kardashian, check out all the celebrity kids who have taken the runway by storm while making their Fashion Week debuts. The next generation of models is here—and they’re more familiar than you might think. As we near New York Fashion Week—which runs from Feb. 6 to Feb. 11, there is…
Rwandan-backed rebel group M23 declares unilateral ceasefire in DRC
Militias say decision is ‘for humanitarian reasons’, as UN says at least 900 killed in last week’s fighting with DRC forces The Rwanda-backed M23 rebels who seized the city of Goma in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo last week have declared a unilateral ceasefire starting on Tuesday. The Congo River Alliance, a coalition of…
The Link between Cannabis and Psychosis in Teens Is Real
Opinion The Science of ParentingMondays The Link between Cannabis and Psychosis in Teens Is Real Teens have access to vastly more potent cannabis than their parents had at their age. Parents need to understand the risks, including psychosis By Carrie E. Bearden edited by Megha Satyanarayana Cut through the claims: Get email alerts for this…
14 Sick Day Essentials To Add to Your Home ASAP
From humidfiers and air purifiers to cozy loungewear, these home finds will help make the inevitable sick day (or two!) more comfortable. The products featured in this article are from brands available in NBCUniversal Checkout. E! makes a commission on purchases. No matter how hard you try to avoid getting sick, at some point it’s inevitable…
Trump Tariffs’ Potential Clean Energy Effects Explained
Trump Tariffs Spark Fears of Clean Energy Supply Chain Chaos President Trump’s new tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China could hit the electric vehicle, solar, battery and wind industries particularly hard By Benjamin Storrow & E&E News The president’s new tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China could hit the solar, battery, wind and electric vehicle…
French Court Convicts Director Christophe Ruggia in #MeToo Case
Christophe Ruggia was sentenced to four years and fined for sexually assaulting the actress Adèle Haenel when she was a minor. By Catherine Porter and Ségolène Le Stradic Reporting from Paris A French court convicted the director Christophe Ruggia on Monday of sexually assaulting the actress Adèle Haenel when she was a minor, handing him…
Rubio welcomes Panama’s move to exit Chinese infrastructure plan as ‘great step forward’
News comes after US secretary of state visited Panama to pressure the country over its ties with Beijing US secretary of state Marco Rubio has welcomed Panama’s decision to let its participation in China’s global infrastructure plan expire, calling the move “a great step forward” for its ties with the United States. Any move by…
White House defends its ‘Fork in the Road’ offer to federal employees
Franco Ordoñez The White House is pushing back against what it is calling “misinformation” by the federal employees union, which has urged government workers not to accept an offer from the Trump administration to resign from their jobs by Feb. 6 and go on leave with pay through the end of September. In its first…
Trump agrees to pause tariffs on Canada and Mexico but not on China
President Donald Trump has agreed to hold off imposing 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico for 30 days, pulling the North American neighbours back from the brink of a potentially damaging trade war. After last-minute calls with Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau agreed to reinforce his country’s border with the US to clamp down…
How could Trump’s tariffs affect the UK?
Donald Trump has been unclear about whether he will impose tariffs on the UK but economists warn there are still ways Britain could be negatively affected by the president’s wider trade policies even if it avoids being hit directly. The impact could be felt through slower growth in some of the UK’s important trading partners.…
Josh Peck and Wife Paige O’Brien Expecting Baby No. 3
Josh Peck’s wife of seven years Paige O’Brien is pregnant with their third baby. The couple are already parents to sons Max, 6, and Shai, 2. Josh Peck has found a way to grow his family. The Nickelodeon alum and his wife Paige O’Brien are expecting their third baby together, Josh announced Feb. 3. Sharing a…
Bonobos Can Tell When a Human Doesn’t Know Something
Bonobos Can Tell When a Human Doesn’t Know Something An experiment shows that bonobos can understand when a human lacks knowledge and point them in the right direction By Jack Tamisiea edited by Gary Stix Female bonobo. A few captive bonobos recently faced a seemingly simple task: locate a tasty snack hidden under one of…
Who Will Govern Postwar Gaza? Four Competing Models Are Emerging.
Middle East Tensions Hamas still controls most of the enclave, but Israel holds some key areas. International oversight could also be expanded, while the Palestinian Authority has presented itself as another alternative. By Patrick Kingsley Reporting from Jerusalem Through nearly 16 months of war in Gaza, politicians and analysts debated competing proposals for the territory’s…
World Indie Games: A New Era of Crowdfunding for Independent Developers
In the ever-evolving world of game development, crowdfunding has emerged as a game-changer, enabling independent studios and solo developers to bring their creative visions to life. Traditional funding models often impose high barriers to entry, forcing developers to seek publishers or private investors, which can lead to compromises in artistic vision and project autonomy. Crowdfunding,…
Girl, 14, guilty of school stabbing attempted murder in south Wales
A 14-year-old girl who stabbed two teachers and a pupil has been found guilty of attempted murder. Fiona Elias, Liz Hopkin and the pupil were hospitalised after the attack at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, Carmarthenshire, in April last year. The 14-year-old girl, who cannot be named due to her age, previously denied three counts of attempted…
Canadian fans boo U.S. national anthem at NBA matchup as tariff dispute heats up
Juliana Kim Tensions have been brewing between the United States and Canada ever since President Trump ignited a trade war with U.S. neighbors — and now, they’re spilling over into the world of sports. On Sunday, the NBA’s Toronto Raptors hosted the Los Angeles Clippers. But before the game began, fans at the Scotiabank Arena…
For China, Trump’s Moves Bring Pain, but Also Potential Gains
Trump Administration President Trump’s tariffs hurt China, but his other actions have alienated U.S. allies, giving Beijing an opening to strengthen its global standing. By David Pierson and Sui-Lee Wee As President Trump was locked in a war of words with the leader of Colombia over the military deportation of migrants, China’s ambassador to Colombia…
Grammys 2025: Babyface Reacts to Red Carpet Interview Snub
After Babyface was shrugged off by Grammys red carpet reporters mid-interview in favor of Best New Artist winner Chappell Roan, the legendary producer spoke out about the viral moment. Babyface isn’t one to hold a grudge. After the legendary producer’s interview with the Associated Press on the Grammys red carpet was interrupted in favor of…
Tiny Nigerian museum marking a forgotten British invasion pushes for recognition
Museum in Koko, Niger Delta, commemorates important exiled merchant prince Nanna Olomu – but it has no cooling and a termite issue In the sleepy Nigerian port town of Koko, the reminder of a forgotten invasion by the British more than a century ago has itself been forgotten. A statue of Nanna Olomu, the Nigerian…
Hot Tip: Buy 2 Michael Kors Designer Bags & Get 20% Off—Yes, Really!
Warning: You’ll want more than one—Michael Kors Outlet is giving 20% Off when you buy two handbags this Valentine’s Day. Our writers and editors independently determine what we cover and recommend. When you buy through our links, E! may earn a commission. Learn more. If you needed a sign to treat yourself, this is it. Michael…
Six things that could get more expensive for Americans under Trump tariffs
US President Donald Trump has sparked a trade war by declaring he will impose tariffs on imports from his country’s neighbours Canada and Mexico. Canada has said it will retaliate in kind. Mexico also pledged to hit back, although US tariffs on that country have now been paused for a month. The three countries have…
Nearby Habitable-Zone Exoplanet May Be a World of Fire and Ice
Nearby Habitable-Zone Exoplanet May Be a World of Fire and Ice A newly confirmed exoplanet around a nearby sunlike star might be astronomers’ best chance yet to look for life beyond the solar system—but it’s still no place like home By Gayoung Lee edited by Lee Billings An artist’s concept of an exoplanet that might…
With Trump’s Backing Uncertain, Europe Scrambles to Shore Up Its Own Defenses
Russia-Ukraine War European leaders will gather Monday to plot a rough path forward on defense. Wavering support from President Trump is likely to drive the debate. By Jeanna Smialek and Steven Erlanger Jeanna Smialek reported from Brussels, and Steven Erlanger from Paris. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago convinced Europe’s leaders that they…
Who will call it the Gulf of America? A look at this and other naming disputes
By Rachel Treisman President Trump’s executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico has drawn a mixed reception, from laughter to annoyance. Even as the federal government implements the switch, questions persist about how it will work and who must comply. The order, which Trump signed on his first day in office, directs the secretary of…
Trump says he will cut off funding to South Africa over land ‘confiscations’
Cyril Ramaphosa’s government ‘treating certain classes of people very badly’, says Trump, calling for investigation Donald Trump has claimed South Africa is “confiscating” land and “treating certain classes of people very badly”, announcing he is cutting off all future funding to the country pending an investigation. The US president’s intervention into one of South Africa’s…
New Game Card “Beat”
🎮 BEAT Party Game Card: The Game That Takes Truth to the Limit is Now on Kickstarter If you’ve ever felt that a simple “Truth or Dare” wasn’t enough, BEAT Party Game Card is here to revolutionize how we play with the truth. This bold and exciting board game, created by Monkey Republic Games, has…
France prepares for trial of surgeon accused of abusing anaesthetised children
A former surgeon who is accused of abusing hundreds of young patients, often while they were under anaesthetic, is set to go on trial this month in the largest child abuse trial in French history. Joel Le Scouarnec, 73, is accused of assaulting or raping 299 children – the majority former patients of his –…
Across Border From Detroit, Bafflement and Anger Over U.S. Tariffs
Global Economy Global Economy Global Economy Windsor, the heart of Canada’s auto industry, had been on the upswing. Now people feel betrayed by a neighbor, fearing that factories will close. A glimpse of Detroit on Friday, across the river from Windsor, Ontario. By Ian Austen Photographs by Ian Willms Reporting from Windsor, Ontario Not long…
Vagus nerve stimulation may tame autoimmune diseases
Jon Hamilton Tiny pulses of electricity may provide the next big advance in treating diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. The pulses would be delivered via implanted devices that stimulate the vagus nerve, and they are showing promise in people with arthritis and other autoimmune diseases, including Crohn’s, and multiple sclerosis. Currently, autoimmune diseases are usually treated…
Trump Orders Sweeping Federal Aid and Grant Freeze
Trump Administration Orders Sweeping Freeze of Federal Aid The Trump administration has ordered a halt to “all federal financial assistance,” covering areas from domestic infrastructure and energy projects to foreign aid By Jennifer Scholtes, Nicholas Wu & E&E News In a two-page memo, the Office of Management and Budget ordered all federal agencies to temporarily…
Toronto Raptors fans boo US national anthem after Donald Trump tariffs
Fans at a Toronto Raptors game on Sunday continued an emerging trend of booing the American national anthem at sporting events in Canada. Fans of the NBA’s lone Canadian franchise booed the US anthem before the Raptors’ game against the Los Angeles Clippers at the Scotiabank Arena in downtown Toronto. Similar reactions broke out on…
Sister Wives’ Christine Brown Says She Has Nightmares of Ex Kody Brown
Sister Wives star Christine Brown may be happy in her new marriage to David Wooley, but she admitted on the Feb. 2 episode that the trauma from her ex Kody Brown still unexpectedly rears its head. Christine Brown may have said goodbye to her ex-husband Kody Brown in the real world, but she can’t fully…
How Drones Can Train Bears to Stay Away from Humans
Opinion How Drones Can Train Bears to Stay Away from Humans Drones could be a wildlife manager’s “magic tools” to reduce bear-human conflict By Wesley Sarmento Hazing grizzlies away from humans by using drones was highly effective. Brown bears roam across much of the northern hemisphere from the mountains of Spain to the prairies of…
How Grammy Awards Honored One Direction’s Liam Payne in Moving Tribute
Liam Payne, who died in October at the age of 31, was honored with a special moment during the 67th Grammy Awards held at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles Feb. 2. Even when the night changes, it’ll never change One Direction. The music community celebrated the life of the late Liam Payne—who died in October…
Rubio warns of U.S. action if Panama does not curb Chinese influence around the canal
Juliana Kim U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told the leaders of Panama on Sunday that the Central American country must take immediate action on curbing China’s influence over the Panama Canal area or the United States will get involved. Rubio is on his first overseas trip as America’s top diplomat. In addition to Panama,…
Ukraine Says at Least 18 Civilians Are Killed in Strikes
Russia-Ukraine War Russia-Ukraine War Russia-Ukraine War At least 14 people were killed in Poltava, Ukrainian officials said, blaming Russia. Four died in Sudzha, a Russian town held by Ukraine, in a strike each country blamed on the other. By Constant Méheut Reporting from Kyiv, Ukraine The Ukrainian authorities said Sunday that two airstrikes a day…
Trump says EU tariffs will ‘definitely happen’ as Mexico, Canada and China retaliate
Trump takes softer line on UK, saying ‘I think that one can be worked out’, while Mexico and Canada vow levies and to strengthen ties with each other Donald Trump has threatened to widen the scope of his trade tariffs, repeating his warning that the European Union – and potentially the UK – will face…
Starmer first PM to join EU leaders’ meeting since Brexit
Sir Keir Starmer is heading to Brussels to join a gathering of European Union leaders – the first time a British prime minister has done so since Brexit. Starmer is heading over the English Channel for talks focused on defence and security co-operation and will also meet Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte. The trip is…
RFK, Jr., Confirmation Hearing Is Tomorrow. Here’s What to Know
4 Things to Know as RFK, Jr., Confirmation Hearing Approaches Some health professionals have spoken out about President Donald Trump’s nomination of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., for Secretary of Health and Human Services By Arthur Allen & KFF Health News Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump’s pick for Health and Human Services secretary, on…
Grammys 2025: Kelsea Ballerini, Noah Kahan Brutally React to Losing
After Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus took home the Grammy for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “II Most Wanted” at the 67th ceremony, Kelsea Ballerini and Noah Kahan reacted to their loss. Kelsea Ballerini and Noah Kahan aren’t crying cowboys over this Grammys loss. After the “Cowboys Cry Too” singers lost the Grammy for Best Country…
Trump used fentanyl to justify tariffs, but the crisis was already easing
Brian Mann President Trump says illegal street fentanyl is one of the main justifications for sweeping trade tariffs he plans to impose against Canada, China and Mexico on Tuesday. A statement issued by the White House describes the synthetic opioid as fueling a “national emergency” that warranted tough action. Experts say the reality is far…