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 […]
Sara Sharif family court judges named after appeal
Three judges who oversaw Family Court hearings involving Sara Sharif in the years before she was murdered can be named for the first time following a legal appeal. Sara’s father Urfan Sharif, 43, and stepmother Beinash Batool, 30, have been jailed for life for her murder in Woking, Surrey in 2023. Following their convictions, the…
Kremlin Chokes YouTube Service, but Russians Find Ways Around It
The Kremlin is trying to cripple YouTube in Russia, internet experts say, pushing some people to state-controlled domestic alternatives. But many Russians have found workarounds. By Paul Sonne Reporting from Berlin He blocked Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. He signed a censorship law that led TikTok to disable its functions. President Vladimir V. Putin has clamped…
Weather tracker: Elvis shakes Madagascar after Europe’s triple threat
Low pressure strengthens to tropical cyclone status in Indian Ocean, while European windstorm season rages on A compact and stationary area of low pressure brought a sustained period of heavy rain to southern parts of Madagascar this week, with weather stations at Taolagnaro and Toliara recording five-day rainfall totals of 178mm and 196mm respectively, with…
Black boxes found as officials examine staffing shortage in DC plane crash
The black boxes for a commercial flight that crashed into a military helicopter in Washington DC have been located, as questions mount about staffing and other close calls at the airport where the plane was landing. Normally two people manage air traffic control for helicopters and airplanes flying in the area – one of the…
Senator calls RFK Jr.’s position on race and vaccines dangerous
By Will Stone It was one of the more tense exchanges in an already heated confirmation hearing as senators put Robert F Kennedy Jr.’s record on vaccines — and his shifting stances on their safety and efficacy — under the microscope. Senator Angela Alsobrooks, a Democrat from Maryland, pointed to past comments made by Kennedy…
Kyiv’s Mayor Feuds With President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine
Russia-Ukraine War Russia-Ukraine War Russia-Ukraine War The mayor, Vitali Klitschko, who has had a tense relationship with President Volodymyr Zelensky, accused him of trying to usurp the powers of elected officials in the capital. By Maria Varenikova Reporting from Kyiv, Ukraine Internal political tensions in Ukraine have been rising in anticipation of a cease-fire that…
Reese Witherspoon Says Actress Ended Friendship Over This Faux Pas
Reese Witherspoon said she’s “not friends” with a certain “serious, proper actress” after mistakenly roasting her at an award show: “She doesn’t talk to me anymore.” Reese Witherspoon has committed a big little blunder. The Oscar winner shared she’s no longer friends with an unnamed actress after mistakenly roasting her at an award show, saying…
How Plane Accidents, like the DC Crash, Are Investigated
How Plane Accidents, like the DC Crash, Are Investigated The accident that resulted in a commercial airplane crashing into the Potomac yesterday will require air safety investigators to dig deep By Gary Stix edited by Dean Visser Emergency response units inspect airplane wreckage in the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington Airport. A video camera…
Biggest US trading allies brace for a ‘game of chicken’ with Trump’s tariffs
Canada and Mexico draw plans to mitigate effect of duties Trump has threatened, possibly sparking a trade war America’s biggest trading partners are bracing for Donald Trump to impose sweeping tariffs on their exports after the US president repeated his threat to hit Canada and Mexico with new duties. Officials in Ottawa and Mexico City…
What You Need to Know About Venomous Caterpillars
Venomous Caterpillars Are Expanding Their Range because of Warming These caterpillars carry a toxic chemical cocktail and Inquisition-like delivery implements—and their geographic range is expanding By Ivan Amato edited by Gary Stix The puss caterpillar is the venomous larval form of the southern flannel moth (Megalopyge opercularis). Its “hairs” conceal highly venomous spines. Assasinations in…
British-Egyptian dissident mulls giving up citizenship over failure to be released
Alaa Abd el-Fattah’s family reveal letters showing his despair after initial hopes David Lammy could get him freed from Cairo jail Alaa Abd el-Fattah, the British-Egyptian political dissident held in a Cairo jail for more than five years, has reached such a state of despair over the UK’s inability to secure his release that he…
Antidepressants harder to quit than heroin? Fact-checking RFK Jr.
By Brian Mann , Katia Riddle During his Senate confirmation hearing to serve as Health and Human Services Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. suggested antidepressant drugs may be as addictive as heroin — a claim contradicted by research. Kennedy’s comment at Wednesday’s hearing was one of a number of controversial claims he has made about…
Syria’s New President Pledges Unity in First Address
Syria’s Civil War Syria’s Civil War Syria’s Civil War President Ahmed al-Shara vowed to be inclusive, but the way crucial decisions have been made has left some Syrians wary. By Christina Goldbaum Reporting from Damascus, Syria The newly appointed president of Syria, Ahmed al-Shara, pledged in a speech on Thursday to create an inclusive transitional…
Judy Blume’s Forever… TV Series Will Pull at Your Heart Strings
Netflix reimagined Judy Blume’s popular 1975 novel Forever… for its upcoming drama of the same name. See the show’s first trailer. A Judy Blume classic has found a forever home on Netflix. Two years after Netflix announced they’re reimagining the author’s 1975 novel, Forever… into a new romance drama series, the streaming platform released its first…
Eight Israeli and Thai hostages released from Gaza
Eight more hostages held by Hamas in Gaza have been released amid chaotic scenes as part of the ceasefire deal with Israel. Three Israelis and five Thai nationals were handed over to the Red Cross by Hamas before being transferred to Israeli forces and taken to Israel. A total of 110 Palestinians were later released…
What we know about the midair crash near Washington, D.C.
By Jaclyn Diaz , Rachel Treisman , Scott Neuman , Russell Lewis Follow the latest coverage of the crash . Authorities believe there will likely be no survivors in the midair crash involving an American Airlines regional jet and a Black Hawk helicopter Wednesday night in the skies above the nation’s capital. As of Thursday…
Europe’s Extremely Large Telescope Faces a New Dire Threat
World’s Largest Telescope Faces a New Dire Threat: Light Pollution from Renewable Energy Observatories in Chile’s Atacama Desert, including the world’s largest optical telescope, could be blinded by light pollution and other unwanted side effects from the proposed construction of a renewable energy megaproject By Katherine Helen Laliotis Europe’s Extremely Large Telescope, as seen at…
DRC leader calls for military recruits as Rwandan-backed rebels advance
President Tshisekedi vows ‘a vigorous and coordinated response’ to the M23 group Rwandan-backed rebels have pushed south and consolidated gains in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, as international calls for restraint appeared to have little impact on the ground. Local sources told Agence France-Presse that fighters from the M23 group had seized two districts…
Rachael Kirkconnell Confronted Matt James Over Girl During First Split
The Bachelor alum Rachael Kirkconnell revealed the difficult details of her first breakup from Matt James in 2021, which came after racially insensitive photos of her resurfaced online. Rachael Kirkconnell is remembering the red flags during her relationship with Matt James. Nearly two weeks after the couple—who found love on season 25 of The Bachelor…
US and Russian figure skaters were on board crashed plane
A number of figure skaters – including six people associated with the Figure Skating Club of Boston – were among the passengers on board an aeroplane that hit a helicopter above Washington DC on Wednesday evening. The group from Boston include two former Russian world champions who are now coaches – Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim…
Pause on U.S. Funding Spreads Fear of H.I.V. Spike Across Africa
Trump Administration Trump Administration Trump Administration Patients and health care advocates said the abrupt decision to halt U.S. funding for a lifesaving H.I.V. program led to widespread confusion. The backtracking didn’t help. By John Eligon Reporting from Johannesburg As he does every three months, Sibusiso traveled on Wednesday morning to a clinic in the capital…
What Trump’s First Days Say about Science in the New Administration
Opinion What Trump’s First Days Say about Science in the New Administration By Michael S. Lubell & Philip Rubin edited by Daniel Vergano US President Donald Trump holds an executive order announcing the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, he just signed during the inaugural parade inside Capital One Arena, in Washington, DC, on January…
Syria’s Ahmed al-Shara Named as President During Transitional Period
Syria’s Civil War Syria’s Civil War Syria’s Civil War The new leadership of the country said the rebel coalition leader, Ahmed al-Shara, would serve as president during a transitional period. By Christina Goldbaum Reporting from Damascus, Syria The rebel coalition that seized control of Syria last month appointed its leader, Ahmed al-Shara, as president of…
After fires, LA students yearn to get back to school, and a normal life
Jonaki Mehta Augusta Robbins and her family have been hopping between temporary housing for the last three weeks or so. When the smell of smoke crept into their family home on January 7th, the second grader was playing laser tag. Now, not only has Augusta lost her home, but most of her school is gone,…
Romantic Jewelry Gifts for Valentine’s Day
Celebrate romantic love with the perfect jewelry gift. Shop pieces from our favorite jewelry brands, including Sterling Forever, Joey Baby, Eklexic, and more. The products featured in this article are from brands available in NBCUniversal Checkout. E! makes a commission on purchases. Jewelry is a classic Valentine’s Day gift. If your special person wears it at…
Trump’s US aid freeze will drive migration from Latin America, experts warn
Abrupt decision to pause all foreign aid could exacerbate violence in region already struggling with organized crime The Trump administration’s abrupt decision to immediately pause all US foreign aid programmes could exacerbate violence in Latin America, driving more migration from a region already struggling with the rise of organised crime, experts have warned. The world’s…
How quickly could Rachel Reeves’ new plans boost growth?
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said on Wednesday that “economic growth is the number one mission of this government” as she unveiled a series of proposals to boost the UK’s economy. But how quickly could the government get growth from the plans she announced? Critics have argued some of the projects – such as expanding Heathrow –…
American Airlines plane, Blackhawk helicopter collide midair near D.C.-area airport
Joel Rose A commercial airplane collided in midair with a Blackhawk helicopter as the jet was approaching a runway at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday night, according to federal aviation officials. The accident happened as the jet, operated by regional carrier PSA Airlines on behalf of American Airlines, was attempting to land just…
ICC prosecutor seeks arrest warrants over atrocities in Darfur
Karim Khan says civilians being targeted and communities destroyed in western region of Sudan The prosecutor for the international criminal court has said he is seeking arrest warrants for people accused of atrocities in Sudan’s Darfur region, where the US and others have determined that a paramilitary group and its allies have perpetrated genocide. Karim…
Recapping RFK, Jr’s First Day of Confirmation Hearings in 5 Takeaways
RFK Jr., Confirmation Hearing Showed 5 Ways He Threatens Public Health From Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s views on vaccines to Medicaid, here are some ways his nomination for head of the Department of Health and Human Services could have sweeping effects on health care By Tanya Lewis edited by Lauren J. Young Robert F. Kennedy Jr.,…
Emilia Pérez’s Karla Sofía Gascón Denies Breaking Oscars Rule
Emilia Pérez’s Karla Sofía Gascón addressed accusations she violated Oscars rules by bad-mouthing fellow nominee Fernanda Torres, clarifying that the I’m Still Here star “has been a wonderful ally.” Karla Sofía Gascón is still here for her fellow Oscar nominee Fernanda Torres. The Emilia Pérez star denied speaking ill of the I’m Still Here performer—who she’s…
DeepSeek’s A.I. Chatbot Awkwardly Navigates China’s Censors
Asked about sensitive topics, the bot would begin to answer, then stop and delete its own work. It refused to answer questions like: “Who is Xi Jinping?” By Vivian Wang Vivian Wang, reporting from behind the Great Firewall, had an intriguing conversation with DeepSeek’s chatbot. As the world scrambles to understand DeepSeek — its sophistication,…
Stampede at India’s Maha Kumbh Mela Hindu Festival: Many Feared Dead
Stampede at Festival in India People were trampled as pilgrims at the Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the world’s biggest gatherings, gathered where the Ganges and Yamuna Rivers meet, officials said. By Hari Kumar and Anupreeta Das Hari Kumar reported from Prayagraj, India, and Anupreeta Das from New Delhi. At least 30 people were killed…
Trump Asks SpaceX to Return NASA’s ‘Stranded’ Astronauts to Earth ASAP
Trump Asks SpaceX to Return NASA’s ‘Stranded’ Astronauts to Earth ASAP Despite a recent request from Trump, NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore were already scheduled to return to Earth on a Crew Dragon capsule this spring By Mike Wall & SPACE.com NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore on the International Space Station. Join Our Community of Science Lovers! Well, this…
Trump’s pick for Commerce Secretary is Howard Lutnick. Here’s what to know
Alina Selyukh We’re following the confirmation hearings for the incoming Trump administration. See our full politics coverage, and follow NPR’s Trump’s Terms podcast or to stay up to date. Who: Howard Lutnick Nominated for: Commerce Secretary You might know them from: Lutnick is a billionaire investor and long-time Wall Street CEO. What does this role do: The Commerce Department is responsible for enforcing…
King involved in name change of Agincourt submarine that sparked ‘woke’ row
King Charles was involved in a decision to change the name of a new royal submarine from HMS Agincourt to HMS Achilles, a move that was branded “woke nonsense” by former defence secretary Grant Shapps, the BBC has been told. The name change was announced this week, and followed reports of concern within the Ministry…
Lammy tells Rwanda it is putting $1bn in aid ‘under threat’ in DRC invasion
UK foreign secretary issues direct warning during phone call with Rwandan president after escalation of conflict Rwanda has put $1bn of global aid under threat by taking part in the invasion of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the UK foreign secretary, David Lammy, has said. He made the direct warning in a phone call…
Italy sends 49 refugees to Albania in bid to resume disputed scheme
Latest push to process migrants in Balkan country despite court challenge comes amid increase in boat arrivals Italy has transported 49 people to Albania, in the latest push by Giorgia Meloni’s government to enforce a legally disputed plan to have asylum claims processed in the Balkan country as part of a hardline policy critics have…
2025 Missions to the Sun Seek to Study Space Weather and Shape of the Heliosphere
Why 2025 is an Exciting Year in Heliophysics From space weather to science missions, there’s a lot to be excited about in heliophysics this year. By Rachel Feltman, Meghan Bartels, Fonda Mwangi & Jeffery DelViscio Rachel Feltman: For Scientific American’s Science Quickly, I’m Rachel Feltman. Life as we know it couldn’t exist without the sun,…
TikToker Mikayla Nogueira Shares Side Effect of 60-Lb. Weight Loss
Beauty TikToker Mikayla Nogueira responded to fan speculation over why she hasn’t been wearing her wedding ring in her recent videos and detailed her weight loss journey. Mikayla Nogueira is clearing up the rumors. The TikToker, who wed Cody Hawken in 2023, responded to speculation after fans noticed that she wasn’t wearing her engagement ring…
Reeves backs third Heathrow runway as part of push for economic growth
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has backed a third runway at London’s Heathrow Airport as part of a fresh plan to get the UK’s sluggish economy growing. She said Heathrow expansion, which has been delayed for decades over environmental concerns, would “make Britain the world’s best connected place to do business”. In a wide-ranging speech to business…
He Survived 15 Months of War in Gaza, Then Died as Cease-Fire Neared
Middle East Tensions Middle East Tensions Middle East Tensions Fighting claimed lives until the final moments before the truce between Israel and Hamas took effect. For some, an unexpected delay of a few hours proved deadly. By Bilal Shbair and Erika Solomon Bilal Shbair reported from Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip. After more…
Two ways Trump aims to reshape government. And, how U.S. children are doing in school
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. President Trump is working to dramatically reshape the federal government, as shown by two actions this week. He has issued a sweeping memo to pause trillions of dollars in…
Pristine Ancient Forest ‘Frozen in Time’ Discovered in Rocky Mountains
Pristine Ancient Forest Found Frozen in Time in Rocky Mountains A melting ice patch in the Rocky Mountains uncovered an ancient forest, and these trees have stories to tell about dynamic landscapes and climate change By K.R. Callaway & LiveScience Long-frozen whitebark pines emerge from a melting ice patch in the Yellowstone region. Join Our…
All That You Wanted to Know About She’s All That
It’s been 26 years since She’s All That debuted. Celebrate the anniversary by learning what went down behind the scenes of the star-studded Freddie Prinze Jr. and Rachael Leigh Cook teen drama. This movie was all that. Case in point: She’s All That had Freddie Prinze Jr., Rachael Leigh Cook and all the elements of…
66 million years ago, a fish chewed up and spit out food. It’s now a fossil in Denmark
By James Doubek About 66 million years ago, just before the mass extinction that wiped out the dinosaurs, a fish chewed up and spit out some sea creatures. Unbeknownst to that fish, its rejected meal was preserved in fossil form. And it’s now arrived at a museum in Denmark. “It is truly an unusual find,”…
Chris Mason: Labour must make economic growth ideas work this time
Labour were talking about economic growth for months before the general election and they have been talking about it for months afterwards as well. The thing is, there hasn’t been any, or next to none of it. This is a problem, for the daily lives of millions of us, and the government’s prospects and popularity,…
Inside Colombia’s Crisis Over Trump’s Deportations
Trump Administration Trump Administration Trump Administration When Colombia’s president, Gustavo Petro, refused military planes carrying deportees, infuriating President Trump, he revealed how heated the question of deportations has become. When Colombia’s president, Gustavo Petro, refused military planes carrying deportees, infuriating President Trump, he revealed how heated the question of deportations has become. President Gustavo Petro…
Giorgia Meloni says she is under investigation for repatriation of Libyan warlord
Rome prosecutor launches investigation into controversial release of Osama Najim, who is wanted by the ICC for alleged war crimes Giorgia Meloni has said she is under investigation in connection with Italy’s unexpected release and repatriation last week of a Libyan general who is wanted for war crimes by the international criminal court. The Italian…
Reeves set to welcome Heathrow expansion as growth plans outlined
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to welcome Heathrow’s expansion on Wednesday, the BBC understands, as she reveals Labour’s latest plans for growth. A move to encourage in principle a planning application for a third runway at the airport will mark the first stage of the process and come as part of a major speech setting…
See you latte: Starbucks plans to cut 30% of its menu
Alina Selyukh Starbucks plans to cut about 30% of food and drink options from its menu by late 2025, as part of the chain’s plan to change its vibe and stem the loss of customers across U.S. stores. This week, the coffee giant also began offering ceramic mugs and free coffee and tea refills for…
Fighting between DRC army and M23 rebels rages in eastern city of Goma
At least 100 people killed and 1,000 wounded in three days of heavy fighting in North Kivu Dead bodies lay on the streets and explosions and gunfire echoed across the largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on Tuesday, as fighting continued to rage between the army and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. Residents…
Snake Facts for the Lunar New Year
Celebrate Lunar New Year with 7 Snake Facts In honor of the Year of the Snake, let’s appreciate the strange anatomy and evolution of these slithery reptiles By Allison Parshall edited by Dean Visser Blue Insularis snake. As the new moon rises this week, it ushers in a new year on the lunar calendar used…
U.S. Move to Suspend Mine Clearing Funds Alarms Vietnam
Large swaths of land in Southeast Asia are littered with unexploded bombs dropped by American forces during the Vietnam War. By Sui-Lee Wee and Anton L. Delgado The Vietnam War ended half a century ago, but American weapons from that era continue to kill people to this day. Unexploded bombs rained down by American troops…
Have Dry, Sensitive Skin? Add These Gentle Products to Your Routine
Stop stripping stressed skin with harsh products—try these gentle picks from Bubble Skincare to The Outset. The products featured in this article are from brands available in NBCUniversal Checkout. E! makes a commission on purchases. We’ve all tried a product that left our skin feeling stripped and irritated during our quest for glass skin. It’s a…
Justin Baldoni Made Comment on Blake Lively’s Boobs in 2 AM Voice Memo
Justin Baldoni made a comment to Blake Lively about having a “baby on your boob” in a voice memo he allegedly sent to the actress during the making of It Ends With Us. Justin Baldoni commented on Blake Lively‘s breastfeeding during the making of It Ends With Us, according to a leaked voice memo. In an…
Chastened by Past Wars, Kremlin Tries to Elevate Its Veterans
Russia-Ukraine War Russia-Ukraine War Russia-Ukraine War Russians who fought in Chechnya and Afghanistan came home to silence and stigma. There’s a very public push to make things different this time. By Valerie Hopkins and Alina Lobzina Valerie Hopkins reported from Moscow and Alina Lobzina from London. When Ilya Rusinov returned to the Russian work force…
How Trump’s Order to Rename Gulf of Mexico and Denali Works
Can Trump Just Order New Names for Denali and the Gulf of Mexico? A geographer explains how maps’ place names, such as the Gulf of Mexico and Denali, are decided By Innisfree McKinnon & The Conversation US Morning light on Mt. Denali in Denali National Park. The following essay is reprinted with permission from The…
5 economic papers that lit up our brains — and what they say about our confusing world
Greg Rosalsky We at Planet Money are constantly reading the work of economists and other social scientists to glean ideas, evidence and insights about the economy, and, more generally, the confusing world around us. Often this work provides the seeds for episodes or newsletters. But sometimes they’re just interesting things we learned privately, and we…
After Israel-Hezbollah Truce, Lebanon Ponders How to Clear Debris
Middle East Tensions Middle East Tensions Middle East Tensions The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has left behind lots of rubble. Some experts fear that much of it will be dumped into the environment without controls. By Aryn Baker For the past three months, Ahmad Mehdi has been living in half a home. In October,…