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 […]
Xi Jinping sends China vice-president to Donald Trump’s inauguration
Chinese president declines US president-elect’s unusual invitation but sends special representative Han Zheng The Chinese president, Xi Jinping, will not attend Donald Trump’s inauguration, but he is sending his vice-president, Han Zheng, as his special representative. The decision, announced on Friday in China by the foreign ministry, came more than a month after Trump extended…
How historic Gaza deal was sealed with 10 minutes to spare
The Israeli and Hamas negotiators never came face to face – but by the end, just one floor separated them. Ceasefire talks via middlemen from Qatar, Egypt and the US had been dragging on for several months, at times without hope. Now the key players were all inside one building in Doha and the pace…
Prince Harry’s Suit Against Rupert Murdoch’s U.K. Tabloids Set to Start
Barring a late settlement, Harry’s lawsuit against News Group Newspapers will begin Monday, with potential consequences for the royal family, the media baron and even The Washington Post. By Mark Landler Reporting from London Prince Harry will get his long-awaited day in court against Rupert Murdoch’s British tabloids on Monday, as his lawsuit against News…
A California fifth grader interviews his firefighter father
By Lauren Migaki , Janet W. Lee When the fires in Los Angeles broke out just over one week ago, fire captain Shane Lawlor was quickly dispatched to the Palisades. He has been at work ever since. On his first day, Lawlor was on his team’s fireline for 20 hours straight with no breaks for…
Los Angeles Fires Were Fueled by Climate Change
Here’s How Climate Change Fueled the Los Angeles Wildfires Many factors, such as strong Santa Ana winds and urban planning decisions, played into the recent destructive wildfires in the Los Angeles area. But the evidence is clear that climate change contributed By Andrea Thompson edited by Dean Visser Smoke shrouds the sun as it rises…
TikTok’s Most Viral Products Are on Sale at Amazon Right Now
After countless hours of doom scrolling, we’ve rounded up the best #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt Amazon finds ranging from #BeautyTok skincare, #SundayReset cleaning essentials, & so much more. Our writers and editors independently determine what we cover and recommend. When you buy through our links, E! may earn a commission. Learn more. As your trusty Gen Z/Millennial Shopping Editor…
Israel’s cabinet approves Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal
Israel’s government has approved the new Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas, paving the way for it to take effect on Sunday. The decision came after hours of discussions that continued late into the night. Two far-right ministers voted against the deal. The security cabinet earlier recommended ratifying the agreement, saying it “supports…
Canada Prepares for Trump Tariff Threat With Three-Stage Plan
Global Economy Global Economy Global Economy Canadian officials are preparing retaliatory measures if the new U.S. administration imposes tariffs on Canadian imports. By Matina Stevis-Gridneff Reporting from Ottawa Orange juice from Florida. Whiskey from Tennessee. Peanut butter from Kentucky. Canada is preparing for an all-out trade war with its closest ally and one of its…
Air traffic controllers rush to divert aircraft after Elon Musk’s rocket explodes
Geoff Brumfiel Flights across the Caribbean were hastily diverted on Thursday following the explosion of a rocket built by Elon Musk’s company, SpaceX. The chaos was revealed in flight tracking data and audio exchanges between pilots and air traffic control, as reviewed by NPR. Audio from LiveATC.net showed confusion in the moments after the giant…
Chrystia Freeland will run to replace Trudeau as Canada’s prime minister
Ex-journalist and senior government minister dubbed a ‘nasty woman’ by Trump aims to lead ailing Liberal party A former journalist turned senior government minister – who was dubbed a “nasty woman” by Donald Trump after bruising trade negotiations with the US – has announced that she will run for leadership of Canada’s ailing Liberal party.…
US Supreme Court upholds TikTok ban law
The US Supreme Court has upheld a law that bans TikTok in the US unless its China-based parent company ByteDance sells the platform by this Sunday. TikTok had challenged the law, arguing it would violate free speech protections for the more than 170 million users it says it has in the US. But that argument…
Bolivian judge orders arrest of ex-president Evo Morales in sex abuse case
Populist leader allegedly had a child with a teen girl in 2016, which would constitute statutory rape under Bolivian law A Bolivian judge has ordered the arrest of the former president Evo Morales over his alleged abuse of a teenage girl while in office, raising the stakes in the state’s months-long showdown with the former…
Zyn nicotine pouches can be marketed in the U.S., the FDA says. What does this mean?
Jaclyn Diaz Federal health officials have authorized the marketing and sale of Zyn nicotine pouches, marking the first time the Food and Drug Administration authorized these popular products that go between a user’s gum and upper lip. After “an extensive scientific review,” the FDA said, the products were found to pose lower risks of cancer…
BMI Sidelined in New Obesity Definition That Favors Health Evaluation
BMI Sidelined in New Obesity Definition That Favors Health Evaluation Instead of using the controversial body mass index, or BMI, to assess weight, an international group of scientists proposes an approach that looks at how excess body fat affects health By Giorgia Guglielmi & Nature magazine Amid the rising buzz around Ozempic and similar weight-loss…
Joey King Defends Her “Weird” Bleached Eyebrows Look
Joey King poked fun at the reaction to her bleached eyebrows, admitting she knows the look isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. For Joey King, it actually is just a phase, Mom. The Kissing Booth star recently debuted a brand-new beauty look in the form of bleached eyebrows. And, as she hilariously revealed, not everyone has…
France Wants to Prosecute the Founder of Chat Site Linked to Pelicot Rapes
France Rape Trial France Rape Trial France Rape Trial Isaac Steidl founded the Coco platform, which authorities tied to criminal activity for years. The effort to hold Mr. Steidl accountable tests a new legal frontier. By Aurelien BreedenCatherine Porter and Ségolène Le Stradic Reporting from Paris Shortly after Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, was…
Could Inflicting Pain Test AI for Sentience?
Could Pain Help Test AI for Sentience? A new study shows that large language models make trade-offs to avoid pain, with possible implications for future AI welfare By Conor Purcell edited by Ben Guarino In the quest for a reliable way to detect any stirrings of a sentient “I” in artificial intelligence systems, researchers are…
Yankee Candle Clearance Sale: Deals Start at $1 and Are Selling Out
Don’t miss the rare Yankee Candle Clearance Sale with prices starting at just $1! Stock up on comforting scents and favorite fragrances before these incredible deals sell out—shop now! Our writers and editors independently determine what we cover and recommend. When you buy through our links, E! may earn a commission. Learn more. There’s nothing like…
What happens to TikTok now?
TikTok is set to be banned in the US on 19 January after the Supreme Court denied a last ditch legal bid from its Chinese owner, ByteDance. It found the law banning the social media platform did not violate the first amendment rights of TikTok and its 170 million users, as the companies argued. But…
Supreme Court upholds TikTok ban, threatening app’s existence in the U.S.
Bobby Allyn The Supreme Court ruled on Friday that the federal government can legally shut down TikTok in the U.S., delivering a stunning blow to the viral video app used by about half of Americans. Last April, President Biden signed a bipartisan bill that said TikTok must spin off from its China-based parent company, or…
After 15 Months of War, Gazans Dream of Returning Home
Gaza Cease-Fire Deal Gaza Cease-Fire Deal Gaza Cease-Fire Deal They daydreamed about the people they would hug as soon as the truce took hold, the graves they would visit and the homes they would rebuild. By Vivian Yee and Bilal Shbair Reporting from Cairo and Deir al Balah, Gaza Strip Follow live updates on the…
Film-maker Jacques Audiard apologises after Mexican outrage over Emilia Pérez
The director of the award-winning musical about a trans cartel boss has said the film isn’t intended to be realistic, but he is sorry if things in it ‘seem shocking’ A Spanish-language musical about a cartel boss who transitions to a woman, starring transgender actor Karla Sofía Gascón opposite Zoe Saldaña, Emilia Pérez premiered in…
How Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade Became a Hollywood Success Story
Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade have remained two of Hollywood’s most solid teammates throughout their 10-year marriage. Which is why the couple say bring it on to any challenges that await. Gabrielle Union doesn’t do passive. Years ago, when she found herself unfavorably comparing her successes to others’—”I felt like you see everyone is having…
Colombian tree frog found by Sheffield florist highlights invasive species threat
Scientists say frog’s journey shows difficulty of spotting insects or fungi spread by global plant trade A tiny tree frog hitchhiking in a bunch of roses to Sheffield from Colombia has inspired a study into invasive species reaching the UK’s shores. He initially thought it was some kind of prank, as the frog was exotic:…
Some Los Angeles homes made it through the firestorm. Here’s how
Lauren Sommer More than 10,000 houses have been destroyed in Los Angeles, the charred piles of wood and metal all that remains after the fast-moving wildfires. But within that wreckage, some homes are still standing, seemingly untouched. It’s a phenomenon that’s been seen in other high-intensity fires, something that can feel like a stroke of…
What Caused the L.A. Wildfires? How Investigators Will Find Out
How Will Fire Investigators Trace the Source of the L.A. Wildfires? Wildfires like the Los Angeles blazes destroy so much, but they often spare some evidence of the cause of their ignition By Stephanie Pappas edited by Jeanna Bryner A fire-fighting helicopter drops water near the Mandeville Canyon neighborhood and Encino, California, on January 11,…
‘Once-in-a-century’ discovery reveals spectacular luxury of Pompeii
After lying hidden beneath metres of volcanic rock and ash for 2,000 years, a “once-in-a-century” find has been unearthed in the ancient Roman city of Pompeii in Italy. The spa-like complex sits at the heart of a grand residence uncovered over the last two years during a major excavation. Analysis of two skeletons discovered in…
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro Looks to Trump and the U.S. to Avoid Prison
The former Brazilian president, squeezed by criminal investigations, looks to the United States to shift his nation’s politics — and maybe keep him a free man. By Jack Nicas Jack Nicas, who has covered Jair Bolsonaro since 2021, interviewed the former president in Brazil’s capital this week. Jair Bolsonaro has had a rough couple of…
Is Red No. 3 Harmful? How Does It Compare with Other Dyes?
What to Know about the Ban on Red Dye in Foods and Drugs The Food and Drug Administration has banned the use of the dye Red No. 3 in all food and ingested drugs. Here’s what foods and drugs contain the coloring, and how it compares with Red No. 40 and other artificial dyes By…
Israel has changed since Donald Trump’s last term – has he?
Donald Trump has made an impact on the Middle East even before he sits down in the Oval Office to start his second term as president. He cut through the delaying tactics that Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in alliance with his ultranationalist coalition partners, had used to avoid accepting the ceasefire deal that Joe…
Azerbaijan’s Leader, Emboldened, Picks a Rare Fight With Putin
Russia’s president is said to have blamed birds or a Ukrainian drone for a Dec. 25 crash of an Azerbaijani plane. Azerbaijan says Russian air defenses were at fault. By Anton Troianovski Reporting from Baku, Azerbaijan It was a tense conversation between two authoritarian leaders accustomed to getting their way. President Vladimir V. Putin of…
SpaceX launches its Starship rocket on latest test flight but spacecraft is destroyed
By The Associated Press SpaceX launched its Starship rocket on its latest test flight Thursday, catching the booster back at the pad but losing contact with the ascending spacecraft as engines went out. Officials for Elon Musk’s company said the spacecraft was destroyed. The spacecraft was supposed to soar across the Gulf of Mexico on…
US imposes sanctions on Sudan’s army chief over tactics in deadly civil war
Measures come a week after Washington also sanctioned Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’s rival, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo The United States has imposed sanctions on Sudan’s army chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, accusing him of choosing war over negotiations to bring an end to the conflict that has killed tens of thousands of people and driven millions from their…
Allison Holker Steps Out Amid Rift With Stephen “tWitch” Boss’ Family
Allison Holker stepped out in Los Angeles on Jan. 16 after facing criticism from her late husband Stephen “tWitch” Boss’ family over her upcoming memoir This Far. It looks like Allison Holker is shaking off recent criticism. The So You Think You Can Dance alum was in good spirits while stepping out in Los Angeles…
Israel delays vote to approve Gaza ceasefire deal
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has delayed a cabinet vote to approve the Gaza ceasefire deal, due on Thursday, accusing Hamas of seeking last-minute changes to the agreement. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said a “loose end” was being tied up and that he was confident the ceasefire would still begin on Sunday as…
Climate Action Now Threatened by ‘Powerful Forces,’ Biden Warns
‘Powerful Forces’ Threaten Climate Action, Biden Warns In his farewell address, President Biden warned that a powerful “oligarchy” could undo four years of progress on climate policy By Scott Waldman & E&E News President Joe Biden speaks from the Oval Office of the White House as he gives his farewell address Wednesday. Join Our Community…
How Taylor Swift Allegedly Defended Blake Lively to Justin Baldoni
Justin Baldoni’s $400 million lawsuit against Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds seemingly revealed Taylor Swift as her “megacelebrity friend” who pressured Baldoni into allowing Lively more ownership. Taylor Swift is not being excluded from this narrative. In fact, the “Karma” appeared to be mentioned in the $400 million countersuit filed by Justin Baldoni on Jan. 16 against his It Ends With…
Sudan’s Military Has Used Chemical Weapons Twice, U.S. Officials Say
Sudan’s Civil War Sudan’s Civil War Sudan’s Civil War The determination came as the United States announced sanctions against the Sudanese military chief, saying there was strong evidence of atrocities in the country. By Declan Walsh and Julian E. Barnes Sudan’s military has used chemical weapons on at least two occasions against the paramilitary group…
Trump’s pick for EPA administrator is Lee Zeldin. Here’s what to know.
By Michael Copley Who: Lee Zeldin Nominated for: Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency You might know them from: He’s a former Republican congressman from New York’s Long Island area. More about Zeldin: What does this role do? Advises on climate and environmental issues and enforces environmental laws. Here’s what happened at the hearing Zeldin…
Brazil court rejects Jair Bolsonaro’s bid to attend Trump’s inauguration
Judge rules former president’s passport will not be returned in case he uses it to flee abroad amid coup investigation Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro – who is under investigation for allegedly plotting a coup – has seen his hopes of attending Donald Trump’s inauguration dashed after a judge ruled his confiscated passport would not…
Linday Arnold Cheekily Shows Off Breast Implants After Surgery
Dancing with the Stars’ Lindsay Arnold proved she has no regrets about her breast augmentation surgery, showing off the results in a cheeky TikTok. Lindsay Arnold is cha cha-ing into a new era. The Dancing With the Stars pro underwent a breast augmentation Jan. 14, despite a warning from a fan on TikTok, who urged,…
Gaza Cease-Fire Deal Brings Joy, but Is Shadowed With Uncertainty
Gaza Cease-Fire Deal News Analysis An agreement offers Gazans at least some respite, and for Israelis it means the release of hostages. But the deal’s ambiguity leaves open the possibility that fighting could resume within weeks. By Patrick Kingsley Reporting from Jerusalem After 15 months of bombardment and suffering, the prospect of a cease-fire and…
How the Gaza war has remade the Middle East
Greg Myre TEL AVIV, Israel — The Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, which may now be drawing to a close, has dramatically reshaped much of the Middle East and is still delivering aftershocks. When Hamas launched its surprise attack into southern Israel on the morning of Oct. 7, 2023, it was operating under Middle East rules…
The Supreme Court’s Trans Health Case Shows Why Patients Should Make the Decisions
Opinion The Supreme Court’s Case on Trans Health Shows Why Patients Should Make the Decisions Supreme Court arguments over trans health care makes plain how badly we need personalized health care in all of medicine By Meredithe McNamara & Dan Murphy edited by Dan Vergano A transgender rights supporter takes part in a rally outside…
Teenager guilty of murdering schoolgirl outside shopping centre
A teenager who repeatedly stabbed schoolgirl Elianne Andam in a row over a teddy bear has been found guilty of her murder. Hassan Sentamu, then 17, attacked the 15-year-old outside a shopping centre in Croydon, south London, on 27 September 2023. Sentamu, now 18, admitted manslaughter, claiming he was not in control of his actions…
Lawyer for Ugandan opposition politician ‘arrested and tortured’
Eron Kiiza, who was representing regime opponent Dr Kizza Besigye, was assaulted and sentenced to nine months’ jail, say colleagues A human rights lawyer involved in a case featuring a prominent Ugandan opposition leader has been tortured after he was arrested and detained without trial, according to colleagues who have visited him. Eron Kiiza was…
Brad Pitt Reacts After Woman Is Conned Out of $850K by Alleged Catfish
Brad Pitt’s rep addressed a French woman’s story of being conned into an online relationship with a scammer posing as the Oscar winner, who allegedly swindled her out of $850,000. Once upon a time in Hollywood, a scammer posing as Brad Pitt allegedly ran off with thousands of dollars in a catfishing scheme. That was…
Trinidad and Tobago extends state of emergency amid escalating violence
Parliament unanimously agrees on three-month extension of security measures after gang warfare kills six last week Escalating violence in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) has caused the country’s government to extend emergency security measures declared in December, after a week of bloody gang warfare that left at least six dead. Late on Monday evening, the T&T…
Blue Origin’s New Glenn Rocket Finally Takes Flight
Blue Origin’s New Glenn Rocket Finally Takes Flight The heavy-lift New Glenn rocket soared to success, reaching orbit on its highly anticipated inaugural flight but failing to land its booster on an ocean barge By Nadia Drake edited by Lee Billings A Blue Origin New Glenn rocket is seen on the launch pad on Dec.…
Trump’s energy secretary nominee faces questions over climate posts and LA fires
By Julia Simon 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: Chris Wright Nominated for: Secretary of Energy You might know them from: Wright is the CEO of Liberty Energy, a Denver-based oil and gas…
Musk Said to Have Intervened to Help Free Italian Jailed in Iran
The Italian journalist was released soon after Elon Musk met with an Iranian ambassador, officials in Iran said. So was an Iranian detained in Italy who was wanted by the U.S. By Farnaz FassihiEmma Bubola and Edward Wong When an Italian journalist was arrested in Iran in December, her boyfriend back home feared she might…
U.S. TikTok Users Flock to RedNote as Ban Looms
Why Are U.S. TikTok Users Signing Up for RedNote? Thousands of U.S. TikTok users are joining China-based app RedNote, spawning memes, jokes and confusion By Ben Guarino edited by Dean Visser A TikTok creator and advocate wears a button showing support for TikTok. Other users have flocked to alternative apps, such as China-based RedNote. Join…
‘A trash can for the US’: anger in Mexico and Canada over toxic waste shipments
Exclusive: US companies are increasingly shipping toxic waste to other countries, where some argue it poses a risk US companies ship more than 1m tons of hazardous waste to other countries each year, raising questions over possible impacts on health and the environment, an investigation by the Guardian and Quinto Elemento Lab has found. Exports…
Pregnant Jinger Duggar Reveals Sex of Baby No. 3 With Jeremy Vuolo
Jinger Duggar and husband Jeremy Vuolo revealed the sex of their third baby amid the 19 Kids and Counting star’s pregnancy. Jinger Duggar gets to count on having her first boy. The 19 Kids and Counting alum—who is currently pregnant with baby No. 3—joined husband Jeremy Vuolo in a YouTube video to reveal the sex of…
Will Lewis’s first year at ‘Washington Post’: Cancellations, red ink and an exodus
David Folkenflik One debacle after another has engulfed The Washington Post since veteran newspaper executive Will Lewis became CEO and publisher a year ago this month, with the charge from owner Jeff Bezos to make the storied newspaper financially sustainable. Frustration boiled over on Tuesday night. More than 400 Post journalists, including some editors, signed…
Mozambique Is at a Crossroads as a New President Is Sworn In
Unrest in Mozambique Unrest in Mozambique Unrest in Mozambique Daniel Chapo was sworn in at a time of widespread anger directed at his party, Frelimo, which has led the country for 50 years and was accused of rigging the election. Daniel Chapo was sworn in at a time of widespread anger directed at his party, Frelimo, which has…
Bowen: Long-overdue deal may stop the killing but won’t end the conflict
A senior Palestinian official told the BBC that Hamas would release three female soldiers on the first day of the ceasefire. Mediators in Doha are trying an earlier start to the ceasefire, Thursday evening instead of Sunday. Until the ceasefire does come into effect, the war that started when Hamas attacked Israel on 7 October…
Flags to be raised for Trump’s inauguration, despite half-staff order for Carter’s death
By Alana Wise Flags will be flown at full-staff on Jan. 20 for Donald Trump’s inauguration as president, despite an order from President Biden to lower the flags to half-staff in remembrance of the late President Jimmy Carter. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, a Republican, announced the decision to raise the flags to full…
A Crucial Coal Mine in Ukraine Under Attack by Russian Forces Finally Shuts Down
Russia-Ukraine War Russia-Ukraine War Russia-Ukraine War The mine, near the frontline city of Pokrovsk, produced coking coal crucial for Ukraine’s steel industry. It kept running until the very last moment, when Russian forces finally reached its gates. By Constant Méheut and Daria Mitiuk Photographs by Finbarr O’Reilly The reporters visited the mine this summer and…
Suspected outbreak of deadly Marburg virus disease kills eight in Tanzania
Healthcare workers among suspected cases of Ebola-like disease as WHO issues warning of high risk to the country and its neighbours A suspected outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD) in Tanzania has killed eight people and poses a high risk to the country and its neighbours, global health leaders have said. The World Health Organization…