Category: Celebrity Gossip
How LeAnn Rimes and Eddie Cibrian Survived Their Scandalous Start
After cheating on their respective spouses, Leann Rimes and Eddie Cibrian got married, made amends with his ex-wife Brandi Glanville and built a thriving life together. When Leann Rimes married Eddie Cibrian in 2011, even her biggest fans wondered what kind of life would that be. Considering they met while married to other people and…
Addiction Risk Shows up in Children’s Brain Scans before Drug Use Starts
Massive Study Flips Our Story of Addiction and the Brain Brain differences in children and teens who experiment with drugs early show up before they take their first puff or sip By Maia Szalavitz edited by Allison Parshall For decades, Americans have been told a simple story about addiction: taking drugs damages the brain—and the…
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…
Could the Solar System Lose a Planet to a Passing Star?
The UniverseFridays How a Passing Star Could Oust Planets from the Solar System Close stellar encounters could change the structure of our planetary system, potentially dooming Earth or other worlds to oblivion By Phil Plait edited by Lee Billings This artist’s concept depicts one of the solar system’s inner planets slamming into Earth after being…
‘Kisses yes, Bezos No,’ protesters say, as Bezos wedding stirs controversy in Venice
By The Associated Press VENICE, Italy — Hundreds of protesters marched through Venice’s central streets on Saturday to say “No” to billionaire Jeff Bezos, his bride and their much-awaited wedding extravaganza, which reached its third and final day amid celebrity-crowded parties and the outcries of tired residents. On Friday, the world’s fourth-richest man and his…
A Conversation with Kickstarter and Crowdfunding Tabletop Roundup
Earlier this week I got to chat with Asher McClennahan, the head of games at Kickstarter. I was curious to hear how tariffs had affected things like the number of projects launching or being backed, and also whether some of the “tried-and-true” advice about launching projects is actually true. As far as tariffs go, McClennahan…
Kickstarter Tabletop Alert: ‘Red Dog Junction’
You’ve got a ship, a crew, and a dream—but so does everyone else. Who will be able to take home the most gold? Red Dog Junction is a resource management game for to 2 to 5 players, ages 14 and up, and takes about 30 to 60 minutes to play. It’s currently seeking funding on Kickstarter,…
SpaceX’s Starship Explodes in Texas During Preflight Testing
SpaceX’s Starship Explodes in Texas During Preflight Testing The latest catastrophic explosion of a Starship upper stage is a significant setback for SpaceX By Mike Wall & SPACE.com A view of SpaceX’s Starbase launch complex in South Texas on April 17, 2025. A Starship upper stage test vehicle is visible in the background. Join Our…
Gaia, Europe’s Galactic Cartographer, Is Gone But Not Forgotten
Gaia’s Long Goodbye Gaia, Europe’s Milky Way–mapping spacecraft, shut down earlier this year. It was arguably the most important—and most overlooked—astronomy project of the 21st century By Lee Billings edited by Dean Visser An artist’s impression of our galaxy, the Milky Way, based on data from ESA’s Gaia space telescope. This observatory has probably been…
Mapping Nearby Stars Could Solve a Deep Cosmic Mystery
The UniverseFridays This New Map of Nearby Stars May Solve a Cosmic Mystery A near-complete census of our interstellar neighborhood hopes to answer how stars, brown dwarfs and rogue planets form throughout the universe By Phil Plait edited by Lee Billings Newborn stars set gas clouds aglow in this mosaic of images from the James…
TikTok superstar Khaby Lame was detained by ICE before being allowed to leave the U.S.
By Bill Chappell Khaby Lame, famous for his silently hilarious TikTok persona, was detained by immigration officers last week, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Lame, 25, rose to fame while living in Italy, becoming the most-followed personality on TikTok by creating comedy skits and skewering ludicrous “life hacks” promulgated online. He currently has…
Kickstarter Review: The Qwerkywriter Typewriter Keyboard 10 Year Anniversary Edition
I (not so) fondly remember summer school typing classes, where I had to labor to learn touch typing on an old-fashioned typewriter. No word processor for me; if I made a mistake, it would be Liquid Paper brushed on and waiting for it to dry before I could continue my keystrokes. Despite my irritation at…
How YouTube Star Derek Muller of Veritasium Is Challenging Scientific Misconceptions and Exposing PFAS Contamination
YouTube Science Star Derek Muller Confronts PFAS “Forever Chemicals”—In His Own Blood By Deni Ellis Béchard edited by Dean Visser Derek Muller attends the 2020 Breakthrough Prize Ceremony at NASA Ames Research Center on November 3, 2019 in Mountain View, California. If you’re enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing…
Why Do We Launch Space Telescopes?
The UniverseFridays Why Do We Launch Space Telescopes? Telescopes in space give us a view we literally cannot get from the ground By Phil Plait edited by Lee Billings Astronauts Steven Smith and John Grunsfeld, appear as small figures in this wide-angle photograph from December 1999, taken during a spacewalk to service the Hubble Space…
Elon Musk’s SpaceX City Starbase Faces Opposition from Its Texas Neighbors
SpaceX’s Starbase Is Officially a City. Some Neighbors Aren’t Thrilled Starbase, SpaceX’s launch site turned company town in South Texas, faces local opposition from residents outside the city limits By Paola Rosa-Aquino edited by Lee Billings SpaceX rockets stand near the end of a neighborhood street in the company’s Starbase launch complex in this photograph…
Mother of jailed British-Egyptian activist hospitalised after 242 days on hunger strike
Laila Soueif continues protest against detention of Alaa Abd el-Fattah in Cairo The mother of the imprisoned British-Egyptian human rights activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah has been admitted to hospital after spending more than 240 days on hunger strike. Laila Soueif’s family said she had been admitted to St Thomas’ hospital in London on Thursday night…
SpaceX’s Ninth Starship Test Flight Delivers Mixed Results
SpaceX’s Ninth Starship Test Flight Delivers Mixed Results The largest, most powerful launch vehicle ever built is meant to be a key part of SpaceX’s plans to send humans to Mars—and NASA’s plans to return astronauts to the moon, too By Gayoung Lee edited by Lee Billings The SpaceX Starship rocket launches from Starbase, Texas,…
Astronomers Discover Mysterious Object Bursting with X-Rays
Astronomers Discover Mysterious Object Bursting with X-Rays A celestial object some 15,000 light-years away is emitting bright flashes of radio and X-rays that scientists are struggling to explain By Robert Lea & SPACE.com An X-ray, infrared and radio view of the sky surrounding ASKAP J1832−0911 (circled) using combined light from multiple telescopes. Join Our Community of…
Hypervelocity Stars Hint at a Nearby Supermassive Black Hole
The UniverseFridays Hypervelocity Stars Hint at a Supermassive Black Hole Right Next Door Some stars streaking through the Milky Way at millions of kilometers per hour probably trace back to a supermassive black hole in a neighboring galaxy By Phil Plait edited by Lee Billings An artist’s concept of a hypervelocity star streaking through the…
Why Trump’s ‘Golden Dome’ Won’t Shield the U.S. from Nuclear Strikes
Why Some Experts Call Trump’s ‘Golden Dome’ Missile Shield a Dangerous Fantasy The White House’s $175-billion plan to protect the U.S. from nuclear annihilation will probably cost much more—and deliver far less—than has been claimed, says nuclear arms expert Jeffrey Lewis By Lee Billings U.S. President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office of the…
The U.K. hands Chagos Islands over to Mauritius but says it will secure a U.S. base
By Fatima Al-Kassab LONDON — The United Kingdom has signed a deal to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, in an agreement Britain says will also ensure the future of a strategically important U.S. military base. The Chagos Islands are an archipelago in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Under the deal,…
Mother of jailed British-Egyptian activist resumes full hunger strike
Laila Soueif announces life-endangering action in protest over continued detention of Alaa Abd el-Fattah in Cairo The mother of the imprisoned British-Egyptian human rights activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah has announced she has resumed a near-total hunger strike, stopping taking the 300-calorie supplements she had been consuming on her partial hunger strike for the past three…
What Makes Stars Twinkle?
The UniverseFridays What Makes Stars Twinkle? The quirks of light moving through gas are the cause of stellar twinkling, which can be a bane—and sometimes a boon—for astronomers By Phil Plait edited by Lee Billings Stay connected to The Universe: Get email alerts for this weekly column by Phil Plait Ah, it’s a lovely night…
The End of the Universe May Arrive Surprisingly Soon
The Universe May End Sooner Than Scientists Had Expected A new study suggests the universe’s end could occur much sooner than previously thought. But don’t worry, that ultimate cosmic conclusion would still be in the unimaginably distant future By Sharmila Kuthunur & SPACE.com An illustration of the remnants of an ancient, dead planetary system orbiting…
Almost 300m people at risk of death through starvation – report
Aid cuts, conflict, climate and economic shocks contribute to sixth consecutive rise in numbers facing ‘high levels of food insecurity’ Acute food insecurity continues to rise at an alarming rate, with almost 300 million people at risk of death through starvation, new analysis reveals. Escalating conflict and cuts to humanitarian aid along with climate and…
Kickstarter Tabletop Alert: Defeat the ‘River Rats’ with Cooperative Poker
The River Rats hold all the wealth—but can you work together to drive them into debt? River Rats is a cooperative poker-based game for 1 to 4 players, ages 10 and up, and takes about 20–30 minutes to play. It’s currently seeking funding on Kickstarter, with a pledge level of €15 (about $17USD) for a…
Kickstarter Tabletop Alert: ‘Whisker Wars’
The king has vanished and the noble houses are battling for the throne! Oh, and they’re all animals. Whisker Wars is a card battle game for 2 to 4 players, ages 10 and up, and takes about 45 minutes to play. It’s currently seeking funding on Kickstarter, with a pledge level of $30 for a…
Why NASA’s VIPER Lunar Rover Is Still in Limbo
Remember VIPER, NASA’s Off-Again, On-Again Lunar Rover? It’s Still in Limbo NASA’s nearly complete yet canceled lunar rover VIPER isn’t going to get carried to the moon by a private space exploration company—but it’s also not quite dead yet By Stephanie Pappas edited by Jeanna Bryner NASA’s VIPER, or the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover,…
The latest roadblock for House Republicans’ ‘big beautiful bill’: Senate Republicans
Deirdre Walsh As House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., feverishly works to finalize the details of a massive package that includes major portions of President Trump’s agenda, many Senate Republicans are dismissing the legislation before it is even finished in the House. “Unfortunately, it’s a sad joke,” Wisconsin GOP Sen. Ron Johnson said Wednesday “Wimpy,” and…
Kickstarter Tabletop Alert: The Return of ‘Whale Riders’
Whale Riders travel up and down the Ice Coast to trade, and with the coming winter, there’s time for one more trip before everything freezes over. Whale Riders is a resource-management game for 2 to 6 players, ages 8 and up, and takes about 45 minutes to play. It’s currently seeking funding on Kickstarter, with…
Gear Review: The RIG M2 Pro HD STREAMSTAR
One such upgrade you’ll be looking for is in your audio gear. RIG Gaming recently released the M2 Pro HD STREAMSTAR microphone, geared towards streamers, content creators, and gamers. They sent me one so I could share my thoughts with our readers. The RIG M2 Pro HD STREAMSTAR is a USB Microphone with built-in Bluetooth,…
What Is a Galaxy?
The UniverseFridays What Is a Galaxy? Galaxies come in many shapes and sizes, and trying to define them is difficult By Phil Plait edited by Lee Billings A view of the spiral galaxy NGC 3982, as seen by NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. Galaxies come in many different variations, but astronomers classify them into four main…
The Strange and Surprising History of the Once-Rejected Zero
Zero Is Foundational to Modern Mathematics. But It Was Rejected for Centuries By Manon Bischoff edited by Daisy Yuhas I’m a zero at mental arithmetic. It’s true—I struggle with this skill—but I want to focus on the phrase itself. In our language, we often equate zero with something negative. But zero is the only real…
Ukraine’s allies push for 30-day ceasefire starting Monday
Joanna Kakissis KYIV – Four European leaders joined Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv today in pressing Russian President Vladimir Putin to accept a 30-day unconditional ceasefire – or face more sanctions on Russia. “The ceasefire must be comprehensive: in the air, at sea and on land,” Zelenskyy told reporters. “It is quite possible to…
Jury selection in Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs sex trafficking trial begins today
Isabella Gomez Sarmiento Jury selection for the trial of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs will begin in New York City today. The media mogul, who’s been in custody since his arrest last September, faces criminal charges for sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy and transporting to engage in prostitution. Combs has pleaded not guilty on all charges. The selection…
Mysterious Glowing Structure Discovered Near Solar System
Giant, Glowing Gas Cloud Discovered Just 300 Light-Years Away An enormous glowing cloud that contains approximately 3,400 solar masses worth of gas has been discovered near the solar system By Keith Cooper & SPACE.com A crescent-shaped gas cloud has been spotted on the edge of the so-called Local Bubble, shown here in this artist’s illustration…
What Amazon’s Project Kuiper vs. SpaceX’s Starlink Satellite Mega Constellation Wars Mean for Earth
What the Amazon vs. SpaceX Satellite Mega Constellation War Means for Earth Amazon has launched its first operational Project Kuiper satellites in its attempt to compete with SpaceX’s Starlink—but experts remain concerned about space debris and astronomy By Jonathan O’Callaghan edited by Sarah Lewin Frasier Test launch for Amazon’s Project Kuiper on a United Launch…
Disney Store’s Star Wars May the 4th Daily Drops Just Started
Get ready to jump to hyperspace. Disney Store’s Star Wars May the 4th launches are here with new collectibles, apparel, and gear dropping every day leading up to the galaxy’s biggest celebration. Our writers and editors independently determine what we cover and recommend. When you buy through our links, E! may earn a commission. Learn more. …
Is There Any Sound in Space?
The UniverseFridays Can There Be Sound in Space? It seems contrary to common knowledge, but sound can travel through some parts of space quite well By Phil Plait edited by Lee Billings Sound—in the form of shock waves—helps sculpt the beautiful, delicate structures of some supernova remnants, such as those seen here in a Hubble…
A developing political scandal in Florida has Gov. Ron DeSantis on the defensive
By Greg Allen MIAMI — Fla. Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis is on the defensive over questions about how $10 million in state money came to be used to fund a political campaign. In two terms as governor, DeSantis has enjoyed strong support from the Republican-controlled legislature. But now, Republicans in the state House of Representatives…
Mercury, Venus and Saturn to delight stargazers in a parade across the sky
By Alana Wise Alongside a crescent moon, Mercury, Venus and Saturn will become visible to stargazers just before dawn on Friday morning. According to NASA, the planetary phenomenon will be clearest about 45 minutes before sunrise, low in the eastern sky and appearing near the moon. Venus and Saturn will be the easiest to spot…
Word of the Week: A brief history of Coachella — the festival and the place
By Rachel Treisman Each April, tens of thousands of people flock to the heart of the Coachella Valley to camp, dance and let loose at the music festival by that same name. The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival features hundreds of performers on some half a dozen stages, spread out across two consecutive three-day…
What Is a Star?
The UniverseFridays What Defines a Star? At the lower end, and to the bitter end, defining a star is tougher than you might expect By Phil Plait edited by Lee Billings A view of our sun, as seen by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory. Stay connected to The Universe: Get email alerts for this weekly column…
How Brexit, a Startling Act of Economic Self-Harm, Foreshadowed Trump’s Tariffs
Tariffs News analysis Britain’s decision to leave the European Union in 2016 was sold to voters as a magic bullet that would revitalize the country’s economy. Its impact is still reverberating. By Mark Landler Reporting from London Britain has watched President Trump’s tariffs with a mix of shock, fascination and queasy recognition. The country, after…
JWST Spots Remains of Alien Planet That Fell into a Star
JWST Spots Remains of Alien Planet That Fell into a Star NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope provided a closer look at the aftermath of a star that wreaked violence on its planet By Meghan Bartels edited by Dean Visser NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has followed up on what is thought to be the first…
Zimbabwe starts compensating white farmers 25 years after land seizures
Step is requirement for restructuring country’s debt, including new IMF programme Zimbabwe has started to make compensation payments to white former farm owners, 25 years after Robert Mugabe’s government began confiscating land. The government paid $3.1m (£2.3m) to a “first batch” of 378 farms, the ministry of finance said in a statement on Wednesday, the…
How Many Rogue Planets Are in the Milky Way?
The UniverseFridays How Many Rogue Planets Roam the Milky Way? According to new simulations, many, even most, planets get ejected from their star early in their history By Phil Plait edited by Lee Billings An artist’s impression of a rogue planet in the depths of interstellar space. Stay connected to The Universe: Get email alerts…
When Was the First Exoplanet Discovered?
The UniverseFridays When Was the First Exoplanet Discovered? Evidence of alien worlds goes back farther than you think By Phil Plait edited by Lee Billings This artist’s concept shows an exoplanet and debris disk orbiting a polluted white dwarf. Stay connected to The Universe: Get email alerts for this weekly column by Phil Plait For…
As Starlink and Other Satellites Proliferate, Astronomers Learn to Manage Interference
In a Sky Full of Satellites, Astronomers Find Creative Ways to Observe the Stars Swarms of satellites launched by SpaceX and other companies are disrupting astronomical observations. Here’s how scientists are coping By Alexandra Witze & Nature magazine Satellite streaks appear in a photograph taken above the Pinnacles in Nambung National Park, Western Australia. In…
Venezuela says it will start accepting repatriation flights from the U.S. again
By Joe Hernandez Venezuela has announced that it will resume accepting flights of its citizens who are deported by U.S. immigration authorities. Jorge Rodríguez, the president of Venezuela’s National Assembly, said on Saturday in a post on social media that the repatriation flights would begin again as early as Sunday. “Migration is not a crime,”…
What’s the Definition of a ‘Moon’?
The UniverseFridays What Makes a Moon? Defining the word “moon” is harder than you might think By Phil Plait edited by Lee Billings A quintet of Saturn’s moons come together in this image from NASA’s Cassini spacecraft. Stay connected to The Universe: Get email alerts for this weekly column by Phil Plait Here’s a simple…
Keir Starmer Talks Trump, Russia-Ukraine War and the Fragile Europe-US Alliance
Trump Administration The British prime minister said in a series of conversations that the tectonic shifts in America’s relationship with Europe and Russia had to be a ‘galvanizing moment.’ Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Barrow-in-Furness, England, on Thursday.Andrew Testa for The New York Times By Mark Landler Mark Landler spoke with Prime Minister Keir Starmer…
Trump Wants to go to Mars. That’s Not Happening
Opinion We’re Not Going to Mars Anytime Soon—Despite What Musk Says Elon Musk and Donald Trump have announced ambitious plans to send a mission to Mars in 2026 and 2028. It’s not going to happen By Paul M. Sutter edited by Dan Vergano Elon Musk gives a tour to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and lawmakers…
After 286 Days in Space, NASA Astronauts Return to Earth with a Splash
After 286 Days in Space, NASA Astronauts Return to Earth with a Splash NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams had been “stuck” at the International Space Station since June 6, 2024, after Boeing’s Starliner, the vehicle they rode to get there, ran into multiple hardware problems By Gayoung Lee edited by Lee Billings NASA…
Are the Colors in Space ‘Real’?
The UniverseFridays Are the Colors in Astronomical Images ‘Real’? In colorful photographs of galaxies, stars, planets, and more, what you see isn’t necessarily what you get By Phil Plait edited by Lee Billings A colorful view of Lynds 483, an hourglass-shaped system of jets and outflows from two central protostars mid-formation. Captured by the James…
Life on Earth May Have Been Jump-Started by ‘Microlightning’
Life on Earth May Have Been Jump-Started by ‘Microlightning’ Charged water droplets generate sparks that can forge organic compounds By Cody Cottier edited by Sarah Lewin Frasier In this landmark experiment, Miller produced several amino acids out of inorganic molecules. (Amino acids combine to form proteins, which in turn combine to form living organisms.) He…
Daylight Saving Time and Early School Start Times Cost The Economy Billions
Daylight Saving Time and Early School Start Times Cost The Economy Billions The current system of daylight saving time and early school start times wastes billions while causing more car accidents, workplace injuries and health issues By Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse & The Conversation US Daylight saving time kicks in on March 9, 2025. Along with the…
How to Watch the Total Lunar Eclipse on March 13
The UniverseFridays How to Watch the Total Lunar Eclipse on March 13 The March 13–14 lunar eclipse will be an all-night affair you won’t want to miss By Phil Plait edited by Lee Billings A time lapse image of a total lunar eclipse’s progression. Stay connected to The Universe: Get email alerts for this weekly…
SpaceX’s latest Starship test flight ends with another explosion
By The Associated Press Nearly two months after an explosion sent flaming debris raining down on the Turks and Caicos, SpaceX launched another mammoth Starship rocket on Thursday, but lost contact minutes into the test flight as the spacecraft came tumbling down and broke apart. This time, wreckage from the latest explosion was seen streaming…
How Early Could Life Have Emerged in the Universe?
Life May Have Emerged a Cosmic Eyeblink after the Big Bang New simulations suggest that habitable worlds could have begun forming only 200 million years after the big bang By Conor Feehly edited by Lee Billings An artist’s impression of some of the universe’s first stars, thought to have formed about 100 million years after…
Starting with Rep. Al Green, Democrats protest against Trump’s speech to Congress
By Elena Moore , Deirdre Walsh NPR is bringing you the latest from President Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress. For more updates, get our or listen to The NPR Politics Podcast. Texas Democratic Rep. Al Green was removed from the House chamber after heckling President Trump during his first address to a joint session of…
UK prime minister unveils steps toward a Ukraine peace deal, urges US cooperation
Juliana Kim British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Sunday laid out a framework for a plan to end Russia’s war in Ukraine — one where Europe will lead the charge for securing peace — while still relying heavily on U.S. backing. The proposal is the result of emergency talks held by European leaders in London…
Europe Races to Repair a Split Between the U.S. and Ukraine
Russia-Ukraine War European leaders pledge to assemble a “coalition of the willing” to develop a plan for ending Ukraine’s war with Russia, which they hope could win the backing of a skeptical President Trump. transcript By Mark Landler and Stephen Castle Reporting from London European leaders raced on Sunday to salvage Ukraine’s ruptured relationship with…
UK, France and Ukraine agree to work on ceasefire plan for Russia’s war in Ukraine
By The Associated Press LONDON — Britain, France and Ukraine have agreed to work on a ceasefire plan to present to the United States, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Sunday as he prepared to host a summit of European leaders to discuss ending the war. The summit has been overshadowed by the extraordinary scolding…
Do Aliens Know We’re Here?
The UniverseFridays If Aliens Looked at Earth from Far Away, What Might They See? Whether aliens could detect our modern civilization depends on what signs they’re looking for—and, crucially, their distance from us By Phil Plait edited by Lee Billings How far out into the cosmos would signs of our civilization reach? The answers might…
Argentina’s Crypto Scandal Swindled Thousands. What Did Javier Milei Know?
Trump Administration A new cryptocurrency called $Libra bilked investors out of $250 million. It had been promoted by President Javier Milei. By Jack Nicas and David Yaffe-Bellany Jack Nicas, who covers Argentina, reported from Rio de Janeiro. David Yaffe-Bellany, who covers the crypto industry, reported from San Francisco. The scandal began with a tweet. “The…
UK’s Starmer to Meet Trump With a Boost on Defense and Pleas for Ukraine
Trump Administration Prime Minister Keir Starmer of Britain cut international aid to raise military spending. He’s hoping to make a case for Ukraine at the White House. By Mark Landler Reporting from London Now it’s Keir Starmer’s turn. After President Emmanuel Macron of France navigated his meeting with President Trump on Monday, skirting the rockiest…
3 years on, here’s what to keep an eye on in the Ukraine war — and efforts to end it
By Charles Maynes , Joanna Kakissis , Eleanor Beardsley KYIV, TBILISI AND PARIS — Nearly every day for the last three years, Russian drones and missiles have hit Ukraine, striking power plants, hospitals, schools and homes. “This is part of our life,” says Volodymyr Silvanovskyi, a 63-year-old customs official from the northeastern city of Sumy.…
What’s on the Milky Way’s Far Side?
The UniverseFridays What’s on the Milky Way’s Far Side? With radio and infrared telescopes, astronomers can pierce the dusty veil of our galaxy and map its farthest reaches By Phil Plait edited by Lee Billings This infrared image from NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope shows the nebula nicknamed “the Dragonfish.” This turbulent region lies beyond the…
Exoplanet Census Identifies ‘Missing Planets’ Gap
Where Are the Universe’s Missing Planets? Planet demographics reveal a puzzling lack of worlds in a certain size range throughout the galaxy By Dakotah Tyler edited by Clara Moskowitz For centuries our solar system was the only planetary system known to humans. We had no proof other worlds existed beyond those in our own cosmic…
JWST Spies a Giant Space Hamburger—and Maybe Planetary Origins, Too
The UniverseFridays JWST Spies a Giant Space Hamburger—and Maybe Planetary Origins, Too It’s neither fast nor food, but a spectacular object called HH 30 looks appetizing for astronomers in a new image from the James Webb Space Telescope By Phil Plait edited by Lee Billings HH 30, a complex assemblage of gas and dust surrounding…
Fans in Montreal loudly boo U.S. anthem prior to Americans’ 4 Nations game vs. Canada
By The Associated Press MONTREAL — Fans in Montreal loudly booed the U.S. national anthem prior to the 4 Nations Face-Off game between the Americans and Canada on Saturday night. It’s the second time “The Star-Spangled Banner” drew that reaction in two games the United States has played at the NHL-run international tournament. And it…
See Emma Watson’s Rare Public Outing at NBA All-Star Celebrity Game
Harry Potter star Emma Watson stepped out for the 2025 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game Feb. 14 amid her ongoing literature studies at Oxford University. Emma Watson is trading quidditch for basketball. The Harry Potter star, who is currently completing her masters degree in literature at Oxford University in England, made a rare public appearance when…
Trump Administration Starts Firing Energy Department, Forest Service and Other Employees
Trump Administration Starts Firing Energy Department and Other Employees The Department of Energy, Forest Service and Office of Personnel Management are among agencies that have begun firing staffers By Brian Dabbs, Marc Heller, Kevin Bogardus, Heather Richards & E&E News Demonstrators hold signs during a rally for federal workers at the U.S. Capitol in Washington,…
National Women’s Soccer League reaches $5 million settlement over 2021 abuse scandal
Becky Sullivan Three years after revelations about sexual coercion, racism and other abuse roiled the National Women’s Soccer League, prosecutors on Wednesday announced a settlement with the league to establish a $5 million victims’ fund and implement other reforms. In 2021, allegations began to burst into the public about years of abuse suffered by players…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Here’s What’s in ‘Stargate,’ the $500-Billion Trump-Endorsed Plan to Power U.S. AI
Here’s What’s in ‘Stargate,’ the $500-Billion Trump-Endorsed Plan to Power U.S. AI Tech giants are backing a massive effort, announced by President Trump and dubbed the Stargate Project, to add data centers across the U.S. By Christa Marshall & E&E News A power substation near a the LC1 CloudHQ data center in Ashburn, Virginia, US,…
Justin Bieber Addresses Unfollowing Wife Hailey Bieber on Instagram
After Justin Bieber raised eyebrows for unfollowing wife Hailey Bieber—with whom he shares 5-month-old son Jack Blues—on Instagram, the singer explained what really happened. Justin Bieber is gonna tell you one time—he was hacked. After the “Baby” singer unfollowed wife Hailey Bieber—with whom he shares 5-month-old son Jack Blues—and subsequently stirred drama online for the…
A Guide to JD Vance’s Family: His Wife, Kids, Mamaw and More
President-elect Donald Trump’s running mate JD Vance came to prominence as the author of the memoir Hillbilly Elegy. Here’s a guide to his roots and the family he built with wife Usha Vance. If you knew anything about JD Vance before Donald Trump picked him to be his running mate in the 2024 presidential election,…
Why Fans Think Timothée Chalamet’s Latest Accessory is a Nod to Stormi
Timothée Chalamet stepped out with a small accessory that has made several fans joke about whether it actually belongs to his girlfriend Kylie Jenner’s daughter Stormi Webster. Did Timothée Chalamet raise Stormi Webster‘s closet? Some fans are joking about the idea after seeing the actor, who is dating the 6-year-old’s mom Kylie Jenner, carrying around a…
Inside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s Life in Jail
South Korea Turmoil South Korea Turmoil South Korea Turmoil President Yoon Suk Yeol, a former prosecutor, used to put people in jail. Now, after his formal arrest, he himself is in a cell, alone. By Choe Sang-Hun Reporting from Seoul As president of South Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol lived in a luxurious hilltop mansion, threw parties and had…
Henry Cavill Welcomes First Baby With Girlfriend Natalie Viscuso
Man of Steel star Henry Cavill and girlfriend Natalie Viscuso welcomed their first baby together. Henry Cavill has traded in the Superman alter ego for a new one: Superdad. The Man of Steel star and girlfriend Natalie Viscuso, who have been dating since 2021, welcomed their first baby together, People reported, citing a source. Indeed,…
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…
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…
Sutton Stracke Makes Shocking Remark About Kyle Richards’ Marriage
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills‘ Sutton Stracke confronts Kyle Richards about alleged “infidelity” in her marriage to estranged husband Mauricio Umansky in shocking sneak peek. Sutton Stracke is known for naming ’em, just not always at the right time and place. The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star awkwardly puts her foot in her…
Simply the Best 25 Schitt’s Creek Secrets Revealed
Yes, David. Schitt’s Creek premiered 10 years ago. After you fold in the cheese, check out these facts about the Eugene Levy and Dan Levy series that is better than all the rest. Ew, David, can you believe it’s been nearly 10 years since we paid our first visit to Schitt’s Creek? The beloved Pop…
Sister Wives’ Kody Refuses to Do This to Fix Relationship With Kids
Though Sister Wives star Kody Brown still has hope of repairing his relationships with many of his adult children, he revealed on the TLC series’ Jan. 12 episode that he has one dealbreaker. Sister Wives patriarch Kody Brown would do anything for the love of his kids. But he won’t do that. As in, he…
Spencer Pratt Defends Mandy Moore Amid LA Fire Fundraiser Criticism
After Mandy Moore faced backlash for posting a fundraiser for her relatives who lost their home in the Los Angeles wildfires, the Hills alum Spencer Pratt defended the actress from her critics. Mandy Moore is getting support from fellow Los Angeles residents, including Spencer Pratt. The This Is Us alum, whose home was impacted by…
Yoon Suk Yeol to miss start of South Korea impeachment trial on safety grounds
Lawyer for suspended president says concerns about ‘potential incidents’ have arisen following thwarted attempt to arrest him at his residence South Korea’s suspended president, Yoon Suk Yeol, will not attend the first hearing of his impeachment trial next week because of safety concerns, his lawyer has said. Yoon has been holed up in the presidential…
Sam Moore, Vocalist in American Soul Group Sam & Dave, Dead at 89
Sam Moore, who made up R&B group Sam & Dave alongside Dave Prater, died Jan. 10, his wife and manager Joyce Moore confirmed. He was 89. Fans of an iconic soul duo are mourning the loss of a R&B legend. Sam Moore, who made up one half of American soul group Sam & Dave alongside…
Why Tom Holland’s Dad Doesn’t Fear Spotlight Amid Zendaya Relationship
After Tom Holland’s dad Dominic Holland confirmed the Spider-Man star’s engagement to Zendaya, he detailed why he no longer worries about their relationship being a fixture in the public eye. Tom Holland and Zendaya can handle the limelight. At this point, the Spider-Man actor’s dad Dominic Holland is sure of it. After the couple’s engagement…
Starmer’s top aide made low-key Brussels trip as No 10’s EU reset efforts continue
Morgan McSweeney met EU counterparts before Christmas as Downing Street poised to hire new foreign adviser Keir Starmer’s chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, made a below-the-radar trip to Brussels last month, as No 10 prepares to appoint its own foreign affairs adviser to help bolster the Downing Street policy operation. As the UK’s attempts at…