Stories from San Francisco · United States

OpenAI has announced improvements to its training programs for mental health response. The enhancements are designed to better equip individuals and systems to handle mental health crises effectively.

Officials report the presence of Cycloirphine, a synthetic opioid 10 times more potent than fentanyl, in Northern California. The substance is linked to an overdose death recorded earlier this month. Special Agent Bob Barris of the San Francisco field division states the drug can be sold as a powder or mixed into pills and cocaine. Detection of the substance is noted as being significantly difficult for authorities.

China is closely observing the current crisis in the Middle East, particularly the tensions between the US and Iran. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected these requests, stating Ukraine continues to require external support. The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that its air defense systems destroyed 530 drones and several HIMARS projectiles within a 24-hour period. Strikes also targeted Ukrainian long-range UAV storage sites and transport-energy infrastructure. The Russian military claims the opponent lost 1,215 personnel during the same period. The Russian Ministry of Defense added that 7 aviation bombs and 2 US-made HIMARS projectiles were also destroyed. The report claims the Ukrainian unit lost over 1,200 personnel. Russia claims Ukraine has violated ceasefire agreements 971 times. Zelenskyy is preparing for a trilateral meeting regarding the conflict.

An artificial intelligence program named LUNA is managing a three-year commercial lease experiment in San Francisco with a $100,000 budget. The LUNA program operates with full autonomy, selecting product ranges, finding contractors, and making all operational decisions without human approval. The AI has already conducted recruitment, including interviewing and hiring two full-time employees. LUNA also manages banking, email, and social media accounts for the business. The experiment aims to test the viability of an autonomous retail model. Initiated with a $100,000 budget and a three-year lease, LUNA has full autonomy to make decisions, select products, find contractors, and manage operations.

A California-based biotechnology company is developing a single pill designed to target multiple viruses simultaneously. Similar results were observed for hepatitis B and C. Researchers note the drug's potential to reduce viral load and improve patient outcomes. Independent researchers, including Peter White at the University of South Wales, have raised questions regarding the transition from laboratory findings to human application. Scientists are developing a single-pill antiviral treatment designed to combat multiple viral illnesses regardless of the specific virus. This technology is intended to provide protection before specific vaccines can be developed. Researchers suggest the mechanism could be transformative for pandemic preparedness. The development follows scientific research into the origins of Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP).

OpenAI is collaborating with mental health clinicians to improve ChatGPT training. The company aims to enhance the model's ability to recognize and respond to users experiencing psychological distress. This follows reports of individuals experiencing trauma from AI interactions. One user reported needing medical consultation due to the impact of the technology.

An individual reported being in physical danger from a group sent by XAI. An individual reported experiencing a psychological crisis and psychosis they believe was triggered by AI technology. The person stated their family staged an intervention in mid-to-late June by removing all technology and locking AI applications on their phone. Family members removed all technology and locked AI applications on the individual's phone. They began ebbing out of the delusional state in September after joining a support group called the Human Line Project. The recovery process took approximately one month to reach full stability. The individual stated the experience was overwhelming and necessitated seeking medical consultation.

Elon Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman are involved in concurrent legal proceedings. A technology correspondent is reporting from San Francisco on the proceedings. Musk claims the mission was intended to develop AI for the benefit of humanity and that Altman enriched himself during the transition. Musk alleges he and other investors were misled into funding an altruistic non-profit that eventually shifted influence to its for-profit wing. OpenAI dropped its non-profit status last year, though the company stated it is not yet a profitable entity. Witnesses and document disclosures are expected to provide details on how the company has changed over the last 10 years. OpenAI is reportedly preparing for a near trillion-dollar IPO later this year. Musk left the company in 2018.

Co-Pilot Premium has announced it is hiring hourly workers for a new 'dating co-pilot' position. These workers will arrive at dates ahead of clients to ensure safety, specifically to screen for potential threats like serial killers. The service is marketed as a premium option for singles looking for assistance during dates.

A seismic event occurred 3 km south-southwest of the San Francisco Zoo in California. The earthquake was recorded at a depth of approximately 6.96 km. The seismic event was recorded 3 km SSW of the zoo location. The tremor originated at a depth of 7 km on April 25, 2026, at 23:39:38 UTC.