Stories from United States

Private equity firm KKR is preparing to launch a new artificial intelligence company valued at $10 billion. The venture will be led by a former chief executive from Amazon. The cloud computing industry leaders are validating the commercial prospects of AI.

The FISA 702 warrantless buying program is set to expire tonight. The House has passed a three-year extension for the program.

The FDA has authorized initial testing of a drug related to ibogaine for individuals with alcohol use disorder. Potential risks include abuse potential and traumatic side effects, though the substance is considered reasonably safe under controlled settings. The program is expected to resume normal operations tomorrow. Gale Saltz of Weill Cornell Medical College discussed the announcement, noting that previous MDMA applications faced rejection in 2024 due to geopolitical concerns. The agency is currently considering methamphetamine as an alternative due to fewer side effects. The FDA has authorized clinical testing of ibogaine, a hallucinogenic substance derived from an African shrub, to treat alcohol use disorder. Reports indicate potential success in reducing cravings after a single session. Ongoing clinical trials are required to confirm these findings.

Transgender residents in Idaho have filed a lawsuit challenging a state law that criminalizes the use of bathrooms not aligned with gender identity.

A US pilot program launched last year is awarding national priority vouchers to companies developing products aligned with national health priorities. The program aims to expedite the review and approval process for innovative breakthrough therapies.

Amazon has made a $220 million purchase in Pierce County to acquire a former Ashley Furniture warehouse site. The location in Spanaway will be used for a planned operations facility. The site includes more than one million square feet of space.

Governor Bob Ferguson has agreed to pay a fine to settle an ethics investigation. The state ethics board found Ferguson provided a special benefit to Mike Webb by inviting him on a state plane trip to the Tri-Cities last June.

New data indicates nearly six in 10 US adults are confident they will reach their financial goals within the next five years. However, two in three Americans report they are delaying at least one major life milestone.

Residents in Seattle's Alki Beach neighborhood report recurring issues with late-night parties, street racing, break-ins, and gunfire. Neighbors stated that loud music and drinking often escalate into reckless driving and shootings that hit homes and cars.

The Philadelphia Flyers defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins in overtime on Wednesday to secure a position in the Eastern Conference semifinals. The Golden Knights also secured a 3-2 series lead.