Stories from United States

SpaceX plans to launch a new telescope using a Falcon Heavy rocket as early as September 2026. The mission follows recent confirmations of launch readiness for upcoming spaceflight objectives. This deployment is part of a broader schedule of heavy-lift missions planned for the second half of the year. The observatory will operate from space, positioned above the Earth's atmosphere, to observe the universe with increased clarity. The mission aims to provide new scientific discoveries through high-precision instruments. The specific nature of the upcoming discoveries remains unknown.

The US Department of the Treasury has issued sanctions against a criminal network operating across India, Mexico, and Guatemala to traffic drugs. This move targets the infrastructure used by the Sinaloa Cartel to facilitate international distribution. The sanctions aim to disrupt the financial and logistical capabilities of the organization. The US Treasury Department has imposed new sanctions on 35 entities and individuals. These targets are accused of overseeing a parallel banking network used by Iran to bypass sanctions. The network reportedly moves tens of billions of dollars. One specific target is the head of operations for Hamas military intelligence in northern Gaza.

The NASDAQ fell by 0.9%, the S&P 500 dropped 0.4%, and the Dow Jones saw similar declines during US trading. These movements follow the release of first quarter inflation data. The NASDAQ surrendered 223 points, representing an almost 1% loss. US technology stocks fell following reports regarding the revenue targets of major AI firms. US stock markets saw declines across major indices on Tuesday. The NASDAQ and S&P 500 both fell by more than 200 points. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index fell 372.46 points or 3.58% to 1,035.58. The S&P 500 fell 35.1 points, a 0.49% decrease, to close at 7,138.80. The Nasdaq dropped 223.30 points, or 0.90%, to 24,663.80. TSMC ADR fell by 12.64 USD. Major US technology stocks experienced a collective downturn, with the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index falling over 3%.

Intel reported earnings that exceeded market forecasts, leading to its highest share price in ten years. The surge follows a period of intense scrutiny regarding the company's manufacturing and competitive standing. This development marks a significant recovery for the semiconductor giant. The company is reportedly attempting a turnaround with support from the government. The broadcaster noted that Intel is positioning itself as an AI-focused company to compete with Nvidia and TSMC. Financial performance is currently reported as strong.

The FIA has confirmed that the sole practice session for the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix has been extended by 90 minutes. The extension aims to provide more preparation time before qualifying. The team has scored two points in three races this season, with Gabriel Bortoletto achieving a ninth-place finish in Australia. While the car shows speed in qualifying, its race performance remains inconsistent. Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc was slightly faster than Verstappen, according to the report. Formula 1 competition had previously been paused for one month following the cancellation of two races in the Middle East due to unrest. Verstappen drove a Red Bull car that received necessary upgrades. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc set the fastest pace during the opening practice session at the Miami Grand Prix. Leclerc was approximately three-tenths of a second faster than Red Bull's Max Verstappen.

The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) at Kitt Peak National Observatory continues its mission to observe the universe. This ongoing research is critical for understanding the nature of dark energy and the expansion of the cosmos. New scientific challenges are questioning the property of dark energy that suggests it maintains constant density as the universe expands. Dark energy is estimated to make up approximately 68% of the universe. The current model posits that the universe is 13.8 billion years old. Scientists use the term 'dark' to describe this unknown component of the universe.

OpenAI has launched its latest AI model, GPT-5.5, featuring expanded cybersecurity safeguards. This release follows the recent deployment of GPT-5.4 and signals accelerating competition in the high-performance AI model market. The update aims to address security concerns as developers race to release more robust large language models. The tool is engineered to analyze large volumes of scientific data without human intervention. The announcement was reported by Radio Cooperativa Chile.

Microsoft is reportedly offering voluntary severance packages to employees following a year in which the company laid off 15,000 workers. This move follows significant restructuring efforts within the tech giant. The decision aims to manage workforce reductions through voluntary departures rather than further involuntary cuts. Microsoft CFO Amy Hood reported that the company's recently announced voluntary retirement program will incur roughly $900 million in one-time costs. This cost follows a quarterly profit report of nearly $32 billion. The announcement was made during Wednesday's earnings call.

Sean Plankey has requested to withdraw his name from consideration to lead the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). The move follows a year of leadership instability within the agency. This development occurs as the Trump administration continues its appointments for key cybersecurity roles. Sources told NPR that the nomination had been on hold for weeks due to ethics and conflict of interest concerns. Former Park Service employees also pointed to ties between Socia and interests pushing for national park privatization. The agency has previously operated with only acting directors during the first Trump administration. Former Park Service employees had previously noted Socia's ties to interests advocating for the privatization of national parks. The agency is currently facing record visitation levels alongside billions of dollars in maintenance backlogs.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is facing criticism following the FDA's rejection of a lifesaving cancer drug. Kennedy is reportedly attempting to distance himself from the regulatory decision. The backlash centers on the impact the rejection will have on patient access to treatment. The mood at the National Institutes of Health is described as grim following interference by RFK Jr. The source claims Kennedy's involvement will lead to many preventable deaths for decades to come. The discussion noted a decreasing number of doctors available during visits to the agency.