Stories from United States

Patco cut the ribbon on a new operations hub today to replace its aging center in Camden. The new facility is intended to replace the windowless operation center that dispatchers described as dingy. The move aims to modernize the agency's dispatch capabilities.

A study published in the journal Nature found that the unconscious brain remains capable of listening and learning. Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston played a podcast to seven epileptic patients undergoing brain surgery with electrodes in memory-associated regions. The study observed hundreds of neurons firing and changing their firing patterns while patients were under general anesthesia. The findings suggest neural activity persists even during medically induced unconsciousness. This finding challenges previous understandings of consciousness. Research indicates that the human brain can learn new information while a person is unconscious during surgery. Neurosurgeons are advocating for early surgical intervention to prevent brain edema.

Elon Musk revealed outside a courthouse that xAI is being folded into SpaceX. This move integrates the artificial intelligence company into the aerospace firm.

Philadelphia Mayor signed six bills that prohibit discrimination based on immigration status. The legislation also bars ICE operations on city-owned and community spaces. The mayor did not sign a bill that would forbid law enforcement from concealing their identity. A city leader in Philadelphia signed a bill related to immigration, issuing a statement of support for the city's immigrant communities. The statement also affirmed the council's intent to ensure the safety of these communities. The leader was reportedly reticent on immigration to avoid confrontation prior to signing the bill. This approach is seen as an attempt to go 'under the radar', contrasting with the previous mayor who openly declared the city a sanctuary city. The previous mayor reportedly celebrated this status with staff.

Governor Hochul announced a budget deal that legislative leaders claim they have not been informed of. The Assembly Speaker is reportedly pushing back against the announcement, stating there is no deal. The situation remains developing as officials prepare to address the discrepancy. The announcement follows a period where the Governor stated that Washington did not deliver on necessary fiscal requirements. The deal aims to resolve the delay in the state's fiscal planning.

Elon Musk has announced the dissolution of xAI and its merger into SpaceX. Additionally, Musk is reportedly leasing the Colossus 1 supercomputer to OpenAI competitor Claude.

The United States and Gulf allies have presented a draft United Nations Security Council resolution. The resolution condemns Iran for stopping commercial shipping, specifically targeting oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. The draft is currently under consideration by the Security Council. Russia's permanent mission to the United Nations stated that a proposal regarding Iran remains under consideration. Moscow is calling for an immediate end to violence and a political-diplomatic settlement between the United States and Iran. The Russian mission said that freedom of navigation in the Persian Gulf can only be restored following the cessation of conflict. Iran's Foreign Minister stated that a US-Bahrain UNSC draft resolution, ostensibly for freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, does not address the root causes of the current situation.

A shooting occurred outside the Garland Smoke and Vape store in Garland, Texas. Witness Tatiana Starks, who observed the incident from a nearby shopping center, stated the suspect appeared to not be in the right state of mind.

An executive order by President Trump has reclassified NASA as a national intelligence and security agency. The move is intended to align the agency with space militarization goals and a stance against climate science.

Cleveland Clinic dermatologist Jennifer Lucas is raising awareness regarding melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Lucas stated that the longer melanoma is allowed to grow, the more difficult it becomes to treat.