COVID-19 Deaths Shift U.S. Social Security Obligations

NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is poised to significantly enhance the search for exoplanets with its next-generation coronagraph instrument. According to NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, this innovative tool will provide unprecedented views of distant worlds, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of extraterrestrial environments. The Roman Space Telescope aims to accelerate the identification of exoplanets by capturing high-resolution images and characterizing their atmospheres. This advancement comes as part of NASA’s broader commitment to studying celestial bodies beyond our solar system. "This telescope will transform our understanding of the universe and our place within it," stated Neil Gehrels, a scientist involved in the project. Set for launch soon, the telescope represents a significant leap in technology and scientific capability, positioning itself as a key asset in NASA's endeavors to uncover the mysteries of the cosmos. Experts believe the Roman Space Telescope could help identify habitable exoplanets and expand our knowledge of planetary systems across the universe.

The United States has reportedly refused to co-sponsor a UN resolution affirming Ukraine's territorial integrity, marking a significant shift in its diplomatic stance. According to diplomatic sources cited by Reuters, Washington's decision comes amidst escalating tensions between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine and former President Donald Trump, who is advocating for a rapid end to the ongoing war. The resolution is set to be voted on by the UN General Assembly, which includes 193 member countries, and is sponsored by over 50 nations. It urges an immediate cessation of hostilities and calls for Russia to withdraw its troops from Ukraine. Previously, the United States has consistently co-sponsored similar resolutions since the onset of the conflict in 2022. In addition to the UN draft, the US is also objecting to language in a Group of Seven (G7) statement condemning Russian aggression. As diplomatic discussions continue, sources suggest that the US may seek alternative support, particularly from nations in the Global South, ahead of the UN vote scheduled for Monday.

The Trump administration has officially halted the participation of U.S. scientists in significant U.N. climate change assessments, according to sources familiar with the situation. This withdrawal is part of the administration's broader move away from climate change mitigation efforts and multilateral cooperation. The stop-work order affects personnel from the U.S. Global Change Research Program and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) involved with a critical working group of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Notably, this absence will prevent U.S. representatives from attending an upcoming IPCC plenary meeting scheduled in Hangzhou, China, where pivotal decisions will be made regarding the seventh global climate assessment. Delta Merner of the Union of Concerned Scientists expressed concerns about the implications of U.S. removal from the process, highlighting the importance of coordinated action among governments and global institutions. Kathryn Bowen, a climate expert, noted that this development aligns with Trump's previous decisions to exit the Paris climate agreement and diminish federal support for climate research.