NASA's Roman Space Telescope Set to Revolutionize Exoplanet Research

A new report from the National Bureau of Economic Research reveals that COVID-19 has led to an estimated reduction of $205 billion in future payments from the U.S. Social Security fund. The analysis indicates that approximately 1.7 million excess deaths among individuals aged 25 and older during the pandemic years (2020-2023) will decrease the future benefits the Social Security Administration is obligated to pay since many of the deceased were nearing retirement age. While these premature deaths are believed to lessen future retirement costs—estimated at $294 billion—the ongoing impact on tax revenue and increased survivor benefits has offset some of these savings, resulting in the projected $205 billion reduction. Research shows that many who died were seniors drawing benefits or could have soon. Disparities were noted, with Black and Hispanic populations experiencing the highest excess mortality rates. The report emphasizes that while the financial health of Social Security may be slightly improved, it does not account for the long-term economic effects of long COVID and its impact on workforce participation.

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.