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Micron Expands US Investment by $30 Billion Amid Trump’s Onshoring Push

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Micron Technology announced on Thursday a significant expansion of its U.S. investment plans, adding $30 billion to its existing commitments as President Donald Trump intensifies efforts to bring semiconductor manufacturing back to American soil. The memory chip maker now projects total investments of $200 billion, up from previous plans of approximately $125 billion.

The new funding will support the construction of a second cutting-edge memory fabrication facility in Boise, Idaho, and the expansion of its manufacturing site in Manassas, Virginia. “These investments are designed to allow Micron to meet expected market demand, maintain share and support Micron’s goal of producing 40% of its DRAM in the U.S.,” the company stated.

Micron’s DRAM chips are widely used in personal computers, automotive systems, industrial equipment, wireless communications, and artificial intelligence. The company’s High-Bandwidth Memory (HBM) products are seen as essential for powering next-generation AI models. About $50 billion of Micron’s total investment will be dedicated to research and development.

President Trump’s administration has pushed hard for semiconductor onshoring, with Trump threatening new tariffs on chip imports and reconsidering previous subsidies granted under former President Joe Biden. In December, Micron secured nearly $6.2 billion in government subsidies through Biden’s $52.7 billion 2022 CHIPS and Science Act. Trump’s administration is now renegotiating some of those grants, according to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.

The expansion aligns with broader trends in the U.S. semiconductor industry. Nvidia, a key customer of Micron, announced plans in April to build AI servers worth up to $500 billion in the U.S. over the next four years, in partnership with firms such as Taiwan’s TSMC. “Micron’s investment in advanced memory manufacturing and HBM capabilities in the U.S., with support from (the) Trump administration, is an important step forward for the AI ecosystem,” said Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang.

Micron also finalized a $275 million direct funding award under the CHIPS Act to further support its Manassas facility expansion.

Solar Storm Expected to Illuminate US Skies with Northern Lights: What to Expect

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A solar storm is expected to reach Earth tonight, sparking excitement among skywatchers as the northern lights may become visible as far south as New York and Idaho. This event is the result of a coronal mass ejection (CME) that erupted from the Sun on March 1. The Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has classified this storm as a G1-level geomagnetic storm, with the possibility of it escalating to a G2-level storm. As a result, areas with clear skies, especially in mid-latitude regions, could be treated to an impressive aurora borealis display.

The CME is projected to strike Earth’s magnetic field between March 4 and March 5, with the storm’s intensity expected to peak between 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. EST on March 5. While a G1 storm is generally considered minor, space weather physicist Tamitha Skov has suggested that there is a chance of stronger G2 conditions. If this occurs, the auroral display could be more extensive, allowing even more viewers to catch a glimpse of the northern lights further south than usual.

Geomagnetic storms happen when charged particles from the Sun collide with Earth’s magnetosphere, creating disturbances that can have various effects on technology. Although a G1 storm is typically not a major concern, it can still cause minor disruptions, particularly in satellite communications and GPS systems. The storm’s heightened intensity, if it reaches G2 levels, may also lead to increased interference with power grids and communication systems, particularly in the northern regions of the planet.

Experts warn that individuals relying on radio communications, GPS technology, or drones may experience temporary signal disruptions, especially in the evening when the storm’s effects on Earth’s magnetic field are most pronounced. While the beauty of the aurora borealis is sure to captivate those lucky enough to witness it, it’s important for those in affected areas to be aware of potential impacts on technology and plan accordingly.