OpenAI's release of Prism, a free AI-powered workspace integrating GPT-5.2 into scientific writing, has sparked debate among researchers. While intended to streamline research paper creation, concerns are rising that Prism could exacerbate the issue of low-quality "AI slop" in academic publishing, potentially overwhelming scientific journals with poorly vetted content.

OpenAI's release of Prism, a free AI-powered workspace integrating GPT-5.2 into scientific writing, has sparked debate among researchers. While intended to streamline research paper creation, concerns are rising that Prism could exacerbate the issue of low-quality "AI slop" in academic publishing, potentially overwhelming scientific journals with poorly vetted content.

Two security professionals, arrested during an authorized penetration test of an Iowa courthouse in 2019, will receive a $600,000 settlement for wrongful arrest and defamation, highlighting the legal risks inherent in physical security assessments. The incident underscores the need for clear communication and understanding between security firms, clients, and law enforcement to avoid misinterpretations of red-team exercises designed to improve system resilience.

Two security professionals, arrested during an authorized penetration test of an Iowa courthouse in 2019, will receive a $600,000 settlement for wrongful arrest and defamation, highlighting the legal risks inherent in physical security assessments. The incident underscores the need for clear communication and understanding between security firms, clients, and law enforcement to avoid misinterpretations of red-team exercises designed to improve system resilience.

Prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi are experiencing rapid growth, blurring the lines between gambling and trading, with Polymarket CEO Shayne Copland touting their accuracy. However, ethical concerns and regulatory scrutiny are rising, exemplified by Portugal ordering Polymarket to cease operations after users wagered over €103 million ($120 million). A single Polymarket account recently generated over $400,000 in profit by betting on the capture of Nicolás Maduro, raising questions about potential insider trading.

Prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi are experiencing rapid growth, blurring the lines between gambling and trading, with Polymarket CEO Shayne Copland touting their accuracy. However, ethical concerns and regulatory scrutiny are rising, exemplified by Portugal ordering Polymarket to cease operations after users wagered over €103 million ($120 million). A single Polymarket account recently generated over $400,000 in profit by betting on the capture of Nicolás Maduro, raising questions about potential insider trading.

The Senate is deadlocked on a six-bill funding package due to Democratic demands for Department of Homeland Security reforms following a fatal shooting by ICE agents. Democrats, led by Senator Schumer, are withholding support for the funding bill, risking a partial government shutdown, unless significant changes are made to immigration enforcement policies. This impasse threatens to derail the timely passage of appropriations for fiscal year 2026.

The Senate is deadlocked on a six-bill funding package due to Democratic demands for Department of Homeland Security reforms following a fatal shooting by ICE agents. Democrats, led by Senator Schumer, are withholding support for the funding bill, risking a partial government shutdown, unless significant changes are made to immigration enforcement policies. This impasse threatens to derail the timely passage of appropriations for fiscal year 2026.

Microsoft is urgently addressing critical performance and reliability issues plaguing Windows 11, acknowledging eroded user trust due to persistent bugs and aggressive AI integration. By redirecting engineers in a "swarming" process, Microsoft aims to revitalize the core Windows experience and regain user confidence.

Microsoft is urgently addressing critical performance and reliability issues plaguing Windows 11, acknowledging eroded user trust due to persistent bugs and aggressive AI integration. By redirecting engineers in a "swarming" process, Microsoft aims to revitalize the core Windows experience and regain user confidence.

Multiple news sources report a politically charged atmosphere across the US and abroad, characterized by a potential government shutdown in Washington over immigration policy clashes, Senator Amy Klobuchar's entry into the Minnesota governor's race amidst fraud allegations and protests, and broader debates surrounding resource usage tied to the AI boom. These events are occurring alongside other developments, including shifts in congressional races, pressure on Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and international incidents like the conviction of a former Zurich council member for disturbing religious freedom.

Multiple news sources report a politically charged atmosphere across the US and abroad, characterized by a potential government shutdown in Washington over immigration policy clashes, Senator Amy Klobuchar's entry into the Minnesota governor's race amidst fraud allegations and protests, and broader debates surrounding resource usage tied to the AI boom. These events are occurring alongside other developments, including shifts in congressional races, pressure on Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and international incidents like the conviction of a former Zurich council member for disturbing religious freedom.

Multiple news sources report that the Senate is expected to vote on a $1.6 trillion funding package, but Democrats threaten to block the portion funding the Department of Homeland Security due to concerns over immigration agent conduct, potentially leading to a partial government shutdown. Democrats are advocating for reforms like tighter cooperation with local law enforcement and a uniform code of conduct, while Republicans oppose splitting the funding package.

Multiple news sources report that the Senate is expected to vote on a $1.6 trillion funding package, but Democrats threaten to block the portion funding the Department of Homeland Security due to concerns over immigration agent conduct, potentially leading to a partial government shutdown. Democrats are advocating for reforms like tighter cooperation with local law enforcement and a uniform code of conduct, while Republicans oppose splitting the funding package.

Drawing from multiple news sources, the European Union has designated Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization in response to the violent crackdown on protesters, a move condemned by Iran as a "strategic mistake." The EU also imposed sanctions on several Iranian officials involved in the repression, while expressing hope that diplomatic channels with Iran will remain open despite the designation.

Drawing from multiple news sources, the European Union has designated Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization in response to the violent crackdown on protesters, a move condemned by Iran as a "strategic mistake." The EU also imposed sanctions on several Iranian officials involved in the repression, while expressing hope that diplomatic channels with Iran will remain open despite the designation.

Multiple news sources report that the EU and Vietnam have upgraded their relationship to a "comprehensive strategic partnership," placing the EU in the same diplomatic tier as the US, China, and Russia. This move, driven by concerns over global trade disruptions and a desire to deepen ties with Southeast Asia's manufacturing hub, aims to foster shared prosperity and strengthen access to Vietnam's rapidly growing economy.

Multiple news sources report that the EU and Vietnam have upgraded their relationship to a "comprehensive strategic partnership," placing the EU in the same diplomatic tier as the US, China, and Russia. This move, driven by concerns over global trade disruptions and a desire to deepen ties with Southeast Asia's manufacturing hub, aims to foster shared prosperity and strengthen access to Vietnam's rapidly growing economy.

Multiple sources report that the visually striking, Moebius-inspired sci-fi film "Arco," about a time-traveling boy, will be released in theaters on January 30th. Additionally, the Library of Congress added 25 films to the National Film Registry, including "Philadelphia," "Clueless," and "The Karate Kid," alongside several newly discovered or restored silent films, highlighting the importance of film preservation.

Multiple sources report that the visually striking, Moebius-inspired sci-fi film "Arco," about a time-traveling boy, will be released in theaters on January 30th. Additionally, the Library of Congress added 25 films to the National Film Registry, including "Philadelphia," "Clueless," and "The Karate Kid," alongside several newly discovered or restored silent films, highlighting the importance of film preservation.

Multiple news sources report that Shahid Butt, a Muslim activist convicted in Yemen in 1999 for his involvement in a terror plot, is running for Birmingham City Council in the upcoming May elections as part of the Independent Candidates Alliance, despite maintaining his innocence and claiming his confession was coerced. His candidacy in the Sparkhill ward, a predominantly Pakistani area, is occurring amidst heightened communal tensions in Birmingham, particularly following a recent Israeli soccer game that sparked controversy.

Multiple news sources report that Shahid Butt, a Muslim activist convicted in Yemen in 1999 for his involvement in a terror plot, is running for Birmingham City Council in the upcoming May elections as part of the Independent Candidates Alliance, despite maintaining his innocence and claiming his confession was coerced. His candidacy in the Sparkhill ward, a predominantly Pakistani area, is occurring amidst heightened communal tensions in Birmingham, particularly following a recent Israeli soccer game that sparked controversy.

Multiple news sources report that protests erupted in Minneapolis following the fatal shootings of two residents by ICE agents, leading to the deployment of border czar Tom Homan to restore order and de-escalate tensions amidst a federal immigration crackdown. Homan's arrival and reported demotion of a previous commander signal a shift in strategy as the community grapples with grief and anger while prioritizing safety.

Multiple news sources report that protests erupted in Minneapolis following the fatal shootings of two residents by ICE agents, leading to the deployment of border czar Tom Homan to restore order and de-escalate tensions amidst a federal immigration crackdown. Homan's arrival and reported demotion of a previous commander signal a shift in strategy as the community grapples with grief and anger while prioritizing safety.