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 indicate potential US military action against Iran, with possible outcomes ranging from regime change to policy moderation, though experts warn against expecting a guaranteed democratic transition. Separately, the Library of Congress inducted 25 films into the National Film Registry, including *Clueless* and *Inception*, while Netflix announced the release plan for "Bridgerton" season four, and TIME Studios launched "On This Day 1776," a project about America's early years.

Multiple news sources indicate potential US military action against Iran, with possible outcomes ranging from regime change to policy moderation, though experts warn against expecting a guaranteed democratic transition. Separately, the Library of Congress inducted 25 films into the National Film Registry, including *Clueless* and *Inception*, while Netflix announced the release plan for "Bridgerton" season four, and TIME Studios launched "On This Day 1776," a project about America's early years.

A recent review of historical evidence and eyewitness accounts from multiple sources suggests the devastating flood of January 30, 1607, in the Bristol Channel and Severn Estuary, which killed up to 2,000 people, may not have been solely caused by a storm, prompting researchers to consider other potential explanations like a tsunami. The flood, which inundated coastal communities across south Wales, Somerset, Gloucestershire, and Devon, was described as unlike typical storms or high tides, leading to the re-examination of its cause.

A recent review of historical evidence and eyewitness accounts from multiple sources suggests the devastating flood of January 30, 1607, in the Bristol Channel and Severn Estuary, which killed up to 2,000 people, may not have been solely caused by a storm, prompting researchers to consider other potential explanations like a tsunami. The flood, which inundated coastal communities across south Wales, Somerset, Gloucestershire, and Devon, was described as unlike typical storms or high tides, leading to the re-examination of its cause.

Multiple news sources report surprising findings from the Arctic, where a study tracking nearly 800 polar bears in Svalbard, Norway, between 1992 and 2019 reveals that the bears are thriving despite shrinking sea ice, adapting by hunting more efficiently on smaller ice patches and supplementing their diet with land-based prey like reindeer and walruses. This suggests polar bears may be more resilient to climate change than previously thought, requiring less sea ice to survive and even flourish.

Multiple news sources report surprising findings from the Arctic, where a study tracking nearly 800 polar bears in Svalbard, Norway, between 1992 and 2019 reveals that the bears are thriving despite shrinking sea ice, adapting by hunting more efficiently on smaller ice patches and supplementing their diet with land-based prey like reindeer and walruses. This suggests polar bears may be more resilient to climate change than previously thought, requiring less sea ice to survive and even flourish.

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 news sources highlight everyday life in Mumbai, India, where over 18 million residents find respite along promenades like Carter Road, observing scenes of relaxation, work, and connection amidst the city's density. Additionally, a map details the travels of wolves in Colorado, showcasing the breadth of topics covered in global news.

Multiple news sources highlight everyday life in Mumbai, India, where over 18 million residents find respite along promenades like Carter Road, observing scenes of relaxation, work, and connection amidst the city's density. Additionally, a map details the travels of wolves in Colorado, showcasing the breadth of topics covered in global news.

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 US Senator Amy Klobuchar has announced her candidacy for Minnesota governor after incumbent Tim Walz ended his re-election campaign, amid controversy surrounding immigration enforcement and recent violent incidents in the state, including fatal shootings by federal agents. Klobuchar, seen as a frontrunner, pledges to unite the state and address these challenges, while one Republican contender has already withdrawn from the race citing the immigration situation.

Multiple news sources report that US Senator Amy Klobuchar has announced her candidacy for Minnesota governor after incumbent Tim Walz ended his re-election campaign, amid controversy surrounding immigration enforcement and recent violent incidents in the state, including fatal shootings by federal agents. Klobuchar, seen as a frontrunner, pledges to unite the state and address these challenges, while one Republican contender has already withdrawn from the race citing the immigration situation.