Based on multiple reports, enterprises are recognizing retrieval as crucial infrastructure for Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) systems due to risks associated with failures, while a novel infrared-activated hydrogel inspired by immune defenses shows promise in combating resistant bacteria and promoting wound healing in animal models, potentially addressing the global issue of antibiotic resistance.

Based on multiple reports, enterprises are recognizing retrieval as crucial infrastructure for Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) systems due to risks associated with failures, while a novel infrared-activated hydrogel inspired by immune defenses shows promise in combating resistant bacteria and promoting wound healing in animal models, potentially addressing the global issue of antibiotic resistance.

New economic research presented at the American Economic Association's annual meeting, along with commentary in Nature, explores topics ranging from economic opportunity and the accuracy of government data to the pandemic's inflationary effects and the importance of quality PhD supervision. Synthesizing these sources reveals emerging ideas in economics and highlights the need for intellectual challenge and strategic guidance in doctoral education.

New economic research presented at the American Economic Association's annual meeting, along with commentary in Nature, explores topics ranging from economic opportunity and the accuracy of government data to the pandemic's inflationary effects and the importance of quality PhD supervision. Synthesizing these sources reveals emerging ideas in economics and highlights the need for intellectual challenge and strategic guidance in doctoral education.

Multiple news sources report on the release of over 3 million Jeffrey Epstein files by the Justice Department, revealing a network of powerful figures and sparking controversy over the unredacted release of victims' names and images. Additionally, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is set to reopen nuclear negotiations with Iran in Turkey, aiming to de-escalate regional tensions.

Multiple news sources report on the release of over 3 million Jeffrey Epstein files by the Justice Department, revealing a network of powerful figures and sparking controversy over the unredacted release of victims' names and images. Additionally, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is set to reopen nuclear negotiations with Iran in Turkey, aiming to de-escalate regional tensions.

YouTube is now enforcing its Premium subscription requirement for background playback on mobile devices, closing a loophole previously exploited by users of browsers like Brave and Edge. This change, intended to ensure consistent functionality across platforms, impacts users who previously enjoyed background audio without a Premium subscription and may drive more users to subscribe. The move has sparked user frustration and workarounds are being explored.

YouTube is now enforcing its Premium subscription requirement for background playback on mobile devices, closing a loophole previously exploited by users of browsers like Brave and Edge. This change, intended to ensure consistent functionality across platforms, impacts users who previously enjoyed background audio without a Premium subscription and may drive more users to subscribe. The move has sparked user frustration and workarounds are being explored.

Multiple news sources report that Marius Borg Hoiby, the son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, is on trial in Oslo facing 38 charges, including rape, domestic violence, drug possession, and making death threats, to which he has pleaded not guilty to the most serious charges but admitted guilt to some lesser offenses. Following new accusations, police are seeking to keep Hoiby in custody for an additional four weeks, potentially adding to the existing charges.

Multiple news sources report that Marius Borg Hoiby, the son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, is on trial in Oslo facing 38 charges, including rape, domestic violence, drug possession, and making death threats, to which he has pleaded not guilty to the most serious charges but admitted guilt to some lesser offenses. Following new accusations, police are seeking to keep Hoiby in custody for an additional four weeks, potentially adding to the existing charges.

Drawing from multiple news sources, the world is grappling with geopolitical instability, social debates, and rapidly advancing AI risks that are outpacing mitigation efforts, as highlighted in a new international report. Meanwhile, a leaked guide is empowering community organizers with secure communication strategies via Signal, and the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics offer a positive counterpoint amidst these complex global challenges.

Drawing from multiple news sources, the world is grappling with geopolitical instability, social debates, and rapidly advancing AI risks that are outpacing mitigation efforts, as highlighted in a new international report. Meanwhile, a leaked guide is empowering community organizers with secure communication strategies via Signal, and the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics offer a positive counterpoint amidst these complex global challenges.

Multiple news sources report that the ICC Men's T20 World Cup begins on February 7th with 20 teams competing, including co-hosts England and the West Indies, who are aiming for their third title. India, the defending champions, will be led by Suryakumar Yadav after Rohit Sharma's retirement from the T20 format.

Multiple news sources report that the ICC Men's T20 World Cup begins on February 7th with 20 teams competing, including co-hosts England and the West Indies, who are aiming for their third title. India, the defending champions, will be led by Suryakumar Yadav after Rohit Sharma's retirement from the T20 format.

Multiple news sources report that Jelly Roll, after winning a Grammy for Best Contemporary Country Album, expressed gratitude to Jesus and his wife, Bunnie XO, while also stating he avoids political commentary due to his self-proclaimed ignorance stemming from a challenging upbringing and disconnection from current events. He admitted to being a "dumb redneck" and said people shouldn't care about his political opinions because of his lack of knowledge.

Multiple news sources report that Jelly Roll, after winning a Grammy for Best Contemporary Country Album, expressed gratitude to Jesus and his wife, Bunnie XO, while also stating he avoids political commentary due to his self-proclaimed ignorance stemming from a challenging upbringing and disconnection from current events. He admitted to being a "dumb redneck" and said people shouldn't care about his political opinions because of his lack of knowledge.

Multiple news sources report that the House is voting on a funding package to end the partial government shutdown, which includes funding for several departments and a short-term extension for Homeland Security, despite Democratic concerns over immigration enforcement. While some conservatives pushed to attach an elections-related bill requiring proof of citizenship to the package, Republican leaders appear to have quelled the effort, as it threatened to derail the funding agreement and faced opposition in the Senate.

Multiple news sources report that the House is voting on a funding package to end the partial government shutdown, which includes funding for several departments and a short-term extension for Homeland Security, despite Democratic concerns over immigration enforcement. While some conservatives pushed to attach an elections-related bill requiring proof of citizenship to the package, Republican leaders appear to have quelled the effort, as it threatened to derail the funding agreement and faced opposition in the Senate.

Multiple sources report that Texas A&M University is discontinuing its Women's and Gender Studies certificate program after reviewing over 5,400 course syllabi to ensure compliance with university policies, a move praised by education advocates who see it as eliminating race or sex discrimination. This action, along with similar restrictions at Texas Tech, is viewed by some as part of a broader effort, potentially influenced by Donald Trump, to reduce "woke ideology" in higher education.

Multiple sources report that Texas A&M University is discontinuing its Women's and Gender Studies certificate program after reviewing over 5,400 course syllabi to ensure compliance with university policies, a move praised by education advocates who see it as eliminating race or sex discrimination. This action, along with similar restrictions at Texas Tech, is viewed by some as part of a broader effort, potentially influenced by Donald Trump, to reduce "woke ideology" in higher education.

Multiple sources highlight economic issues, including a potential economic boom discussed by Charles Payne and a warning about dormant bank accounts. A retiree's savings account was closed due to inactivity, with the funds escheated to the state, raising concerns about the security of savings, especially for seniors, and the potential for scams.

Multiple sources highlight economic issues, including a potential economic boom discussed by Charles Payne and a warning about dormant bank accounts. A retiree's savings account was closed due to inactivity, with the funds escheated to the state, raising concerns about the security of savings, especially for seniors, and the potential for scams.

Planet Money attended the American Economic Association's annual conference, a major event for economists, to get a sneak peek at cutting-edge research. They highlighted several pre-peer review papers, including one exploring the productivity impacts of AI in American industries, suggesting AI initially slows productivity before ultimately accelerating it. This is based on observations and discussions with economists at the conference.

Planet Money attended the American Economic Association's annual conference, a major event for economists, to get a sneak peek at cutting-edge research. They highlighted several pre-peer review papers, including one exploring the productivity impacts of AI in American industries, suggesting AI initially slows productivity before ultimately accelerating it. This is based on observations and discussions with economists at the conference.