Prediction markets are wagering on celebrity relationships this Valentine's Day, while the US government faces a partial shutdown and a popular AI coding platform is found to be easily hacked. These are among the top stories making headlines, according to multiple news sources.
Prediction markets are taking bets on the fate of celebrity relationships, with Polymarket users wagering on whether Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau will be engaged by the end of 2026, according to CBS News. As of early February, the probability of the pair committing to wed was 27%, with over $22,800 wagered on the outcome.
Meanwhile, the US government entered a partial shutdown after lawmakers failed to agree on funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), as reported by BBC World. Travel groups and airlines warned of potential disruptions, including flight delays and longer wait times, due to the increased risk of unscheduled absences by Transportation Security Administration workers. "Travellers and the US economy cannot afford to have essential TSA personnel working without pay," stated a joint statement from several groups, including Airlines for America.
In the technology sector, Amazon's Ring ended its deal with surveillance firm Flock Safety after facing backlash over privacy practices, according to BBC Technology. The agreement, announced in October, would have allowed agencies working with Flock to retrieve video captured on Ring devices. The decision to cancel the deal came after a Ring advertisement aired during the Super Bowl sparked widespread criticism.
Also in technology, a BBC reporter was able to be hacked using the popular AI coding platform Orchids, which has significant cybersecurity flaws, according to BBC Technology. The platform, which allows users to build apps and games by typing text prompts, was easily exploited, demonstrating the risks of allowing AI bots deep access to computers. Experts say the ease with which Orchids can be hacked demonstrates the risks of allowing AI bots deep access to our computers in exchange for professional services.
In other news, Bangladesh is seeing a potential shift in leadership. Tarique Rahman is expected to become Bangladesh's new prime minister, according to BBC World, after his party won the election. This marks a potential change after Sheikh Hasina's 15-year grip on power.
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