Pentagon Warns of Russian Nuclear-Tipped Missiles Amid U.S. Response

A recent study from Virginia Tech highlights significant flooding and tsunami risks for parts of the Pacific Northwest, specifically Northern California, Oregon, and Washington. Researchers indicate that geological factors, such as potential earthquakes in the Cascadia subduction zone, combined with rising sea levels could result in coastal areas sinking by up to 2 meters. This shift would increase the flood risk area from 35 square miles to 116 square miles, affecting thousands of residents and numerous properties. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, emphasizes that current tsunami inundation maps do not account for anticipated sea-level rise and the amplified effects of future tsunamis. Researchers created models simulating earthquakes occurring today and in 75 years, projecting that a quake today could impact an additional 14,350 residents and 22,500 structures. With a 15% likelihood of a major earthquake in the region within the next 50 years, the researchers advocate for proactive community preparations to mitigate potential hazards and protect coastal ecosystems from irreversible damage.

Yiyun Li, a celebrated author and professor at Princeton University, has opened up about the devastating impact of losing her two sons, Vincent and James, to suicide. Vincent died in 2017 at the age of 16, and James followed in 2024 at 19. Both were found at the same location, a tragic coincidence that has left Li grappling with deep sorrow and questions about parenting and mental health. In her new book, "Things in Nature Merely Grow," Li reflects on her experiences and the emotional rollercoaster of grief. Despite providing a loving and supportive environment for her children, she acknowledges moments of regret and questions whether she adequately prepared them to cope with life's challenges. Li's perspective sheds light on the stigma surrounding suicide and the misunderstandings that often accompany such tragedies. "People who die from suicide are in extreme pain," she stated, urging for broader comprehension and compassion in discussions about mental health. The book aims to honor her sons' memories while challenging societal perceptions of depression and loss.

Michael Smith, a North Carolina medical clinic owner, has been arrested as part of the first AI streaming fraud case in the U.S., accused of generating over $10 million through fraudulent means. According to federal prosecutors, Smith allegedly deployed software bots to artificially inflate stream counts of AI-generated music, leading to a reported billion streams but no actual fan engagement. Smith and collaborator Jonathan Hay released a jazz album, "Jazz," in 2018, which initially gained popularity but vanished from charts shortly after. Suspicion grew when analytics indicated a peculiar listening pattern concentrated in unexpected regions like Vietnam. Investigations revealed that Smith directed staff at his clinics to stream the tracks, resulting in streaming service flags for fraudulent activity. The Boston-based AI song generator Boomy, linked to Smith, produced thousands of tracks that were assigned to fictitious artists with bizarre names, further complicating the scheme. Smith pleaded not guilty, while Hay, who claims ignorance of the fraud, has cooperated with authorities and expressed relief at the investigation.