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A class action lawsuit alleges that Polymarket, a platform marketed as a “prediction market,” is operating as an unlicensed sports betting enterprise, prompting concerns about consumer protection and regulatory oversight. The suit, filed February 4, 2026, in the Southern District of New York, claims the platform violates anti-gambling laws in all 50 states.

The lawsuit centers on the experiences of individuals like Lorenzo Miro San Diego, a San Diego resident who, according to court documents, lost over $1,700 betting on sports and cryptocurrency price movements through Polymarket. San Diego initially discovered the platform through an episode of “South Park” and placed his first wager – $498 on a college football game between the University of Houston and Oregon State – after the odds shifted in Houston’s favor, netting him a small profit. However, subsequent bets proved less successful.

“I wasn’t able to set any virtual limits,” San Diego told Business Insider. “Unlike sportsbooks that I can visit when I’m in an area where they are legal, there was a lack of control and tools to be transparent for how much I could lose.”

The complaint alleges that Polymarket falsely portrays itself as a legitimate prediction market to circumvent regulatory scrutiny, effectively functioning as an online casino and sportsbook. The lawsuit contends that users wager real-world currency on events, mirroring traditional gambling operations.

Similar concerns have been raised regarding Kalshi, another prediction market platform. A 24-year-old engineer from Virginia, identified as K.A., reportedly lost more than $10,000 on Kalshi in an eight-day period, taking out loans to continue wagering after initial successes. He described a pattern of escalating bets and “chasing losses.”

The growing popularity of these platforms, and their potential for harm, is beginning to attract attention from problem gambling experts. Susan Sheridan Tucker, of the Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling, warned that the lack of safeguards on prediction markets could be particularly dangerous for those unfamiliar with how they operate. “It’s a huge distraction, and I don’t think it’s a healthy distraction,” she said.

Daniel Umfleet, CEO of Kindbridge Behavioral Health, noted that treatment providers are beginning to identify prediction market use among patients, though it hasn’t yet reached crisis levels. The National Council on Problem Gambling estimates that 2.5 million adults in the US have severe gambling addiction, with another 5 to 8 million meeting some criteria.

While the total amount wagered on platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket remains a fraction of the overall gambling market – the American Gaming Association reported over $71 billion in gambling revenue in the first 11 months of 2025 – the sector is experiencing rapid growth. Kalshi reported $1 billion in trading volume related to Super Bowl markets, a 27-fold increase from the previous year. Robinhood, a financial app that offers access to Kalshi and ForecastEx event contracts, anticipates prediction markets could generate $300 million in revenue annually.

The legal status of these platforms remains contested. Polymarket and Kalshi have argued that their offerings are financial instruments, such as swaps or futures, regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). However, the National Council for Problem Gambling has argued to the CFTC that “betting on futures is functionally gambling” and has called for the implementation of anti-addiction safeguards.

The CFTC, under its new chair Michael Selig, has indicated it will start drafting rules for event contracts, a process expected to take months or more. A court order issued February 6, 2026, in the Diego v. Blockratize case, requires the plaintiff to clarify the citizenship of all members of QCX LLC, a defendant in the suit, to establish subject matter jurisdiction. The court also requested clarification on why the case was filed in New York, given that the plaintiff resides in California.

As of February 19, 2026, neither Polymarket nor OG, another prediction market platform, have publicly committed to publicizing the national gambling helpline, 1-800-MY-RESET, despite a recent call to action from the National Council for Problem Gambling.

Bad Bunny’s historic night at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards has translated into a massive surge in streams and sales for the Puerto Rican superstar. The artist’s win for Album of the Year, a first for a Spanish-language album, propelled his entire catalog to new heights, demonstrating the growing global influence of Latin music. The win for DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, along with two other Grammy awards, has solidified Bad Bunny’s position as a leading force in the music industry.

On Sunday, February 1, 2026, Bad Bunny beat out a competitive field including Kendrick Lamar, Leon Thomas, Clipse, Sabrina Carpenter, and Lady Gaga to claim the coveted Album of the Year prize. This landmark achievement not only celebrates his artistic vision but also marks a significant moment for Spanish-language music, breaking barriers and opening doors for future artists. The 31-year-old, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, also used the platform to advocate for immigrant rights, adding a powerful social message to his artistic triumph.

The impact of the Grammy wins was immediately felt across streaming platforms. According to Billboard, Bad Bunny’s music saw nearly 36 million streams – a 117% increase – in the 24 hours following the awards show. Digital sales also experienced a dramatic jump, with over 3,000 singles sold, representing a 591% increase, as reported by Luminate.

Although his six albums all benefited from the increased attention, DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, released in January 2025, saw the largest share of the surge in both sales, and streams. The album’s success is particularly noteworthy given that Bad Bunny was unable to perform at the Grammy Awards due to a prior commitment to headline Apple Music’s Super Bowl Halftime Show on February 8.

A Playful Moment with Trevor Noah

Despite not taking the stage for a performance, Bad Bunny shared a memorable moment with Grammy host Trevor Noah. Noah playfully recited a translated version of the title track, “DtMF,” from DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, encouraging Bad Bunny to join him. The artist obliged, performing a brief verse accompanied by a full band, delighting both the audience and viewers at home. Billboard reported that “DtMF” experienced a nearly fourfold increase in streams in the week following the awards show.

Grammy Recognition and Advocacy

Bad Bunny’s night wasn’t limited to Album of the Year. He also secured wins for Best Música Urbana Album for DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS and Best Global Music Performance for “EoO,” bringing his total Grammy count to six, according to NBC Insider. During his acceptance speech for Best Música Urbana Album, he delivered a powerful message, stating, “Before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say ICE out,” a clear expression of support for immigrants and a condemnation of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

This advocacy resonated deeply with many, including British singer Olivia Dean, who also addressed immigration concerns during her acceptance speech for Best New Artist, as reported by the BBC. The Grammys ceremony itself saw numerous artists wearing badges reading “ICE out” on the red carpet, signaling a unified stance against current immigration policies.

What’s Next for Bad Bunny

With the Super Bowl Halftime Show on the horizon, anticipation for Bad Bunny’s performance is at an all-time high. The combination of his recent Grammy wins and the upcoming high-profile performance promises to further elevate his already immense popularity and influence. Fans can expect to see continued growth in his streaming numbers and sales as he prepares to take the stage in front of a global audience.

The impact of Bad Bunny’s success extends beyond personal accolades. It signals a broader shift in the music industry, recognizing and celebrating the power and artistry of Spanish-language music on a global scale. His win is a testament to the growing demand for diverse voices and perspectives in the music world.

What are your thoughts on Bad Bunny’s historic Grammy win? Share your comments below and let us know what you think of the growing influence of Latin music!

The U.S. Department of Education is facing a growing backlog in processing applications for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Buyback program, even as it prepares to implement changes to the broader PSLF program that advocates fear will limit eligibility for some borrowers.

As of December 31, 83,370 PSLF Buyback applications were still pending, according to a recent court filing by the Department of Education. The department approved 1,690 applications in December although receiving 5,090 new submissions, indicating the backlog is increasing despite processing efforts. The department acknowledged the dynamic nature of the database, stating that application statuses can change as borrowers supplement incomplete packages with required information.

The PSLF Buyback program, launched in the fall of 2023, allows borrowers pursuing PSLF to retroactively count months spent in deferment or forbearance toward the 120 qualifying payments required for loan forgiveness. Borrowers must make payments equivalent to what they would have owed under an income-driven repayment plan at the time of the deferment or forbearance to receive credit.

The backlog is particularly concerning for borrowers who were too enrolled in the SAVE income-driven repayment plan, which has been subject to litigation and a period of forbearance lasting over a year. During this period, borrowers were not accruing qualifying payments toward PSLF. The Buyback program offers a potential path to relief for these borrowers by allowing them to account for previously ineligible months.

Simultaneously, the Department of Education is moving forward with a rule finalized in October 2024 that narrows the definition of qualifying employers for PSLF. This rule, stemming from an executive order issued by former President Donald Trump, aims to exclude employers engaged in illegal activities. However, advocacy groups, including Protect Borrowers and Democracy Forward, have filed lawsuits challenging the rule, arguing We see “irremediably vague” and could disqualify borrowers based on their employers’ political views or activities.

In a statement responding to the lawsuits, Undersecretary of Education Nicholas Kent asserted that the rule would be enforced neutrally, without considering an employer’s mission or ideology. The department maintains that the rule is “crystal clear” in its intent to exclude employers with a “substantial illegal purpose.”

PSLF borrowers have expressed anxiety about the potential impact of the new rule. Jeff Hughes, a borrower working toward PSLF, stated, “I’m so close to the finish line. I really hope that the program continues as is since we need some more good people out there doing good work.”

The Department of Education’s new rule is set to take effect in July 2026. The outcome of the ongoing lawsuits will determine whether the rule is implemented as planned, potentially altering the landscape of PSLF eligibility for public service workers.

A devastating avalanche in the Castle Peak area of the Sierra Nevada mountains near Truckee, California, has claimed the lives of eight skiers, with one still missing as of Thursday afternoon. The incident, which occurred on February 17, 2026, unfolded amidst heavy snowfall and challenging backcountry conditions, prompting a large-scale search and rescue operation led by the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office.

The group of sixteen skiers was traversing a backcountry slope when the avalanche struck around 11:30 a.m. Local time. Six skiers were initially reported as survivors, but the situation quickly deteriorated as rescuers worked to locate those buried under the snow. The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the recovery of eight bodies and continues to search for the remaining individual. The search efforts are hampered by continued hazardous conditions and the sheer volume of snow in the area.

Avalanche Conditions and Rescue Efforts

Richard Bothwell, a backcountry ski guide and avalanche educator based in California, emphasized the critical importance of swift action in avalanche scenarios. “Once you are in [an avalanche], you are not able to move. You are locked in place, the snow has surrounded you, you are absolutely dependent on your partners to be able to act quickly and find you dig you out,” Bothwell explained, recounting his own experience being partially buried in an avalanche. He noted that the chances of survival diminish rapidly after the first ten minutes, and that rescue teams face grim odds when searching for individuals buried for extended periods. BBC News reports on these challenges.

Rescue teams deployed from Alder Creek Adventure Center and other staging areas, utilizing snow cats and ski teams to navigate the treacherous terrain. Images released by the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office show the scale of the operation, with tread marks from snow cat vehicles leading into closed trails. USA Today provides a visual overview of the rescue efforts.

The Risks of Backcountry Skiing

The incident underscores the inherent risks associated with backcountry skiing and snowboarding, particularly during periods of heavy snowfall. Avalanches occur when a slab of snow breaks away from a snowpack, often triggered by factors such as steep slopes, unstable snow layers, and human activity. Bothwell highlighted the importance of avalanche safety training, emphasizing that quick action from partners is often the deciding factor in survival. He stated that once outside rescue teams are called in, “the chances for successful rescue for someone still buried are grim.”

The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office held a press conference on February 17th to provide updates on the situation. Details of the press conference are available on the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.

Ongoing Search and Future Outlook

As of Thursday afternoon, the search for the missing skier continues. Authorities have not released details about the skiers’ identities, pending notification of next of kin. The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office is coordinating with state and federal agencies to assess the avalanche risk in the area and determine the cause of the incident. The focus remains on locating the missing skier and providing support to the families affected by this tragedy.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of preparedness when venturing into the backcountry. Authorities are urging individuals to check avalanche forecasts, carry appropriate safety equipment, and travel with experienced partners. The investigation into the avalanche is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as they become available.

Please share your thoughts and condolences in the comments below. Your support for the families affected by this tragedy is greatly appreciated.