Rhode Island and Kalshi, a prediction market platform, have initiated dueling lawsuits over the legality of Kalshi's operations in the state. The Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation filed a complaint against Kalshi on Tuesday, alleging that the platform's event-based contracts constitute illegal gambling under state law. Kalshi responded by filing its own lawsuit in federal court, seeking a declaratory judgment that its activities are lawful and protected under federal commodities law.

The dispute marks the latest front in a broader legal struggle between prediction markets and state regulators. Kalshi allows users to trade contracts on outcomes of events such as elections, sports, and economic indicators. The platform is regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) as a designated contract market, but several states argue that its offerings violate their anti-gambling statutes.

Rhode Island's lawsuit claims that Kalshi's contracts are not genuine futures contracts but rather bets on uncertain events, which fall under the state's definition of gambling. The state seeks to bar Kalshi from operating within its borders and impose penalties for alleged violations. Kalshi's countersuit contends that federal law preempts state gambling restrictions because its contracts are regulated commodities products.

Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour stated that the company's contracts are legal and transparent, providing valuable hedging tools for businesses and individuals. He emphasized that Kalshi operates under CFTC oversight and complies with all federal regulations. The company argues that state-level challenges threaten to undermine a legitimate financial market.

Rhode Island joins a growing list of states that have taken legal action against prediction markets. Nevada, New Jersey, and Texas have previously filed similar lawsuits or issued cease-and-desist orders against Kalshi and other platforms. These states contend that prediction markets blur the line between regulated futures trading and unlicensed gambling.

The legal outcomes could have significant implications for the prediction market industry. If states succeed in banning these platforms, it could limit the growth of event-based trading in the U.S. Conversely, if Kalshi prevails, it may set a precedent that strengthens federal authority over such markets.

Kalshi's platform has gained popularity for allowing users to trade on political events, including election outcomes. The company has argued that its contracts serve a legitimate economic purpose by enabling risk management and price discovery. However, critics warn that these markets could be susceptible to manipulation and pose risks to retail investors.

The Rhode Island case is scheduled for a preliminary hearing next month. Both parties have requested expedited proceedings to resolve the legal uncertainty. The CFTC has not commented on the state lawsuits but has previously defended its regulatory authority over prediction markets.

As the legal battle unfolds, Kalshi continues to operate in Rhode Island pending the court's decision. The company has stated it will vigorously defend its right to offer event contracts nationwide. The outcome of this case could influence how other states approach regulation of prediction markets in the future.

IMAX Corporation has begun preliminary discussions with potential acquirers, signaling a possible sale of the company. The move comes as the premium large-format cinema operator capitalizes on shifting consumer preferences toward enhanced theatrical experiences. Sources familiar with the matter confirmed that IMAX has engaged advisors to evaluate interest from strategic and financial buyers.

The company’s exploration of a sale follows a period of strong financial performance, driven by blockbuster releases and growing demand for premium screens. IMAX reported a 25% increase in global box office revenue in the most recent quarter compared to the same period last year. The company operates over 1,700 theaters across 87 countries, with a significant presence in China and North America.

IMAX’s proprietary technology, including its dual-laser projection systems and immersive sound, has positioned it as a leader in the premium cinema segment. The company has also expanded into virtual reality and streaming partnerships, though its core business remains large-format theatrical exhibition. Analysts estimate that a sale could value IMAX at several billion dollars, given its brand recognition and technological moat.

The potential sale comes as the broader cinema industry faces headwinds from streaming services and changing consumer habits. However, IMAX has bucked the trend by attracting audiences willing to pay a premium for a differentiated viewing experience. The company’s recent slate of films, including "Oppenheimer" and "Dune: Part Two," drove record attendance at IMAX locations.

IMAX has not set a formal auction process and may decide against a sale if offers do not meet its valuation expectations. The company’s board is expected to weigh strategic alternatives, including partnerships or continued independence. IMAX CEO Richard Gelfond has previously expressed confidence in the company’s standalone growth prospects.

Potential buyers could include major studios, theater chains, or private equity firms seeking exposure to the premium entertainment sector. China’s Wanda Group, which previously held a stake in AMC Theatres, has been cited as a possible suitor, though no formal bids have been disclosed. IMAX’s strong ties to Chinese exhibitors make it an attractive target for Asian investors.

The company’s stock rose 8% in after-hours trading following the news of the sale exploration. IMAX shares have gained 15% year-to-date, outperforming the broader market. The company is scheduled to report its quarterly earnings next month, which could provide further clarity on its financial trajectory.

IMAX declined to comment on the sale speculation. The company stated in a regulatory filing that it regularly evaluates strategic opportunities to enhance shareholder value. Any transaction would require regulatory approvals in multiple jurisdictions, given IMAX’s global footprint.

A team of researchers has introduced a novel approach to data center cooling using 3D-printed copper cold plates. The technology aims to address the growing energy demands of modern data centers, which are increasingly strained by high-performance computing workloads. The findings were published in a recent study detailing the design and performance of the additively manufactured cooling components.

The cold plates are fabricated using a 3D printing process that allows for complex internal geometries not possible with conventional manufacturing. These intricate channels optimize the flow of liquid coolant, enhancing heat transfer from server components. Copper was chosen for its superior thermal conductivity, enabling more efficient heat removal compared to aluminum or other materials.

In testing, the 3D-printed copper cold plates demonstrated a 20% improvement in thermal performance over standard cold plates. This translates to lower operating temperatures for servers, which can reduce the need for energy-intensive air conditioning systems. The researchers noted that the technology could cut data center cooling energy consumption by up to 15%.

The study also highlighted the potential for customization, as 3D printing allows for tailored designs that match specific server layouts. This flexibility could lead to more compact cooling solutions, freeing up space within data center racks. The researchers emphasized that the cold plates are compatible with existing liquid cooling infrastructure, simplifying adoption.

Data centers currently account for about 1% of global electricity use, with cooling representing a significant portion of that demand. As AI and cloud computing drive further growth, efficient cooling becomes critical. The 3D-printed copper cold plates offer a path to more sustainable operations without requiring a complete overhaul of existing systems.

The team plans to scale up production and conduct long-term reliability tests. They are also exploring the use of recycled copper to reduce material costs and environmental impact. The next phase involves collaborating with data center operators to deploy the technology in real-world environments.

While the cold plates are not yet commercially available, the researchers expect them to reach the market within two to three years. Pricing will depend on volume and customization, but the team believes the energy savings will offset the initial investment. The study was funded by the Department of Energy's Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E).

"Our goal is to provide a drop-in solution that improves efficiency without disrupting data center operations," said Dr. Emily Chen, lead author of the study. The research team will present their findings at the International Data Center Summit in San Francisco next month.

A new wave of kitchen gadgets aims to reduce the manual effort involved in everyday cooking. From automated stirring to dough kneading, these devices are designed to handle time-consuming tasks, allowing users to focus on other activities. The following six gadgets have been highlighted for their ability to simplify meal preparation.

The first gadget is a robotic stirrer that can automatically stir soups, sauces, and other dishes while they cook. This device attaches to the side of a pot and rotates a stirring arm at adjustable speeds, eliminating the need for constant manual stirring. It is particularly useful for recipes that require prolonged attention to prevent burning or sticking.

Another featured device is a bread machine that kneads dough, proofs it, and bakes bread with minimal user intervention. Users simply add ingredients, select a program, and the machine handles the rest. This gadget appeals to those who want fresh bread without the physical effort of kneading or the time commitment of traditional bread-making.

A third gadget is an electric pressure cooker that combines multiple functions such as pressure cooking, slow cooking, and sautéing. It reduces cooking times for beans, grains, and tough cuts of meat, making it a versatile tool for quick meals. The device also includes preset programs for specific dishes.

Also included is a smart kitchen scale that connects to a smartphone app to guide users through recipes step by step. The scale measures ingredients by weight and can adjust quantities automatically. It also tracks nutritional information and can suggest recipe modifications.

A fifth gadget is an automatic pan stirrer that works similarly to the robotic stirrer but is designed for frying pans. It features a motorized arm that moves back and forth to toss or stir ingredients, useful for dishes like stir-fries or scrambled eggs.

Finally, a compact food processor with multiple attachments is highlighted for its ability to chop, slice, shred, and puree ingredients quickly. It is designed for small kitchens and can handle tasks like making salsa, chopping nuts, or preparing dough.

These gadgets are available from various retailers and online stores. Prices range from approximately $30 for basic models to over $200 for more advanced devices. The article notes that while these gadgets can make cooking easier, they are not essential for everyone and should be chosen based on individual cooking habits and kitchen space.