A study that claimed OpenAI’s ChatGPT can positively impact student learning has been retracted nearly one year after publication. The journal publisher, Springer Nature, cited “discrepancies” in the analysis and a lack of confidence in the conclusions—but not before the paper racked up hundreds of citations and made the rounds on social media.

“The paper's authors made some very attention-grabbing claims about the benefits of ChatGPT on learning outcomes,” said Ben Williamson, a senior lecturer at the Centre for Research in Digital Education and the Edinburgh Futures Institute at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, in an email to Ars. “It was treated by many on social media as one of the first pieces of hard, gold standard evidence that ChatGPT, and generative AI more broadly, benefits learners.”

The retracted paper attempted to quantify “the effect of ChatGPT on students’ learning performance, learning perception, and higher-order thinking” by analyzing results from 51 previous research studies. Its meta-analysis calculated the effect size between various studies’ experimental groups that used ChatGPT in education and control groups that did not use the AI chatbot.

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Below is an updated look at the latest retail and dining changes at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda, including new restaurants, specialty shops, and brand relocations.

Beyond Yoga, a women’s activewear brand founded in Los Angeles,is now open on the mall’s lower level. Beyond Yoga is known for its inclusive approach to activewear, offering leggings, pants, tops, bras, and other pieces designed to fit a wide range of body types, with a focus on comfort, stretch, and everyday wearability.

Mavi, an international denim and apparel brand founded in Istanbul in 1991, known for its premium fabrics and sustainable All Blue production methods focused on reducing water and energy usage, is now open. The store is located next to the recently opened Beyond Yoga.

Shiki Fusion is now open in the space above Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings, across from AMC. The restaurant blends Japanese technique with Thai flavors and will offer seafood focused dishes, sushi, noodle entrees, and fresh herbs and spices is coming soon.

Pop Mart is set to open a new store at Westfield Montgomery Mall. In early 2025, Pop Mart introduced its first Montgomery County vending machine at the mall’s dining terrace, which quickly drew crowds. The machine became especially popular for its Labubu figures, with high demand at times leading to sellouts and temporary shutdowns. The upcoming store will mark an expansion beyond its automated retail concept, offering a more traditional shopping experience for customers in the area.

SAYKI is relocating to a new space within the mall. The brand’s previous storefront has gone dark, and mall representatives indicated the retailer is expected to reopen in a different location within the mall, likely in late spring.

Gorjana,  a California-based jewelry brand founded in 2004 that specializes in minimalist gold and silver pieces designed for everyday wear and layering, is coming this summer. The company offers necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings, along with fine jewelry collections featuring diamonds and other gemstones.

Hey Tea will open in the space currently occupied by Luggage Plus this fall. The chain opened its first Montgomery County location in June at 891-F Rockville Pike in Wintergreen Plaza, drawing large crowds with lines that stretched through the shopping center on opening day. The company is widely recognized for specialty teas that combine fresh ingredients, fruit flavors, and its signature cheese foam topping. The menu includes drinks such as Coconut Mango Boom, Triple Supreme Matcha Latte, Supreme Brown Sugar Bobo Milk Tea, Jasmine Milk Tea, and Grape Boom, along with a variety of “boost” tea options.

Esvin’s Bagels and Cafe, a new family-owned bagel shop, recently began construction. The cafe will be located on the lower level across from Kapow Buddy, near the Old Navy and Cheesecake Factory area. In additional to bagels, the cafe plans to offer a diverse selection of beverages and pastries, including aguas frescas and shakes.

Kami Ramen – Kami Ramen will open next to Cinnabon and offers traditional Japanese ramen bowls, sides, and beverages in a casual dining environment.

Wetzel’s Pretzels – Wetzel’s Pretzels is expected to open this spring, offering freshly baked pretzels, pretzel dogs, pizza bites, and lemonade. The chain opened a location in Westfield Wheaton Mall on April 1.

Falafel Inc., the fast-casual concept known for its affordable, globally inspired menu, closed in late March. The restaurant opened next to Chick-Fil-a in November 2024 and offered a menu centered around falafel, hummus, bowls, and sides like zaatar fries and tabouli salad. Despite the closure, Falafel Inc. continues to maintain a presence in the county. Its Pike & Rose location in North Bethesda, which opened in April 2025, remains open and operating. The company is also continuing its local expansion. A new location is also planned for in Downtown Silver Spring.

L.E.A.D. Fest Carnival has returned to Westfield Montgomery and will run through Sunday, May 10. The carnival features rides, midway games, food, and other family-friendly attractions. L.E.A.D. Fest is part of L.E.A.D., Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence, a nonprofit that raises funds for evidence-based drug and violence prevention programs used by law enforcement agencies and schools.

Montgomery County Public Schools officials are investigating after antisemitic graffiti was discovered overnight at Greenwood Elementary School in Brookeville.

In a letter to families dated May 2, Principal Jennifer Seidel said the graffiti was found on a wall near the kitchen entrance and on metal covering near the building’s roof line. The message included an expletive and expressed anti-Israel sentiment, along with references to Israeli leadership and an image of the Star of David. Additional harmful language was also reported along the roof line.

The incident has been reported to MCPS security and the Montgomery County Department of Police, and an investigation is underway. School officials are reviewing security camera footage and working with police to identify those responsible. The school noted that recent upgrades to its camera system may help support the investigation.

MCPS Building Service staff are expected to cover the graffiti on Saturday, with more permanent removal and cleaning scheduled to be completed by Monday before students and staff return.

In the letter, Seidel said she was deeply saddened by the incident and acknowledged the potential impact on students, staff, and the broader community. Counselors and psychologists will be available at the school on Monday, and MCPS security staff have increased monitoring and patrols around the campus.

The school also shared resources for families to help guide conversations with children about antisemitism and processing what occurred.

Miranda Hart, Maya Jama, and Eastenders legend Ross Kemp are among the stars who will go head-to-head in the second series of The Celebrity Traitors.

Emma Raducanu has linked up again with Andrew Richardson, who coached her to the US Open title as a teenage qualifier.