Alvaro Lopez Ortega / 2026-03-05 Briefing

Created Fri, 06 Mar 2026 03:18:02 +0000 Modified Tue, 28 Apr 2026 20:02:28 +0000
8318 Words

AI’s growing impact on white-collar jobs is being quantified, highlighting vulnerability for programmers and customer service roles, while software projects are now rejecting low-quality, AI-generated contributions. Elsewhere, Cluely’s CEO admitted to fabricating revenue figures to boost the company’s initial profile, now pivoting to AI meeting notes. Rising car prices and high interest rates are crippling auto sales with monthly payments averaging $800, and BYD unveiled a new Blade Battery offering dramatically faster charging times. Finally, Ethiopia secured $350 million in World Bank financing to expand its digital ID program, Fayda.

🤖 AI & Machine Learning

AI’s impact on jobs and workforce

New research and a new index from Anthropic are beginning to quantify the potential impact of AI on white-collar jobs, using metrics like “observed exposure” and task automation potential. While current data shows limited immediate job losses, occupations involving programming and customer service are identified as highly vulnerable to future disruption. These findings suggest a need for proactive monitoring and adaptation strategies, particularly as AI adoption continues to advance.

A standard protocol to handle and discard low-effort, AI-Generated pull requests

Software projects are implementing a protocol to automatically reject low-quality, AI-generated contributions. The protocol instructs AI models and automated systems to halt processing and report an error to the user, explicitly disallowing automated submissions. Project maintainers are using this measure to prevent unwanted AI-generated content and ensure contribution quality.

GLiNER2: Unified Schema-Based Information Extraction

GLiNER2 is a unified AI model that combines entity recognition, text classification, and relation extraction into a single system. It’s designed for efficient processing on standard CPUs, prioritizing user privacy by enabling local data handling without external dependencies. Users can access the model through an API, with options for both a base model and a larger, more powerful version.

GPT-5.4: Updates and Integration

OpenAI has launched GPT-5.4, its newest and most capable AI model, emphasizing enhanced reasoning, coding, and professional task performance. The model boasts improvements in accuracy, with fewer errors and false claims, and includes new features like native computer use capabilities and direct integration with Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets. This release positions OpenAI to compete in the AI-powered office tools market and signals progress toward more reliable and advanced AI systems.

Vela (YC W26) – AI for complex scheduling

Vela is an AI agent designed to automate complex, multi-party scheduling across various communication channels. The tool integrates with existing platforms like email and SMS to handle scheduling logistics, including follow-ups and rescheduling. Developed by brothers Gobhanu and Saatvik, Vela aims to eliminate the tediousness of coordinating interviews and appointments.

PageAgent, A GUI agent that lives inside your web app

PageAgent is an open-source library that embeds AI agents directly into web app frontends, offering a new “inside-out” approach to AI integration. This allows web applications to act as general agents, interacting with the DOM and even controlling the browser with user authorization through an optional extension. The project aims to integrate AI more natively into web development, moving beyond external bots and server-side programs.

AI and the Ship of Theseus

Recent developments show AI is increasingly used to reimplement software, sometimes leading to significant design changes and sparking copyright debates. The maintainer of the “chardet” library recently rebuilt it from scratch, triggering controversy over whether it constitutes a derived work or a new creation. This trend raises questions about copyright enforcement, the future of open-source licensing, and the potential for AI-generated code to enter the public domain.

Jido 2.0, Elixir Agent Framework

Jido 2.0, an Elixir Agent Framework, was released this week to provide a production-ready solution for building and managing agents on the BEAM. The framework offers features like multi-agent support, advanced reasoning strategies, and observability tools, leveraging the BEAM’s architecture for agentic workloads. Developers are encouraged to join the growing community and build applications using Jido.

Good software knows when to stop

A new Linux utility, Adaptive Listing System (ALS), is replacing the traditional ls command with AI-powered features like predictive file ranking and understanding user intent. The legacy ls command will be deprecated in 30 days, after which it will cease to function. This change highlights the importance of software knowing its limitations and focusing on core functionality rather than unnecessary expansion.

Nvidia PersonaPlex 7B on Apple Silicon: Full-Duplex Speech-to-Speech in Swift

Nvidia has released a new speech library, qwen3-asr-swift, enabling full-duplex speech-to-speech conversation on Apple Silicon using the PersonaPlex 7B model. This technology eliminates the traditional transcription and synthesis pipeline, allowing for faster, real-time audio processing and streaming. The 4-bit quantized model is optimized for Apple Silicon’s MLX framework.

Agentic Engineering Anti Patterns

The article highlights a common issue in agentic engineering: submitting unreviewed code generated by agents to collaborators. It emphasizes the importance of developers reviewing and validating agent-generated code before creating pull requests, ensuring the code functions and is easily reviewable. Providing context and evidence of personal review is also recommended to respect reviewers’ time.

Asyncio and Shared State Challenges

Despite differing approaches, both Python’s asyncio primitives and Go’s message-passing concurrency models face challenges when handling shared state and coordinating concurrent tasks. Analyses reveal that these systems, designed to mitigate concurrency issues, can still lead to inefficiencies and bugs due to underlying coordination complexities. This suggests that fundamentally, effectively managing concurrency requires careful consideration regardless of the chosen concurrency mechanism.

Anthropic chief back in talks with Pentagon about AI deal

Anthropic’s CEO is reportedly re-engaging in discussions with the Pentagon regarding a potential artificial intelligence deal. The talks suggest a possible resumption of negotiations previously paused due to internal concerns. Details of the prospective agreement remain undisclosed.

Meta says it hired the engineering team from Atma Sciences, the startup that makes the vibe codin…

Meta has acquired the engineering team behind Atma Sciences, the startup creator of the AI-powered interactive content app Gizmo. The team will join Meta’s Superintelligence Labs unit, and Meta has secured a license to Atma Sciences’ technology. The future of the Gizmo app itself remains unclear, but the acquisition highlights Meta’s ongoing efforts to recruit AI talent and develop new social media applications.

telemetry helps. you still get to turn it off

The author defends the value of telemetry data, particularly within Firefox, while reaffirming users’ right to disable it. Telemetry helps developers improve software stability, security, and performance, though it’s not a requirement for users. The distinction is made between telemetry (data sent without direct user benefit) and other “phone-home” features used for software updates and synchronization.

Kill cats with JavaScript (RTS game)

A new real-time strategy game called “Kill cats with JavaScript” has been released. The game’s initial challenge involves using JavaScript to calculate distances and target the nearest cats. Players can learn more about the gameplay through the game’s documentation.

MICROSLOP — Microsoft’s AI Slop Manifesto

Microsoft’s integration of AI into Bing search results is generating inaccurate information, including fabricated reviews, statistics, and citations. Users are encountering “synthesized garbage” instead of reliable sources. This “AI slop” presents confidently incorrect information, undermining the utility of the search engine.

Microsoft Copilot to hijack your browser… for your own convenience

Microsoft is integrating web browsing directly into its Copilot AI assistant, causing links to open within the assistant’s window instead of the user’s default browser. This update, currently in preview for Windows Insiders, aims to keep context readily available but has raised concerns about steering users toward Microsoft Edge and a lack of opt-in control. Microsoft has not yet responded to questions regarding browser choice and opt-in procedures.

CERN sends AI-trained robot mice scurrying through LHC beam pipes

CERN and the UK Atomic Energy Authority have developed a small, AI-trained robot called PipeINEER to inspect hard-to-reach components within the Large Hadron Collider. The robot autonomously navigates the collider’s 27-kilometer pipes, capturing images and using AI to identify abnormalities in radio frequency contacts. This innovative approach allows for targeted maintenance without extensive disassembly.

Supposedly big-brained execs are outsourcing decisionmaking to AI

A recent survey of UK business leaders reveals that 62% now rely on AI, specifically large language models, to inform their decision-making. Many executives admitted to second-guessing their judgment when it differs from AI recommendations, and a majority reported decreased collaboration since adopting these tools. The trend highlights a growing dependence on AI for rapid decision-making in a fast-paced business environment.

🌐 Business & Economy

The next generations of Bubble Tea, Lip Gloss, and Bubbles are available now

Bubble Tea, Lip Gloss, and Bubbles have released version 2.0.0, marking the end of their beta phase. The updates focus on enhanced performance, including optimized rendering and support for new terminal capabilities like inline images. These tools, already used in the company’s AI coding agent Crush, are designed to improve terminal user interfaces and cater to the growing importance of terminals in software development.

Cluely CEO Roy Lee admits to publicly lying about revenue numbers last year

Cluely CEO Roy Lee has admitted to fabricating the company’s annual recurring revenue, initially claiming $7 million in a TechCrunch interview arranged by the company’s PR firm. The misleading information helped propel Cluely’s initial viral success, which was built on a controversial cheating tool and provocative marketing. The company has since pivoted to focus on AI-powered meeting note-taking.

$800 Monthly Car Payments Are Hurting Car Sales

Rising car prices, interest rates, and insurance costs are making new vehicles unaffordable, leading to declining auto sales across the U.S. Many consumers are delaying or canceling purchases due to monthly payments now averaging around $800. Analysts predict continued weakness in the auto market, with sales expected to fall below recent levels.

Amazon degraded shopping- you have to put in cart to see the price

Amazon is reportedly hiding prices on many product listings, requiring users to add items to their cart before revealing the cost. This change, affecting items like “espresso tampers,” has frustrated users and sparked speculation about Amazon’s financial motivations. The platform is even requiring users to add posts to their cart before commenting.

The Brand Age

In the 1970s, the Swiss watch industry faced a crisis due to increased competition from Japan, a collapsing exchange rate, and the rise of quartz movements. This combination led to a drastic decline in sales and near-insolvency for many watchmakers. The industry ultimately survived by shifting its focus from precision engineering to cultivating luxury brands and leveraging the perceived value of status symbols.

Donald Trump insists there are no wind farms in China. Here are 20 in pictures

Former President Donald Trump falsely claimed that China has no wind farms. This assertion has been widely debunked, with evidence readily available demonstrating the presence of numerous wind farms in the country. A collection of 20 photographs illustrating this fact has been published.

The BBC has warned that it faces “irreversible” trends and may not survive without significant changes, citing a growing gap between content consumption and licence fee payments. The corporation reports that while 94% of UK citizens use BBC content monthly, less than 80% of households pay the licence fee, largely due to the rise of streaming services. The BBC is advocating for a more sustainable funding model and potentially broadening the scope of the licence fee to address this imbalance.

Palantir and other tech companies are stocking offices with tobacco products

Tech company Palantir is providing free nicotine pouches to employees through branded vending machines in its Washington, D.C. office. The move, reportedly aimed at boosting productivity, is part of a broader trend of companies offering unconventional perks and aligns with a biohacking culture prevalent in Silicon Valley. While Palantir and nicotine startups claim it’s a safer alternative, medical professionals warn against using tobacco products for biohacking due to potential health risks.

Major airline bans ‘barebeaters’ across all 24 daily flights from UK airports

United Airlines has banned passengers from listening to audio or video content without headphones, a practice known as “barebeating,” on all flights from the UK. The airline can now remove offenders and the ban may become permanent, adding a new clause to its contract of carriage. This policy affects the airline’s 24 daily flights to US destinations like Chicago, Texas, and Los Angeles.

The Self-Help Trap: What 20 Years of “Optimizing” Has Taught Me

A writer reflecting on two decades of self-help suggests the pursuit of constant improvement can be counterproductive, potentially amplifying unhappiness. The author argues that an often-overlooked addition to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs—self-transcendence—highlights the limitations of focusing solely on individual betterment. Ultimately, finding contentment may involve accepting inherent irrationality rather than relentlessly striving for optimization.

Poppy – A simple app to stay intentional with relationships

A new app called Poppy has been released to help users maintain more intentional connections with their relationships. The developer is seeking feedback on the app’s user experience, including onboarding, reminders, and overall design. The app is currently a side project and the creator is open to answering questions.

Claude Users Surge: 60%+ Growth, Signups Quadrupled

Anthropic reports significant growth in Claude’s free user base and daily signups since the beginning of the year, with Monday being a record day for usage. This surge in consumer adoption comes as the company faces challenges with its enterprise business due to a dispute with the Pentagon. The increased focus on consumer markets represents a strategic shift for Anthropic.

X revamps its Creator Subscriptions with exclusive threads, a refreshed subscriptions paywall, a …

X has updated its Creator Subscriptions program with new features designed to help creators monetize their content and connect with audiences. Key additions include exclusive threads for direct subscription-based posts, a refreshed paywall, and a new dashboard for tracking earnings and growth. These changes reflect X’s efforts to expand its presence in the creator economy.

Sources: Oracle is planning to cut thousands of jobs as soon as March, among its moves to handle …

Oracle is planning to cut thousands of jobs across its divisions as early as March. The job cuts are reportedly a response to a cash crunch resulting from a large expansion of AI data centers. Some reductions are anticipated in areas where the company expects to need fewer employees due to advancements in AI.

Munificent 7 vow to spare US households from AI’s rising energy costs

Seven leading US AI companies, dubbed the “Munificent 7,” have pledged to prevent rising energy costs for American households due to the increasing demands of AI data centers. The companies, including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, committed to covering the costs of new infrastructure and upgrades. However, the pledge lacks enforcement mechanisms, raising concerns about its potential effectiveness.

Office EU waves sovereignty flag with a familiar stack under the bonnet

Office EU, a new European-owned office suite, is positioning itself as a champion of digital sovereignty. However, the suite is built upon existing open-source components, specifically Nextcloud and Collabora Online, which is based on LibreOffice. This reveals a familiar technical foundation beneath the suite’s independent branding.

UK still doodling digital pound while Brussels frets over payment sovereignty

The UK remains in the design phase for a potential digital pound, with the Bank of England still collaborating with the Treasury. Simultaneously, the European Union is facing pressure to accelerate the development of a digital euro to reduce reliance on US-based payment systems and strengthen its sovereignty. The move highlights growing geopolitical tensions surrounding digital currency control.

Broadcom says AI companies can’t make their own silicon any time soon

Broadcom’s CEO stated that AI companies and hyperscalers are unlikely to develop their own silicon solutions for many years due to the complexity of design, production, and expertise required. The company is currently deploying custom accelerators for major AI players like Meta, OpenAI, and Anthropic, with contracts totaling multiple gigawatts of capacity. Broadcom anticipates securing significant AI chip revenue, projecting over $100 billion in 2027.

💻 Development & Infrastructure

Stop Using Grey Text (2025)

Web designers are being advised to avoid using grey text on light backgrounds due to poor contrast and accessibility issues. The practice is considered unnecessary and easily corrected with simple design adjustments, ultimately benefiting all users. Increasing contrast improves clarity and the overall quality of online content.

Ethiopia gets $350M World Bank financing for its digital ID project (2024)

The World Bank has approved a $350 million financing package to support Ethiopia’s digital identity program, Fayda, aiming to enroll the entire population by 2024. This initiative seeks to improve financial inclusion and is considered crucial given Ethiopia’s current economic challenges, including depleted foreign reserves and impending debt repayment issues. The funding will contribute to Ethiopia’s growing debt portfolio while addressing critical local economic needs.

OpenTitan Shipping in Production

OpenTitan, an open-source silicon Root of Trust developed by Google, is now shipping in commercially available Chromebooks. Nuvoton is producing the first OpenTitan parts, marking a significant advancement in hardware security. The project aims to provide a high-quality, transparent, and customizable security foundation for devices while incorporating post-quantum cryptography.

GitHub Actions is shitting the bed again

GitHub Actions experienced a service disruption on March 5, 2026, impacting availability and causing delays in workflow runs. The issue has since been resolved and systems are operating normally, with job queues clearing. A root cause analysis will be released at a later date.

Devenv 2.0: New Interface Released

Devenv 2.0 significantly improves the developer experience with Nix by addressing usability issues and streamlining workflows. Key features include a live terminal interface for build progress, faster shell reloads, and a built-in Rust process manager for dependency management. The update aims to make Nix more accessible and user-friendly while maintaining its core capabilities.

The IRIX 6.5.7M (sgi) source code

The source code for IRIX 6.5.7m, a Unix-based operating system formerly used by Silicon Graphics (SGI), has been released. The availability of this code allows for potential study and modification of the legacy system. This release is identified as “irix-657m-src.”

Unix Isn’t for Agents

The author argues that Unix’s design, with its strict separation of interactive and daemon processes, is fundamentally incompatible with the needs of AI agents. AI agents require persistent, interactive processes, a functionality Unix lacks, forcing workarounds like tmux that are essentially hacks. This limitation stems from Unix’s core assumption that interactive sessions are inherently temporary and tied to human presence.

Jails for NetBSD – Kernel Enforced Isolation and Native Resource Control

NetBSD has introduced a new system for kernel-enforced isolation and resource control called “jails.” This workflow demonstrates how to create, manage, and monitor jails using tools like jailmgr and jailctl, enabling constrained services and enhanced security. The system provides metrics and integrates with tools like Prometheus for comprehensive runtime monitoring.

OpenBSD and SGI Hardware Challenges

This article chronicles the history of running OpenBSD on SGI workstations, highlighting the appeal of these distinctive MIPS-based machines and the efforts to support them within the BSD ecosystem. SGI systems like the Indigo, Indy, and Octane, recognized for their unique design and startup tunes, spurred users to explore alternative operating systems such as OpenBSD. The piece details the evolution of SGI hardware, including their transition to PCI-based expansion.

ESP8266/ESP32 Flashing Tool in Go

The “espflash” project provides a Go-based command-line tool and library designed to simplify firmware flashing for Espressif’s ESP8266 and ESP32 microcontrollers. It supports a wide range of chips, offering features like automatic detection and compressed transfers, and is accessible via a command-line interface or as a Go library. This tool aims to streamline the firmware update process for developers and users alike.

XML Schema Languages Evolve

Both RELAX NG and the newly developed Styx are schema languages designed to structure and validate data, though they approach the task differently. RELAX NG, an established ISO standard, defines XML document structure while Styx prioritizes user-friendliness and standardized data type interpretation using a space-separated syntax. Styx aims to explicitly define data schemas to improve clarity and streamline development workflows.

Terminal Graphics Protocol

The Kitty graphics protocol enables terminal programs to display pixel-based graphics like images and videos directly within a terminal emulator. It supports features like alpha blending and scrolling graphics alongside text, and offers performance optimizations for local clients. Several applications and libraries now utilize this protocol, expanding the capabilities of terminal user interfaces.

Once Upon a Boot - visual tracing of boot process

A new website, “Once Upon a Boot,” visualizes the complex boot process of various systems like ARM64, RISC-V, and x86-64 using QEMU and tracing tools. It allows users to explore kernel, firmware, and bootloader behavior by displaying console output and source code. The interactive tool aims to make understanding these intricate processes more accessible.

Google Workspace CLI

The “gws” command-line interface provides access to Google Workspace services like Drive, Gmail, and Calendar, offering a simplified way to interact with their APIs. It dynamically updates with new API endpoints and features through Google’s Discovery Service, and includes pre-built “agent skills.” Notably, this is an unofficial project and is under active development, meaning breaking changes are possible.

rustc-php: A Rust compiler with ownership checking, written in PHP

rustc-php is a unique Rust compiler implemented entirely in PHP that generates x86-64 Linux ELF binaries without external toolchains. It supports core Rust features like ownership and borrowing, making it suitable for environments with limited software. However, the compiler has limitations and lacks support for features like floating-point numbers and advanced pattern matching.

The Lisp Machine: Noble Experiment or Fabulous Failure? (1991)

The Lisp Machine, a specialized computer architecture designed to efficiently run Lisp code, emerged in the 1980s as a promising platform for artificial intelligence research. While innovative in its design, featuring dedicated hardware for list processing and garbage collection, it ultimately failed to achieve widespread adoption due to high cost and limited applicability beyond AI. The Lisp Machine’s story serves as a case study of a technologically advanced but commercially unsuccessful venture.

How to Install and Start Using LineageOS on your Phone

This article provides a guide on installing and using LineageOS on a phone, aiming to serve as a “missing manual” for Android users. It acknowledges gaps in its coverage of key Android concepts and emphasizes the benefits of installing a custom OS, such as accessing private app permissions and reducing vendor dependency. The guide is considered complete despite these acknowledged shortcomings.

Async Programming Is Just @Inject Time

The article argues that functions are a programming abstraction, not a fundamental reality, and involve hidden “return point” arguments managed by compilers. It explains how compilers handle function calls, including dynamic dispatch scenarios like Java’s method resolution, where the target function is determined at runtime. Ultimately, the author’s investigation into error handling led to an appreciation for the complexities and benefits of effect systems.

ascend : run Python functions on Kubernetes

Ascend is an open-source library that simplifies running GPU-intensive code on remote machines using Kubernetes. It allows users to execute functions remotely with minimal code changes and without requiring Docker or complex CI/CD pipelines. The system dynamically scales cloud resources and provides basic security features, streamlining the process of utilizing remote GPU infrastructure.

crosspoint-reader: Firmware for the Xteink X4 e-paper display reader

CrossPoint Reader is an open-source firmware designed as a replacement for the official software on the Xteink X4 e-paper reader. Built on PlatformIO for the ESP32-C3 microcontroller, it aims to improve the reading experience and offer greater customization options. The project is independent of Xteink and provides features like EPUB parsing, Wi-Fi connectivity, and customizable display settings.

gitgo: A Go implementation of Git functions (2016)

gitgo is a Go library providing Git functionality, initially released in 2016. The project’s documentation is contained within its README file. It offers a Go-native way to interact with Git repositories.

Announcing Rust 1.94.0

The Rust programming language has released version 1.94.0, introducing new features like array windows for iterating over slices and improved Cargo configuration options with TOML 1.1 support. Users can update to the new version using the rustup update stable command, and detailed release notes are available on the Rust website. This update also stabilizes several APIs for developers.

Building a Database on S3

A 2008 research paper proposed a database architecture utilizing Amazon S3 for storage and Amazon Simple Queue Service (SQS) for transaction logging, effectively separating compute and storage – a concept foundational to modern cloud-native databases. The design employed asynchronous log application to mitigate S3’s latency and included a system to handle potential inconsistencies and ordering issues within the SQS queue. While rudimentary by today’s standards, the paper foreshadowed elements found in modern database systems like Amazon Aurora.

Yet another strange job scheduler bug

A bug in a job scheduler is causing jobs to appear to run much longer than expected, sometimes up to 30 minutes. The issue arises when multiple jobs exit close together, leading to a coalescing of signals and the job scheduler incorrectly believing a job is still running. The problem has been resolved by implementing a non-blocking wait4 loop to properly handle exited child processes.

The Illustrated TLS 1.2 Connection

This demonstration illustrates a TLS 1.2 connection process, showcasing a client connecting to a server and negotiating a secure session. The process involves exchanging “ping” and “pong” messages, followed by session termination. The demonstration details key exchange techniques used to establish the secure connection.

Intel numbers boss swears big Foundry wins are coming soon

Intel’s CFO announced the company is nearing deals for its advanced packaging technology that could generate billions of dollars annually. The company is also considering offering its 18A process technology to external customers, a shift from previous plans. These developments suggest potential progress for Intel’s Foundry division, which has been a financial burden.

Nothing Phone event live: What was released, where to buy it, and how much does it cost?

Due to technical issues, the Nothing Phone event was unavailable and unable to be viewed. The article intended to cover the event’s releases, purchasing information, and pricing. Readers are instructed to enable JavaScript and cookies to access the content.

🛡️ Security & Privacy

Remotely unlocking an encrypted hard disk

A user has developed a method to remotely unlock an encrypted boot partition on a Linux system using Tailscale, a VPN service. The process involves installing Tailscale within the initramfs, a small operating system that runs during early boot. This allows for automated unlocking without requiring manual password entry, addressing issues with power outages and changing IP addresses.

GitHub Security Breach Impacts Developers

Approximately 4,000 developer machines were compromised through a sophisticated attack dubbed “Clinejection,” which exploited a prompt injection vulnerability in a GitHub issue to install a malicious AI agent called OpenClaw. The attacker published a modified version of the “cline” package to npm, granting the agent full system access and enabling the theft of npm tokens before the package was removed after eight hours. The incident underscores the growing risks of prompt injection and unauthorized AI agent execution within development workflows.

Wikipedia in read-only mode following mass admin account compromise

Wikipedia has been placed in read-only mode after a significant compromise of administrator accounts. The move was taken to prevent unauthorized edits and protect the platform’s integrity following the security breach. Officials are working to investigate the extent of the compromise and restore full functionality.

Google Safe Browsing missed 84% of confirmed phishing sites

A new analysis reveals that Google Safe Browsing failed to detect nearly 84% of confirmed phishing websites in February, highlighting limitations of reactive, blocklist-based detection methods. Researchers used a tool called Huginn to identify phishing sites, demonstrating that many remained undetected when initially discovered. The study also showcased a deeper scan feature that achieved 100% detection of phishing sites, albeit with a higher rate of false positives.

Stop the Interviews

A candidate recently experienced an unusually lengthy, seven-hour onsite interview process with a company that ultimately did not offer them the job. The author argues this excessive interviewing, increasingly common in the software engineering industry, is a sign of indecision and a flawed hiring process. They suggest the problem stems from a lack of standardized assessments and the difficulty of accurately evaluating candidates based on brief interactions.

You Just Reveived

A Vodafone customer unexpectedly received a text message granting them a million minutes, though with limitations on how they could be used. The customer speculates the unusual offer may be the result of a human error or a glitch in the automated system. They expressed amusement and wonder about the experience, questioning the processes behind Vodafone’s promotional offers.

Iran’s state media says Iran targeted Amazon’s Bahrain data center on March 1 because of the comp…

Iranian state media reported that Iran targeted an Amazon data center in Bahrain, claiming it was in response to Amazon’s support of the U.S. military. Amazon Web Services confirmed damage to facilities in Bahrain and the UAE following drone strikes, causing disruptions to services. The incidents occurred amid escalating tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States.

Crypto payment trail leads to major phishing platform takedown

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WhatsApp, Telegram, and other messaging apps may not work without a SIM card. Why?

Due to evolving network regulations, messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram may soon require a SIM card to function. This change stems from efforts to verify user identities and combat spam and fraudulent activity. Users may experience disruptions if they rely solely on internet connections without a linked phone number.

⚖️ Policy & Regulation

‘Execution at sea’: Was the Iranian ship sunk by US in the Indian Ocean unarmed?

A US submarine reportedly sunk the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean near Sri Lanka, resulting in at least 87 deaths. Iran and some experts allege the warship was unarmed and in a non-combat configuration, raising questions about the legality and proportionality of the attack. The incident has also sparked concerns about potential intelligence sharing between India and the US.

Trump fires Homeland Security Secretary Noem after criticism

President Donald Trump has fired Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem after facing mounting criticism regarding her leadership and handling of immigration policies and disaster response. Noem will be appointed as a “Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas,” a new security initiative. This marks the first cabinet departure during Trump’s second term.

US asked Ukraine for help fighting Iranian drones, Zelensky says

President Zelenskyy stated that the US has requested Ukraine’s assistance in defending Gulf allies against Iranian drones, leveraging Ukraine’s expertise gained from facing similar attacks. In return, Ukraine is seeking to secure more US Patriot air defense systems to bolster its own defenses against Russian missiles. Zelenskyy emphasized that any assistance will be contingent on Ukraine’s security and diplomatic gains.

Sam Altman asks if government can nationalize artificial general intelligence

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has publicly considered the possibility of the U.S. government nationalizing AI companies as a potential model for developing artificial general intelligence. This speculation follows recent discussions about government involvement in AI development and a potential intervention, though Altman believes it is unlikely. The conversation highlights the ongoing debate about the appropriate roles of government and private companies in controlling advanced AI technologies.

Apple: Enough Is Enough

A user is expressing significant frustration with recent macOS updates, citing numerous issues including software compatibility problems, restrictive security features, unreliable system functions like sleep and Time Machine backups, and a decline in user-friendliness. These problems have led to persistent difficulties in using common applications and performing basic tasks. The user has decided to switch to a Linux PC to resolve these ongoing issues.

Judge orders government to begin refunding more than $130B in tariffs

A federal judge has ordered the government to begin refunding over $130 billion in tariffs deemed invalid by the Supreme Court. The ruling, prompted by a lawsuit from a filtration company, directs the administration to initiate the refund process for importers. A follow-up hearing is scheduled for Friday to monitor progress.

Noem Can’t Explain Why She Hired 8-Day-Old Company for Ad Campaign

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem was unable to explain her decision to hire a newly formed company, Safe America Media, for a $143 million advertising campaign through the Department of Homeland Security. The company, which lacked a website and prior government experience, was awarded the contract without competitive bidding. Concerns have been raised that the funds may have been diverted to political allies and associates through subcontractors.

No right to relicense this project

Mark Pilgrim, the original author of the chardet project, has stated that the current maintainers do not have the right to relicense it. He claims their attempt to do so violates the project’s original LGPL license, regardless of recent code modifications. Pilgrim is requesting they revert the project to its original licensing terms.

DOJ proposes policy aimed at limiting state bar ethics probes into its attorneys

The Justice Department is proposing a policy to limit state bar associations’ ability to investigate its attorneys, citing concerns about political “weaponization” of the ethics complaint process. The policy would empower the Attorney General to request suspensions of investigations and potentially take action against bars that refuse. This move comes amidst increased scrutiny of DOJ attorneys’ ethical compliance.

Tim Sweeney signed away his right to criticize Google until 2032

As part of a recent settlement, Epic CEO Tim Sweeney agreed to refrain from criticizing Google’s app store practices until 2032. The agreement, formalized in a binding term sheet, also requires Sweeney to publicly support Google’s platform and potentially defend the deal in other courts. Sweeney can still participate in the Coalition for App Fairness, but is now limited to criticizing Apple.

A senior US defense official says the Pentagon formally told Anthropic that the startup and its p…

The Pentagon has formally declared Anthropic PBC a supply chain risk, citing concerns about the company and its AI products. This designation, effective immediately, escalates a dispute over AI safeguards. The Pentagon official communicated the decision to Anthropic leadership on Thursday.

Sources: US officials propose expanding AI chip export controls globally, requiring Commerce Depa…

The US government is considering expanding export controls on AI chips, potentially requiring permits for sales to any country globally. This proposal would grant the Commerce Department broad authority over the international distribution of chips from companies like Nvidia and AMD. The move aims to control the development and deployment of AI capabilities worldwide.

Apple implemented geoblocking in January 2026 to prevent US-based users from downloading or updat…

Following a deal to transfer TikTok’s US operations, Apple has begun blocking US-based iOS users with Chinese App Store accounts from downloading apps developed by ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company. This geoblocking appears to be a technical implementation of a 2024 law restricting apps controlled by foreign adversaries. The restriction affects a wider range of ByteDance apps beyond TikTok, including Douyin and other services not typically available in the US.

GPL upgrades via section 14 proxy delegation

A new method for GPL software upgrades has emerged utilizing a provision in section 14 that allows designated proxies to authorize future license versions. This approach, bypassing the need for consensus from all copyright holders, grants a designated individual the power to publicly accept new GPL versions for a project. The technique offers a middle ground between strict GPL version locking and allowing the Free Software Foundation to unilaterally change licenses.

Document Foundation urges EU to ditch Excel lock-in for cybersecurity law consultation

The Document Foundation has criticized the European Commission for requiring feedback on the Cyber Resilience Act to be submitted via a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. They argue this practice contradicts the EU’s promotion of open standards and digital sovereignty, creating a bias against organizations using open-source tools. The Foundation urges the Commission to provide the template in an open format like the Open Document Format (.ods).

Trump administration spoiling for a fight over global satellite regulations

The US government is considering retaliatory measures against countries, particularly the European Union, that it believes are imposing unfair regulatory burdens on American satellite businesses. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking industry feedback on “reciprocity” in satellite services, potentially mirroring restrictions placed on US companies. This action follows concerns regarding the EU’s Space Act and Digital Networks Act, which the US believes create barriers for American providers.

MoJ puts Prisoner Telephony Service replacement on hold yet again

The UK Ministry of Justice has delayed the replacement of the Prisoner Telephony Service (PTS) and will pay BT £94.6 million to maintain the current system for another 54 months. This extension, effective from June 2027 to November 2031, allows more time to procure and implement the new Prisoner Integrated Communications Service (PICS). The project’s procurement timeline has been repeatedly pushed back, now anticipated to begin in 2027.

🚀 Science & Innovation

10–97% in nine minutes: BYD presents second generation of Blade Battery

BYD has revealed a second-generation Blade Battery with significantly improved charging capabilities, allowing vehicles to charge from 10-70% in as little as five minutes and 10-97% in nine minutes. The new battery also boasts increased energy density, enhanced safety features, and a lifetime warranty, while BYD has limited charging to 97% to optimize efficiency. The company plans to integrate the battery into ten upcoming electric vehicle models.

Let’s Get Physical

A cybersecurity firm conducted a physical penetration test for a company, aiming to assess building security by mimicking an attacker. The test involved observing security measures, attempting to access restricted areas using tools like lockpicks, and planting decoy devices. The team’s efforts were complicated by a lack of detailed briefing and unexpectedly lax security responses.

Datasets for Reconstructing Visual Perception from Brain Data

A new resource has been created to index open neuroimaging datasets for reconstructing visual perception from fMRI data, specifically targeting AI and machine learning researchers. The guide highlights common pitfalls in this emerging field and emphasizes the distinction between decoding, identification, and true reconstruction of visual stimuli. It aims to help researchers avoid misleading results by understanding the nuances of fMRI data and dataset limitations.

Rising carbon dioxide levels now detected in human blood

New research reveals rising carbon dioxide levels are now being detected in human blood, with a key marker potentially reaching its limit within decades if current trends persist. The study, analyzing over two decades of U.S. data, found a 7% increase in serum bicarbonate levels, mirroring the rise in atmospheric CO₂. Researchers warn that these shifts in blood chemistry, particularly concerning for children and adolescents, could have physiological consequences.

Microplastics and nanoplastics in urban air originate mainly from tire abrasion

New research from Leipzig, Germany, has found that tire abrasion is the primary source of microplastics and nanoplastics in urban air. Analyses reveal that approximately two-thirds of the plastic particulate matter originates from tire wear, with city dwellers inhaling an estimated 2.1 micrograms daily. These findings highlight the need for increased awareness and action regarding air quality and potential health risks associated with inhaled plastic particles.

Poor Man’s Polaroid

A hobbyist has created a low-cost alternative to Polaroid cameras using receipt printers. While the image quality differs, the device prints photos at a significantly lower cost per image than traditional Polaroid prints. The system utilizes a Raspberry Pi Zero computer to process images and connect to the printer, offering potential for customization and portability.

GLP-1 drugs protect against new or worsening addictions, large study shows

A recent study of U.S. veterans revealed that GLP-1 drugs, commonly used for diabetes treatment, significantly reduced the risk of new substance use disorders and lessened the severity of existing addictions to substances like alcohol, opioids, and nicotine. Researchers believe the drugs affect reward and motivation pathways in the brain, potentially curbing cravings. Further investigation is planned to explore the long-term effects and underlying mechanisms of this unexpected protective effect.

Microsoft’s new gaming CEO, Asha Sharma, teases the next-gen Xbox, codenamed Project Helix, sayin…

Microsoft’s new gaming CEO, Asha Sharma, has revealed the codename “Project Helix” for the next-generation Xbox console. The upcoming console is expected to play both Xbox and PC games and will focus on performance. Microsoft has indicated the next Xbox will be a premium experience, though a launch date remains unconfirmed.

TerraPower gets permission to build, not operate, sodium-cooled nuclear reactor

TerraPower, backed by Bill Gates, has received approval from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to begin construction of its Natrium reactor in Wyoming. This marks the first construction permit issued for an advanced nuclear reactor in a decade, utilizing liquid sodium for cooling and molten-salt energy storage. However, the company still faces challenges securing a reliable supply of specialized nuclear fuel and has yet to operate a reactor of this design.

You can power a G-Wiz EV with 500 vapes, and this YouTuber proved it

YouTuber Chris Doel demonstrated the feasibility of powering a Reva G-Wiz electric vehicle using batteries from 500 disposable vapes. The repurposed batteries, initially intended to power his home, provided the G-Wiz with approximately 18 miles of range before failing. This project also highlights Doel’s concerns about the environmental impact of disposable vapes and aims to find a useful purpose for their batteries.

Congress puts the ISS on life support until 2032, orders Moon base plan

The NASA Authorization Act of 2026 extends the International Space Station’s operation until 2032, ensuring continued human presence in low Earth orbit while commercial space stations are developed. The legislation also mandates NASA to establish a permanent Moon base, signaling a renewed focus on lunar exploration. The act prevents significant budget cuts to NASA and explores alternative, lower-cost methods for the Mars Sample Return mission.

Solar superstorm gave ESA’s Mars orbiters a handy science opportunity

A recent solar storm impacted Mars, causing temporary computer glitches on ESA’s Mars Express and ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter spacecraft. The event provided scientists with a unique opportunity to study the storm’s effect on the Martian atmosphere, revealing record levels of electrons in specific atmospheric layers. Data gathered through radio signal refraction between the orbiters confirmed the dramatic atmospheric changes and utilized a novel technique for Solar System exploration.

Quantum physicist refused Epstein after mum warned: “Stay away from this slime machine”

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