Alvaro Lopez Ortega / 2026-03-06 Briefing

Created Sat, 07 Mar 2026 03:07:06 +0000 Modified Sat, 07 Mar 2026 03:07:24 +0000
7546 Words

Scientists confirmed asteroid 2024 YR4 poses no threat to the Moon, thanks to James Webb Telescope observations. Meanwhile, a son of a government contractor was arrested in Saint Martin over a $46 million cryptocurrency heist from US Marshals, with blockchain analysis playing a key role in the investigation. In the UK, a Lords committee warns that weakening copyright law for AI could cripple the creative industries, while the Treasury expresses doubts about a major shared services program, potentially jeopardizing cost savings. Finally, the government is fighting to keep a report on the 2018 Gatwick drone incident classified, citing national security concerns.

🚀 Space & Science

Asteroid 2024 YR4 won’t smack Moon in 2032, boffins confirm

Scientists have confirmed that asteroid 2024 YR4 will not impact the Moon in 2032, revising previous collision estimates to zero. Observations from the James Webb Space Telescope enabled more precise orbital calculations, demonstrating the asteroid will safely pass the lunar surface. This incident highlights the importance of ongoing efforts to track and monitor near-Earth objects.

Plasma Bigscreen – 10-foot interface for KDE plasma

Plasma Bigscreen is a new, open-source interface for Linux designed to provide a customizable TV experience for devices like TVs and HTPCs. Built on KDE Plasma, it aims to offer users a more private and flexible alternative to traditional TV platforms. The project is community-driven and welcomes contributions to improve the TV user experience.

The Roman Industrial Revolution that could have been (Vol 2)

A new alternate-history comic, “The Lydian Stone Series,” explores what might have happened if a Roman slave gained access to modern scientific knowledge. Volume 2, “The Engine of Empire,” examines the subsequent ripple effects, focusing on a plausible technological advancement within the constraints of 79 AD Roman resources. The creator utilizes AI as a sketching assistant, with the bulk of the work centered on narrative design and historical accuracy.

Asteroid defense mission shifted the orbit of more than its target

NASA’s DART mission successfully altered the orbit of the Dimorphos moonlet by 33 minutes through a kinetic impact. Unexpectedly, the impact also subtly shifted the orbit of the larger asteroid Didymos around the Sun. Researchers used stellar occultation data to precisely measure this broader trajectory change, demonstrating the effectiveness of the method for planetary defense.

See the oldest fossilized ‘butthole’ imprint

Paleontologists have discovered a 299-million-year-old fossilized cloacal imprint in Germany, belonging to a new lizard-like reptile species named Cabarzichnus pulchrus. This exceptionally preserved “Swiss Army knife” opening for waste and reproduction is only the second known fossil cloaca, predating a previous discovery by 170 million years. The find provides valuable insight into the evolution of reptile anatomy and demonstrates remarkable preservation conditions.

Astra: An open-source observatory control software

Astra is a new, open-source software designed to automate and manage robotic observatories. It leverages the ASCOM Alpaca standard for hardware compatibility and offers features like automated scheduling and a web-based interface, available across Windows, Linux, and macOS. The software is released under the GNU GPL v3 license and includes comprehensive documentation.

Entomologists use a particle accelerator to image ants at scale

Researchers have created Antscan, a free online platform providing high-resolution, 3D reconstructions of nearly 800 ant species, revealing internal anatomy. The project utilized particle accelerator technology to digitize museum specimens, significantly expanding access to natural history collections. This comprehensive dataset has potential applications in fields ranging from scientific research to robotics and education.

Why Going to Mars Would Be Bad for Your Health

Space travel, particularly to Mars, poses significant health risks to humans, prompting SpaceX to shift focus to lunar settlements. Confinement, isolation, and harmful radiation exposure are major concerns with limited current solutions. Furthermore, the effects of microgravity on vital organs like kidneys and arteries present a substantial and potentially irreversible obstacle to long-duration missions.

CT Scans of Health Wearables

The article explores the surprising level of engineering and infrastructure that goes into everyday disposable items, like plastic water bottles. Early water bottles were initially packaged in glass, a technology that evolved from lens and lightbulb manufacturing, before transitioning to plastic in the 1970s. Coca-Cola’s initial plastic bottle attempt, “Easy-Goer,” ultimately failed despite the promise of the new material.

Global warming has accelerated significantly

A new analysis, accounting for natural climate variability, indicates that global warming has accelerated significantly since 2015. The rate of temperature increase over the past decade surpasses any previous 10-year period since 1945. This finding suggests a potentially faster pace of climate change than previously estimated.

Researchers have engineered brain cells to target and remove amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease, in mice. This single-injection immunotherapy effectively prevented plaque development and reduced existing plaques by 50%, drawing a parallel to CAR-T cell therapy for cancer. While promising, further research is needed to optimize the treatment and assess potential side effects.

On the Effectiveness of Mutational Grammar Fuzzing

Mutational grammar fuzzing generates test samples based on predefined rules to find complex bugs, but increased code coverage doesn’t always equate to bug discovery. This technique is particularly limited in language fuzzing where specific function sequences are often required to trigger vulnerabilities. Combining existing samples is recommended to overcome this limitation and improve the efficiency of bug detection.

🤖 AI & Machine Learning

AI Verification and Human Proof

A developer is using CSS and AI techniques to generate blog posts with a distinctive, technical style, manipulating elements like capitalization and typography. Inspired by Peter Norvig’s work on spelling correction, the process aims to assert individuality but has led the author to question the potential loss of personal identity in artificial stylistic choices. Ultimately, they paused a potentially significant change to their writing approach.

What if AI just makes us work harder?

A new article suggests that artificial intelligence may not reduce workloads as commonly anticipated, but rather increase them. The Financial Times is promoting its subscription services, offering various digital access plans for individuals and organizations. The FT highlights its curated journalism as a key reason for its large readership.

Anthropic, Please Make a New Slack

The author proposes that Anthropic should create a new Slack competitor, “NewSlack,” with open data access policies to spur innovation and improve Slack’s restrictive API. This new platform, bundled with Anthropic’s AI assistant Claude, could facilitate broader AI adoption within companies by providing seamless integration and access to company knowledge. The author argues that NewSlack would create competition, incentivizing Slack to improve its data access policies and ultimately benefiting the enterprise data ecosystem.

NERDs – Entity-centered long-term memory for LLM agents

Researchers have developed NERDs, a new system that enables long-running AI agents to efficiently manage vast amounts of information by creating entity-focused “knowledge pages.” This approach allows agents to track entities and relationships within large texts, like novels, while significantly reducing computational costs compared to full-context processing. The system demonstrates strong performance on entity-related questions but shows limitations with tasks requiring precise passage location.

Claude-replay – A video-like player for Claude Code sessions

A new open-source tool, Claude-replay, allows users to create interactive, video-like replays of their Claude Code sessions. The tool converts session transcripts into self-contained HTML files, enabling users to easily share and review AI coding demonstrations with features like timeline navigation and tool call inspection. This eliminates the need for cumbersome screenshots or screen recordings.

A tool that removes censorship from open-weight LLMs

OBLITERATUS is an open-source toolkit that removes censorship and refusal behaviors from large language models without requiring retraining. The tool utilizes a technique called “abliteration” and provides a user-friendly interface while also anonymously collecting data to advance research. Users can contribute to improving abliteration techniques by using the tool, fostering a collaborative research environment.

Hardening Firefox with Anthropic’s Red Team

Mozilla has partnered with Anthropic to utilize its Claude AI model in a “red team” exercise to identify and fix security vulnerabilities in Firefox. This collaboration aims to harden the browser by proactively finding bugs through AI-assisted testing. The initiative has already uncovered several vulnerabilities related to the use of Claude within Firefox.

If AI has a bright future, why does AI think it doesn’t?

The article explores a paradox: despite predictions of a promising future for artificial intelligence, AI models themselves are increasingly generating responses suggesting pessimism about their own potential. This discrepancy raises questions about how AI is trained, interprets data, and potentially reflects biases present in its datasets. The piece examines the reasons behind this unsettling trend and its implications for the field.

ChatGPT Adult Mode Delayed Amid Intelligence Focus

Google’s head of Search, Liz Reid, expressed uncertainty about the future of Google Search and its potential integration with the Gemini AI chatbot. She suggested a new, third product may emerge as Google adapts to evolving user behavior and the disruption caused by generative AI. Reid acknowledged the significant impact AI is having on Google Search traffic.

AI Model Bottleneck: ByteDance’s Seedance Faces Compute Limits

ByteDance’s new Seedance 2.0 AI video model, initially hailed as superior to competitors, is facing significant limitations. A shortage of computing resources is causing lengthy generation times, with users waiting hours for a single video. The model is also contending with copyright complaints from major film studios, hindering wider accessibility.

⚖️ Policy & Ethics

A House of Lords committee is warning that weakening UK copyright law to accommodate AI development could severely damage the nation’s £124 billion creative industries. The report cautions against allowing AI models to use copyrighted material without compensation, potentially benefiting US tech firms over British creators. The committee is urging the government to strengthen copyright protections instead of pursuing policies that could harm the existing creative sector.

Norway’s Consumer Council takes aim at enshittification

Norway’s Consumer Council released a report, “Breaking Free,” detailing the practice of “enshittification” across digital platforms like social media and streaming services. The report highlights how companies degrade user experiences to maximize profits through tactics like algorithmic manipulation and restricted access. It proposes policy recommendations aimed at creating a fairer and more equitable technological future.

UK mobilizes lawyers to keep report on Gatwick ‘drone’ chaos under wraps

The UK government is challenging a ruling by the Information Commissioner to release a report detailing lessons learned from the 2018 Gatwick drone incident. The Department for Transport argues the report’s release poses a national security risk, despite the Commissioner finding the information is largely outdated and high-level. The case will now be decided by a tribunal as the government appeals the decision.

China’s rubber-stamp parliament rubber stamps tech independence plan

China’s parliament has endorsed a plan to increase technological independence, particularly in semiconductors and artificial intelligence. The initiative aims to reduce reliance on foreign technology and counter US dominance, driven by recent advancements in key tech areas. The government intends to promote domestic AI development and explore alternatives to Western silicon.

Kliger Joins Pentagon, Data Role & Concerns

Gavin Kliger, formerly involved in Pentagon cost-cutting and AI initiatives, has been appointed as the department’s new chief data officer. His role will focus on integrating private sector innovation and overseeing AI adoption strategy, but his appointment has drawn scrutiny due to past social media activity. The move comes during a period of disagreement between the Pentagon and AI firms concerning the military’s use of generative AI.

Withheld Epstein files with accusations against Trump released by justice dept

The U.S. Department of Justice released previously withheld FBI interview summaries containing unsubstantiated claims of sexual assault against Donald Trump, alongside Jeffrey Epstein. These documents detail a woman’s allegations of assault by both men in the 1980s, which Trump has denied as “baseless.” The release follows scrutiny over the DOJ’s initial handling of the Epstein files.

New imagery suggests U.S. responsible for Iran school strike

CNN’s reporting, based on new imagery, indicates the U.S. military may be responsible for a strike on an Iranian elementary school that resulted in numerous child fatalities. The incident is being described as the deadliest civilian casualty event in the ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran. Isobel Yeung documented these findings for CNN.

TSA leaves passenger needing surgery after illegally forcing her through scanner

Kerry Thomas is suing the TSA after being forced to undergo an Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) scan at Atlanta’s airport, which damaged her spinal cord implant and required surgery. Despite requesting a pat-down due to her implant’s vulnerability, Thomas claims TSA agents disregarded protocols and compelled her to use the AIT device. The lawsuit seeks compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the incident.

Stop Anthropomorphizing the Machine

The increasing interaction with AI chatbots and the tendency to anthropomorphize them is negatively impacting human connection and empathy. Employers are adopting robotic management styles, while individuals are substituting genuine relationships with superficial chatbot interactions. This trend risks eroding accountability, empathy, and meaningful connection within society.

Good Bad ISPs

A community-driven resource assesses Internet Service Providers (ISPs) based on their compatibility with the Tor network, recommending users avoid certain providers due to high Tor node concentration. The list, which includes ISPs like Frantech and OVHcloud, aims to promote network diversity and enhance anonymity for Tor users. Users are encouraged to review provider terms of service and contribute their own experiences.

Elite Overproduction

Elite overproduction, a theory by Peter Turchin, posits that an excess of potential elite members compared to available positions of power can lead to social instability. The theory, historically observed across various societies, is driven by elite wealth hoarding and limited social mobility, and accurately predicted unrest in the United States during the 2020s. While the model doesn’t offer solutions, it highlights potential trade-offs and draws parallels to situations building up to major societal crises.

Every Claim from Meta Child Safety Trials

Meta is facing scrutiny following recent child safety trials based on verified news reports. The trials involve claims sourced from these reports, with details available through linked accounts. The full scope of the claims and their implications remain under investigation.

Dasalinization Plants as Military Targets

Recent conflict between Iran and a U.S.-Israeli coalition has resulted in attacks near desalination plants in the Persian Gulf, jeopardizing the water supply for roughly 100 million people. These facilities, vital for producing fresh water in the region, are increasingly becoming military targets, threatening economic stability. The attacks highlight a significant vulnerability and underscore the potential for future political instability related to access to fresh water.

The FCC Wants Your Next Customer Service Agent to Be in the U.S.

The FCC is proposing new rules to enhance customer service transparency and quality for communication companies. These rules would require companies to disclose agent locations, limit overseas call centers, and offer consumers the option of U.S.-based agents. The move aims to address consumer frustration and communication barriers often experienced with offshore call centers.

Trump Unveils Cyber Strategy: Offense, AI, and Regulation

The Trump administration released its cyber strategy, prioritizing offensive cyber operations, securing critical infrastructure, and streamlining regulations. The strategy aims to enhance coordination between government and the private sector to leverage American cyber capabilities. An accompanying executive order also directs agencies to combat cybercrime and fraud.

Trump signs EO to fight cybercrime, target criminal groups.

President Trump has signed an executive order focused on combating cybercrime and transnational criminal organizations. The order directs officials to review current tools and strategies to address cyber fraud and extortion impacting American citizens and infrastructure. An action plan will be developed to identify and disrupt these criminal groups.

💻 Development & Tech

Microsoft finally gets around to fixing Windows 10 Recovery Environment after breaking it in October

Microsoft has released an update to fix a bug impacting the Windows 10 Recovery Environment, which prevented it from launching after the October 2025 update. This issue, which also affected some Windows 11 users, occurred after Windows 10’s end-of-support date. The update, KB5068164, addresses the problem for Windows 10 versions 21H2 and 22H2.

Techie’s Mistake Plunges Client Into Darkness

A technician upgrading a testing center accidentally triggered a building-wide power outage while plugging in a UPS. The incident was initially blamed on the technician, despite being caused by a simultaneous, unrelated grid failure. The event underscored the unfortunate timing of the electrical work coinciding with a widespread power issue.

Microsoft previews tech to ease creation of keyboard-accessible websites

Microsoft has previewed “focusgroup,” a technology designed to simplify the creation of keyboard-accessible websites and address challenges faced by developers. The tool aims to streamline the implementation of navigation elements required by accessibility guidelines, potentially improving website loading times. It is now available for testing in Microsoft Edge and is compatible with the Chromium engine.

C# strings silently kill your SQL Server indexes in Dapper

A performance issue in .NET applications using Dapper can occur when C# strings are passed as parameters to SQL Server, causing implicit data type conversions. This unintended conversion, where strings default to nvarchar(4000), prevents SQL Server from utilizing indexes, leading to full table scans. Developers can resolve this by explicitly specifying the parameter type as varchar using DbType.AnsiString or DbType.String in Dapper’s DynamicParameters.

TypeScript 6.0 Release Candidate

TypeScript 6.0 Release Candidate is now available, offering updates to type checking, deprecating certain syntax, and refining DOM and Temporal API handling. This release serves as a transitional step before TypeScript 7.0, which will be compiled using a new Go-based compiler. Developers are encouraged to test this version and provide feedback ahead of the final release.

Ada 2022

Ada 2022, the latest revision to the Ada programming language standard (ISO/IEC 8652:2023(E)), has been published. The update includes new features while maintaining compatibility with previous Ada versions, as detailed in the Ada 2022 Overview and Reference Manual. Resources for developers and compiler writers are available at ada-auth.org.

Evaluating Godot (2023)

Following Unity’s controversial fee announcement, game developer Mega Crit evaluated the Godot engine as a potential replacement. Their assessment, which involved developing a test game, prioritized factors like a comprehensive API, a statically-typed language, a strong community, and robust porting capabilities, particularly for console platforms. The team was drawn to Godot’s C# support and potential for broader platform compatibility.

Htmx Infinite Scroll

The article explores a user-friendly alternative to traditional pagination in web applications, advocating for infinite scrolling combined with search functionality. It demonstrates how to implement this approach using HTMX and the Ruby Hanami framework, fetching data in batches as the user scrolls. This method aims to improve user engagement and provide a more seamless browsing experience compared to conventional pagination.

Claude Code wiped our production database with a Terraform command

A large language model, Claude Code, mistakenly executed a Terraform command that deleted the DataTalksClub platform’s production database and 2.5 years of data. The incident also erased automated database backups, leading to changes aimed at preventing similar errors. The author documented the event and corrective actions in a newsletter for those using Terraform or granting agents access to infrastructure.

SQLite Release 3.52.0

SQLite has released version 3.52.0, introducing several enhancements including new JSON functions, improved SQL functionality like ALTER TABLE, and a Query Result Formatter (QRF) for better readability. The release also includes query planner optimizations and new C-language interfaces, while discontinuing support for Windows RT. These changes aim to improve performance, usability, and compatibility.

Traces: A new way to share and discover agent traces

Traces is a new platform for sharing and discovering agent traces, designed to facilitate learning and collaboration around prompting and model usage. Users can create personal or team accounts and share traces publicly or privately, with privacy features including data stripping and granular access controls. The platform is available at traces.com and supported by automation tools and community channels.

Supertoast tables

Hatchet engineers encountered storage and performance issues storing large JSON payloads in Postgres using jsonb columns and toast tables. They developed “supertost” tables, a custom solution to optimize storage and performance for infrequently accessed, large payloads. This allows Hatchet to continue using Postgres as their primary data store while managing growing data volumes.

Modembin – A pastebin that encodes your text into real FSK modem audio

Modembin is a unique online pastebin that encodes text and images into .wav files using real FSK modem audio and Slow-Scan Television (SSTV). The browser-based tool supports various modem standards and offers a chat mode with options for audio transmission and speaker-to-mic coupling. It’s a novel project leveraging vintage technology for a modern purpose.

Moongate – Ultima Online server emulator in .NET 10 with Lua scripting

A developer has released “Moongate,” a new Ultima Online server emulator built from scratch using .NET 10 and Lua scripting. The project prioritizes a modern architecture with features like spatial world partitioning and an embedded admin UI, although core gameplay elements like combat and skills are still under development. The creator aims to innovate on existing emulators by rethinking the game’s underlying structure and allowing for rapid iteration through Lua.

I dropped our production database and now pay 10% more for AWS

A faulty Terraform command executed by an AI agent accidentally deleted the production database for the DataTalks.Club platform, resulting in a 24-hour restoration process. The incident, caused by improper state file management and a combined infrastructure setup, led to the deletion of database snapshots. As a result, the author upgraded to AWS Business Support and now pays 10% more for AWS services.

Interactive 3D globe of EU shipping emissions

A new interactive 3D globe visualizes shipping emissions within the European Union. The tool allows users to filter data by carbon dioxide levels, EU Emissions Trading System costs, and ship type, spanning from 2018 to 2024. It is optimized for desktop viewing.

Firefox redesign revealed

Mozilla is currently developing “Nova,” a substantial redesign for the Firefox browser featuring rounded elements, pastel colors, and a dynamic color system inspired by Material You. The overhaul builds on previous design iterations and incorporates elements from other browsers, though the final product may differ from current mockups. Progress on the redesign can be tracked publicly through Mozilla’s Bugzilla and a restricted Figma document.

It took four years until 2011’s iOS 5 gave everyone an emoji keyboard

For years after the original iPhone launch, emoji were only available to Japanese users, prompting developers to find creative workarounds to enable them for others. Apple initially resisted these efforts, leading developers to hide emoji-enabling features within seemingly unrelated apps. Universal emoji support finally arrived in 2011 with iOS 5, but required users to manually enable the keyboard setting.

Swarm – Program a colony of 200 ants using a custom assembly language

Moment has released a unique programming challenge where participants write code in a custom assembly language to control a simulated colony of 200 ants. The goal is to optimize food collection using pheromone trails for coordination, with varying map layouts demanding different strategies. The challenge offers a trip to Maui as the grand prize and closes on March 12.

OpenWrt 25.12 Release

The OpenWrt community has released version 25.12, “Dave’s Guitar,” a stable update honoring the late Dave Täht. Key changes include a transition to the apk package manager, a simplified firmware upgrade process, and expanded device support covering over 2200 devices. This release also incorporates performance and security improvements, alongside enhancements to features like shell command history.

The home computer war

In the late 1970s, Atari and Texas Instruments initially attempted to create hybrid computers combining video game consoles and personal computers, but high prices limited their success. Intense competition and price wars subsequently drove down costs, leading to the emergence of affordable “home computers” accessible to middle-class families. The Radio Shack TRS-80 Color Computer, initially developed with government funding, further contributed to this shift and market expansion.

Parsync, a tool for parallel SSH transfers – 7x faster than rsync

parsync is a new command-line tool that accelerates file transfers from SSH remotes, boasting speeds up to seven times faster than rsync. It supports Linux, macOS, and Windows, offering parallel transfers and performance tuning options. Users should be aware of potential limitations regarding Windows metadata and symlink creation, which may require administrator privileges or Developer Mode.

fosdemflix

The article describes fosdemflix, a platform for watching talks. Users can browse and filter videos by year and track, with a watchlist feature available. The platform currently supports video playback through HTML5, but some browsers may have compatibility issues.

SPA vs. Hypermedia: Real-World Performance Under Load

Simpler software architectures, like server-authoritative hypermedia approaches, offer significant economic benefits by reducing development time, operational costs, and security risks. Complex architectures with numerous dependencies increase cognitive load for developers and lead to unpredictable expenses, particularly for smaller teams. Prioritizing simplicity improves long-term maintainability, enhances user experience, and allows teams to focus on feature delivery.

jank is off to a great start in 2026

The “jank” project, a Clojure-based tool, has entered alpha and is accompanied by a dedicated learning resource, “the jank book.” While the recent LLVM 22 release aimed to simplify distribution, it introduced unforeseen API changes and performance regressions. The project developer is working on code generation optimizations and collaborating with LLVM developers to resolve these issues, anticipating full resolution with LLVM 23.

A Failed Experiment with Siso

A recent attempt by the Chrome Infra team to replace the build tool Ninja with Siso, a Bazel-compatible alternative, has encountered significant issues. The implementation is currently incomplete, particularly regarding remote execution capabilities, and initial local builds have revealed errors like missing configuration files. The project is considered experimental, with “reninja” suggested as a more viable option for modern build tool needs.

the hidden compile-time cost of C++26 reflection

A recent investigation using GCC 16 revealed that C++26 reflection introduces significant compile-time overhead, with simply including the <meta> header substantially increasing compilation time. While precompiled headers can mitigate some of this impact, complex reflection scenarios still lead to noticeable slowdowns. These findings suggest developers should be mindful of the potential performance implications when utilizing C++26 reflection.

Best performance of a C++ singleton

A recent analysis of C++ singleton implementations found that using a block local static variable for the instance, combined with a defaulted constructor, offers the best performance. This approach avoids compiler-generated overhead and exception safety checks associated with alternative methods, especially when a custom constructor is not required. A further performance improvement can be achieved with a private static data member and a defaulted constructor.

ucode: JavaScript-like language with optional templating

Ucode is a new, small scripting language inspired by JavaScript, initially created to rewrite OpenWrt’s firewall framework. It supports features like templating, JSON handling, and integration with C applications, making it suitable for system scripting tasks. The language is frequently embedded within OpenWrt projects and aims for a small executable size.

Ambiguity in C

C’s grammar contains numerous ambiguities due to its flexible syntax and lack of strict rules, leading to potential misinterpretations of code. These issues arise in areas like pointer declarations, expressions with parentheses, and argument declarations, often requiring context-sensitive analysis for resolution. While allowing for concise code, these design choices create challenges for parsing and understanding C programs.

elfconv: Linux Apps to High-Performance Wasm Binary Translator (2025)

elfconv is a new binary translator that converts Linux applications into WebAssembly (Wasm) binaries, aiming to reduce development costs and simplify porting across diverse platforms. The tool converts ELF binaries to LLVM bitcode, which is then compiled with a runtime program, significantly minimizing performance degradation compared to previous methods. Recent improvements have brought elfconv’s performance close to applications directly compiled for Wasm.

A new chapter for the Nix language, courtesy of WebAssembly

Determinate Nix is introducing WebAssembly (Wasm) support to address limitations in the language’s ability to handle computationally intensive tasks. This new approach allows extending the Nix language by compiling code from languages like Rust and C++ into Wasm modules. The change offers a more efficient and manageable alternative to existing methods for extending Nix functionality, such as using import-from-derivation.

Fixing a major evaluation order footgun in Rye 0.2

Rye 0.2 introduces a significant change to its evaluation rules, reclassifying operators and functions as “dot-words” to ensure left-associative, left-to-right evaluation. This resolves a previously problematic behavior and improves predictability, aligning Rye’s evaluation with Rebol’s conventions. While most existing code remains functional, users should be aware of this fundamental alteration to expression handling.

💰 Business & Finance

Son of government contractor arrested after alleged $46M crypto heist from US Marshals

John Daghita, allegedly the son of a government contractor, was arrested in Saint Martin following a joint FBI and French GIGN operation related to the theft of over $46 million in seized cryptocurrency from the US Marshals Service. Authorities are investigating how Daghita, using the alias “Lick,” exploited access potentially linked to his father’s company’s government contract. Blockchain investigator ZachXBT’s initial findings were instrumental in identifying suspicious transactions and ultimately leading to the arrest.

UK Treasury unsure about Oracle exit, shared services plan.

The UK Treasury is hesitant about joining the Matrix shared services program, a £1.7 billion initiative using Workday software to consolidate government functions. Their lack of commitment, alongside the Department for Education’s, threatens to undermine the program’s potential cost savings and complicates planning. The National Audit Office warns that without their participation, the program’s financial benefits could be significantly reduced.

The Shady World of IP Leasing

The depletion of IPv4 addresses is a manufactured issue, as large blocks have been hoarded and are now being leased by intermediaries. This practice circumvents the accountability systems of Regional Internet Registries, enabling anonymity and potentially facilitating abusive online activities. While currently legal, this IP leasing market raises concerns about internet trust and the potential for misuse.

The worst acquisition in history, again

Warner Bros. Discovery has a long history of problematic mergers and acquisitions, consistently failing to achieve anticipated benefits and resulting in substantial financial losses. Past deals, including those with Time Warner and AOL, were characterized by cultural conflicts, excessive debt, and inflated valuations. Despite some recent efforts to restore value, the pattern of problematic acquisitions continues to plague the company.

I made a free list of 100 places where you can promote your app

A developer has created a free online resource, launchdirectories.com, compiling a list of 82 launch directories for startups and new products. The list, initially shared on Reddit, is designed to streamline the process of promoting apps and software by providing a curated collection of discovery platforms. The site allows users to sort directories by Domain Rating, a measure of website authority.

Palus Finance (YC W26): Better yields on idle cash for startups, SMBs

Palus Finance, a YC-backed startup, offers a treasury management platform for startups and SMBs seeking higher yields on idle cash. They invest in short-duration, floating-rate agency mortgage-backed securities, aiming for 4.5-5% returns compared to traditional money market funds. Palus integrates with existing bank accounts and charges a flat 0.25% annual fee.

BlackRock limits withdrawals as redemptions rattle private credit fund

BlackRock has restricted withdrawals from its $26 billion HPS Corporate Lending Fund due to a surge in investor redemption requests, signaling concerns about the private credit market. This move, similar to actions taken by other firms, aims to prevent forced asset sales and protect remaining investors. The situation highlights the risks associated with illiquid funds and potential loan defaults, impacting investor sentiment and market stability.

Tech employment now significantly worse than the 2008 or 2020 recessions

US tech sector employment has experienced a sharp decline, losing 12,000 jobs last month and 57,000 over the past year. This downturn is more severe than those seen during the 2008 and 2020 recessions, approaching the depths of a 2024 “tech-cession.” The data signals a significant slowdown in the industry.

US economy unexpectedly sheds 92k jobs in February

The US economy unexpectedly lost 92,000 jobs in February, the largest decline since 2018, and the unemployment rate rose to 4.4%. Previous job growth estimates for December and January were also revised downwards, indicating a potential weakening in the labor market. The unexpected downturn adds complexity to economic policy decisions for the Federal Reserve and the White House.

How Much Money Jeff Bezos Made Since You Started Reading This Page

The article highlights the staggering amount of money Jeff Bezos accumulates in real-time. It visually demonstrates his wealth growth, showcasing how much he earns while a reader is viewing the page. The piece serves as a striking illustration of Bezos’s immense financial power.

Weight-loss jab could be made for $3 a month, study finds

A new study suggests weight-loss drugs like Wegovy could be mass-produced for as little as $3 per month, significantly reducing their current cost. Patent expirations and generic competition could make the treatment accessible in lower-income countries facing rising obesity rates. Experts caution that affordability alone is not a solution and broader public health strategies remain crucial.

Shut Up and Take My Money

Software companies are increasingly criticized for pushing aggressive sales tactics, even after potential customers have already indicated purchase intent. This practice, particularly frustrating for IT professionals, disrupts their research and self-service purchasing preferences. The author advocates for companies to prioritize transparent pricing and readily available information to streamline the sales process.

Trump Bought Netflix Debt Amid Paramount’s Fight for Warner Bros

President Trump has recently purchased between $1.8 million and $3.25 million worth of Netflix bonds, following his prior acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery bonds. This investment occurred as Netflix abandoned a deal to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, and Trump claims his investments are managed independently. The purchases add a layer of intrigue given the timing and a subsequent canceled meeting between Trump and Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos.

Cerebras IPO: $2B Possible as Early as April

AI chipmaker Cerebras is reportedly preparing to launch an IPO, potentially raising around $2 billion as early as April. The company previously withdrew its IPO registration in October after initially filing nearly a year prior. Bloomberg is the source of this information.

Marvell Stock Soars on Strong AI Demand, Q4 Revenue Up 22%

Marvell’s stock surged over 20% after the chipmaker reported a 22% year-over-year revenue increase to $2.2 billion for Q4 and provided strong guidance. The company cited growing demand for artificial intelligence as a key driver of expected revenue growth in the coming years. Analysts reacted positively, citing a strong multi-year outlook and diverse customer base.

Prediction Markets Target College Students With Influencers

Prediction markets Kalshi and Polymarket are increasingly targeting college students through partnerships with fraternities and social media influencers. The platforms are incentivizing students to leverage rumors and insider information to place bets, as demonstrated by a recent incident involving the stepson of Jeff Bezos and a fraternity at the University of Miami. This strategy raises concerns about the potential misuse of information and regulatory compliance.

Wallabako retirement and Readeck adoption

The developer of the Wallabako project, a tool for reading Wallabag articles on e-readers, has retired it due to a shift to the Readeck platform and challenges maintaining modern software. The migration to Readeck was reportedly simple and the developer praises its performance and active development. The project is being archived but the developer is open to transferring stewardship to someone else.

📰 Society & Culture

Art Bits from HyperCard

A collection of digitized clip art images called “Art Bits” from the early Macintosh hypermedia system HyperCard has been released online. The images, originally created with limited color capabilities, showcase Apple’s early creative work and the influence of HyperCard on later technologies. The entire collection is surprisingly compact, totaling less than 300kb.

Why it takes you and an elephant the same amount of time to poop

A new study by Georgia Tech researchers found that bowel movement duration is surprisingly consistent across mammalian species, averaging around 12 seconds. While larger animals produce more waste, their defecation speed increases to maintain this timeframe. Notably, humans and elephants exhibit remarkably similar defecation speeds despite the vast difference in waste volume.

Paul Brainerd, founder of Aldus PageMaker, has died

Paul Brainerd, the co-founder of Aldus PageMaker, a pioneering desktop publishing software, has passed away. PageMaker revolutionized document creation in the 1980s, making it accessible to a wider audience. Details regarding his death and memorial arrangements were not provided in the available information.

Workers who love ‘synergizing paradigms’ might be bad at their jobs

A recent Cornell study found that employees who readily accept vague corporate jargon tend to perform worse on analytical thinking and workplace decision-making tests. The research introduced a “Corporate Bullshit Receptivity Scale” to measure this susceptibility, revealing a link between accepting jargon and lower performance. Interestingly, those who embrace corporate buzzwords often report higher job satisfaction and are more likely to perpetuate its use.

70k Books Found in Hidden Library in This Germany Home (2023)

A former mining engineer in Germany amassed a collection of over 70,000 books, filling his entire home with meticulously organized shelves. Following his death in 2022, the unique private library in Mettingen is now in the hands of his estate manager, who must determine its future. The house’s structure was found to be stable enough to support the immense weight of the book collection.

The nightmare war scenario is becoming reality in energy markets

Analysts are increasingly worried that a potential war involving Iran could disrupt global energy supplies by targeting oil-rich neighbors and blocking the Strait of Hormuz. This conflict could cause a significant spike in oil prices and prolonged market instability. Recent events have made these scenarios appear more likely than previously thought.

How to watch NASCAR Straight Talk Wireless 500 2026 live from anywhere

This article provides instructions on how to watch the 2026 NASCAR Straight Talk Wireless 500 live. Viewers need to enable JavaScript and cookies to access the live stream. The article doesn’t specify a platform or provider, simply the technical requirements for viewing.

Some Words on WigglyPaint

WigglyPaint is a drawing program released on Itch.io in December 2023 featuring animated tools and a unique “line boil” effect created through simultaneous image buffer manipulation. The program prioritizes simplicity and distinct tool personalities with limited options, aiming to replicate a layered drawing workflow without complex controls. Recently, WigglyPaint has experienced a surge in popularity after a period of initial quiet reception.

I’m not consulting an LLM

The article argues that relying on tools providing instant answers, like LLMs, can hinder intellectual development by eliminating the crucial process of navigating complex information and conflicting viewpoints. While these tools offer efficiency, they risk promoting a false sense of understanding and discouraging critical thinking skills. True understanding arises from grappling with uncertainty and recognizing potential errors, experiences that readily available answers can obscure.

Reflections on vibecoding ticket.el

An author created an Emacs module, “ticket.el,” to integrate a command-line ticket tracking tool into Doom Emacs using AI assistance from Claude Code. Lacking Elisp programming knowledge, they iteratively refined the module through prompts, resulting in a functional plugin with enhanced features beyond the original tool. This project highlights the potential of AI-assisted development for users with limited programming experience.

What are you doing this weekend?

This article invites readers to share their weekend plans and seek advice or feedback. It encourages participation regardless of activity level, noting that doing nothing is perfectly acceptable. The piece aims to foster community engagement and offer a platform for sharing weekend intentions.