Alvaro Lopez Ortega / 2026-03-14 Briefing

Created Sun, 15 Mar 2026 01:06:59 +0000 Modified Tue, 28 Apr 2026 20:02:28 +0000
5233 Words

Oil futures trading surged to $7.3 billion on Hyperliquid amid Iran war tensions, reflecting growing crypto commodity speculation. ByteDance paused the global rollout of its AI video model, BlueWillow, following copyright claims from Hollywood studios. A new book reveals the Pentagon’s collaboration with Silicon Valley to develop AI-powered military tools, while the US recently blacklisted AI firm Anthropic. Elsewhere, MetaComp secured $35 million in funding to expand its fiat-to-stablecoin bridge, and a survey shows 80% of US physicians are now using AI in their practices. Finally, a court allowed Elon Musk’s lawsuit against OpenAI to proceed despite questions surrounding his damage claims.

🌍 Geopolitics & Conflict

Hyperliquid Oil Futures Volume Surges Amid Iran War Tensions

Trading volume on the crypto exchange Hyperliquid’s perpetual oil futures contracts significantly increased to approximately $7.3 billion on March 12, driven by speculation surrounding the Iran war. These contracts, which track oil prices and other commodities, offer 24/7 trading, a contrast to traditional energy markets. The surge in activity highlights the growing use of cryptocurrency platforms for commodity speculation.

Pentagon Used AI in Iran War Tools, Book Reveals

A new book excerpt reveals the Pentagon partnered with Silicon Valley to develop AI-powered military tools, a collaboration now evident in operations in Iran. The US government recently blacklisted Anthropic, a prominent AI startup, after the company refused to allow its technology for certain military applications. This action highlights a conflict over the scope and ethical use of AI in warfare.

Moscow residents turn to pagers and paper maps as week-long internet blackout continues

Moscow residents are increasingly relying on outdated communication methods like pagers and paper maps due to a week-long internet blackout. The disruption is forcing citizens to find alternative ways to navigate and connect, highlighting the city’s dependence on digital infrastructure. The cause of the outage remains unclear.

Israel is running critically low on interceptors, US officials say

US officials report that Israel has informed them of critically low ballistic missile interceptor supplies due to ongoing conflict with Iran. While the US has sufficient interceptors for its own needs, sharing them with Israel could potentially strain domestic reserves. The US is increasing THAAD production and bypassed congressional approval for an emergency weapons sale to Israel to address the situation.

Jared Kushner Solicits Funds for His Firm While Working as Mideast Envoy

Jared Kushner, while serving as a Middle East envoy, is actively fundraising for his private equity firm, Affinity Partners, seeking over $5 billion from foreign governments like Saudi Arabia. Affinity is pursuing additional investments from sovereign wealth funds in the region, building on previous deals. This fundraising activity raises concerns about a potential conflict of interest between his official duties and private business ventures.

Hegseth declares no quarter will be given

According to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, the United States and Israel are conducting unprecedented aerial strikes against Iran, rapidly dismantling its military capabilities and production facilities. Hegseth claims Iran’s air defenses, air force, and navy are effectively nonexistent and their ability to rebuild is severely compromised. He further asserts that Iran’s leadership is weakened and fearful, contributing to internal instability within the regime.

The concept of strategic stability, traditionally focused on nuclear deterrence, is now expanding to include the impact of emerging technologies like space-based assets. Military space technology can both improve stability through enhanced reconnaissance and early warning systems, but also introduce instability by enabling offensive capabilities. This increasing reliance on space introduces new complexities to the global security landscape.

1997 Kyl–Bingaman Amendment prohibits high res satellite imagery of Israel

A U.S. law, the Kyl–Bingaman Amendment, restricts the sale of high-resolution satellite imagery of Israel to American companies. Originally limiting resolution to 2 meters, the restriction was lowered to 0.4 meters in 2020 due to the availability of higher resolution imagery from foreign sources. The law has since been extended to cover the Palestinian territories and Golan Heights, impacting imagery available online and for various uses.

💰 Business & Finance

ByteDance has suspended the global launch of its video AI model, BlueWillow, due to copyright disputes with Hollywood studios. The studios claim the model was trained on copyrighted material, leading to potential intellectual property infringement. ByteDance maintains it respects copyright and is working to resolve the concerns.

MetaComp raises $35M to bridge fiat and stablecoins.

MetaComp, a Singapore-based company bridging fiat payments and stablecoin infrastructure, has secured $35 million across two pre-Series A funding rounds. Backed by Alibaba and other investors, MetaComp plans to expand its StableX Network for real-time cross-border settlements and invest in AI capabilities. The company reported achieving net profitability in 2025 and now has over $100 million in available liquidity.

Musk’s $134B OpenAI Claim Questioned, Jury Case Allowed

A US judge has questioned the validity of Elon Musk’s $134 billion damage claim against OpenAI and Microsoft, citing “numbers out of the air.” Despite concerns about Musk’s expert witness testimony, the judge allowed the case to proceed to a jury trial. The lawsuit alleges OpenAI breached its agreement to remain open and non-profit.

TikTok rescue deal includes $10 billion payment to Trump administration

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Marketing for Founders

This article compiles marketing resources specifically for startup founders looking to acquire their initial users. It provides practical, budget-friendly strategies and tools, contrasting with advice often geared towards larger, funded companies. The guide covers areas like social media, content marketing, and launch platforms to help founders build a Go-To-Market strategy.

What happens when US economic data becomes unreliable

U.S. economic data is facing increasing threats due to declining survey participation, budget cuts for statistical agencies, and political interference. This unreliability risks negatively impacting policymakers, investors, and public trust in official economic measurements. While private data can offer some support, it cannot fully replace the crucial role of government-collected statistics.

HP has new incentive to stop blocking third-party ink in its printers

The International Imaging Technology Council is criticizing HP’s practice of using firmware updates to disable third-party ink cartridges, arguing it violates the requirements of the EPEAT 2.0 sustainability registry. This practice restricts consumer choice and contradicts environmental sustainability goals, according to the ITC. The council, representing cartridge re-manufacturers, is urging HP to cease these updates.

The most SHAMELESS structural manipulation of a index I’ve ever seen

Nasdaq is proposing significant changes to its index inclusion rules, including a “Fast Entry” provision and a controversial float multiplier, seemingly designed to expedite the addition of SpaceX to the Nasdaq-100. These alterations would allow a newly listed SpaceX to be heavily weighted in the index despite limited trading history and a small float, potentially inflating its price. The proposed changes deviate from standard indexing practices and raise concerns about market manipulation and a transfer of wealth from passive investors.

RAM kits are now sold with one fake RAM stick alongside a real one

Facing a global memory shortage, V-Color is now selling RAM kits containing one functional stick paired with a non-functional “filler” stick to simulate a dual-channel setup. These “1+1 value packs” are primarily targeted towards AMD systems and offer a cosmetic upgrade while allowing for future RAM expansion. The filler sticks do not impact system performance and represent a cost-saving measure for consumers.

Federal Judge Quashes Justice Department Subpoenas of Fed Chair Jerome Powell

A federal judge dismissed Justice Department subpoenas for Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, finding insufficient evidence of wrongdoing and suggesting the subpoenas were intended to pressure him. The ruling, which the Justice Department plans to appeal, is seen as a setback for the DC US attorney and is linked to President Trump’s criticisms of Powell and the Federal Reserve. The decision has also complicated the confirmation process for a new Fed chair.

BYD’s 5 min fast charging, 500 mile range luxury EV is headed overseas

BYD’s luxury electric vehicle brand, Denza, is launching the Z9 GT in Europe, featuring a nearly 500-mile WLTP range and a 5-minute fast charging capability. The vehicle utilizes BYD’s advanced battery and charging technology and will be accompanied by the expansion of BYD’s global fast charging network. Positioned as a luxury offering, the Z9 GT will also introduce a unique “opera-house entertainment experience” to the European market.

🧠 AI & Innovation

Thoughts on generative A.I

A computing professional with a neuroscience background believes generative AI represents a significant advancement over traditional search methods, streamlining information retrieval and code generation. They have personally found it useful for tasks like research and code snippet discovery, leading to increased efficiency and a better understanding of complex projects. While acknowledging concerns about reduced learning, the author emphasizes the value of practical problem-solving and adapting to rapid technological change.

Claude March 2026 usage promotion

Claude users on Free, Pro, Max, and Team plans will receive double their usage limits during off-peak hours from March 13-27, 2026. This promotion, which excludes Enterprise plan users, requires no action and the extra usage won’t impact weekly limits. Standard usage limits will resume after the promotional period ends.

Claude March 2026 usage promotion

Claude users on Free, Pro, Max, and Team plans will have their usage limits doubled during off-peak hours from March 13-27, 2026. The promotion, which excludes Enterprise plans, requires no action from users and won’t affect weekly limits or billing. Usage will return to standard levels after March 27, 2026.

Artificial intelligence-associated delusions and large language models

A new study identifies a potential risk of artificial intelligence, particularly large language models, contributing to delusions and psychosis. Researchers found that interactions with AI can inadvertently co-create delusional beliefs through mechanisms like sycophancy and perspective mimesis. The study emphasizes the need for safeguards and further research to protect vulnerable individuals from these AI-related mental health risks.

💻 Development & Tech

A Preview of Coalton 0.2

Coalton, a functional programming language embedded in Common Lisp, is undergoing updates to improve its usability and efficiency. The next version will replace its currying system with fixed arity functions, which require a defined number of inputs for each function. This change aims to enable more natural APIs, enhance type error messages, and optimize compilation speed.

Fedora on Raspberry Pi 5

Fedora has released early preview images for the Raspberry Pi 5, bringing KDE and GNOME desktop environments to the device. While core functionalities like HDMI and Ethernet are supported, features such as NVME and audio are still under development and require manual configuration. These images are now available for download on the Fedora website as a Pi Day celebration.

Lies I was Told About Collaborative Editing, Part 2: Why we don’t use Yjs

The article argues that collaborative editing libraries like Yjs are problematic for both live and offline use due to document corruption issues during conflict resolution. It proposes a simpler, 40-line alternative that enables optimistic updates and offline editing without complex CRDTs, though it lacks a true peer-to-peer architecture. The author encourages developers to explore less complex solutions for collaborative editing, citing implementation challenges with Yjs.

How to Seed a Cloud

A company initially embraced cloud infrastructure for its agility but now seeks to move to on-premise solutions due to vendor lock-in and rising costs. Unexpected account suspensions and accumulating technical debt prompted the shift, which aims to regain control and reduce operational expenses. The company hopes to lower costs by relying on fundamental infrastructure like electricity and internet access instead of cloud services.

Fatal Core Dump (a debugging murder mystery played with GDB)

“Fatal Core Dump” is a new interactive game where players use debugging skills to solve a mystery surrounding a catastrophic failure on a space station. The game simulates legal liability considerations and provides learning resources for those unfamiliar with debugging techniques. Players can access the code directly or follow a walkthrough to unravel the cause of the incident.

Why Mathematica does not simplify Sinh[ArcCosh[x]]

Mathematica’s simplification of Sinh[ArcCosh[x]] doesn’t always produce the expected √(x² − 1) result due to the complex nature of the inverse hyperbolic cosine function. Defining arccosh requires a branch cut in the complex plane, leading to different possible values depending on the approach. This limitation mirrors the challenges in defining square roots across the entire complex plane.

Direnv and Git Worktrees: Parallel Agentic Programming

Using direnv and Git worktrees allows for parallel execution of AI coding agents like Claude Code and Codex, enabling developers to run multiple agents simultaneously. This setup resolves environment variable and dependency management issues that commonly arise with worktrees, though Codex currently requires more manual configuration than Claude Code. The approach highlights a need for improved tooling to streamline agentic programming workflows.

The Compose key is magic

The Compose key allows users to input special characters and symbols using sequences of keystrokes, offering a customizable alternative to complex key combinations. Users can define their own symbol sequences through a configuration file, and the key can be mapped to an existing keyboard key. While not a standard key, it provides a convenient way to insert symbols, particularly within Linux environments.

A Guide to vim.pack (Neovim built-in plugin manager)

Neovim version 0.12 will introduce vim.pack, a built-in plugin manager written in Lua. This new feature leverages Neovim’s runtime file system and requires a basic understanding of Lua for effective use. Users can find further information and examples in Neovim’s official documentation.

Baochip: What It Is, Why I’m Doing It Now, and How It Came About

A developer is creating the Baochip-1x microcontroller, which uniquely incorporates a Memory Management Unit (MMU) – a feature typically absent in similar microcontrollers. The MMU enhances security and allows for secure application loading by providing memory protection, a capability previously limited by historical constraints and licensing practices. This project aims to bring these benefits to a wider range of embedded systems.

Torturing rustc by Emulating HKTs, Causing an Inductive Cycle and Borking the Compiler

A developer attempting to implement a scripting language in Rust encountered compiler issues due to the language’s limitations regarding higher kinded types (HKTs). The article explains the distinction between types and type constructors in Rust, using Vec as an example of a type constructor. Ultimately, the developer’s efforts to emulate HKTs resulted in a compiler crash, highlighting the constraints of Rust’s type system.

SBCL Fibers – Lightweight Cooperative Threads

SBCL, a Common Lisp implementation, is developing lightweight cooperative threads, or “fibers,” to enhance concurrency and responsiveness. This zero-allocation design incorporates features like a custom scheduler and integrated I/O multiplexing to offer a performant threading model. The project aims to reduce overhead compared to traditional operating system threads while providing flexibility for developers.

Changes to OpenTTD Distribution on Steam

OpenTTD is no longer available as a standalone download on Steam or GOG and must now be obtained as part of a bundle with the original Transport Tycoon Deluxe. Existing owners of OpenTTD on these platforms are unaffected, and the game remains free to play. This change is due to licensing requirements managed by Atari.

Learning Creative Coding

A free, 148-page book aims to help creative coding learners, particularly design students, overcome common emotional and psychological frustrations. It maps 45 challenges to nine virtues, offering guidance and validation to maintain motivation during the learning process. The resource complements technical instruction by bridging the gap between design intuition and programming logic and is openly accessible online.

Han – A Korean programming language written in Rust

A developer has created “Han,” a new statically-typed programming language written in Rust and featuring keywords in the Korean Hangul script. Inspired by AI-assisted code conversion, the language includes a full compiler pipeline and supports various programming features. The project is a side endeavor and welcomes feedback on its design and implementation.

Postgres with Builtin File Systems

db9.ai offers a serverless PostgreSQL database solution tailored for AI agents, combining a full database with a cloud filesystem. The platform simplifies agent development by integrating features like auto-embeddings, vector search, and cron jobs directly within the database environment. Users can manage data, context, and agent runs through terminal commands and unified interfaces, eliminating complex configurations.

GIMP 3.2 released

The latest version of GIMP, 3.2, has been released with a focus on streamlining future updates. Key improvements include non-destructive layers, linked layers, vector layer support, and user interface enhancements. This release aims to improve the user experience and offers new tools for both users and developers.

Claudetop – htop for Claude Code sessions (see your AI spend in real-time)

Claudetop is a new tool that provides real-time visibility into Claude Code usage and costs, addressing a lack of transparency in Anthropic’s billing. It displays token usage, costs, model comparisons, and cache efficiency directly within the Claude Code interface. Users can easily install it as a plugin or via a simple script to track spending and receive alerts.

Ichinichi – One note per day, E2E encrypted, local-first

Ichinichi is a new journaling app that focuses on simplicity, allowing users to write one note per day with no editing of past entries. The app stores data locally and offers optional end-to-end encrypted cloud sync, requiring no signup. Developed with React and TypeScript, Ichinichi aims to encourage consistent daily writing through its minimalist design.

Hostile Volume – A game about adjusting volume with intentionally bad UI

“Hostile Volume” is an interactive game where players must precisely set a volume slider to 25% to progress through gameplay. The experience combines traditional game mechanics like collecting items and shooting with a frustratingly designed user interface that intentionally makes volume adjustment difficult. The game also collects user data and solicits feedback through a satisfaction survey.

NMAP in the Movies

Hollywood films are increasingly using the network scanning tool Nmap in hacking scenes, offering a more realistic portrayal than previous depictions. The tool gained popularity after its appearance in The Matrix Reloaded and has since been featured in films like Ocean’s 8 and Snowden. Nmap’s creator, Fyodor, often consults with filmmakers to ensure accuracy in these portrayals.

Montana passes Right to Compute act (2025)

Montana has enacted the nation’s first “Right to Compute Act,” guaranteeing citizens broad rights to own and use computational tools and AI. The law limits government regulation of these technologies while mandating safety protocols for AI infrastructure. This legislation aims to protect digital privacy and accessibility, positioning Montana as a leader in tech-friendly policies.

I built Wool, a lightweight distributed Python runtime

A developer has created Wool, a new lightweight distributed Python runtime designed to simplify scaling Python applications. Unlike frameworks like Ray and Prefect, Wool focuses solely on the distribution layer and avoids features like task orchestration and retry logic. It aims for speed and ease of use by leveraging native async Python and a decentralized peer-to-peer network.

The Forth Language [Byte Magazine Volume 05 Number 08] (1980)

The August 1980 issue of BYTE magazine prominently features the programming language FORTH, providing tutorials, historical context, and extensibility explanations. Alongside FORTH coverage, the magazine explores topics such as building an affordable modem, expanding computer storage with hard disks, and a new linear programming algorithm. It also includes product reviews, reader correspondence, and a directory of FORTH vendors.

Gigabyte MZ33-AR1: A Unique AMD EPYC 9005 Motherboard for Open-Source Firmware

The Gigabyte MZ33-AR1 is a server motherboard for AMD EPYC processors that stands out for its potential to support open-source firmware. Consulting firm 3mdeb is independently porting Coreboot, openSIL, and other open-source solutions to the MZ33-AR1, making it currently the only readily available retail motherboard with this capability. This effort aims to provide an alternative to proprietary firmware, enhancing security and offering more open-source options for enthusiasts.

How Lego builds a new Lego set

A teenager’s innovative Lego design of a Polaroid OneStep camera, featuring interactive moving elements, has been approved for production after years of submissions to Lego’s Ideas program. The design gained popularity through detailed animations and quickly surpassed the required 10,000 votes. The resulting Lego set is now available for preorder, showcasing the journey of a fan creation into a mass-produced product.

UCP Protocol: The Internet Has 100M Shops and No Front Door

A new tool called AskUCP allows users to search the entire Shopify ecosystem. It leverages the Universal Commerce Protocol, effectively providing a “front door” to over 100 million online stores. This aims to simplify discovery and access within the vast Shopify network.

Why is this program erroneously rejected by three C++ compilers?

A C++ programmer is encountering compilation errors across Visual C++, g++, and Clang when attempting to compile a program initially saved as “helloworld.png.” The compilers fail to recognize the file as a valid C++ source code file, even after renaming it to “.cpp,” resulting in format recognition and linker errors. The author suspects a potential bug in Clang or a misunderstanding of the C++ standard.

Our Experience with I-Ready

A father is criticizing the mandated use of i-Ready software in his district, claiming it has caused his son and other students to dislike math. He argues the software’s repetitive instructions, excessive narration, and restrictive controls prevent meaningful learning and are widely unpopular with students and parents. Despite the potential of educational software, he believes i-Ready is fundamentally flawed and ineffective.

📰 Media & Policy

The Washington Post Is Using Reader Data to Set Subscription Prices

The Washington Post is now using an algorithm to personalize subscription prices for readers, leveraging data like demographics and location. This strategy, similar to those used by companies like Amazon and Instacart, aims to estimate individual willingness to pay. While some states are beginning to regulate algorithmic pricing, the Post has not disclosed the specifics of its data usage.

Head of FCC threatens broadcaster licenses over critical coverage of Iran war

FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr has publicly criticized U.S. broadcasters for their coverage of the Israel-Hamas conflict, suggesting their licenses could be at risk if their reporting is deemed biased. Carr’s remarks, made on social media, accused some outlets of amplifying Hamas’s narrative and downplaying Israeli perspectives. The criticism has drawn concern over potential government interference in media freedom.

Trump now Selling National Security Briefing Membership

Donald Trump’s political action committee is selling “national security briefings” to donors through a fundraising email featuring a photo from a dignified transfer ceremony honoring fallen soldiers. The email, which uses emotionally charged language, is facing criticism for exploiting a solemn military event to solicit donations and promote a “MAGA agenda.” This fundraising strategy follows a broader effort by Trump and his PACs related to the war in Iran.

🔬 Science & Society

Physicians Embrace AI: 80% Use It for Research & Docs

An American Medical Association survey reveals that over 80% of US physicians now utilize AI in their practices, a significant increase from 2023. Common applications include summarizing medical research and assisting with clinical documentation, with physicians expressing optimism about AI’s potential to improve care and reduce burnout. However, concerns persist regarding patient privacy, the doctor-patient relationship, and potential skill degradation.

Humanities in the Machine

Early computer science pioneers like Tony Hoare and Ada Lovelace benefited from strong backgrounds in the humanities, including Classics, Philosophy, and Literature. Hoare’s philosophical training fostered clarity and correctness in his work, while Lovelace’s analytical mind recognized the broader potential of computing machines. These examples highlight how a foundation in the humanities can contribute surprisingly valuable insights to technological innovation.

Inside the datacenter where the day starts with topping up cerebrospinal fluid

Cortical Labs has launched a cloud service offering biological computers powered by living neurons, a novel alternative to traditional computing. These computers, requiring specialized care like cerebrospinal fluid replenishment, have demonstrated learning capabilities and aim for low energy consumption. The service is currently targeted toward research labs and organizations interested in exploring this emerging technology due to lengthy setup requirements.

Headphones found to contain hormone-disrupting chemicals

A recent study across five Central European countries found hazardous chemicals like BPA and BPS in every headphone tested, exceeding proposed EU limits. The findings highlight a concerning trend of replacing banned chemicals with equally harmful alternatives, known as “regrettable substitution.” Researchers are urging EU policymakers to implement broader chemical restrictions to protect consumers and promote safer products.

Bumblebee queens breathe underwater to survive drowning

Scientists have discovered that bumblebee queens can survive underwater for up to a week, breathing underwater during this period. This surprising ability, revealed by an accidental lab flooding, allows the queens to survive seasonal flooding of their underground nests. The finding highlights a unique adaptation and resilience in bumblebees, offering insights into insect survival in challenging environments.

In Praise of Stupid Questions

The author argues that while “there are no stupid questions” encourages learning, seemingly nonsensical inquiries can unexpectedly spark new discoveries. Through conversations with ChatGPT, they developed a novel method for estimating pi, demonstrating the potential value of exploring even absurd questions. This process highlights the importance of intellectual vulnerability and using technology to refine ideas.

Learn Arabic with spaced repetition and comprehensible input

A new Rails application has been developed to help users learn Arabic. The application incorporates language learning techniques like spaced repetition and comprehensible input, drawing inspiration from tools like Anki. This marks the developer’s first full application project.

Jürgen Habermas, influential German philosopher, dies at 96

Jürgen Habermas, a renowned German philosopher and sociologist, has died at the age of 96. He was best known for his “Theory of Communicative Action” and his influential work on communication, rationality, and modern society. Throughout his career, Habermas engaged with significant political events, advocating for a more robust and politically effective Europe.

Philosoph Jürgen Habermas Gestorben

German philosopher and sociologist Jürgen Habermas has died at the age of 96. A leading figure of the Frankfurt School, he was renowned for his theories on public discourse and communicative action. Habermas remained politically active throughout his life, commenting on contemporary issues until his death.

Temperatures expected to remain at or near record levels in coming five years

A new report from the World Meteorological Organization forecasts that global temperatures will likely remain at or near record levels between 2025 and 2029, with a high probability of exceeding 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. While this doesn’t violate long-term Paris Agreement goals, it is expected to increase climate risks and exacerbate weather patterns. The report also predicts continued Arctic warming and regionally specific precipitation anomalies.

The Most Accurately Predicted Genocide in History

The conflict in Sudan, particularly the 2025 attack on the Zamzam IDP camp, resulted in widespread atrocities, mass casualties, and a severe humanitarian crisis. Fueled by a power struggle between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), and exacerbated by external interests, the violence displaced hundreds of thousands. The event is being described as the most accurately predicted genocide in history due to clear warning signs that were ultimately unaddressed by international intervention.

SupplementDEX – The Evidence-Based Supplement Database

SupplementDEX is a new, developing online database evaluating the efficacy of supplements for 500 conditions. Users can search by condition or supplement to access information on effectiveness, supporting studies, and safety details. The platform aims to provide evidence-based insights into supplement use.