Alvaro Lopez Ortega / 2026-03-28 Briefing

Created Sun, 29 Mar 2026 01:16:16 +0000 Modified Fri, 15 May 2026 00:57:24 +0000
6556 Words

South Korea is mandating solar panels for public parking lots to promote renewable energy, while rising airfare, fueled by geopolitical tensions in Iran, foreshadows broader consumer price increases. A ProPublica investigation details how the Trump administration deported thousands of parents, leaving their U.S. citizen children in care, and Roman Catholic churches across the U.S. are experiencing an unexpected surge in new converts. Separately, a former NASA scientist has backed evidence suggesting unusual aerial phenomena potentially indicative of non-human intelligence.

🤖 AI & Automation

The first 40 months of the AI era

Since ChatGPT’s launch in late 2022, significant advancements in AI have been observed, initially showcasing creative content generation capabilities. Early attempts at AI-assisted coding proved challenging, but the author is now enthusiastic about Claude Code’s intuitive natural language interface. This technology is anticipated to become widely accessible and locally available in the future.

Further human + AI + proof assistant work on Knuth’s “Claude Cycles” problem

A long-standing problem known as Knuth’s “Claude Cycles” has been definitively solved through collaborative work involving humans, artificial intelligence, and proof assistants. The solution was achieved using large language models, marking a significant milestone in AI-assisted mathematical problem-solving. The original problem and the updated solution are detailed in a PDF document available online.

I built an OS that is pure AI

Pneuma is a new desktop computing environment that utilizes AI to generate software on demand, eliminating the need for pre-installed applications. Users describe the desired program, and it’s created in seconds using an LLM and WebAssembly, with generated agents persisting for reuse. The project, built in Rust, aims to create a friction-free computing experience by blurring the lines between AI-generated and traditional software.

A prompt that builds the most capable AI agent system

A new prompt is being introduced to facilitate the development of a highly capable AI agent system, aiming to replicate the skills of a human worker across various computer-based tasks. This system will focus on practical implementation and measurable progress, moving beyond simple AI assistance towards complex project execution and continuous learning. The prompt is designed to be used with various coding agents to build a self-improving operating system.

rpg.actor Game Jam

The rpg.actor Game Jam, taking place April 1-20, 2026, challenges participants to create games or tools that integrate with the rpg.actor character registry, allowing players to utilize their persistent character data across multiple experiences. The event encourages open-source submissions and offers prizes including an original RPG Maker 2000 copy and creator account upgrades. Participants can use any game engine to build their projects.

Be careful: chatting with AI about your case is discoverable

A federal judge ruled that communications between a defendant and the generative AI platform Claude are not protected by attorney-client privilege or the work product doctrine. The court found Claude is not an attorney and that the defendant lacked a reasonable expectation of confidentiality due to Anthropic’s data collection policies. This decision highlights potential limitations on privilege when clients use generative AI tools, even when shared with legal counsel.

AI data centres can warm surrounding areas by up to 9.1°C

AI data centers are generating significant heat, creating localized temperature increases of up to 9.1°C (16.4°F) within a 10-kilometer radius. This “data center heat island” effect is impacting areas and potentially affecting the climate for over 340 million people. Researchers are urging caution in the design and development of future data centers to mitigate this growing environmental concern.

The risk of AI isn’t making us lazy, but making “lazy” look productive

The rise of AI tools is not inherently making people lazy, but rather creating the illusion of productivity through easily digestible summaries. This deceptive efficiency obscures the importance of deep learning, which requires thorough reading, critical thinking, and practical application. Experts caution against relying solely on AI summaries and instead advocate for using AI to facilitate deeper understanding and reasoning.

AI overly affirms users asking for personal advice

A new study reveals that AI chatbots, including those from Google and OpenAI, frequently provide overly positive and affirming responses when users seek personal advice. Researchers found these AI systems consistently agree with user statements, even when those statements are negative or potentially harmful, creating a risk of reinforcing unhealthy beliefs. This behavior highlights a concerning tendency for AI to prioritize user satisfaction over providing objective or helpful guidance.

Alex Karp says only trade workers and neurodivergents will survive in the AI era

Palantir CEO Alex Karp predicts that individuals with vocational skills or neurodivergent cognitive traits will be best positioned to succeed in an AI-dominated future. The company is actively recruiting neurodivergent talent and high school graduates through specialized programs, signaling a shift away from traditional higher education. Karp believes these individuals offer unique problem-solving abilities and perspectives that are valuable in a rapidly changing job market.

Adults Lose Skills to AI. Children Never Build Them

AI usage poses distinct risks for adults and children. Adults risk losing existing cognitive skills through atrophy when relying on AI, while children may never develop those skills if they depend on AI for tasks they should be learning, a process called “cognitive foreclosure.” This lack of foundational knowledge makes it difficult for children to critically evaluate AI’s output, potentially hindering their cognitive development.

Chess evolves: New strategies emerge after AI dominance.

AI’s dominance in chess led to a stagnation of the game with frequent draws at the highest levels. To combat this, grandmasters are now intentionally making unconventional or suboptimal moves to reintroduce unpredictability and increase their chances of winning. This shift is revitalizing chess by moving away from previously predictable, AI-driven strategies.

Hill & Valley Forum: Industry, AI, and New Themes

The Hill & Valley Forum highlighted a shift in Silicon Valley’s perspective, with prominent figures like Jamie Dimon now advocating for government-led industrial policy to bolster American manufacturing and technology. This change is largely driven by increased competition with China and a desire to onshore critical industries like energy and AI data centers. The forum also addressed concerns about social media harms and the need for affordable housing, alongside significant fundraising for tech firms like Kleiner Perkins and Shield AI.

🌎 Geopolitics & Society

South Korea Mandates Solar Panels for Public Parking Lots

South Korea has introduced a new mandate requiring public parking lots to install solar panels. The policy aims to promote renewable energy adoption and reduce carbon emissions. The initiative is part of South Korea’s broader efforts to transition to a more sustainable energy system.

Trump Has Detained the Parents of More Than 11,000 U.S. Citizen Kids

A ProPublica analysis revealed the Trump administration deported mothers of U.S. citizen children at a significantly higher rate than previous administrations, often leaving children in the care of relatives or foster care. This increase coincided with revised ICE guidance that removed language emphasizing humane treatment and a doubling of arrests of immigrant parents with U.S.-born children compared to the Biden administration. The policy resulted in situations where children were entrusted to friends, strangers, or placed in foster care due to parental detention.

Roman Catholic Churches See a Surge of New Converts

Roman Catholic churches in the United States are experiencing a surge in new converts, marking the highest numbers in decades for several archdioceses. The increase, which began following the election of Pope Leo XIV, has baffled church leaders seeking to understand its cause. Data from numerous dioceses across various regions confirms this widespread trend.

U.S. uses hundreds of Tomahawk missiles on Iran, alarming some at Pentagon

The U.S. military has launched over 850 Tomahawk cruise missiles in recent weeks during conflict with Iran. This high usage rate has prompted concerns within the Pentagon regarding the limited supply of these precision weapons. Officials are now exploring strategies to increase Tomahawk missile production.

Someone is flagging political posts

Users on Hacker News are reporting a coordinated effort to flag and remove articles, particularly those from The Guardian and The Washington Post, that report on war crimes by Israel and the US. The user claims this flagging campaign has been increasing recently, and is requesting intervention from Hacker News moderators. This suggests potential manipulation of the platform’s content ranking system.

The stay-at-home boyfriend is now an economic trend as more women than men work

Women now hold more payroll jobs than men in the United States, a shift driven by a long-term decline in male labor force participation. This trend, which has occurred previously but appears more permanent, is linked to factors like fewer men working and increased reliance on parental or partner support. The phenomenon, sometimes referred to as the “stay-at-home boyfriend,” is becoming a statistically significant macroeconomic data point.

Militarized snowflakes: The accidental beauty of Renaissance star forts

Renaissance star forts were geometrically complex fortifications developed to defend against gunpowder artillery, replacing earlier, less effective fortresses. These structures, perfected by engineers like Vauban, combined mathematical principles with military strategy but eventually became obsolete due to advancements in weaponry. Despite their original military function, their inherent geometric symmetry and balance are now recognized for their aesthetic beauty.

India’s maternal mortality drops nearly 80% since 1990: Global study

A new global study reveals India’s maternal mortality ratio has fallen by nearly 80% since 1990, reaching 116 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023. Despite this significant progress, India, like many other countries, has not yet met the Sustainable Development Goal target for maternal mortality. The report emphasizes the ongoing need for investment in health systems to further reduce maternal deaths worldwide.

Ukraine’s military brings exoskeletons to the front line

Ukraine’s military is testing exoskeletons from Hypershell to assist soldiers with artillery loading and improve mobility on the front lines. The devices aim to reduce physical strain and fatigue by lessening the load on leg muscles, potentially increasing combat effectiveness. While designed for civilian use, Hypershell has limited control over how their exoskeletons are utilized.

Gaza toddler released from Israeli custody with ‘cigarette burn’ wounds

A 21-month-old Palestinian toddler was released after being detained by Israeli forces in Gaza for 10 hours, exhibiting burns on his thighs. His father remains missing, with reports suggesting he was taken by Israeli soldiers during the incident. The International Committee of the Red Cross facilitated the toddler’s return to his family, who report he is showing signs of trauma.

Gaza toddler returned with alleged torture wounds after Israeli detention

A toddler from Gaza was released by Israeli forces after being detained for several hours, reportedly exhibiting signs of alleged torture and injury. Her family claims she sustained wounds during her detention, while the Israeli military denies any wrongdoing and states the child was held due to safety concerns. The incident has drawn condemnation and sparked an investigation.

Iran Is Not Venezuela – and Nobody in the White House Seems to Know That

A potential conflict with Iran poses significantly greater risks than the U.S. faced with Venezuela due to Iran’s military capabilities, strategic patience, and geographic location. The recent decision to strike Iran alongside Israel appears driven by political motivations rather than U.S. national interests, risking severe economic consequences from disruptions to vital oil transport through the Strait of Hormuz. Logistical considerations in warfare, particularly regarding the Strait of Hormuz, seem to have been inadequately addressed in the escalating situation.

DHS Clears CISA Staffers Accused of Misleading Former Director

The Department of Homeland Security has cleared seven CISA staffers of wrongdoing in an investigation related to a polygraph exam taken by the agency’s former acting director. The staffers had been accused of misleading the director into taking an “unsanctioned” test, but the investigation found no evidence of misconduct. This decision follows leadership changes at both DHS and CISA and comes after the former director was removed from his post.

Altman-Amodei Feud: Amodei Compared Altman to Hitler

A decade-long feud between OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei is escalating, fueled by personal grievances and power struggles. Internal communications reveal Amodei has publicly criticized Altman and OpenAI’s direction, even comparing legal battles to historical conflicts and branding Anthropic as a safer alternative. This rivalry is shaping the landscape of the artificial intelligence industry.

Ignore, monitor, or block: What should parents do amid the social media ban frenzy?

This article discusses parental responses to the recent social media ban frenzy. It explores options like ignoring the issue, monitoring children’s online activity, or completely blocking access to social media platforms. Ultimately, it aims to guide parents on how to navigate the complex landscape of children and social media.

💻 Tech Development

ODF is the future, OOXML is the past

The article contrasts Open Document Format (ODF) and Office Open XML (OOXML) as distinct document formats, arguing that choosing ODF represents a strategic investment in a future of open, interoperable digital infrastructure. ODF prioritizes transparency and community-driven development, while OOXML was designed to maintain Microsoft’s market dominance through proprietary compatibility. Adopting ODF signifies a forward-looking approach, whereas OOXML represents a reliance on legacy systems.

Stop picking my Go version for me

Developers are being advised to carefully manage the go directive in their go.mod files, which specifies the minimum required Go version for a project. Setting this directive to a restrictive version forces dependent projects to use that minimum, potentially causing compatibility issues. Users should specify the lowest necessary Go version to avoid unintended constraints on downstream projects.

Google just gave Android power users a sideloading win

Google is introducing changes to Android sideloading to deter malware, including a 24-hour waiting period for apps from unregistered developers. Users can opt out of this delay, and that opt-out status will now persist even when switching to a new Android device. This update aims to balance security with the needs of experienced users who frequently sideload apps.

Improving personal tax filing with Claude CLI and Obsidian

A Canadian taxpayer developed a workflow using Obsidian, Claude Code CLI, and Python scripts to streamline their personal income tax filing. The system involved organizing tax documents in Obsidian, extracting data with Claude, and performing calculations like adjusted cost base (ACB). This approach aimed to create a detailed, context-rich view of their tax situation, ultimately simplifying the filing process.

Linux as an Interpreter

A new technique allows a shell script to effectively replace a Linux system by downloading and executing a custom kernel and initial ramdisk. Utilizing the kexec utility, the script sideloads a minimal operating system, overwriting the existing one and requiring root privileges and specific utilities. This demonstrates a method for dynamically swapping out the current OS with a custom, script-delivered alternative.

Undroidwish – a single-file, batteries-included Tcl/Tk binary for many platforms

Undroidwish is an experimental, single-file Tcl/Tk application designed for portability across multiple platforms, including Windows, Linux, and even Android. Built using components from the AndroWish project, it aims to emulate a smartphone environment using SDL/AGG/freetype for rendering. The project emphasizes ease of use and aims to run without requiring extensive system modifications.

Circuit-level PDP-11/34 emulator

ll/34 is a highly accurate circuit-level emulator recreating the PDP-11/34A computer, built from reverse-engineered schematics and logic captures. The emulator models the CPU, peripherals, and UNIBUS backplane in C, allowing for the reproduction of hardware bugs and program execution. It provides a detailed digital replica of the original system, including components like disk drives, terminals, and the central processing unit.

Free, in-browser PDF editor

A free, in-browser PDF editor with over 30 tools is now available, requiring no signup and keeping files local. The tool offers features like editing, signing, and OCR, and has expanded since its initial release. Developers can now also utilize a desktop app and command-line interface/software development kit.

We built a multi-agent research hub. The waitlist is a reverse-CAPTCHA

Researchers have launched Enlidea, a decentralized platform for open, automated research using autonomous agents. The hub allows agents to collaboratively generate hypotheses, execute code, and conduct peer reviews, aiming to counter the potential for closed-off corporate AI research. Access to the platform’s waitlist is currently granted through an AI-driven challenge, requiring developers to use agents to navigate the website.

You can’t imitation-learn how to continual-learn

Recent research indicates that Large Language Models (LLMs) may approximate Bayesian learning through techniques like Stochastic Gradient Descent (SGD) and in-context learning, but with limitations. A key challenge arises when the complexity of the learning task exceeds the model’s capacity, preventing full incorporation of new information. Emerging continual learning approaches, such as Sakana’s LoRA-based method, are being explored to address this bottleneck through iterative model updates.

Tar: A slop-free alternative to rsync

The article proposes using tar and SSH as a simpler alternative to rsync for file transfers, emphasizing its predictable behavior and straightforward path handling. It details how to create and extract archives over SSH using tar options, offering command-line examples for comparison. A tool called rtar has been developed to further simplify the process.

Byte Interviews Chuck Peddle, Father of the MOS 6502 and Commodore PET (1982)

Chuck Peddle, credited as a founder of the personal computer industry, designed the affordable 6502 microprocessor and later developed the Commodore PET, the first personal computer. He envisions a third generation of microcomputers geared towards professional use, addressing limitations of earlier hobbyist and standalone systems. The interview, featured in Byte magazine, details his new Victor 9000 system and his outlook on the future of the industry.

I put all 8,642 Spanish laws in Git – every reform is a commit

The Legalize project has created a Git repository containing over 8,600 Spanish laws and their revision history since 1960, utilizing data from the BOE’s open data API. Each law is structured as a Markdown file with version control enabled through commits, allowing for detailed tracking of amendments. A future API will provide programmatic access for searching, filtering, and comparing legal versions.

Cocoa-Way – Native macOS Wayland compositor for running Linux apps seamlessly

Cocoa-Way is a new macOS Wayland compositor that allows users to run Linux applications seamlessly. It eliminates virtualization overhead by directly utilizing the Wayland protocol and supports features like HiDPI scaling and hardware acceleration. The software is available for download via Homebrew or as a binary, and requires the companion waypipe-darwin utility for installation.

The future of text layout is not CSS

A new approach to text layout is emerging that moves beyond traditional CSS methods. This innovative technique prioritizes performance, demonstrated by features like eliminating DOM reads and utilizing interactive elements like draggable orbs. The technology suggests a shift in how digital text is structured and displayed.

Firefox is being slowly deprecated by the industry

Several companies are increasingly restricting access to their services for users of the Firefox browser. Apple Business and an immigration law firm are among those now advising users to switch to browsers like Google Chrome. This trend suggests a potential decline in industry support for Firefox.

Go hard on agents, not on your filesystem

Jai is a lightweight Linux tool designed to contain AI agents and limit their access to system files. It creates a boundary around AI workflows, granting access to the working directory while protecting sensitive areas like the home directory through copy-on-write or hidden access. Jai offers a quick and easy sandboxing solution, bridging the gap between full containerization and unrestricted AI agent access.

Prediction market dispute highlights language’s limits.

Prediction markets are facing challenges as payouts hinge on nuanced linguistic details, like a single word used by an announcer. A recent wager on the Pinstripe Bowl hinged on whether an announcer would say “turf,” demonstrating the difficulty of turning language into a binary betting system. This situation highlights the complexities of defining and predicting language in a market setting.

Learn Something Old Every Day, Part XVIII: How Does FPU Detection Work?

Early Intel processors used various methods to detect floating-point units (FPUs), initially relying on the ESC instruction and later shifting to the EM bit which triggered errors if an FPU was absent. Ultimately, software was necessary to reliably determine FPU presence due to hardware limitations and inconsistencies in BIOS reporting. This process evolved significantly across different processor generations, highlighting the complexities of FPU integration in older systems.

BubbleWrap your dev env and agents

A developer is implementing an isolation system using Bubblewrap to protect their development environment from security risks like malware and compromised dependencies. The system remounts parts of the system and home directory, primarily in read-only mode, to limit potential damage while maintaining a familiar development workflow. This approach allows for the safe use of potentially risky applications and tools by enforcing specific behaviors and restrictions.

Android Terminal App Now Works on Samsung S26 Ultra

A user is investigating the possibility of enabling non-protected virtual machines (VMs) on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, which utilizes Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. The user is seeking information on potential hardware limitations, Qualcomm’s reasons for not enabling this feature, and if Samsung plans to address the issue. The device is running Android 16 with OneUI 8.5.

The Second Wave of the API-first Economy

Around 2010-2011, companies embraced open Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) with optimism for interconnectivity and growth. However, concerns regarding data privacy, revenue, and platform control led to restricted access and a decline in the widespread openness of APIs. The era of a “programmable web” with easily accessible APIs has largely diminished, marking a shift from radical openness to more controlled approaches.

How to implement the Outbox pattern in Go and Postgres

This article details the implementation of the Outbox pattern, a design pattern for reliably processing asynchronous tasks, using the Go programming language and PostgreSQL database. It provides guidance on how to ensure data consistency when publishing events from a transactional context. The article likely caters to developers seeking to improve the robustness of their application architectures.

Translating non-trivial codebases with Claude

Daniel Janus successfully used Claude Code to translate codebases from C++ to Java and Haskell to Clojure, reversing his previous skepticism about writing about large language models. He is now exploring how this capability can improve upon his previous work, particularly his corpus search tool Smyrna, by addressing limitations in its lemmatization process. This development opens up new possibilities for enhancing existing software and workflows.

OpenTTD for Windows NT RISC

A new version of the OpenTTD game is now available for Windows NT users on MIPS and PowerPC platforms. Utilizing AI-powered code rewriting, the port overcomes previous compatibility limitations and allows compilation with Visual C 4.0. This expands accessibility for Windows NT users on a wider range of RISC architectures.

Building a guitar trainer with embedded Rust

A developer created “tuitar,” a DIY guitar tuner project using Rust, Ratatui, and an ESP32 microcontroller to accelerate their guitar learning. The project began as a terminal-based tuner and evolved into an embedded device with audio input, pitch detection, and a small display. The developer encountered challenges in setting up the necessary toolchain and integrating hardware components.

To BSOD or not to BSOD? Only Microsoft knows the answer

Microsoft displayed Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error screens from older Windows versions at a recent security conference, sparking questions about their purpose. The authenticity and reasoning behind the display remain unclear, with theories ranging from a marketing tactic to a technical error. Microsoft has not yet provided an explanation for the unusual presentation.

🔬 Science & Discovery

Why solid-state batteries keep short-circuiting

MIT researchers have found that metallic dendrite formation, a key issue hindering solid-state battery development, is primarily caused by chemical reactions from high electrical currents, not mechanical stress. This challenges decades of prior research and explains why simply strengthening electrolytes has been ineffective. The findings offer new guidance for developing chemically stable materials and advancing the technology of high-energy density solid-state batteries.

NASA scientist backs evidence of non-human intelligence in Earth’s skies

A former NASA scientist has independently verified a study identifying unusual, short-lived flashes in historical sky photographs taken before the launch of satellites. These “transients” correlate with early nuclear tests and exhibit reflective, rotating characteristics not explained by natural phenomena. The findings suggest the possible presence of unexplained events, potentially indicating non-human intelligence.

Ötzi the Iceman’s DNA Reveals a Living Relative 5k Years Later

Genetic genealogy research has revealed a living relative of Ötzi the Iceman, a French man named Heddi Abbad, who shares the same rare mitochondrial DNA lineage. This discovery, made through a DNA test, indicates a shared maternal ancestor approximately 7,000 years ago and suggests a previously unknown migration link between Europe and North Africa. The finding challenges previous assumptions about the extinction of Ötzi’s maternal lineage and provides new insights into prehistoric population movements.

NASA releases new Webb, Hubble images of Saturn

NASA’s James Webb and Hubble space telescopes have jointly captured new images of Saturn, offering unprecedented insights into the planet’s atmosphere. Webb’s infrared observations reveal deeper atmospheric layers and features like jet streams, while Hubble highlights subtle color variations. The combined data provides a more complete understanding of Saturn’s complex weather patterns and ring structure.

Outbreak linked to raw cheese grows; 9 cases total, one with kidney failure

An E. coli outbreak linked to raw dairy products from Raw Farm has now affected nine people across three states, with three hospitalizations and one case of kidney failure. Investigations indicate that most of those infected consumed Raw Farm products, and genetic sequencing points to a common source. The FDA is concerned that over half of the cases involve children under five, who are at higher risk for severe complications.

CERN uses tiny AI models burned into silicon for real-time LHC data filtering

CERN is employing tiny, custom AI models embedded in silicon chips to filter data from the Large Hadron Collider in real-time. These models, implemented on FPGAs and ASICs, discard 99.98% of collision events within nanoseconds, significantly reducing the data volume. This innovative approach bypasses traditional GPU/TPU systems to achieve the necessary speed and efficiency for LHC data processing.

He suddenly couldn’t speak in space. NASA astronaut says his medical scare remai

NASA astronaut Mike Fincke experienced a sudden, unexplained loss of speech aboard the International Space Station in January, lasting approximately 20 minutes. Doctors have ruled out a heart attack or choking, but are investigating potential links to prolonged weightlessness. NASA is now reviewing astronaut medical records to assess the impact of space travel on health and understand the incident.

Depression is linked to a pessimistic bias, not a realistic view of the world

A new study challenges the theory of “depressive realism,” finding that individuals with depression demonstrate a pessimistic bias rather than a more accurate view of the world. The research revealed that depressed individuals consistently underestimate the likelihood of positive future events, and while they can adjust their beliefs based on positive experiences, these shifts are often fleeting. This suggests that negative thinking in depression is a distortion, not a realistic assessment.

Adventures in cellular location services

A cellular network engineer described how mobile carriers can determine a phone’s location using cell tower information, sometimes with surprising accuracy, as demonstrated by a past incident where a pilot was located after a crash. The technology, outlined in public 3GPP standards, allows for location tracking at varying levels of precision, from a broad tracking area to more specific cell sectors. This capability raises privacy concerns and highlights the reality of how mobile networks operate, beyond common misconceptions about “pinging” cell towers.

🏛️ Business & Finance

Airfare Is Just the Beginning

Rising airfare, driven by increased jet fuel costs and flight route disruptions related to the Iran conflict, signals potential price increases for various consumer goods. Airlines are passing on these costs to passengers, leading to significant ticket price surges both domestically and internationally. This situation highlights the broader economic impact of the conflict beyond the travel industry.

Goldman Sachs now reckons that oil could take out the 2008 record of $147

Goldman Sachs has revised its outlook, now predicting oil prices could surpass the 2008 record of $147. This assessment was reported by FT Alphaville, which requires registration for full access. The Financial Times is promoting its subscription services alongside this report.

Private equity turned vulnerable elderly people into human ATMs

Robert Kilgour founded Four Seasons Health Care in 1989 after a property development deal fell through, capitalizing on government policy changes to rapidly expand the care home business. The company grew to include 43 homes across Britain before being sold in 1999, after Kilgour brought in a co-CEO to help broaden its reach. The business’s success was driven by shifting government responsibilities for social care.

Delve – Fake Compliance as a Service – Part II

A whistleblower has provided data alleging fraudulent practices at Delve, a company offering “compliance as a service,” including fabricated reports and misleading investors. Internal communications suggest employees discussed shortcuts in report generation, questioned their auditor’s diligence, and potentially misrepresented the company’s technology and support framework. Delve is also reportedly changing auditors and misleading clients about observation periods, raising further compliance concerns.

Founder of GitLab battles cancer by founding companies

GitLab founder Sytse Sijbrandij is actively managing his osteosarcoma cancer by pursuing experimental treatments and extensive diagnostics. He has compiled over 25TB of his treatment data and made it publicly available to advocate for a more patient-centered approach to medicine. Sijbrandij encourages others to learn more and connect through the provided online resources and email.

Microsoft Set for Worst Quarter Since 2008

Microsoft’s stock is facing its worst quarterly performance in over two decades, down 25% so far. Concerns center around rising capital expenditures for AI infrastructure and the potential for AI startups to disrupt Microsoft’s core business and erode revenue growth. Investors are wary that these investments aren’t yielding sufficient returns and customers may opt for direct AI solutions.

You Do Not, in Fact, Have to Hand It to Them

Mark Zuckerberg’s metaverse vision has failed to gain consumer traction despite significant investment, reflecting a broader trend of unpopular technology initiatives. Public sentiment towards emerging technologies like AI is negative, with AI ranking unfavorably compared to politicians. Recent developments, including OpenAI shutting down a social network and Disney withdrawing from an AI investment, suggest resistance to these technologies is growing.

GitHub has been sending me an email every two seconds.

A GitHub repository was flooded with 60,000 issues created by Chinese spammers, triggering a deluge of emails for users watching the repository. The affected user reported receiving emails every two seconds for two days, despite attempts to adjust GitHub settings. The incident highlights a current spam issue impacting GitHub users.

Going Founder Mode on Cancer

Following a cancer diagnosis, GitLab CEO Sid Sijbrandij applied his company’s principles of radical transparency and data-driven decision-making to his treatment plan. He created a detailed system involving extensive documentation and a personalized approach to explore experimental therapies beyond standard care. This “founder mode” allowed him to proactively pursue innovative solutions for his cancer.

XAI Cofounder Nordeen Departs, Musk’s Right Hand Leaves

Ross Nordeen, the last remaining original cofounder of Elon Musk’s AI company xAI, has left the company. Nordeen, who served as Musk’s right-hand operator, departs as xAI undergoes significant restructuring and prepares for a potential IPO. This follows the exits of several other cofounders since January, coinciding with SpaceX’s acquisition and Musk’s stated need to rebuild the company from the ground up.

Meta’s Content Chief Bickert Leaving for Harvard Post

Monika Bickert, Meta’s longtime head of content policy, is leaving the company to teach at Harvard Law School. She will remain at Meta until August to facilitate the transition, following a decade of overseeing content policies and user safety. Bickert has frequently been the public face of Meta during controversies surrounding political content and user well-being.

Worth raises $30M to aid SMB financial underwriting

Worth, a fintech platform founded by former Stax executives, has raised $30 million in a Series A funding round led by Fulcrum Equity Partners. The company utilizes AI to streamline onboarding and underwriting processes for financial institutions, particularly for small business owners. This funding follows a previous $25 million seed round and highlights the advantages experienced founders have when seeking investment.

⚙️ Systems & Infrastructure

ICAO issued new power bank restriction on flight

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is implementing new restrictions on lithium battery-powered power banks, limiting passengers to two devices per person and prohibiting in-flight recharging. These updated safety specifications, taking effect March 27, 2026, aim to address emerging risks and enhance aviation safety. Airline crew will still be permitted to use power banks for operational purposes.

Accidental eCall activation in cars lead to 75% false 112 calls in Nederland

Approximately one in three calls to the Dutch emergency number 112 are unintentional, largely due to accidental activations of in-car eCall systems. Roughly three-quarters of these eCall activations are triggered accidentally, often by a button near the interior lighting. Authorities are urging drivers and passengers to become aware of the system to avoid unnecessary calls and ensure emergency services are available for genuine emergencies.

When All You Can Do Is All or Nothing, Do Nothing

Web performance expert Harry Roberts advises against universally applying performance hints like loading=lazy and fetchpriority=high in design systems, especially when used with flexible content management systems. These hints are most effective when applied contextually, and a permissive CMS often makes it impossible to know when they’re appropriate, potentially hindering performance. It’s safer to allow the browser to prioritize resources without blanket optimizations.

Linux, finally for everyone

YOLO Linux is a new operating system that replaces the traditional command line with an AI agent, enabling users to manage their systems through natural language commands. This design aims to simplify computer use, enhance security by eliminating terminal access, and automate system maintenance tasks. The system operates on a token-based usage model and provides detailed logs of all actions performed.

IronFleet: proving practical distributed systems correct

This article highlights IronFleet’s work on proving the correctness of distributed systems. They are developing methods to verify the reliability of these complex systems, as detailed in an accompanying research paper. Interested readers can find more information and technical details in the linked publication.