Alvaro Lopez Ortega / 2026-05-10 Briefing

Created Mon, 11 May 2026 01:31:36 +0000 Modified Sat, 08 Aug 2026 15:40:13 +0000
6503 Words

North American unemployment is rising, with Canada hitting 6.9% and US IT jobs declining due to AI uncertainty. Maryland is protesting a $2 billion power grid upgrade to support out-of-state AI centers, while SpaceX’s million-satellite plan faces environmental backlash. Additionally, LA Metro has opened its first new subway stations in 25 years, and Linux gaming is seeing performance boosts via NTSYNC.

🤖 AI & Machine Learning

PS3 Emulator Devs Politely Ask That People Stop Flooding It with AI PRs

Developers of the RPCS3 PlayStation 3 emulator have announced they will begin banning contributors who submit non-functional, AI-generated code pull requests to their GitHub repository. The team’s warning aims to curb the influx of “AI slop” that is increasingly overwhelming maintainers of various open-source projects.

I trained a chess engine to play like humans

The new chess web app 1e4.ai features neural networks trained to mimic the playing styles of human Lichess players across various Elo ratings. Utilizing a small transformer-based architecture, the bots are designed to simulate human-like behaviors such as clock usage patterns and mistakes made under time pressure.

Claude claims the AGPLv3 license violates it’s content policy

Users have reported that Anthropic’s Claude AI is refusing to include AGPLv3 licenses in code projects, citing violations of its content filtering policy. This recurring issue has caused frustration among developers and prompted some to consider switching to alternative AI models.

My writing students were using AI. Their confessions led to a teaching moment

An MIT fiction instructor describes how AI-generated prose lacks the human experience and emotional vulnerability found in student-authored work. The author contrasts the “dead perfection” of AI’s pattern-based writing with the meaningful, imperfect struggles inherent in true creative expression.

Academic Research Skills for Claude Code

Academic Research Skills for Claude Code is a plugin suite designed to assist researchers throughout the entire research and publication pipeline. The tool automates tasks such as citation formatting and reference hunting while employing a human-in-the-loop approach to maintain research integrity and mitigate common AI-driven errors.

The left-wing case for AI

The author argues that left-wing opposition to AI is largely a reaction to unrelated political events rather than the technology itself. They propose a pro-AI perspective centered on how large language models can serve as essential tools for disability accessibility and medical self-advocacy.

Israel’s AI targeting system: data from a phone become a death sentence

The Israeli military is utilizing an AI-driven targeting system that integrates diverse data sources, such as smartphones, drones, and social media, to track and strike Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. While the technology provides extensive intelligence, experts warn that the automated identification process carries a high risk of misidentifying civilians as military targets.

LLMorphism: When humans come to see themselves as language models

The concept of “LLMorphism” refers to the biased belief that human cognition functions like a large language model, a view potentially driven by the increasing linguistic similarities between humans and conversational AI. The author warns that this phenomenon may lead to a reduction in the perceived complexity of human thought, effectively attributing too little “mind” to humans.

In a quest to becoming AI independent

As GitHub Copilot transitions to usage-based billing, the author argues that big tech companies are using subsidized pricing to create long-term user dependency. To mitigate rising costs, the author is investing in local LLM inference hardware to manage background automation tasks independently.

Best AI coding plan alternative to Claude and ChatGPT

A developer is seeking alternatives to Claude and ChatGPT for coding and research due to Claude’s decreasing usage limits. The search focuses on affordable Chinese AI options, such as GLM, BytePlus, Kimi, and MiniMax, which offer competitive performance at a lower cost.

Gemini API File Search is now multimodal

The Gemini API’s File Search tool now supports multimodal RAG systems by enabling the simultaneous processing of text and images. The update also introduces custom metadata for more precise data filtering and page citations to enhance the transparency and verifiability of model responses.

MCP for sandboxed, reproducible envs for agentic-first coding workflows

devcontainer-mcp is an MCP server that enables AI coding agents to create and manage isolated development environments using local Docker, DevPod, or GitHub Codespaces. It provides 45 specialized tools for executing commands and managing container lifecycles, helping to prevent security risks and host machine contamination.

Superintelligent Retrieval Agent: The Next Frontier of Information Retrieval

The Superintelligent Retrieval Agent (SIRA) replaces inefficient multi-round exploratory searches with a single, corpus-discriminative retrieval action using LLM-driven vocabulary expansion and document-frequency statistics. This training-free approach outperforms dense retrievers and multi-round agentic baselines across multiple benchmarks while remaining highly efficient and interpretable.

Yes, local LLMs are ready to ease the compute strain

Local LLMs are being explored as a practical way to alleviate the increasing compute strain and rising costs associated with cloud-hosted AI models. Recent experiments with locally-installed coding assistants suggest they have reached a level of effectiveness that could reduce the demand for expensive, high-capacity cloud services.

Both Fedora and Ubuntu will get AI support – soon

Fedora and Ubuntu are set to receive AI support in the near future. This upcoming development is already sparking significant debate and controversy within community forums.

AI and autonomous tech dominate Border Security Expo, driven by Trump admin’s border focus.

At the recent Border Security Expo in Phoenix, companies showcased a variety of autonomous and AI-driven technologies designed for enhanced border monitoring. These advanced systems, including drones and sensors, are capable of performing real-time threat analysis by distinguishing people from animals and identifying weapons from a distance.

💻 Software & Development

Plex’s price hikes prove I was right to switch to Jellyfin

Plex is introducing new fees for remote streaming, prompting the author to recommend switching to the open-source Jellyfin or using Tailscale for secure remote access. The article argues that these alternatives provide a more cost-effective way for self-hosters to access their own media without incurring additional charges.

Linux gaming is faster because Windows APIs are becoming Linux kernel features

Linux gaming reached a record 5% of Steam’s user base in March 2026, driven by the popularity of the Steam Deck and the approaching end of Windows 10 support. Performance is being significantly improved by NTSYNC, a new kernel-level driver that provides native Linux implementation for Windows-specific synchronization tools.

Open-source 2D IDE for managing agent CLIs

A new open-source 2D agentic IDE has been released, featuring an infinite canvas that integrates terminals, repositories, and monitoring tools into a single interface. The browser-based platform allows users to manage multiple devices and Git operations without the need for SSH or frequent tab switching.

Axboe Hacking on New Linux Patches for 60% Increase to Per-Core I/O Performance

Jens Axboe has developed a series of Linux kernel patches that achieve a 60% increase in per-core I/O performance. These optimizations target IO_uring, the NVMe PCI driver, and block code by reducing overhead through pre-mapped buffers and streamlined bio allocation.

Shunting-Yard Animation

The Shunting-Yard Animation app is described as an unreliable application that either loads without visible content or fails with a single text message. The developer has stated that they did not complete the work required to make the app functional.

Right to Repair advocate Louis Rossmann has pledged $10,000 to cover initial legal fees for developer Pawel Jarczak, who faces a threatened lawsuit from 3D printer manufacturer Bambu Lab. Rossmann is also mobilizing the community to crowdfund a legal defense against the company’s crackdown on third-party software integrations.

Codebook of 450k+ unique words and phrases acts as a text compressor

A new codebook containing over 450,000 unique words and phrases has been developed to function as a text compressor. This system leverages a massive library of linguistic patterns to compress text data efficiently.

BLAS, Lapack and OpenMP

BLAS and LAPACK are essential libraries for performing linear algebra operations, while OpenMP provides an API for shared-memory parallel programming. Managing these dependencies is challenging due to the existence of various independent implementations and the risk of threading conflicts when inconsistent libraries are used within the same environment.

UCI LISP: Random Notes (1975)

This technical document provides installation instructions and specific configuration notes for the UCI LISP system developed at the University of California, Irvine. It details essential information regarding compiler patches, PPN compatibility, and the procedures required for system generation.

An index of indie web/blog indexes

A new website has been launched to serve as a central directory for various indie web and blog indexes. The developer has curated approximately 30 resources and is currently accepting new submissions and user interface feedback.

Space Cadet Pinball on Linux

A reverse-engineered version of the classic Windows XP game Space Cadet Pinball is available for Linux users via a Flatpak package on GitHub. The experience can be enhanced by manually replacing the default low-resolution assets with higher-resolution data from Full Tilt! Pinball to achieve a 1024x768 resolution.

Data as a Product Is a Promise

The article advocates for applying Domain-Driven Design principles to data engineering by treating datasets as products governed by explicit contracts. To ensure data trustworthiness and prevent breaking downstream dependencies, these products must move beyond simple schemas to include clear ownership, versioning, and well-defined interfaces.

Replacing SQLite with FST Binary

The developer of the Finnish-English dictionary Taskusanakirja is rewriting the application in Rust to more efficiently handle millions of word inflections. The update replaces a 3 GB SQLite database with a 10 MB finite state transducer (FST) binary, significantly reducing the application’s size and memory footprint while maintaining fast search performance.

“openai.com” was once the personal homepage of a guy named glenn

The domain names openai.com and tiktok.com originally served much simpler purposes than their current functions. In 2001, openai.com was a personal homepage for an individual named Glenn, while tiktok.com served as a shared website for a couple in 2000.

ASCII pixel art editor for the terminal

A new ASCII pixel art editor has been released for use within the terminal. This tool allows users to create pixel art using ASCII characters directly in a command-line interface.

Free Google Places API alternative using OpenStreetMap (no API key)

The BizData API is a free, OpenStreetMap-powered REST API that provides business contact information, coordinates, and opening hours without requiring an API key. It allows users to search for businesses by location and category and features built-in compatibility with MCP-enabled AI tools like Claude and Cursor.

Debian Package Reproducibility

Debian is being called upon to ship reproducible packages. This implementation is presented as a necessity for the distribution.

Modafinil - Let agents continue running while MacBook lid is closed

Modafinil is a macOS menu bar app that prevents MacBooks from entering sleep mode when the lid is closed. This allows background tasks, such as coding agents, to remain active while the display turns off to preserve battery life and reduce heat.

Apple plans macOS 27 redesign to fix Liquid Glass issues and auto-group Safari tabs

Apple is planning a redesign for macOS 27 to address issues found in macOS 26 Tahoe and is testing a feature to automatically organize Safari tabs. Additionally, the report discusses updates for the Vision Pro and potential changes to Apple’s investment strategy under future CEO John Ternus.

My pastebin clone Vivipara and language musings

The author has developed Vivipara, a lightweight Go-based text paste service featuring private creation and public reading capabilities. Although the author prefers using “underdog” languages like Zig, they opted for Go to prioritize pragmatic efficiency and ease of implementation.

Replacing Ctrl-R in Bash without TIOCSTI

A new Bash configuration has been developed to replace the default Ctrl+R history search with rlselect while bypassing recent Linux kernel security restrictions on the TIOCSTI mechanism. The updated approach avoids simulating keystrokes by directly manipulating the READLINE_LINE and READLINE_POINT variables.

Tiny-Lua-Compiler: Possibly the smallest Lua compiler ever

Tiny Lua Compiler (TLC) is an educational Lua 5.1 compiler, bytecode emitter, and register-based VM implemented in a single Lua file. Designed to balance simplicity with complex features like closures and upvalues, the compiler is even capable of compiling and executing its own source code.

let-go: Almost Clojure written in Go

let-go is a Clojure dialect implemented in Go that features a bytecode compiler and stack VM without requiring a JVM. It offers approximately 95% Clojure compatibility with a compact 10MB binary and exceptionally fast startup times. Additionally, the tool supports two-way Go interop and can compile programs into standalone binaries or WASM web pages.

Patching and forking in package managers

Language-specific package managers lack the native patching mechanisms found in system package managers, making it difficult to fix vulnerabilities in unmaintained dependencies. To address these security risks, developers must rely on workarounds such as redirecting dependencies to forks or overriding transitive constraints using tool-specific configurations.

So you’ve installed fzf. Now what? (2023)

This article explores practical ways to enhance workflow efficiency using the fzf command-line tool. It demonstrates how to leverage advanced shortcuts for command history and directory navigation, as well as integrations with tools like ripgrep and text editors.

9p file server daemon for UNIX-like systems

Kamid is a portable and easy-to-use 9p file server daemon designed for UNIX-like systems. The implementation focuses heavily on ensuring security and correctness.

Idempotency Is Easy Until the Second Request Is Different

Implementing a simple replay cache for idempotency is straightforward, but the true challenge lies in managing complex edge cases such as concurrent requests, partial failures, and payload mismatches. True idempotency requires ensuring that the intended business effect remains consistent even when dealing with downstream side effects and inconsistent system states.

A principled rethinking of array languages like APL

The author proposes a programming approach that combines the expressive power of array-processing languages like Matlab with the improved readability and error-checking of traditional languages. By utilizing index set inference to treat variables as functions of their underlying dimensions, the method aims to eliminate bugs caused by implicit dependencies in pointwise-evaluated code.

Relational modeling and APL

The author proposes a programming paradigm that integrates the multidirectional inference of logic programming with the array-processing capabilities of languages like APL. By treating equational rewrite rules as constraints, this approach enables bidirectional computation and the identification of model inconsistencies.

Point-Free Logic Programming

The author explores a point-free logic programming model that replaces logic variables with binary relations to enable higher-order computation and simplify knowledge representation. While promising, the approach faces significant challenges, including potential exponential complexity and the difficulty of reconciling unification with functional programming paradigms.

🔒 Security & Privacy

Hacking Tesla, so the doors open mechanically in an emergency

Regulators in the U.S. and Canada are investigating reports that electronic door button failures in Teslas have trapped passengers during vehicle fires, contributing to multiple deaths. The difficulty of accessing manual emergency releases has raised significant safety concerns, prompting some owners to explore ways to make them more accessible.

Hardware Attestation as Monopoly Enabler

The article discusses how hardware attestation can act as a mechanism for enabling monopolies. The provided text lacks substantive content beyond the title and a technical notice for Mastodon users.

Tracesofhumanity.org by Joanna Rutkowska

Former Qubes OS lead developer Joanna Rutkowska has launched a new blog after a seven-year hiatus. The platform will shift from her previous focus on technical computer security to exploring philosophical tensions between rationality and humanism.

Experian: 40% of 2025 breaches were AI-powered; agentic AI to lead 2026 breaches

Experian reports that 40% of the 5,000 data breaches it serviced in 2025 were powered by artificial intelligence. The company predicts that agentic AI will become the leading cause of data breaches in 2026 as AI-driven identity theft and system vulnerabilities continue to rise.

Google Play Services required for next-gen reCAPTCHA, blocking de-Googled Android phones.

Google’s updated reCAPTCHA system now requires Google Play Services on Android to complete certain verification challenges, such as scanning a QR code. This dependency prevents users of de-Googled Android ROMs from passing security checks, whereas iOS users can complete the same process without additional Google software.

plass: manage passwords

Plass is a minimalist password manager inspired by password-store that prioritizes a clean interface and the UNIX philosophy. It utilizes GPG for file encryption and the got version control system to manage and synchronize encrypted password files across devices.

The Twin Diffie-Hellman Problem and Applications (2009)

This 2009 research paper introduces the Twin Diffie-Hellman problem and explores its potential applications in cryptography. It examines the mathematical properties of the problem and its utility in designing secure communication protocols.

⚡ Infrastructure & Energy

Riding the D in Los Angeles: city hopes new subway stations will be game changer

LA Metro has opened the first section of its D line subway extension, marking the city’s first new subway stations in over 25 years. The expansion aims to significantly reduce travel times along the heavily congested Wilshire corridor by providing a faster alternative to surface streets.

Maryland citizens hit with $2B power grid upgrade for out-of-state AI

The Maryland Office of People’s Counsel has filed a complaint with FERC against PJM Interconnection, protesting a plan to allocate $2 billion in power grid upgrade costs to Maryland ratepayers. The state argues that these expenses unfairly burden local consumers to subsidize infrastructure projects designed to meet data center demand in other regions.

Spain just became one of Europe’s cheapest power markets. Here is how

Spain has emerged as one of Europe’s cheapest electricity markets, with wholesale prices significantly lower than those in neighboring countries like Germany, Italy, and the UK. This shift is driven by the increasing dominance of wind and solar energy, which have effectively displaced fossil fuels as the primary drivers of market prices.

Its the Age of Electricity and America Isn’t Ready

The U.S. power grid is facing unprecedented strain as electricity demand rises for the first time in over a decade, threatening economic growth and climate objectives. Significant upgrades to the nation’s aging infrastructure are necessary to prevent rising energy costs and decreased reliability.

How much electricity does AI consume?

Data centers currently consume approximately 1.5% of global electricity, with AI-focused facilities accounting for about 0.5%. Driven by the rapid expansion of AI, this demand is projected to reach 3% of global electricity by 2030 and is heavily concentrated in specific regions, posing significant challenges to local power grids.

Maryland Power Bills: $1.6B Data Center Subsidy

Unusual Whales offers market analysis tools, including options flow and dark pool data. The platform also provides developers with comprehensive API documentation and various technical resources.

Microsoft & G42’s $1B Kenya data center stalls over lack of govt payment guarantees (Bloomberg)

Microsoft and G42’s $1 billion geothermal-powered data center project in Kenya has stalled following failed negotiations with the Kenyan government. The delay stems from the government’s inability to provide the requested annual capacity payment guarantees.

IREN to acquire Mirantis for $625M in stock to boost AI and cloud infrastructure

IREN, a Sydney-based AI infrastructure operator, has agreed to acquire Mirantis in a $625 million all-stock deal. The acquisition aims to integrate Kubernetes management and cloud software into IREN’s platform to better transform GPU capacity into scalable, enterprise-ready AI services.

🔬 Science & Engineering

SpaceX wants to launch a million satellites

SpaceX’s proposal to launch one million satellites for orbiting data centers has sparked scientific concern regarding increased space debris and the loss of the natural night sky. Additionally, researchers warn that the resulting rocket launches and satellite reentries could deposit harmful pollutants, such as black carbon, into Earth’s atmosphere.

Engineering Strategy and Planning

Effective engineering strategy acts as a tool for prioritization and making necessary trade-offs rather than being a mere vision statement. A successful strategy requires three essential components: a diagnosis of the core problem, a guiding policy, and a set of coherent, actionable steps.

MIT researchers revive 40 year old triangular zipper concept

MIT researchers have used 3D printing to realize the “Y-Zipper,” a 40-year-old concept that transforms flexible, three-sided arms into rigid, load-bearing structures. This technology enables the rapid assembly of adaptive components for applications such as shape-shifting robotics, deployable shelters, and adjustable medical devices.

Adventures in Science Fiction Cover Art: Inside the Skull

This article explores the eerie and surreal themes of mid-20th-century science fiction cover art, focusing on imagery such as hollow skulls and mechanical-biological hybrids. By highlighting various examples from classic pulp publications, the author showcases the distinctive and unsettling aesthetic of the era.

Al-Khwarizmi didn’t in any way originate, invent or create the algorithm

An article critiques a Twitter thread by Ihtesham Ali for historical inaccuracies regarding the mathematician al-Khwarizmi. The author disputes Ali’s claims about al-Khwarizmi’s Persian identity and the assertion that his work serves as the absolute foundation for all modern computer code.

Chindogu: Weird and Useless Japanese Inventions

Chindogu is the Japanese art of creating quirky and impractical gadgets that use eccentric creativity to address everyday problems. The article highlights various humorous inventions from the 1990s and 2000s, such as noodle splash guards and wearable mops, which prioritize novelty over practical utility.

All 55,256 Slides of the WAR.GOV/UFO Files Searchable and Linkable

All 55,256 slides from the WAR.GOV/UFO files are now searchable and linkable through a new responsive archive browser. The tool features an archive tree and a live viewer that provides metadata and canonical source links for various incidents and reports.

Brain scans reveal a difference between psychopaths and other people

Researchers have discovered that the striatum, a brain region responsible for reward and motivation, is approximately 10% larger in individuals with psychopathic traits. This anatomical difference is linked to increased impulsivity and a heightened drive for thrill-seeking behavior.

A clock that maps Earth’s 4.5B year history onto 12 hours. 1s=0.105Myears

A new clock maps Earth’s 4.5 billion-year history onto a 12-hour timeframe. On this scale, one second represents 105,000 years, beginning with the Hadean Eon.

Think Linear Algebra (2023)

“Think Linear Algebra” is a code-first, case-based introduction to linear algebra that uses Python and real-world applications to teach mathematical concepts. Through interactive Jupyter notebooks, readers learn to apply tools such as vectors and matrices to practical problems in fields including machine learning, robotics, and engineering.

The Worlds Left to Conquer

A former corporate employee’s new consultancy has achieved significant financial success, securing enough revenue to sustain operations through 2027. The author attributes this unexpected growth to the widespread inefficiency and low service standards prevalent among established competing firms.

Sparse Cholesky Elimination Tree

The article details the derivation of the column elimination tree for the sparse, right-looking Cholesky algorithm. This tree structure is used to identify fill-in patterns and simplify the algorithm’s complex task dependency graph based on the initial nonzero pattern of matrix A.

Swift bricks to be installed on all new buildings in Scotland

The Scottish Parliament has voted to make the installation of swift bricks mandatory in all new buildings where practical and appropriate. This legislation aims to protect endangered cavity-nesting birds, such as swifts, following a significant decline in their populations.

Memory godboxes could offer relief from the RAMpocalypse

Memory godboxes could provide relief from the memory shortages currently driven by the rise of AI. The industry is exploring whether Compute Express Link (CXL) will serve as a significant solution to this “RAMpocalypse.”

HP stuffed a PC into a keyboard. We took it for a spin

HP has introduced the EliteBoard G1a, an AI PC embedded within a 101-key keyboard designed for the commercial market. Aimed at “dual deskers” and space-constrained environments like call centers, the lightweight device offers a portable computing alternative to traditional laptops.

We see something that works, and then we understand it

The article argues that true innovation is a non-linear process where practical observation and experimentation often precede theoretical understanding. It critiques “thinkism,” the belief that abstract reasoning must come first, by highlighting that breakthroughs in research and development frequently arise from identifying what works and then formalizing its underlying principles.

Unlocking sudoku’s secrets (2025)

Sudoku puzzles can be modeled as vertex coloring problems in graph theory, where grid cells act as vertices and constraints serve as edges. This mathematical framework allows for solving puzzles using algorithms such as backtracking and the greedy algorithm to systematically find valid solutions.

🌍 Society & Economy

Why modern parents feel more sleep deprived than our ancestors did

Modern parents report significantly higher levels of exhaustion than their ancestors, despite sleeping for durations similar to non-parents. This increased fatigue is attributed to modern pressures, such as the lack of community support and the difficulty of balancing work with childcare.

Rising Unemployment in North America

Canada’s unemployment rate rose to 6.9% in April as the economy lost 18,000 jobs, contributing to a total loss of 112,000 positions in the first four months of 2026. Similarly, the U.S. IT unemployment rate climbed to 3.8% following the loss of 13,000 jobs amid growing uncertainty surrounding the impact of AI.

Dark Star (Film, 1974)

Dark Star is a 1974 independent science fiction comedy film directed, produced, and scored by John Carpenter. The movie follows the crew of a deteriorating starship on a mission to destroy unstable planets that could threaten future space colonization. Originally a student film, it eventually achieved cult classic status through home video releases.

A decade of flying Spirit Airlines

After a decade of flying Spirit Airlines, the author reflects on transitioning from a skeptical view to a practical appreciation for the airline’s low fares and credit card benefits. While acknowledging occasional delays and strict policies, the author credits Spirit with driving down overall industry flight prices.

Wall Street lawyers aided insider trading ring, say US prosecutors

US prosecutors allege that elite Wall Street lawyers assisted in an insider trading ring. The accusations involve the participation of prominent legal professionals in the scheme.

Remind HN: Today is Mother’s Day, call your moms

Today is Mother’s Day, and the post serves as a reminder to call your mothers. It also extends a happy Mother’s Day greeting to all mothers.

I have seen the dystopian future of elderly care

The author presents a firsthand account of what they perceive to be a dystopian future for elderly care. The piece explores the potential negative implications of upcoming developments in the industry.

YC’s Biggest Scandals

This article examines several controversial Y Combinator startups involved in fraudulent auditing, intellectual property theft, and the misrepresentation of open-source software. It critiques the technical evaluation processes under Garry Tan’s leadership, highlighting instances such as the expulsion of Delve and the cloning of Warp by Central.

The Locals Don’t Know

The author challenges the common travel advice to “do what the locals do,” arguing that local daily routines are often mundane and uninteresting. Instead, they encourage travelers to embrace their freedom to pursue “touristy” landmarks or spontaneous adventures that residents might overlook.

The Reality of an Employer’s Market

The tech job market has shifted into an employer’s market due to economic uncertainty and an oversupply of talent, giving companies significant leverage. Consequently, job seekers face increased competition and more selective hiring processes. To succeed in this environment, candidates should focus on differentiating themselves through demonstrated competence.

Taxpayers May Be Eligible for Significant Tax Refunds – If They Act by July 10

Following the Kwong v. United States decision, millions of taxpayers may be eligible for refunds or abatements of IRS penalties and interest assessed during the COVID-19 disaster period. To receive this relief, most affected individuals must proactively file a claim for refund by July 10, 2026.

Want to track the apocalypse? One theory: Follow the billionaires’ jets

Artist Kyle McDonald has developed an “Apocalypse Early Warning System” that monitors public flight data to track the movements of private jets. The project seeks to identify sudden spikes in flights away from city centers, theorizing that billionaire evacuations could serve as a warning sign of an impending global catastrophe.

Why Dunkin’ Failed in India

Jubilant FoodWorks is terminating its 15-year franchise agreement with Dunkin’ in India following years of persistent losses and weak growth. The brand’s failure is attributed to a mismatch between the American breakfast model and local eating habits, compounded by inconsistent menu changes that hindered a clear brand identity.

Doctors Just Staged the Quietest Coup in American History

Thirty-six American physicians have submitted a document to the Congressional Record, an action the author likens to a “quiet coup” intended to ensure stability. The move is compared to Secretary of Defense James Schlesinger’s 1974 decision to bypass President Nixon’s authority during the administration’s collapse.

Rotten Dot Com

In 1999, an eleven-year-old girl and her friend visit Fry’s Electronics to purchase components for a new desktop computer. After assembling the PC with her brother’s help, the narrator experiences a formative encounter with the internet shock-site Rotten.com.

Arm, the UK and Apple

The Supply Chained podcast explores Arm’s potential move to launch its own CPU, a decision that could eliminate the “poison pill” protecting the company from takeovers by major chip sellers. The episode also examines the 2016 Softbank acquisition of Arm and the broader political implications for the UK technology sector.

Gen Z Resentment Toward AI Grows as Adoption Stagnates and Workplace Fears Mount

A new Gallup survey reveals growing resentment toward AI among Gen Z, with 31% of the generation now expressing anger toward the technology. While many acknowledge its potential for efficiency, significant concerns persist regarding its impact on workplace stability, academic integrity, and the long-term difficulty of learning.

Scouting’s Real Crisis Is Not Marketing. It Is Decades of Neglect.

The Boy Scouts of America is experiencing a historic decline in membership, reaching its lowest market share since 1923. The organization’s crisis is driven by internal structural failures, specifically a lack of age-appropriate programming and a culture that prioritizes administrative convenience over youth development.

Why saying hello to strangers can be good for you

Engaging in brief, casual interactions with strangers, such as small talk or simple greetings, can boost happiness and reduce feelings of social isolation. These intentional gestures foster a greater sense of connection and provide psychological benefits for both the initiator and the recipient.

Janitor AI: Roleplay site run by 3 men claims 15M users, with 70-80% identifying as women.

Janitor AI is a rapidly growing social chatbot platform that enables millions of users to engage in immersive, often explicit, “romantasy” roleplay. With an estimated 2.5 million daily active users, the platform’s demographic is predominantly female and allows users to act as both creators and readers of interactive fiction.

Anduril CEO Brian Schimpf: Palantir alum shaking up the US military-industrial complex

Defense technology startup Anduril is disrupting the traditional military-industrial complex by securing massive contracts with the U.S. military and international allies. Led by CEO Brian Schimpf, the company is successfully competing against established giants like Boeing and Lockheed Martin with advanced systems such as the Bolt drone and Lattice software.

Inside Consensus 2026: A corporate crypto event amid Wall Street’s embrace of digital assets

The 2026 Consensus conference in Miami Beach featured a notable corporate presence, with executives from major banks like JPMorgan Chase and Citigroup among the 15,000 attendees. The gathering lacked the flamboyant hallmarks of previous crypto boom years, reflecting Wall Street’s growing embrace of digital assets.

NetBlocks: Iran’s 70+ day internet blackout, the longest recorded, spurs business layoffs/closures

Iran’s ongoing 70-day internet blackout, the longest recorded national shutdown in a connected society, is causing severe economic strain on private businesses. The prolonged restrictions have led to warnings of potential mass layoffs and widespread business closures across the country.

Reserv raises $125M Series C led by KKR for AI-powered claims tech

NYC-based Reserv, an AI-powered claims technology provider for property and casualty insurers, has raised $125 million in a Series C funding round. The investment was led by KKR.

Palantir execs call other AI ‘slop’ amid rising competition and 16x stock surge

Palantir executives have criticized the outputs of major AI labs as “slop,” arguing that these models are too unreliable for enterprise use. CEO Alex Karp suggested that while companies may experiment with these alternative tools, they ultimately return to Palantir for more dependable solutions.

Childhood Computing

The author reflects on how early childhood exposure to various computers, including school iMacs and hand-me-down Windows desktops, fostered a lifelong passion for technology. The essay traces their journey from using preschool technology to exploring older home devices that shaped their core interests.