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After the death of controversial radio host Rush Limbaugh on Feb. 17, 2021, a quote attributed to Mark Twain started circulating on social media: “I have never wished a man dead, but I have read some obituaries with great pleasure.” Despite the years of attribution, the ‘Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’ author did not originate this quote. It seems to be a rephrase of Clarence Darrow’s words from his biography ‘The Story of My Life’. Darrow, known for his defence in the ‘Scopes Monkey Trial’ of 1925, wrote, “All men have an emotion to kill; when they strongly dislike some one they involuntarily wish he was dead. I have never killed any one, but I have read some obituary notices with great satisfaction.” ...

A study by the University of South Florida and Tampa General Hospital Cancer Institute has deepened the understanding of the link between diet and inflammation, leading to cancer. The research, based on the analysis of over 100 tumor samples, showed that tumors contained a high proportion of bioactive lipids, inflammation-causing compounds, often associated with processed food consumption. These tumors also lacked molecules linked to healing and reducing inflammation. The study suggests that diets rich in ultra-processed foods increase the risk of colon cancer. Molecules found in healthful foods such as leafy greens and fish could help balance the immune response, contributing to the reduction of inflammatory compounds and the support of beneficial ones. ...

Terra Solar Philippines, a subsidiary of SP New Energy Corporation, is set to build a $3.3 billion integrated solar photovoltaic and battery facility, which is said to be the largest in the world. The project, which will have 3.5GW of solar energy paired with a 4.5GWh battery energy storage system, is expected to become one of the largest solar farms upon completion in 2027. The facility, set to spread over 3,500 hectares, is touted to meet 12% of the Philippines’ energy demand, benefiting more than two million homes. ...

Bojan Tunguz’s comparison of Google as the next Yahoo has elicited deep discussions across the tech world. While Yahoo failed to adapt to changing market demands, lost potential acquisitions, and faced management issues, Google boasts impressive figures, with Alphabet (its parent company) being valued over $1.5 trillion. However, arguments have arisen regarding Google’s potential vulnerabilities such as stagnant innovation in some sectors and competition from companies like Microsoft and OpenAI in AI and search. Google’s data practices and heavy criticism for ad prioritization and failure in ventures like Google Glass also kindle some worry. But Google, unlike Yahoo, is fairly diversified in revenue generation with successful ventures such as YouTube, Google Cloud, and Waymo under Alphabet. ...

Law enforcement officials have confirmed a positive match between fingerprints found at the scene of the assassination of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO Brian Thompson and those of the suspect, Luigi Mangione. In a high-profile case that has sent shockwaves through the corporate world, the authorities are investigating the motive behind the killing. This is the first forensic match directly tying Mangione to the crime scene. Mangione, described as a privileged Ivy League graduate, has received some public sympathy and offers of financial support for his legal defense. The shocking murder has laid bare widespread American resentment of the healthcare industry. ...

S&P Global Ratings has downgraded Intel Corp’s credit rating from ‘BBB+’ to ‘BBB’, attributing the decision to a slower than anticipated business recovery and uncertainty brought about by recent management changes. The ratings agency noted that Intel’s revenue for the first nine months of the year, totaling $38.84 billion, which was virtually unchanged year-on-year, fell below expectations. Additionally, the unexpected departure of CEO Pat Gelsinger introduced further instability, given his critical role in the company’s integrated manufacturing strategy and the ongoing execution of a turnaround plan. ...

The CEO of UnitedHealth Group, Andrew Witty, has spoken out in a leaked internal video following the murder of the company’s subsidiary UnitedHealthcare CEO, Brian Thompson. Talking to the company’s employees, Witty stated that their role is to ensure safe and appropriate care is provided when people need it. He told employees to ignore criticism of the insurance company and confirmed that the company would continue to prioritize patients, consumers, and members. Witty also paid tribute to Thompson’s legacy, stating that they would not only acknowledge and honor it, but continue it. ...

The Onion’s parent company, Global Tetrahedron, bid to acquire Alex Jones’ far-right media conglomerate, including Infowars, has been rebuffed by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez. He concluded that the auction process was unfair and The Onion’s company wasn’t validated the rightful victor based on the best bid. Judge Lopez indicated concerns about the lack of a transparent process and believed the court-appointed trustee overseeing the auction, Christopher Murray, should have given a rival bidder associated with Jones a chance to enhance their offer. Despite the decision, it isn’t certain whether there will be a fresh auction. ...

Will Freeman, a software engineer from Huntsville, Alabama, launched an online map named DeFlock, which enables users to locate automated license plate readers (ALPRs) in their cities. Freeman aims to raise awareness about how many ALPRs are located around cities, as these cameras record the location, date, and time of all passing license plates. He is concerned about the lack of privacy and the inability to opt out. Freeman revealed that the eventual goal for DeFlock is to have the cameras removed or at the very least, have signs informing the public of their presence. A lawsuit has also been filed in Norfolk, Virginia, claiming that the use of such cameras is unconstitutional. ...

This chart paints a stark picture of the United States’ fiscal reality. The federal debt, measured as a percentage of GDP, has climbed to concerning levels, nearing 120%. Historically, such high debt-to-GDP ratios have been rare and often signal a tipping point for economic instability. While debt financing can be a useful tool for stimulating growth during downturns, the consistent rise of federal debt beyond sustainable thresholds highlights a deeper systemic issue. Keynesian economic principles advocate for deficit spending to counter recessions, but the persistent reliance on this approach, even in periods of recovery, has led to an erosion of fiscal discipline. ...