The Daily News — 2026-02-13 Edition

A curated selection of today’s most interesting stories from 61 RSS sources.

Technology

Navigating Hope and Terror in Our Uncertain Future

Om Malik captures the paradoxical emotions many feel about the technological future—simultaneously hopeful and terrified. His observations highlight how speculation masquerading as prophecy fills the vacuum of uncertainty, reflecting the complex anxieties and aspirations that define our relationship with emerging technologies.

Source: https://www.manton.org/2026/02/12/om-malik-some-of-us.html

Does AI Have Taste? Why Human Judgment Still Matters in Development

While GPT-5.3 Codex demonstrates impressive judgment-like capabilities in coding, Manton Reece argues that AI can’t replicate the iterative process of building great products. Rather than replacing human creativity, AI serves as a powerful accelerant that helps developers apply their own taste more efficiently as they refine their vision through building, testing, and discarding ideas.

Source: https://www.manton.org/2026/02/12/ai-and-taste.html

Browsers Remove XSLT: RSS Accessibility at Risk

As browsers phase out XSLT support, bloggers who use it to make RSS feeds more user-friendly face a significant challenge. The real question remains: how do we make RSS links actually workable for everyday users? This technical change highlights the urgent need for better solutions to help normal people understand and use RSS feeds effectively.

Source: https://www.manton.org/2026/02/12/i-like-this-post-from.html

From QA to Mac Engineer: How Daniel Jalkut Navigated Apple

Daniel Jalkut recounts how he boldly transitioned from QA to software engineering at Apple in the 1990s by proactively communicating his ambitions to management. His story illustrates the power of advocating for yourself in the workplace, even from entry-level positions, and how having the confidence to speak up can open unexpected doors in your career.

Source: https://www.manton.org/2026/02/12/daniel-jalkut-blogging-a-story.html

Apple Patches Zero-Day Vulnerability Affecting All iOS Versions

Apple’s iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 address a critical zero-day vulnerability affecting every iOS version since 1.0, which was exploited in extremely sophisticated attacks. The update also improves third-party device integration and includes unspecified bug fixes and security updates.

Source: https://mjtsai.com/blog/2026/02/12/ios-26-3-and-ipados-26-3/ \n## Business

Anthropic’s $380B Valuation Signals AI Coding Wars Intensify

Anthropic closed a massive $30 billion Series G funding round, pushing their valuation to $380 billion, with Claude Code revenue driving the surge. With Opus 4.6’s premium pricing, the stage is set for Codex 5.3 to potentially capture developers seeking more cost-effective solutions.

Source: https://www.manton.org/2026/02/12/anthropic-has-another-funding-round.html

Ende der 150-Euro-Freigrenze: EU beschließt Zollpflicht für Billig-Pakete

Ab Juli 2026 wird das Online-Shopping bei Plattformen wie Temu und Shein teurer, da die EU-Staaten eine Pauschalgebühr für Kleinsendungen unter 150 Euro einführen. Die Maßnahme soll fairen Wettbewerb zwischen europäischen Händlern und internationalen Online-Riesen schaffen sowie gleiche Wettbewerbsbedingungen für alle Anbieter gewährleisten.

Source: [www.heise.de/news/Ende…

ADAC kritisiert unnötig hohe Reparaturkosten bei Karosserieschäden

Nach einer ADAC-Untersuchung sind die Reparaturkosten für Karosserieschäden stark angestiegen. Zwar gibt es dafür legitime Gründe, doch der Automobilclub kritisiert, dass einiges schlicht überteuert ist und Autoinhaber unnötig belastet.

Source: [www.heise.de/news/ADAC…

Japanische Entwickler fordern Eingriff gegen Apples neue Gebühren

Nach Einführung des Mobile Software Competition Act in Japan übten Entwickler scharfe Kritik an den neuen Gebührenmodellen von Apple und Google. Sie fordern behördliche Maßnahmen, um fairere Wettbewerbsbedingungen im App-Markt zu schaffen.

Source: [www.heise.de/news/Japa…

Girocard festigt Marktführungsposition mit über acht Milliarden Zahlungen

Die deutsche Girocard verzeichnet über acht Milliarden Zahlungen und baut ihre Präsenz im Handel weiter aus. Mit einer wachsenden Anzahl an Terminals festigt das System seine Position als führende Zahlungsmethode im deutschen Einzelhandel.

Source: [www.heise.de/news/Uebe… \n## Politics

Leo Laporte’s Ch Warning: Democracy Meets AI Revolution

Technology broadcaster Leo Laporte offers a haunting metaphor comparing America’s democratic decline to a locomotive speeding toward a tornado. His words capture the intersection of two accelerating crises: the erosion of 250-year-old democratic institutions and the breakneck development of transformative AI technology.

Source: https://www.manton.org/2026/02/12/leo-laporte-its-so-unsettling.html

Trump Overturns Foundation of US Climate Regulations in Single Move

The Trump administration has eliminated the 2009 endangerment finding that enabled the EPA to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act. By overturning this foundational ruling, the move potentially undermines all federal climate protections and emissions regulations established over the past two decades.

Source: https://www.theverge.com/science/877371/trump-carbon-pollution-endangerment-finding-repeal-climate-change

Top DOJ Antitrust Chief Resigns Weeks Before Live Nation Trial

The Justice Department’s lead antitrust enforcer, Gail Slater, has unexpectedly departed just weeks before the landmark monopoly trial against entertainment giant Live Nation-Ticketmaster is set to begin. Her timing raises questions about leadership continuity during one of the DOJ’s most significant tech monopoly cases.

Source: https://www.theverge.com/policy/878163/doj-antitrust-chief-gail-slater-departs

NATO plant Beschaffung günstiger Kampfdrohnen nach Lehren aus dem Ukraine-Krieg

Deutschland und andere NATO-Staaten planen die Anschaffung kostengünstiger Kampfdrohnen, nachdem sich im Ukraine-Krieg die Wirksamkeit solcher Systeme gezeigt hat. Die Entscheidung reflektiert eine strategische Neuausrichtung hin zu erschwinglichen Drohnentechnologien für moderne Kriegsführung.

Source: [www.heise.de/news/Deut…

Gericht kippt Websperren: Europäisches Recht setzt sich durch

Das Verwaltungsgericht Neustadt hat Klagen von 1&1 und Aylo stattgegeben und Sperrverfügungen gegen Pornhub und andere Webseiten aufgehoben. Das Urteil stellt klar, dass der europäische Digital Services Act deutschen Jugendschutz-Maßnahmen vorgeht. Ein wichtiger Sieg für EU-Recht und das Ende deutscher Alleingänge bei Internetsperren.

Source: [www.heise.de/news/Aus-… \n## Science

Using Modern Genomics to Bring an Iconic Forest Giant Back From the Dead

Asian fungal pathogens nearly wiped out 3 billion American chestnut trees, leaving the species functionally extinct in its native Appalachian range. Now scientists are using cutting-edge genomic techniques and exhaustive testing to identify the best path to restoring this once-dominant forest giant to its native ecosystem.

Source: https://arstechnica.com/science/2026/02/can-modern-genetics-help-us-restore-the-appalachian-forests-of-the-1800s/

Elephant Whiskers Hold Secret to Nature’s Touch Technology

Scientists have discovered that elephant whiskers possess unique structural properties giving them built-in ‘material intelligence,’ enabling remarkable touch sensitivity in their trunks. This breakthrough in understanding tactile systems could pave the way for advanced artificial whiskers in robotics and new insights into human touch.

Source: https://arstechnica.com/science/2026/02/unique-structure-of-elephant-whiskers-give-them-built-in-sensing-intelligence/

NASA-Teleskop Swift muss Gammastrahlen-Forschung pausieren

Nach über 20 Jahren erfolgreicher Forschung an Gammastrahlenblitzen muss das NASA-Weltraumteleskop Swift nun pausieren – die Umlaufbahn sinkt zu schnell ab. Wissenschaftler arbeiten an einer Rettungsmission, um das wichtige Instrument wieder in einen stabilen Orbit zu bringen.

Source: [www.heise.de/news/Sink…

Ariane 6 absolviert erfolgreich Erstflug in stärkster Konfiguration

Die europäische Trägerrakete Ariane 6 hat erstmals in ihrer leistungsstärksten Konfiguration erfolgreich gestartet – ein entscheidender Schritt für die Unabhängigkeit Europas im Weltraum. Dieser erfolgreiche Testflug unterstreicht die Bedeutung der Rakete für den autonomen Zugang zum All und die Wettbewerbsfähigkeit der europäischen Raumfahrtindustrie.

Source: [www.heise.de/news/Euro…

Mars-Rover Curiosity findet organische Verbindungen mit biologischer Herkunft

Vor einem Jahr hat NASA-Rover Curiosity große Mengen organischer Verbindungen auf dem Mars entdeckt, die auf eine biologische Herkunft hindeuten. Die Menge der gefundenen Stoffe übersteigt das, was durch rein geologische Prozesse erklärbar wäre.

Source: [www.heise.de/news/Zu-v… \n## Health

Trump Official Overruled FDA Scientists to Reject Moderna’s Flu Shot

Vinay Prasad, the Trump administration’s top vaccine regulator, single-handedly blocked Moderna’s mRNA flu vaccine review despite objections from FDA scientists. Career officials argued against the decision, with David Kaslow even writing a detailed memo explaining why the review should proceed.

Source: https://arstechnica.com/health/2026/02/trump-official-overruled-fda-scientists-to-reject-modernas-flu-shot/

31 Ramadan Recipes for a Nourishing, Flavor-Packed Iftar

Discover a diverse collection of 31 Ramadan recipes spanning multiple cultures, perfect for creating nourishing and satisfying iftar meals. These flavorful dishes bring together global culinary traditions to help you break your fast with delicious, wholesome food that celebrates the rich heritage of Ramadan cooking.

Source: https://www.seriouseats.com/ramadan-recipes-11905208

Privatversicherer setzen auf Daten und KI für bessere Gesundheitsversorgung

Private Krankenversicherer sehen in der Digitalisierung mit offenen Systemen, klaren Datenregeln und dem Einsatz von künstlicher Intelligenz einen entscheidenden Schlüssel zur Verbesserung der Versorgungsqualität. Der Fokus liegt dabei auf erkennbarem Nutzen für Patienten und eine effizientere Gesundheitsversorgung.

Source: [www.heise.de/news/Priv…

The Best Pumping Bra and Other Tools to Help Make Pumping Less of a Chore

Whether you pump exclusively or between breastfeeding sessions, the right equipment can ease the process and make the most of your milk supply. Wirecutter’s comprehensive guide draws on years of testing to recommend the best pumping bras, accessories, and tools that make the experience more comfortable and productive for nursing parents.

Source: [www.nytimes.com/wirecutte…

Adaptive Nail Clippers That Make Grooming Safer and Easier

Wirecutter tested 10 styles of adaptive nail clippers designed for older adults and people with disabilities who struggle with traditional clippers. They recommend four sharp, safe options including lever-style clippers and an electric nail file that make personal grooming more accessible for everyone.

Source: [www.nytimes.com/wirecutte… \n## Entertainment

Sony’s Surprise God of War Prequel Launches Today on PS5

Sony has just released God of War Sons of Sparta, a surprise 2D side-scrolling prequel exploring Kratos’ youth during his brutal Agoge training alongside his brother Deimos. The game, developed in collaboration with Megacat Studios, features the young Spartan learning deadly combat skills with spear and shield while wielding divine artifacts against mythological foes.

Source: https://www.theverge.com/games/878375/god-of-war-sons-of-sparta-trilogy-sony-playstation-ps5-release-date-trailer

Sony’s February State of Play Promises Major PS5 Game Showcase

Sony’s upcoming State of Play event will span over an hour on February 12th, featuring announcements and gameplay updates from studios worldwide. While Insomniac’s Wolverine may be absent, expect reveals from major studios like Naughty Dog plus updates on live-service titles like Marathon and Horizon Hunters Gathering.

Source: https://www.theverge.com/games/877875/playstation-state-of-play-february-2026-ps5-news-trailers

Gore Verbinski’s New Sci-Fi Film Is a Rollicking Tech Parable

Director Gore Verbinski’s latest film ‘Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die’ delivers a sci-fi parable about our tech-obsessed present. The movie follows a man fighting to save humanity from an apocalyptic future, exploring themes of digital addiction and society’s unhealthy relationship with screens.

Source: https://www.theverge.com/entertainment/877244/good-luck-have-fun-dont-die-review

Gothic 1 Remake: Erscheinungstermin für 2026 festgelegt

THQ Nordic hat den lang erwarteten Release-Termin für das Remake des Klassikers ‘Gothic 1’ bestätigt: Das Rollenspiel soll am 5. Juni 2026 erscheinen. Fans der ursprünglichen Titel können sich auf eine modernisierte Version des beliebten RPGs freuen.

Source: [www.heise.de/news/Goth…

Diablo 2 Resurrected: Erste neue Klasse seit 25 Jahren angekündigt

Blizzard überrascht mit einem DLC für Diablo 2 Resurrected, der nach 25 Jahren erstmals eine neue Klasse einführt: den Hexenmeister. Für 25 Euro erhalten Spieler neben dem neuen Charakter auch praktische Komfort-Features, die das Spielerlebnis verbessern sollen.

Source: [www.heise.de/news/Diab… \n## Education

Digitale Kompetenzen und KI: Lehrerbildung hinkt hinterher

Viele angehende Lehrkräfte erwerben keine digitalen Kompetenzen, da diese im Studium nicht überall verpflichtend sind. Besonders bei KI-Angeboten gibt es große Lücken – ein Problem in Zeiten der Digitalisierung.

Source: [www.heise.de/news/Lehr… \n## Sports

Winter Olympics Athlete Disqualified For Helmet Honoring Athletes Killed By Russia

A courageous Winter Olympics competitor has been disqualified for wearing a helmet that paid tribute to athletes killed by Russia, deemed too ‘political’ by officials. ‘There are things more important than medals. I stood up for what I believe in,’ the athlete declared, choosing principles over competition in a powerful stance that has sparked global conversation about athletic expression and the intersection of sports with humanitarian concerns.

Source: https://kotaku.com/winter-olympics-disqualifies-guy-over-helmet-that-was-too-political-because-it-honored-athletes-killed-by-russia-2000668255

New Children’s Book Brings Formula One Excitement to Young Readers

Perfect for the upcoming F1 season, this beautifully illustrated introduction to Formula One racing covers everything from car technology evolution and tire strategies to circuit layouts. With vibrant artwork and comprehensive coverage of the sport’s history, it’s an ideal way to ignite young fans’ passion just in time for the March 6th season opener.

Source: [geekdad.com/2026/02/f…

After Testing 9 Models, This Trampoline Is the Safest Bounce for Your Backyard

Wirecutter spent a year building and bouncing on nine backyard trampolines that meet ASTM safety specifications. Their top pick, the JumpFlex Hero 14ft, offers the best balance of quality, safety, and performance for families. Plus, they investigated whether insurance companies really use aerial footage to spot unauthorized trampolines (spoiler: they do).