1. Tell HN: Help restore the tax deduction for software dev in the US (Section 174)
Total comment counts : 69
Summary
A major effort is underway to reverse a tax code change that prevents software development expenses from being immediately deductible. Luther Lowe from Y Combinator (YC) is organizing alumni and urging US taxpayers to support this reversal by signing a letter to lawmakers. The change classifies engineer salaries as capital investments, resulting in costly depreciation over five years, increasing the expense of hiring software engineers. This topic has generated significant discussion on Hacker News, reflecting a strong community consensus for action. US taxpayers are encouraged to participate, but non-US individuals should refrain from signing to maintain the letter’s impact.
Top 1 Comment Summary
Section 174 limits how companies can deduct costs for software engineers on their taxes. Instead of treating salaries as immediate expenses, companies must capitalize them and depreciate over five years. For instance, a $200k salary becomes a $40k expense annually for five years, making engineers more costly. This rule, unique to software engineers and not applicable to other personnel, forces companies to effectively lend money to the government during this depreciation period, impacting cash flow even during unprofitable years. This provision was enacted during the Trump administration to offset corporate tax cuts.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The Small Software Business Alliance, with early organizer Michelle Hansen, has been advocating against unfavorable changes to Section 174, which could negatively impact software and innovative businesses in the U.S. The Clean Energy Business Network is also involved, having connected members with congressional staff. The article urges collective action against these detrimental reforms, emphasizing their broad implications for various sectors.
2. Riding high in Germany on the world’s oldest suspended railway
Total comment counts : 16
Summary
The Wuppertal Schwebebahn, the world’s oldest suspended railway, celebrates 125 years since its opening in March 1901. Originally designed to navigate the region’s challenging terrain, this remarkable engineering feat captures the imagination with its gliding carriages above the city. The railway, now a beloved commuter service for 80,000 daily passengers, intertwines with Wuppertal’s history, including the amusing tale of Tuffi, a circus elephant who famously fell from it. The city itself boasts a vibrant culture with diverse eateries and charming architecture, offering visitors a delightful blend of history and modern urban life.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article highlights a video that presents a side-by-side comparison of riding the Wuppertal Schwebebahn in 1902 and 2015. The 1902 footage is shown in real time, while the 2015 version has been edited for framerate adjustments to maintain synchronization. The video can be viewed at the provided YouTube link.
Top 2 Comment Summary
As workers flocked to the cities of Barmen and Elberfeld, which merged to form Wuppertal in 1929, the need for a public transport system arose. Due to the area’s rocky terrain, a conventional underground system was impractical, leading inventor Eugen Langen to create the Schwebebahn, which began operation in 1901. Although Wuppertal was established later, the transportation project was planned and funded by both cities’ joint commission before the merger.
3. Building supercomputers for autocrats probably isn’t good for democracy
Total comment counts : 39
Summary
In May, OpenAI announced a collaboration to establish AI data centers in the UAE, framing it as part of their “OpenAI for Countries” initiative, which promotes democratic values in AI development. However, the UAE has an extremely low democracy score and is known for severe human rights abuses and a lack of political freedoms. Critics argue OpenAI’s portrayal of this partnership as supporting democracy is misleading, given the UAE’s authoritarian regime. Despite this, OpenAI seeks the partnership for strategic advantages in compute resources and energy access amid growing global competition in AI technology.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The author expresses agreement with the general sentiment of the discourse but criticizes the inconsistency in scrutiny applied to high-profile companies like OpenAI compared to lesser-known industry giants such as Cisco and Oracle. They argue that the analysis should not solely focus on OpenAI’s actions but should also encompass the behaviors of other significant companies in the industry over time.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses Gulf monarchy autocrats, highlighting Nvidia’s strategy of selling graphics cards to Saudi investors. It notes the monarchies’ reliance on the U.S. and their desire to avoid revolutions, potentially using solar power for data centers. The piece warns about user tracking, suggesting that intelligence-sharing agreements with agencies like GCHQ and the NSA may bypass local laws. Ultimately, it advises against trusting personal thoughts to any Software as a Service (SaaS) platform.
4. FSE meets the FBI
Total comment counts : 19
Summary
The article discusses the complexities of managing data and user-generated content (UGC) on federated instances, like FSE. It reveals that the FBI hires companies to scrape online data for keywords, which is analyzed for sentiment and later reviewed by agents. The author expresses concerns about pedophiles infiltrating FSE, which could attract unwanted law enforcement attention, particularly if illegal content is uploaded. This threat emphasizes the need for vigilant moderation to prevent potential harm and legal issues. The author seeks collaboration to address these challenges in maintaining a safe online community.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article questions whether there are more effective methods to block web scrapers, such as blocking IPs/domains at the entry point instead of serving requests. It also suggests that there could be a market for third-party anti-DDoS services for API endpoints, like Cloudflare, but notes potential drawbacks, including costs and the risk of being associated with “Free Speech Extremist” content.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article critiques a blog post for incorrectly linking to a defederation list instead of an official Fediblock list, which was shut down years ago. It suggests the author intended to link to Fediblock but chose a substitute without verifying the information. The original Fediblock creator aimed for users to independently verify standards rather than providing a definitive source.
5. Tracking Copilot vs. Codex vs. Cursor vs. Devin PR Performance
Total comment counts : 30
Summary
The article discusses tracking the performance of different coding agents, allowing users to click on each agent for more information and on metrics to explore live queries. However, the interactive chart failed to load, displaying a static version instead. The last update was on June 9, 2025.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article discusses the growth of autonomous coding agents at GitHub, emphasizing the variability in merge rates due to different phases in the coding process. Products like Codex often generate pull requests (PRs) only when users are ready to share, potentially skirting abandoned code issues. In contrast, GitHub Copilot creates Draft PRs immediately, allowing for open iteration but resulting in seemingly lower merge rates. This transparency is viewed as beneficial for learning and collaboration. The author expresses excitement about evolving Draft PR features for improved use across coding agents.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The author finds dedicated tools like Windsurf and Cursor frustrating and less efficient than using ChatGPT. However, they recently began using Codex and have completed three PRs in just a few days. They appreciate Codex’s asynchronous nature, which enhances consistency and allows for simple improvements. The author views Codex as a more efficient, appliance-like solution for specific problems, contrasting it with previous tools that felt inexperienced.
6. I used AI-powered calorie counting apps, and they were even worse than expected
Total comment counts : 50
Summary
Calorie-tracking apps like Cal AI and MyFitnessPal’s photo feature aim to simplify calorie counting by using AI to analyze food images. However, this approach suffers from significant inaccuracies; for instance, Cal AI misidentified a plain apple as tikka masala and underestimated its calories by 33%. In more complex meals, the app’s estimates were laughably low, often failing to account for hidden ingredients like dressing. This reveals a major flaw in photo-based calorie counting, as depth and volume cannot be accurately assessed through two-dimensional images, making accurate tracking highly problematic.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The founder of SnapCalorie clarifies that the app is completely free, with the $79.99 price being a donation for research support. SnapCalorie’s algorithm is more accurate than visual portion size estimation, though both methods have limitations. Photo logging offers a quicker approach, while voice logging and a kitchen scale provide more accuracy, all available for free. The app encourages users to focus on sustainable habits rather than meticulous tracking to achieve their health and fitness goals.
Top 2 Comment Summary
Calorie tracking helps educate individuals on the calorie content of foods, enabling better dietary choices. For example, oil is high in calories, while greens are low. Once this knowledge is gained, tracking serves to maintain accountability, as one’s perception may be skewed when tempted to cheat, causing small lapses that can undermine a diet.
7. Endangered classic Mac plastic color returns as 3D-printer filament
Total comment counts : 17
Summary
Classic computer collector Joe Strosnider has launched a new 3D-printer filament that matches the iconic “Platinum” color of vintage Macintosh computers. Developed after a $900 investment and produced by Polar Filament at $21.99 per kilogram, this PLA filament allows hobbyists to create nostalgic accessories and replacement parts. The launch addresses a need in the vintage computing community for suitable materials, replacing previous options that were costly or inconsistent. The release aligns with a rise in interest for 3D-printed retro projects, ensuring that appreciation for classic Apple designs continues.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The foreword of Keep It Simple discusses the significance of the “Snow White” color, developed by Hartmut Esslinger in collaboration with Steve Jobs, from 1982 to 1983. This new design concept aimed to replace the typical dull colors in offices with a more appealing broken white, enhancing aesthetic compatibility with living spaces and supporting user-friendly interface design. Initially intended for the Macintosh Computer, the “Snow White” color first appeared with the Apple IIc and was ultimately launched with the Macintosh SE due to various delays.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The author expresses nostalgia for the vibrant plastic backs of the early 2000s iMacs used in schools, wishing for a return to that colorful design.
8. My first attempt at iOS app development
Total comment counts : 19
Summary
The author shares insights from their experience developing an iOS app for fun, spurred by frustration with existing photo management tools. They initially lacked knowledge of Swift but quickly created a working app through a collaborative process with AI tool Cursor and Xcode. While acknowledging the complexity of app development, they found it rewarding. As they navigate the Apple development ecosystem and comments on their project, they highlight the learning opportunities provided by feedback from other iOS developers. The app aims to help users manage and delete duplicate photos, reflecting the author’s personal needs.
Top 1 Comment Summary
Transitioning from embedded development to iOS/Xcode is refreshing but comes with frustrations. The challenges include complex code signing, provisioning profiles, and a $100 annual developer program fee, making it hard to sustainably release free apps. Apple’s insistence on updating tools leads to dropped support for older devices, making it difficult to maintain compatibility. This is evident with older models like the iPhone 7, which struggle to find compatible apps. Frequent deprecation of APIs means ongoing maintenance is necessary, favoring developers who frequently update their apps and tools.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The author shares their experience as a side hobbyist iOS developer, emphasizing that while it may not provide a full salary, it is enjoyable and leads to job opportunities. They found that self-promotion on the subreddit /r/Apple is well-received, provided the criteria are met. Additionally, running promotional discounts, like reducing a price from $2 to $0.29, can boost sales and visibility, as evidenced by earning nearly $500 last Black Friday.
9. The wire that transforms much of Manhattan into one big, symbolic home (2017)
Total comment counts : 30
Summary
Rabbi Moshe Tauber oversees Manhattan’s eruv, a symbolic boundary enabling observant Jews to carry out certain activities on Shabbat. He checks the nearly invisible wire boundary every Thursday and Friday morning, noting breaks caused by weather or construction. Repairs are essential before Shabbat begins at sundown on Friday. Eruvin, which date back 2,000 years, require the entire line to be intact; otherwise, their function is voided. Despite challenges like past snowstorms and Hurricane Sandy, Tauber has maintained the eruv since 2000, ensuring it remains operational for the community’s needs.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article points to a zoomable Google Maps link and poses a question about why the map appears to bypass Hells Kitchen. The author is curious about this specific mapping feature or design choice.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article provides a link to a current map related to the eruv in New York City, dated 2023. For detailed information and visual representation, readers are directed to visit the provided URL.
10. What happens when people don’t understand how AI works
Total comment counts : 28
Summary
The article refers to a Varnish cache server identified as cache-sjc10079-SJC, with specific numerical identifiers including 1749502602 and 192847643. It suggests that there are restricted or confidential details regarding this server that cannot be disclosed.
Top 1 Comment Summary
I’m unable to access external links, including the one you’ve provided. However, if you can share the main points or text of the article, I’d be happy to help summarize it for you!
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article compares large language models (LLMs) to ancient divination practices, suggesting they serve as modern oracles. It argues that our interaction with these models reflects a human instinct to seek wisdom from higher-order text generators. Although they appear as advanced language tools, they function similarly to traditional divination methods by providing obscure, probabilistic insights. The author warns that societal discomfort with this new form of divination stems from a lack of awareness, which makes the experience feel uncanny. Naming and recognizing this practice may strip away its mystique and enjoyment.