Contrary to the headline's claim, the US has not ended support for Ukraine receiving F-16 fighter jets. The article, citing Forbes, actually reports that the US has not yet approved the transfer of F-16s from other countries to Ukraine. While US approval is necessary for such transfers, the article suggests France is considering providing Mirage 2000s, which wouldn't require US permission. The piece emphasizes the ongoing debate within the US administration about supplying Ukraine with advanced fighter jets, and highlights the potential role of French Mirages as a viable alternative if US approval for F-16s remains elusive.
The Civaux-1 nuclear reactor in France consumed more electricity than it generated during the first two months of 2025. This was due to ongoing maintenance and testing following extended outages for repairs related to stress corrosion cracking discovered in 2021. While the reactor was occasionally connected to the grid for testing, it operated at very low power levels, resulting in net electricity consumption as the plant's systems still required power to function.
Hacker News users discuss the misleading nature of the linked chart showing French nuclear power generation in 2025. Several commenters point out that the chart displays scheduled maintenance periods, where plants are offline and consuming power for upkeep, not generating it. This maintenance is crucial for long-term reliability and explains the apparent negative power output. Some highlight the importance of distinguishing between planned downtime and operational issues. Others note the long lead times required for such maintenance, emphasizing the need for careful planning within the energy sector. A few discuss the broader context of French nuclear power and its role in their energy mix.
Deep in the Burgundy forest of France, Guédelon Castle is a unique ongoing experiment: building a 13th-century castle entirely from scratch using only period-correct tools and techniques. This ambitious project, begun in 1997, employs skilled craftspeople who quarry stone, make mortar, forge iron, carve wood, and practice other medieval trades to construct the castle, offering visitors a living history lesson in medieval architecture and construction. The project aims not just to recreate a castle, but to understand the process and challenges faced by medieval builders.
HN commenters express fascination with the Guédelon castle project, praising its commitment to authentic 13th-century building techniques. Several discuss the surprising efficiency of medieval methods, noting the clever use of human and animal power, and the sophisticated understanding of material science displayed by the builders. Some commenters draw parallels to software development, highlighting the iterative, experimental nature of the project and the value of learning by doing. Others lament the loss of traditional craftsmanship and knowledge in modern society. A few express skepticism about the project's complete authenticity, questioning the influence of modern tools and safety regulations. Overall, the comments reflect a mix of admiration, curiosity, and nostalgia for a pre-industrial way of life.
French modernists held a complex and paradoxical relationship with the burgeoning mass media of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly newspapers. While they were disturbed by its perceived vulgarity, sensationalism, and homogenizing effects on culture, they were simultaneously fascinated by its dynamism, pervasiveness, and innovative visual language. Artists like Apollinaire, Braque, and Picasso incorporated newspaper fragments and stylistic elements into their work, both reflecting its growing dominance in daily life and attempting to harness its power for artistic expression. The newspaper became both a symbol of modernity's anxieties and a source of creative inspiration, embodying the era's chaotic yet exciting transformation.
HN commenters largely discussed the parallels between the modernist period's reaction to newspapers and the current reaction to the internet and social media. Some found the comparison apt, pointing out how both eras saw a surge of information, a change in how people consume media, and anxieties about its impact on attention spans and artistic creation. Others questioned the direct comparison, arguing that newspapers were a more curated and slower-paced medium than the internet. A few commenters highlighted the cyclical nature of technological advancements and the accompanying anxieties, suggesting this pattern repeats throughout history. One commenter offered a different perspective, focusing on the role of advertising in shaping both newspapers and the internet. Finally, a couple of users praised the Aeon article for its insightful analysis and engaging writing style.
A French woman was scammed out of €830,000 (approximately $915,000 USD) by fraudsters posing as actor Brad Pitt. They cultivated a relationship online, claiming to be the Hollywood star, and even suggested they might star in a film together. The scammers promised to visit her in France, but always presented excuses for delays and ultimately requested money for supposed film project expenses. The woman eventually realized the deception and filed a complaint with authorities.
Hacker News commenters discuss the manipulative nature of AI voice cloning scams and the vulnerability of victims. Some express sympathy for the victim, highlighting the sophisticated nature of the deception and the emotional manipulation involved. Others question the victim's due diligence and financial decision-making, wondering how such a large sum was transferred without more rigorous verification. The discussion also touches upon the increasing accessibility of AI tools and the potential for misuse, with some suggesting stricter regulations and better public awareness campaigns are needed to combat this growing threat. A few commenters debate the responsibility of banks in such situations, suggesting they should implement stronger security measures for large transactions.
Summary of Comments ( 546 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43307996
Hacker News users expressed skepticism about the linked article's claim that the US ended support for Ukrainian F-16s, pointing out that other reputable sources didn't corroborate this. Several commenters highlighted ongoing US support for training Ukrainian pilots on the F-16 platform and the likelihood of future F-16 deliveries, albeit delayed. The discussion also touched on the complexities of integrating Western fighter jets into Ukraine's existing air defense systems and the logistical challenges of maintenance and spare parts. Some questioned the article's framing of French Mirages as "salvation," emphasizing that while helpful, they wouldn't be a game-changer. The overall sentiment leaned towards distrusting the original article's premise and a more nuanced understanding of Western military aid to Ukraine.
The Hacker News post titled "US Ends Support For Ukrainian F-16s" (linking to a ukrainetoday.org article) generated a moderate number of comments, mostly focusing on clarifying the misleading nature of the title and discussing the complexities of supplying Ukraine with advanced fighter jets.
Several commenters immediately pointed out that the title is inaccurate. The US hasn't ended support for eventually providing F-16s to Ukraine, but rather hasn't yet committed to providing them directly or allowing other countries to transfer US-made F-16s. This distinction was crucial to many commenters, who saw the headline as potentially spreading misinformation.
A significant thread discussed the logistical and strategic challenges associated with deploying F-16s in Ukraine. Commenters highlighted the extensive training required for pilots and maintenance crews, the need for a secure supply chain for parts and munitions, and the vulnerability of these aircraft to sophisticated Russian air defenses. Some argued that other weapon systems might be more effective and immediately beneficial given these hurdles.
Another recurring theme was the political dimension of the decision. Some commenters speculated about the reasons behind the US' hesitancy, including concerns about escalating the conflict or provoking Russia. Others debated the potential benefits and risks of providing Ukraine with such advanced weaponry.
One compelling comment thread delved into the capabilities of different aircraft and the potential impact they could have on the battlefield. Commenters compared the F-16 to other options like the Swedish Gripen, discussing their respective strengths and weaknesses in the context of the Ukrainian conflict. This discussion provided a more nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in choosing the right aircraft for Ukraine's needs.
A few comments also touched on the role of other countries, like France, in potentially supplying fighter jets to Ukraine. However, this wasn't a dominant theme in the discussion.
Overall, the comments section reflected a cautious and informed perspective on the issue. While acknowledging the potential benefits of providing F-16s to Ukraine, many commenters emphasized the practical and political challenges involved, advocating for a more considered approach rather than a hasty decision based on potentially misleading headlines.