NYT Wordle today — answer and my hints for game #1429, Sunday, May 18

Alibaba is shaking up its leadership team—promoting e-commerce boss Jiang Fan while cutting down the size of its top decision-making group. The move signals a sharper focus on AI and global growth as the company adapts to shifting priorities.

Editor’s Note: Big tech firms like Alibaba don’t just tweak their leadership for no reason—it’s usually a clue about where they’re heading next. Slimming down the leadership circle could mean faster decisions, while Jiang’s promotion hints that e-commerce (plus AI and overseas markets) will drive Alibaba’s next chapter. For investors and competitors alike, it’s a sign the company’s betting on agility in a tough market.

Two companies, Crusoe and Redwood, are teaming up to build a data center that runs on used batteries—essentially giving old batteries a second life. This isn't just a small experiment; it’s the largest project of its kind, showing how desperate cloud companies are getting to secure reliable (and sustainable) power sources.

Editor’s Note: Data centers guzzle energy, and with AI and cloud computing booming, the demand is only growing. This partnership highlights a clever workaround—repurposing batteries that would otherwise go to waste. It’s a win for both the environment and the tech industry’s bottom line, proving that green solutions can also be practical. Plus, it could set a trend for other companies scrambling to cut emissions without sacrificing performance.

A founder shares their personal reflections after attending Y Combinator’s Demo Day for the first time, offering candid insights into the highs, lows, and unexpected takeaways from the high-pressure startup pitching event. The post reads like a mix of behind-the-scenes diary and practical advice for future participants.

Editor’s Note: Demo Day is a make-or-break moment for YC startups, and hearing a founder’s raw perspective cuts through the usual hype. For aspiring entrepreneurs, this kind of firsthand account is gold—it demystifies the process and might even help others prepare for the emotional rollercoaster of fundraising. Plus, it’s a reminder that even in the glossy world of tech accelerators, real people are behind the pitches.

A Hacker News thread is buzzing with tech workers sharing their frustrations about burnout, corporate culture, and disillusionment with the tech industry. Many commenters describe feeling exhausted by relentless growth expectations, layoffs, and the commodification of their skills, while others debate whether it's time to pivot careers or reclaim passion projects.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another rant—it’s a collective sigh from people who’ve hit a breaking point. If even the most resilient tech workers are questioning their future in the field, it signals deeper issues about sustainability, workplace culture, and the human cost of Silicon Valley’s "move fast" ethos. Whether you’re in tech or not, it’s a relatable snapshot of modern work discontent.

SoftBank's billionaire founder Masayoshi Son is finally tackling the "who’s next?" question head-on. He’s signaled that his successor will come from inside the company, easing worries about a chaotic leadership transition for the tech and telecom giant. Investors have been sweating this for years—Son’s larger-than-life persona has defined SoftBank, so clarity on succession is a big deal.

Editor’s Note: SoftBank isn’t just any company—it’s a global tech investor with stakes in everything from Arm to Uber, and Son’s leadership (and occasional wild bets) have shaped its highs and lows. Knowing the next CEO will be an insider suggests stability, but the real test is whether that person can steer SoftBank’s high-risk, high-reward strategy without Son’s cult-of-personality mojo. For startups and markets tied to SoftBank’s billions, this matters. A lot.