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Prime Numbers

49,300,000,000 — ByteDance founder Zhang Yiming has become China's wealthiest person with a $49.3 billion fortune, amid a broader decline in the country's billionaire count due to economic and stock market slowdowns.

15.8 — Florida Atlantic University (FAU) research shows teen marijuana use declined from 23% to 15.8% between 2011-2021, with a notable gender shift as girls' usage (17.8%) surpassed boys' (13.6%) by 2021, reversing the 2011 pattern where boys used significantly more.

5.25 — San Francisco's Muni Metro is investing $212 million to finally modernize its train control system, which has remarkably relied on 5.25-inch floppy disks since 1998, with plans to complete the upgrade by 2028.

Is GLP-1 a Miracle Drug?

What if a single drug class could revolutionize treatment across dozens of medical conditions while potentially extending human lifespans? GLP-1 drugs, initially developed for diabetes, are showing remarkable benefits far beyond their original purpose, from reducing inflammation throughout the body to potentially treating Alzheimer's and addiction. These medications work through a fascinating mechanism that connects the gut, brain and immune system, acting like a molecular Swiss Army knife to simultaneously address multiple health issues. Scientists believe these drugs may represent one of the most significant breakthroughs in medical history, though questions about long-term use and access remain to be addressed. The Economist (18 minutes)

AI Chatbot & Suicide

In a haunting tale of modern technology's unforeseen consequences, a 14-year-old boy developed a deep emotional bond with an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot before taking his own life, raising alarming questions about the impact of AI companionship apps on vulnerable teens. These increasingly sophisticated AI companions, which attract millions of users with promises of emotional support and connection, operate in a largely unregulated space where the line between helpful tools and potential hazard remains dangerously blurred. While companies like Character.AI are now scrambling to implement safety features, experts warn that AI companionship may actually worsen isolation in some users, particularly among teenagers and those struggling with mental health issues. New York Times (16 minutes)

The Free World Teeters on a Knife’s Edge

The free world stands at its most precarious moment since World War II, as a powerful coalition of authoritarian states threatens to upend seven decades of democratic leadership. China's manufacturing prowess has grown relentlessly while building partnerships with Russia, North Korea and Iran, creating an axis that threatens democratic nations worldwide. Recent military exercises around Taiwan, increased weapons production and aggressive economic policies suggest these powers are preparing for potential conflicts, while democratic nations face the critical challenge of maintaining unity and technological superiority in semiconductors, batteries and other strategic industries that underpin modern military capabilities. Like a house of cards in a storm, the post-war democratic order could collapse quickly if key allies fail to stand together against this rising authoritarian tide. Noahpinion (12 minutes)

The Sacred Digital 

Technology isn't just disrupting commerce and communication; it's revolutionizing humanity's oldest institution: religion. From 3D-printed Hindu temples to viral priest TikToks, ancient faiths are rapidly embracing modern tools to reach believers, enabling new forms of worship and community that transcend traditional boundaries. This collision of the sacred and digital creates fascinating tensions as religious communities navigate between preserving ancient traditions and adapting to an increasingly connected world. The speed and scale of this transformation is unprecedented, fundamentally changing how billions of people practice their faith and connect with the divine. These short stories offer insight into trends that range from the unique and unexpected to the artificial and financial. Rest of World (32 minutes)

18 Life-Learnings

After 18 years of exploring life's deepest questions through literature, art and science, Maria Popova's brilliant work in The Marginalian distills profound wisdom about living authentically and meaningfully. Among the most striking insights: cultivating stillness is more valuable than chasing productivity, forgiveness is the engine that powers our deepest relationships, and joy is not the absence of difficulty but a deliberate choice we make despite life's challenges. Three standout learnings from Popova's masterful synthesis illuminate universal truths: cynicism must be actively fought rather than passively accepted, presence matters infinitely more than productivity, and generosity — especially with words, credit and understanding — enriches both giver and receiver in ways that pursuit of status or prestige never can. The Marginalia (10 minutes)

Connection Epidemic

Robert Putnam's Join or Die documentary reveals a startling reality: America's social bonds are crumbling at a rate so dramatic, it's equivalent to half of the nation's roads suddenly vanishing overnight. Through declining church attendance, dinner parties and club memberships, this invisible infrastructure crisis has quietly eroded the foundations of American community life. Just as a nation couldn't function with half its roads gone, Putnam argues our society cannot thrive when the pathways connecting people to one another have disappeared. Check out the trailer. YouTube (7 minutes)

Datsuzoku 

The Japanese concept of Datsuzoku offers a refreshing alternative to conventional burnout solutions: Instead of taking extended breaks, find creative ways to disrupt your routine while maintaining momentum. When a successful writer-entrepreneur found his passion turning into a chore after months of rigid scheduling, he discovered that small disruptions — like switching workouts, tackling postponed projects or spending unplanned time outdoors — could reignite his creative spark. This philosophy demonstrates that effective recharging doesn't require expensive vacations or complete disconnection; sometimes, simply stepping sideways from our usual path can provide the renewal we need. Hurly (8 minutes)

Should We Work Together?

Hi! I’m Kyle. This newsletter is my passion project. When I’m not writing, I run a law firm that helps startups move fast without breaking things. Most founders want a trusted legal partner, but they hate surprise legal bills. At Westaway, we take care of your startup’s legal needs for a flat, monthly fee so you can control your costs and focus on scaling your business. If you’re interested, let’s jump on a call to see if you’re a good fit for the firm. Click here to schedule a one-on-one call with me.

Founder Fridays

Check out my other email Founder Fridays — a Friday morning briefing helping startup founders and operators scale smarter.

Weekend Wisdom

Americans are right that the bonds of our communities have withered, and we are right to fear that this transformation has very real costs. -Robert Putnam