Is Peter Thiel the target of Pope Leo's Gandalf quote? An investigation. I'm not suggesting that a man like Pope Leo—the Vicar of Christ, the Bishop of Rome, the Servant of the Servants of God—would stoop to anything quite so base as "trolling" the onetime PayPal co-founder and current Antichrist alarmist Peter Thiel. But I'm also not *not* suggesting it, if you see what I mean. How else to explain the novel appearance of Gandalf—yes, the pipe-smoking wizard!—in the pages of one of Catholicism's most important documents, a [major papal encyclical about AI and technology][1]? Perhaps Leo, who was born and raised in Chicago before spending decades in Peru, is simply a big J.R.R. Tolkien buff who can't get enough of magic rings, Eldar lore, and tricksy little hobbitses. Or perhaps Leo is sending a message. In his [new encyclical, released yesterday][2], Leo quotes one literary character in the entire 40,000-word document. It's Gandalf, doling out some of his wisdom in a scene from *Return of the King*: “It is not our part to master all the tides of the world, but to do what is in us for the succour of those years wherein we are set, uprooting the evil in the fields that we know, so that those who live after may have clean earth to till.” [Read full article][3] [Comments][4] [1]:

Encyclical Letter of His Holiness Leo XIV Magnifica Humanitas (15 May 2026)

ENCYCLICAL LETTER MAGNIFICA HUMANITAS OF HIS HOLINESS POPE LEO XIV ON SAFEGUARDING THE HUMAN PERSON IN THE TIME OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE [ Multim...

[2]:

Ars Technica

Citing Gandalf, Pope Leo says we must "disarm" AI

In an age of AI, Pope looks for "artisans of hope."

[3]:

Ars Technica

Is Peter Thiel the target of Pope Leo's Gandalf quote? An investigation.

Parsing a papal proclamation.

[4]:

Ars Technica

Is Peter Thiel the target of Pope Leo's Gandalf quote? An investigation.

Parsing a papal proclamation.

Ars Technica

Is Peter Thiel the target of Pope Leo's Gandalf quote? An investigation.

Parsing a papal proclamation.

We're starting to see some PC makers respond to Apple's MacBook Neo It seems fair to say that [Apple's MacBook Neo][1] took the rest of the PC industry by surprise. Companies are used to competing on price and features with $1,000-and-up Apple laptops like the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, but their $600 and $700 models usually come with cut corners and compromises that are more noticeable than the Neo's. The CEO of Asus [admitted to being surprised][2] by the laptop's price (while simultaneously trying to downplay the Neo's value); [a Microsoft-backed study][3] comparing PCs to the MacBook Neo included several laptops that can't compete with the Neo's price unless they're deeply discounted. In the last couple of weeks, we've started to see a more intentional and targeted response to the MacBook Neo from PC makers. These mostly seem to revolve around [Intel's low-end Core Series 3 processors][4], codenamed Wildcat Lake; while Intel's last few generations of low-end chips have mostly been rebrands of older and less power-efficient parts, Wildcat Lake is a new purpose-built budget chip that benefits from Intel's latest CPU and GPU architectures and its 18A manufacturing process. This should help these chips compete better with the Apple A18 Pro in the MacBook Neo. Many early Wildcat Lake systems have already been announced, though not all have included a price tag, and several have only been announced for the Chinese market as of this writing. Lenovo is planning to launch some [IdeaPad Slim models][5] with the new processors, with some optional spec upgrades including 16GB of RAM and a 120 Hz high-refresh-rate display. [Asus and HP][6] have also announced some early products. [Read full article][7] [Comments][8] [1]:

Ars Technica

Apple MacBook Neo review: Can a Mac get by with an iPhone’s processor inside?

8GB of RAM is a bummer, but this $599 laptop cuts most of the right corners.

[2]:

Tom

Asus chief says Macbook Neo

Competition is always good.

[3]:

Signal65 -

Windows 11 PCs Compared to MacBook Neo

Signal65 put four Windows 11 laptops participating in the Microsoft College Offer through a full battery of industry-standard benchmarks alongside ...

[4]:

Ars Technica

Intel refreshes non-Ultra Core CPUs with new silicon for the first time

For the first time in a while, the benefits of new Intel tech will trickle down.

[5]:

PSREF

Lenovo Product Specifications Reference

[6]: https://www.techspot.com/news/112452-asus-hp-unveil-intel-wildcat-lake-laptops-starting.html [7]:

Ars Technica

We're starting to see some PC makers respond to Apple's MacBook Neo

Sub-$600 laptops have existed for years, but consistently good ones remain rare.

[8]:

Ars Technica

We're starting to see some PC makers respond to Apple's MacBook Neo

Sub-$600 laptops have existed for years, but consistently good ones remain rare.

Intel's Core Series 3 processor, codenamed Wildcat Lake. These chips may make it easier for PC makers to compete with the MacBook Neo.

Ars Technica

We're starting to see some PC makers respond to Apple's MacBook Neo

Sub-$600 laptops have existed for years, but consistently good ones remain rare.

NASA takes steps toward building Moon Base, including discussing a "perimeter" NASA officials [announced contract awards][1] for the initial elements of a lunar base on Tuesday, including two rovers that will provide mobility to astronauts. With the series of announcements, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman sought to maintain momentum around a Moon Base initiative revealed two months ago as part of the space agency's return to the Moon. "For those waiting patiently, the grand return is close at hand, and we will not slow down," he said. The manager for the lunar base, Carlos Garcia-Galan, said the space agency had selected two companies, Astrolab and Lunar Outpost, to build approximately one-ton rovers that would be ready for delivery to the Moon in 2028. Astrolab will receive $219 million for its "CLV-1" rover, and Lunar Outpost $220 million for its "Pegasus" rover, building upon initial contracts [awarded two years ago][2]. Each rover is expected to have a range of 200 km and be capable of driving autonomously, with guidance from operators on Earth, in addition to being driven by astronauts. [Read full article][3] [Comments][4] [1]:

NASA

NASA Provides Update on Moon Base Rovers, Landers, Missions - NASA

During a Moon Base event Tuesday at NASA’s Headquarters in Washington, the agency announced new contracts for lunar rovers for crew to drive and ...

[2]:

Ars Technica

How will astronauts cruise around the Moon? NASA narrows choice to three options

I know we’re asking a lot of these companies."

[3]:

Ars Technica

NASA takes steps toward building Moon Base, including discussing a "perimeter"

We also obviously want to be very mindful of the Outer Space Treaty."

[4]:

Ars Technica

NASA takes steps toward building Moon Base, including discussing a "perimeter"

We also obviously want to be very mindful of the Outer Space Treaty."

A view of the heavily cratered eastern edge of the South Pole-Aitken Basin where NASA aims to establish a Moon Base.

Ars Technica

NASA takes steps toward building Moon Base, including discussing a "perimeter"

We also obviously want to be very mindful of the Outer Space Treaty."

Musk says US military suicide drones used Starlink in violation of SpaceX rules SpaceX and the Pentagon have been bickering about the price of using Starshield satellite service during the Iran war, according to a [Reuters report][1] published today. It appears that SpaceX asked the military for more money after it started using satellite terminals on "kamikaze" [attack drones][2] in Iran. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk claimed the Reuters report is wrong. But Musk also said the military drones initially used the commercial Starlink service instead of the government-specific network, in violation of Starlink's terms of service. Musk blamed the violation on the contractor that built the drones for the government. The Reuters report, based on Pentagon documents and interviews with sources familiar with the pricing talks, said that SpaceX recently asked the military to pay $25,000 for Starshield access on each kamikaze drone. The Pentagon, which previously paid $5,000 for each connection, objected to the price hike but ultimately agreed to pay it, according to Reuters. [Read full article][3] [Comments][4] [1]: https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/pentagon-spars-with-spacex-over-starlink-price-hike-during-iran-war-2026-05-26/ [2]:

DefenseScoop

DOD’s arsenal of LUCAS drones ‘in the dozens’ amid their combat debut

“We’re not in full-rate production. So, we shipped what we had” to U.S. Central Command, Pentagon CTO Emil Michael told DefenseScoop.

[3]:

Ars Technica

Musk says US military suicide drones used Starlink in violation of SpaceX rules

Musk says drones used Starlink instead of Starshield, blames military contractor.

[4]:

Ars Technica

Musk says US military suicide drones used Starlink in violation of SpaceX rules

Musk says drones used Starlink instead of Starshield, blames military contractor.

A Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS) drone launches from the USS *Santa Barbara* in the Arabian Gulf on December 16, 2025.

Ars Technica

Musk says US military suicide drones used Starlink in violation of SpaceX rules

Musk says drones used Starlink instead of Starshield, blames military contractor.

Millions of AI agents imperiled by critical vulnerability in open source package Millions of AI agents and tools around the world have been imperiled by a critical vulnerability that can allow hackers to breach the servers running them and make off with sensitive data and credentials to third-party accounts, a security researcher is warning. The vulnerability is present in Starlette, an open source framework that its developer says receives 325 million downloads per week. Thousands of other open source projects are also vulnerable because they require Starlette to work. The framework is an implementation of the ASGI (asynchronous server gateway interface), which allows large numbers of requests to be efficiently processed simultaneously. Starlette is the base of FastAPI and other widely used frameworks for building services in Python apps, as well as many others. #### Trivial to exploit, millions of servers exposed ASGI, and by extension Starlette, have access to servers running the MCP (model context protocol), which allows AI agents from major providers to access external sources, including user data bases, email and calendar accounts, and all manner of other resources. To connect with these external systems, MCP servers store credentials for each one, making them especially valuable storehouses for attackers to breach. [Read full article][1] [Comments][2] [1]:

Ars Technica

Millions of AI agents imperiled by critical vulnerability in open source package

BadHost" was found in Starlette, a package with 325 million weekly downloads.

[2]:

Ars Technica

Millions of AI agents imperiled by critical vulnerability in open source package

BadHost" was found in Starlette, a package with 325 million weekly downloads.

Ars Technica

Millions of AI agents imperiled by critical vulnerability in open source package

BadHost" was found in Starlette, a package with 325 million weekly downloads.

Want an oxygen-rich atmosphere? Stuff oxygen’s friends in the mantle. Planet Earth has some pretty great qualities going for it. (Negative reviews mostly revolve around the staff and clientele.) Pretty high on the list of positives is a richly oxygenated atmosphere. But that’s something that evolved and built up over a couple billion years, only eventually resulting in a world conducive to animal life like us. Scientists have many ideas about what could have caused oxygen to increase, and it seems that [a number of them are probably correct][1]. No one thing in isolation seems to explain it. Life is part of the story, with photosynthetic life pumping out oxygen. The chemistry of the solid Earth also had a role to play, both through supporting photosynthetic life and through reactions that can shuttle oxygen between the atmosphere and rocks deep inside the Earth. A new study led by Wei Shi of the Chengdu University of Technology suggests that evidence of changes in the subduction of tectonic plates—the process by which they disappear down into Earth’s interior—lines up with the timing of jumps in oxygen levels. [Read full article][2] [Comments][3] [1]:

Ars Technica

The complicated history of how the Earth’s atmosphere became breathable

Biology, geology, and chemistry all worked together to make the present atmosphere.

[2]:

Ars Technica

Want an oxygen-rich atmosphere? Stuff oxygen’s friends in the mantle.

Getting carbon and sulfur into Earth’s interior may be part of oxygen’s story.

[3]:

Ars Technica

Want an oxygen-rich atmosphere? Stuff oxygen’s friends in the mantle.

Getting carbon and sulfur into Earth’s interior may be part of oxygen’s story.

Ars Technica

Want an oxygen-rich atmosphere? Stuff oxygen’s friends in the mantle.

Getting carbon and sulfur into Earth’s interior may be part of oxygen’s story.

3D-printable humanoid legs let robotics experiments run wild A $2,500 pair of humanoid robot legs built from 3D-printed parts and off-the-shelf components is not going to win marathons just yet. But such relatively inexpensive hardware could enable researchers to more easily test and train AI-powered robotics software in a physical body during real-world experiments. The newly available [LeRobot Humanoid][1] project comes from the machine learning and AI development platform [Hugging Face][2]. The full-stack release gives robot builders and researchers access to a bill of materials, files for 3D-printable parts, wiring documentation, and physical assembly instructions—but it also includes software tools for calibrating and controlling the robot in both the physical body and in simulation. “If you are looking for the most advanced humanoid robot, this is not it,” according to [Virgile Batto][3], a robotics engineer at Hugging Face, in a [blog post][4] coauthored with other colleagues. “If you are looking for a humanoid you can build, understand, repair, instrument, simulate, and use for learning experiments, this is the robot we are trying to make.” [Read full article][5] [Comments][6] [1]:

GitHub

GitHub - Virgileboat/lerobot-humanoid

Contribute to Virgileboat/lerobot-humanoid development by creating an account on GitHub.

[2]:

Ars Technica

Tag: Hugging Face

[3]:

VirgileBatto (Virgile BATTO)

User profile of Virgile BATTO on Hugging Face

[4]:

LeRobot Humanoid: An Open, Low-Cost, 3D-Printed Humanoid for Robot Learning

A Blog post by Virgile BATTO on Hugging Face

[5]:

Ars Technica

3D-printable humanoid legs let robotics experiments run wild

Hugging Face debuts $2,500 bipedal robot project for builders and researchers.

[6]:

Ars Technica

3D-printable humanoid legs let robotics experiments run wild

Hugging Face debuts $2,500 bipedal robot project for builders and researchers.

Hugging Face's LeHumanoid Robot offers a $2,500 bipedal robot platform as a starting price.

Ars Technica

3D-printable humanoid legs let robotics experiments run wild

Hugging Face debuts $2,500 bipedal robot project for builders and researchers.

FBI agent explains how easy it is to ID people posting AI porn without consent The earliest arrests under the Take It Down Act (TIDA) suggest that cops don't have to work too hard to identify people illegally posting and selling nonconsensual sexualized deepfakes of women online. Last week, the FBI [arrested][1] two men after visiting porn websites and clicking on hashtags like #AI #Deepfakes or video titles like "AI_tits" or "Ass_AI." One suspect accused of violating TIDA was 20-year-old Arturo Hernandez. He allegedly posted 113 albums viewed nearly a million times featuring AI-generated sexualized images and videos of approximately 50 women. Victims included political figures, actresses, and musicians, as well as women who are not public figures, such as female individuals who attended his Texas high school and an Instagram friend. [Read full article][2] [Comments][3] [1]:

 

[2]:

Ars Technica

FBI agent explains how easy it is to ID people posting AI porn without consent

A creepy saved post on Instagram linked man to AI porn account, FBI says.

[3]:

Ars Technica

FBI agent explains how easy it is to ID people posting AI porn without consent

A creepy saved post on Instagram linked man to AI porn account, FBI says.

Ars Technica

FBI agent explains how easy it is to ID people posting AI porn without consent

A creepy saved post on Instagram linked man to AI porn account, FBI says.

Windows' classic 3D Space Cadet pinball is getting a physical re-creation If you owned a Windows computer in the late '90s or early '00s, you probably remember [*3D Pinball for Windows - Space Cadet*][1], a surprisingly competent virtual table included for free with multiple Microsoft OS releases through Windows XP. Despite the game's authenticity to real pinball, *Space Cadet* wasn't based on an extant physical table, but was merely one part of the [*Full Tilt! Pinball*][2] software collection sold by Maxis starting in 1995. In the intervening years, hobbyists and enthusiasts have [discussed][3] the [possibility][4] of crafting a homebrew physical table based on *Space Cadet* many times, without much tangible progress to show for it. A company called Deeproot Pinball went so far as to [develop a reskinned prototype][5] of *Space Cadet*'s layout for a [planned 2021 release][6] before the whole company [went under amid fraud allegations][7]. Where Deeproot failed, though, hobbyist CNCDan hopes to succeed in creating a physical *Space Cadet* table. In [a video][8], he documents the start of his build process, which already includes 3D-printed mechanical flippers, pop bumpers (complete with embedded LEDs), slingshots, and even a raised playfield, all designed to mimic the look and feel of the original Windows table. [Read full article][9] [Comments][10] [1]:

Internet Archive

3D Pinball For Windows : Microsoft : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

3D Pinball for Windows – Space Cadet is a version of the Space Cadet table bundled with Microsoft Windows. It was originally packaged with Mi...

[2]:

FULL TILT! PINBALL

Forget the quarters! Full Tilt Ahead! This is as real as it gets - a truly realistic experience on a computer. Full Tilt! Pinball is just li...

[3]: https://www.reddit.com/r/pinball/comments/k16dqo/physical_space_cadet_pinball/ [4]:

One more post about Space Cadet | All Pinball | Pinside.com

| Forum Topic by Chosen_S

[5]: https://www.reddit.com/r/pinball/comments/u6md5l/deeproot_made_a_prototype_for_a_game_called/ [6]:

This Week in Pinball

THIS WEEK IN PINBALL: April 13th, 2020

[7]:

Welcome to Pinball News - First & Free

GAME OVER FOR DEEPROOT PINBALL?

It could be 'Game Over' for Deeproot Pinball after the company's founder and "Principal & Architect of all things deeproot Pinball",...

[8]: [9]:

Ars Technica

Windows' classic 3D Space Cadet pinball is getting a physical re-creation

But there are some real-world constraints that virtual pinball could easily ignore.

[10]:

Ars Technica

Windows' classic 3D Space Cadet pinball is getting a physical re-creation

But there are some real-world constraints that virtual pinball could easily ignore.

You can almost hear the '90s era hard drive spinning up underneath a CRT monitor.

Ars Technica

Windows' classic 3D Space Cadet pinball is getting a physical re-creation

But there are some real-world constraints that virtual pinball could easily ignore.

A global brand but local cars is Audi's future, says CEO Audi provided flights from Washington, DC, to Munich, Germany, and accommodation so Ars could see its new Q, as well as drive its new RS5, which you can read about later this week. While we were there, we spoke with the CEO. Ars does not accept paid editorial content. MUNICH—One of the defining car industry trends of the early 21st century was the [global, or world, car][1]. Spread the development costs out across multiple markets, the thinking went, and efficiency takes care of the rest. At least that was the idea; post-COVID, post-[Evergreen][2], and in a world now erupting into [trade wars][3] and [actual shooting wars][4], plans need to change. "With Audi we have to be flexible on a global perspective," said Audi AG CEO Gernot Döllner, and the new Q9 is an example of that. "It's really the car where US requirements were at the center of the product development process. It's dedicated to the US for the first time. Global launch, not Europe and then US. And for the Q9, it's the US first and then it's also dominated the volume we expect by the US American market. And then after the US, we will have the global launch of that car," he said. Yes, that means bigger and better cup holders that can handle the insulated mugs that everyone had to have, [as we saw from the Q9's interior][5]. But it also means paying more attention to things like the JD Power surveys and so on. For example, for the Q9, "we rearranged the smart door panels we have in our A5, A6, and Q5 cars and came back to dedicated switches, optimized the interior cooling, and of course seating, the roof concept, all that with a key customer focus," Döllner said. [Read full article][6] [Comments][7] [1]:

Bloomberg.com

Can Ford's "World Car" Bet Pay Off?

As CEO Alan Mulally sets about remaking Ford Motor (F), he has put at the center of his efforts the "world car." It's a simple concept: building on...

[2]:

Ars Technica

The massive cargo ship that blocked the Suez Canal is now moving again

After impeding traffic for days, high tide and plenty of tugs got it unstuck.

[3]:

Ars Technica

Trump on car tariffs: “I couldn’t care less if they raise prices”

Consumers will have to pay the price of the president's unnecessary trade war.

[4]:

Ars Technica

The chaos of war and COVID continues to close car factories

Tesla is the latest to stop work in China, as VW and BMW run out of wiring.

[5]:

Ars Technica

Audi has a new Q9 flagship coming soon: Here's its interior

Audi made sure to consult American tastes for its first full-size SUV.

[6]:

Ars Technica

A global brand but local cars is Audi's future, says CEO

We talk with Gernot Döllner, CEO of Audi AG, about where he's taking the company.

[7]:

Ars Technica

A global brand but local cars is Audi's future, says CEO

We talk with Gernot Döllner, CEO of Audi AG, about where he's taking the company.

Audi CEO Gernot Döllner to the right of the Audi Concept C

Ars Technica

A global brand but local cars is Audi's future, says CEO

We talk with Gernot Döllner, CEO of Audi AG, about where he's taking the company.

Review: The Boroughs is a smart, pitch-perfect creature feature The [Duffer brothers][1] wrapped up their blockbuster series [*Stranger Things*][2] earlier this year and also departed Netflix for a lucrative new production deal with Paramount. But a couple of their production projects remain with Netflix: the animated series [*Stranger Things: Tales from '85*][3], which dropped in April to mixed reviews; and the newly released [*The Boroughs*][4], a supernatural thriller set in a retirement community in the New Mexico desert. I'm happy to report that *The Boroughs* is a creative home run, with a smart, witty script, terrific ensemble cast, and engrossing central mystery. **(Some spoilers below but no major reveals.)** Sam Cooper (Alfred Molina) is a recently widowed, retired aeronautical engineer who (very) reluctantly moves into The Boroughs retirement community. It was his late wife's choice to move there, and the company refuses to let him out of the contract he co-signed when Lilly (Jane Kaczmarek) was still alive. So he's grumpy about the whole arrangement, snapping at his long-suffering daughter, Claire (Jena Malone) and pretty much anyone else who crosses his path. [Read full article][5] [Comments][6] [1]:

The Duffer Brothers - Wikipedia

[2]:

Ars Technica

Review: Stranger Things’ frustrating finale didn’t quite stick the landing

Sure, there were many great moments, but in the end, they didn't add up to a satisfying whole.

[3]:

Stranger Things: Tales from '85 - Wikipedia

[4]:

The Boroughs - Wikipedia

[5]:

Ars Technica

Review: The Boroughs is a smart, pitch-perfect creature feature

Top-notch ensemble cast, smart writing, and an engrossing supernatural mystery make for a winning combo.

[6]:

Ars Technica

Review: The Boroughs is a smart, pitch-perfect creature feature

Top-notch ensemble cast, smart writing, and an engrossing supernatural mystery make for a winning combo.

Ars Technica

Review: The Boroughs is a smart, pitch-perfect creature feature

Top-notch ensemble cast, smart writing, and an engrossing supernatural mystery make for a winning combo.

Amazing interior, controversial exterior: Ferrari's first electric car Ferrari provided flights from Washington, DC, to Rome and accommodation so Ars could see the Luce. Ars does not accept paid editorial content. ROME—The arrival of any new Ferrari that isn't a two-seater is usually controversial, but the Luce might be the most divisive yet. It's Ferrari's first four-door sedan and first five-seater, but perhaps most importantly—especially for readers of Ars Technica—it's Ferrari's first-ever battery-electric vehicle. Each of those individually is probably anathema to some Ferrari fans, never mind all three together. But it's 2026, and the reality is that the manufacturer absolutely needs something emissions-free in its offerings for vitally important markets like China and Silicon Valley. And now, here it is. Like some legendary Ferraris of the past, the company chose to work with an outside design team for the Luce, in this case LoveFrom, helmed by Jony Ive and Marc Newson. Many will detect some hints of Apple in the car's design; more than one journalist said they could imagine it wearing that computer company's logo rather than the prancing horse shields that dot its exterior. But the almost cab-forward glasshouse perhaps calls to mind the Lotus Etna concept, with some Ferrari F90 (a one-off for the Sultan of Brunei) here and there, too. And the four round tail lights obviously reference '90s designs like the 360 and 550. [Read full article][1] [Comments][2] [1]:

Ars Technica

Amazing interior, controversial exterior: Ferrari's first electric car

The interior is spectacular; the exterior looks better in person than on screen.

[2]:

Ars Technica

Amazing interior, controversial exterior: Ferrari's first electric car

The interior is spectacular; the exterior looks better in person than on screen.

I think the shape works best in Rosso Dino, but I still need to see the car in sunlight.

Ars Technica

Amazing interior, controversial exterior: Ferrari's first electric car

The interior is spectacular; the exterior looks better in person than on screen.

Analyst on China's spent rocket stages: "Things only continue to get worse" Up until a decade ago, China had never launched as many as 20 orbital rockets a year. But beginning in 2022, the Asian country launched 64 rockets and last year reached a record total of 93, marking it as the second-most productive space power in the world. Further growth is anticipated from both the company's state-owned enterprises as well as a rapidly expanding number of private launch companies. There is nothing wrong with this, as China's rapid growth in launch has been mirrored by the United States and, in particular, SpaceX. However there is an issue with these launches, as China appears to be ignoring long-established norms about disposing of the upper stages of rockets. These are the parts of the vehicle that separate from the first stage of a rocket and push a satellite or spacecraft into orbit. [Read full article][1] [Comments][2] [1]:

Ars Technica

Analyst on China's spent rocket stages: "Things only continue to get worse"

Spent upper stages are the most dangerous kind of space debris.

[2]:

Ars Technica

Analyst on China's spent rocket stages: "Things only continue to get worse"

Spent upper stages are the most dangerous kind of space debris.

Growth in rocket body mass in long-lived orbits since January 2022.

Ars Technica

Analyst on China's spent rocket stages: "Things only continue to get worse"

Spent upper stages are the most dangerous kind of space debris.

Driving Porsche's most powerful car—and no, it's not a 911 Porsche provided flights from Albany, New York, to Munich, Germany, and accommodation so Ars could drive the electric Cayenne Coupe. Ars does not accept paid editorial content. MUNICH, GERMANY—Think about every fast Porsche you've ever seen on the road—the ones with big wings, bold colors, and wide wheels. Now get ready for an uncomfortable fact: None of them had more horsepower than the SUV you see pictured here. This is the new Cayenne Turbo Coupe, a fastback, dual-motor, upgraded version of Porsche's electric SUV. It makes a whopping 1,139 hp (850 kW) and 1,106 lb-ft of torque (1,500 Nm), enough to drive this 5,637 lb (2,557 kg) machine and its 113-kilowatt-hour battery pack from zero to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 2.4 seconds. That makes it not only Porsche's most powerful production car ever but also among its quickest, bested only by the [Taycan Turbo GT][1]. But unlike that pared-down, performance-oriented take on Porsche's sultry electric sedan, the Cayenne Coupe is meant to be an everyday hauler for friends, family, and whatever else you can fit underneath its hatch. Does it succeed? That's what I went to Munich to find out. [Read full article][2] [Comments][3] [1]:

Ars Technica

Here’s Porsche’s newest EV, the 1,000-horsepower Taycan Turbo GT

The new EV has set lap records at Laguna Seca and the Nürburgring.

[2]:

Ars Technica

Driving Porsche's most powerful car—and no, it's not a 911

139 horsepower, 400 kW charging, brutally fast, and brutally expensive.

[3]:

Ars Technica

Driving Porsche's most powerful car—and no, it's not a 911

139 horsepower, 400 kW charging, brutally fast, and brutally expensive.

The SUV saved Porsche from ruin, now it's made a ruinously powerful SUV.

Ars Technica

Driving Porsche's most powerful car—and no, it's not a 911

139 horsepower, 400 kW charging, brutally fast, and brutally expensive.

Citing Gandalf, Pope Leo says we must "disarm" AI With the co-founder of Anthropic at his side today in Rome, Pope Leo XIV [released][1] a [major new encyclical][2]—his first—called "Magnifica Humanitas” ("Magnificent Humanity"). It calls for AI to be "disarmed" in service of the common good. "The word is strong," Leo admits, but he chose the language of "disarmament" deliberately "because this moment needs words capable of attracting attention, awakening consciences, and indicating paths forward for humanity." AI today must be "freed from logics that turn it into an instrument of domination, exclusion, and death." The 40,000-word encyclical contains uncompromising critiques of AI-powered autonomous weapons, neo-colonial attitudes towards data collection, and the hoarding of "new forms of property, such as patents, algorithms, digital platforms, technological infrastructure, and data." [Read full article][3] [Comments][4] [1]:

Presentation and promulgation of the Encyclical Letter “Magnifica humanitas” (25 May 2026)

PRESENTATION AND PROMULGATION OF THE ENCYCLICAL LETTER “MAGNIFICA HUMANITAS” ADDRESS OF POPE LEO XIV Synod Hall Monday, 25 May 2026 [ M...

[2]:

Encyclical Letter of His Holiness Leo XIV Magnifica Humanitas (15 May 2026)

ENCYCLICAL LETTER MAGNIFICA HUMANITAS OF HIS HOLINESS POPE LEO XIV ON SAFEGUARDING THE HUMAN PERSON IN THE TIME OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE [ Multim...

[3]:

Ars Technica

Citing Gandalf, Pope Leo says we must "disarm" AI

In an age of AI, Pope looks for "artisans of hope."

[4]:

Ars Technica

Citing Gandalf, Pope Leo says we must "disarm" AI

In an age of AI, Pope looks for "artisans of hope."

Pope Leo XIV presents "Magnifica Humanitas" at the Vatican.

Ars Technica

Citing Gandalf, Pope Leo says we must "disarm" AI

In an age of AI, Pope looks for "artisans of hope."

I spent years forcing myself to finish The Witcher 3—don't repeat my mistake I don't like [*The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt*][1]. I'm sorry to disappoint you. I know it's confusing, and I hope you will still respect me. I had to say that a lot back in 2015. When the game first came out, the community of critics and enthusiasts I was a part of went bananas for it, much in the same way the current crop of journalists and influencers rallied around *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33* in 2025—another game that didn't really work for me, if I'm being frank. *The Witcher 3* was showered in accolades and awards, and it seemed like every Twitter conversation was about it. There were memes all over Reddit about how no other game could live up to it, plus lengthy essays from games journalists about just why it was so incredible. "Game of the Year" awards rained from the proverbial sky. [Read full article][2] [Comments][3] [1]: https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-8984087-15232592?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gog.com%2Fen%2Fgame%2Fthe_witcher_3_wild_hunt [2]:

Ars Technica

I spent years forcing myself to finish The Witcher 3—don't repeat my mistake

Consensus and genre labels aren't reliable predictors of what you'll enjoy.

[3]:

Ars Technica

I spent years forcing myself to finish The Witcher 3—don't repeat my mistake

Consensus and genre labels aren't reliable predictors of what you'll enjoy.

Open world? Check. Gorgeous? Check. Deep RPG systems? Check. And yet...

Ars Technica

I spent years forcing myself to finish The Witcher 3—don't repeat my mistake

Consensus and genre labels aren't reliable predictors of what you'll enjoy.

US's big bet on quantum computing may not be entirely legal Last week, the US government announced [$2 billion in investments][1] in quantum computing companies, allocating $100 million each to a range of startups in exchange for equity in the companies. Those could be make-or-break investments for many companies that are likely years away from a product that could see widespread use. But a member of the US Congress is now arguing that those deals are illegal, as Congress did not allocate the money for this purpose—instead, it was meant to support public research in semiconductors. But the biggest chunk of money would go to a company that likely wouldn't exist if it weren't for the government's backing. Anderon will be set up with a billion dollars each from IBM and the government and will inherit personnel and IP from IBM. It will serve as a foundry for fabricating quantum processing units and will contract its services out to IBM and any other company that wants access to cutting-edge hardware. ## Is any of this legal? Zoe Lofgren (D–Calif.), the ranking member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, [made it clear][2] that she is not happy with how the government is using its money to support this technology. [Read full article][3] [Comments][4] [1]:

Ars Technica

US government takes $2 billion equity stake in nine quantum computing firms

Beneficiaries include startup backed by firm with links to the Trump family.

[2]:

Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren

Ranking Member Lofgren Calls Out Trump Admin for Illegal Use of CHIPS and Science Funds

“This announcement is illegal and troubling on so many levels.”

[3]:

Ars Technica

US's big bet on quantum computing may not be entirely legal

Deal also launched the first quantum foundry company, but is there a need for it?

[4]:

Ars Technica

US's big bet on quantum computing may not be entirely legal

Deal also launched the first quantum foundry company, but is there a need for it?

A wafer full of quantum processors fabricated by IBM. In the future, that fabrication will be done by a newly launched company.

Ars Technica

US's big bet on quantum computing may not be entirely legal

Deal also launched the first quantum foundry company, but is there a need for it?

Whatever the mirror test tells us, beluga whales pass it In hours of underwater video footage from a New York aquarium, a beluga whale named Natasha stretches her neck, pirouettes, nods, and shakes her head in front of a two-way mirror. Her daughter Maris does much the same. According to a new study published in [PLOS One][1], both animals show the behavioral hallmarks of mirror self-recognition—a cognitive ability long considered a marker of self-awareness, and one that had never before been documented in beluga whales. If the result holds up, belugas join a remarkably short list. The mirror self-recognition test (MSR) has been passed, with varying degrees of confidence, by humans (starting around age two), a handful of great apes (chimps, bonobos, orangutans, and—somewhat contentiously—gorillas), [Asian elephants][2], [bottlenose dolphins][3], probably [magpies][4], possibly [orcas][5], and, if you can believe it, a [cleaner wrasse][6]. That's it. No dogs, no cats, no monkeys. Plenty of species we had assumed were self-aware have been tested and failed. ## Looking at the mirror So what is this test, exactly, and what is it supposed to tell us? [Read full article][7] [Comments][8] [1]: https://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0348287 [2]: https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.0608062103 [3]: http://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.101086398 [4]:

Mirror-Induced Behavior in the Magpie (Pica pica): Evidence of Self-Recognition

The European magpie, a bird with a large brain and highly developed perspective-taking skills, shows evidence of mirror self-recognition.

[5]: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376635701001346?via%3Dihub [6]:

If a fish can pass the mark test, what are the implications for consciousness and self-awareness testing in animals?

A marine fish, the cleaner wrasse, appears to perform all the appropriate behavioural responses during the mirror, or mark test. Does this mean tha...

[7]:

Ars Technica

Whatever the mirror test tells us, beluga whales pass it

The white whales join the short, contested list of animals that see themselves.

[8]:

Ars Technica

Whatever the mirror test tells us, beluga whales pass it

The white whales join the short, contested list of animals that see themselves.

Ars Technica

Whatever the mirror test tells us, beluga whales pass it

The white whales join the short, contested list of animals that see themselves.

SpaceX's Starship V3—still a work in progress—mostly successful on first flight SpaceX launched the first test flight of its upgraded Starship rocket and Super Heavy booster Friday, with mostly positive results. The powerful rocket, propelled by 33 methane-fueled main engines, climbed away from SpaceX's Starbase launch facility in South Texas at 5:30 pm CDT (6:30 pm EDT; 22:30 UTC) Friday. Within a few seconds, the 408-foot-tall (124-meter) rocket, the largest ever built, cleared the launch tower and turned onto an eastward heading over the Gulf of Mexico. Starship splashed down on target in the Indian Ocean a little more than an hour later to conclude the first flight of the latest version of SpaceX's stainless steel mega-rocket. Starship V3 fared better on its debut than the [first flights of Starship V1][1] and [V2 in 2023 and 2025][2]. Both past versions of Starship broke apart during launch on their inaugural flights. [Read full article][3] [Comments][4] [1]:

Ars Technica

So what was that? Was Starship’s launch a failure or a success?

SpaceX's development process is messier, but it's also much faster.

[2]:

Ars Technica

Fire destroys Starship on its seventh test flight, raining debris from space

The Federal Aviation Administration will likely require an investigation into the accident.

[3]:

Ars Technica

SpaceX's Starship V3—still a work in progress—mostly successful on first flight

SpaceX has more to prove before flying Starship all the way to low-Earth orbit.

[4]:

Ars Technica

SpaceX's Starship V3—still a work in progress—mostly successful on first flight

SpaceX has more to prove before flying Starship all the way to low-Earth orbit.

A spacecraft deployed from Starship captured this view of the vehicle in darkness over the South Atlantic Ocean.

Ars Technica

SpaceX's Starship V3—still a work in progress—mostly successful on first flight

SpaceX has more to prove before flying Starship all the way to low-Earth orbit.

Two space shuttle-era spacewalkers enter Astronaut Hall of Fame Tom Akers and Joe Tanner are finally in the same class. The two veteran space shuttle crew members [were inducted into the US Astronaut Hall of Fame][1] together on May 16. They could also have been in the same NASA astronaut selection group, too, had history played out a little differently. In 1984, Tanner reported to the Johnson Space Center (JSC) to fly as an instructor pilot and then applied for the next class of astronaut candidates. [Read full article][2] [Comments][3] [1]:

collectSPACE.com

Shuttle-era spacewalkers Akers, Tanner enter Astronaut Hall of Fame

Tom Akers and Joe Tanner are finally in the same class together. The space shuttle-era fliers were inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. A...

[2]:

Ars Technica

Two space shuttle-era spacewalkers enter Astronaut Hall of Fame

More than 20 men and women who have traveled into space came together to see two of their fellow fliers enter the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame.

[3]:

Ars Technica

Two space shuttle-era spacewalkers enter Astronaut Hall of Fame

More than 20 men and women who have traveled into space came together to see two of their fellow fliers enter the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame.

U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame class of 2026 members Tom Akers and Joe Tanner (at center) are surrounded by 18 past honorees at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

Ars Technica

Two space shuttle-era spacewalkers enter Astronaut Hall of Fame

More than 20 men and women who have traveled into space came together to see two of their fellow fliers enter the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame.