Sam Altman May Control Our Future—Can He Be Trusted? | The New Yorker
New interviews and closely guarded documents shed light on the persistent doubts about the head of OpenAI.
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Who Is Satoshi Nakamoto? My Quest to Unmask Bitcoin’s Creator
Who Is Satoshi Nakamoto? My Quest to Unmask Bitcoin’s Creator - The New York Times
Bitcoin’s creator has hidden behind the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto for 17 years. But a trail of clues buried deep in crypto lore led to a 55-year-old computer scientist named Adam Back.
Adam Back Denies He Is Satoshi Nakamoto in Response to Times Investigation - The New York Times
“Dr. Adam Back has consistently stated that he is not Satoshi Nakamoto,” his company said in a statement. “What is not speculative is Adam’s foundational contribution to Bitcoin.”
4 Takeaways From Our Search for Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin’s Creator - The New York Times
Here’s what we found suggesting that Adam Back invented Bitcoin.
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| Mr. Back spoke at the Bitcoin2025 conference in Las Vegas last May.Ronda Churchill/Bloomberg |
Anthropic Claims Its New A.I. Model, Mythos, Is a Cybersecurity ‘Reckoning’; This is a warning sign
Anthropic Claims Its New A.I. Model, Mythos, Is a Cybersecurity ‘Reckoning’ - The New York Times
The company said on Tuesday that it was holding back on releasing the new technology but was working with 40 companies to explore how it could prevent cyberattacks.
The new model — known as Claude Mythos Preview — is available to a consortium of more than 40 technology companies, including Apple, Amazon and Microsoft, which will use the model to find and patch security vulnerabilities in critical software programs.
Anthropic said it had no plans to release its new technology more widely, but was announcing the new model’s capabilities in one area in particular — identifying security vulnerabilities in software — in an effort to sound the alarm over what the company believes will be a new, scarier era of A.I. threats.
“The goal is both to raise awareness and to give good actors a head start on the process of securing open-source and private infrastructure and code,” Jared Kaplan, Anthropic’s chief science officer, said in an interview.
Opinion | Anthropic’s Restraint Is a Terrifying Warning Sign - The New York Times
Jim Whittaker, First American to Reach Everest’s Summit, Dies at 97
Jim Whittaker, First American to Reach Everest’s Summit, Dies at 97 - The New York Times
As an executive with the outdoor-supply retailer REI and an experienced climber, he conquered Mount Everest in 1963, when fewer than 10 people were known to have done so.
‘Ketamine Queen’ Sentenced to 15 Years in Matthew Perry’s Overdose Death
‘Ketamine Queen’ Sentenced to 15 Years in Matthew Perry’s Overdose Death - The New York Times
The sentence for Jasveen Sangha, who prosecutors say was known to customers as the Ketamine Queen, is the stiffest yet for those charged in the “Friends” star’s death.
Dealer Known as ‘Ketamine Queen’ to Plead Guilty in Matthew Perry Case - The New York Times
Jasveen Sangha will plead guilty to selling the ketamine that killed the “Friends” star, prosecutors said. She could face decades in prison.
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| Jasveen Sangha in a photo taken from her Instagram account. |
In 20 Minutes, Gilgo Beach Killer Admits to Murdering 8 Women; Gilgo Beach Killer’s ‘Unusual’ Deal Could Help Solve Other Murders
Gilgo Beach Killer’s ‘Unusual’ Deal Could Help Solve Other Murders - The New York Times
Rex Heuermann agreed to talk to behavioral analysts at the F.B.I. when he pleaded guilty. The unit has interviewed Ted Bundy, John Wayne Gacy and Richard Speck.
Suspect in Gilgo Beach Murders Pleads Guilty - The New York Times
Rex Heuermann had been charged with killing at least seven women on Long Island. He was arrested in 2023, more than a decade after the first bodies were found.
In 20 Minutes, Gilgo Beach Killer Admits to Murdering 8 Women - The New York Times
As he pleaded guilty on Wednesday, Rex Heuermann gave the same one-word answer each time he was asked how he killed one of his victims.
For Trump, Resuming Combat in Iran Would Be Risky, Even if Cease-Fire Expires; Military families bear the burden of war, again...
For Trump, Resuming Combat in Iran Would Be Risky, Even if Cease-Fire Expires - The New York Times
President Trump knows that even if a cease-fire runs out with no final agreement on the issues dividing Washington and Tehran, the political risk of renewing hostilities is high.
To Boost Military Budget, Trump Targets Popular Programs at Home - The New York Times
Amid the war with Iran, the president has proposed to scale back some of the very programs meant to ease families’ financial burdens.
Military Families Bear the Burden of War, Again - The New York Times
Even as a two-week ceasefire takes hold, mothers in multigenerational military families — some veterans themselves — are anxious about what the war in Iran could mean for their children, as they face the uncertainty of another conflict in the Middle East.
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| Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday declared that the Iranians had been “humiliated and demoralized.”Photo by Salwan Georges for The New York Times |
How Trump Took the U.S. to War With Iran
How Trump Took the U.S. to War With Iran - The New York Times
In a series of Situation Room meetings, President Trump weighed his instincts against the deep concerns of his vice president and a pessimistic intelligence assessment. Here’s the inside story of how he made the fateful decision.
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| Vice President JD Vance, the figure inside the White House most opposed to a full-scale war, described it as “a huge distraction of resources” and “massively expensive.” Photo by Doug Mills (NYT) |
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| Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was the biggest proponent of a military campaign against Iran within the cabinet. Photo by Eric Lee (NYT) |
U.S.-Iran Cease-Fire Tested by Strikes on Lebanon and Confusion Over Strait
Even as the status of the Strait of Hormuz remained unclear and U.S. and Iranian officials issued dueling threats to resume attacks if the cease-fire fell apart, both countries had reason to hope it held together.
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
How Accurate Are Google’s A.I. Overviews?; It's lonely at the top if a $1.8B AI-powered health company
How Accurate Are Google’s A.I. Overviews? - The New York Times
The company’s A.I.-generated answers look authoritative, but they draw on an array of sources, from trustworthy sites to Facebook posts.
How A.I. Helped One Man (and His Brother) Build a $1.8 Billion Company - The New York Times
Who needs more than two employees when artificial intelligence can do so many corporate tasks? It’s super efficient — and a little bit lonely.
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| To build Medvi, Mr. Gallagher used A.I. tools including ChatGPT, Claude, Grok, Midjourney and Runway.Maggie Shannon for The New York Times |
Pakistan Says It Hit a Military Target. Investigations Suggest It Was a Rehab Center
After the deadliest attack in Afghanistan since the Taliban took over, families searched among photos and remains for signs of their relatives.
Artemis II Astronauts Head Home After Historic Journey Around the Moon
Artemis II Astronauts Head Home After Historic Journey Around the Moon - The New York Times
The NASA lunar flyby took the four crew members farther from Earth than any humans. They witnessed a solar eclipse and received praise in a call from President Trump.
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| A view of Earth from the Orion capsule after it reached its farthest distance from the planet on Monday.Photo by NASA. |
Trump Deadline Looms in Iran War; US airman rescued; Journalists threatened with jail
Iran War Live Updates: Trump’s Hormuz Deadline Hangs Over the Middle East - The New York Times
President Trump warned that a “whole civilization will die tonight” if Iran does not make a deal by 8 p.m. Eastern. He has pressed Tehran to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil route, or face a wave of strikes on critical infrastructure.
A Harrowing Race Against Time to Find a Downed U.S. Airman in Iran - The New York Times
For the Iranians, the Air Force colonel whose fighter jet had been shot down was possible leverage. For the U.S. military, finding him was a moral imperative.
After Iran shot down a U.S. plane and U.S. forces pulled off a risky ground operation to extricate a stranded airman, both sides claimed victory. That confidence could fuel further escalation.
Hegseth Likens Easter Rescue of U.S. Airman to Resurrection of Jesus Christ - The New York Times
President Trump also asserted that God supports the American war against Iran “because God is good, and God wants to see people taken care of.”
Hegseth Says U.S. Troops Are Fighting for Jesus. The Pope Disagrees. - The New York Times
In sharp contrast to the Trump administration’s calls for Christian prayers for the war effort, Pope Leo XIV says military domination is “entirely foreign to the way of Jesus Christ.”
Trump Threatens Jail if Journalists Protect Certain Iran Sources - The New York Times
The president indicated he would ask an unnamed media outlet to reveal the sources behind its coverage of Iran’s successful strike on a U.S. fighter jet, and of its crew.
Monday, April 6, 2026
The War Is Turning Iran Into a Major World Power
Opinion | The War Is Turning Iran Into a Major World Power - The New York Times (Thanks to Matte for this one)
Hungarian PM faces ‘false flag’ claims after Serbia says explosives found near pipeline
Hungarian PM faces ‘false flag’ claims after Serbia says explosives found near pipeline | Hungary | The Guardian (Thanks to Matte for this one)
Related:
Vance Visits Hungary to Boost Orban Before Election - The New York Times
The trip by the American vice president, JD Vance, makes clear that Russia is not the only country invested in a victory for Hungary’s leader, Viktor Orban.
Why Hungary’s Election Could Swing on Roma Votes - The New York Times
Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s policies affecting the Roma minority have put those voters in play in upcoming parliamentary elections. In a tight race, they could make the difference.
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| Viktor Orbán greets supporters at a campaign rally in Győr last month. Photo by Bernadett Szabo/Reuters. |
Monday, March 30, 2026
Polymarket Says It Deals in Truth, but Its Social Feeds Are Filled With Falsehoods
A review of the betting market’s social media feeds found it has published hundreds of false and misleading posts.
Michael Rousseau, Air Canada’s CEO, to Step Down Amid Backlash Over Comments After Crash
Michael Rousseau’s mostly English statement after a fatal runway collision drew sharp criticism. The airline said it would emphasize French fluency in its search for a successor.
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| Michael Rousseau, an Air Canada veteran, took over as chief executive of the airline in 2021. Photo by Nick Lachance|Toronto Star via Getty Images. |
Friday, March 27, 2026
Humpback Whale Is Freed After Days Stranded Off German Beach
Humpback Whale Is Freed After Days Stranded Off German Beach - The New York Times
In an unexpected breakthrough, the 40-foot mammal swam to deeper water on Friday morning through a channel that rescuers had dug for it.
Senate Votes to Fund TSA and Most of DHS--but not ICE--in Bid to End Partial Shutdown
House weighs funding for TSA but not ICE | AP News (Thanks to Sonia for this one)
Senate Votes to Fund TSA and Most of DHS in Bid to End Partial Shutdown - The New York Times
The bill excludes funding for ICE and Border Patrol but restores it for federal airport security workers. The House could consider the package on Friday.
NJ man who decapitated seagull that tried to steal French fry from daughter sentenced to 8 months
NJ man who decapitated seagull that tried to steal French fry from daughter sentenced to 8 months (Thanks to Joe for this one)
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| New Jersey man Franklin Ziegler pleaded guilty to decapitating a seagull, served 262 days in prison and was fined $250. |
Thursday, March 26, 2026
Talks? Nope. 82nd Airborne? Yes. Raising the maximum age for the army? Yes.
Israel and Iran ramp up attacks as Trump insists Tehran wants a deal : NPR
Trump floats 15-point through Pakistani intermediary. Iran is not interested and counters with its own 5-point plan.
U.S. and Iran Are Talking About Ways to End the War: What to Know - The New York Times
Trump’s Threats to Europe Put Its Leaders in a Double Bind Over Iran - The New York Times
European politicians risk angering their voters if they join America’s war. Yet they could also face domestic upheaval if they take no action to reopen shipping routes that Iran has blocked and ease an energy crisis.
The Gravity of the War in Iran - The New York Times
Israel said that an airstrike had killed Alireza Tangsiri, a key player in Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump warned Iranian officials to consider his peace proposal “before it is too late.”
What is the 82nd Airborne Division preparing to deploy to Iran?
Army raises maximum age as Trump plots putting boots on ground
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
LaGuardia collision forces airport closure; NYC Airports Experience Long TSA Lines and Frustrated Travelers
LaGuardia collision: 2 pilots killed after Air Canada jet hits fire truck, forcing airport closure (Thanks to Sara for these)
Two pilots were killed at New York’s LaGuardia Airport late Sunday night after an Air Canada jet struck a Port Authority vehicle on the ground while landing, officials said. More than 40 passengers, crew members and Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting officers were hospitalized. The airport is expected to be closed until 2 p.m. Monday.
At NYC Airports, Long TSA Lines and Frustrated Travelers - The New York Times
The shortage of checkpoint workers created lines of at least three hours at LaGuardia Airport. Many passengers doubted ICE agents were the solution.
Meta and YouTube Found Negligent in Landmark Social Media Addiction Trial
Meta and YouTube Found Negligent in Landmark Social Media Addiction Trial - The New York Times
A jury found the companies negligent in their app designs, harming a young user with design features that were addictive and led to her mental health distress.
Meta Ordered to Pay $375 Million Over Child Safety Violations - The New York Times
In one of the company’s first major losses, New Mexico jurors found that it had misled consumers about the safety of its platforms, enabling sexual exploitation of young users.
Related:
Snap Settles Lawsuit on Social Media Addiction, Avoiding a Landmark Trial - The New York Times
The settlement means Snap will avoid a trial where plaintiffs had planned to argue that social media platforms are inherently defective and subject to personal injury liability.
Meta Acquires Moltbook, the Social Network Just for A.I. Bots - The New York Times
Maybe Meta can do for chatbots what it has done for teens! Matt Schlicht, the site’s creator, helped kick off Silicon Valley’s obsession with artificial intelligence agents. Two months later, he is joining the Meta Superintelligence Lab. Will chatbots start suing? (I know this feels like an April Fools' joke, but satire used to be satire and now we have machines writing novels.)
Juries Take the Lead in the Push for Child Online Safety - The New York Times
A pair of verdicts held social media companies accountable for harming young users, highlighting a growing backlash as Congress struggles to pass legislation.
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
What to know about the scope of damage from Hawaii flooding
What to know about the scope of damage from Hawaii flooding | AP News (Thanks to Graydon for this one)
Saudi Prince Is Said to Push Trump to Continue Iran War in Recent Calls
Saudi Prince Is Said to Push Trump to Continue Iran War in Recent Calls - The New York Times (Thanks to Haadi for this one)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman sees a “historic opportunity” to remake the region, according to people briefed by U.S. officials on the conversations.
Trump wants the SAVE Act, but he just voted by mail; Tells GOP not to make a deal on DHS Funding until SAVE is passed
Trump, Who Calls Mail-in Voting ‘Cheating,’ Just Voted by Mail - The New York Times
President Trump has long fixated on mail-in voting to bolster his baseless claims of widespread voter fraud. But he recently used the method in a Florida special election.
What’s in Trump’s SAVE Act, the Voter ID Bill Republicans Are Pushing? - The New York Times
The legislation would require voters to prove their citizenship in person upon registration, ban IDs without a photo at polling places and criminalize failures to enforce such requirements. Experts estimate that about 9% of U.S. citizens would not be able to vote due to lack of documentation.
TSA wait times, ICE agents deployed as flyers face worsening lines | CNN
‘Please do something’: Concerns raised about LaGuardia safety before fatal runway collision | CNN
Markwayne Mullin confirmed as Department of Homeland Security head
Trump Delays Threat to Iran, but War Negotiations Are in Early Stage; Iran disagrees
Trump Delays Threat to Iran, but War Negotiations Are in Early Stage - The New York Times
President Trump postponed his threat to strike power plants in Iran, citing “productive conversations” with the Iranians. But officials said the talks were in an early stage and not substantive.
Trump Faces Blowback on Easing Iran Oil Sanctions - The New York Times
President Trump once assailed the Obama administration for making cash payments to Iran. Now he supports sanctions relief that could give the country a $14 billion windfall.
Investors Question Whether Quick Peace in Iran Is Possible - The New York Times
Oil Prices Rise a Day After 10% Plunge - The New York Times
He delivered a lengthy speech at his country’s rubber-stamp Parliament, declaring that his nuclear power will shield his country from American hostility.
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| Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister, in Tehran last year. He is said to have conveyed to the U.S. that Iran would need sanctions relief and guarantees against future attacks. |
Former FBI director Robert Mueller dies at 81, a look at his legacy and the reaction of President Trump
Ex-FBI chief Robert Mueller, who probed Russia-Trump campaign ties, dies | AP News
Robert Mueller, special counsel who probed but did not charge Trump, dies at 81
A Look at Robert Mueller's Legacy | FRONTLINE | PBS | Official Site | Documentary Series
A Marine Corps veteran who served in Vietnam, Mueller built a decades-long career in law enforcement and national security. He worked as a federal prosecutor and later served as U.S. attorney in San Francisco before taking on senior roles at the Justice Department.
Mueller led the FBI from 2001 to 2013. He was appointed FBI director in 2001, just one week before the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, and went on to lead the bureau through a major shift toward counterterrorism. Mueller remained in the role for 12 years after being asked by President Barack Obama to stay beyond the traditional 10-year term.
He later served as special counsel investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election, a probe that shadowed much of Trump’s presidency. He brought charges against multiple Trump associates during the Russia investigation, including former campaign chairman Paul Manafort and former national security adviser Michael Flynn. His final report detailed extensive contacts between the Trump campaign and Russia but did not establish a criminal conspiracy. Mueller declined to make a traditional prosecutorial decision on whether Trump obstructed justice, citing longstanding Justice Department policy against indicting a sitting president.
Former FBI director Robert Mueller dies at 81, Trump reacts
"Robert Mueller just died," Trump posted on Truth Social."Good, I’m glad he’s dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people!" Trump added.
Monday, March 23, 2026
The American rare earths company seeking to topple China's dominance
The American rare earths company seeking to topple China's dominance
Trump's push to make the U.S. independent of China
Trump Sets Up ‘Pax Silica’ Fund to Reduce Global Dependencies
Trump Sets Up ‘Pax Silica’ Fund to Reduce Global Dependencies
Trump officials said on Monday that the war in Iran had emphasized the need to reduce vulnerabilities for energy and technology.
Hundreds of N.Y.U. Professors Begin Strike Over Pay and Job Protections
Hundreds of N.Y.U. Professors Begin Strike Over Pay and Job Protections
About 950 full-time faculty members who are not on the tenure track walked out. The university told students that classes would continue.
In Canada’s Frozen North, With Canada’s Frozen Soldiers
In Canada’s Frozen North, With Canada’s Frozen Soldiers
Canadian soldiers transported M777 howitzers to the High Arctic to show their ability to fight in an increasingly contested part of the world. It did not go as planned.
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| Members of an artillery unit preparing the ground to install a howitzer. |
Sunday, March 22, 2026
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