music My favorite version of 'Wade in the Water' Jason Weisberger

books Carlos Castaneda faked an anthropology classic, then built a cult Ellsworth Toohey

art Toyo Ito's Expo Hall "Shining Hat" looks like a portal opening in the sky Popkin

aliens Catholic church fires exorcist who said UFO sightings mostly the work of demons Rob Beschizza

Science RFK, Jr. says "depriving" children of whole milk constitutes "a form of child abuse" Jennifer Sandlin

hate Indiana Lt. Gov says America needs to rediscover the joy of hatred Jason Weisberger

Future is now Waymo's autonomous taxis remain strangely drawn to floodwater Jason Weisberger

conspiracy theories This morning I met the "QAnon Shaman," and here are ten takeaways from our conversation Jennifer Sandlin

Games Saros looks like Returnal's spiritual successor — and that's great news Grant St. Clair

art Ancient Peruvian textile features a feline spirit Popkin

politics Megachurch pastor who abused 12-year-old is free after 6 months in jail Rob Beschizza

couches Noted for his bigotry, VP JD Vance warns aliens are actually "demons" Jason Weisberger

art Ancient Roman gemstone shows a grasshopper driving a butterfly-led chariot Popkin

religion Church of England's first woman leader installed as Archibishop of Canterbury Rob Beschizza

art Museum of Sex exhibit showcases 300 objects from American cults and communes Mark Frauenfelder

religion Pope tells priests to stop using AI to write their sermons Rob Beschizza

books John Shirley's guide to wrecking your career in science fiction John Shirley

politics Trump announces May 17 ceremony to "rededicate" America to God Ellsworth Toohey

politics TikTok users delete app after right-wing takeover Rob Beschizza

politics MAGA state rep gets 17 years for child sexual abuse material Ellsworth Toohey