The messy politics behind Google’s big AI shakeup
The messy politics behind Google’s big AI shakeup

In the AI industry, Google prides itself on seeming like the adult in the room: quiet, stable, time-tested. On Wednesday, even as the company announced its largest AI org shakeup yet, Google and its leaders presented a unified front, keeping their messaging focused on how the changes tee up future success. But the reality is […]

Nashville attempts to block controversial data center near zoo with eminent domain — city could force developer to sell the land for public use, rather than $700 million installation
Nashville attempts to block controversial data center near zoo with eminent domain — city could force developer to sell the land for public use, rather than $700 million installation

The Nashville Metro Council just gave the go ahead for the mayor’s plan to buy the land that a proposed data center will sit on through eminent domain. This will force the developer to give up the land, which sits beside the Nashville Zoo, although there is still a legal avenue that it can take to stop the action.

OpenAI says Apple’s trade secrets lawsuit is ‘rotten to its core’
OpenAI says Apple’s trade secrets lawsuit is ‘rotten to its core’

OpenAI has asked a federal judge to toss out Apple’s landmark lawsuit accusing the ChatGPT maker of stealing trade secrets, describing the allegations as “meritless.” In a motion filed yesterday to dismiss the complaint, OpenAI says that Apple is mischaracterizing both the actions of the AI startup’s employees as theft, and “generic” product development information […]

Trump’s AI testing plan is limited and vague
Trump’s AI testing plan is limited and vague

The Trump administration’s framework for assessing potential cybersecurity risks posed by advanced AI reportedly has no interest in testing open models. Axios reports that not only do the voluntary guidelines outright exclude open models – meaning anyone can download them and inspect their core components – but the framework explicitly says it can’t be used […]

Texas says data centers must pass an audit before connecting to the grid
Texas says data centers must pass an audit before connecting to the grid

Texas announced new a audit on data centers that could slow approval for new facilities seeking to connect to the state energy grid. Governor Greg Abbott (R) on Monday directed the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) to verify and audit new data center proposals, writing that […]

OpenAI drags Apple’s lawsuit into the court of public opinion
OpenAI drags Apple’s lawsuit into the court of public opinion

Apple’s legal battle against OpenAI just got messier now that the ChatGPT-maker has publicly aired receipts to counter Apple’s version of events. In a blog post published overnight titled “Apple is getting this wrong,” OpenAI said that Apple’s lawsuit accusing it of stealing trade secrets is “careless, aggressive, and oddly personal,” sharing iMessage and email […]

Senate Resolution Would Block New Trump OMB Rule Until December 11

A Continuing Resolution from the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee would delay implementation of the Trump administration’s new OMB rule to at least December 11.

Europe’s AI labeling and transparency rules are now in effect
Europe’s AI labeling and transparency rules are now in effect

The European Union has ushered in some additional rules that aim to make it easier for people to identify chatbots and AI deepfakes online. The new transparency obligations under the bloc’s landmark AI Act came into effect on August 2nd, requiring companies to disclose when people are interacting with AI models, and if content has […]

China’s Coal Addiction Begins To Ease

This week’s Current Climate newsletter also looks at Waymo’s reliance on imported Chinese EVs and a potential “super cycle” for cleantech investment.

Americans Can’t Buy Chinese EVs. Waymo Is Importing Thousands

The U.S. has used tariffs and security rules to keep Chinese cars off dealer lots. Alphabet’s robotaxi company appears to be buying them by the boatload.