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News reporting focused on AI and machine learning, covering the companies behind these technologies, their real-world applications, and the ethical concerns they raise. This includes areas like generative AI (large language models, text-to-image and video), speech tech, and predictive analytics.
Closing arguments wrapped up the Musk v. Altman trial on May 14, 2026, with Musk's lawyer stumbling through his presentation and OpenAI's team presenting clear evidence. The proceedings revealed plenty of trial gossip, from xAI using OpenAI models to personal dramas. The real focus turned to doubts about Musk's AI expertise and xAI's challenges.
Elon Musk's SpaceXAI has seen more than 50 researchers and engineers leave since February, following its merger. Key teams in coding, world models, and Grok voice have lost leaders, with rivals like Meta and Thinking Machine Labs hiring many. Concerns grow over pre-training team cuts and work culture.
Elon Musk's xAI operates 46 natural gas turbines at its Mississippi data center without state regulation due to a loophole classifying them as mobile. The NAACP has sued, claiming the emissions harm local air quality, and seeks a court injunction. Permits cover only 15 turbines amid ongoing expansion.
xAI added 19 natural gas turbines to its Colossus 2 data center in Southaven, Mississippi, over the past two months, bringing the total to 46 amid a lawsuit alleging Clean Air Act violations. Internal emails reveal over 500 megawatts of new capacity installed since mid-March, even after environmental groups filed suit. Regulators note emission controls but are reviewing limits on further additions.
The US Pentagon has signed deals with Microsoft, Reflection AI, Amazon, and Nvidia, allowing their AI products for classified operations. These join OpenAI, xAI, and Google for any lawful use. Meanwhile, tensions with Anthropic over a cancelled $200 million contract may ease as the administration considers reconciliation.
The US Department of Commerce's Center for AI Standards and Innovation has agreements with five major AI labs for pre-release testing of models on national security risks. New pacts with Google DeepMind, Microsoft, and xAI build on deals with Anthropic and OpenAI. CAISI Director Chris Fall stressed the need for rigorous evaluation of frontier AI.
The US Department of Commerce will evaluate upcoming AI models from Google, Microsoft, and xAI for safety and capabilities before public release. The companies agreed to submit their tools voluntarily to the Center for AI Standards and Innovation. This builds on prior pacts with OpenAI and Anthropic from the Biden era, amid a shift in the Trump administration's approach to AI oversight.
xAI has launched Grok 4.3, a model designed for developers that handles tasks such as web searches and code execution at lower prices. It shows gains in some benchmarks but trails leaders from OpenAI and Anthropic. A beta Agent Mode for Grok Imagine supports extended creative projects like movies or manga sets.
xAI released Custom Voices, allowing users to create a voice clone from one minute of speech. The feature includes security checks and integrates with existing APIs. A new Voice Library offers over 80 voices in 28 languages.
During the first week of the Elon Musk versus OpenAI trial in Oakland, Musk testified that Sam Altman and Greg Brockman tricked him into funding the company with $38 million. He warned the jury that AI poses an existential risk, could lead to human extinction like in Terminator, and admitted xAI distills OpenAI models for its Grok chatbot. OpenAI lawyers accused Musk of suing to harm a rival while he runs competing firms like Tesla and Neuralink.
The Pentagon announced agreements with OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Nvidia, xAI, and Reflection for using their AI in classified environments. Anthropic was excluded due to supply-chain risk concerns, despite prior use. The deals support lawful operational use to position the US military as an AI-first force.
Elon Musk testified in court that his company xAI used distillation techniques on OpenAI models to help train Grok. He confirmed this during his lawsuit against OpenAI, its CEO Sam Altman, and Greg Brockman. Musk also ranked leading AI firms and noted xAI's smaller size.