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.

Five Reasons AI Regulation Is Coming To The US, How And When

AI Regulation shifts from debate to enforcement as cyber incidents and U.S. politics push frontier labs toward trust-building oversight amid rising 2026 pressure.

Trump blames Tim Walz for water hacks even though it’s probably Iran
Trump blames Tim Walz for water hacks even though it’s probably Iran

The FBI, the EPA, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have stopped short of officially blaming Iran for a spate of cyberattacks on Minnesota’s water systems, but consensus is that Iran is likely behind them. That, of course, hasn’t stopped Donald Trump from sharing his own theory – that Governor Tim Walz is […]

The ban on robot vacuums won’t make them safer, only worse
The ban on robot vacuums won’t make them safer, only worse

No other gadget knows as much about your home as a robot vacuum. They map your space, learn your routines, and many now carry a camera and microphone into every room in your house. As AI gives them a better understanding of what they see, the privacy and security risks these autonomous robots pose are […]

New York sues Kalshi for allegedly running an ‘illegal gambling operation’
New York sues Kalshi for allegedly running an ‘illegal gambling operation’

New York is suing Kalshi over claims the prediction market is running “an illegal gambling operation.” In the lawsuit, New York Attorney General Letitia James accuses Kalshi of violating state laws by accepting wagers without a license from the state’s gaming commission, as reported earlier by CNBC. An investigation from the Office of the Attorney […]