The artificial intelligence sector continues its rapid expansion, bringing both innovation and new challenges across various industries and regions. In Michigan, the proliferation of new AI data centers, including the Stargate Data Center by OpenAI and Oracle in Saline Township, raises concerns about energy and water consumption. To address this, Michigan regulators approved new electricity rates on November 6, requiring large power users like data centers drawing over 100 megawatts to sign 15-year contracts and pay for at least 80 percent of their agreed power, a measure designed to protect consumers from rising costs. Meanwhile, in Utah, Joule Capital Partners broke ground on a new AI data center in Holden, which plans to generate its own power onsite using natural gas by late 2026, aiming to prevent strain on the local grid and create high-paying technical jobs. The legal landscape for AI is also evolving, as Entrepreneur magazine's publisher sued Meta Platforms in California federal court on November 7. The lawsuit alleges Meta misused "at least hundreds" of its copyrighted works, including business strategy books, to train its Llama artificial intelligence systems, with Entrepreneur CEO Ryan Shea calling it "stealing." The publisher seeks unspecified monetary damages and a court order to halt Meta's alleged actions. On the development front, Google DeepMind launched its File Search Tool in the Gemini API on November 6, a Retrieval Augmented Generation system that helps developers build applications using their private data, offering free storage and embedding generation during queries. OpenAI introduced Aardvark on November 7, a new agentic AI tool focused on autonomous cybersecurity research and monitoring. Microsoft also unveiled a new AI companion during its Copilot Fall Release Event, expanding the capabilities of its Copilot service. Lockheed Martin, a major defense contractor, launched STAR.OS, an advanced platform designed to integrate various AI systems for national security and private sector collaboration, featuring STAR.SDK, STAR.IO, and STAR.UI. AI's influence extends into education and corporate strategy. Duke University Provost Alec Gallimore defended his decision to provide students with free, unlimited access to ChatGPT-4o, citing equity and data privacy through a partnership with OpenAI. In the corporate world, PepsiCo is leveraging AI to transform its global operations, from predicting sales trends and optimizing supply chains to using computer vision in manufacturing, aiming to balance business growth with environmental goals. However, a financial perspective from Delphine Arnaud of Edmond de Rothschild Asset Management highlights that AI valuations have grown much faster than the actual earnings from AI capital expenditures, suggesting investor impatience. Beyond these core AI developments, WhatsApp also launched a new application specifically for the Apple Watch on November 7, enhancing connectivity for users.
Key Takeaways
- Michigan approved new utility rates on November 6, requiring large AI data centers to sign 15-year contracts and pay for at least 80 percent of contracted power to protect consumers from rising costs.
- Joule Capital Partners is building an AI data center in Holden, Utah, planning to generate its own power onsite using natural gas by late 2026 to prevent local grid strain.
- Entrepreneur Media sued Meta on November 7, alleging the company misused "at least hundreds" of its copyrighted works, including business strategy books, to train its Llama AI systems.
- Google DeepMind launched the File Search Tool in the Gemini API on November 6, enabling developers to build applications that understand and use private data with free storage and embedding generation.
- OpenAI introduced Aardvark on November 7, an agentic AI tool designed for autonomous cybersecurity research and monitoring.
- Microsoft unveiled a new AI companion during its Copilot Fall Release Event, expanding the capabilities of its Copilot service.
- Duke University Provost Alec Gallimore defended providing students with free, unlimited access to ChatGPT-4o, citing equity and data privacy through an OpenAI partnership.
- Lockheed Martin launched STAR.OS, an advanced platform to integrate various AI systems for national security and private sector collaboration.
- PepsiCo is using AI to transform global operations, including sales prediction, supply chain management, and computer vision in manufacturing, to boost efficiency and sustainability.
- Delphine Arnaud of Edmond de Rothschild Asset Management noted on November 7 that AI valuations have grown significantly faster than actual earnings from AI capital expenditures, indicating investor impatience.
Joule starts building AI data center in Utah
Joule Capital Partners held a groundbreaking ceremony in Holden, Millard County, Utah, for a new artificial intelligence data center. This large facility will support AI and high-performance computing, bringing new jobs and economic growth to rural Utah. Unlike other data centers, Joule plans to generate its own power onsite using natural gas, which will prevent strain on the local power grid and keep energy costs low for residents. Company leaders hope to start energy production by late 2026. Millard County Commissioner Bill Wright believes the center will offer high-paying technical jobs and new career paths for young people.
Michigan faces energy and water challenges from new AI data centers
Michigan is seeing a rise in new data centers, especially for artificial intelligence, which require large amounts of energy and water. At least four major projects are planned for southern Michigan, including the Stargate Data Center by OpenAI and Oracle in Saline Township. Utilities like Indiana-Michigan Power Co. and DTE Energy expect significant increases in power demand from these facilities. Local communities express concerns about the strain on resources, with some projects facing strong opposition and citizen petitions. The Michigan Public Service Commission approved new rules on November 6, requiring large data centers to sign 15-year contracts and pay for at least 80 percent of their contracted power.
Michigan approves new utility rate to protect consumers from AI costs
Michigan regulators approved a new electricity rate for Consumers Energy customers on November 6, aiming to protect them from rising costs due to new artificial intelligence data centers. This is the first such measure in Michigan. The new rate requires large power users, like data centers drawing over 100 megawatts, to sign 15-year contracts and pay for at least 80 percent of their agreed power, even if they use less. It also includes exit fees if a data center closes early. This plan ensures that these big customers cover the costs of the power infrastructure built for them, preventing higher bills for other Michiganders.
Entrepreneur magazine sues Meta for using its content to train AI
The publisher of Entrepreneur magazine sued Meta Platforms in California federal court on Thursday. Entrepreneur claims Meta misused "at least hundreds" of its copyrighted works to train its artificial intelligence systems. Entrepreneur CEO Ryan Shea stated that Meta "chose to simply take it" instead of licensing the content, calling it "stealing." The publisher, which has over 50 years of experience in business publications, seeks unspecified monetary damages and a court order to stop Meta's alleged actions. This lawsuit is part of a growing trend of copyright holders taking legal action against tech companies for AI training.
Entrepreneur Media sues Meta for using content to train Llama AI
Entrepreneur Media sued Meta on November 7, claiming the tech giant copied its business strategy books and other instructional materials. The lawsuit states Meta used these works to train its Llama artificial intelligence systems. Entrepreneur CEO Ryan Shea said Meta "chose to simply take it" instead of licensing the content. He emphasized that "stealing is not innovation" and that using copyrighted works for AI training is still theft.
Reese Witherspoon discusses women media and AI at Harvard
Actress and producer Reese Witherspoon visited Harvard Business School on November 4 for a fireside chat. She discussed women's leadership, entrepreneurship, and how technology, including AI, affects the entertainment industry. Witherspoon founded Hello Sunshine in 2016 to create female-driven stories, producing shows like The Morning Show. Her company was acquired by Candle Media in 2021 for nearly 900 million dollars, showing that women can build valuable companies. Witherspoon also highlighted how "Reese's Book Club" helps her understand consumer preferences.
Google DeepMind launches File Search Tool in Gemini API
Google DeepMind launched the File Search Tool in the Gemini API on November 6, a new Retrieval Augmented Generation system. This tool helps developers easily build applications that can understand and use their private data. It offers free storage and embedding generation during queries, with a low cost for initial file indexing. The File Search Tool simplifies development by managing file storage, chunking, and context injection, and provides powerful search with built-in citations. It supports many file formats, including PDF and DOCX, and developers are already using it for support bots and knowledge assistants.
Duke Provost defends free ChatGPT-4o access for students
Duke University Provost Alec Gallimore defended his decision to provide students with free, unlimited access to ChatGPT-4o at an Arts & Sciences Council roundtable on Thursday. Faculty members had expressed concerns about not being involved in this AI initiative. Gallimore explained that offering free access addresses equity issues, ensuring all students have the same tools, and protects student data privacy through a partnership with OpenAI. Students shared that they use AI for efficiency in their demanding academic environment. Gallimore stated that students will use AI regardless, and the university aims to guide its responsible use.
WhatsApp Apple Watch app OpenAI Aardvark Microsoft Copilot updates
On November 7, several new tech updates were announced. WhatsApp launched a new application specifically for the Apple Watch, making it easier for users to communicate from their wrist. OpenAI introduced Aardvark, a new agentic artificial intelligence tool designed to help with autonomous cybersecurity research and monitoring. Additionally, Microsoft unveiled a new AI companion during its Copilot Fall Release Event, expanding the capabilities of its Copilot service.
Lockheed Martin launches STAR.OS to unify AI systems
Lockheed Martin, based in Bethesda, Maryland, launched STAR.OS on Thursday, an advanced platform designed to integrate various artificial intelligence systems. This new operating system provides a single framework for AI deployments, improving national security and allowing for collaborations with private companies. STAR.OS includes three main parts: STAR.SDK for developers, STAR.IO for connecting AI systems, and STAR.UI for viewing AI activity in real time. The platform is now available to both government and private sector clients and has shown its ability to make different AI services work together seamlessly.
AI scientist Kosmos claims to do months of research in hours
A new artificial intelligence system called Kosmos reportedly completed months of scientific research in just a few hours. Its creators claim Kosmos, which is a group of AI agents, has made several new scientific discoveries by analyzing data and searching existing literature. Developers have been working on this AI scientist for about two years. However, some experts remain doubtful about these claims.
PepsiCo uses AI to boost global operations and sustainability
PepsiCo is using artificial intelligence to transform its global operations, from product design to supply chain management. Venky Santhirahasan, Senior Vice President of Engineering and Technology, will discuss these AI-powered solutions at Tech & AI LIVE New York on November 18. PepsiCo uses machine learning to predict sales trends and adjust production, and computer vision in manufacturing to ensure equipment performance. AI also helps with smarter route planning and inventory management, which lowers emissions and costs. The company aims to balance business growth with environmental goals and customer satisfaction through these intelligent digital products.
AI valuations outpace earnings from capital spending says Arnaud
Delphine Arnaud, a Multi-Asset Portfolio Manager at Edmond de Rothschild Asset Management, noted on November 7 that artificial intelligence valuations have grown much faster than the actual earnings from AI capital expenditures. She explained that investors are showing impatience because the high value placed on AI companies has not yet translated into proportional financial returns from their investments. Arnaud shared these insights during an interview on Bloomberg's 'Horizons Middle East and Africa.'
Sources
- Groundbreaking for new Millard County artificial intelligence data center
- AI, other data centers are coming to Michigan - and they need a lot of energy and water
- Michigan Utility Rate Is Intended as Shelter From AI Costs
- Entrepreneur magazine publisher sues Meta over AI training
- Entrepreneur sues Meta over AI training
- Reese Witherspoon Visits Harvard—and Talks Women, Media, and AI
- Introducing the File Search Tool in Gemini API
- Provost Alec Gallimore defends decision to launch free access to ChatGPT-4o
- WhatsApp on Apple Watch, OpenAI Unveils Agentic Security Tool, Microsoft Copilot Releases New AI Pal | Tech Today
- Lockheed Martin Launches STAR.OS to Integrate AI Systems
- AI scientist claimed to do six months of research in just a few hours
- PepsiCo: Scaling Impact with AI-Powered Solutions
- Impatience Over Earnings Growth From AI Capex: Arnaud
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