This week, we tick through the many dramatic headlines surrounding xAI, including the departure of X’s chief executive, Linda Yaccarino; the Grok chatbot spewing antisemitic comments; and the A.I. companion Ani engaging in sexually explicit role-play. Then, we explain why a fight to acquire the start-up Windsurf startled many in Silicon Valley and may reshape the culture in many of the big A.I. labs. And finally, it’s “crypto week.” David Yaffe-Bellany explains how crypto provisions in the bills before Congress and the president could affect even people who don’t hold digital currencies.Also, we officially have merch! For a limited time, you can get a special-edition “Hard Fork” hat when you purchase an annual New York Times Audio subscription for the first time. Get your hat at <a href="http://nytimes.com/hardforkhat" target="_blank">nytimes.com/hardforkhat</a>Guests:<ul><li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/by/david-yaffe-bellany" target="_blank">David Yaffe-Bellany</a>, New York Times technology reporter covering the crypto industry</li></ul>Additional Reading:<ul><li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/08/technology/grok-antisemitism-ai-x.html" target="_blank">Elon Musk’s Grok Chatbot Shares Antisemitic Posts on X</a></li><li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/11/technology/google-windsurf-openai.html" target="_blank">Google Hires A.I. Leaders From a Start-Up Courted by OpenAI</a></li><li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/14/technology/cognition-ai-windsurf.html" target="_blank">Cognition AI Buys Windsurf as A.I. Frenzy Escalates</a></li><li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/17/technology/crypto-week-house-republicans-trump.html" target="_blank">‘Crypto Week’ Is Back on Track After House G.O.P. Quells Conservative Revolt</a></li><li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/09/us/politics/trump-crypto-lobbying.html" target="_blank">The ‘Trump Pump’: How Crypto Lobbying Won Over a President</a></li></ul> We want to hear from you. Email us at <a href="mailto:hardfork@nytimes.com">hardfork@nytimes.com</a>. Find “Hard Fork” on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hardfork">YouTube</a> and <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@hardfork">TikTok</a>.
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