Cal Newport takes a closer look at recent AI news.
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Below are the questions covered in today’s episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.
INTERVIEW:
– What has *Actually* Happened in AI in 2026? (w/ Ed Zitron) [0:00]
TOPICS:
– Open Claw [3:07]
– Anthropic and the Department of War [27:53]
– Data Centers [49:06]
YOUTUBE TITLE
– Is AI Trending Up or Down in 2026? (Let’s Take a Closer Look)
LINKS:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow
https://www.axios.com/2026/01/31/ai-moltbook-human-need-tech
https://www.anthropic.com/news/statement-department-of-war
https://futurism.com/science-energy/data-centers-construction-supply
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.


