The Download this week delves into the high-stakes legal battle between Elon Musk and Sam Altman. Lawyer-turned-reporter Michelle Kim was on the ground, breaking down key moments from the trial and offering insights behind the scenes.

Meanwhile, AI is creeping closer to democracy, with design choices that could shape our future. How can we harness it for good?

Likewise, artificial scientists are pushing the boundaries of research, but at what cost? MIT Technology Review explores this as part of a list of crucial AI topics.

The Pentagon’s AI deals and Elon Musk’s SEC settlement add to the week’s tech headlines. A gene therapy breakthrough in deafness, AI regulation debates, and even eBay’s bid for GameStop make appearances.

Elsewhere, deep-sea divers attempt new records using experimental hydrogen breathing techniques, while the internet is left wondering about Ask Jeeves' fate after 30 years of obscurity.