AI News from May 16, 2026

WIRED reports that some asexual people are using AI companions to explore intimacy, role-play, and relationships without sex.

A King’s College London study found UK patients are using AI chatbots instead of GPs or mental health services.

OpenAI and Malta announced a national AI literacy program offering eligible citizens one year of ChatGPT Plus access.

TechCrunch reports AI data-center demand is straining grids as Lake Tahoe faces a search for a new energy supplier.

TechCrunch says the Musk v. Altman trial closed with arguments centered on trust in the people leading AI companies.

Anthropic's Claude Mythos Preview helped researchers identify Apple macOS vulnerabilities and develop an exploit.

OpenAI is consolidating ChatGPT, Codex and API product work under Greg Brockman as it pushes toward agentic products.