The Week in Tech: Musk's Trillion-Dollar Payday and the AI Safety Shuffle

Published: September 14, 2025

Introduction

Ah, the tech world—where billion-dollar paychecks and cloud-seeding drones are just another Saturday. This week, we dive into Tesla's eyebrow-raising compensation package for Musk, California's AI safety bill, and some other bits of tech wizardry. We'll also sprinkle in an ADHD joke because, let's face it, tech news can feel like you're trying to read a book while a squirrel does backflips in your peripheral vision. 🐿️

Tesla's $1 Trillion Question

H2: Elon Musk's Stratospheric Salary

Tesla's board chair described the debate over Elon Musk's proposed $1 trillion, 10-year pay package as "a little bit weird." Now, I don't know about you, but if someone offered me a trillion dollars, I'd be too busy doing mental cartwheels to think about anything else.

• Key Takeaways:
  • Musk may soon be the world's first trillionaire CEO.
  • The package spans a decade—imagine the interest on that!
  • Critics say it's excessive; fans say, "Hey, it's Elon."

H3: Metaphorical Musings

Think of Musk's salary like a black hole. The gravitational pull is so intense, it warps the very fabric of corporate compensation as we know it. Investors are just planets caught in its orbit, hoping not to get sucked in.

AI Safety: California's New Frontier

H2: The Passage of Bill SB 53

California lawmakers have passed a landmark AI safety bill, but Governor Newsom could still veto it. This bill is like the seatbelt for Silicon Valley's self-driving car—essential but not universally loved.

• Key Takeaways:
  • Sets transparency requirements for AI companies.
  • Could be a model for federal legislation.
  • Newsom's decision is pending, with a deadline of October 13.

xAI: The Layoff Wave

Elon Musk's AI startup, xAI, laid off 500 workers as it shifts focus from generalist AI tutors to specialists. It's like trying to train a cat to play fetch: you start broad but eventually realize it's better to specialize in napping.

The Curious Case of the Drone Cloud Seeding

Rainmaker's plan to seed clouds with drones has hit turbulence, with the pilot union urging the FAA to reject it. Seems like the sky's not the limit after all.

Conclusion: The Tech Ballet

This week's tech stories remind us of a ballet—an intricate dance where every player has a role, but not everyone gets the spotlight. Whether it's Musk's trillion-dollar leap or California's cautious step into AI regulation, each move shapes the performance. As we watch this tech ballet unfold, one has to wonder: Are we the audience, or are we part of the cast?

And remember, if you find it hard to focus on all this tech news, maybe it's just your brain's way of saying it prefers to multitask like a hyperactive octopus trying to juggle—ADHD style. 🤹‍♀️

Until next week, stay curious!