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• AI News

• Senior Living News

• Senior Living Stocks

• Wage / Salary Comps

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AI NEWS

Hollywood Stars Fight AI for Control of Likenesses

In a move highlighting fears of AI in entertainment, hundreds of famous actors have signed a letter urging lawmakers to curb the unregulated use of artificial intelligence in film and TV. These stars say they are worried about AI being used to recreate their voices or likenesses without permission. As contract talks continue, actors are pushing for strict rules so studios can’t digitally clone performers or alter their performances with AI. The issue gained urgency after examples of “deepfake” actors surfaced. Hollywood’s creatives want assurances that AI will be a tool for enhancing storytelling, not for replacing or exploiting talent. The public battle underscores a growing concern in creative industries: protecting human artistry from being mimicked or manipulated by algorithms.

Microsoft Makes Cuts Amid AI Ambitions

Microsoft announced it will lay off roughly 4% of its workforce even as it pours billions into AI projects. The tech giant’s decision, revealed on July 2, reflects a strategic refocus on artificial intelligence initiatives like advanced cloud services and AI copilots. While trimming jobs in some legacy departments, Microsoft is hiring in AI research and product development. CEO Satya Nadella noted that investing in AI is crucial for the company’s future, calling this a “transition period.” Analysts say Microsoft is positioning itself to compete aggressively in the AI space against rivals. The company’s bet is that short-term restructuring pain will pay off as AI becomes central to its cloud software and tools for enterprise customers.

Twitter (X) Deploys AI to Curb Misinformation

The platform formerly known as Twitter is rolling out a new AI-driven tool to help combat the spread of false information. Under owner Elon Musk, “X” has introduced an AI Note Writer that automatically adds context notes to potentially misleading tweets. The system scans posts for claims and cross-references them with reliable sources, then appends a short explanation or fact-check. The goal is to flag misinformation in real time, whether it’s related to current events or health topics, without heavy-handed censorship. Early tests show promise in catching fake news before it goes viral, though some users worry about AI bias. X’s move comes as social media sites face pressure to tackle misinformation, and it illustrates how AI might assist human moderators in keeping online information honest.

Data Firm Wins Case, Challenges AI Giants

Web data company Bright Data notched a legal victory that could have ripple effects in the AI world. The firm won a court case affirming its right to scrape publicly available data from websites, defeating challenges by tech giants including a company run by Elon Musk. Bright Data is known for gathering large datasets – such as social media info or e-commerce listings – which are gold for training AI models. With the legal win under its belt, the company unveiled a $100 million AI platform aiming to provide smaller players with data to train their own AI systems. This development is a direct challenge to Big Tech’s dominance in AI, since access to huge datasets has been a major advantage for giants like Google and Meta. Observers say it could democratize AI development by leveling the data playing field.

AI Industry Faces Ethics Crisis Over Worker Exploitation

A new report is shining light on the hidden labor powering artificial intelligence – and it’s raising ethical alarms. Investigations reveal that big AI companies have outsourced data labeling and content moderation tasks to low-paid workers in Africa and Asia. These workers, sometimes earning only a couple of dollars an hour, spend long days identifying images, transcribing audio, or filtering toxic content to train AI models. Many describe feeling exploited and even traumatized by the harsh material they must review (like violent or explicit content). The issue came to a head when Kenyan workers for a major AI project spoke out about poor conditions. Now industry leaders are under pressure to improve pay and mental health support for these crucial human contributors. The situation is sparking debate about the true human cost behind “smart” AI systems – and how companies must act to ensure fair and ethical AI supply chains.

SENIOR LIVING NEWS

Proxy Advisors Back Brookdale in Boardroom Battle

The fight over the future direction of Brookdale Senior Living intensified this week. Proxy advisory firms issued recommendations that favor Brookdale’s current board nominees in a tussle with activist investor Ortelius Advisors. Ortelius has been pushing for changes at the nation’s largest senior living operator, criticizing performance and nominating its own directors. However, new reports from two influential proxy advisors sided with Brookdale’s management, citing recent improvements and strategic plans underway. Brookdale’s leadership welcomed the support, urging shareholders to vote for continuity. Ortelius argues more drastic change is needed and continues its campaign. The final vote at Brookdale’s upcoming shareholder meeting will determine who sets the company’s course as it navigates occupancy recovery and workforce challenges post-pandemic.

Proposed Senate Budget Alarms Senior Care Advocates

A draft federal budget bill in the U.S. Senate is raising red flags across the senior living and care industry. Trade groups and elder care advocates warn that the proposed budget would be “overwhelmingly harmful” for providers and residents alike. At issue are potential funding cuts and policy changes to Medicaid and other programs that support long-term care. If enacted, the bill could reduce reimbursement rates for nursing services and scale back subsidies for assisted living. Industry representatives say such cuts would strain already tight staffing and resources, possibly leading to reduced care or facility closures. They are mobilizing a campaign urging lawmakers to reconsider and protect crucial funding streams. With the budget still under debate, senior care providers are anxiously watching Washington, concerned about the well-being of seniors who rely on these services.

Providers See Promise in AI Despite Data Hurdles

A new industry survey finds senior living providers are cautiously optimistic about the potential of artificial intelligence, even as they struggle with basic technology challenges. The survey of community executives revealed that many have concerns about interoperability – the ability of their health and resident data systems to talk to each other. Over half said that integrating electronic health records with other systems is a major headache. Despite that, a strong majority also expressed optimism that AI solutions could improve operations and care. Executives are intrigued by AI tools for predicting falls, automating administrative tasks, or personalizing resident engagement. The interest in AI comes with a dose of realism: providers acknowledge they need to shore up their data infrastructure first. Still, the findings show senior living leaders looking toward a tech-enabled future, hoping that today’s investment in systems will unlock tomorrow’s AI benefits for residents.

State Steps In to Save Senior Communities

Massachusetts is taking an unusual step to preserve senior care facilities: the state plans to issue $252 million in bonds to acquire six campuses of a struggling nursing home operator. The bold move comes after the private operator, which ran multiple “Care Communities” campuses, faced financial troubles and potential closure of the facilities. Rather than see hundreds of elderly residents displaced, Massachusetts officials moved to buy the properties through a state-backed bond sale. The funds will allow a new entity – overseen by a public health authority – to take over the nursing homes and keep them running. This rescue plan highlights how far some jurisdictions will go to protect seniors’ access to care. If successful, the state acquisition could serve as a model for other regions grappling with at-risk long-term care facilities.

New Orleans Landmark to Become Senior Living

A $250 million redevelopment project is underway to transform a famous New Orleans high-rise into a luxury assisted living community. Developers have started renovating the long-vacant Plaza Tower, an iconic 45-story building, aiming to recreate it as a senior living high-rise with a mix of assisted living and memory care apartments. The ambitious project will preserve the tower’s historic exterior while completely redesigning the interior for senior-friendly living, including modern amenities like restaurants, a wellness center, and even a rooftop garden. City officials unanimously approved the plan, seeing it as a win-win: revitalizing a blighted property and adding much-needed senior housing downtown. When completed, the tower will offer seniors skyline views of the Big Easy along with support for daily living. The project’s supporters say it’s a creative example of reusing urban real estate to meet the needs of an aging population.

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