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AI NEWS

Amazon Unveils ‘Agentic AI’ Tools for Next Leap in Automation 

Amazon’s cloud division, AWS, introduced a suite of “agentic AI” tools aimed at helping businesses automate complex tasks with minimal human input. Debuted at AWS Summit in New York, the centerpiece is Amazon Bedrock AgentCore, which lets companies deploy advanced AI agents at scale. These agents can autonomously perform multi-step processes across different apps and respond to changing conditions. AWS also announced a $100 million investment to boost development of these AI agents and added an online marketplace for third-party AI agent tools. Executives call this the next big leap in enterprise automation, saying AI agents will dramatically improve productivity by handling routine workflows. Amazon’s move shows its commitment to bringing cutting-edge AI capabilities to everyday business operations.

Google’s “Big Sleep” AI Hunts Dormant Domains to Thwart Hackers 

Google launched an AI system nicknamed “Big Sleep” to crack down on a crafty cybercrime tactic: hijacking inactive website domains. Malicious actors often buy or exploit dormant web addresses to host phishing scams or malware. Big Sleep uses artificial intelligence to monitor domain name behavior and detect when an abandoned site suddenly shows suspicious activity. If a dormant domain is deemed at risk, the AI can flag it or even disable it before hackers get the chance to weaponize it. This proactive approach is part of Google’s broader push to use AI for cybersecurity. By predicting and neutralizing threats – even in overlooked corners of the internet like unused domains – Google hopes to prevent attacks before they spread, keeping users safer online.

Microsoft’s AI Copilot Can Now See Your Entire Screen 

Microsoft is rolling out an update to its Windows Copilot that gives the AI assistant a new set of “eyes” on your desktop. Previously, Copilot could only peek at two apps side-by-side; now it can optionally scan your whole screen (with permission). With a click of a button, users can let the AI view whatever is on display – be it a spreadsheet, browser, or game – and then ask it for help. For example, Copilot Vision can read a draft resume you’ve opened and suggest improvements, or observe a paused game and offer tips. Microsoft says all processing stays local on the PC and requires user activation each time, addressing privacy concerns. The feature, akin to screen-sharing with your personal AI, aims to make the assistant more context-aware. It can guide you through tasks by referencing exactly what you’re looking at, making help more intuitive. Privacy advocates remain watchful, but many Windows users are intrigued by the convenience of an AI that can “look over your shoulder” (only when invited) to lend a hand.

Ex-OpenAI Leader’s Startup Nabs $2B to Build Smarter AI Agents 

Mira Murati, formerly a top executive at OpenAI, just secured a staggering $2 billion in funding for her new AI venture, Thinking Machines. This massive investment round – led by prominent tech investors at a16z – values the young startup at around $10 billion. Thinking Machines is developing advanced “agentic AI” systems for businesses, aiming to create AI that can autonomously analyze data and assist in decision-making. The $2B cash infusion is one of the largest funding deals of 2025 and instantly makes Murati’s company a major player in the AI world. It highlights how investors’ appetite for AI hasn’t slowed; they are willing to pour money into seasoned innovators. Murati, who helped lead the development of ChatGPT at OpenAI, is leveraging her expertise to push a new frontier – AI that acts more like a decision-making partner. The bet is that these smart agents could transform how companies operate, and backers don’t want to miss out on the next big thing in AI.

AI Detects Diabetes-Related Eye Damage Early, Study Shows 

New research in healthcare is touting the power of AI to save sight. In a clinical study, an AI system was able to spot signs of diabetic retinopathy – a leading cause of vision loss – earlier and with high accuracy by analyzing retinal photos. Diabetic eye disease often progresses without obvious symptoms until vision is already impaired. By using AI to flag subtle retinal damage in routine eye scans, doctors can intervene sooner with treatment to prevent blindness. The technology is especially promising for reaching patients in rural or underserved areas who might not have easy access to eye specialists. Clinics could use the AI screening tool to identify at-risk patients and refer them for care before it’s too late. Medical experts are applauding the results, seeing it as proof that AI “second eyes” can enhance preventive care. As healthcare embraces artificial intelligence, early detection of diseases like this could become much more common – catching problems early, preserving health and quality of life.

Teens Turn to AI Chatbots for Emotional Support, Study Finds 

A surprising new study suggests many teenagers are more comfortable spilling their hearts to AI chatbots than to humans. Researchers found a significant number of teens who reported using AI chatbot “friends” when they felt sad, anxious, or needed advice. These Gen Z youths said an AI won’t judge them – it’s available 24/7, responds kindly, and remembers what they share. The non-judgmental, always-patient nature of chatbots gave teens a sense of safety to open up about personal issues. Some even said they prefer a bot’s guidance to that of a parent or counselor for certain topics. Experts note that today’s teens have grown up with AI helpers and may view them as a normal outlet. While chatbots can provide useful coping tips or simply a friendly ear, psychologists caution that over-reliance on “virtual” companionship has downsides. It’s important for young people not to become too isolated. The study raises fascinating questions about how AI might play a role in mental wellness – augmenting support networks, but ideally not replacing real human connection.

SoundHound Brings Voice AI from Cars to Clinics 

Known for powering voice assistants in cars and smart speakers, SoundHound is now expanding its voice AI technology into healthcare settings. The company announced it is rolling out voice assistants tailored for clinics and hospitals. These AI-driven voice tools can handle tasks like patient check-in and intake questions, appointment scheduling, and answering common administrative queries – all through natural spoken dialogue. The idea is to free up human staff and reduce paperwork, letting doctors and nurses retrieve information or update records by simply talking. In a busy clinic, for example, a nurse could ask the voice assistant for a patient’s latest lab results or have it transcribe a quick note, without having to stop and type. Early adopters report that hands-free, real-time assistance is especially useful in medical environments where multitasking is constant. SoundHound’s move into healthcare highlights a broader trend of voice AI spreading beyond the home and car. As speech recognition improves, more industries – from senior living communities to hospitals – are embracing voice technology to streamline their operations and improve customer service.

SENIOR LIVING NEWS

Brookdale Fends Off Activist Investor, Keeps Board Control 

Brookdale Senior Living, the nation’s largest senior living operator, has emerged victorious in a high-profile proxy battle over its board of directors. Final election results announced this week confirmed that Brookdale’s shareholders elected all eight nominees put forward by the company, defeating an attempt by activist hedge fund Ortelius Advisors to install its own slate of directors. The vote took place at Brookdale’s annual shareholder meeting after months of tense back-and-forth. Ortelius had criticized Brookdale’s performance – pointing to stock price declines and occupancy challenges – and argued new leadership was needed, including potentially a new CEO. Brookdale’s management countered that their turnaround plan was gaining momentum and urged investors not to “hand control” of the board to the dissident group. In the end, shareholders sided with Brookdale’s existing leadership. The company expressed gratitude for the support and said it will stay focused on its key initiatives: improving operations and occupancy, investing in community upgrades, reducing debt, and ensuring quality care for residents. The settled board fight brings relief to Brookdale as it continues efforts to strengthen its financial footing in a competitive senior housing market.

Senior Care Provider Pays $225K After Patient Data Breaches 

A major behavioral health provider serving nursing homes and assisted living facilities has agreed to pay a $225,000 penalty to resolve federal HIPAA violations over exposed patient records. Texas-based Deer Oaks – which offers psychology and telepsychiatry services in long-term care communities nationwide – came under federal scrutiny after sensitive health information was found to be publicly accessible online. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, a coding error in a pilot program caused discharge summaries with patient names, birthdates, IDs, and diagnoses to be viewable on the internet for over a year. Then in August 2023, Deer Oaks suffered a ransomware attack in which a hacker claimed to have stolen tens of thousands of patient records and demanded payment. Deer Oaks notified more than 171,000 individuals of that breach. To settle the investigation, the company will not only pay the fine but follow a two-year corrective action plan overseen by regulators. Deer Oaks says it has fixed the software flaw and improved security. The case is a stark reminder to senior care providers about safeguarding electronic protected health information – especially as cyber threats rise – and the hefty consequences of lapses in protecting patient privacy.

Push for Stronger Legal Protections for Seniors with Dementia 

With Alzheimer’s and dementia cases climbing, legal experts are urging states to adopt new measures that help older adults retain their rights and autonomy as their cognitive abilities decline. At a recent Harvard Law School conference, specialists highlighted how current laws often strip decision-making power away entirely once someone is deemed “incompetent,” which can sideline the person’s own wishes. A piece of model legislation developed by the American Bar Association – the New Uniform Health Care Decisions Act – offers a more nuanced approach. It allows individuals to outline in clear language what kinds of care they would or wouldn’t want and to express their values and goals ahead of time. Only two states (Delaware and Utah) have enacted this model act so far, but advocates want more to follow suit. They argue that as the population of older adults with dementia swells, states need better legal tools so that seniors don’t automatically lose all agency. By using advanced directives and supported decision-making arrangements, many people with early or moderate dementia could still guide their own lives in important ways. The call for updated laws is gaining urgency – aiming to protect elders’ dignity and preferences even if memory and cognition falter.

City to Fine Assisted Living Homes for Excessive 911 “Lift Assists” 

Springfield, Illinois has enacted a new ordinance that will charge assisted living and nursing facilities for too many non-emergency calls to 911 to help lift residents who have fallen. Starting July 1, any facility in Springfield will get two free “lift assist” calls per year, but after that they’ll be billed $350 for each additional call. The rule is a response to certain senior living communities frequently calling the fire department whenever a resident needs help up from a fall – sometimes multiple times a month – even if the person isn’t injured. Those repeat calls tie up emergency crews. The former fire chief who proposed the measure said it’s meant to nudge facilities to have proper staffing or equipment to handle minor falls in-house. The current chief, Nick Zummo, explained that constant lift assist requests can stretch resources and potentially delay responses to true emergencies. By imposing a fee, the city hopes facilities will be more judicious and perhaps invest in fall prevention and training. Importantly, individual seniors at home are not affected – the fines target institutional facilities. Local assisted living operators will now face a financial incentive to reduce preventable 911 calls, ideally improving efficiency for both the homes and first responders.

New Partnership Brings Online Nurse Training to Senior Care Staff 

Two companies have teamed up to make continuing education easier for employees in long-term care communities. Level Education Group, an online provider of accredited courses for healthcare workers, is integrating its “NurseCE4Less” training platform into Vital LTC’s software system. Vital LTC provides workforce management and compliance software used by nursing homes and assisted living organizations. With this partnership, a nurse working at a senior living community that uses Vital’s platform will be able to complete their required continuing education modules (for license renewals and skills development) right inside the same app they use for scheduling and workplace communications. Managers will also be able to track staff progress on courses and ensure everyone stays up-to-date with state-mandated trainings. The integration offers flexible licensing options – facilities can choose a subscription model that fits their staff size and usage. Both companies say the goal is to streamline professional education for caregivers, reducing administrative hassle and costs. By baking learning into daily workflows, they hope to encourage more consistent training, which ultimately benefits resident care. It’s an example of tech companies collaborating to support the senior living workforce and improve quality through education.

Ex-Caregiver Charged With Raping Assisted Living Residents 

A disturbing case out of Ohio is putting a spotlight on elder abuse in care facilities. A 35-year-old former nurse aide, Wayde Shankle, has been indicted on multiple felony charges for allegedly sexually assaulting two elderly residents at an assisted living community in Conneaut, Ohio. The Ohio Attorney General announced that Shankle faces four counts of rape and an additional count of gross sexual imposition. The incidents are said to have occurred at a facility called Villa at the Lake, where Shankle was employed as a caregiver. Staff at the community reported suspicions, leading to an investigation and the involvement of a grand jury. Shankle is no longer employed there and will be arraigned to face the charges. Advocates note that while such crimes are rare, they underscore the importance of rigorous background checks, training, and vigilant supervision of those who care for vulnerable seniors. Ohio authorities have emphasized their commitment to prosecuting any abuse against the elderly. The case has been a traumatic shock for the residents and families involved, and it serves as a sobering reminder for all senior living operators to maintain the highest safeguards against abuse.

Fatal Fire Exposes Weak Rules for Assisted Living Safety 

A tragic fire at an assisted living residence in Massachusetts that claimed nine lives is sparking calls for stricter oversight of these facilities. The blaze tore through a three-story assisted living home called Gabriel House in Fall River, where many residents used wheelchairs and oxygen tanks. Unlike nursing homes, which must follow extensive federal safety and staffing regulations, assisted living centers operate under a patchwork of state rules that are often far less stringent. In the case of Gabriel House, the facility was older and reportedly lacked some fire safety systems (like sprinklers or adequate alarms) that would be required in a nursing home. Advocates say this highlights a broader issue: assisted living has evolved to care for sicker, more vulnerable seniors than it did decades ago, but regulations haven’t kept up. There are no federal standards for things like minimum staff levels or emergency preparedness in assisted living – it’s left to each state, and many have minimal requirements. Elder care organizations are urging a review of safety codes and possibly new federal attention to the sector. They warn that without changes, the fast-growing assisted living industry remains “like the Wild West” in terms of oversight, potentially putting residents at risk. Massachusetts officials have launched investigations into the fire, and families of residents are demanding answers as the spotlight turns to how to prevent such a disaster from happening again.