$400 million ballroom funding questioned though the AI debate grows

Key Takeaways

• The film "As Deep as the Grave" features an authorized AI-generated performance of the late Val Kilmer, approved by his family and estate, adhering to Sag-Aftra guidelines.
• Many companies struggle with AI sales tools due to poor data quality, highlighting the critical need for clean, complete, and accurate data for effective AI performance.
• Waton Financial launched MOTA Manager of Trading Agents, an AI platform for institutional investors that incorporates human oversight, compliance, and audit trails for trading decisions.
• LinkedIn is developing AI training marketplaces where experts are paid to improve AI systems, creating a "cognitive gig economy" for specialized knowledge.
• The US Department of War is seeking secure, AI-enabled coding solutions with IL5 compliance, aiming to integrate commercial AI advancements into defense.
• Berklee College of Music students are protesting a new AI music course, expressing concerns about AI's impact on artistic authenticity and musicians' careers.
• Ethical and artistic questions surround AI in film, with critics suggesting AI-generated content, like Darren Aronofsky's series, may lack human empathy and require human refinement.
• Mathematician Tsvi Benson-Tilsen founded Nucleus to create "superbabies" through IVF, aiming to genetically optimize humans to manage potential threats from superintelligent AI.
• U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez in Texas is utilizing AI to manage his court caseload, indicating a growing adoption of AI within the judicial system.
• National security arguments, such as those used for a $400 million White House ballroom, are being questioned by experts and judges, despite the president's broad latitude on such matters.

Val Kilmer's AI performance revealed in 'As Deep as the Grave' trailer

The first trailer for 'As Deep as the Grave' shows Val Kilmer's posthumous performance using AI technology. In the film, Kilmer plays Father Fintan, a Catholic priest and spiritualist. His family approved the use of AI to complete the movie after his death in 2020. The biographical drama follows archaeologists excavating in Arizona and exploring Native American history. Kilmer's daughter stated her father was optimistic about using new technology for storytelling.

AI Val Kilmer stars in new western 'As Deep as the Grave'

The first trailer for the western 'As Deep as the Grave' features an authorized AI version of the late actor Val Kilmer. Kilmer was cast before his death in April 2025, and his estate and daughter collaborated on the visual deepfake. He plays Father Fintan, a Catholic priest and Native American spiritualist, appearing across different time periods. Writer-director Coerte Voorhees stated the role was designed around Kilmer's heritage and love for the Southwest. The production followed Sag-Aftra guidelines, and Kilmer's estate was compensated.

Trailer released for movie with AI Val Kilmer as priest

A trailer for the movie 'As Deep as the Grave' has been released, featuring an AI-generated performance by the late Val Kilmer. Kilmer's estate and daughter approved the use of his likeness. The film, which began production in 2020, was delayed and completed after Kilmer's passing. He plays Father Fintan, a Catholic priest and Native American spiritualist, appearing both young and old in the trailer. The movie also stars Tom Felton, Abigail Breslin, and Abigail Lawrie.

Companies need clean data for AI sales tools to work

Many companies expect artificial intelligence to solve sales problems, but AI tools only perform as well as the data they receive. Companies struggle with AI because they haven't fixed underlying data quality issues. AI requires clean, complete, and accurate data to provide reliable insights. If the data is incomplete, inaccurate, or outdated, AI will not function effectively. Fixing data quality is crucial for AI to deliver expected sales results.

Poor data quality hinders AI sales performance

Many companies claim to use AI but struggle with its effectiveness due to poor data quality. This impacts sales performance and team trust. AI tools require clean data to generate accurate insights, but incomplete or outdated information leads to poor results. The article emphasizes that fixing data quality issues is essential for AI to deliver on its promises. Without clean data, AI tools cannot function properly and provide reliable sales insights.

US Department of War seeks AI coding security solutions

The US Department of War is seeking solutions for AI-enabled coding capabilities through a Call for Solutions (CDAO_26-01). This initiative addresses the growing use of AI coding assistants in modern software development. The department emphasizes the need for security, data handling, and IL5 compliance for defense-grade deployment. This move aims to bridge the gap between defense needs and commercial sector advancements in AI coding.

National security arguments used by Trump administration questioned

The Trump administration has used national security arguments for controversial decisions, including a $400 million White House ballroom, halting offshore wind turbines, and removing federal worker union protections. Experts question the validity of these claims, noting existing infrastructure and conflicting military analyses. Judges have expressed skepticism, though the president has broad latitude on national security matters. These arguments are being tested against environmental laws, such as the Endangered Species Act.

Berklee students protest new AI music course

Berklee College of Music is facing student backlash over its new course on artificial intelligence in music. Students launched a petition to cancel the course, fearing AI threatens artistic authenticity and could harm musicians' careers. They argue AI-generated music lacks human emotion and creativity. The controversy highlights the tension between technological advancement and preserving human artistry in the music industry.

Creating 'superbabies' to counter AI threat

Mathematician Tsvi Benson-Tilsen believes creating genetically optimized humans, or 'superbabies,' is a potential solution to the threat of superintelligent AI. He founded Nucleus, a startup using IVF technology to enhance offspring intelligence. This approach aims to produce humans capable of understanding and managing advanced AI. Billionaires are investing in this field, seeing it as a way to ensure humanity's future against potential AI risks like Skynet.

Texas judge uses AI to manage court cases

U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez in Texas is embracing artificial intelligence to help manage his caseload. Rodriguez, who describes himself as a 'geek,' is exploring AI's potential beyond traditional legal work. He is currently immersed in cases involving immigration, employment, and insurance disputes. His interest in AI reflects a growing trend of technology adoption within the judicial system.

AI sparks debate on creativity and ethics in film

Artificial intelligence is increasingly entering the film industry, raising questions about creativity and ethics. Director Darren Aronofsky's AI-created animated series 'On This Day...1776' has drawn criticism. Film lecturer Andrew Salerno notes that while AI can be a tool, ethical and artistic issues remain unresolved. He believes AI-written scripts lack human empathy and storytelling ability, and that humans will still be needed to refine AI output.

Waton Financial launches MOTA AI trading platform

Waton Financial has launched MOTA Manager of Trading Agents, an AI platform emphasizing human oversight in trading decisions. The platform, built on regulated infrastructure, includes compliance and audit trails. MOTA uses specialized AI agents for analysis and recommendations, but investors make the final call. This approach aims to address regulatory scrutiny by prioritizing explainability and accountability over speculative claims. MOTA is designed for institutional and professional investors.

LinkedIn tests platforms for training AI experts

LinkedIn is testing AI training marketplaces where experts are paid to improve AI systems. Professionals in fields like coding and finance evaluate AI responses and identify weaknesses. This creates a 'cognitive gig economy,' offering a new income stream for skilled individuals. Companies can access specialized knowledge on demand to accelerate AI development. This model allows for scalable, project-based work globally.

Sources

• See first look at Val Kilmer's posthumous, AI-generated film role
• First trailer released for western starring AI version of Val Kilmer
• That Movie with AI Val Kilmer as a Priest Has a Trailer Now
• AI isn't enough: What companies need to fix before their sales results will change
• AI isn't enough: What companies need to fix before their sales results will change
• When AI Writes Code, Who Governs the Dependencies?
• National Security. Artificial Intelligence. And Your Dumb Dog.
• Berklee Offers an AI Music Course, and Students Rage Against the Machine
• Creating baby geniuses to thwart the AI threat? (Yes, really.)
• How a judge in Texas is using AI to deal with his caseload
• Is Artificial Intelligence Buttering Up the Film Industry?
• Waton's new AI trading platform leaves the final decision to humans
• AI Training Marketplaces