White-Collar Jobs Are the Next AI Casualty

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Work

White-Collar Jobs Are the Next AI Casualty

What's going on: Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei just delivered a gut punch to anyone with a desk job and a LinkedIn profile. In a recent interview, Amodei — whose company built the powerful Claude 4 chatbot — warned that AI could eliminate up to 50% of entry-level white-collar jobs within one to five years. Oh, and potentially push the unemployment rate to 10-20%. The most at-risk sectors, per Amodei? Tech, finance, law, and consulting — the jobs many people went into debt for, assuming they were automation-proof. Big hitters like Meta, Microsoft, and Walmart are already cutting staff and testing bots built to replace humans. If you’ve been trying to wait AI out, consider this your big, flashing sign: The bots aren’t coming — they’re onboarding.

What it means: Amodei says AI companies and the government have a duty to be honest with the public — and act fast. The shift from AI as helper to full-on replacement, he warns, will feel gradual and then suddenly speed up. Most people don’t believe it’s coming, but he says that denial could cost millions their jobs, economic power — and eventually, weaken democracy. A LinkedIn exec also flagged the risk of wiping out “stepping-stone” roles — the kind people use to build careers. Amodei says more education and faster action from Congress could help, even as his own company helps build the very tools he’s warning about. While it’s a bit of a paradox, he insists there’s still time to steer the ship before impact… “But we have to do it now,” he says.

Related: You Might Be “Functionally Unemployed” and Not Even Know It (CBS)

Health

The Mental Toll of Motherhood, Quantified

What's going on: The moms are not alright — and now there’s new data to prove it. A major study says moms in the US have seen a sharp drop in mental health since 2016. Among nearly 200,000 mothers with children under 18, one in 12 rated their mental health as “fair” or “poor” by 2023 — with single moms and those whose kids are on Medicaid or uninsured faring the worst. Meanwhile, the number of moms who said their mental health was “excellent” plummeted. Dads saw declines too, but they still fared better overall. Even with the study’s limitations, like not following the same women over time, experts say the trend is striking — and validating for many who feel it.

What it means: While the researchers didn’t set out to answer why mothers are struggling, they had some theories: loneliness, rising substance use disorders, inflation, racism, and climate change. Add in the fact that many women carry the bulk of caregiving and housework — often without paid family leave — and the load gets heavier. Then there’s mental health care itself. Between a therapist shortage, steep costs, and impossible schedules, many moms can’t get help even when they want it. Sounds exhausting? It is. But experts say there’s a bit of hope: More women are naming what they’re going through — and saying it out loud. The question now is: Who’s listening?

Related: The “Big Beautiful Bill” Has a Parenting Problem (Axios)

Sports

LA Promised Gold. It's Delivering Dorms

What's going on: Los Angeles sold the 2028 Olympics as sun-soaked, cost-free, and carbon-conscious. But with three years to go, things are on track for bronze at best, according to a New York Times report. The $1 billion Olympic Village? Too pricey — so athletes will crash in UCLA dorms. The venue changes are also raising eyebrows: Santa Monica’s losing its volleyball dreams, and Oklahoma City is now hosting canoe slalom and softball (what?). Meanwhile, a promised car-free Games now hinges on a public transit overhaul that’s already behind schedule. Let’s just say the vibe is less Hollywood magic, more fire drill.

What it means: LA leaders are pitching a comeback arc, but many are skeptical. The Olympics are expected to cost $7 billion, yet organizers have only raised $5.1 billion. At the same time, the city struggles with wildfires, worker shortages, and a $1 billion deficit. Analysts warn the Games could derail wildfire recovery, drain city services, and leave taxpayers holding the bag. Also a concern: Will President Donald Trump (not exactly California’s biggest fan) come through on funding for security and transportation? Add a potential recession and tighter immigration rules, and suddenly the ticket sales forecast looks grim.

Related: Ben Stiller Addressed Pat McAfee’s “Weird” Comments at Pacers-Knicks Game (The Hollywood Reporter)

Settle This

Which major cosmetics giant just dropped $1 billion to buy Hailey Bieber's Rhode?

Extra Credit

Watch

The last time we saw Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker), she was sipping a Cosmo on a Grecian beach. Now, she’s back in New York City for a summer that’s hot, sticky, and crawling with rats (welcome home, CB). Yes, at long last, And Just Like That is finally back — and things between Carrie and Aidan (John Corbett)? Still messy. Still complicated. Still giving “maybe we shouldn’t.” Ahead of tonight's season 3 premiere (set a reminder for 9 pm ET) we can't help but wonder: Will Carrie and Aidan finally make it work after that awkward half-breakup? Will Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) reconnect with her ex-husband Steve (David Eigenberg)? Or, will she and Joy (Dolly Wells) start a new romance? And just like that…we’re hooked again.

Game Time

Brick Breaker meets word search in Spelltower, your new favorite game. For every word you find, letter tiles disappear. The fewer tiles left when you run out of words, the better your score. Try it.