Meta to cut ~8,000 jobs in first AI-driven layoff wave starting May
Reports say Meta will lay off about 10% of its workforce-roughly 8,000 people-in a first tranche of reductions tied to its push into AI efficiency.
Monday, April 20, 2026
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Get the BriefReports say Meta will lay off about 10% of its workforce-roughly 8,000 people-in a first tranche of reductions tied to its push into AI efficiency.
Congress passed a short-term extension of Section 702 of FISA through April 30 after long-term renewal efforts collapsed.
An Israeli quadcopter strike in Gaza killed a 12-year-old boy and two others, including clearly marked UNICEF aid workers in a water truck, intensifying global concern over civilian safety in the conflict.
Spot crypto ETFs-particularly Bitcoin and Ethereum-saw massive inflows over the past week, the strongest since early this year. BlackRock's IBIT led the way.
Meta announced it will expand its agreement with Broadcom to build custom AI processors, aimed at supporting its growing AI infrastructure.
White House Chief of Staff met with Anthropic's CEO to discuss the implications of the Mythos AI model on national security.
Michigan's top officials rejected a Justice Department request for 2024 ballots and related materials from Wayne County, calling it unjustified.
President Trump signed an executive order to accelerate federal review and trials of psychedelics like ibogaine for severe mental illness.
Senators introduced a push for $400 million in FY2027 funding to keep NASA's Mars Sample Return mission on track.
Charles Schwab rolled out direct Bitcoin and Ethereum trading while ETF inflows surged, highlighting growing institutional interest amid DeFi weakness.
Fed left short-term interest rates unchanged at 3.50-3.75%, flagged only one rate cut expected in 2026, and Powell said he'll stay on until successor confirmed.
Citigroup trimmed its 12-month price targets for Bitcoin and Ethereum, citing delays in U.S. crypto regulatory action.
U.S. stock futures fell over 1% after President Trump announced a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, spooking energy markets.
The Czech prime minister said his country will provide a passive (non-emitting) surveillance radar system to help secure shipping through the blocked Strait of Hormuz.
Ceasefire negotiations between the U.S. and Iran in Pakistan ended without agreement, casting doubt on stability of the truce set to expire April 22.
After 21 hours of marathon negotiations in Islamabad on April 11-12, the U.S. and Iran left without a peace deal, leaving the fragile ceasefire, due April 22, on shaky ground.
Immediately following the failed talks, President Trump announced the U.S. Navy will begin blockading Iranian ports-but will allow non-Iranian vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz.
Economists estimate China's GDP growth in Q1 rebounded to 4.8% year-over-year, though risks from higher oil prices and the Middle East conflict threaten the outlook.
ASML raised its full-year 2026 revenue outlook after a wave of new orders from chipmakers pushing AI production.
Sysco will acquire Jetro Restaurant Depot in a $29.1 billion deal, expanding its reach into the cash-and-carry wholesale food segment.
Intel will buy back Apollo's 49 percent equity stake in its Fab 34 semiconductor facility in Ireland for $14.2 billion, unwinding its financing deal from 2024.
Meta has already cut about 700 staffers across Reality Labs, recruiting, social media and other areas to redirect spending into AI.
Cybersecurity is now a two-sided AI arms race: attackers use AI to probe and breach faster, defenders fight back with AI-powered detection.
Epic Games announced layoffs of over 1,000 employees-roughly 23% of its staff-as Fortnite engagement dropped.
Data shows enterprise billing for Anthropic nearly matches OpenAI: 30.6% vs 35.2%, suggesting it could surpass its rival soon.