Meta plans to lay off 8,000 employees, about 10%, amid rising AI infrastructure costs. The move follows previous large-scale layoffs and aims to improve efficiency. Meta's increased AI investments have led to higher capital expenditures, with the company also reportedly recording keystrokes to enhance AI models. The layoffs reflect broader tech industry trends.
Senators Katie Britt and John Fetterman have co-sponsored bills to establish social media guardrails for young people, citing concerns over mental health impacts. They emphasized the urgency of action to protect the next generation from potential harms associated with social media use. The senators highlighted the need for regulatory measures to address these issues, though no specific legislation details were provided.
A former North Carolina law enforcement officer was arrested in Florida for threatening to carry out a mass shooting at a New Orleans festival. Christopher Gillum, 44, was detained without incident while en route to the event, authorities confirmed. The arrest follows threats made online and at a hotel, prompting heightened security measures.
Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.) stated he is not focusing on his reelection bid less than seven months before the midterms. He made the comment on April 17 on the Capitol steps, amid discussions of a recent Democratic-backed redistricting initiative in Virginia. Van Orden’s remarks suggest a lack of emphasis on his campaign as political tensions rise ahead of the 2026 elections.
The Crypto-aligned Fellowship PAC has spent $1.75 million supporting Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the upcoming May runoff against Senator John Cornyn. This significant investment highlights the growing influence of crypto-related political funding in key U.S. elections. The race is closely watched as crypto interests seek to shape political outcomes in Texas.
Rep. Sarah McBride predicted on April 18, 2026, that President Trump will fire Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard next, claiming he "only fires women." McBride also expressed support for impeaching Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the U.S.-Israeli conflict, criticizing Trump’s cabinet officials and suggesting a pattern of dismissals based on gender.
President Trump stated on April 18, 2026, that no nuclear weapons will be used on Iran, emphasizing that the U.S. has already achieved significant military objectives through conventional means. He dismissed questions about nuclear escalation as "stupid" and highlighted that Iran has been "totally decimated" without nuclear intervention. The statement reflects ongoing U.S. diplomatic and military posture toward Iran.
