Meta Plans Major Layoffs
According to Reuters, “Meta targets May 20 for first wave of layoffs; additional cuts later in 2026”, the company will cut about 10% (~8,000) in the first round as it pivots to AI — a clear sign of mounting LAYOFFS pressure. ([investing.com](https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/exclusivemeta-targets-may-20-for-first-wave-of-layoffs-additional-cuts-later-in-2026-4621507?utm_source=openai)) [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/world/meta-targets-may-20-first-wave-layoffs-additional-cuts-later-2026-2026-04-17/)
OpenAI Leadership Shakeup
According to Bloomberg, “OpenAI’s Former Product Chief and Sora Head Leave Company”, Kevin Weil and Bill Peebles have exited amid a product reorganization that folds Sora and Prism into other teams, underscoring fresh DEPARTURES at a critical moment for the lab. ([news.bloomberglaw.com](https://news.bloomberglaw.com/artificial-intelligence/openais-former-product-chief-and-sora-head-leave-company?utm_source=openai)) [Bloomberg](https://news.bloomberglaw.com/artificial-intelligence/openais-former-product-chief-and-sora-head-leave-company)
White House, Anthropic Meet on Mythos
According to AP, “White House chief of staff meets with Anthropic CEO over its new AI technology”, senior officials discussed controlled agency access to Anthropic’s powerful Mythos model despite cybersecurity concerns — the model name MYTHOS dominated talks. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/f3c590fcee98297832973d02d3979c87?utm_source=openai)) [AP](https://apnews.com/article/f3c590fcee98297832973d02d3979c87)
March CPI shock
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Consumer Price Index News Release – 2026 M03 Results” showed headline CPI rose 0.9% in March, lifting annual inflation to about 3.3%; inflation is back on investors’ radar and complicates the Fed’s policy path. [BLS](https://www.bls.gov/news.release/archives/cpi_04102026.htm)
Wall Street record rally
According to AP, “Wall Street hits a record as S&P 500 continues its 2-week rally on hopes for an end to the Iran war” as stocks climbed to fresh highs on easing oil fears; markets cheered diplomatic progress even as geopolitical risk persists. [AP](https://apnews.com/article/7659569791b1f5e108489360d18e50f1)
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