Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Cuts Jobs to Focus on AI-Powered Biomedical Research
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI), the philanthropic organization founded by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Dr. Priscilla Chan, laid off approximately 70 employees, or about 8% of its workforce, as it recalibrates its focus toward AI-powered biomedical research, according to Fortune. The layoffs, which occurred primarily at CZI's Redwood City headquarters in San Mateo, California, signal a shift away from earlier initiatives in education and social justice.
In 2025, Zuckerberg and Chan began laying the groundwork for this strategic shift, emphasizing the Biohub network as a key component of their new direction. A CZI spokesperson confirmed the job cuts to Fortune.
Musk Emails to Epstein Released
Files released by the Justice Department revealed email correspondence between Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Jeffrey Epstein, according to Time. The released documents, part of a larger collection related to investigations into Epstein, included 16 emails exchanged between Musk and the disgraced financier in 2012 and 2013.
According to Time, Musk appeared to express interest in visiting Epstein's Caribbean island on multiple occasions. Musk acknowledged the authenticity of the emails on X, but denied any close relationship with Epstein. "No one pushed harder than me to have the Epstein files released and I’m glad that has finally happened," Musk stated on X, according to Time.
Catherine O'Hara Dies at 71
Catherine O'Hara, the award-winning comedy actress known for roles in "Home Alone" and "Schitt's Creek," died Friday at the age of 71, according to Time. O'Hara's career spanned more than half a century, during which she portrayed a wide range of memorable characters. Time noted her ability to play "people at the end of their ropes or legends in their own unbalanced minds."
Dystopian Short Film 'Cloud 99' Stars Jacob Fortune-Lloyd
Jacob Fortune-Lloyd, known for his roles in "The Queen's Gambit" and "Steal," is the lead in "Cloud 99," a dystopian short film from the National Film and Television School, according to Variety. The film, written and directed by Leila Murton Poole, also stars Olivia Popica ("The Wheel of Time," "Liaison") and Jayda Eyles ("Breeders").
Chile Freezes Seeds to Protect Plants in Driest Desert
In Vicuña, Chile, researchers at the Initihuasi Seed Bank are freezing seeds to preserve plant biodiversity in the world's driest desert, according to NPR News. Vicuña, the birthplace of Nobel Laureate Gabriela Mistral, faces challenges from the oppressive desert heat. Ana Sandoval, a researcher at the seed bank, is dedicated to "nurturing the future with a pot of shooting seeds," according to NPR.
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