Tech, Law and Money Shake Up the U. S. Landscape

FDA Boosts Employee Bonuses
The Food & Drug Administration will pay extra bonuses to staff who finish drug reviews quickly, aiming to accelerate approvals for patients in need.

AI Firm Limits Pentagon Access
A leading AI company refuses to grant the U.S. military unrestricted use of its chatbot, citing concerns over mass surveillance and autonomous weapons. The firm warns the Pentagon may terminate the contract if demands are unmet.

Meta Protects Teens from Self‑Harm Content
Meta will notify parents via email, text or WhatsApp when a child searches for self‑harm–related terms. The alerts aim to enable timely intervention without generating false alarms.

Walmart Settles FTC Claims
Walmart agreed to a $100 million settlement after the FTC alleged it misled gig drivers about earnings. The company must verify driver pay and ensure tips are fairly distributed.

“Trump Accounts” Face State Taxation
The White House promotes tax‑advantaged savings accounts for children, but up to twenty‑one states plan to tax the earnings, creating uncertainty for parents.

FedEx Will Refund Tariff Customers
FedEx pledged to reimburse customers if a court forces the administration to return billions of tariffs collected. The company will share recovered funds with businesses that overpaid for imports.

Block Cuts 40% of Staff
Block announced a 4,000‑person workforce reduction to adopt new AI tools. CEO Jack Dorsey said the move supports smaller, flatter teams that work more efficiently with advanced technology. Investors reacted positively, lifting the stock sharply.