The Clintons’ Epstein Testimony, and the Pentagon’s New Laser Strike

In tense deposition testimony on February 26, 2026, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton denied knowing Jeffrey Epstein or his criminal activities, while the Pentagon conducted another successful laser strike demonstration against drones, and the company Block announced it would cut 40% of its workforce due to its embrace of artificial intelligence technologies. Clinton's deposition, which lasted several hours, represented a significant development in the ongoing investigation into Epstein's network and activities. Under oath, she firmly stated that she had no personal knowledge of Epstein's crimes and had only met him on a handful of occasions, primarily through social connections. This testimony comes as part of broader legal proceedings related to Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. The Pentagon's successful laser strike demonstration marks a significant advancement in directed energy weapons technology. During the test, the laser system successfully disabled an approaching drone, prompting temporary air closures in the test area. This technology represents a potential game-changer in defense capabilities, offering a more cost-effective alternative to traditional missile defense systems. The demonstration comes amid increasing concerns about drone threats to military installations and civilian airspace, with officials noting that laser systems could provide a scalable solution for intercepting multiple threats simultaneously at a fraction of the cost of conventional munitions. In a move reflecting the growing impact of artificial intelligence on the workforce, Block (formerly known as Square) announced it would eliminate approximately 4,000 positions, representing 40% of its total workforce. The company stated that these cuts were directly related to its increased investment in AI technologies that can automate many of the functions previously performed by human employees. This announcement is part of a broader trend in the tech industry where AI implementation is leading to significant workforce reductions. Block's decision underscores the ongoing debate about the balance between technological advancement and employment preservation, as companies increasingly turn to automation to improve efficiency and reduce costs.