May 31, 2018

IBM Watson Health confirms layoffs

Bob Herman

IBM Watson Health headquarters in Massachusetts. Photo: Suzanne Kreiter/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

An IBM spokesperson has confirmed the technology giant has laid off people in its Watson Health division, saying in a statement the layoffs represent a "small percentage" of Watson Health's 7,000-plus employees without disclosing exact figures. IBM said earlier media reports of "massive" layoffs are exaggerated.

Why it matters: IBM has spent billions the past few years acquiring various health care companies, so cutting jobs may have been inevitable. But Watson Health, a unit focused on using artificial intelligence in health care, has faced criticism for expensive technology and overhyped claims.

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Coronavirus spreads to more countries, and U.S. ups its case count

Data: The Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins, the CDC, and China's Health Ministry. Note: China numbers are for the mainland only and U.S. numbers include repatriated citizens.

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The big picture: COVID-19 has now killed at least 2,359 people and infected more than 77,000 others, mostly in mainland China. New countries to announce infections recently include Israel, Lebanon and Iran.

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Wells Fargo agrees to pay $3 billion to settle consumer abuse charges

Clients use an ATM at a Wells Fargo Bank in Los Angeles, Calif. Photo: Ronen Tivony/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

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