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The Daily Briefing

YOUR MORNING NEWS ROUNDUP

Fri Feb 14 2025

Nicole Fallert | Newsletter Writer

@nicolefallert

Americans may be walking around with bird flu − and not even know it. President Donald Trump's next round of tariffs are expected to be equivalent to the fees that individual countries put on products imported from the U.S. A handful of tech companies are trimming staff again.

💞 I'm Nicole Fallert, Daily Briefing author. Happy Valentine's Day, readers! Find love today at Waffle House (or complain about online dating) 💞

Feeling fine? You could have bird flu antibodies

Researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention randomly tested 150 veterinarians for bird flu antibodies, which would indicate if they had a recent infection. Three veterinarians specializing in cattle tested positive — but the vets said they never experienced any flu-like symptoms. The report adds to a growing body of evidence that suggests people may have asymptomatic bird flu infections, or infections showing no obvious symptoms. The findings mean the virus may be spreading undetected.

Trump moves to impose tariffs on nearly every nation

President Donald Trump instructed his administration to pursue reciprocal tariffs against nations that put fees on U.S. exports, which could lead to higher costs for Americans.

•	Trump did not immediately put tariffs in place, but directed trade officials to go country by country and put together a slate of counter measures.
•	Are tariffs going to quell inflation? Investors are refocused on inflation after a pair of higher-than-expected inflation reports this week.
•	What it means for your wallet: Prices could go up for your spending as tit-for-tat tariffs hit imports and exports.

More news to know now

•	RFK Jr. was sworn in as Secretary of Health and Human Services.
•	TikTok is back on the app store.
•	Two pilots are in "good condition" after a military plane crash near San Diego.
•	Mudslides hit California areas charred by fires.
•	A big cultural shake-up is happening at the Kennedy Center.
•	ICE efforts are making people too afraid to go to school or church.

What's the weather today? Check your local forecast here.

Manhattan US Attorney resigns over 'rushed' DOJ process

"I remain baffled by the rushed and superficial process by which this decision was reached, in seeming collaboration with Adams's counsel and without my direct input on the ultimate stated rationales for dismissal."

~ Acting U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon, the Trump administration's recent pick to temporarily lead the office prosecuting Mayor Eric Adams, announced her resignation in an eight-page letter Thursday. She said in the letter her office was undermined by the Department of Justice after acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove directed her to dismiss the indictment against Adams. Here's what else the letter said.

Here's what's going on with recent tech layoffs?

A wave of job cuts is hitting the tech industry, suddenly leaving highly-skilled workers searching for jobs. Many of these folks were hired in the early years of the pandemic, which saw a massive hiring spree in tech fueled by shifting consumer habits during lockdown (think online fitness, virtual experiences). But now, companies are restructuring priorities, slimming down areas that were vital during the pandemic and boosting others. But amid these redirections, unemployed tech workers face a more challenging hiring environment in 2025 than colleagues laid off in recent years. Read more

Today's talkers

•	Everyone loved shopping for craft supplies at Joann. So why is the retailer filing for bankruptcy?
•	Here's how to laugh along to SNL's 50th anniversary episode this weekend.
•	We think Anthony Mackie's Captain America deserved better than "Brave New World."
•	Colleen Hoover is back on Instagram.
•	Did you just do your "morning shed" ritual?
•	We're ready to rave to the "White Lotus" intro music this Sunday.

JuJu Watkins just gave a performance for the ages

There's no sophomore slump for Southern California star JuJu Watkins. The hometown kid shined Thursday, doing it all to lead No. 6 USC to a 71-60 win over rival and No. 1 UCLA, handing the Bruins their first loss of the season. Any worries about a slowdown of her freshman campaign disappeared the moment she put up her first shot: a 3-pointer. It went right through the net and she put three fingers up in the air, a sign of things to come. Last night, she almost couldn't miss.

Ncaa Womens Basketball Ucla At Southern California

USC guard JuJu Watkins (12) reacts after scoring in the fourth quarter against UCLA at the Galen Center.

Robert Hanashiro, Imagn Images

Will you be the Travis to my Taylor?! 💟

However you spread the love this year, USA TODAY has you covered with custom Valentine's Day cards. New romance, old soulmates, Galentine pals and every other kind of lover can send these tokens of affection to make their special people feel understood in a way no one else does. Download the cards and send them to those who mean the most in your life. Or follow @USATODAY on Instagram to share the love with your friends on social media!

USA TODAY is sharing the love for every kind of Valentine.

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Nicole Fallert is a newsletter writer at USA TODAY, sign up for the email here . Want to send Nicole a note? Shoot her an email at NFallert@usatoday.com.