Welcome to the daily briefing. This morning’s breaking news is:
nicole farato Here’s the news you need to know on Friday, including the threat AI poses to our jobs and former President Bill Clinton’s expected testimony about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Also: Baseball is back!
Mass layoffs fuel fears of AI Armageddon
Citrini Research’s doomsday report warns that artificial intelligence tools could lead to a spike in unemployment. The study worried investors, imagining what would happen if AI continues to upend white-collar jobs. The researchers called the report “a scenario, not a prediction,” but the study gained attention Thursday after Square and Cash app operator Block announced it would cut nearly half its workforce (more than 4,000 people) as it restructures its business with AI.
Meanwhile, younger job seekers are struggling as entry-level hires are increasingly asked to review AI-generated output, make decisions, and manage risk. These responsibilities have traditionally required years of direct experience;
More news you need to know right now
memory
Chicago honors Jesse Jackson
In Chicago, people lined up to pay their respects to civil rights icon Jesse Jackson, who is resting at the Rainbow Push Coalition building. Jackson’s memorial services will continue across the United States for two weeks.
sports
It’s finally time for spring training!
Spring training fans gather under sunny Arizona and Florida skies to watch Major League Baseball exhibition games before the regular season begins. MLB’s 30 teams, evenly split between Arizona (Cactus League) and Florida (Grapefruit League), are preparing for the new season, with players fighting for jobs ahead of a grueling 162-team campaign that each team hopes will end in late October. Get your tickets.
before you go
Have feedback about the daily briefing? Email Nicole at NFallert@usatoday.com.
