Markets surged, an earthquake rattled California, and political tensions rose at home and abroad — here are the top U.S. headlines from April 14, 2025.
Trade Policy Uncertainty: President Trump’s announcement of potential new tariffs on smartphones and computers has created confusion among businesses and investors. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick indicated that current exemptions are temporary, with new tariffs on semiconductors expected soon.
Earthquake in Southern California: A 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck near Julian, northeast of San Diego, shaking much of Southern California. The tremor occurred at approximately 10:08 a.m. local time and was felt over 100 miles away in Los Angeles. No major damage or injuries were reported.
U.S.-Iran Nuclear Talks: A second round of nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran is set to take place in Rome, following a “positive” initial meeting in Oman. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed Italy’s role in hosting the talks.
WNBA Draft: Paige Bueckers was selected as the first overall pick by the Dallas Wings in the 2025 WNBA Draft, held in New York City. The UConn Huskies star expressed deep gratitude during the event.
Immigration and Deportation: El Salvador President Nayib Bukele stated that he lacks the authority to return Kilmar Abrego García, an alleged MS-13 gang member, to the United States following a Supreme Court ruling. The U.S. administration maintains that deportations return individuals to their country of origin.
Stock Market Rally: U.S. stock markets experienced a strong rally, spurred by President Trump’s decision to temporarily relax tariffs. The S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average both rose by 0.8%, while the Nasdaq composite increased by 0.6%.
Protests and Public Sentiment: Protests continue across the country in response to various policies of the Trump administration, including immigration enforcement and education funding.
Law Enforcement Incidents: A 61-year-old man was fatally shot by police in Queens, New York, after allegedly threatening officers with a knife. The incident is under investigation.
Mass Shooting in St. Louis: A mass shooting at Fairground Park in St. Louis left one person dead and four injured. Authorities are investigating the incident.
Legal Proceedings: Rümeysa Öztürk, a Tufts University Ph.D. student, appeared in a federal court hearing in Burlington, Vermont, challenging her detention in Louisiana. Her lawyers argue that she was unconstitutionally arrested and are seeking her release.
