Wed Dec 31 12:30:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text followed by a news article based on that information:

Summary:

The “Daily Briefing” from USA Today highlights three main topics:

  1. Flu Surge: The U.S. is experiencing a significant surge in flu cases, particularly in New York, which reported a record number of positive cases. This is happening alongside the emergence of a new flu strain and a decrease in flu vaccinations. While the vaccine might not be a perfect match, health officials are hopeful it will protect against severe illness.

  2. Mikaela Shiffrin’s Winning Streak: American skier Mikaela Shiffrin is on an impressive winning streak, securing her fifth consecutive slalom win this season after overcoming a significant deficit.

  3. Black Gamers and Magic: The Gathering: The article explores how the fantasy card game Magic: The Gathering has become more accessible to Black players through the use of “proxies” (unofficial cards) and the online game, MTG Arena.

News Article:

Flu Cases Surge Nationwide, New York Hits Record High as Holiday Travel Continues

USA TODAY – As holiday travel reaches its peak, the United States is grappling with a sharp increase in influenza cases, with New York state reporting its highest number of positive cases in a single week. According to the New York State Department of Health, the week ending December 20 saw a staggering 38% increase in cases compared to the previous week, setting a new record for the state.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms the increase in seasonal flu activity is widespread across the country, mirroring trends seen in previous years. However, health officials are monitoring a new flu strain that has emerged. While concerns exist about the current flu vaccine’s effectiveness against the new variant, officials remain optimistic that it will still provide protection against severe illness. A decline in flu vaccination rates may be contributing to the overall rise in infections.

In other news, American skier Mikaela Shiffrin continues to dominate the slopes, securing her fifth consecutive slalom victory in Semmering, Austria. Shiffrin overcame a significant deficit to clinch the win, showcasing her exceptional skill and extending her remarkable winning streak.

Finally, the fantasy card game Magic: The Gathering is seeing increased accessibility among Black players thanks to “proxies” (unofficial cards) and MTG Arena, a free-to-play online version. This has helped remove the high costs often associated with the game, providing a more inclusive environment for players.

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