CIA in Venezuela, Shutdown Lay Offs and Universal Kidney Transplants

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Anna's Daybreak News

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Thursday, 5:13 AM

October 16, 2025

Good morning news friend! Discover today’s defining stories and the future they set in motion. 📰🌟

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CIA in Venezuela

President Trump authorized CIA covert operations in Venezuela to address prisoner releases into the U.S. and drug trafficking, mainly by sea. U.S. forces conducted at least five strikes on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean, killing 27, including six near Venezuela on October 14.

The U.S. increased military presence with warships, a nuclear submarine, and F-35 jets around Puerto Rico to block smuggling routes. Trump hinted at targeting land-based drug operations but did not confirm CIA authority to remove President Nicolás Maduro, who denies drug charges and condemned U.S. actions as coup attempts.

The administration labels traffickers unlawful combatants, while UN experts criticize strikes as extrajudicial. The escalation raises regional tensions and legal controversies.

Sources: AP News, Bloomberg, BBC, Dw, Sky.

Should the U.S. consider expanding military action from sea to land in Venezuela to combat drug trafficking?

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Final Days to Get $12 Cocktails for Life

On New Year’s Eve 2006, Death & Co’s opening night, its signature cocktails cost $12. Now Death & Co is offering that pricing for life to select investors.

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As a thank you for joining their investor community, Death & Co is offering exclusive benefits to shareholders, including investor happy hours, priority reservations, $12 cocktails for life, and more.

But the investment window ends on October 30, so you don’t have time to wait.

This is a paid advertisement for Death & Company’s Regulation A offering. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Please read the offering circular at invest.deathandcompany.com.

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Shutdown Lay Offs Halted

The Trump administration planned layoffs of over 10,000 federal workers amid a government shutdown entering its third week.

More than 4,100 workers received notices across agencies including Treasury (1,446 jobs), Health and Human Services (600 jobs), Education, HUD, Commerce, Energy, and Homeland Security. White House Budget Director Russell Vought targeted programs like Green New Deal initiatives and EPA environmental justice efforts.

On October 15, Judge Susan Illston issued a temporary restraining order blocking the layoffs, citing likely unlawful political motives and labor law violations. The Senate failed nine times to pass a funding resolution. The shutdown and threat of layoffs continue as the administration plans to appeal the ruling.

Sources: Bloomberg, Reuters, BBC, ABC.

Is it appropriate for a judge to temporarily block executive action like these layoffs during a shutdown?

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Today in Anna's Long Reads, we’re looking at two stories that change how we see the world.

First, a breakthrough in Alzheimer's research. For decades, we've been told it's a disease caused by plaque in the brain. But what if that's wrong? New science suggests Alzheimer's is actually an autoimmune disorder—the brain’s own defense system mistakenly attacking healthy cells. And the trigger might not even be in the brain. This completely changes the search for a cure. Read what experts are saying.

Then, we go inside Yemen. The Iran-backed Houthis are praised by some for their attacks in the Red Sea. But on the ground, they rule through starvation. We’ll show you how they hijack billions in global food aid, forcing families to choose between loyalty and survival. It’s a stunning look at what's really happening behind the headlines. Click Here to Read it now!

India Will End Russian Oil Imports

Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured President Trump that India will stop importing Russian oil, currently about 1.7 million barrels daily, though no immediate timeline was given.

Russia exports 3.35 million barrels daily, with China buying 1.1 million barrels. The U.S. has pressured India, imposing tariffs up to 50% partly due to continued Russian energy imports. India defends its purchases as stabilizing global prices under a $47.6-per-barrel G7/EU price cap.

Modi’s government has not officially confirmed ending imports. Analysts note India’s ties with Russia and energy needs make a rapid halt unlikely. Trump is also urging China and Japan to stop Russian energy imports.

Does India breaking ties with Russian oil significantly weaken Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine?

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Did you know we also write in-depth deep dives? They are long, packed with insights, and have received rave reviews. If you’re up for a detailed, action-packed read, check them out:

$40 Billion to Stabilize Argentina

The U.S. Treasury is launching a $20 billion private-sector facility to aid Argentina’s debt management, complementing an existing $20 billion currency swap line, totaling $40 billion in support.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed interest from private banks and sovereign funds. The U.S. has begun purchasing Argentine pesos to stabilize the currency after local election losses by President Javier Milei’s party. U.S. support depends on Argentina’s economic policies, not election results.

Milei, in office since 2023, has enforced spending cuts amid protests and expects continued U.S. backing through 2027. The plan aims to bolster U.S. influence in Latin America and drew criticism from U.S. farmers over Argentina’s soybean export tax cuts. Argentina’s stock index rose nearly 10%.

Sources: AP News, Reuters, Trtworld, AXIOS.

Does the U.S.’s currency intervention (buying pesos) represent helpful stabilization or risky market interference?

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Treatments for Chronic Constipation

A study of 75 trials developed 59 evidence-based dietary guidelines for chronic constipation. Foods effective in easing symptoms include kiwifruit (rich in fiber and actinidin), prunes (high in sorbitol), rye bread (fermentable fiber), and mineral-rich water (magnesium sulfate/bicarbonate).

Supplements Psyllium fiber and magnesium oxide improve stool frequency and consistency. Certain probiotics show variable benefits. Generic high-fiber diets and stimulant laxatives lack strong support for long-term use. The guidelines emphasize personalized dietary interventions, adequate hydration (2–3 liters daily), and specialist referrals if needed.

Researchers highlight the need for larger, longer trials on whole diet patterns and combined therapies to close current knowledge gaps in managing chronic constipation.

Which of the following best describes your usual approach to managing constipation?

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Universal Kidney Transplants

Scientists converted a blood type A kidney into a universal type O organ using enzymes that remove blood-type markers.

The enzyme-treated kidney was transplanted into a brain-dead human, functioning without rejection for two days before type A markers reappeared, triggering a mild immune response. This enzyme method alters the organ instead of the patient, potentially speeding transplants and expanding donor compatibility, especially benefiting type O patients who wait years longer for organs.

The approach, tested for the first time in a living immune system, could reduce reliance on costly immune treatments. Next steps include regulatory approval and clinical trials with living recipients.

Would you personally accept a kidney converted to universal type O using enzyme technology, once approved?

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“A reputation that ain't well-founded is like a handsome suit of clothes made out of paper; it makes a fine and impressive show on a sunny day, but the first real storm will wash it away to nothing.

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Baked with love,

Anna Eisenberg ❤️

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