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Tuesday, 5:14 AM

February 11, 2025

Good morning news friend! Stay in the loop with the latest updates, following the fast-moving world of current events. 📰🌟

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Hamas Delays Hostage Release

Hamas has postponed the release of more Israeli hostages, raising concerns about the ceasefire that began on January 19. Originally, 33 hostages were to be exchanged for 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. To date, 21 hostages and 730 prisoners have been released.

Hamas accuses Israel of violating the truce by delaying the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza and obstructing humanitarian aid. Israeli officials counter that Hamas has failed to follow through on agreed-upon terms.

The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, faces mounting pressure to secure releases after three hostages appeared emaciated upon their return this past weekend.

Netanyahu is consulting with security advisors, and the Israeli military is on high alert. President Trump warned, “all hell is going to break out” if Hamas fails to return “all” Israeli hostages from Gaza by 12 o’clock on Saturday.

Sources: WallStreetJournal, NYTimes, APNews, Reuters, FinancialTimes, INN, RTE.

OpenAI Bid and Chips

An investor group led by Elon Musk proposed a $97.4 billion offer to acquire OpenAI, aiming to steer it back towards its nonprofit roots. Musk believes OpenAI should focus on being a safety-oriented, open-source organization.

In another development, OpenAI is nearing the completion of its first in-house AI chip, aimed at reducing its dependence on Nvidia. The design will head to Taiwan (TSMC) for production using 3-nanometer technology.

This process, known as "taping out," typically costs tens of millions and takes about six months. Mass production is expected to start in 2026.

Sources: WallStreetJournal, Reuters, TechZine, TheVerge, ForexLive.

25% Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum 

President Trump announced a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports, effective March 4. This reinstatement eliminates exceptions for countries like Canada, Mexico, Japan, and South Korea, which had been relaxed under the Biden administration.

In 2023, the US imported 25 million metric tons of steel, with Canada alone accounting for 25% of this total. South Korea exported $4.8 billion worth of steel to the US in 2024.

Trump stated, “It’s a big deal,” claiming it would boost the American economy. These tariffs join previous ones, including a 10% tariff on all Chinese goods. He aims to impose reciprocal tariffs on other nations, matching their tariffs.

The National Foreign Trade Council expressed concern that these new tariffs will decrease competitiveness and increase costs for manufacturers.

Sources: WallStreetJournal, Reuters, BBC, Bloomberg, FinancialTimes.

Lahaina Fire $4 Billion Settlement 

The Hawaii Supreme Court ruled that insurance companies cannot pursue separate legal actions against those deemed responsible for the devastating 2023 Lahaina wildfire, clearing the path for a $4 billion settlement.

This fire, the deadliest in over 100 years, resulted in more than 100 fatalities and caused $5.5 billion in damages. Thousands of lawsuits filed after the disaster have paved the way for this settlement, which involves Hawaiian Electric, the state, and local entities.

The settlement faced obstacles due to insurers wanting to recoup funds from the defendants. So far, insurers have paid over $2.3 billion in claims and anticipate an additional $1 billion will be required.

Sources: APNews, KiTV, 2News, MauiNow, DRGNews.

Changes in the Earth’s Core

Researchers found that not only does the Earth's inner core change its rotation speed, but it also appears to change shape. This new insight comes from analyzing seismic waves generated by 168 pairs of earthquakes between 1991 and 2023.

Variations in seismic wave patterns suggest that the inner core may have deformed by up to 100 meters in some areas. The core, a dense ball of iron and nickel 2,440 kilometers (1,516 miles) wide, spins independently of the outer core and the planet itself.

The study indicates that the molten outer core's turbulence impacts the inner core, altering its structure. Changes in the inner core's rotation were noted, particularly around 2010, when its spinning slowed and reversed direction.

Sources: ScienceAlert, BBC, CNN, Nature, Independent.

Space Junk: A Threat to Air Travel?

A study from the University of British Columbia revealed increasing risks of space debris colliding with aircraft. Researchers analyzed global flight data and compared it with uncontrolled rocket reentries.

Currently, major airports are at a 0.8% annual risk of debris interference, rising to 26% for high-density airspace in regions like the northeastern US and northern Europe.

Currently, over 2,300 rocket bodies are orbiting Earth, posing potential hazards as they reenter the atmosphere. The study calls for improved controlled reentry methods, as less than 35% of launches currently use this technology.

Sources: UniverseToday, ScienceAlert, WIONews, ABC, Space.

“A good maxim allows you to have the last word without even starting a conversation.”

Baked with love,

Anna Eisenberg ❤️