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Anna's Daybreak News

_{Just facts, you think for yourself}

Wednesday, 5:22 AM

January 22, 2025

Good morning news friend! Explore the pivotal moments defining today and influencing tomorrow. 📰🌟

Netflix's Blowout Q4

Netflix registered 19 million new subscribers in Q4 of 2024, reaching a total of 302 million worldwide. This surge, the largest quarterly increase in the company's history, was fueled by "Squid Game" Season 2 and the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson boxing match.

The company's revenue jumped by 16% to $10.2 billion. Netflix's earnings per share reached $4.27, exceeding estimates of $4.20. Annual operating income exceeded $10 billion for the first time.

The streaming platform plans to increase prices across multiple markets, with US rates rising to $17.99 for standard plans and $24.99 for premium memberships. The ad-supported tier now accounts for 55% of new sign-ups in available regions.

Netflix forecasts a 2025 revenue between $43.5 billion and $44.5 billion. The total global audience, including paid password sharing, is projected at 700 million.

Sources: Bloomberg, Reuters, Deadline, NY Times

SEC Crypto Task Force

The SEC announced the formation of a new cryptocurrency task force. This initiative aims to create a clear regulatory framework for crypto assets. Acting Chair Mark Uyeda and SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce lead the effort.

The task force's goals include establishing clear regulatory guidelines, facilitating realistic paths for registration, and ensuring sensible disclosure frameworks. They will also deploy enforcement resources addressing issues related to the registration of cryptocurrencies.

This move aligns with President Trump’s vision for a crypto-friendly administration supporting the $3.7 trillion digital asset market. Following the announcement, Bitcoin surged by 2.4%, reaching over $106,000.

The task force will draw input from various stakeholders, including the public and industry participants. They plan to hold roundtables for further engagement and welcome public contributions via [email protected].

Sources: Reuters, CNBC, Decrypt, NBC, NewsFile, The Block

Bitter Cold and Snowstorm Sweep the South

A winter storm struck the US Gulf Coast, bringing unusual snowfall and frigid temperatures. Houston experienced heavy snow. Up to 8 inches (20 cm) of snow was forecast for New Orleans, its first measurable snowfall since 2009.

The storm caused the cancellation of 960 flights at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Power outages affected 45,000 homes in Texas.

Schools and government offices closed in many areas, including Austin and Mobile, Alabama, where up to 5 inches of snow were expected, the highest in over 60 years.

Cold temperatures plummeted to -39°F (-39°C) in Colorado, while wind chills reached -55°F (-48°C) across the Upper Midwest. In Louisiana, state officials declared a state of emergency.

Sources: USAToday, Reuters, Fox Weather, Weather Channel

Trump Launches $500 Billion AI Investment

President Donald Trump announced an investment in artificial intelligence. The initiative features a collaboration between SoftBank, OpenAI, and Oracle. This joint venture, named Stargate, will kick off with an initial commitment of $100 billion.

In the next four years, the investment could scale up to $500 billion. Key figures at the announcement included Masayoshi Son from SoftBank, Sam Altman from OpenAI, and Larry Ellison from Oracle.

Stargate plans to build 10 data centers in Texas, already under construction, and plans exist for expansion into other states. The initiative ties into health advancements, potentially aiding cancer treatments through customized vaccines.

Trump emphasized the need for streamlined regulations to facilitate energy generation for the centers. An estimated $1 trillion is earmarked for data centers in the US over five years.

Sources: Bloomberg, CBSNews, SeekingAlpha, Breaking the News, APNews, NYTimes

AI-Designed Drugs Set for Trials in 2025

Isomorphic Labs plans to begin clinical trials for AI-designed drugs by late 2025. CEO Demis Hassabis announced this at the World Economic Forum. The aim is to shrink drug discovery timelines from over a decade to mere weeks or months.

Over 460 AI startups focus on drug discovery, with investments exceeding $60 billion globally. Last year, Isomorphic secured a $45 million partnership with Eli Lilly. The agreement includes potential performance-based milestones totaling $1.7 billion.

Similar collaborations with Novartis also highlight big pharma's interest in AI-driven drug research.

Exscientia, another player in this field, moved its first AI-designed drug candidate into human trials in just 12 months, a process traditionally taking about five years. Market optimism surrounds these advancements, although clinical trial success remains uncertain.

Sources: The Next Web, SeekingAlpha, Financial Times, Bloomberg, GulfNews

Hamas Retakes Gaza

Following the cease-fire in Gaza, Hamas deployed thousands of armed forces to assert its control over the region. Looting by Hamas forces has plagued humanitarian efforts to deliver aid to Gazans.

Under the cease-fire agreement, Hamas’s police will oversee law enforcement in Gaza. Teams of Egyptian and Arab observers will monitor the police forces, which will wear blue uniforms and remain unarmed near Israeli troops.

While frustrations with Hamas grow within Gaza, the Palestinian Authority expressed readiness to govern. Despite this, Netanyahu opposes its involvement.

Israel estimates Hamas had about 30,000 fighters pre-war, with around 17,000 reportedly killed.

Sources: Financial Times, WallStreetJournal

“Accept the rationality of time, never its fairness and morality.”

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Baked with love,

Anna Eisenberg ❤️