In partnership with

Anna's Daybreak News

_{Just facts, you think for yourself}

Tuesday, 5:12 AM

February 18, 2025

Good morning news friend! Unlock the stories behind the headlines, shaping the world around you. 📰🌟

Would you like to see the poll results and comments from our previous edition? We had so many rich comments that we had to break them down in two parts. (1) Click here to see what other readers had to say about: Ukraine’s refusal to sign a mineral deal with the US in exchange for military aid. And (2)click here to read other’s opinions about Medicaid cuts, Union rejection at Amazon and more!

Hamas to Relinquish Power?

Hamas announced that it is ready to relinquish control of Gaza to the Palestinian Authority (PA) as part of efforts for a lasting ceasefire with Israel. The current truce is contingent on Hamas disarming— a demand the group has not yet accepted.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, insists that neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority (PA) will govern Gaza after the conflict ends. Analysts caution that allowing Hamas to retain military strength could mirror Hezbollah's situation in Lebanon.

Discussions continue as an Israeli delegation meets in Cairo to negotiate the next phase of the hostage and ceasefire agreement. The delegation plans to address the release of six remaining hostages.

Sources: Bloomberg, TOI, JPost, SCMP, TML, Reuters.

Musk's DOGE Eyes IRS

Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) aims to access the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) Integrated Data Retrieval System (IDRS). This system contains Social Security numbers and taxpayer financial details.

According to White House spokesperson Harrison Fields, access is crucial for identifying and fixing government fraud. Gavin Kliger, a DOGE software engineer, will work with the IRS for 120 days.

Access to the IDRS is tightly controlled, and unauthorized access can lead to severe penalties. A federal judge recently blocked DOGE from entering the Treasury's payment systems amid a lawsuit by 19 states.

However, DOGE has received approval to access data from the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Sources: WallStreetJournal, USAToday, FoxNews, NYTimes, ABC, ITR, Forbes.

Corporate Loan Troubles Hit Eight-Year High

The delinquency rate for bank loans to US and foreign companies reached 1.3% at the end of 2024, according to BankRegData. This is the highest level since 2017.

Businesses were late on $28 billion in debt payments, up $2.2 billion from the previous quarter and $5.4 billion year-over-year. Delinquencies remain below the 5% peak of the 2008 crisis.

Corporate bank loans are mostly variable-rate, meaning interest costs rise and fall with market rates. Large companies are managing well, but small and mid-size firms are struggling.

Despite rising delinquencies, banks remain optimistic. Bank of America reported 5% loan growth in Q4. J.P. Morgan and Citi also noted strong business sentiment.

Sources: BankRegData, FinancialTimes, PYMNTS.

Inside the LIBRA Scandal

The LIBRA token scandal has sent shockwaves through the crypto community and Argentina. The token launched with a market cap exceeding $4 billion, only to plummet 90% hours later. Insiders cashed out $100 million in liquidity.

Key players include Argentine President Javier Milei, who endorsed the token, and Hayden Davis, the market maker linked to the launch. Davis confessed to holding $100 million and admitted to potential insider trading.

President Milei later denied direct involvement, asserting that he had only shared LIBRA out of enthusiasm. The fallout has led to calls for Milei’s impeachment, triggering a nearly 6% stock market drop in Argentina.

Investigations are underway, with reports of $5 million bribes to Argentinian government associates. The FBI and DOJ now have jurisdiction due to the involvement of American investors.

Sources: ChainCatcher, CryptoNews, CryptoBriefing, DLNews, BIC, Bloomberg.

The Secrets of Ancient Roman Concrete

Ancient Roman concrete has baffled scientists for centuries due to its exceptional durability. The Pantheon, nearly 2,000 years old, features the largest unreinforced concrete dome. The key lies in a unique blend of pozzolana, volcanic ash, and lime.

MIT researchers found that the Romans used a method called "hot mixing." This technique involved mixing quicklime at high temperatures with pozzolana and water, creating strong compounds.

The concrete contained lime clasts. These chunks were mistakenly seen as signs of poor mixing. Instead, they provide self-healing properties. When cracks form, they direct water to the lime, which reacts to seal the crack with calcium carbonate.

Tests confirmed that concrete made with hot mixing healed within two weeks, unlike modern concrete.

Sources: ScienceAlert, GreekReporter, BDC, DailyGalaxy, NDTV.

Misophonia

Misophonia causes extreme reactions to everyday sounds, such as slurping and chewing. A 2023 survey indicates that it affects about 18% of the population.

A study found genetic links between misophonia, anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

Misophonia does not correlate with autism spectrum disorder, suggesting that these are distinct conditions.

People with misophonia exhibit heightened connectivity in brain areas involving sound perception and social interactions. This could explain why the condition manifests more strongly with sounds produced by close family members.

Sources: ScienceAlert, TheCut, PsychologyToday, ResearchGate, Nautil.

“Most of what they call humility is successfully disguised arrogance.”

Baked with love,

Anna Eisenberg ❤️