Anna's Daybreak News

_{Just facts, you think for yourself}

Monday, 5:13 AM

June 16, 2025

Good morning news friend! Stay with the stories driving today—and defining the world ahead. 📰🌟

Click here to read the poll results and comments from our previous edition. Over 7,913 people gave their opinion about Israel-Iran relations, the new vaccine advisory pannel and more!

Can’t see all 6 articles in this email? The Gmail app sometimes crops our emails, click here to view full edition.

Read our latest deep dive about here, the topic is ‘Deconstructing the $66 Billion Citiadel Enigma’

Israel-Iran Conflict Enters Fourth Day

Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites, killing over 224. Iran responded by launching over 100 missiles at Israel, killing 18 and injuring over 180 since Friday, hitting cities including Tel Aviv and Haifa.

Israel claims to target Iran’s nuclear ambitions; Iran denies this but has enriched uranium near weapons-grade. Iran’s new ballistic missile tactics breached Israel’s Iron Dome, which intercepted 100+ drones.

Both countries face civilian casualties, infrastructure damage, and shortages. Israel claimed air supremacy in Iran and PM Netanyahu said ‘we’ll do what we need to do” with Iran’s leader.

Sources: Bloomberg, AP News, Reuters, NYTimes.

Minnesota Manhunt Ends

Vance Luther Boelter, 57, was arrested after a two-day manhunt in Minnesota for politically motivated shootings targeting Democratic lawmakers.

He killed State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, and critically wounded State Senator John Hoffman and his wife. Boelter, disguised as a police officer, fled after exchanging gunfire with police.

Authorities found weapons and a notebook listing about 70 potential targets, including prominent Democratic lawmakers and advocates. Boelter faces multiple murder and attempted murder charges, with federal charges possible.

The attack has sparked debates over lawmaker security and highlights rising politically motivated violence in the U.S. The FBI continues investigating possible accomplices.

Sources: AP News, Reuters, NYTimes, Bloomberg, WallStreetJournal.

U.S. Steel Deal Approved

Nippon Steel’s $14.9 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel includes a "golden share" held by the U.S. government, granting President Trump and successors permanent veto power over major decisions like relocating headquarters, changing the company name, or moving jobs abroad.

Trump can appoint one of three independent board directors and veto the rest. Nippon Steel pledges $11 billion in investments by 2028, potentially up to $28 billion, and aims to boost annual steel production from 63 to 86 million metric tons.

The United Steelworkers union expressed concern ahead of contract talks in 2026. Nippon Steel shares rose 3% following the deal approval.

Sources: NYTimes, AP News, NHK, Reuters, Bloomberg.

China’s Economy Hits Mixed Signals

China’s factory output growth slowed to 5.8% in May, the lowest since November 2024, while retail sales surged 6.4%, driven by holiday spending, subsidies, and early online sales events.

Exports rose 4.8%, but shipments to the U.S. dropped 34.5% due to high tariffs. Fixed asset investment grew 3.7% in the first five months, slightly below expectations. The jobless rate fell to 5.0%.

The property sector remains weak, with stagnant home prices after two years of decline. Recent stimulus includes interest rate cuts and liquidity support, but experts doubt China will meet its 5% GDP growth target.

Sources: Reuters, FinancialTimes, CGS, BS.

Toxic MCCPs Detected in US for the First Time

Researchers detected medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs) in Oklahoma's air for the first time in North America, using advanced mass spectrometry over a month. MCCPs, toxic chemicals used in metalworking, PVC, and textiles, enter the environment mainly via wastewater and biosolid fertilizer applied to farmland.

Previously, MCCPs had only been found in Asia and Antarctica’s atmosphere. They persist long in the environment and may cause liver, kidney, thyroid, and neurological damage. Restrictions on short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) likely increased MCCP use.

Oklahoma banned biosolid fertilizer in early 2025 amid health concerns; national bans are proposed. Researchers call for ongoing monitoring and regulation to address this emerging contaminant.

Sources: SciTechDaily, Popularmechanics, Iflscience.

Revolutionizing Wound Care

Polish researchers developed electrospun polymer fiber mats loaded with metronidazole for wound and periodontitis treatment. Fibers, made from polycaprolactone (PCL) and poly(2-vinylpyridine-co-styrene) (P2VP-PS), contained 7–27% drug by weight and were produced via classical and coaxial electrospinning.

Metronidazole transitioned from crystalline to amorphous form, with P2VP-PS fibers maintaining amorphization longer. PCL mats absorbed 53% water; P2VP-PS and core/shell mats absorbed 560% and 370%, respectively. Drug release was sustained and controlled, with higher loading increasing release rate.

Core/shell fibers minimized burst release. Release followed mostly Fickian diffusion, except P2VP-PS at low loadings, showing best control. Fibers remained stable in water and store up to one month before drug recrystallization.

Sources: Acs, SciTechDaily.

“Only fools and cloistered academics believe substance can stand alone, divorced from manner; a flawless truth delivered gracelessly is just an irritant. The 'how' is the master variable that gilds a rejection and sweetens a bitter pill”

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:

• Deconstructing the $66 Billion Citiadel Enigma

• The U.S. Debt Trajectory, Assessing the Risks of a $36 Trillion Liability

• Private Equity, Unpacking the Engine Room of Modern Capitalism

• Ethanol: Hype, Hope or the future of Fuel?

Baked with love,

Anna Eisenberg ❤️