Anna's Daybreak News

_{Just facts, you think for yourself}

Thursday, 5:23 AM

June 12, 2025

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

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Middle East Alert

The U.S. ordered nonessential staff to leave its Baghdad embassy and authorized voluntary departures for military families in Bahrain, Kuwait, and other Middle East bases amid rising Iran tensions.

Iran threatened strikes on U.S. bases if attacked over its nuclear program. Diplomatic talks stalled after five rounds, with no near-term negotiations expected. Israel is preparing possible strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, escalating risks.

Brent crude rose over $3 to $69.18 per barrel following the evacuation. The British Maritime Trade Operations warned of potential disruptions to shipping in the Persian Gulf region. Iraq hosts 2,500 U.S. troops but reports no immediate security threats. U.S. Central Command chief postponed Senate testimony amid these developments.

Sources: Bloomberg, AP News, Reuters, NYTimes.

Rare Earths Trade Tensions

The U.S. and China agreed on a tentative trade deal where China will issue six-month export licenses for rare earth minerals critical to EVs, electronics, and military gear. In return, the U.S. eased export controls on jet engines and ethane.

China maintains leverage by limiting license duration and controls about 80% of heavy rare earth processing globally. It depends on Myanmar mines operated by a Chinese-backed militia for key minerals like dysprosium and terbium.

The U.S. relies on China for 70% of rare earth compounds and imports ore from its Mountain Pass mine for processing. The U.S. invested $439 million to develop domestic supply chains, but full capacity is years away.

Sources: Reuters, AP News, Bloomberg, WallStreetJournal.

U.S. Inflation Stats

U.S. consumer prices rose 0.1% in May, below expectations, with the CPI up 2.4% year-over-year. Core inflation remained steady at 2.8% annually. Food prices increased 0.3%, led by eggs, up 41.5% annually despite a monthly drop.

Gasoline prices fell 2.6%, down 12% from last year. Shelter costs rose 0.3%, driving the CPI increase. Tariff-related price hikes appeared in major appliances (+4.3%), toys (+1.3%), and prescription drugs (+0.6%).

Retailers like Walmart and Smucker plan price increases due to tariffs. Economists expect tariffs to drive inflation higher in late 2025. The Fed likely won’t cut rates before September as core inflation stays above 2%.

Sources: Reuters, AP News, Barrons, NYTimes, CNBC.

RFK Jr. Names 8 New CDC Advisers

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed all 17 CDC vaccine advisers and appointed eight new members, including 4 known mRNA COVID-19 vaccine skeptics such as Dr. Robert Malone, Dr. Martin Kulldorff, Dr. Cody Meissner, and Retsef Levi.

The new panel, set to review vaccines like HPV and COVID-19, has faced criticism for potential bias and undermining scientific independence.

Kennedy cited past members’ political donations and conflicts of interest as reasons for the purge. He noted all previous members were appointed under President Biden and some donated to Democrats.

Sources: NYTimes, Go, Cbsnews, AXIOS.

Cat1 and CRISPR

Scientists discovered Cat1, a bacterial protein that halts virus replication by breaking down NAD+, essential for cell metabolism.

Activated by cyclic tetra-adenylate (cA4), Cat1 forms filament and spiral structures that trap NAD+, stopping infected cells from growing and spreading viruses.

Unlike other CARF effectors, Cat1 often functions alone, underpinning immunity in many bacteria beyond traditional CRISPR-Cas9, which targets viral DNA directly.

This reveals a new CRISPR antiviral mechanism based on metabolic shutdown. Since 2023, CRISPR therapies like Casgevy treat blood disorders.

Sources: SciTechDaily, Securities.

Psychiatric Disorders’ Shared Root Cause

A study found eight psychiatric disorders—including autism, ADHD, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, Tourette syndrome, OCD, and anorexia—share common genetic roots.

Researchers identified 683 gene variants controlling gene activity affecting brain development and multiple cell types. Many variants influence several disorders simultaneously, explaining their frequent co-occurrence and familial patterns.

Up to 70% of individuals with autism or ADHD have both conditions. Shared genetic networks impact brain function broadly, offering potential targets for treatments addressing multiple disorders together.

Sources: Sciencealert.

“The wise are drawn to others by a higher self-interest, frequenting circles not of vanity, but of competence.”

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:

• 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 ❤️