Anna's Daybreak News

_{Just facts, you think for yourself}

Friday, 5:22 AM

February 20, 2026

Good morning news friend! Discover today’s defining stories and the future they set in motion. 📰🌟

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Former Prince Andrew Arrested

Former Prince Andrew was arrested in London on suspicion of misconduct in public office, the first senior British royal arrested in nearly 400 years.

The investigation centers on his extensive ties to Jeffrey Epstein, revealing contacts up to 2018 and allegations of sharing confidential government information. Police complaints include introducing women to Epstein and hosting some at Buckingham Palace.

Andrew settled a 2022 civil suit with Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre, denying wrongdoing. King Charles III stripped Andrew of royal titles in 2025 but he remains in the succession line.

Police are also investigating former UK ambassador Peter Mandelson for sharing sensitive information with Epstein. The probe challenges the monarchy but underscores UK legal impartiality.

Sources: WallStreetJournal, AP News, Bloomberg

Private Credit Woes

Blue Owl Capital halted investor redemptions at its retail-focused fund, liquidating $1.4 billion in loans near book value.

The fund plans to return 30% of capital within 45 days and switch from quarterly tender offers to distributions. Investor withdrawal requests surged 200% in Q4 2025, exceeding $2.9 billion across large BDCs.

Blue Owl shares fell nearly 6%, while Apollo and Blackstone shares dropped about 5%, amid concerns over liquidity risks in private credit. New investments slowed, with inflows to large funds declining 15% over three months.

Blue Owl’s loan sales included $600 million from its oldest BDC and $400 million from its tech-focused BDC, with 13% of loans to software firms.

Sources: WallStreetJournal, Bloomberg, FinancialTimes

Ban on Big Investors Buying Single-Family Homes

The Trump administration proposes banning large investors owning over 100 single-family homes from buying more, exempting those who build or renovate for rentals.

The draft law targets hundreds of firms, below prior expectations of a 1,000-home threshold. The White House aims to add the ban to bipartisan housing bills now in Congress—the House bill passed without it, while the Senate considers inclusion.

The Treasury Secretary would gain authority to adjust investor definitions. Some Democrats oppose the plan due to exemptions and no mandate for existing owners to divest.

Experts doubt the ban will lower housing costs significantly, as institutional investors hold a small overall market share but dominate in cities like Atlanta and Phoenix.

Sources: WallStreetJournal, Washingtonexaminer

Job Claims Drop

Initial US unemployment claims dropped by 23,000 to 206,000 for the week ending February 14, below the expected 225,000, marking the largest decline since November.

Continuing claims rose slightly to 1.87 million, the highest since early January 2026. The 4-week moving average of initial claims fell by 1,000 to 219,000, with the previous week's average revised up to 220,000.

The insured unemployment rate held steady at 1.2% for the week ending February 7. The data indicates labor market stability, with fewer new layoffs but some persistent unemployment from earlier weeks.

Sources: Forexfactory, Bloomberg

Bubble Tea Risks

Bubble tea contains tapioca pearls made from cassava starch, which can absorb lead, leading to contamination.

Excessive pearl consumption may cause gastroparesis, intestinal blockages, and kidney stones due to oxalate and phosphate. Choking risks, especially for children, have caused fatalities.

Sugar content ranges from 20 to 50 grams per serving, exceeding that in soda, contributing to youth obesity, type 2 diabetes, cavities, and metabolic diseases. Studies link frequent consumption to higher anxiety and depression levels.

Tapioca pearls can mimic stones in medical imaging. Experts recommend consuming bubble tea occasionally and avoiding straws to reduce choking hazards.

Health risks include lead exposure, digestive issues, kidney stones, choking, high sugar intake, and possible mental health effects.

Sources: SciTechDaily

Inhalable Tuberculosis Treatment

Researchers developed inhalable rifampin nanoparticles targeting lung macrophages to treat tuberculosis (TB).

This delivery keeps rifampin in the lungs up to seven days after one dose, contrasting with daily oral pills that cause liver damage and drug interactions. In mouse models, inhaled rifampin maintained higher lung levels and stimulated immune responses.

The method may reduce dosing frequency to weekly and limit side effects. It also has potential against non-tuberculous mycobacterial lung infections. Future research will explore combining inhaled rifampin with other TB drugs.

This approach could simplify TB treatment, enhance adherence, and reduce side effects associated with current therapies.

Sources: SciTechDaily

“When your own gut starts talking, especially if it’s got a solid history of telling the truth, you'd best pull up a chair and give it the floor.”

Baked with love,

Anna Eisenberg ❤️