Anna's Daybreak News

_{Just facts, you think for yourself}

Friday, 5:14 AM

December 20, 2024

Good morning news friend! Stay tuned to the unfolding stories shaping the world we live in today. 📰🌟

Putin Open to Compromise?

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced his readiness to negotiate on the Ukraine war with US President-elect Donald Trump. During a state TV session, he stated there are no preconditions for talks with Ukraine.

Putin emphasized the need for both sides to compromise. He mentioned that the number of Ukrainians willing to fight would soon decrease. However, he dismissed any temporary truce, asserting only a comprehensive peace deal would suffice.

Putin insisted that any agreement could only be signed with Ukraine's parliament. Putin also noted that he is open to discussions with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths and millions displaced. Russia controls about 20% of Ukraine.

Source: Read More

US Economy Poised for Strong Finish

Jobless claims have fallen by 22,000 to 220,000. Continuing claims also decreased by 5,000, reaching 1.874 million.

The third-quarter GDP growth revised up to 3.1%, driven by consumer spending, which grew at a rate of 3.7%. The fastest consumer growth in 18 months. Exports surged by 9.6%. Business investments increased 0.8%, with equipment investment rising by 10.8%.

US existing-home sales rose to an annualized rate of 4.15 million. This represents a 4.8% increase, the highest pace since March.

Additionally, the median home price reached a historic $406,100, setting a record for any November.

Source: Read More

Amazon Workers Strike Amid Holiday Rush

Amazon workers launched a strike at seven facilities across the US. This strike includes locations in New York, Atlanta, and San Francisco.

Workers demand better treatment and recognition of health pressures due to Amazon's efficiency-driven quotas. The Teamsters claim to represent 10,000 workers, while Amazon disputes this, asserting that it employs over 1.5 million people nationwide.

Earlier in 2024, Amazon raised average wages for fulfillment employees to $22 per hour, following a $2.1 billion pay increase investment.

Despite the strike, Amazon claims operations continue unaffected. Protests occurred at facilities, with police intervening at the New York site.

Source: Read More

North Korean Crypto Crimes

In 2024, crypto theft reached $2.2 billion, a 21% increase from 2023. North Korean hackers were the primary culprits, accounting for 61% of the total stolen—$1.34 billion across 47 incidents.

This rise in theft highlights the role of cybercrime in funding North Korea's military programs. The first half of 2024 saw hacking peak, with $1.58 billion stolen, approximately 84% higher than the previous year.

However, activity declined after July, following a summit between Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin. Post-summit, thefts linked to North Korea dropped by 53.73%.

Notable hacks include DMM Bitcoin, which lost $305 million in May, and WazirX, which halted withdrawals after a breach. North Korean hackers are infiltrating companies by posing as remote workers.

Source: Read More

Phoenix Ghost Drones in Ukraine

The Tampa company Aevex Aerospace is behind the enigmatic Phoenix Ghost drones, including the Dominator, Disruptor, and Dagger models.

Since their introduction in April 2022, Aevex has delivered over 5,000 drones to Ukraine, with a total Pentagon expenditure of $582 million by mid-October 2024.

The company ramped production to 330 drones monthly, with a potential to reach 1,000. Unique features of the Phoenix Ghost family include a top-down attack capability, ensuring effective strikes without direct contact with targets.

The drones, designed for stealth, can travel up to 370 miles. Their costs range from $49,000 for the Dagger to $69,000 for the Disruptor, making them cost-effective compared to traditional munitions.

Source: Read More

The Fluoride Debate

While fluoride is known to strengthen teeth and prevent decay, its levels in public water supplies are under scrutiny. Many public health experts advocate for continued fluoridation, citing benefits like reduced cavity rates.

In the US, the recommended level is 0.7 mg per liter, yet some studies suggest that higher concentrations could impact children's cognitive development.

Research indicates that pregnant women with urine fluoride levels in the 75th percentile are nearly twice as likely to have children with neurobehavioral issues compared to those at the 25th percentile.

The National Toxicology Program expressed “moderate confidence” that excessive fluoride exposure is linked to lower IQs in children, with harmful effects observed at levels exceeding 1.5 mg per liter.

Source: Read More

“The weak show their strength and hide their weaknesses; the magnificent exhibit their weaknesses like ornaments.”

Baked with love,

Anna Eisenberg ❤️