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Anna's Daybreak News

_{Just facts, you think for yourself}

Monday, 5:21 AM

March 10, 2025

Good morning news friend! Discover the forces driving change and shaping the world around you. 📰🌟

Would you like to see the poll results and comments from our previous edition? (1)Click here to see what other readers had to say about Trump’s trade policy and the EU’s defense plan!   (2)Click here to see what others think about compound pharmacies, human evolution and more!

Note: Our aim isn’t to boost or disparage either side of the political spectrum. Our goal is to present the news neutrally, without editorializing, so you can form your own opinions.

Russian Forces Gain Ground in Kursk

Russian forces have captured three settlements in the Kursk region: Malaya Lokhnya, Cherkasskoye Porechnoye, and Kositsa.

This operation is to reclaim territory lost to Ukraine in August 2024. Ukraine had seized approximately 1,300 square kilometers (500 square miles) of Russian land during a surprise offensive.

Reports reveal that Russian special forces used a gas pipeline to stealthily approach Ukrainian troops near Sudzha. They reportedly traveled 15 kilometers (9 miles) inside the pipeline before launching their attack.

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev claimed the Ukrainian forces are nearly encircled. Ukraine's military has repelled 15 Russian assaults.

Sources: Reuters, APNews, WallStreetJournal, FinancialTimes, Euronews.

February Jobs Report

In February, the US added 151,000 jobs, falling short of the estimated 160,000. The unemployment rate rose to 4.1%, up from 4% in January. This represents a 19% drop from the previous year's first two months.

Federal government employment decreased by 10,000 jobs as the administration initiated cuts. Average hourly earnings increased by 0.3% from January, with a yearly rise of 4%.

Meanwhile, the labor force participation rate fell as 546,000 people exited the job market. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell stated that the economy is "in a good place."

Sources: Reuters, Forbes, NYTimes, Bloomberg, Bloomberg[2].

DOJ Modifies Antitrust Measures Against Google

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) adjusted its antitrust stance on Google. The DOJ dropped its requirement for Google to divest its artificial intelligence investments, including a stake in Anthropic.

However, the DOJ still demands Google to sell its Chrome browser to address its illegal search monopoly. Google plans to appeal and has proposed allowing some flexibility regarding default search engine agreements with companies like Apple.

The DOJ outlined several measures aimed at increasing competition. These include a demand for Google to notify the government before making future AI investments.

The trial is scheduled for April, with U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta presiding. The case has support from a coalition of 38 state attorneys general and the Alphabet Workers Union-CWA.

Sources: DDNews, TIA, TechCrunch, Reuters, BC.

US Banks and the New Crypto Landscape

The U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) announced that banks can pursue crypto-asset custody and stablecoin activities without prior regulatory approval.

This decision follows President Trump’s executive order establishing a Bitcoin reserve and signals a shift in US crypto policy. The new administration promotes clearer regulations and aims to enhance America’s leadership in digital currencies.

The administration plans to support the growth of dollar-backed stablecoins and emphasized the importance of maintaining financial privacy amidst rising concerns over Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs).

Sources: Reuters, GRO, CryptoSlate, Bitcoin.

Neom: The Vision Meets Reality

Neom, Saudi Arabia's 106-mile-long futuristic metropolis project is projected to cost $8.8 trillion by 2080, which is more than 25 times the nation's annual budget.

The project's first area, Sindalah, is three years behind schedule and expected to cost nearly $4 billion, three times its original budget. A lavish launch party in October 2024 cost $45 million, yet many facilities remained unfinished.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the project's main proponent, was absent at the launch, indicating potential disapproval.

A recent internal audit revealed executive manipulation of financial figures and unrealistic projections, with McKinsey & Co. collecting over $130 million for advisory services.

Sources: WallStreetJournal, TechCrunch, OMAT.

The Silent Power of the X Chromosome

Scientists discovered that aging can reactivate genes on the ‘silent’ X chromosome in females. This reactivation occurs in the hippocampus, a critical area for learning and memory.

In studies involving mice, researchers observed that approximately 20 genes on the inactive X chromosome began expressing as the mice aged, akin to 65 human years.

One gene, PLP1, plays a vital role in producing myelin, which insulates nerve fibers and enhances communication in the brain. This would explain why women often outlive men and experience slower cognitive decline.

Boosting PLP1 levels in both male and female mice improved their cognitive performance. Previous data on human brain tissue confirmed that older women exhibited higher PLP1 expression than men.

Sources: ScienceAlert, Science, UCSF, Nature, NYTimes.

“What I learned on my own I still remember.”

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:

• Cryptocurrencies

• America’s Opioid Crisis

• AI and the Age of Intelligence

• Iran’s Nuclear Program 

Baked with love,

Anna Eisenberg ❤️