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Anna's Daybreak News

_{Just facts, you think for yourself}

Thursday, 5:15 AM

January 2, 2024

Good morning news friend! Uncover the moments driving change, as the world’s narrative unfolds around you. 📰🌟

Terror Strikes New Orleans

Early on New Year’s Day, a driver in New Orleans’ French Quarter drove a pickup truck into a crowd, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 people and injuring around 30.

The driver, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, was a 42-year-old US Army veteran. Hours before the attack, he posted videos online expressing his inspiration from the Islamic State group.

Jabbar circumvented a police blockade to reach the crowd. He was shot dead by police after opening fire following the crash. Authorities discovered guns and improvised explosive devices in his vehicle, which displayed an Islamic State flag.

In 2022, Jabbar was unable to pay an overdue house payment of over $27,000 while burdened by credit card debt and struggling in real estate. Jabbar was twice divorced, had a history of DUIs and a restraining order in 2020.

Source: Read More

Price Hikes Loom for Over 250 Medications

Drugmakers are set to increase US prices on over 250 medications starting in 2025. The median price rise will be 4.5%, consistent with last year’s rates and mostly below 10%.

Pfizer leads with over 60 drugs affected, including a 3% increase on Paxlovid and 3-5% hikes on cancer treatments like Ibrance and Xeljanz. The US remains the highest-paying country for prescription medications globally.

Bristol Myers Squibb has raised prices on its cancer cell therapies Abecma and Breyanzi by 6% and 9%, respectively. These treatments can cost nearly $500,000. Sanofi raised prices on about a dozen vaccines by 2.9% to 9%.

In contrast, Merck will lower list prices on its diabetes drugs Januvia and Janumet to match net prices better. Companies launched new drugs in 2023 at prices 35% higher than in 2022.

Source: Read More

SEC's Struggle to Collect Penalties

In 2023, the SEC reported $4.9 billion in financial sanctions but wrote off $1.4 billion from previous years. Over the last decade, it has written off nearly $10 billion.

In 2024, the SEC celebrated $8.2 billion in penalties, the highest ever, but collected only 23% of this amount. While large firms generally comply with penalties, those involved in scams often evade payments.

Paul Bilzerian, a fugitive from the SEC, owes $180 million, nearly three times his initial penalty of $62 million. Bilzerian has evaded payments for 31 years, declaring bankruptcy and moving to St. Kitts.

The commission typically collects about two-thirds of its judgments. For instance, Randall Letcavage, who owes $10 million, has paid just $12,470 since his penalty in 2021.

Source: Read More

Massive Explosives Cache Uncovered in Virginia

During a December raid, Federal agents seized over 150 pipe bombs and homemade devices from Brad Spafford's home near Norfolk, Virginia. This was the largest seizure of finished explosive devices in FBI history.

Most explosives were found in a detached garage, along with bomb-making materials like fuses and plastic pipes. Investigators also discovered additional pipe bombs in an unsecured backpack in the home.

The investigation began in 2023 after an informant reported Spafford’s stockpiling of weapons. The informant reported that Spafford had lost all but two fingers on his right hand due to a past injury.

Law enforcement identified concerns regarding violent sentiments expressed by him, including the use of presidential images for target practice.

Source: Read More

Norovirus, Covid-19, and RSV Spike in the US

This winter, the US is facing a surge in norovirus, Covid-19, and RSV. The CDC reported a 31% jump in norovirus outbreaks, with 91 cases by early December. This marks a three-year high, with 14 states reporting infections.

RSV is responsible for more than 29,000 hospitalizations and 1,300 deaths since October 1. Wastewater data shows increased RSV activity in Kentucky and Georgia.

Covid-19 is also on the rise, particularly due to a new variant called XEC. This variant is more contagious and originated in Germany.

Older adults, young children, and those with weakened immune systems are most vulnerable.

Source: Read More

Building Life from Scratch

European scientists have launched the €13 million MiniLife project to create life from inanimate chemicals. The aim is to produce simple cells capable of growth, division, and Darwinian evolution.

Unlike other research, MiniLife avoids using evolved molecules like RNA. Instead, it focuses on "autocatalytic" systems that replicate themselves.

One candidate is the formose reaction, which transforms formaldehyde into sugar molecules. These sugars can mimic biological fitness, similar to fast-growing and slow-growing bacteria.

Scientists also hope to uncover mechanisms that shed light on life’s origins 3.8 billion years ago.

Source: Read More

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Baked with love,

Anna Eisenberg ❤️