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Anna's Daybreak News

_{Just facts, you think for yourself}

Friday, 5:19 AM

June 20, 2025

Good morning news friend! Dive into today’s defining moments and see how they’re shaping what’s next. 📰🌟

Click here to read the poll results and comments from our previous edition. Over 6,398 people gave their opinion about the Fed’d rate policy, Iran’s uranium stockpile and more!

Can’t see all 6 articles in this email? The Gmail app sometimes crops our emails, click here to view full edition.

Appeals Court Upholds Trump’s National Guard Control

A federal appeals court upheld President Trump’s authority to command about 4,000 California National Guard troops during Los Angeles protests following ICE raids, despite opposition from Governor Newsom.

The court overruled a lower court ruling that had ordered the troops returned to state control. The decision cited violent acts against federal officers and property damage. The court affirmed the president’s broad power to federalize the Guard without governor approval if deemed necessary.

Trump also deployed 700 Marines, though their deployment legality remains unchallenged. The panel included judges appointed by both Trump and Biden.

Sources: AP News, Reuters, NYTimes, WallStreetJournal.

TikTok Ban Delayed Again

President Trump delayed the TikTok U.S. ban again, extending the deadline to September 17, allowing more time for ByteDance to divest U.S. operations or complete a sale.

TikTok has 170 million U.S. users and supports 7.5 million American businesses. A proposed U.S.-owned spin-off stalled due to Chinese resistance, possibly linked to tariffs. Public support for banning TikTok dropped from 50% to about one-third, with data security as the main concern among supporters.

Lawmakers criticize continued delays, citing security risks. TikTok remains operational, launching AI video tools and supported by major U.S. tech companies, while the government negotiates ownership and data protection arrangements.

Sources: AP News, Reuters, Bloomberg, Whitehouse.

Silver’s Stellar Surge

Silver prices rose nearly 27% in 2025, hitting $36.87 per ounce in June, their highest in over a decade. Industrial demand, especially from Asia’s solar panel sector growing 12% annually, drives this surge.

In India, silver reached a record Rs 109,900/kg, up 86% since 2022, amplified by rupee depreciation. Gold also climbed 29% to $3,390 per ounce, with gold-to-silver ratio narrowing to 0.92.

Geopolitical tensions between Israel and Iran and expectations of a US Federal Reserve rate cut fuel safe-haven buying. Inflation rose to 2.4% in May.

Sources: Economictimes, BS, Investingnews, WallStreetJournal.

China's Rare-Earth Magnet Chokehold

China’s rare-earth magnet exports plunged 74% year-over-year in May 2025 to 1.2 million kilograms, the lowest since February 2020. Exports to the U.S. fell 93%, following new export controls from April 4 requiring licenses on seven medium-to-heavy rare earth products.

China dominates about two-thirds of global rare-earth mining and processes 90% of supply. The export cuts impact automotive, electronics, aerospace, semiconductor, and defense sectors worldwide.

Despite a 90-day tariff truce with the U.S., export limits remain tight. Chinese magnet producers JL Mag and Zhong Ke San Huan started receiving licenses to resume some exports. Total rare-earth magnet exports January-May dropped 14.5%, straining supply chains amid rising demand for EVs and advanced tech.

Sources: WallStreetJournal, Bloomberg, Reuters.

CRISPR Erases Down Syndrome Chromosome

Researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 to remove the extra chromosome 21 causing Down syndrome from stem and mature skin cells. Edited cells showed normalized gene expression, faster growth, and produced fewer damaging reactive oxygen species.

The method works on non-dividing cells, expanding its potential applications. Gene activity related to nervous system development increased, while some metabolic genes decreased after editing. Some unintended cuts affected healthy chromosomes, prompting efforts to improve precision and prevent repair of edits.

Though clinical use is distant, this approach targets the root genetic cause by removing an entire chromosome.

Sources: Earth, Faharas.

Okra and Fenugreek Clean 90% of Microplastics from Water

Researchers found that natural polymers from okra and fenugreek seeds remove up to 90% of microplastics from water by causing particles to clump and settle.

In lab tests, fenugreek powder removed 93% of microplastics in an hour, okra 67%, and a 1:1 mix removed 70% in 30 minutes. In real water samples, okra removed 80% from ocean water, fenugreek 80-90% from groundwater, and the mix 77% from freshwater.

These plant-based powders outperform synthetic polymers, are biodegradable, non-toxic, and offer a low-cost, eco-friendly solution to microplastic pollution in water supplies.

Sources: SciTechDaily, InterestingEngineering, Itc.

“To possess ability without application is to be an empty suit; mediocrity that toils will always triumph over lazy superiority, for work is the non-negotiable price of any real reputation. ”

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:

• Deconstructing the $66 Billion Citiadel Enigma

• 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 ❤️