Anna's Daybreak News

_{Just facts, you think for yourself}

Thursday, 5:22 AM

December 5, 2024

Good morning news friend! Stay informed as the stories shaping our world unfold, keeping pace with every turn. 📰🌟

UnitedHealthcare CEO Fatally Shot in Targeted Attack

Brian Thompson, 50, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot in a targeted assault outside the New York Hilton Midtown. The shooting occurred around 6:45 a.m. as Thompson walked alone to the hotel for an investor conference.

Police believe the attacker lay in wait before approaching Thompson from behind and firing multiple shots, hitting him in the back and calf.

Authorities recovered three 9mm shell casings at the scene. The words "deny," "depose" and "defend" were written on them. The gunman fled first on foot and later on an electric Citi Bike, last seen in Central Park. A $10,000 reward is offered for information leading to his capture.

Thompson had received threats prior to the incident, though details surrounding them are unclear.

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Paul Atkins Nominated as SEC Chair

President-elect Donald Trump nominated Paul Atkins to chair the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Atkins is a former SEC commissioner and currently leads Patomak Partners.

Trump praised Atkins for advocating “common sense regulations.” Atkins has a history of supporting free markets. He served on the SEC from 2002 to 2008, during which he emphasized investor education and fairness in regulations.

He has also been involved in the cryptocurrency space since 2017, co-chairing the Digital Chamber’s Token Alliance.

His selection is viewed positively by crypto industry leaders, including Blockchain Association CEO Kristin Smith, who called him an “excellent choice.” Bitcoin passed the $100K mark after the announcement.

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Chinese Hackers Target US Telecoms

Chinese hackers breached at least eight US telecommunications providers, as confirmed by the White House. This hacking campaign, known as Salt Typhoon, has been ongoing for over two years.

It aims to gather sensitive information on prominent American citizens, including government officials. The threat is ongoing, with hackers still present in the networks, despite efforts to remove them.

US officials highlight that while classified communications remain secure. The impact of the attack was targeted rather than widespread, focusing on select individuals.

The Biden administration is actively investigating the breach and considering sanctions against entities that may back China's cyber operations.

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French Government Toppled

French lawmakers voted to oust Prime Minister Michel Barnier in a historic no-confidence vote. This is the first successful motion of its kind since 1962.

The National Assembly passed the measure with 331 votes, surpassing the required 288 votes. Barnier's government, only three months old, became the shortest-serving in the history of the Fifth Republic.

The vote stemmed from intense opposition to his proposed austerity budget. France’s economy is grappling with a projected deficit of 7% of GDP in the coming year.

President Emmanuel Macron remains in power but faces a weakened position. He must appoint a new prime minister, while the current government holds a caretaker role.

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OpenAI Partners with Anduril

OpenAI, valued over $150 billion, teamed up with Anduril Industries, valued at $14 billion. This is OpenAI’s first venture into military partnerships.

It aims to enhance the U.S. military's counter-drone capabilities. The partnership includes training AI models on Anduril’s data about unmanned aerial threats.

The system can detect and respond to threats in real-time, improving accuracy and safety for personnel. Anduril's technology has already secured a $200 million contract with the U.S. Marine Corps.

OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, emphasizes that their technology will prioritize the safety of military personnel.

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The Hidden Danger of Ultra-Processed Foods

A new study revealed a link between ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and increased thigh muscle fat. The research, involving 666 participants, shows this effect occurs even without consuming excessive calories.

UPFs are mass-produced items like snacks, sugary drinks, and ready meals. They are made from refined substances such as starches, fats, and added sugars, designed to be highly palatable.

Researchers found that, on average, 40% of participants' diets consisted of UPFs. Scientists noticed more fatty muscle tissue in thighs as UPF consumption increased. This was true regardless of age, physical activity, or other factors.

While the food industry dismisses these findings due to a lack of a formal definition for UPFs, some countries like Brazil and Israel have begun regulating them.

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“France took Algeria hoping for a country to eat cassoulet, instead now France is eating couscous.”

Baked with love,

Anna Eisenberg ❤️