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Anna's Daybreak News

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Tuesday, 5:12 AM

March 4, 2025

Good morning news friend! Explore the events shaping today and setting the course for tomorrow. 📰🌟

Would you like to see the poll results and comments from our previous edition? Click here to see what other readers had to say about: crypto’s role in the future of the economy, Europe’s military support for Ukraine, Israel’s tactics to pressure Hamas and more! 

US Halts Military Aid to Ukraine and Trade Wars Erupt

President Trump has paused all US military aid to Ukraine. Trump criticized Zelenskyy for his comments about the war’s duration, calling them unacceptable.

In addition, Trump enacted a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, while tariffs on Chinese goods doubled to 20%. This is one of the largest tariff increases since the 1930s.

In retaliation, Canada announced counter-tariffs on over $107 billion of US products. PM Trudeau stated the tariffs would hit $30 billion immediately, with additional tariffs within 21 days. Mexico plans to respond shortly.

China, meanwhile, imposed new tariffs of 10-15% on US agricultural products. The trade tensions could disrupt the $2.2 trillion in annual US trade.

Sources: WallStreetJournal, WallStreetJournal[2], APNews, APNews[2], Reuters, Reuters[2], Bloomberg, Bloomberg[2], Bloomberg[3].

Construction and Manufacturing Declines in January

US construction spending fell 0.2% in January, following a 0.5% increase in December. This decrease was unexpected, as economists predicted no change. Year-over-year, spending rose 3.3%.

Private construction also dropped 0.2%, with residential construction down 0.4%. However, new single-family projects gained 0.6%. Multi-family housing units saw a 0.7% decline. Public construction rose slightly by 0.1%, while federal projects surged 3.2%.

In manufacturing, the ISM PMI dipped to 50.3 in February, down from 50.9 in January. New orders plunged from 55.1 to 48.6, and the Employment Index fell from 50.3 to 47.6.

The Prices Paid Index soared to 62.4, marking significant inflationary pressure.

Sources: Reuters, Reuters[2], ENR, ING, ForexFactory, FxStreet.

TSMC's $100 Billion Investment

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSMC) plans to invest $100 billion in US chip production, adding to its previous commitment of $65 billion.

This announcement was made by President Trump. TSMC will build three new plants and two packaging facilities in Arizona. The project also aims to create thousands of high-paying jobs.

The company has already begun producing 4-nanometer chips at its first Arizona factory. Trump's administration views this expansion as crucial for national security and economic stability.

The US has previously committed $6.6 billion in grants to TSMC under the CHIPS and Science Act to revitalize domestic chip manufacturing.

Sources: WallStreetJournal, APNews, Bloomberg, FinancialTimes, AXIOS, QZ.

Lockheed Martin’s Low-Cost Cruise Missile

Lockheed Martin introduced a new cruise missile, the Common Multi-Mission Truck (CMMT). This missile will cost $150,000 and has a range of 500 miles (800 km).

The development of the CMMT missile aligns with the U.S. strategy of "affordable mass" armament, which emphasizes having a stock of less expensive weapons.

Scott Callaway, director of Affordable Mass at Lockheed, stated that the CMMT is intended to fill the gap between cheaper standoff glide weapons and pricier cruise missiles. If approved by the Pentagon, Lockheed can produce up to 2,500 units annually.

The CMMT will be a modular missile, allowing for different variants to meet specific mission needs, including maritime strike options and airborne deployment from aircraft like the C-17 and fighters.

Sources: Reuters, JPost, RCD, DD, SCMP.

Emulsifiers: The Hidden Health Risks

Emulsifiers are added to many foods, from ice cream to whole grain crackers. They improve texture and shelf life. Studies link emulsifiers to higher risks of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.

Emulsifiers disrupt gut microbiomes and promote inflammation. Synthetic emulsifiers like carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) pose greater risks. They can be hard to avoid due to their prevalence in both junk food and seemingly healthy products.

A small trial showed microbiome changes in participants consuming CMC, leading to fewer beneficial bacteria.

Fifty-four percent of 126,000 packaged foods contain emulsifiers. In a study tracking 104,000 people over seven years, higher emulsifier intake correlated with chronic diseases.

Sources: WallStreetJournal, ScienceDirect, MedicalXpress.

Your Skin Can Taste 

Research revealed that human skin contains bitter taste receptors known as TAS2Rs. These receptors are found in our skin's keratinocytes.

When exposed to phenylthiocarbamide (PTC), a bitter compound, the receptors activated ABC transporters. These transporters help move the harmful substance out of the cells, preventing potential damage.

In experiments, cells treated with antihistamines showed higher survival rates when TAS2Rs were activated.

Activation of these receptors could lead to new treatments, enhancing the skin's detoxification process. Harmless activators of TAS2Rs may lead to the development of skin protectants and anti-inflammatory treatments in the future.

Sources: ScienceAlert, Phys, Vice, TOI.

“Modernity has replaced process with result and the relational with the transactional.”

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:

• America’s Opioid Crisis

• AI and the Age of Intelligence

• Iran’s Nuclear Program 

Baked with love,

Anna Eisenberg ❤️