Anna's Daybreak News

_{Just facts, you think for yourself}

Thursday, 5:40 AM

May 1, 2025

Good morning news friend! Dive into the stories that capture today’s moment and spark tomorrow’s change. 📰🌟

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U.S.-Ukraine Mineral Deal

The U.S. and Ukraine signed an agreement granting the U.S. preferential access to Ukraine's mineral resources.

This deal establishes the United States-Ukraine Reinvestment Fund for joint investments in Ukraine's recovery and is essential for future U.S. military aid. Ukraine retains ownership of its subsoil and decides on resource extraction.

The agreement aims to bolster Ukraine's security amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia and supports its efforts to join the European Union.

Since Russia's 2022 invasion, the U.S. has provided over €64 billion in military aid to Ukraine.

Sources: WallStreetJournal, AP News, Reuters, Bloomberg.

US GDP Contracts

The U.S. economy contracted by 0.3% in Q1 2025, driven by a surge in imports ahead of rising tariffs, which reduced GDP growth by 4.83 percentage points.

Consumer spending slowed to 1.8%, and federal government spending fell by 5.1%. Job growth added only 62,000 jobs in April, below expectations.

Inflation pressures increased, with the personal consumption expenditures price index rising to 3.6%.

Sources: WallStreetJournal, AP News, Reuters, Fxstreet.

Meta and Microsoft Report Quarterly Earnings

Meta Platforms reported Q1 2025 sales of $42 billion, a 16% increase, with a net income of $16.6 billion. Its stock rose over 4% to $572. The company's advertising revenue, particularly from Chinese clients, is crucial.

Meta announced a $65 billion plan to boost AI capabilities and attracted 1 billion users with a new AI assistant.

Meanwhile, Microsoft’s Q3 revenue reached $70.06 billion, a 13% increase, with profits of $25.82 billion and earnings per share at $3.46.

Microsoft’s stock jumped 6.5% to $420.97, reflecting strong performance in AI and cloud computing sectors.

Sources: Reuters, Forbes, WallStreetJournal

U.S. Army's Drone Revolution

The U.S. Army plans a $36 billion transformation to equip its 10 combat divisions with about 1,000 drones each, shifting from outdated weapons.

This strategy is informed by lessons from Ukraine, emphasizing drones for surveillance, supply, and offensive actions. The Army will integrate drone technology in two years, stopping the procurement of Humvees and retiring older Apache helicopters.

The initiative aims to improve communication among soldiers and enhance counter-drone and electronic warfare capabilities, addressing modern threats from Russia and China. Three brigades are already incorporating drones into their operations.

Sources: Livemint, WallStreetJournal

Keto Pancreatic Cancer

Researchers at UC San Francisco found that combining a high-fat ketogenic diet with the drug eFT508 eliminated pancreatic tumors in mice.

eFT508 targets the eIF4E protein, restricting cancer cells' fat metabolism and energy supply. Mice on the ketogenic diet, followed by eFT508 treatment, showed tumor shrinkage.

The study reveals a potential new approach for treating pancreatic cancer by integrating diet with drug therapy, offering hope for tailored treatments against various cancers.

Sources: SciTechDaily.

Super Bed Bugs

A study revealed that bed bugs have developed genetic resistance to pesticides, specifically a mutation called A302S Rdl in the Cimex lectularius species.

This mutation helps them survive common insecticides like fipronil. The research analyzed samples from 134 populations across 22 U.S. states and 4 Canadian provinces from 2008 to 2022.

Bed bug infestations are increasing since the ban of DDT in the 1980s. The A302S mutation is similar to one found in German cockroaches, highlighting a troubling trend in pest resistance.

Sources: Sciencealert, SciTechDaily.

“‘Tell all’ autobiographies sometimes tell more than all.”

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:

• How Trade Wars are Reshaping the US Treasury Market

• The End of the Easy-Money Era

• The Longevity Race

Baked with love,

Anna Eisenberg ❤️