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Anna's Daybreak News

_{Just facts, you think for yourself}

Tuesday, 5:15 AM

March 3, 2026

Good morning news friend! Discover today’s defining stories and the future they set in motion. 📰🌟

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War in Iran Continued

The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh was hit by two drones, prompting a shelter-in-place order for Americans in Saudi cities.

Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, threatening 20% of global oil exports and warning it will attack ships attempting passage. Oil prices hovered near $70 per barrel, with projections rising above $100.

The escalation follows U.S. and Israeli airstrikes killing Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on March 1.

Iran launched over 1,200 predominantly Shahed-136 drones targeting U.S. bases and oil facilities. The U.S. and allies face depleted missile defenses, with costly interceptors used against inexpensive drones.

These low-cost drones are forcing the U.S. and allies to use expensive Patriot missile interceptors, costing around $4 million each, to defend against $20,000 drones.

Sources: Usembassy, AXIOS, Caspianpost, Trtworld, Bloomberg

Billionaire Wealth Tax

California is pursuing a one-time 5% wealth tax on billionaires, requiring 875,000 signatures by fall to reach the November ballot; 25% collected so far.

The SEIU-UHW union backs the measure with $25 million, estimating $100 billion raised over five years for healthcare, education, and food aid. Governor Newsom and others warn it may drive wealthy residents away.

The Legislative Analyst’s Office predicts a large initial revenue boost but future losses. Billionaires like Sergey Brin oppose it.

Federally, Sanders and Khanna propose a 5% annual wealth tax on billionaires, expected to raise $4.4 trillion over 10 years to fund direct payments, Medicaid, housing, childcare, and teacher salaries. Elon Musk could owe $42 billion.

Sources: WallStreetJournal, CNBC, Businessinsider

Clintons’ Epstein Testimony

Bill and Hillary Clinton gave over nine hours of closed-door depositions about their ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

Bill Clinton said he met Epstein in 2002, took four to five private jet flights with him mostly for philanthropy, denied any sexual misconduct or visits to Epstein’s island, and recalled a conversation with Donald Trump about Epstein without implications of wrongdoing.

Hillary Clinton said she didn’t recall meeting Epstein but acknowledged his attendance at a White House event. Republicans violated ground rules by leaking deposition photos. Both Clintons denied knowledge of Epstein’s crimes or involvement.

Epstein died by suicide in 2019. This was the first time a former president was compelled to testify before Congress.

Sources: AP News, Cbsnews, France24, BBC, BBC

Texas Primaries

Texas’ 2026 midterm primaries feature heated U.S. Senate races. GOP incumbent John Cornyn faces challenges from Texas AG Ken Paxton, who leads with 40% in polls despite impeachment accusations, and Rep. Wesley Hunt.

A May 26 runoff between Cornyn and Paxton is expected. Democrats are split between Rep. Jasmine Crockett and State Rep. James Talarico, who narrowly leads at 49.3%. Crockett is endorsed by Kamala Harris.

Republicans fear Paxton could jeopardize the seat, while Democrats debate nominee strength. Over $122 million has been spent on the Senate primary.

Governor Greg Abbott seeks a fourth term amid crowded GOP and Democratic fields. Early primary voter turnout exceeds 2.18 million.

Sources: Pbs, WallStreetJournal, Cbsnews, AXIOS

Plant Compound Against Breast Cancer

Researchers identified DHL-11, a compound from the Munronia henryi plant, that targets the IMPDH2 protein in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells.

DHL-11 disrupts IMPDH2’s interaction with FANCI, causing IMPDH2 degradation, lowering guanine production, and increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and DNA damage.

This leads to cell cycle arrest at G2/M, reduced cell growth, migration, and induced cancer cell death. DHL-11 showed strong efficacy in patient-derived TNBC organoids, especially those with high IMPDH2 levels, and reduced tumor growth and metastasis in animal models.

The compound demonstrated a favorable safety profile in preclinical studies, offering a new targeted therapy option for IMPDH2-positive TNBC patients.

Sources: SciTechDaily

Talc Ovarian Cancer Risk

Over 1,300 people in Victoria sued Johnson & Johnson, claiming talcum powder caused ovarian cancer and other reproductive cancers. J&J paid $40 million in 2025 after a jury ruled its baby powder unsafe and lacking warnings.

Talc, used in cosmetics, can be contaminated with asbestos, which causes lung cancer. J&J stopped selling talc products globally in 2023, switching to cornflour, while other companies continue talc production.

Studies suggest talc might slightly increase ovarian cancer risk when applied genitally; asbestos-contaminated talc clearly raises lung cancer risk. Cosmetic talc use doesn’t increase lung cancer risk.

In 2024, WHO classified talc as “probably carcinogenic.” Users concerned about cancer risk are advised to limit talc use.

Sources: Sciencealert

“Folks who worship their own dignity only end up proving how flimsy it actually is, seeing as they live in mortal terror that somebody using the wrong salad fork will shatter it to pieces.”

Baked with love,

Anna Eisenberg ❤️