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Anna's Daybreak News

_{Just facts, you think for yourself}

Thursday, 5:32 AM

July 24, 2025

Good morning news friend! Explore today’s turning points as they shape the story of tomorrow. 📰🌟

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Epstein Files Spark Firestorm

The DOJ reviewed 300+ gigabytes of Epstein-related files in 2025, finding President Trump’s name multiple times. Attorney General Pam Bondi informed Trump in May but withheld further release citing sensitive content, including child pornography and victim privacy.

On July 7, DOJ stated no evidence justifies new investigations or public disclosure. Trump denied being informed and sued The Wall Street Journal over allegations of a 2003 lewd letter.

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed Trump’s name appeared but supported DOJ’s review; his deputy favored releasing more files. A House Oversight Subcommittee voted 8-2 to subpoena documents.

Court denied unsealing Florida grand jury files. The controversy fuels GOP divisions and ongoing investigations involving Ghislaine Maxwell.

Sources: BBC, Archive, Ndtv, FinancialTimes, WallStreetJournal.

EU Nears 15% Tariff Deal with US

The EU is close to a deal with the US setting a 15% tariff on most EU imports, avoiding a planned 30% tariff starting August 1. Steel and aluminum imports above quotas face a 50% US tariff, which remains unchanged.

The EU plans $109 billion in counter-tariffs on US goods, supported by Germany. If the 30% tariff applies, the EU may target US services with anti-coercion measures.

EU-China trade relations are strained, with the EU calling for trade rebalancing amid a €305.8 billion deficit. China’s rare earth exports to the EU surged in June but remain below last year.

The EU aims to match Japan’s 15% US tariff deal on autos.

Sources: Bloomberg, Reuters, Reuters, FinancialTimes.

Columbia Pays $200M Settlement in Antisemitism Dispute

Columbia University agreed to pay $200 million over three years to resolve allegations it failed to protect Jewish students from harassment, restoring most of $400 million in federal grants frozen in 2025.

It also settled $21 million in Equal Employment Opportunity claims. Columbia must limit race consideration in admissions, restrict DEI programs, and accept a federal monitor to oversee compliance.

The university will enforce new campus rules, including banning masks at protests and disciplining over 70 students involved in 2024 anti-Israel demonstrations. The Trump administration views the deal as a model for other universities.

Meanwhile, Harvard is suing rather than settling similar funding disputes.

Sources: BBC, NYTimes, ABC, Newsweek.

Germany's Spy Cockroaches and AI Robots

Germany will increase its defense budget to €162 billion annually by 2029, aiming to reach NATO’s 3.5% GDP spending target faster than most allies.

Startups like Helsing, now valued at $12 billion, and ARX Robotics develop AI robots, drones, unmanned mini-submarines, and cyborg cockroaches controlled via electrical stimulation for battlefield intelligence.

Germany outspends the U.S. in defense tech acquisition for the first time in decades. New procurement laws ease startup funding and limit tenders to EU bidders.

Venture capital for European defense tech rose to $1 billion in 2024. Germany leverages its SME industrial base to support rapid prototyping, driving innovation and defense growth.

Sources: Reuters, Gazetaexpress, Stratnewsglobal, Anewz.

Pistachios at Night

Eating two ounces of pistachios nightly for 12 weeks altered gut bacteria in adults with prediabetes, replacing typical carbohydrate snacks.

Beneficial bacteria like Roseburia and Lachnospiraceae, which produce anti-inflammatory butyrate, increased, while harmful bacteria linked to poor metabolic health decreased.

The randomized crossover study involved 51 participants, analyzing stool samples to track microbiome shifts. Though changes suggest potential benefits for gut health and reduced inflammation, it is unclear if these bacterial shifts directly improve health or slow Type 2 diabetes progression.

Sources: SciTechDaily, Medicaldialogues, News-Medical.

Producing Ammonia from Thin Air

Researchers developed a new ammonia production method using artificial lightning to excite nitrogen and oxygen molecules, producing gaseous ammonia directly.

This contrasts with the Haber-Bosch process, which requires high heat, pressure, and fossil fuels. The approach uses a plasma generator and a membrane-based electrolyzer with a catalyst that lowers energy needs.

Ammonia, essential for fertilizers and as a potential zero-carbon fuel and hydrogen carrier, especially in shipping, currently accounts for about 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

This scalable, decentralized technique eliminates the need for pure gases and harsh conditions, potentially cutting ammonia's carbon footprint and advancing sustainable agriculture and clean energy solutions.

Sources: SciTechDaily, Com, Newatlas, Sciencedaily.

“Having folks admire your genius is like being a bolt of lightning—a grand spectacle, to be sure, but nobody wants to get too close to it. It is far better to have their goodwill, which you don't get with fancy talk, but by doing good with both hands.”

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:

• Cognitive Decline

• The American Healthcare System

• The Social Security Crisis - Anatomy of a Shortfall

Baked with love,

Anna Eisenberg ❤️