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Anna's Daybreak News

_{Just facts, you think for yourself}

Wednesday, 5:14 AM

August 20, 2025

Good morning news friend! Discover the moments defining today and directing the future ahead. 📰🌟

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Epstein Files to Go Public

The House Oversight Committee subpoenaed Justice Department files related to Jeffrey Epstein, expecting to receive them starting August 20.

The DOJ is reviewing records to redact victims’ identities and sensitive content, while protecting ongoing investigations. High-profile figures including former President Bill Clinton and ex-Attorney General William Barr have been subpoenaed; Barr testified privately on August 18.

An internal DOJ review found no client list linking Epstein to prominent individuals or blackmail evidence, causing GOP divisions. The committee seeks transparency but must balance public disclosure with victim protection and active cases.

Sources: Cbsnews, Newsnationnow, Upi, WallStreetJournal.

Walmart Radioactive Shrimp

Walmart recalled frozen raw shrimp sold under its Great Value brand in 13 states after detection of radioactive Cesium-137 in shipping containers and one shrimp sample imported from Indonesia’s BMS Foods.

The FDA ordered removal of three shrimp lots with March 15, 2027 best-by dates. Cesium-137 levels are not immediately harmful but may increase long-term cancer risk. The FDA banned all BMS Foods products from entering the U.S. due to insanitary conditions linked to contamination.

Walmart has removed the shrimp, offers full refunds, and advises consumers to discard affected products. The FDA continues monitoring imported seafood safety to protect public health.

Sources: Bloomberg, BBC, AXIOS, Go.

Air Canada Strike Ends

Air Canada’s flight attendants ended a nearly four-day strike involving 10,400 workers that halted 700 daily flights and stranded over 500,000 passengers.

The tentative deal ends unpaid boarding and ground work, introducing pay for at least one hour of pre-flight ground time at 50% of hourly wages, rising 5% annually. Immediate pay raises of 8-12% are proposed, pending union ratification.

Restoring service may take 7-10 days. Air Canada’s wage costs have risen 26% since pre-pandemic, while similar contracts at U.S. airlines could add billions in labor expenses. A 6-8 week government probe into unpaid labor is underway.

Sources: Reuters, BBC, Qz, Reuters.

U.S. and NATO Weigh Security Guarantees

The U.S. and NATO are considering new security guarantees for Ukraine, including deploying European troops under U.S. command without NATO insignia.

President Trump ruled out U.S. ground forces but suggested possible U.S. air support such as air defense systems or enforcing a no-fly zone. Since Russia’s 2022 invasion, the U.S. has sent billions in weapons aid, briefly interrupted during Trump’s term but now resumed. NATO military leaders will soon discuss Ukraine’s security approach.

Trump said Ukraine’s NATO membership and reclaiming Crimea are unlikely. He confirmed Putin may meet Zelenskyy, with Putin demanding Ukrainian troop withdrawal from Donetsk and Luhansk and Crimea’s recognition as Russian territory. Direct talks remain the focus amid ongoing challenges.

Sources: Reuters, AP News, WallStreetJournal.

Long COVID Ghost Proteins

Researchers detected 65 unique SARS-CoV-2 protein fragments from the Pp1ab viral protein inside extracellular vesicles in the blood of long COVID patients, suggesting viral persistence post-infection.

These fragments appeared in all patients studied but not consistently in every sample and were absent in pre-pandemic controls. The findings imply possible viral reservoirs in tissues like the brain and raise questions about the role of these fragments in symptoms.

Current long COVID diagnosis relies on self-reported symptoms after 12 weeks; this biomarker could enable more objective testing. However, the significance of the viral fragments and their triggers remain unclear, requiring further investigation.

Sources: SciTechDaily.

Mind Reading Dogs

Dogs have evolved specialized brain areas that respond to human emotional sounds like laughter and crying. Their auditory cortex and amygdala activate in reaction to emotional tones.

Dogs also recognize human facial expressions, focusing more on the left side of faces. Emotional contagion occurs when dogs’ and owners’ heartbeats sync during stress. Mutual gazing triggers oxytocin release in both, strengthening bonds through an oxytocin feedback loop unique to domesticated dogs.

Dogs detect emotions through multiple senses, including smelling fear or happiness in sweat. Domestication enhanced dogs’ social intelligence despite smaller brains than wolves, enabling them to emotionally connect by sensing and mirroring human feelings.

Sources: Sciencealert, Theconversation, Studyfinds.

“Some fellas are born with a full deck of common sense, while the rest of us seem to start the game with a few cards missing. As they get older, this natural-born sense just ripens on the vine, and they develop a powerful distaste for any whimsical or high-falutin' notions, knowing a leaky boat needs a patch, not a poem. ”

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:

• AI & the Future of White-Collar Work

• The Science of Longevity

• Metabolic Syndrome Nation

Baked with love,

Anna Eisenberg ❤️