Anna's Daybreak News

_{Just facts, you think for yourself}

Wednesday, 5:14 AM

July 9, 2025

Good morning news friend! Follow the stories that capture today’s world and set the stage for what’s next. 📰🌟

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Tariff Blitz

President Trump will impose a 50% tariff on imported copper, crucial for EVs, military, and construction, and up to 200% on pharmaceuticals with an 18-month supply chain relocation period.

Tariffs on semiconductors are forthcoming. Reciprocal levies of 25%-40% targeting 14 countries, including South Korea, Japan, Brazil, India, and South Africa, start August 1 without extensions.

Only two trade deals have been finalized—UK and Vietnam—while talks with the EU and China continue. U.S. government tariff revenue reached $100 billion this year, expected to hit $300 billion by year-end.

The effective tariff rate is 17.6%, highest since 1934. Japan and South Korea seek exemptions, especially for autos; South Africa opposes its 30% tariff.

Sources: Bloomberg, Reuters, Reuters, BBC, WallStreetJournal.

Supreme Court Greenlights Federal Layoffs

The Supreme Court lifted a lower court’s block on President Trump’s February 2025 executive order to cut tens of thousands of federal jobs across 19 departments, including State and Veterans Affairs.

Since January 2025, about 260,000 federal workers have left via firing, resignation, or early retirement. The ruling supports Trump’s authority but leaves specific layoffs subject to further legal challenges.

Labor unions and advocacy groups oppose the cuts, warning of service disruptions. A 2025 poll shows 56% of Americans support downsizing, with major partisan differences. The administration cites cost reduction and efficiency as goals.

Sources: Reuters, Bloomberg, CBS, NYTimes, WallStreetJournal.

How U.S. Buyers Bypass China’s Critical Minerals Export Ban

Since China banned exports of antimony, gallium, and germanium to the U.S. in December 2024, U.S. imports have rerouted through Thailand and Mexico, which lack significant mining but host smelters processing Chinese minerals.

Between December 2024 and April 2025, the U.S. imported 3,834 metric tons of antimony oxides from these countries, exceeding nearly three years’ prior volume. A Chinese-owned Thai firm shipped 3,366 tons to a Texas buyer linked to Chinese interests.

Shipments are often mislabeled to bypass the ban. Despite China’s crackdown on smuggling and export controls enforcement challenges, U.S. imports may match pre-ban levels but at higher costs.

Sources: Reuters.

SpaceX’s $400 Billion Valuation

SpaceX plans a new funding round valuing the company at around $400 billion, up from $350 billion in late 2024. Starlink aims for 6 million subscribers by mid-2025 and projects $300 billion annual revenue by 2035, driven by expanding its satellite network. SpaceX reduces launch costs by 90% using reusable rockets, supporting NASA’s Artemis moon mission and military clients. Competition includes Amazon’s Project Kuiper and OneWeb. The company targets a $2.5 trillion valuation by 2030, contingent on Mars colonization and robot-driven infrastructure development, requiring $350 billion investment. Risks include regulatory hurdles, technology development, and Elon Musk’s management focus. Investors face high risk and reward amid rapid space industry growth.

Sources: Bloomberg, TechCrunch, Investing, Ainvest.

Acid Reflux Drugs Linked Dementia Risk

Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for acid reflux is linked to a 33-36% higher risk of dementia. A study of adults over 5.5 years found those using PPIs for more than 4.4 years had increased dementia rates compared to non-users.

Another study of nearly 2 million people showed elevated dementia risk for PPI users diagnosed between ages 60-69. Shorter PPI use showed no increased risk.

The studies show association, not causation, and other factors like obesity and hypertension may contribute. PPIs are also linked to strokes, fractures, kidney disease, and neurological symptoms.

Sources: SciTechDaily, Henryford, Bestlifeonline.

Why Cats Sleep on Their Left Side

About two-thirds of domestic cats prefer sleeping on their left side, according to a study analyzing 408 videos. Cats sleep 12 to 16 hours daily, often in elevated spots for safety.

Sleeping on the left side exposes their left visual field, processed by the brain’s right hemisphere, which specializes in spatial awareness, threat detection, and coordinating escape responses.

This positioning may help cats spot danger or prey quickly upon waking, providing a survival advantage. The left-side sleeping preference likely evolved to optimize safety during vulnerable sleep hours, reflecting brain asymmetry in feline behavior.

Sources: SciTechDaily, Sciencealert, Sciencedaily.

“The greatest skill you can have in a card game ain't knowing how to play your hand, but knowing when to throw it away entirely; the sorriest trump you hold today is worth a dozen aces from a game that's already finished. ”

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:

• The Social Security Crisis - Anatomy of a Shortfall

• America’s Housing Paradox - An Analysis of the US Housing Market

• The Stablecoin Trilemma - Bridging Digital Finance, Monetary Policy, and Systemic Risk

Baked with love,

Anna Eisenberg ❤️