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Friday, 5:21 AM

August 1, 2025

Good morning news friend! Step into today’s defining moments and see how they shape the future. 📰🌟

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Tariff Regime

President Trump imposed tariffs on 69 countries and the EU, effective August 7, ranging from 10% to 50%. Canada’s tariff rose to 35% amid fentanyl disputes; India faces 25%, Brazil 50%, and the EU 15%.

Cambodia’s tariff dropped from 49% to 19% after commitments on exports and Boeing purchases. Mexico received a 90-day negotiation extension. South Korea and Japan secured some 15% tariffs but face higher rates on autos.

U.S. inflation rose 2.6% in 12 months; manufacturing jobs fell by 14,000 since April. Ford anticipates a $2 billion earnings loss. Legal challenges target Trump’s use of a 1977 emergency law to impose tariffs.

Sources: Bloomberg, Reuters, AP News, NYTimes.

Russian Hackers Caught Spying on Embassies

The Russian hacking group Secret Blizzard, linked to the FSB, has been spying on foreign embassies in Moscow since early 2024 using ApolloShadow malware.

They exploit Russian ISPs to perform adversary-in-the-middle attacks by redirecting embassy personnel to fake login portals that deploy malware disguised as Kaspersky antivirus.

ApolloShadow installs a fake TLS root certificate, enabling interception of encrypted communications and modifies system permissions to ease lateral network movement. This is the first confirmed use of ISP-level access by Secret Blizzard within Russia, putting embassy staff at high risk.

Microsoft advises using encrypted tunnels via trusted ISPs to counter these attacks, highlighting rising state-sponsored cyber threats leveraging local infrastructure.

Sources: Bloomberg, Arstechnica, Bleepingcomputer, Breakingthenews.

Zelenskiy Reverses Course

Ukraine’s President Zelenskiy reversed a law weakening Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies, NABU and SAPO, restoring their independence after mass protests and European pressure.

The original law had given the presidential-appointed general prosecutor control over case transfers, sparking thousands to rally despite ongoing Russian attacks. The new legislation passed unanimously, ensuring no outside interference in anti-corruption investigations.

NABU and SAPO have charged senior officials, including a former deputy prime minister for a $345,000 bribe. Protesters demanded agency independence as part of Ukraine’s EU integration efforts.

The crisis raised doubts about Zelenskiy’s reform commitment and threatened Western aid amid a $13 billion budget deficit, vital for sustaining the war effort.

Sources: Reuters, Archive, BBC, France24, WallStreetJournal.

Apple’s Revival

Apple's Greater China revenue rose 4.4% to $15.4 billion in Q2, ending a seven-quarter decline. iPhone sales surged 13.5% to $44.58 billion, boosted by early purchases to avoid tariffs, which cost Apple $800 million this quarter and are expected to cost $1.1 billion next.

Sales in the Americas grew 9.3% to $41.2 billion. Mac sales topped $8 billion; iPad and wearables lagged expectations. Services revenue hit $27.42 billion. Gross margins reached 46.5%. Despite strong results, Apple’s stock fell 17% in 2025 amid tariff concerns and delayed AI upgrades in Siri.

Apple plans increased AI spending, data center expansion, and potential acquisitions to compete with Microsoft and Google’s massive AI investments.

Sources: Bloomberg, Reuters, Reuters, WallStreetJournal.

Grapes are Superfood

Grapes contain over 1,600 natural compounds, including antioxidants and polyphenols like resveratrol, which collectively support heart, brain, skin, gut, and eye health.

Studies show grapes relax blood vessels, regulate cholesterol, enhance cognition, improve skin resistance to UV damage, and boost gut microbiome diversity. They also raise macular pigment density for retinal health and positively influence gene expression across key body systems.

Resveratrol has anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects and may prevent muscle loss in postmenopausal women. Experts recommend pairing grapes with protein for a nutritious snack.

Strong scientific evidence supports daily grape consumption as a powerful way to improve multiple aspects of health.

Sources: SciTechDaily, Theriverbanknews, Bestlifeonline, Bioengineer.

Male Birth Control

YCT-529, a new male contraceptive pill, passed its initial human safety trial without serious side effects.

It works non-hormonally by targeting retinoic acid receptor–alpha in the testes to temporarily stop sperm production, leaving hormone levels, mood, and sexual desire unaffected. The phase 1 trial involved 16 men given doses up to 180mg over 15 days.

Previous male contraceptives caused hormonal side effects or required invasive procedures. Animal studies showed reversible infertility with YCT-529. Larger phase 2 and 3 trials are planned to assess effectiveness, long-term safety, and reversibility.

This oral drug could provide a safe, reversible, hormone-free male birth control alternative if further trials succeed.

Sources: Sciencealert, Mpasho.

“An ‘affair of honor’ is generally an invitation from one fool to another to see who is the better shot, a contest where the winner gets a lifetime of trouble and the loser gets a coffin. When you see one man has already volunteered to play the jackass in a public spectacle, there is no law in heaven or on earth that requires you to be the second.”

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:

• Surge in Fraud Cases in the Age of DeepFakes

• Cognitive Decline

• The American Healthcare System

Baked with love,

Anna Eisenberg ❤️