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Anna's Daybreak News

_{Just facts, you think for yourself}

Wednesday, 5:12 AM

July 16, 2025

Good morning news friend! Discover the events rewriting today’s story and shaping what comes next. 📰🌟

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Trump Set to Unlock Private Markets for 401(k)

President Trump plans an executive order directing the Labor Department and SEC to enable private-market investments—such as private equity, venture capital, real estate, and hedge funds—in 401(k) retirement plans.

These assets, riskier than stocks and bonds, could diversify retirees’ portfolios and offer higher returns. Currently, 401(k)s hold about $12.5 trillion in assets. The Biden administration discouraged private-market inclusion in 401(k)s, but Trump’s order could reverse that stance.

BlackRock and Blue Owl Capital have already introduced private-market options in retirement funds. The order’s details and signing date remain pending.

Industry leaders support the move, anticipating new capital inflows and retirement savings growth opportunities.

Sources: Reuters, Bloomberg, Pitchbook, Tradingview.

Inflation Ticks Up in June

U.S. consumer prices rose 0.3% in June 2025, the largest monthly increase since January, with the annual CPI up 2.7%.

Tariffs are driving price hikes in household furnishings (+1.0%), appliances (+1.9%), apparel, toys, and sporting goods. Food prices rose 0.3%, led by coffee (+2.2%) and beef (+2.0%), while eggs dropped 7.4% due to avian flu.

Energy prices increased, with gasoline up 1.0%. Used and new vehicle prices declined. About one-third of June’s inflation increase is linked to tariffs on imports from Mexico, Japan, Canada, Brazil, and the EU.

New tariffs starting August 1 may push inflation higher. The Federal Reserve is expected to hold rates steady in July amid mixed inflation signals.

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

Trump’s 19% Tariff Deal with Indonesia

President Trump announced a trade deal with Indonesia, imposing a 19% U.S. tariff on Indonesian goods, down from a threatened 32%.

Indonesia will provide tariff-free access for U.S. exports and purchase $19.5 billion in American products, including $15 billion in energy, $4.5 billion in farm goods, and 50 Boeing jets. The U.S. ran a $17.9 billion deficit with Indonesia in 2024.

The deal grants the U.S. full market access and no tariffs on its exports to Indonesia. Similar tariff letters are being prepared for smaller countries.

Meanwhile, the EU threatens $84 billion in retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods if talks fail. U.S. average tariffs are rising to the highest since 1933.

Sources: Reuters, Bloomberg, Jakartaglobe, AXIOS.

Putin Pushes Forward in Ukraine

Putin demands Ukraine withdraw from four Russian-annexed regions, remain neutral, and halt NATO expansion eastward. Russia controls roughly 20% of Ukraine, gaining 1,415 sq km recently, including Crimea, Luhansk, most of Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and parts of other regions.

Despite Western sanctions, Russia’s $2 trillion economy and military endure. Trump set a 50-day deadline for peace, threatening 100% tariffs on Russia and countries buying Russian oil, while increasing arms shipments to Ukraine. Fighting focuses on eastern Ukraine, with Russia pushing toward Donetsk cities to advance west.

Ukraine resists using drones but faces shortages. The conflict has caused 1.2 million casualties and continues with no detailed peace talks.

Sources: Reuters, AP News, NHK, ABC.

Pain’s Hidden Pathway

Researchers identified a thalamic neuron group marked by CGRP that links pain signals to emotional centers like the amygdala, separating sensory pain from emotional suffering.

Silencing these neurons stopped pain-induced fear and avoidance without affecting pain sensation, while activating them triggered distress without pain. These neurons respond more as pain intensity rises and express genes linked to migraines and pain disorders.

CGRP blockers used for migraines might also treat chronic pain and PTSD. The pathway acts as a brain alarm system, influencing emotional responses to threats beyond physical injury.

This discovery provides a target for new non-addictive treatments addressing the emotional aspect of pain.

Sources: SciTechDaily, Salk, Newatlas, Studyfinds.

How Creatine Helps The Brain

Creatine produces ATP, fueling muscle and brain cells. Brain creatine deficiency impairs memory, learning, speech, and seizure control. Supplements help muscle but not brain symptoms due to the blood-brain barrier blocking creatine entry.

Researchers at Virginia Tech aim to use focused ultrasound to safely open this barrier, enabling direct brain delivery of creatine. Studies show creatine improves memory in older adults and enhances attention and processing speed in adults 18–60.

It also supports mitochondrial function, reduces oxidative stress, and boosts neuroplasticity. Focused ultrasound, already used in pediatric brain cancer, offers a noninvasive way to treat creatine deficiency disorders and potentially counter cognitive decline.

Sources: SciTechDaily, Indiatimes, NSN, Psypost.

“A man who waits till he's forty to start looking for good sense is like a fella who only learns to swim after he's already halfway down the waterfall. Fortune favors a man who acts like he deserves her company.”

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 American Healthcare System

• The Social Security Crisis - Anatomy of a Shortfall

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

Baked with love,

Anna Eisenberg ❤️