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Friday, 5:12 AM

July 25, 2025

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

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Trump vs Powell

President Trump toured the Federal Reserve headquarters, clashing with Chair Jerome Powell over renovation costs. Trump alleges $3.1 billion in overruns, including a previously completed building; the Fed cites $2.5 billion for two buildings.

The renovation began in 2022, with completion expected by 2027 and move-in by March 2028.

Trump pressed for interest rate cuts of three percentage points or more to reduce $1.1 trillion in annual U.S. debt interest but no longer plans to fire Powell, whose term ends in May 2026.

The Fed’s target rate has held steady at 4.25%-4.5% since late 2024. Markets remain calm ahead of an upcoming Fed meeting.

Sources: Bloomberg, CNBC, Reuters, WallStreetJournal.

Paramount-Skydance Merger Approved

Paramount’s $8 billion merger with Skydance was approved by the FCC in a 2-1 vote, valuing the combined company at $28 billion. David Ellison will become CEO and chairman, with Jeff Shell as president.

Paramount settled a $20 billion lawsuit from Donald Trump for $16 million related to a “60 Minutes” segment, sparking controversy. Skydance agreed to appoint an ombudsman for CBS News and ended DEI programs, meeting FCC demands. CBS canceled Stephen Colbert’s show amid political backlash.

CBS News faced leadership departures over editorial disputes. The FCC review lasted over 250 days. Paramount’s stock rose 1.4% post-announcement, and Skydance plans major restructurings as it takes control.

Sources: AP News, Reuters, NYTimes, WallStreetJournal.

Clashes Escalate Between Thailand and Cambodia

Border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia began July 24, 2025, involving heavy artillery and rocket fire at six points along their 800-km disputed border.

Thailand reported 15 deaths (14 civilians, one soldier) and over 50 injuries; Cambodia confirmed one civilian death and five wounded. Thailand accused Cambodia of using Russian-made BM-21 rockets; Thailand responded with F-16 airstrikes.

The conflict displaced around 100,000 people in Thailand and thousands in Cambodia. Tensions rose after a landmine explosion injured two Thai soldiers, with each side blaming the other. Fighting occurred near the disputed Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple.

The U.S., ASEAN, and China urged ceasefire and dialogue. Thailand’s PM was suspended over her handling of the crisis.

Sources: Reuters, AP News, Bloomberg, NYTimes.

France to Recognize Palestine

France will officially recognize the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September 2025, becoming the first G7 nation to do so.

Over 140 UN members already recognize Palestine, but key U.S. allies, including the U.S., Canada, and the UK, have not. Israel and the U.S. condemned the move, warning it could empower Hamas and undermine peace efforts.

Macron called for a ceasefire, hostage release, and humanitarian aid. Canada supports a ceasefire and two-state solution.

The decision sparks divisions among Western allies ahead of a postponed UN peace conference on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Sources: Reuters, Bloomberg, BBC, France24.

mRNA Vaccines Breakthrough

Researchers enhanced mRNA vaccines by modifying ionizable lipids using Mannich chemistry, reducing inflammation and boosting efficacy.

New C-a16 lipids led to 15-fold brighter gene expression, doubled CRISPR effectiveness, and tripled tumor shrinkage in mice. A novel vaccine, CPVax-CoV, with thiolactone-based lipids and optimized mRNA, generated antibody levels five times higher than Comirnaty and fully protected mice from SARS-CoV-2, including Omicron XBB.1.5.

CPVax-CoV’s freeze-dried form remains stable and effective for at least 12 months at room temperature, overcoming cold-chain challenges. These advances improve vaccine safety, potency, and global distribution potential, with applications extending beyond COVID-19 to cancer therapies and gene editing.

Sources: SciTechDaily, Nature, GEN.

Decoding Gut Microbiome with AI

Researchers developed an AI called VBayesMM to analyze gut bacteria and their metabolites, which influence immunity, metabolism, brain function, and mood.

The AI identifies key bacteria linked to metabolites and measures uncertainty, reducing false findings. Tested on sleep disorders, obesity, and cancer data, VBayesMM outperformed earlier methods by pinpointing bacterial families associated with biological processes.

Challenges include limited data on metabolites and the AI's assumption that bacteria act independently despite complex interactions. The system requires heavy data processing, expected to lessen over time.

Future work aims to expand chemical datasets, include diverse patients, and link bacterial family trees, targeting personalized treatments through gut microbiome manipulation.

Sources: SciTechDaily, Thestatesman, UTokyo.

“There are some men who are born captains, and then there are the fellows who just own a captain's hat. A true leader doesn't need to shout himself hoarse or put on a lot of airs; he has a kind of natural gravity to him, and other folks just find themselves falling into his orbit without quite knowing why.”

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 ❤️