Anna's Daybreak News

_{Just facts, you think for yourself}

Tuesday, 5:12 AM

August 5, 2025

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

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Concerns Over U.S. Job Data Reliability

The Bureau of Labor Statistics revised May and June 2025 job gains down by a combined 258,000, the largest non-recession adjustment since 1967.

President Trump called the data "rigged" and fired BLS Commissioner Erika McEntarfer. Economists and markets continue to trust BLS data despite falling survey response rates (from 60% to about 40%) and budget cuts reducing funding by 16% since 2009.

These challenges, including staffing shortages, have raised concerns about data quality and timeliness. A Reuters poll found 89% of economists worried about U.S. economic data, but revisions align with other sources like ADP.

The firing has sparked debate over data reliability and political independence.

Sources: Bloomberg, Bloomberg, AP News, Reuters, Reuters, WallStreetJournal, WallStreetJournal.

Rocky US-India Relations

US-India ties deteriorated as President Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Indian goods due to India’s continued Russian oil imports amid the Ukraine conflict.

India, the second-largest buyer of Russian oil, called the tariffs “unjustified,” citing supply disruptions. Trade negotiations stalled despite India’s offer to open agricultural markets.

Trump’s growing ties with Pakistan, including a major oil deal and claims of brokering Kashmir peace, worsened distrust. India’s exports to the US hit $87.4 billion in 2024, with a $46 billion surplus, making tariffs a threat to economic cooperation.

Experts warn ongoing disputes risk the long-term US-India partnership, with India pledging to protect its interests while seeking fair trade terms.

Sources: Bloomberg, AP News, Reuters, Globaltimes, Dw.

Palantir’s AI Boom

Palantir’s Q2 revenue jumped 48% to over $1 billion, beating estimates. Full-year revenue guidance rose to $4.14–$4.15 billion, up from $3.9 billion. Q3 revenue is expected between $1.08–$1.09 billion.

U.S. government sales grew 53% to $426 million, representing 42% of Q2 revenue; commercial U.S. sales nearly doubled to $306 million. The U.S. Army is considering a $10 billion, decade-long contract.

Palantir closed 66 deals over $5 million, with contract values up 140% to $2.27 billion. Net income rose 144% to $327 million. CEO Alex Karp highlighted AI advances driving growth.

Shares doubled this year, valuing the company at $379 billion. Pentagon’s push for commercial AI software supports defense contracts.

Sources: Bloomberg, Reuters, CNBC, WallStreetJournal.

White House Targets Banks Over Political Bias

The White House will issue an executive order allowing fines and penalties on banks that drop clients for political reasons.

Regulators will enforce the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, antitrust, and consumer protection laws, reviewing banks’ policies and SBA-backed loans. The order may be signed this week.

In January 2025, President Trump accused JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America of denying services to conservatives; both banks denied this. Republicans criticize banks for cutting ties with gun makers and fossil fuel companies.

The Trump administration also plans to revise capital requirements to promote growth and innovation, indicating tougher oversight on alleged political discrimination by banks.

Sources: Reuters, WallStreetJournal.

Brisk Walking Cuts Death Risk by Nearly 20%

A study of nearly 80,000 mostly low-income Black adults over 17 years found that 15 minutes of brisk walking daily reduced death risk by 19%, especially from cardiovascular disease, compared to no fast walking.

Slow walking over three hours daily lowered death risk by only 4%. Benefits held even for those with diabetes or heart disease. Brisk walking includes activities that raise heart rate like climbing stairs.

Half the participants did no brisk walking, while a third walked slowly over three hours daily. The study controlled for smoking, diet, and weight.

Sources: Sciencealert, Studyfinds, News-Medical, Earth.

Video Games Can Boost Kids’ Intelligence

A 2022 study tracked nearly 10,000 U.S. children, ages 9-10, over two years, measuring screen time and IQ changes.

Kids who played more video games than peers gained 2.5 IQ points above average increases, based on tests of reading, memory, visual-spatial skills, flexible thinking, and self-control. Watching TV or using social media showed no IQ effect.

The study controlled for genetics and socio-economic factors but didn’t differentiate game types or include non-U.S. children. Data was self-reported, and effects on physical health, sleep, or school performance weren’t assessed.

Sources: Sciencealert, Telegrafi, Thegamer.

“A man of true judgment is like a good poker player—he can tell more from a single twitch of your eye than a fool can from a two-hour sermon. He takes a person's measure at a glance, and from a few stray remarks, he can map out a man's whole inner country, complete with its swamps and its gold mines.”

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:

• Metabolic Syndrome Nation

• Surge in Fraud Cases in the Age of DeepFakes

• Cognitive Decline

Baked with love,

Anna Eisenberg ❤️