Executive Execution

Good morning, Core readers! 🌞

Some days, the news feels like a series of plot twists you can’t stop watching. Today's edition has everything, from political twists to record-breaking moments that redefine the rules...without the commercials.

So, grab your coffee (or tea), and let’s dive into the stories that will have you texting your group chats before lunch!

Your daily dose of clarity starts here:

Let’s talk about the surreal tale of Brian Thompson's last walk, UnitedHealthcare's CEO whose morning in Manhattan ended in a way no one expected—or wanted. Imagine a masked assailant, armed and eerily composed, lurking in the shadows. Walking alone to an investor conference, Thompson never saw what was coming. Like in an action movie, the attacker fired multiple rounds, cleared a jam, and fled on an e-bike into Central Park. The whole city is now gripped in a real-life whodunit.

Police drones are buzzing, and a $10,000 reward is on the table. Was this about work? Thompson’s wife hinted at threats tied to his job. Or was this something darker, more personal? For now, New Yorkers are left with questions and a haunting scene outside the Hilton Midtown.

The twist? Before the attack, the shooter even stopped at Starbucks for a coffee. Who says villains can’t caffeinate?

Crypto Carnival

Who would’ve thought? The same man who once called Bitcoin a “scam” just sent it soaring past $100,000. Donald Trump's pick for SEC chief Paul Atkins is making waves on Wall Street and cryptocurrency.

A crypto advocate and skeptic of heavy-handed regulations, Atkins has the industry buzzing with optimism. His appointment signals a shift from the SEC's previous crackdown-heavy approach to lighter regulation and an open digital asset market.

And the markets? They’re loving it. For the first time in history, Bitcoin broke the $100K barrier in a day. Crypto faithful call this a new era. But not everyone’s thrilled—critics warn that less regulation could mean more scams and investor risks.

For now, though, Bitcoin fans are too busy celebrating to care. One enthusiast said, “Finally, someone in Washington gets it.”

French Toast

In France, political drama is nothing new, but the ousting of Michel Barnier's government marks a seismic shift. Just 91 days into his term—the shortest tenure in modern French history—Barnier’s administration fell victim to a no-confidence vote. This is the first time since 1962 that a French government has been toppled this way.

The backdrop? A fractured parliament, soaring debt, and an unpopular budget with tax hikes and spending cuts. National Rally and the left-wing New Popular Front teamed up against Barnier, accusing him of bypassing democracy by passing the 2025 budget without a vote.

Now, Macron faces the daunting task of appointing a new prime minister to address this polarized political landscape. France's path forward looks anything but smooth, as no new elections are allowed until next summer.

Losing Religion, Holy Sales

The U.S. is in an odd spiritual moment. On one hand, nearly 30% of adults now identify as religiously unaffiliated—the highest percentage in history. On the other hand, Bible sales are skyrocketing, with a 22% increase this year alone. What gives?

It’s a fascinating contradiction: this ancient text is finding a fresh audience while the nation grows more secular. Publishers point to rising anxiety—consider inflation, elections, and global conflicts—major factors. For many, the Bible offers comfort and clarity amidst the chaos. Interestingly, many buyers are first-timers, often from Gen Z, who start their spiritual journey with TikTok and trendy Bible editions.

But it’s not just the spiritually curious. All demographics are buying Bibles, from pocket-sized versions to leather-bound, goatskin-covered editions costing more than $800. Who knew the Bible had its luxury market?

💡 Core Wisdom

📸 Lens to Life

Associated Press 100 Photos of 2024.

🧮 Core Count: 44,000,000

Daily newspaper waste in the United States.

🗓️ Flashback:

1349 - Pogroms across Western Europe resulted in 500 Jews killed during the Black Death riots in Nuremberg.

1848 - US President James K. Polk confirms a gold discovery in California, triggering the Gold Rush.

2017 - Russia is banned from the next Winter Olympics in South Korea for state-sponsored doping.

I'm glad we could get together here. Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow!

Fatih Taskiran