Stand Clear of the Closing Doors

Once again, migration is at the forefront of European politics, and the response is becoming more severe. Across Europe, governments are struggling to balance economic needs with migration needs. Germany and Sweden, once open and welcoming countries, are now tightening their borders, echoing Hungary's hardline stances.

Giorgia Meloni's controversial decision to send asylum seekers to Albania for processing, once criticized, is now seen as a model for other nations. Poland also seeks even tougher measures, temporarily suspending asylum rights for those who cross illegally from Belarus.

EU members cannot reach a unified solution, and more countries impose harsh border controls, compromising the Schengen Zone's free movement. There has never been a more critical time for Europe to find a balance between limiting illegal immigration and solving its skills gap.

Skynet, are you there?

Amazon and Google's investment in nuclear energy is a sign that things are getting serious. We are talking about a new wave of small, safer nuclear reactors known as small modular reactors (SMRs) that could run AI data centers. Energy demands for AI are projected to skyrocket, so tech giants are seeking ways to stay green and meet power demands.

With investments in X-Energy and partnerships with Washington and Virginia utilities, Amazon is betting big on this. Google, too, has signed up to use nuclear energy by 2030 for its AI facilities. It’s a wild shift, and critics say it's risky, but its promise of carbon-free energy can't be ignored. Are we witnessing the future of clean energy in tech? We’ll see.

Locked Shelves, Empty Registers

Today, every store I walk into seems to have products behind glass or stored under tight security. Whether it's deodorant, toothpaste, or even razors, I find myself standing in aisles pressing buttons and waiting for someone to unlock them. But this isn’t just about inconvenience—it’s a sign of a more significant issue. Shoplifting is on the rise, and it’s not just casual thieves. Retail crime has become a serious problem, costing U.S. retailers $112 billion in losses last year.

The stats are eye-opening. According to a recent survey, shrinkage—a term for lost inventory—increased by 19% due to theft. Small businesses and big-box retailers are feeling the pinch; some are even closing stores because they can't absorb the losses anymore. Social media has also made things worse, with thieves posting videos of their hauls or sharing tips on bypassing security systems.

Security guards or locking up products haven't been enough. It feels like the issue has evolved beyond just theft-it's about balancing safety, customer experience, and profitability when lawlessness is becoming more regular.

In the Hot Seat

Kamala Harris' Fox News interview wasn't just another interview - it was a showdown. Bret Baier pressed Harris on immigration, border security, and her relationship with Biden. Harris clarified clearly: “My presidency will not be a continuation of Joe Biden’s presidency.”

During the interview, Baier interrupted Harris and repeated Trump's favorite talking points. Harris pushed back despite the pressure, emphasizing her experience prosecuting criminals and calling Trump "unstable."

Reversed Trump's attack on taxpayer-funded gender-transition care for prisoners, reminding viewers that Trump himself supported such policies. Harris survived the Fox interview and also got a chance to convince Republican women, a critical demographic Harris hopes to gain.

💡 Core Wisdom

📸 Lens to Life

Here are some fun photos from the UK Hobby Horse Championships.

🧮 Core Count: 15,000

The estimated lifespan of glass sponges.

🗓️ Flashback:

1888 - Thomas Edison files a patent for the Optical Phonograph.

1904 - Bank of Italy (Bank of America), founded by Amadeo Giannini.

1912 - Bulgaria, Greece, and Serbia declare war on Turkey.

1933 - Albert Einstein arrives in the USA as a refugee from Nazi Germany.

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

Fatih Taskiran