Swipe, Like, Believe

Good morning, curious minds!

Today, we’re diving into salmon reclaiming their ancestral waters, influencers reshaping news consumption, and Spirit Airlines' surprise financial turmoil. Let’s explore what’s shaping our world together!

Here's everything you need to know today:

Here's a twist on staying informed: One in five Americans gets their news from social media influencers. Yes, influencers, the folks known for hawking skincare routines or viral dance moves, have become major players in the news.

In a Pew Research Center survey, these "newsfluencers" shape how 21% of Americans understand current events. The number skyrockets to 37% for young adults (18 to 29).

Why the shift? People say influencers simplify news. They're relatable, human, and sometimes more entertaining than somber anchors. Yet, here's the kicker: 77% of these influencers have no journalism background.

But here's the twist: Most lack formal media training and lean conservative (except for TikTok, where liberals hold sway). The rise of this trend raises a big question: Are influencers helping us understand the world better—or just making it harder to trust what we hear?

The Spirit Wanes

So, Spirit Airlines just filed for bankruptcy. Shocker? Not really. With $2.5 billion in losses since 2020, a failed merger, and fierce competition from everyone (including bigger airlines offering budget fares), the airline has filed for Chapter 11. But hey, they're still flying—tickets and loyalty points are all good for now.

What happened? Cheap tickets paired with everything-is-extra fees weren't cutting it anymore for Spirit. Costs went up, fares went down, and competition didn't let up. Oh, and let's not forget the grounded planes caused by faulty engines.

Their plan? Restructure debt, raise cash, and emerge stronger by 2025. In any case, it's a wild ride for an airline that made a business out of $9 fares and charging for carry-on luggage.

Second Opinion

We've all used Dr. Google at some point, but what if AI took it a step further? In a recent study, ChatGPT's accuracy rate was 90%, leaving doctors at 74% and even those with the chatbot at 76%.

The twist? While doctors had access to ChatGPT, many stuck to their gut instincts, often ignoring the AI's more precise suggestions. It's a wake-up call for the medical world: Could embracing AI be the secret to sharper diagnoses?

ChatGPT will never replace your doctor, but it's more than a chatbot. It's shaping up to be an excellent second opinion.

Home Sweet Habitat

When something truly remarkable happens, do you get that warm fuzzy feeling? Like when salmon—yes, actual fish—become environmental heroes. After swimming into dead ends for nearly a century, Chinook salmon are returning to the Klamath River's upper reaches. How? With the largest dam removal project in U.S. history. It's as if someone opened an aquatic welcome mat, and the salmon responded immediately.

Generations of local tribes have fought to protect the river, and now it is healing. The thriving ecosystems, salmon nests popping up like spring wildflowers, and cool water temperatures—who knew fish could teach us so much about resilience?

But this isn't just a feel-good tale. It's a blueprint for what's possible when we prioritize ecosystems over convenience.

Fun fact: Days after the dams were removed, biologists spotted the first Chinook salmon. Apparently, even fish hate waiting around.

💡 Core Wisdom

📸 Lens to Life

Take a look back at Maggie Smith's career in photos.

🧮 Core Count: 6

Legs of dragonflies (but they can't walk)

🗓️ Flashback:

1863 - President Abraham Lincoln begins his Gettysburg address by saying, "Four score and seven years ago..."

1953 - The US Supreme Court ruled (7-2) that baseball is a sport, not a business.

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

Fatih Taskiran