Target Trump

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This isn’t just another political headline— prosecutors just revealed a chilling plot by the Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) to assassinate former President Trump. Trump is now at the center of a revenge campaign against Iran over sanctions and military moves.

Unsealed complaints reveal that Iranian agents began planning months before the election. IRGC operative's comments that "money's not an issue" have been closely monitored by American security officials.

In a twist, two other operatives are in custody in New York for plotting against Iranian-American activist Masih Alinejad. Even on American soil, activists face serious risks when challenging robust regimes.

This story exposes how far a grudge can go in a world where threats easily cross borders.

Market Cheers

With the election behind us, Wall Street responded immediately and enthusiastically. President-elect Trump's victory and an interest rate cut from the Federal Reserve drove the S&P 500's record-breaking 4.7% weekly gain. For the first time, the index even flirted with the 6,000-point mark. Stocks enjoyed their best week of the year, free of pre-election jitters.

The excitement extended beyond the large caps. The Russell 2000, usually the first to respond to policy changes, shot up 8.5% this week. Tesla's valuation climbed to trillion-dollar levels thanks to a 15% share jump. Despite this rally's optimism, inflation concerns linger in the bond market. All eyes will be on whether this surge can continue into the new year.

Bey vs. Tay

It looks like the 2025 Grammys will be a Beyoncé and "Next-Gen Pop" affair. Yes, that's 99 nominations in her career — a Grammy history-maker! "Cowboy Carter" and "Texas Hold' Em" prove that no music category is off-limits to her. She will become the first Black woman to win Album of the Year since Lauryn Hill in 1999 if she wins this year.

And it's not just Bey making waves. Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, and Charli XCX will join Grammy regulars Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, and Kendrick Lamar to perform a mix of pop, country, and everything. This could be Swift's fifth album win, setting a new record.

This year's Grammys are shaping up to be a night of musical history—and surprises. I'm curious to see if anyone will steal Beyoncé's spotlight or if the Recording Academy finally crowns her Album of the Year.

Breathe in Souvenir

Ever wanted to take a piece of your vacation home? Well, now you can bring Lake Como's air back, too. It's true, ItalyComunica now sells 400 mL cans of "100% authentic air" from Lake Como for €9.90. The idea is to let tourists enjoy lakeside air long after the vacation.

This quirky idea isn't the first time air has been bottled as a keepsake. Over 5.6 million people will visit Lake Como in 2023, but canned air has existed for centuries in places like Naples and the Canadian Rockies. You have a "breathable" souvenir just a pop-top away, a mini-piece of paradise. Thoughts (and maybe a laugh) are what matters, not the smell of Lake Como.

Would you pay $11 for a can of air? This piece of bottled Lake Como might become the year's souvenir.

📸 Lens to Life

Photos of the week from Alan Taylor.

🧮 Core Count: 120

Number of rivers in Jamaica.

🗓️ Flashback:

1799 - First Consul Napoleon Bonaparte becomes dictator of France after a coup.

1980 - Saddam Hussein declares a holy war on Iran

2020 - BioNTech and Pfizer announced their COVID-19 vaccine was over 90% effective in the first phase 3 trial.

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

Fatih Taskiran