Weekend Edition: Stamped Out

Happy Weekend, friends!

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Your daily lens on the world starts here:

Stamped Out

There's no quiet weekend in Washington these days. The Trump administration’s sweeping shake-ups continue, now with a plan for big FEMA cuts that even some Republicans say go too far. In addition, the president says he might take direct control of the US Postal Service to curb its losses.

Meanwhile, tensions flared in the White House with Maine’s governor over transgender athletes, and “Euphoria” star Hunter Schafer revealed her passport suddenly lists her as male—another curveball in an ever-evolving landscape of trans policy. Lots of tremors, one big question: what's next?

Bonus: Gift Article: Impact of the U.S.A.I.D. funding freeze around the world.

Speed-Date Dem

Europe's powerhouse is heading to a snap election tomorrow, and the scramble is real. The far-right AfD is surging behind a heavy anti-immigration message, while Friedrich Merz promises to revive the economy. Chancellor Olaf Scholz's center-left camp is fighting for a comeback amid recession worries and security fears.

Sunday's outcome might just reset Europe's political chessboard, with coalition deals guaranteed and no shortage of drama. A bold choice awaits German voters this weekend.

Lift of Love

It’s “Love Island on skis,” minus the TV cameras—and Kassondra Cloos bravely joined the 500-plus singles invading Val Thorens for a chaotic, neon-snowsuit fling. We've got twin bunks, rosé-spraying dance floors, Hogwarts skiers, and the occasional "Chairlift of Love."

In other words, it is a total free-for-all that still includes powder turns and epic Alpine views. If your dating life’s in need of altitude (and attitude), this singles’ week might just blow your mind—and maybe find your match.

🎪 Weekend Leisure Core

Fuel Your Screen: I know; a movie about a girl who suffers a bad breakup and then finds herself dating a monster sounds weird. But it's surprisingly fun, cute, and romantic.

Fuel Your Mind: Silicon Valley's reading List reveals their political ambitions. Here's a canon of books and ideas dominated by great men and small teams.

Fuel Your Ears: I love John Hiatt. He's a great writer and performer. The Country Music Hall of Fame Museum featured him in its Poets and Prophets series (with a few songs).

💬 Beyond the Core

Battle Royale: In a race to the death, she is trying to stay ahead of Alzheimer's.

Heartbreak: What happened to a Poconos hotel's heart-shaped tubs after it closed last year?

Sliced by the Pound: Why does Katz's Pastrami still reign supreme 137 years later?

BTTF: Take a look at this flying car soaring over another on a California street.

💡 Core Wisdom

📸 Lens to Life

World Nature Photography Awards 2025 winners.

🧮 Core Count: $61,000,000,000

According to the Billionaires Index, the total wealth of 18 people benefited from the credit boom.

🗓️ Flashback:

303 - Emperor Diocletian issued the first official Roman for the persecution of Christians, closing all churches and burning scriptures.

1632 - Galileo Galilei published "Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems," comparing Copernican and Ptolemaic systems and whether the Earth orbits the sun.

1774 - British House of Lords rules authors do not have perpetual copyright.

1797 - During the Revolutionary Wars, the French launched the Last Invasion of Britain near Fishguard, Wales.

1825 - Russia and Britain established the Alaska-Canada boundary.

1856 - The Republican Party holds its first national meeting in Pittsburgh.

1967 - 25,000 US and South Vietnamese troops launched Operation Junction City against the Viet Cong.

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

Fatih Taskiran

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