Winter Has Come

Hello there, brilliant adventurers of The Core!

Here's to a brand new day with open eyes and hearts ready for anything. Whether you're heating a warm drink or enduring a cold commute, I have stories to spark your curiosity and make you smile. Let's dive in—because the world isn't slowing down, and neither are we.

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What’s worth knowing today:

A fierce winter storm is sweeping across the country, bringing millions of heavy snow, dangerous ice, and teeth-chattering cold. Schools, offices, and even parts of the federal government are closed from the Plains to the mid-Atlantic. The power has gone out in Kentucky, Missouri, Illinois, and elsewhere, and traveling on the roads and in the skies has become frustrating.

The weather service warns that some areas will get a foot or more of snow, and gusty winds will make it nearly white. If you must drive, keep extra supplies in your car (and watch out for ice piling up on exhaust pipes!). Otherwise, bundle up indoors, charge your devices, and wait for crews to clear the area. Stay safe and warm.

Historic Full Circle

So, the day is finally here—Congress is about to certify Donald Trump's election victory. And yep, it's happening on January 6, of all dates. On the same day four years ago, Trump fans stormed the Capitol, claiming he'd lost. The D.C .vibe is now frosty temperatures rather than fiery protests, in a twist no screenwriter would dare suggest. Still, If you see any new fences around the Capitol, they're leftover scars from 2021.

Will there be drama? Probably not. Vice President Kamala Harris presides over the count (kind of a full-circle moment—she lost to Trump, and now she certifies). Just in case, security is on high alert, but even a major snowstorm might be more trouble than it's worth. We can't ignore the irony: The man who tried to stop certification is now getting certified. Let's hope the strangest day in U.S. democracy remains in the rearview, not the blueprint for the future.

Congestion Confession

Yes, it's official: You'll need more than a few quarters to cruise Manhattan's core thanks to America's first congestion pricing. Whether you call it a traffic fix or another city toll, history is being made south of 60th Street.

It's hoped that it will help unclog roads and fund mass transit. Grumpy drivers say it’s just an extra tax on wheels. Love it or hate it, the city that never sleeps is now the city that just tolled. Buckle up.

No Snoozefest Here

Well, that escalated delightfully. The Golden Globes just flung open, and two audacious films stole the show—"The Brutalist" (a 215-minute postwar saga) and "Emilia Pérez" (the trans musical you didn't see coming). Demi Moore won her first Globe for "The Substance" (finally), while Shogun and Hacks continued to dominate television. Unlike some Globes fiascos, Nikki Glaser safely landed her jokes before setting the place on fire at the Beverly Hilton.

Among the biggest swoons and stings: Fernanda Torres' Best Actress win for "I'm Still Here" had jaws dropping, and Sebastian Stan won "A Different Man" (not for playing Trump). Some pre-show favorites went home empty-handed (pour one out for "Only Murders in the Building"). Hollywood loves a good swerve, and this year's Globes provided an exuberant preview of the Oscars.

Bonus: Here is the full list of winners, snubs, and the night's biggest surprises.

💡 Core Wisdom

📸 Lens to Life

Holiday lights transform the world into a vibrant wonderland.

🧮 Core Count: 1,170,000,000,000

The total amount Americans owe on their credit cards. ($1.17T)

🗓️ Flashback:

1838 - Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail demonstrate a telegraph machine in New Jersey.

1941 - Franklin Roosevelt's "Four Freedoms" speech (freedom of speech and worship, freedom from want and fear) was delivered during his State of the Union address.

1987 - University of California astronomers have witnessed the birth of a galaxy for the first time.

2021 - During the congressional certification of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris's win, supporters of Donald Trump attacked the Capitol in Washington, resulting in five deaths and prompting the evacuation of lawmakers and Vice President Mike Pence.

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

Fatih Taskiran