Economy in Reverse


May 1, 2025

Daily Edition:

Economy in Reverse

Good morning, Core readers!

While you’ve been sleeping (or perhaps scrolling in bed), I’ve been crafting today’s newsletter filled with critical minerals, economic jitters, and the most burning question of our digital age: Could 100 average dudes really take down one gorilla?

Spoiler: Elon Musk thinks so, but the gorilla begs to differ.

As always, your neatly organized daily briefing awaits just below—so grab a cup and let’s dive in.

Fatih Taskiran


In this issue:

Economy

Reverse Gear


Tech

Monkey Business


Asia

Digging for Peace


Beyond the Core

Met Gala 2025

Economy

Reverse Gear

If you're feeling a little uneasy about the future, you're not alone. The U.S. economy just hit an unexpected speed bump, shrinking 0.3% in the first quarter—its first contraction since early 2022. The main culprit? President Trump’s heavy tariffs hit.

Businesses scrambled to stock up imports ahead of the hikes, causing GDP to drop the most ever. Adding to recession worries, consumer spending slowed to its weakest pace in two years. Economists warn things might get worse before they get better—so, get ready for a bumpy ride over the next few months.

Bonus: Worried about your money these days? I've got some friendly financial advice for you.

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Internet Culture

Ape-ocalypse

The internet's latest viral obsession isn't about politics, AI, or even Taylor Swift—it's about whether 100 people can beat one gorilla in a fight. Yes, really. It's sparked fierce debate online, with MrBeast (who jokingly asked for volunteers) and even Elon Musk asking, "What's worse that could happen?"

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Primatologists have weighed in, pointing out that while gorillas are far stronger than humans—pound for pound—they are usually gentle giants who tend to avoid confrontation. Thanks to gorillas, we'll never find out — they're apparently too busy napping to engage in such internet nonsense.

Asia

Digging for Peace

After months of bitter negotiations, the U.S. and Ukraine just signed a historic minerals deal that could reshape the war—and the future of Europe. Under the agreement, the U.S. gets access to critical mineral reserves in Ukraine, like lithium and rare earths.

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Trump says the deal protects American interests and prevents the U.S. from looking foolish, but Ukrainian officials say they still have the power. Both sides celebrate, but critics say this deal could spark new geopolitical tensions, turning Ukraine's underground treasures into the next frontline.

One cannot grow fine flowers in a thin soil.
Virginia Woolf

💬 Beyond the Core

Dino-soared

The world's first T. rex leather handbag is on the way.


Gala-morous

Here's everything you need to know about the Met Gala 2025.


Muscle Hustle

There's something that looks... different about The Rock.


Giggle

Here's why you shouldn't always trust Dr. Google.


📸 Lens to Life

Amazing photos of a snake fighting a blue heron.


🗓️ Flashback

1707

The Acts of Union came into force, uniting England and Scotland to form the Kingdom of Great Britain.


1753

"Species Plantarum" by Carl Linnaeus was published, marking the official beginning of plant taxonomy.


1840

"Penny Black," the world's first adhesive postage stamp, was issued by the United Kingdom.


1886

The US general strike for an 8-hour working day begins.


1924

First joint venture between Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft and Benz & Cie, later merged into Mercedes-Benz.


1931

New York City's Empire State Building opens as the world's tallest building until 1970, when the World Trade Center beats it.


1941

'Citizen Kane,' directed by Orson Welles and starring him, premieres in New York.


Fatih Taskiran

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

Before you go...

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