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Daily Edition:
Francis, Gone
Good Monday morning, Core readers!
It feels heavier than usual this morning. I'd almost finished writing a different lead story when the alert came through— and suddenly, everything shifted. Today's newsletters will report that Pope Francis surprised the crowd on Easter Sunday, but I'm here to tell you something else: he's gone. Unexpectedly. Quietly. And sooner than anyone expected.
Today, we look back at a pope who challenged tradition, made allies and enemies, and left the world a little different from the way he found it. As always, you’ll hear it here first — and not just what happened, but why it mattered, and what most others won’t say out loud.
Thanks, as always, for reading. Let’s begin.
Fatih Taskiran
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Europe
Pope Francis Has Died
U.S.
SignalGate, Part II
Technology
No sweat!
Lifestyle
The Great Divide
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Europe
Final Blessing
 Just a day after delighting crowds from the balcony of St. Peter’s, Pope Francis — the first Latin American pope and one of the most reform-minded leaders in the Church’s history — has died at 88. Many thought he was recovering from illness after his Easter Sunday appearance. So this morning's announcement isn't just somber, but shocking.
Francis reshaped the global Catholic conversation. Migrants, climate justice, and marginalized people were his passions. He welcomed conversations on same-sex blessings, challenged authoritarian leaders, and attempted to pull the Vatican into the 21st century—not without backlash.
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Together with Watch Word
A newsletter worth your time.
If you love watches—or just want to sound like you do—Watch Word is my brand-new weekly newsletter. Sharp insights, timeless pieces, zero fluff.
✨ First issue drops soon.
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U.S.
SignalGate Returns
It's the sequel no one wanted —and it's messier. Hegseth is now under fire for sharing Yemen strike details in a second Signal chat, which was on his personal phone and filled with… unqualified people: his wife, his brother, and his personal attorney.
Unlike the first leak (which accidentally included a journalist), this one was no accident — and far harder to explain away. It started as a "team huddle" and turned into a full-blown leadership crisis, prompting calls for Hegseth to be removed.
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Technology
Marath-ON!
 21 humanoid robots lined up alongside 12,000 human runners in Beijing for the world's first robot vs. human half-marathon. Spoiler: the humans obliterated them — but one robot, Tiangong Ultra, did cross the finish line in 2 hours and 40 minutes, with only a few battery swaps (and one dramatic faceplant).
China’s goal? To lead the global humanoid robot race by 2027. Judging by this “running start,” there’s still a long road ahead — but at least the robots now have sneakers.
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“
It is difficult to say what is impossible, for the dream of yesterday is the hope of today and the reality of tomorrow.
— Robert H. Goddard
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💬 Beyond the Core
Hop to it!
This huge rabbit, rescued from a kill farm, is now a therapy bunny that drives a mini truck.
Ring-ing
What is the biggest wellness trend of the moment? Spoiler: leaving your marriage.
Big Texter
If you're texting, think twice before using shorthand.
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📸 Lens to Life
Photos of robots running alongside flesh-and-blood runners in a Chinese half-marathon.
🗓️ Flashback
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Fatih Taskiran
I'm glad we could get together here. Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow!
Before you go...
I hope you enjoyed this issue. Before moving on, would you consider supporting my work as we prepare for a pivotal and uncertain year?
I rely on readers like you—yes, you! It takes a few dollars a month to keep The Core going.
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