Good morning, fearless weekend warriors!

We're swerving from a spooky new ban on cross-cultural romance in China to a jaw-dropping story about an al-Qaeda overlord. But don't worry, we've got a fresh lineup of movies, tunes, and books to lift your spirits—let’s dive in!

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🚨 Be the First to Know:

• Prosecutors announce more charges against Sean 'Diddy' Combs.
• One of the deadliest Russian strikes of the year kills 19 people, including 9 kids, in Zelensky's home city.
• Trump extends TikTok ban enforcement deadline after tariffs derail deal.
• After 13 years in the NFL, the Falcons' franchise-leading receiver, Julio Jones, retires.
• Ovechkin ties Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL goal record.

Honeypot Rule

In a throwback to the Cold War, America just banned romantic entanglements between government staff and locals in China—a blanket "no fraternization" rule that even ex-ambassador Nicholas Burns couldn't resist setting.

CBS Mornings

The U.S. has implemented a new policy banning government employees in China from engaging in any romantic or sexual relationships with Chinese citizens, citing espionage concerns and the use of “honey pots” to gather intelligence. #china #us #relationships #news #policy #government

♬ original sound - CBS Mornings

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Honeypot fears spark flying across cultures and instant trouble for anyone ignoring the new rule: break it off or pack up your desk. When Sino-U.S. tensions rise, it might just be a sign that trust (and Tinder swipes) are in short supply.

Unplugged and Unholy

Here's today's incredible story: From whiskey-sipping Sahara rocker to jihadist warlord, Iyad Ag Ghali has gone from blues hero to jihadist—now commanding al Qaeda's most powerful branch in West Africa.

Pieter Van Ostaeyen @p_vanostaeyen Iyad ag-Ghali’s unknown past Whiskey-Drinking Rocker Transforms Into West Africa’s Most Dangerous al Qaeda Leader - WSJ https://www.wsj.com/world/africa/iyad-ag-ghali-al-qaeda-leader-west-africa-85afbca0 wsj.com Whiskey-Drinking Rocker Transforms Into West ... A militant leader from Mali championed a rock band and helped write a hit song b... 4:37 AM • Apr 1, 2025 13 Retweets 23 Likes Read 5 replies

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Born into Tuareg resistance, he jammed guitar at freedom rallies and hung out in nightclubs. Fast forward: He's banning music across Mali, terrorizing villages, and outsmarting armies while building al Qaeda's first ruling regime. From desert jam sessions to jihadist ravages, Iyad ag Ghali's path shows how a single spark can change everything.

🎪 Weekend Leisure Core

Fuel Your Mind: "I love this book. It moves like a souped-up pickup truck." Patti Smith praised Betsy Lerner's first novel, Shred Sisters, which delves into family life, mental health, and the complicated bond between two sisters.

Fuel Your Screen: There's a lot of buzz about "The Studio," the new comedy with Seth Rogen, and it’s getting awesome reviews! The first four episodes are just out.

Fuel Your Ears: Road Diary takes us behind the scenes (and onstage) of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. It may not feel as up close and personal as the title implies, but it captures something of the band's spirit.

💬 Beyond the Core

Lead Zeppelin: Leadership professor Michael Watkins explains the six key disciplines of strategic thinking.

Ceiling the Deal: Look inside a Mexico City architect's magical underground home.

Bond Interest: Having FOMO is not about missing out; it's about bonding.

Golden Rule: A farmer is looking to bring back a biblical superfood called 'white gold.'

📸 Lens to Life

​Photos from the central US show destruction after a storm caused tornadoes.

🧮 Core Count: $92,000,000

​The cost of crossing the world's biggest wildlife crossing over a California freeway.

🗓️ Flashback:

1242 - In the Battle on the Ice, Prince of Novgorod Alexander Nevsky defeats the Teutonic Knights on frozen Lake Peipus between Estonia and Russia.

1722 - Dutch navigator Jacob Roggeveen discovered Easter Island in the southeastern Pacific Ocean.

1818 - Chile's independence movement, led by Bernardo O'Higgins and José de San Martín, won a decisive victory over Spain, killing 2,000 Spaniards and 1,000 Chileans in the Battle of Maipú.

1847 - Joseph Paxton designed and opened Birkenhead Park, the first civic public park in Birkenhead, England.

1879 - Chile declares war on Bolivia and Peru, starting the War of the Pacific.

Before you go...

I hope you enjoyed this newsletter. Before moving on, would you consider supporting my work as we prepare for a pivotal, uncertain year?

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

​Fatih Taskiran​
​Founder & Chief Daydreamer at The Core​

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