Chicago Schools, 'Little Boy,' and Scientists Catch a Murder Hornet
The nation's third-largest school district will start all virtual, the 75th anniversary of "Little Boy", and US scientists finally catch a murder hornet.
Good morning. It's Thursday, Aug. 6, and it's been 75 years since an atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, Japan. Have feedback? Let us know at [email protected]. First time reading? Sign up here. NEED TO KNOW
Chicago Schools Go VirtualThe nation's third-largest school district announced yesterday it will begin the fall semester entirely online, as Chicago officials dropped a hybrid option that would've allowed students to return to in-person instruction two days a week. The decision leaves New York City as the only major school district still proceeding with plans to resume part-time in-person instruction, though Gov. Andrew Cuomo is set to make a final decision this week. Policies on reopening schools vary widely state-to-state, from requiring in-person instruction to requiring fully virtual learning (see map). Analysts also say the ability of parents to return to full-time work is closely linked with a stalling economy, and many may be forced to stop working entirely in the fall—a burden likely to disproportionately affect women. Separately, New York City will set up physical travel checkpoints at key bridges and tunnels to screen for incoming travelers from more than 30 high-risk states. Such visitors are expected to quarantine for 14 days. Officials say 20% of the city's new cases come from out-of-state travelers. The US has reported 4.82 million total cases as of this morning, with 158,256 total deaths. See the three-day moving average here. 75 Years Since 'Little Boy' Today marks the 75th anniversary of the US bombing of Hiroshima during World War II, the first time a nuclear weapon had been detonated in an act of war between two countries. The devastating impact was immediate; more than 70,000 were killed instantly, with some estimates placing the ultimate death toll near 200,000 when accounting for long-term effects of radiation poisoning. The five-ton uranium bomb—dropped from the Enola Gay and nicknamed "Little Boy"—detonated at an altitude of 2,000 feet with a force equivalent to 15 kilotons of TNT. Harrowing survivor accounts have described (w/video) an apocalyptic scene, with those exposed to radiation dying amid flames and flattened buildings. Some historians have debated whether the use of the bomb was necessary. US President Harry Truman ultimately decided the option was preferable to a full-scale invasion of Japan. The country surrendered on Aug. 15, 1945—six days after another bomb was dropped on the city of Nagasaki. See photos from the bomb's aftermath here. Negligence in Beirut BlastThe death toll from a massive explosion that rocked the Lebanese capital of Beirut has risen to at least 135, with more than 5,000 people injured. While details are still emerging, investigators have pinned the second blast on the presence of an estimated 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate—a common ingredient in both fertilizer and homemade explosives. The whopping chemical stockpile was seized over six years ago and, without adequate safety precautions, left to sit in a port depot next to a warehouse of fireworks. Videos (see here and here) show an initial fire, followed by a series of what appears to be fireworks, followed by the much larger explosion. It is unclear what started the original fire. The government placed all port officials involved in the security and storage of materials under house arrest yesterday, pending investigation. Ammonium nitrate—but only 2,300 tons—was also the cause of the worst industrial accident in US history: the 1947 Texas City disaster. Enjoy reading? Share 1440 with your three closest friends. CLEAN YOUR INBOX TODAY
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After months of trying, US scientists finally catch a murder hornet. The Andean condor can fly for hours without flapping its wings. Meet America's best high school poets. The history of US counties in one animation. A hypnotizing artwork comprised of hundreds of separate symbols. YouTube star Jake Paul gets a visit from the FBI. Lost cat found by family after 12 years. ... while this detained drug-smuggling cat broke out of prison. Clickbait: Tourist snaps toes off a 19th-century statue while posing for a photo. Historybook: Iconic actress Lucille Ball born (1911); Pop artist Andy Warhol born (1928); Voting Rights Act signed (1965); Curiosity rover lands on Mars (2012). 
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