California Deluge, Sniffing Mummies, and Love on the Brain

Did you know President John Quincy Adams could each speak more than five languages, a skill that not only made him an effective foreign diplomat, but one of the most well-traveled presidents of his time?

You can become a world traveler too with Babbel. Babbel helps you start speaking a new language in just three weeks with personalized lessons, podcasts, and their new AI Conversation Partner–no flashcards required. Designed by 150 linguists, Babbel even includes pronunciation tips and cultural context, so you can truly travel like a local. The only question left is, where will you take your new language?

The world is waiting: 1440 readers can learn a new language with Babbel and enjoy 60% off during their President's Day Sale!

Please support our sponsors!

Treasury watchdog begins audit of DOGE's access to payment systems.

The Office of Inspector General initiated an audit into the security controls of the government's payment system and the access granted to the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency. The audit, prompted by worries over DOGE's activities, will also review the past two years of transactions in relation to alleged fraud. 

Rwanda-backed rebels capture second Congo airport.

The M23 rebels have seized control of Kavumu Airport, a strategic facility serving Bukavu, the capital of the South Kivu province in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The development comes just before the annual African Union summit in Ethiopia and has heightened fears of an imminent attack on Bukavu.

Study finds ancient Egyptian mummy remains smell pleasant.

Well-preserved Egyptian mummies emit pleasant aromas described as "woody," "spicy," and "sweet," which is attributed to the oils, waxes, and balms used during the mummification process. By analyzing these scents, researchers aim to recreate them for museum exhibits and gain insights into a mummy's social status and preservation state, potentially improving conservation efforts. 

"Goonies 2" officially in the works with Steven Spielberg producing.

Almost 40 years after the original film's release in 1985, Warner Bros. is moving forward with a sequel to "The Goonies." The original film centered on a group of misfit kids who find an old map and embark on an adventure to find a pirate's lost treasure. A screenwriter has been tapped, and a director has yet to sign on. It is unclear which of the original cast members are set to return. 

Russian drone strike on Chernobyl plant damages reactor shield.

Ukraine said Russia's drone struck the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant early Friday, damaging the protective shield over the destroyed fourth reactor and starting a fire, which was later extinguished. Radiation levels remain normal at this time. Chernobyl was the site of the world's worst civil nuclear accident when one of its four reactors exploded in 1986.

Pope Francis admitted to hospital for bronchitis, Vatican says.

The 88-year-old was diagnosed with bronchitis last week and is being hospitalized for treatment and diagnostic tests. The Vatican said the pope had a respiratory tract infection, a slight fever, and difficulty breathing. The hospitalization is the latest in a string of health issues for the pontiff, including a recent lung infection and previous hospitalizations for intestinal problems.

Support 1440's Mission

We are able to reach more than 4 million inboxes with fact-focused news because our readers support our mission. Upgrade to our ad-free newsletter for $10/mo to help us continue spreading the word.

In partnership with Pacaso

When the team that created Zillow and grew it to a $16B valuation starts a new company, investors notice. No wonder top firms like SoftBank already invested in Pacaso.

Taking the industry by storm all over again, Pacaso’s streamlined platform offers co-ownership of premier properties – completely revamping a $1.3T market. And by handing keys to 1,500+ happy homeowners, Pacaso has made $100M+ in gross profits.

But now, with aggressive global expansion underway, their current share price won’t last long. Lock in the $2.70/share price by 2/27.*

Today, we're sharing a story from reader Wendy R. in Covington, Virginia. 

"I was taking my 5-year-old granddaughter into the city on the high-speed train for a day of fun. It was her first train ride, and she was excited but nervous. She took her favorite stuffed animal to hold and hug. When the train arrived for boarding, she forgot her stuffie on the bench on the platform, and she immediately started crying. Since the train was leaving in less than a minute I didn't want to go back and risk missing the train."

"A young man who had just exited the train heard her crying and ran and grabbed the stuffie, then darted back thru the doors as they were closing. He had retrieved her beloved baby but was now stuck on the train! His smile never faltered as I thanked him and apologized that he'd missed his stop. He was so humble and unbothered. We were able to chat with him to the next stop and got to know him a little. He's a great example of a fine, kind young man, and I will forever be grateful he saved a little stuffie loved by a little girl."

What act(s) of kindness did you experience this week? Tell us here.