Good morning. It's Saturday, Feb. 7, and in this weekend edition, we're covering a rise in measles cases, the death of a football legend, and much more. First time reading? Join over 4.6 million insatiably curious readers. Sign up here.
And, as always, send us feedback at [email protected]. |
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention yesterday reported at least 733 confirmed measles cases nationwide so far this year—more than four times the annual average of 180 cases from 2000 to 2024. See dashboard.
The nationwide update, which often lags behind state-level counts, comes as South Carolina reported 920 measles cases yesterday, including 44 new infections since Tuesday. Of those infected with the respiratory virus in South Carolina, 840 are unvaccinated, and 824 are under 18. Overall, roughly 57% of cases confirmed by the CDC are among people aged 5 to 19. Experts attribute the nationwide rise in measles cases to a growing number of parents declining vaccines for their children over concerns about potential side effects.
The US recorded 2,276 measles cases last year—its highest total since the nation declared measles eliminated in 2000 following high vaccination rates. Last year, the share of kindergarteners vaccinated against measles nationwide also fell below 93%. Experts say herd immunity is typically achieved at around 95% coverage.
Explore the best resources we've found on measles here. |
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Justice Department arrests and extradites suspect in 2012 Benghazi attack.
The US has taken into custody an alleged key participant in the 2012 terrorist attack on the US Consulate in Benghazi, Libya. Zubayr al-Bakoush arrived in the US early Friday morning, where he faces charges including murder, terrorism, and arson. He is reportedly a member of an extremist militia. His arrest marks the first in nearly nine years tied to the 13-hour assault that killed four Americans. |
Trump posts, and then deletes, a video that appears to depict the Obamas as apes.
The faces of former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama were superimposed on the heads of apes in a video President Donald Trump shared late Thursday. The clip referenced allegations of voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election and has drawn criticism from both sides of the aisle. The White House said the video originated from an online meme inspired by "The Lion King." |
High-ranking Russian general shot and injured in ambush-style attack.
Lt. Gen. Vladimir Alexeyev was hospitalized Friday after an unidentified individual fired several shots and fled the scene. The condition of the general, who provided the Kremlin with intelligence for the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, was not immediately clear. Russia's foreign minister claimed without evidence that Kyiv may be responsible, after peace talks between the two nations showed little progress Thursday. |
Uber found liable in sexual assault case, ordered to pay $8.5M.
A federal jury ordered Uber to pay the damages to a woman who alleged she was raped by a driver during a 2023 trip. The landmark case sets a precedent for thousands of other sexual assault incidents reported by passengers and drivers. The ride-share company has long maintained that it is not liable for drivers' actions since drivers are categorized as contractors, not employees. |
Jennifer Garner's organic food company hits NYSE after nearly $198M IPO raise.
Once Upon a Farm, a baby and kid food company cofounded by the Golden Globe-winning actress and mother of three, opened Friday at $21 per share. It targets millennial and Gen Z parents seeking quick meals and snacks without added sugar, preservatives, or artificial ingredients. The brand’s success has been linked to heightened scrutiny of food tied to the “Make America Healthy Again” movement. |
Hall of Fame quarterback Sonny Jurgensen dies at age 91.
Sonny Jurgensen died of natural causes after a brief stay in hospice care, according to a statement from his family posted by the Washington Commanders. Jurgensen spent the majority of his 18-year NFL career with Washington, after joining the team in 1964 from the Philadelphia Eagles. He led the NFL in passing yards five times and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1983.
Separately, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford won the NFL Most Valuable Player award Thursday, narrowly beating New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye by one vote. |
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Billionaire couple donates proceeds from record-setting $17.9M sale of a lion drawn by 17th-century Dutch painter Rembrandt to wild cat conservation. (More) |
Three friends in their 80s prepare to attend their 60th—and maybe last—Super Bowl together. (More) |
Seven-year-old girl receives a surprise delivery of a long-lost teddy bear that makes her feel connected to her late grandfather. (More, w/video) |
Teacher uses her late sister's cash to encourage her students to carry out acts of kindness. (More) |
Australian teen swims 2.5 miles in open water to save his mother and two siblings after being carried out to sea kayaking and paddleboarding. (More) |
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In partnership with EnergyX |
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The Lithium Boom Is Heating Up |
Thanks to growing demand, lithium stock prices grew 2X+ from June 2025 to January 2026. $ALB climbed as high as 227%. $LAC hit 151%. $SQM, 159%.
But the real winner may be a stock not listed on public exchanges, EnergyX. This $1B unicorn’s tech can recover up to 3X more lithium than traditional methods, leading General Motors to invest. Now they’re preparing for commercial production on 150k+ acres of lithium-rich land across the Americas just as experts project 5X demand growth by 2040.
Unlike public stocks, you can buy private EnergyX shares alongside 40k+ people. Invest for $11/share by 2/26.* |
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Humankind(ness), Love Story Edition |
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Dear readers— This month, we're pausing our usual act of kindness stories to share a sampling of your love stories. This week's theme is chance encounters. |
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"My dog Gracie and I were taking our final walk of the evening. As I opened the outside door, Gracie anxiously rushed out, causing a stack of books to go tumbling from the arms of a handsome neighbor. Stepping back inside, I realized this man lived directly above me. In unusual fashion for me (I had been single for 18 years after an 18-year marriage), I invited him to meet for coffee the next morning. This divine door opening led to the sweetest courting and gift of a beautiful 17-year marriage." |
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— Karen D. in Gardner, Kansas |
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"In my late 20s, I moved to Portland, Oregon, and was told I had to see a concert at The Gorge Amphitheatre. I bought Jack Johnson tickets online five months in advance. The day of, my friend and I drove 4.5 hours to the concert. I had been dumped a few weeks earlier and had officially given up on meeting someone. On the drive, my car broke down, but we ran water through the engine and decided to keep going. We arrived at the concert, but our tickets wouldn’t scan. Apparently, I had bought premier parking passes instead of concert tickets, and the concert was sold out. We drove to the small town where we were staying and went to a little tavern. I met my husband there that night. It was the best mistake I ever made." |
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— Jessica I. in Port Angeles, Washington |
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"In the summer of 2020, I had just graduated from college in New York City and decided to go to Tel Aviv for an internship program. A few weeks in, I got COVID and was sent to a COVID hotel with several others from my program. Being locked in the hotel but with no restrictions—because we all had COVID anyway—we all got really close. That’s when I met my wife, both struggling with the virus and with nothing to do but hang out, and almost six years later, we’re married with a dog. She’s from London; I’m from LA. Without getting sent to that hotel, we never would’ve gotten together, especially during a time when in-person dating was essentially on pause." |
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— Ilan A. in Tel Aviv, Israel |
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What kinds of reader-submitted stories would you like to see next? Tell us here. |
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"No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another." |
- Charles Dickens, in "Our Mutual Friend" |
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*Disclosure: Energy Exploration Technologies, Inc. (“EnergyX”) has engaged 1440 Media to publish this communication in connection with EnergyX’s ongoing Regulation A offering. 1440 Media has been paid in cash and may receive additional compensation. 1440 Media and/or its affiliates do not currently hold securities of EnergyX.
This compensation and any current or future ownership interest could create a conflict of interest. Please consider this disclosure alongside EnergyX’s offering materials. EnergyX’s Regulation A offering has been qualified by the SEC. Offers and sales may be made only by means of the qualified offering circular. Before investing, carefully review the offering circular, including the risk factors. The offering circular is available at invest.energyx.com/. |
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