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Good morning! It's Sunday, June 28, and welcome to our Sunday Edition. This week, we're taking a look at coral reefs and the crucial role they play in global ecosystems. Below that, explore Europe's brutal heat wave (News in Context), the rivalry between Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson (Civics), soothing forest sounds (Etc.), and much more.
📖 Our Sunday edition digs deep into the context and rabbit holes behind the news. We'll be back with our regular Daily Digest tomorrow through Saturday.
PS—Did someone forward you this email? Join 4.7 million insatiably curious readers here, or click forward to share with friends. Feedback is a gift, and we read every email. Let us know how we're doing and what you think of our new Sunday format at topics@join1440.com.
Underwater Kingdoms
Coral reefs are underwater ecosystems made from the skeletons of hard coral colonies. Each colony is composed of multiple polyps called corals—animals with tentacles around a mouth at one end and sac-like bodies at the other that attach to a surface and secrete calcium carbonate for protection. Over thousands of years, these secretions accumulate to form habitats that support about 25% of marine species, even though they cover less than 1% of the ocean floor.
> The first coral reefs formed hundreds of millions of years ago. (More, w/video)
> Coral polyps are tiny animals whose mouths both consume food and expel waste. (More)
> See how coral reefs get their color. (More)
Known as the "rainforest of the seas," coral reefs are found in tropical and subtropical waters of more than 100 countries, with larger reef systems concentrated in the Indo-Pacific, Caribbean, and the Red Sea.
> View a collection of images and videos of coral reefs from around the world. (More)
> Explore a map of coral reefs around the world and the extent of coral bleaching. (More)
In the US, coral reefs provide $3.4B in annual economic value through fisheries, coastal protection against wave damage, and tourism. However, stressors such as rising temperatures, ocean acidification, and pollution have weakened reefs and caused coral bleaching. This phenomenon sees corals expel zooxanthellae, turning corals white, depriving them of their food source, and making them susceptible to disease.
> Climate change threatens coral reefs by disrupting the symbiotic relationship between corals and algae due to rising ocean temperatures. (More)
> See tips for protecting coral reefs. (More)
Discover more:
> Watch a time-lapse of staghorn coral polyps—a type of hard coral—over several weeks in an aquarium. (More, w/video)
> Explore the history, structure, and species of Australia's Great Barrier Reef with Sir David Attenborough. (More)
> During coral bleaching, corals exhibit an immune system-like response to protect themselves. (More, w/video)
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In a world full of partisan opinions, clickbait, and endless hot takes, Tangle takes a different approach. Every weekday, they break down one major political story, then present the strongest arguments from the left, right, and center in a clear, 10-minute read.
The result? A 360-degree view of the day’s biggest story that helps you understand the facts, the context, and the best arguments from every perspective—so you can form your own opinion. Best of all, it’s completely free. Join more than 500,000 readers across the political spectrum who rely on Tangle for independent, fact-driven journalism.
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News in Context
1440 brings you the knowledge and context behind the week's stories:
Europe's deadly heat wave this week has residents seeing record-breaking temperatures. (More)
> See how the temperature where you live compares to historical averages.
> Understand what happens to the body during heatstroke.
The 2026 Wimbledon Championships begin tomorrow, lasting until July 12. (More)
> Wimbledon enforces an all-white dress code, a tradition dating back to the 1800s.
> After watching the 1967 Wimbledon Championships, Sir David Attenborough suggested that tennis balls become yellow.
The UK joins the growing movement of countries seeking to ban children from social media. (More)
> See a map tracking countries with age-related social media restrictions.
> How social media has been impacting the mental health of teens.
Uber-backed Lime, the electric scooter and bike network operator, seeks up to $1.7B valuation in its US initial public offering. (More)
> As the IPO market rebounds, watch an explainer on companies going public.
> The weirdest items left behind in Ubers last year.
1440 Civics
We've been digging into the topics that help you participate in the world around you. Here are some of our favorites this week:
> The rivalry between Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson centered on how much power the federal government should hold relative to the states.
... a debate that was central to crafting the US Constitution—a document that has shaped and influenced rights across the globe.
> Trace how the Bill of Rights, inspired by centuries of political theory, took shape between 1774 and 1789.
> Learn about the two primary methods of gerrymandering, the deliberate manipulation of electoral district boundaries to advantage one political party.
Want more? Explore hundreds of our favorite Civics-related resources.
🦠 1440 Explores ... The Hidden Science of Flatulence
Flatulence may be one of the body's most overlooked health signals. In the latest episode of "1440 Explores," Health and Medicine Editor Dina Fine Maron uncovers the surprising history and emerging science behind the byproduct of our digestive system—from the trillions of microbes living inside your gut to Bluetooth-powered underwear sensors.
Listen to the episode now on Spotify | Apple | YouTube.
PS: Enjoying the show? We'd really appreciate it if you can leave a comment and let us know your thoughts. Email us at podcasts@join1440.com.
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Etcetera
Meet Clever Hans, the 1900s horse that convinced people he was a math whiz.
Listen to soothing audio recordings of forests around the world.
The curious case of fatalities in the Philippines linked to a Sinatra song.
A list of 50 great classic novels under 200 pages.
Unpacking the mystery of McDonald's faulty ice cream machines.
A dermatologist explains how sunscreen ingredients protect your skin.
🫶 Humankind: Aurora, Colorado, mayor reveals he sleeps in a homeless shelter every Friday night to understand and improve services to the community.
Hotels in Cannes hire hawks to protect celebrity festivalgoers from seagulls.
How tattoos can help World Cup athletes express their personal identities.
Contrary to popular belief, normal body temperature is not always 98.6 F.
Watch two double pendulums simulate chaos theory.
Portugal's west coast is home to the biggest waves in the world.
Nomophobia is the fear of being without your phone.
Historybook: Archduke Franz Ferdinand assassinated, sparking World War I (1914); Treaty of Versailles is signed, formally ending World War I (1919); Stonewall uprising begins (1969); Elon Musk born (1971); Basketball coach Pat Summitt dies (2016).
"It's harder to stay on top than it is to make the climb. Continue to seek new goals."
—Pat Summitt
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