News for the insatiably curious.
In partnership with
Good morning, it's Saturday, Sept. 26. The world's largest rainforest is getting a high-tech health monitor. First time reading? Join millions of insatiably curious readers. Sign up here.
Also in today's Digest: a soccer powerhouse is found guilty of financial violations (Quick Hits), volunteers transform vacant lots into a public park (Humankind), a popular reason why Gen Zers ghost dates (Etc.), and much more.
Don’t keep us a secret: Share the email with friends, or share via SMS/social.
One Big Headline
The Amazon’s Living Map
Scientists and conservation groups launched an AI-powered monitoring network this week to track biodiversity and ecosystem health across the Amazon rainforest.
The project will monitor the roughly 2.7 million-square-mile Amazon River basin using satellites, acoustic sensors, and environmental DNA shed by species into their surroundings. Scientists will use AI to analyze these streams of information, potentially enabling them to detect patterns in near-real time. The international team of scientists leading the endeavor has raised $20M of the $100M needed to run the program for 10 years, including $14M from the Bezos Earth Fund. A smaller network of 65 stations in the Amazon has demonstrated the ability to track the Amazonian manatee and endangered river dolphins, which are threatened by mercury contamination largely from illegal gold mining.
Click here to take an interactive tour of the Amazon, which is home to upward of 3 million species, including more than 10,000 plant and animal species that are at high risk of extinction. See 17 animals found only in the Amazon here.
In partnership with TornadoPro
This Powerful Leaf Blower Fits in One Hand
Fall leaves and debris pile up fast, and dragging out a bulky, corded blower, untangling extension cords, or waiting on a weak battery shouldn't be part of the job.
TornadoPro is the ultra-lightweight cordless handheld power blower that pushes air speeds over 100 mph from a 33,000 RPM motor, all in a body that fits in one hand. A 7,500mAh battery gives it 3-4x the runtime of typical cordless blowers, up to 45 minutes per charge, while a brushless motor is built to last 5-8+ years. It clears wet leaves and heavy debris in minutes and works as 20+ tools in one, doubling as an air pump that quickly inflates pool floats and air mattresses, a flashlight, and a power bank that can recharge a phone two to three times.
Backed by 1,800+ five-star reviews, 1440 readers get up to 50% off, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and a 1-year warranty. Get TornadoPro now.
Please support our sponsors!
Quick Hits
Supreme Court lifts restrictions on expansive voter-screening tool.
The justices ruled that the Trump administration can use a federal database to verify voter eligibility. A lower court had blocked the tool, saying it violated privacy rights and could result in voters being wrongfully removed from the rolls. The high court's ruling will likely have a limited impact on the November midterms, since federal law restricts most states from systematically removing voters from rolls within 90 days of an election. (More)
Separately, the Supreme Court rejected, for the third time, a Missouri congressional map backed by President Donald Trump, preventing its use in the midterms. (More)
New Jersey lieutenant governor resigns after ethics, harassment probe.
Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell (D) resigned yesterday on calls from Gov. Mikie Sherill (D) after an ethics report found him in violation of workplace policies. Caldwell allegedly sought twice to promote his girlfriend to a state job and made sexual comments to a staffer. The timing of the resignation is significant, as Caldwell also served as New Jersey's secretary of state, overseeing elections, including November's midterms. (More)
Hurricanes Nolo and Polo strengthen in the Pacific, bringing heavy rain.
Residents of Hawaii's Big Island are bracing for up to 35 inches of rain and potentially life-threatening flooding after Nolo strengthened to a Category 2 storm off the south coast. Meanwhile, Category 5 Hurricane Polo could cause torrential flooding and landslides on Mexico's west coast. El Niño is warming surface waters in the tropical Pacific, increasing the likelihood of strong storms. (More)
Manchester City found guilty of breaching Premier League financial regulations.
The team was found guilty on all but one of 115 charges following a multiyear probe, including failing to provide accurate financial records and disclose coach and player payments. No sanctions have been decided, and the team is expected to appeal. Possible punishments range from a points deduction to expulsion from the league. (More)
Fraternity leaders arrested after pledges found injured in basement.
Two 20-year-olds were arrested after police received an anonymous tip about an alleged hazing incident at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Alpha Epsilon Pi off-campus house. Thirty pledges were found partially clothed and covered in food, condiments, and other liquids. Some had visible injuries. (More)
Separately, police are investigating the deaths of two Ole Miss students found dead in separate incidents. A cause of death has not been determined, but kratom was found during both investigations. (More)
Humankind
Daughter who gave her mother part of her liver learns her mother is in remission. (More, w/video)
Baltimore woman delivers free books to hundreds of children living in book deserts via a "magical" trolley. (More, w/video)
High school football players donate old youth sports jerseys to children in need. (More, w/video)
Crossing guard puts herself between a speeding car and two children. (More, w/video)
Chicago volunteers transform two formerly vacant lots into a public park; they've dubbed themselves the "Litter Caterpillars." (More)
In partnership with Infinity Fuel
Kiss Battery Range Limits Goodbye
Battery range limits are well known. To last twice as long, batteries must be twice as big.
But Infinity Fuel broke free, finally giving critical industries like aerospace and defense lightweight, long-range, reliable power. And the demand speaks for itself. NASA signed a deal to illuminate the Moon during 14-day lunar nights. The US Navy signed one with them to power underwater drones. In total, they’re part of $60M+ in contracts and licensing agreements to date.
Now as production scales to meet demand, Infinity invites you to own a piece. Invest by 10/15 for 5% guaranteed bonus stock.*
Humankind(ness)
Today, we're sharing a story from reader Kathy S. in Mamaroneck, New York.
"My husband and I were sightseeing in Dublin when the skies opened up and rain came pouring down. We weren’t prepared until a kind man passing us handed me his open umbrella and just kept walking."
Humankind(ness) is a reader-built corner of joy. So, what act(s) of kindness did you experience this week? Tell us here. And if this story made you smile—share our email (copy URL here).
Etcetera
Vogue sends robots down the runway.
Lisbon tops list of the world's happiest travel destinations.
Why don't birds cause more plane crashes? (w/video)
A rare coin treasure hunt heads to four US cities.
How the funny bone got its name.
Why Americans are obsessed with Parisian butter.
Ranking America's highest-paid CEOs.
The science of self-worth—and tips to boost yours. (w/audio)
... and the case for partying more. (w/audio)
Best, worst, and most underrated cities in each state.
Deepfakes also existed in the Middle Ages.
In partnership: The gas leaf blower had a good run: heavy, loud, one job. TornadoPro is different. It's compact, fits in your hand, skips the gas and cords, and doubles as a power bank, air pump, and flashlight—20+ jobs, ~45 minutes per charge. See what it clears in seconds.
Over half of Gen Zers have ghosted a date to avoid paying.
What happens if you put a toaster in the freezer? (w/video)
Most Clicked This Week: How much a gallon of gas cost the year you were born.
Historybook: Thomas Jefferson is appointed the first US secretary of state (1789); Albert Einstein publishes paper on the special theory of relativity (1905); Last recorded album by The Beatles, "Abbey Road," is released (1969); Serena Williams born (1981); Actor Paul Newman dies (2008).
*Please support our sponsors.
"Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving."
— Albert Einstein
Behind the Name. Why 1440? The printing press was invented around the year 1440, spreading knowledge to the masses and changing the course of history. More facts: In every day, there are 1,440 minutes. We’re here to make each one count.
Want to connect with 4.7 million insatiably curious minds? Become a 1440 partner here.
Need a breather? Snooze this email for 30 days.
*Disclosure: This is a paid advertisement for Infinity Fuel Cell and Hydrogen, Inc. Regulation Crowdfunding offering. Please read the offering circular at invest.infinityfuel.com.
1440 Media 111 N Canal St, Suite 1210 Chicago, IL 60606
Copyright © 2026, 1440 Media, All rights reserved.
Unsubscribe from this email or update my subscription preferences.