Good morning. It's Friday, April 25, and we're covering the strained peace process in Ukraine, a cult classic anniversary, and much more. First time reading? Join over 4 million intellectually curious readers. Sign up here.
Don’t keep us a secret: Share the email with friends (copy URL here).
And, as always, send us feedback at hello@join1440.com. |
|
|
|
At least 12 people were killed and 90 others wounded following a Russian missile and drone barrage on the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv early yesterday, the deadliest attack on the city since last summer. The strike came as prospects of a US-led ceasefire became increasingly tenuous and prompted President Donald Trump to call on Russian President Vladimir Putin to end fighting via social media.
More than three years after Russia launched a full-scale invasion, its forces control about 20% of Ukraine, covering an area in the east that includes around 3.5 million residents (depending on current displacement; see overview). The most recent proposal from US officials floated concessions from Ukraine, including freezing current battle lines, recognizing Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea, and taking NATO membership off the table. Top US officials—including Secretary of State Marco Rubio—pulled out of a Wednesday meeting at the last minute over pushback from Ukraine and Western allies.
See updates on the war here. |
A teenager was arrested for arson yesterday, accused of starting this week's Jones Road Wildfire in New Jersey. The fire is on track to be the state’s largest in almost 20 years, burning at least 15,000 acres in three days. It is 50% contained as of this writing.
The wildfire broke out Tuesday morning in southern New Jersey, near 19-year-old Joseph Kling’s home. Prosecutors say he lit a bonfire in the Pine Barrens and abandoned the site after only partially extinguishing it. The fire has since caused power outages and evacuations, even temporarily shutting down the Garden State Parkway. New York City is under an air quality alert. See images here.
April is the middle of New Jersey’s wildfire season, with long-term drought, warm weather, and high winds contributing to the spread. Firefighters have contained much of the Jones Road fire through controlled burns—removing dry vegetation that might otherwise fuel it. Learn more here (w/video). |
This month marks the 50th anniversary of “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” the 1975 cult classic that satirized the legend of King Arthur and helped define “Pythonesque” comedy—characterized by abrupt cuts, silly punchlines, and deliberately low-budget effects. Produced for around $400K, the film has since grossed over $5.7M and is widely considered one of the greatest comedies ever made.
The story follows King Arthur and his eccentric knights on a purposefully absurd quest for the Holy Grail, crossing paths with killer rabbits, taunting French soldiers, and a deity depicted as a photo of Victorian cricketer WG Grace. Memorable gags include the use of coconut shells to mimic horse hooves and the Black Knight, who insists “it’s just a flesh wound” despite losing all his limbs.
The six-man British comedy troupe Monty Python was best known for their BBC sketch series “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” (1969-74). The film later inspired several stage adaptations and earned multiple honors, including a European Film Award for Lifetime Achievement and a Tony Award for the film-inspired "Spamalot." |
|
|
|
|
In partnership with Pendulum |
How To Increase Your GLP-1 Naturally |
Picture this—PhD scientists from Johns Hopkins, Harvard, Berkeley, and Stanford get together to master the science of probiotics. They figure out one of the most beneficial strains for gut health, discover a way to manufacture and sell it live (which no one else in the entire country is authorized to do), and make such an impact, movie star Halle Berry wants to get involved.
Sound crazy? It is, but that’s the true story of Pendulum. They’ve improved countless lives with their Akkermansia probiotic, which strengthens gut lining, improves metabolic and digestive health, and increases GLP-1 production.* And with hundreds of 5-star reviews and 3,000+ mentions of Akkermansia muciniphila in scientific publications, they’re most certainly living up to the hype.
1440 readers can get 20% off their first month of Akkermansia today (discount auto-applied at checkout and available with HSA/FSA funds!).
*Based on preclinical studies
This product is not intended for weight loss |
Please support our sponsors! |
|
|
|
Sports, Entertainment, & Culture |
> Tennessee Titans take former Miami star QB Cam Ward with the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft; Jacksonville Jaguars trade up to select two-way star Travis Hunter (WR/CB, Colorado), see full picks (More) | Rounds two and three begin tonight (7 pm ET, ABC/ESPN); see complete pick tracker (More) |
> The 83rd Golden Globes set for Jan. 11 with Nikki Glaser tapped to host again (More) | Shannon Sharpe to temporarily step aside from ESPN commentating duties amid rape allegations (More) |
> NBA playoffs first round action continues this weekend; see latest scores and updates (More) | ... and NHL Stanley Cup playoffs are also underway; see latest playoff bracket (More) | Hockey 101 (More) |
|
> Volkswagen and Uber unveil plan to roll out out robotaxi service using the car company's electric microbuses; Los Angeles to be first market, starting late 2026 (More) | How self-driving cars work (More) |
> Artificial leaf uses sunlight to convert carbon dioxide into carbon-carbon molecules, the building blocks of useful chemicals, including liquid fuel and plastics (More) |
> Seafloor study suggests massive icebergs drifted across the North Sea about 90 miles from the UK coast, roughly 18,000 to 20,000 years ago; researchers discovered miles-wide grooves along the ocean bed (More) |
|
> US stock markets close higher (S&P 500 +2.0%, Dow +1.2%, Nasdaq +2.7%) for third straight day, fueled by tech gains as investors weigh tariff talks (More) |
> Alphabet reports stronger-than-expected Q1 revenue and earnings, with overall revenue growing 12% year-over-year (More) | Intel shares fall more than 5% in after-hours trading after posting weaker-than-expected Q2 revenue forecast (More) |
> US existing home sales fell 5.9% month-over-month in March, marking the slowest March sales pace since 2009; median home price of $403,700 is up 2.7% from a year ago and the highest median home price for any March (More) |
|
In partnership with Motley Fool Money |
|
|
|
> Gunman who killed seven people and wounded nearly 50 others in a mass shooting during 2022 Independence Day parade in Highland Park, Illinois, receives seven life sentences in prison without parole (More) |
> Federal judge temporarily blocks Trump administration's ability to withhold funding from public universities and K-12 schools with diversity, equity, and inclusion programs (More) | Judge halts parts of administration's overhaul of US elections, including proof-of-citizenship requirement (More) |
> India and Pakistan cancel visas for each other's nationals, Pakistan closes airspace for Indian airlines; reciprocal measures come after India blamed Pakistan for attacks in Indian-controlled region of Kashmir, which killed 26 people (More) |
|
> God's Banker
Shadow Kingdom | Nicolo Majnoni. This eight-episode true crime drama investigates the mysterious death of Roberto Calvi, who maintained a deep financial relationship with the Vatican but was found hanging from a London bridge in 1982. (Listen) |
> Returning to Communal Dreaming
Noema | Leo Kim. While ancient cultures saw dreaming as a source of wisdom and collective knowledge, modern Western society has privatized and even commodified the experience. Read an argument for dreamingas a collective practice, where communities can envision a better future together. (Read)
> The Ancient Roman City Underneath London
Architectural Digest | Staff. An outpost of the Roman Empire, called Londinium, existed in what is now the heart of London. Though it was abandoned by 450 CE, remnants of the 2,000-year-old city still remain. (Watch) |
> An Ode to Long Commutes
The Walrus | Carine Abouseif. A long commute to work can be associated with discomfort, delays, and expense, but this author argues that it can provide valuable moments of solitude away from the demands of work and family. (Read) |
|
In partnership with Pendulum |
'The Best Probiotic I've Ever Found' |
This quote—plus hundreds and hundreds of 5-star reviews—makes it clear that people are loving the Akkermansia probiotic from Pendulum. It supercharges your gut health, improves gut lining, boosts metabolic and digestive capabilities, and increases GLP-1 production.* Not too shabby.
Join the countless world-class health care providers, scientists, and everyday people who trust Akkermansia to boost their gut health by saving 20% on your first month right here.
*Based on preclinical studies
This product is not intended for weight loss |
Please support our sponsors! |
|
|
"Each and every one of you has the power, the will, and the capacity to make a difference in the world in which you live." |
|
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.
Don't just read 1440. Wear it. Shop our official collection of apparel & accessories, made-to-order for the infinitely curious. |
1440 Media 222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 1212 Chicago, IL 60654
Copyright © 2025, 1440 Media, All rights reserved. |
|
|
|
|
|
