The Guardian · 4 Oct, 05:00
Russia's attacks on Ukraine have targeted the country's book industry, with 13 million Ukrainian books destroyed this summer, including 8 million stored in a warehouse hit by a Russian drone in Kharkiv.
On a Saturday morning in August, a Russian drone attack hit a warehouse in Kharkiv, destroying 8 million books, including 628,000 new schoolbooks, which accounted for over 85% of the publisher Ranok's total stock. The attack was part of a larger campaign of targeting warehouses and cultural institutions in Ukraine. In total, 13 million Ukrainian books have been destroyed by Russian missiles or drones this summer, which is estimated to be a third of all books printed in Ukraine this year.
Why it matters: The destruction of books and targeting of the book industry is significant because it is part of Russia's war on Ukrainian culture, language, and identity. Books and literature play a crucial role in shaping national identity, and the attacks on the book industry are seen as an attempt to erase Ukrainian culture and impose Russian dominance.
13 million, 8 million, 628,000, 10,000 sq metres, 70%, 1991, 1996, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
When you see what was produced with your brain, with your hands, with your imagination, spoiled by Russia, it’s an awful feeling.
The Guardian · 4 Oct, 05:00
Polish activists have launched a parcel locker for abortion pills in Warsaw, allowing women to access the pills swiftly and anonymously, as part of their effort to bypass the country's near-total ban on abortion.
Polish campaigners have launched a 22-compartment 'AbortOmat' locker in Warsaw, which allows women to access abortion pills using a six-digit code. The service aims to provide swift and anonymous access to the pills for those who cannot or do not want to wait for mail delivery. The locker is part of a broader effort to skirt Poland's near-total ban on abortion. The service was launched by the Women Help Women foundation and the Abortion Dream Team.
Why it matters: The launch of the abortion pill locker is significant because it provides a new means of accessing abortion pills in Poland, where the near-total ban on abortion has been in place since 2017. The locker offers a novel way to challenge the restrictions on abortion, and it comes as politicians have failed to deliver on promises to overhaul the laws. The issue has been a contentious one in Poland, with protests and demonstrations taking place in recent years.
22, 6, 100, 12, 3, 2023, 2025
We cannot trust politicians with our own bodies.
The Guardian · 4 Oct, 05:00
Actor John Boyega reflects on the 2000 killing of his childhood friend Damilola Taylor in a new BBC documentary. The death of the 10-year-old had a profound impact on Boyega's life.
On 27 November 2000, 10-year-old Damilola Taylor was stabbed and left to die in a concrete stairwell in Peckham, south London. John Boyega, who was 8 years old at the time and a close friend of Damilola's, reflects on the impact of his friend's death in a new BBC documentary. The case went to three separate trials, resulting in a manslaughter conviction six years later at a cost of £16m. Boyega and Damilola had been friends since Damilola moved to the UK from Nigeria earlier that year.
Why it matters: The killing of Damilola Taylor shocked the nation due to his young age and the fact that the suspects were also children. The case highlights issues with the police investigation and the justice system. For John Boyega, the death of his friend had a profound and lasting impact on his life, influencing his perspective and inspiring his professional success.
10 years old, 27 November 2000, 6 years, 3, £16m, 8 years old, 26 years ago, 34 years old, 2011, 75-minute
It kept me up at night because I was just with the guy
Ars Technica · 3 Oct, 19:45
Milt Windler, a NASA flight director who played a crucial role in saving the Apollo 13 mission, has died at the age of 94.
Milt Windler, one of the four leaders of Mission Control, passed away at the age of 94. He was a key figure in directing the efforts to bring the Apollo 13 astronauts back to Earth safely in 1970. Windler was named a NASA flight director in 1968 and had previously worked on recovery operations during the Mercury and Gemini programs. He also led shifts of flight controllers for several notable missions, including Apollo 8, Apollo 10, and the Skylab missions.
Why it matters: Milt Windler's contributions to the success of the Apollo 13 mission and his extensive experience as a flight director make his passing significant. His leadership during the Apollo 13 crisis was instrumental in ensuring the safe return of the astronauts, and his legacy as a pioneering figure in space exploration continues to be recognized.
94, 1968, 1970
NPR News · 3 Oct, 22:31
The U.S. Coast Guard has found debris from a medical plane that was carrying 6 people and had disappeared off the coast of Massachusetts. The plane's flight data showed a significant drop in altitude before it disappeared.
The U.S. Coast Guard has found debris from a medical plane that was carrying 6 people and had disappeared off the coast of Massachusetts. The plane's flight data shows that it dropped at least 9,000 feet over two minutes, then leveled off for several more minutes, before disappearing. The Coast Guard deployed a helicopter, two search and rescue planes, and a motor lifeboat to search for the plane.
Why it matters: This incident is significant because it involves the disappearance of a medical plane carrying 6 people, and the Coast Guard's search and rescue efforts are crucial in determining the fate of those on board. The fact that debris has been found may help investigators piece together what happened to the plane.
Ars Technica · 3 Oct, 11:15
Seattle Mountain Rescue members are testing powered assistive devices, also known as human exoskeletons, to enhance their lower-body strength and endurance during searches for stranded people.
Members of Seattle Mountain Rescue have been testing powered assistive devices, called human exoskeletons, in the US Pacific Northwest. These devices attach to the hips and legs to increase lower-body strength when climbing or carrying heavy loads. The goal is to boost rescuers' speed and endurance during searches for stranded people.
Why it matters: The use of exoskeletons could significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of search and rescue operations, potentially saving lives. This technology has the potential to enhance the physical capabilities of rescuers, allowing them to respond more quickly and safely in emergency situations.
NPR News · 3 Oct, 12:00
A Senate hearing highlighted confusion between the names of two basketball teams, the Hawks and the Hawkeye, emphasizing they are not the same.
During a Senate hearing, confusion arose over the names of two basketball teams. The teams in question are the Hawks and the Hawkeye. It was emphasized that these are not the same team. The incident occurred as former Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Why it matters: This incident is significant as it highlights the importance of accurate information and attention to detail, even in a casual context. The distinction between the two team names may seem obvious, but the confusion demonstrates how easily misunderstandings can occur.
NPR News · 3 Oct, 11:00
HBO's new anthology series 'War' premieres with a story about a high-profile couple's nasty divorce.
HBO's 'War' is an anthology series about two dueling London law firms. The first season stars Dominic West and Sienna Miller as a high-profile couple in the midst of a very nasty divorce. The series is intended to explore the personal and professional lives of the lawyers involved.
Why it matters: This series is significant because it brings a new perspective to the traditional divorce drama genre, with a focus on the high-stakes world of London law firms. The casting of Dominic West and Sienna Miller also adds to the show's appeal, as they are both well-known actors.