High-rise apartments in the 11th century must’ve been fun. Editor’s Warning: Mentions of death and abuse.

Happening in the World: Drones recently discovered two ancient cities (named Tugunbulak and Tashbulak) situated by the ancient Silk Road. Further research published in Nature reveals that the Silk Road may have actually been traversable through the mountains of Central Asia, changing what scientists previously assumed about the path that the Silk Road followed—perhaps the Silk Road network extends far beyond our current knowledge, into places deemed uninhabitable. (NBC)

Happening in the US: On Friday, President Joe Biden formally issued an apology to Native Americans for the government-run abusive boarding school system that removed children from their parents and community, finally ending in 1969. In his first presidential visit to Indian Country, Biden emphasized the damage inflicted on the most immediate victims of the boarding schools (the students) as well as the communities they were taken away from. More than 18,000 children suffered through the boarding school system, and at least 973 Native American children died in the system—many still feel that President Biden’s apology is insufficient in addressing the extent of the damage done by this decades-long policy. (AP)

Happening in NYC: Eight million dollars have recently been funneled into the effort to defeat a New York State ballot measure that would’ve protected abortion rights within the State Constitution itself. The ballot initiative is also intended to expand legal protections for people based on sexual orientation, age, disability, nationality, and gender identity. More than six million of the eight million dollars in total come from Dick Uihlein, scion of a founder of Schlitz beer and Uline. He’s a frequent donator to groups that advocate against LGBTQ+ and transgender rights, as well as a firm supporter of former president Trump. The late boost in funds worries leaders of the Democratic party and supporters of the ballot measure. (NYT)

Happening in Our Community: The Music and Arts Library is hosting a music technology workshop titled Intro to Electronic Music from 2 pm to 3:30 pm today, Saturday, October 26. Exploring both the history and utility of electronic music, the workshop is a part of a series. All Barnumbia students are welcome to attend the workshop—no previous experience is required (remember to bring a laptop, though)! (Columbia University Events)

Image via Flickr