We’re halfway through January, which means many are also at the midway point of Dry January, a challenge that involves abstaining from alcohol for the month. But you don’t have to cut booze out completely to reap the health benefits. One simple way to reduce your intake is by swapping the standard “let’s grab a drink” date for something more outside the box — and, arguably, more fun. Take a look at seven sober date ideas compiled by Thrillist, perfect for romantic rendezvous or just hanging out with pals. — the Nice News team
Featured Story
5 Smartphone Safety Features That Take Less Than 5 Minutes to Activate
Delmaine Donson/ iStock
Calls, texts, and social media are typically top of mind when we dive into our smartphones, but these little devices also have the ability toprotect our health and even our lives.
Sarah Hetrick can speak to the latter point. When she was hit head-on by a driver during a road trip, her iPhone detected the collision and automatically called 911 — then sent her emergency contacts a pin of her location. “Even though it was the middle of the night, my parents were in contact with my sister before I even knew I was in an accident,” Hetrick wrote on social media. “When I came to, help was already on the way.” Inspired by her story, we rounded up five iPhone and Android features that will have your back in an emergency. Check them out below.
Get the Scoop on One of the Best Credit Cards of 2025
Dealing with credit card debt is stressful, but getting a new 0% APR card can take the pressure off as you work on paying off your balance. Thankfully, the experts at FinanceBuzz have done their research to help you choose the best card for balance transfers. This no-interest travel credit card is their top pick, and it’s clear why. The card offers a 0% intro APR for purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, making it the ideal credit card for anyone looking to pay off debt and not add to it. Plus, you can earn up to 20,000 miles after spending just $500 on purchases in the first three months.
All About the New Zealand “Reality Show” Starring Albatross Soulmates
New Zealand Department of Conservation
You probably don’t need us to remind you that there’s been a lot going on in the world. So for an antidote to the heaviness, we present a cozy “reality show” revolving around a couple awaiting their new addition. Although this show, the Royal Cam, sounds quite conventional on paper, its stars are less so: They’re northern royal albatrosses, a graceful New Zealand seabird with a wingspan of over 10 feet. “You see the birds and all their adventures and their lives, struggling to raise their chicks,” France Pillière, a daily viewer based in Montreal, told the Associated Press. Originally established to raise awareness of the vulnerable species, the 24-hour livestream from New Zealand’s Department of Conservation follows the breeding season at Taiaroa Head, the Southern Hemisphere’s only mainland colony of albatrosses — birds that usually mate for lifeand live to be around 40. Viewers get to see everything from mating dances to couple reunions, as the selected birds go through their childrearing journey, from laying an egg to letting the chick spread its wings and take flight. This year, the chosen “royal family” consists of RLK, a 12-year-old male, and GLG, a 14-year-old female. The couple has previously raised two chicks. Now in its 10th season, the Royal Cam (which you can stream at the link above) has fostered a community of bird watchers from around the globe. Pillière said the livestream is “a real soothing place,” adding: “The only thing you see is positive. The chatters will often say it’s their best place to be.”
Culture
Chilly Buffalo, New York, Is Home to the “Hottest” Housing Market (Again)
DenisTangneyJr/ iStock
We’ve been writing a lot about trends for 2025, from wellness to travel hot spots and paint colors. Next up? The housing market. Earlier this month, Zillow shared its annual list of the hottest housing markets. The 2025 rankings were calculated based on a combination of forecasted home value growth and recent housing market velocity, as well as projected changes in the labor market, home construction activity, and number of homeowner households. For two years in a row, the No. 1 spot went to Buffalo, New York,with the real estate website pointing to the area’s “relative affordability” and employment growth. Indianapolis is second on the list thanks to its “rising outlook” when it comes to home values — the average appreciation is expected to jump from 2.8% in 2024 to 3.4% in 2025. Providence, Rhode Island, came in third, followed by Hartford, Connecticut, and Philadelphia. Although this report focused mostly on sellers, there may be some good news for buyers, too. “Shoppers nationwide should see more options for sale than in recent years, along with slow and steady price growth,” Skylar Olsen, Zillow’s chief economist, said in a press release. See the rest of the top 10 markets.
Humanity
Street Artist’s 25-Meter Masterpiece Is Nominated for the World’s Best Mural
Street Art Atlas
“A lick of paint never hurt anyone” appears to be Megan Russell’s motto, but as evidenced by her impressive portfolio, the international street artist’s paintings go far beyond just a lick. Climbing an office building in Sheffield, England, is a 25-meter-tall mural depicting colorful birds, butterflies, and glimmering blue-green water — a piece so stunning it’s currently vying to be named “Best Mural of the World.” The artwork, titled “Reverie,” was initially voted the Best of June 2024 in a contest by Street Art Cities, an online database celebrating urban art around the globe. That honor cemented its nomination in the annual competition alongside 50 other murals from Argentina, Morocco, France, Russia, and beyond. “It’s just been crazy. When June’s votes came in, it blew my mind,” Russell told the BBC. She added that working on the nature-themed masterpiece was “the biggest highlight” of her career to date. “I had free reign to be as vibrant and bold as I wanted,” she shared. “It’s really refreshing when clients tell you that, it doesn’t happen often.” Get a closer look at the mural and learn how to cast your vote.
Sunday Selections
Deep Dives
An ancient Hindu wellness ceremony is trending on social media: Here’s how to take part respectfully
Move over, fast fashion! A slow-growing movement is embracing the art of hand-painted clothing
Marlon Brando bought a Tahitian island in 1966, hoping to turn it into a “university of the sea” — now, scientists are making good on his dream
If ever a book was right up Nice News’ alley, it’s this one. Science journalist Sumit Paul-Choudhury delves into the philosophy, psychology, and practice of optimism, arguing that taking a glass-half-full mindset is not just a wise move for increasing well-being, but also a moral imperative. Rather than merely presenting a theoretical case, the author offers practical ideas for putting optimism to work in addressing all manner of issues facing our society today.
As far as time frames go, Severance had fans feeling more like they were waiting for Godot than waiting for Season 2. But nearly three years after the first season’s finale, the second installment has finally arrived. Adam Scott, Patricia Arquette, and Christopher Walken are among the star-studded cast of the dystopian Apple TV+ series, which follows employees who underwent a controversial procedure that divides their memories to create two distinct senses of self, one at work and one at home. Catch new episodes Fridays.
This Week in History
Marvin Gaye Releases Hit Single “What’s Going On”
January 20, 1971
Gems/Redferns via Getty Images
In early 1971, on the heels of the Civil Rights Movement and in the midst of the Vietnam War, soul singer Marvin Gaye first crooned the words “Mother, mother, there’s far too many of you crying / Brother, brother, brother, there’s far too many of you dying” — heartbreaking lines that would resonate with millions of listeners, then and now. The powerful protest ballad “What’s Going On” skyrocketed to No. 2 on the Billboard charts, the first tune of Gaye’s to overtly tackle political themes and a far cry from his earlier love songs. Produced by the singer himself, the track paved the way for other Motown artists to claim more agency in their careers and helped reinforce the genre’s potential to be a mouthpiece for social justice issues. Listen to the song and learn more about its making.
FinanceBuzz: This Top-Rated Credit Card Can Help You Pay Off Debt
Looking to pay off credit card debt in 2025? The no-interest credit card recommended by the experts at FinanceBuzz has a long intro APR period, giving you time to pay down your balances without added stress. With plenty of perks and rewards and no annual fees, it’s a smart way to start taking control of your finances this year.
