The new year may still feel like a ways away, but the paint company Behr is already forecasting the vibes of 2025 with its color of the year. Called Rumors, the deep ruby red hue “brings in a balance of warmth and vitality into a space,” Erika Woelfel, Behr’s vice president of color and creative services, told Architectural Digest.
“TikTok brain” explained, plus tips to rewire your attention span amid overflowing digital distractions
Culture
Australians Now Have “Right to Disconnect” From After-Hours Work Notifications
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Australians who feel pressured to respond to work emails during dinnertime, first thing in the morning, and all the moments in between are getting a much-needed reprieve, as yesterday marked the start of a new “right to disconnect” law. Much like it sounds, the rule aims to protect workers’ free time. While bosses can continue to message workers as they please, employees can no longer be punished for not responding or reading those messages when they’re off the clock, unless their refusal is deemed “unreasonable,” the BBC reports. Per the Australian Council of Trade Unions, the goal is to create improved work-life balance. It’s a concept that’s increasingly out of reach in the digital era, with work messages at our fingertips and offices in our kitchens, closets, and bedrooms (and maybe even our actual beds). But when achieved, the balance can benefit both employees and employers. “Any organization that has staff who have better rest and who have better work-life balance are going to have staff who are less likely to have sick days, less likely to leave the organization,” Australian management professor John Hopkins told the BBC. See which other countries have passed similar legislation.
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National Park Foundation Receives Record-Breaking $100M Gift
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One day after the National Park Service marked its 108th birthday, the service’s official nonprofit announced a record-breaking $100 million gift, the largest grant in history benefitting national parks. “This grant will allow us to supercharge our efforts to ensure our national parks are for everyone, for generations to come,” Will Shafroth, president and CEO of the National Park Foundation, said of the donation, which comes from the Lilly Endowment Inc. With more than 400 park service sites, there’s no shortage of opportunities to put the money to good use. Still, Shafroth told the Associated Press that two of the top priorities are restoring the coral reefs at Biscayne National Park in Florida and boosting trout species in western national parks. “The impact of this gift will be felt in our parks and in surrounding communities for generations to come,” Chuck Sams, director of the park service, added in the announcement. “This is a truly visionary investment, and an example of how the power of philanthropy can amplify this crucial work that we all believe in so much.”
Health
“Platelet Score” May Shed Light on Risks of Heart Attack, Stroke
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Genetic testing has come a long way over the years, revealing insights about myriad health risks, from breast cancer to neurodegenerative diseases. Now, researchers are trialing an experimental genetic test to help paint aclearer picture of a person’s risk of developing blood clots and other cardiovascular issues. To do this, a research team at NYU’s Grossman School of Medicine assessed a group of 254 people who underwent procedures to reopen blocked arteries in their legs. They found nearly 18% of the patients had hyperreactive platelets, which was associated with a doubled rate of heart attack, stroke, or major amputation, compared to those who showed no hyperreactivity. “A platelet-based test would help to identify patients at highest risk, and those who would benefit most from antiplatelet therapy to prevent a cardiovascular event,” study co-author Tessa J. Barrett said in a press release. “Our score has the potential to further personalize cardiovascular disease risk prevention.”
In Other News
Existing U.S. home sales increased 1.3% in July, ending a four-month streak of declines.
A statue of civil rights icon John Lewis was unveiled outside of Atlanta, taking the place of a Confederate monument.
Researchers are hopeful that a new type of cancer drug may also be able to help treat brain diseases like Alzheimer’s.
“Voyage of discovery.” An archaeological dig at a World War II site in England led to the discovery of uniform buttons, bullets, and engine parts.
Grab your popcorn: Here’s a list of movies to put on your radar, straight from the Venice Film Festival’s lineup.
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Something We Love
Jarvis Bamboo Standing Desk With a range of customizations and a sleek, sturdy look, this standing desk has single-handedly given my home office a facelift. It’s easy to transition between sitting and standing and the 60-inch desktop has plenty of space for a laptop, monitor, storage, and a few fun desk tchotchkes. Nice News GM Sean also just got one and has the same rave review! — Ally Mauch, Associate Editor
The football team at the California School for the Deaf in Riverside is a reminder to all: Never underestimate an underdog. In 2022, they won their first championship after 51 seasons of losses. The next year, they won again, and now the team is thirsty for a three-peat. “It would be amazing,” said coach Keith Adams. “That’s very rare, even for a hearing team.”
Photo of the Day
Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
It’s the Snettisham Spectacular! Say that one 10 times fast. From late summer to early winter, tens of thousands of wading birds gather on mudflats at the Snettisham Nature Reserve in Norfolk, England. When the high tide comes in, they “take to the air en masse,” creating the spectacle you see here.
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