Summer on the horizon means it’s time for us all to put on our citizen scientist hats and do our part to prevent the spread of the invasive spotted lanternfly. (And by “all,” we mean those of us who live in the areas highlighted on this map.) The bugs threaten local agriculture and are continuing to pop up in new areas of the country, but right now you can help prevent their eggs from even hatching in the first place. Learn what to do.
While you can’t put a price tag on passion, here’s a look at which college majors pay off the most
Culture
Despite Tough Market, Gen Zers Are Steadily Buying More Homes
ABRAHAM GONZALEZ FERNANDEZ—E+/Getty Images
Believe it or not, the oldest Gen Zers are turning 30 next year. And despite the rather daunting real estate market, more of these young adults are managing to achieve the major milestone of buying their first homes, according to recent data from the National Association of Realtors.Over half — 53% — of Gen Z buyers reported purchasing homes without parental support, more than double the rate of millennials at the same age. Experts partly attribute the rise to the younger generation saving for retirement earlier than previous generations, taking on less debt, and choosing to tap into down-payment assistance programs. “They’re taking advantage of government programs at higher rates than all other generations,” Jessica Lautz, deputy chief economist at the National Association of Realtors, told NPR. “They seem to be a little more reticent when it comes to student loan debt, which has historically been one of the biggest hurdles for millennials to enter into homeownership.” The association also found that 35% of buyers in their 20s were single women, the highest share among the generations. “It’s really amazing if you look back,” said Sue Meitner, a Pennsylvania lending group president who specializes in helping women buy homes. “Women weren’t even allowed to own a house until not too long ago.” (In the U.S., women gained the right to apply for a home loan in their own name in 1974.) Meet two Gen Z homeowners.
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The Cool Knit Polo Built for the Summer Heat
Looking stylish and feeling comfortable in the summer heat are two goals that can feel impossible to achieve together. Enter: Collars & Co.’s short sleeve knit polos. These shirts, crafted from premium cotton, silk, and linen blends, are just the right kind of effortless. Tailored for a clean, polished look that stays comfortable all day and inspired by the Italian coast, it’s the kind of piece that works everywhere the summer takes you.
A Blood Test to Detect Lung Cancer Could Be on the Horizon
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Lung cancer is notoriously difficult to diagnose early, particularly for nonsmokers. Current screening recommendations focus on smoking history, leaving out those who don’t use tobacco but, unfortunately, can still get the disease. That could soon change thanks to a new test in the works. In a study published Monday, researchers found that it may be possible to scan blood for lung cancer markers and detect high-risk individuals. The blood test method they developed tracked 13 proteins and detected 85% of lung cancers that occurred within one year, compared with 63% under current U.S. screening guidelines. “This test allows us to identify some of those who actually have high risk,” study co-author Mattias Johansson told Time magazine. “This is really about screening in a smarter way, to focus on those likely to benefit, and avoid screening people who don’t need it.” While the method isn’t ready for widespread use yet (and focused on smokers for this particular study), the goal is to continue developing it and eventually expand guidelines to include nonsmokers who are not currently eligible for screenings.
Humanity
Artist, 87, Turned His Town Into a “Safari” With Hundreds of Animal Sculptures
William Dax / SWNS
Residents of Totnes, England, don’t have to go far to experience a safari — they can see an array of exotic wildlife just by driving through local streets. That’s thanks to artist Malcolm Curley, who’s installed over 300 handmade animal sculptures in and around town. Following a career as an engineer and metal fabricator, the 87-year-old began sculpting as an outlet for his creativity. When Curley moved to Totnes from Bristol, he created a sculpture in a tree in his garden, and quickly began receiving requests from neighbors. “When I retired, I needed something to do,” he told SWNS, adding, “My neighbor wanted a little pony for her granddaughter, and I made that one — and from then on, they’ve just spread around. They’re in all the villages around here now.” Curley’s animal-themed sculptures can be spotted lurking in gardens, hanging in trees, and hiding in bushes, prompting one neighborhood to refer to its collection as the Bridgetown Safari. The artist refuses payment for his sculptures, which are crafted mostly from recycled materials, instead asking recipients to donate money to a nonprofit of their choice. See more photos.
In Other News
Two Nepali climbers made history on Mount Everest by breaking their respective world records on the same day (read more)
The Salt Lake Tribune removed its paywall to make its journalism free for the first time in 155 years (read more)
“Neighborhoods matter”: Detroit approved a project to fix 6,300 crumbling sidewalks by the end of the year (read more)
A newly identified plant found only in New Jersey was named after the Garden State — see it up close (read more)
The Beach Boys celebrated the 60th anniversary of an album that “aged like a fine wine” (read more)
Inspiring Story
Welcome home
Thousands of sailors on the USS Gerald R. Ford returned to land last week after 326 days at sea — the longest U.S. aircraft carrier deployment since the Vietnam War. For dozens of the service members, the long-awaited homecoming was also a very exciting introduction, as 76 babies were born while the crew was away.
Photo of the Day
Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Cadogan Estate
Stop and smell the globe! London’s largest free flower festival — Chelsea in Bloom — is bringing florals to intergalactic levels. This year’s event is themed “Out of This World” and features more than 100 installations that put a flowery twist on space travel, astrology, and mythology. Check out more highlights from the floral festivities.
1440: Your News Doesn’t Have to Be Overwhelming
1440 is the fastest way to an impartial point of view. The team scours over 100 sources — covering topics ranging from culture and science to sports and politics — to create one email that gets you all caught up on the day’s events in just five minutes. It’s objective, it’s 100% free, and most importantly, it simplifies your life.
