Must Reads

• TIME unveiled its list of 100 rising leaders
  ​
• The many reasons why more students are going to Southern colleges (hint: it’s not just the football)

Environment

Iconic Ocean Liner Could Become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef

An ocean liner renowned for — among other feats — being the largest passenger ship ever built in the United States could soon add another achievement to its lengthy resume. The SS United States is slated to become the biggest artificial reef in the world. But first, it must go against its nature and sink.
​
In a tentative deal, officials in Florida’s Okaloosa County approved a contract to intentionally drown the 72-year-old vessel to the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico, where it would ideally support a treasure trove of marine life and become the crown jewel of artificial reefs, the Associated Press reports.
​
An alternative to scrapping the historic ship, this move would harness its sheer size (over 100 feet longer than the Titanic) to support conservation efforts and provide an attraction for divers, a potential boon for local tourism.
​
“The SS United States has inspired millions the world over as a symbol of American pride and excellence,” said Susan Gibbs, president of the nonprofit working to preserve the vessel. “Should the ship be converted into an artificial reef, she will become a unique historic attraction above and below the waterline.” See footage from its maiden voyage in 1952.​

Together With EnergyX

This Stock Is up 1,072%

No, it’s not Nvidia — it’s EnergyX. Thanks to its breakthrough lithium extraction technology, EnergyX’s share price has increased by 1,072%. Major companies like GM and POSCO are already investing, and although it’s not publicly listed, you can join them as an early investor until midnight PST.
​
Here’s why this is such an intriguing opportunity: Lithium demand is projected to soar 20 times higher by 2040, and EnergyX’s patented technology can extract lithium 300% more efficiently than current methods. Plus, EnergyX is scaling quickly. They earned a $5 million DOE grant toward a recently announced U.S. lithium plant and the rights to more than 100,000 acres of lithium-rich Chilean land.
​
You don’t have time to wait to invest, though. This investment opportunity ends tonight at midnight PST — join over 30,000 investors by becoming an EnergyX shareholder here.​

This is a paid advertisement for EnergyX's Regulation A+ Offering. Please read the offering circular at invest.energyx.com/.

Health

When Children Are in Pain, Don’t Underestimate the Value of Validation: Study

Validation is something we all need at times, particularly when big emotions are involved, and kids aren’t any different. In a recent study out of the University of South Australia, researchers found that when children experience pain, whether it’s a small injury or a chronic illness, the way adults treat them can play a significant role in how they deal with discomfort later in life.
​
“When a parent or doctor validates a child’s experiences in a way that matches their expressed vulnerability, it helps the child to feel accepted, builds connection and trust, and may help the child to develop critical skills in regulating their emotions,” Sarah Wallwork, one of the study authors, said in a statement.
​
She explained that when a doctor is attentive and acknowledges their feelings, children “hold fewer negatively biased memories of pain” and are more likely to ask for help in the future when they need it. That comfort with seeking out health care could in turn help prevent chronic conditions from developing.
​
The findings may sound obvious, but the researchers note that validation — as opposed to reassurance — is often “underemphasized” in pediatric care. Learn more about the best way to speak to a child in pain.​

Sports

New Chicago Basketball Court Marks “Hoop Dreams” Anniversary

In 1994, the documentary Hoop Dreams shared the story of two Chicago teens as they pursued their dream of making it to the NBA. It won awards and hearts at the time — Roger Ebert called it “one of the great moviegoing experiences of my lifetime” — and it’s continuing to make an impact on and off the screen. Last week, a fresh new basketball court opened in Garfield Park, on Chicago’s west side, in honor of Hoop Dreams’ 30th anniversary.
​
The film’s stars, William Gates and Arthur Agee Jr., teamed up with various partners, including basketball magazine SLAM and Project Backboard, to create a court to inspire the next generation of athletes, per Block Club Chicago. In addition to six baskets, the space features colorful paint, Hoop Dreams logos, and a sense of community.
​
“Seeing these kids play today takes me back to that very first day, when I was five years old, when I first picked up a basketball,” Gates told the outlet. “And ever since then, it’s been nonstop, even to this very day. I get to pass it onto the next generation. Basketball creates a family.” Check out the court.​

In Other News

1. In the largest study of its kind, outpatient CAR-T therapy showed promise for patients with blood cancer.
   ​
2. The Sports Bra, a Portland, Oregon, bar dedicated to women’s athletics, is partnering with a Los Angeles soccer club to create a streaming channel.
   ​
3. Scientists gathered new clues about the origins of Pluto’s largest moon, detecting both carbon dioxide and hydrogen peroxide on its surface.
   ​
4. A U.K. project led to the discovery of over 3,200 acres of previously unknown ancient woodlands, including “small pockets” near urban areas.
   ​
5. Devoted “bat dog” Layla is retiring from her gig with the Clearwater Threshers, a minor league baseball team in Florida. Watch her retrieve her last bat.​

Something We Love

Itty Bitty Microcrochet Flower Bookmarks​
​
​These delicate crocheted bookmarks make the joy of reading that much more joyful. Available in a number of floral species — roses, tulips, orchids, poppies, and so many more — they make a great gift for book lovers (write this down for when holiday shopping ramps up).
​
— Rebekah Brandes, Assistant Editor

Inspiring Story

Serving up compassion

​

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, restaurants in Asheville, North Carolina, are stepping up to lend a helping hand in big and small ways: providing free meals, water, and community when needed most. In one moving example of kindness, humanitarian and chef José Andrés swung by a Waffle House to pick up sandwiches for first responders, and made sure to highlight the underrated role the eateries play during disasters: “In many emergencies, it’s sometimes the only open place, so I always give big kudos to Waffle House anywhere,” he said.

Photo of the Day

Love was all around at London’s Old Marylebone Town Hall on Tuesday. The couple pictured here were joined by 99 other duos getting married, entering into civil partnerships, or renewing their vows. The 100 weddings event was held in honor of the hall’s 100th anniversary. Congrats to all the lovebirds!

Horizon IX Hearing Device Turns Noise Into Clarity

Imagine sitting in a busy cafe, surrounded by chatter and music, yet hearing every word of the conversation crystal clear. With hear.com’s revolutionary hearing aid, that scene could come true — the Horizon IX allows background noise to fade so the sounds you want to hear come through with perfect clarity.

Please support our sponsors! They help us keep Nice News free. ♡

Odds & Ends

👵 Meet South Korea’s “most glamorous granny”
​

🎃 Dunkin’ is going full Halloween​
​

🧘 Curated products that keep your well-being top of mind*
​

🍩 A unique method for getting kids to class on time

​

*Indicates a Nice News brand partnership or affiliate

Quote of the Day

“With freedom, books, flowers, and the moon, who could not be happy?”

​

– OSCAR WILDE