The wildfires burning in Southern California, propelled by raging Santa Ana winds, remain largely uncontained. But already, organizations are on the ground helping the thousands of people affected. José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen is feeding first responders and evacuees, the CAL FIRE Benevolent Foundation is ensuring the welfare of firefighters and their families, and the California Fire Foundation Wildfire & Disaster Relief Fund is beginning to provide direct support to the victims — and that’s just to name a few. Learn more about the work being done and how you can help.
These surfers over 50 are challenging misconceptions about aging, one wave at a time
Health
Under New Rule, Medical Bills Won’t Appear on Credit Reports
Nudphon Phuengsuwan/ iStock
There may soon be one less thing to worry about: Unpaid medical bills will no longer be included on credit records or affect loan decisions. The rule — finalized by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau earlier this week — aims to reduce the burden of medical debt and ensure that patients with outstanding bills aren’t hindered from getting home mortgages, car loans, or small business loans. According to the CFPB, the rule will remove $49 billion in medical debt from the credit reports of 15 million Americans, which could boost their credit scores by an average of 20 points. “People who get sick shouldn’t have their financial future upended,” Director Rohit Chopra said in a statement. The bureau’s research has found that medical debt is a “poor predictor” of an individual’s ability to pay back a loan, and yet it still plays a role in thousands of denied mortgage applications. That’s something this ban is seeking to change. “This decision is great news for everyday Americans,” Carrie Joy Grimes, founder of personal finance organization WorkMoney, told the Associated Press. “Medical debt is not a reflection of being bad with money — any one of us can experience illness or injury. With this new rule, Americans will now be able to focus less on the strain of medical debt and more on getting back on their feet.”
Together With Honeycomb
This New Toilet Paper Just Might Save the World
Every 24 hours, 27,000 trees are cut down just to make toilet paper. We think that’s far too many, and Honeycomb agrees, which is why the brand created luxury three-ply made from bamboo. It feels just like regular high-end toilet paper, but doesn’t harm trees. Why bamboo? It grows insanely fast — almost 100 times faster than the average tree — making it a sustainable option to save forests. Bamboo also has uniquely short fibers, which are perfect for creating soft toilet tissue you can feel good about. It’s biodegradable, 100% plastic-free, and Honeycomb delivers straight to you. The best part? Nice News readers can use code NICE30 to get 30% off your first shipment until midnight.
Mega(watt) Milestone: Chicago City Buildings Now Powered by Renewable Energy
dibrova/ Shutterstock
The city of Chicago kicked off 2025 with a bang by delivering on a promise that took years to achieve: As of Jan. 1, all city-owned buildings are 100% sourced by renewable energy. Due to the switch, more than 400 buildings — including O’Hare International Airport, Harold Washington Library, 98 fire stations, and two of the world’s largest water treatment plants — are now purely using clean energy, making Chicago one of the largest U.S. cities operating its municipal buildings with this type of power. With city structures using about 800,000 megawatt hours of energy annually, the transition is projected to slash Chicago’s carbon emissions by 290,000 metric tons every year. Per a press release, this will create the same effect as eliminating 62,000 cars from the road. “Chicago is demonstrating directly how cities can lead by example, implement ambitious goals amid evolving state and federal policy changes, and leverage their purchasing power to support a more equitable renewable energy future,” Matthew Popkin, the cities and communities U.S. program manager at nonprofit Rocky Mountain Institute, told Grist.
Humanity
For 5 Decades, a Bay Area Nonprofit Has Paved a Path for Artists With Disabilities
Creative Growth Art Center/ Facebook
About 12 miles from San Francisco, an art community bursting with creativity gathers inside a renovated auto shop. This is the Creative Growth Art Center, a joy-filled and free-to-use space for artists with disabilities, based in Oakland. “I cannot think of a more important art institution in the United States,” Katy Siegel, the research director for the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, told CBS Sunday Morning. She added: “They’ve given people purpose.” Launched by couple Florence Ludins-Katz (an artist) and Elias Katz (a psychologist), the nonprofit has been fostering opportunities for people with disabilities to express themselves since 1974. That means giving artists what they need to make their art. Along with free supplies and iPads, the center provides artists with studio assistants who help them with their projects as well as a platform on which to sell their work. In return, sales are split between the artist and the center, just like they would be with a gallery. The annual sales from Creative Growth artists now top $1 million, executive director Tom di Maria said, and pieces have been acquired by the likes of the Museum of Modern Art and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Check out some of the artwork.
In Other News
Meet Miss America 2025: In case you missed it, a 22-year-old Alabama nursing student won the pageant (read more)
A 4,000-year-old tomb belonging to a magician slash doctor was unearthed in Egypt (read more)
The U.K. set a new wind power record last year, as part of its ongoing clean energy transition (read more)
In a wildlife win, the bald eagle and osprey were taken off New Jersey’s endangered species list (read more)
Watch the trailer for the upcoming Saturday Night Live documentary, titled Beyond Saturday Night (read more)
Inspiring Story
Technically tiny, but hugely impactful
A roof, a bed, heat, and safety — that’s what Ryan Donais is on a mission to give to unhoused people in Toronto. So far, Donais has built three tiny mobile homes attached to bikes, so they can easily be moved if necessary. “Housing is the answer,” he said. Check out the tiny (but mighty) homes.
Photo of the Day
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Today, the life of President Jimmy Carter will be celebrated during a funeral service at the Washington National Cathedral. Carter, who died Dec. 29 at age 100, served the country from 1977 through 1981, and received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his humanitarian work. Over the last week, thousands have paid their respects to the former leader in his home state of Georgia and then in the U.S. Capitol (pictured), where he lied in state ahead of today’s funeral. Read more about Carter’s life and legacy.
Kick Back and Unwind With the Help of Cycling Frog
Whether you’re participating in Dry January or just looking for a healthier alcohol alternative, Cycling Frog’s THC and CBD-infused seltzers might be just the thing to help you unwind. With award-winning flavors and multiple potency options, Cycling Frog has something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, first-time customers get a free can of the Black Currant or Ruby Grapefruit seltzer.
