Can you believe it’s been nearly half a century since the words, “Live from New York, it’s Saturday night!” were first broadcast over the airwaves? Saturday Night Live returns tomorrow evening for its banner 50th season, with Jean Smart (fresh off her Emmys win) hosting and Jelly Roll (fresh off his Grammys nom) serving as the musical guest. See who else has been scheduled to host and perform this season so far.
NFL Stadiums Will Be “Mission Ready Locations” During Natural Disasters
MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP via Getty Images
As natural disasters increase in frequency and severity, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the National Football League are teaming up to help provide shelter during times of need. The partnership, which will involve using NFL stadiums as “mission ready locations” during disasters, comes nearly two decades after the New Orleans Saints’ Superdome provided a safe haven for victims of Hurricane Katrina. The cornerstone of the initiative is emergency preparedness. “The biggest difference between this and Hurricane Katrina is we’re doing this in advance,” FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell told The Washington Post. “We will know what the capabilities of each specific stadium are, and we will work with them on the threats in the cities that they’re in.” The NFL approached FEMA with the idea about three years ago, and four venues have signed on so far. Criswell said she hopes other sports leagues will soon follow suit. “We have all of these existing venues. How do we better coordinate during these blue-sky days to better understand what they bring to the table and what we can use them for in the future?” With the announcement coming as Hurricane Helene rages in the Gulf of Mexico, now is as good a time as any to make sure you’re prepared in the event of an emergency — learn what to pack in a “go-bag” to have on hand if disaster strikes.
Together With Pique
Start Your Morning With Matcha
Do you know which food has 30 times the antioxidant activity of blueberries? It’s matcha green tea — and antioxidants aren’t its only superpower. But not all matcha is created equal, which is why we turn to Pique Life’s Sun Goddess Matcha. It’s 100% organic and ceremonial grade, as well as quadruple toxin screened for impurities. You won’t find another matcha with such strict standards to ensure the ultimate purity for daily drinking. For a limited time, Nice News readers can get up to 15% off and free shipping for life on Sun Goddess Matcha. Plus, Pique offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, so you either love it or get your money back!
California’s Largest Tidal Restoration Project Marks Major Milestone
California Department of Water Resources
After more than two years of construction, the largest tidal wetland restoration project in California history is nearing completion. Last week, the Department of Water Resources and Ecosystem Investment Partners breached a levee in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, allowing tidal waters to flow freely for the first time in a century. The levee breach ceremony celebrated the success of the wider tidal project, which involved restoring 3,400 acres of habitat for sensitive fish species, including salmon and endangered delta smelt, and reducing flood risks in California’s Central Valley. The project will be fully complete in the coming months, according to SFGate, as there are eight additional levee breaches scheduled. “The Delta is a biodiversity hotspot where we’re making progress on a large scale to restore natural habitat for fish and wildlife,” California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot said in a statement. “This project is a big step forward toward our ambitious restoration goals, and we’ll continue to build momentum and make more progress in the months and years to come.”
Health
Scientists Link Genetic Changes to Ovarian Cancer Risk, Paving Way for Improved Assessment
SDI Productions/ iStock
September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and there’s a timely new study that could make way for more personalized treatments and improved risk assessment. The research, published last week, located over 3,000 harmful changes to the gene RAD51C, known as the “cancer protection” gene. These changes could disrupt the proper function of RAD51C, which increases the risk of ovarian cancer by six and the risk of aggressive subtypes of breast cancer by four, according to a release from England’s Wellcome Sanger Institute. The findings were immediately made public, so doctors and lab scientists can use them to better assess patients’ cancer risk. “This research demonstrates that genetic risk for breast and ovarian cancer isn’t a simple yes-or-no scenario, but exists on a spectrum based on how genetic changes affect protein function,” explained first author Rebeca Olvera-León. “With a more comprehensive understanding of how RAD51C genetic variants contribute to cancer risk, this opens up new possibilities for more accurate risk prediction, prevention strategies, and potentially targeted therapies.”
🇿🇦 The “Bicycle Mayor” of Cape Town, South Africa, is teaching girls how to ride through his cycling academy.
🇧🇪 Belgian scientists are growing“the pears of the future” to learn how the fruit will adapt to climate change.
🇵🇪 Archeologists used artificial intelligence to uncover 2,000-year-old drawings in the Peruvian desert.
🇸🇪 Welcome to the World of Volvo: The Swedish brand opened a museum showcasing the history of its car collection.
Something We Love
Saltaire Collection by Fair Harbor The Saltaire Collection by Fair Harbor was inspired by a decades-old sweatshirt co-founders Jake and Caroline Danehy used to borrow from their father — and it’s made with sustainability in mind. The fabric has a perfectly worn-in softness thanks to the proprietary blend of recycled plastic bottles and organic cotton that’s garment-dyed for a wash that’s unique to each piece in the collection. It’s also quick-drying, breathable, and available in an array of sun-washed colors for both men and women.*
*Indicates a Nice News brand partnership or affiliate
Inspiring Story
“Girlhood is forever”
Emily Conn and Brenda Stowe were paired as pen pals in middle school. For over 60 years, they dutifully wrote letters to each other — and finally got to meet face-to-face earlier this month. Watch the video, and prepare for chills.
