We have some exciting news this morning: Nice News is going to be spreading positivity to even more people with the launch of our new sister newsletter. Good Headlines is a shorter news digest, but with the same goal of helping readers start the day with a smile and, hopefully, view the world through a brighter lens. Our growth is only possible because of this community — we can’t thank you enough for being part of it. Sign up with one click here and look out for Good Headlines in your inbox later this week.
Dive into the refreshing world of New York’s sorta-secret swimming holes
Health
“We’re Making Progress”: Teen Vaping Hit a Decade Low, Survey Shows
LordHenriVoton/ iStock
Public health officials (and likely parents) are celebrating a recent survey indicating that teens are finally vaping less. Under 6% of middle and high schoolers self-reported that they vaped this year, down from 7.7% in 2023 and the lowest level in a decade. “This is a monumental public health win,” Brian King, the tobacco director for the Food and Drug Administration, told reporters of the results from the 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey. The lower rate, which is about a third of the peak levels in 2019, was driven by the roughly 350,000fewer high school students who reported using e-cigarettes in 2024 compared to 2023. It comes after years of public health campaigns informing kids about the dangers of vaping and nicotine addiction, along with a greater availability of resources to help adolescents quit and regulations that limit the sale of flavored products. “These data are a good reminder that we’re making progress in terms of continued declines of the leading tobacco products used among kids,” King said, per NBC News. “But we’ve got to keep our guard up.”
Together With RAD AI
Add the Future of AI to Your Portfolio
The fast-growing tech startup RAD AI is redefining how Fortune 1000 brands engage with their audiences, delivering up to 3.5X return on investment for brands like Hasbro, Sweetgreen, Skechers, and more. And you have an opportunity to get involved. Artificial intelligence investments are expected to surpass $200 billion by 2025, and RAD AI is at the forefront of this technological wave: Investor valuation has increased from $5 million to $70 million in about three years, nearly 8,000 investors have raised more than $35 million so far, and it’s backed by the Adobe Fund for Design. If you invest by Sept. 11 (tomorrow!), you’ll receive 20% bonus shares — learn more below.*
MIT Scientists Develop Filter to Remove “Forever Chemicals” From Water
AsiaVision/ iStock
PFAS, the dreaded acronym for “forever chemicals,” are in the news again — but this time for a good reason. A team of MIT scientists invented a new filtration material that could remove the infamously pervasive chemicals from water and it all came about “by chance,” according to Benedetto Marelli, one of the study’s authors. In a surprising turn, the team found that a filtering technology made with a silk membrane, which was developed for an unrelated purpose, could be effective at filtering contaminants when combined with cellulose, a material obtained from wood pulp waste. It also demonstrated strong antimicrobial properties to help prevent the filter from “fouling” as a result of bacteria and fungi. “These materials can really compete with the current standard materials in water filtration when it comes to extracting metal ions and these emerging contaminants, and they can also outperform some of them currently,” Marelli said in a press release.
Sports
Team USA’s Most Inspiring Moments From the 2024 Paralympics
Matteo Ciambelli/DeFodi Images via Getty Images
Jaw-dropping feats of resilience. World records. Power couples. Shocking upsets and surprising underdog victories. Heartwarming sportsmanship. Memes. Emotional catharsis. And new breakout stars. The 2024 Paralympics had it all, set among Paris’ most iconic monuments. Some people mistakenly think the “Para” in Paralympics stands for paraplegia, but the origin of the word stems from the Greek preposition “para,” which means “beside” or “along.” As such, the Paralympics were designed to be the parallel Games to the Olympics for athletes with disabilities, rooted in the core values of determination, equality, inspiration, and courage. And each of those values shone bright over 12 days of competition across 18 different venuesin 22 sports — including two that are unique to the Paralympics: boccia and goalball. As the world’s third largest sporting event (measured by ticket sales), the Paralympics have been regarded as “the world’s No. 1 sporting event for social inclusion,” helping to promote the rights of persons with disabilities. With countless moments to choose from, read a roundup of Team USA’s “Nicest” moments from this year’s Paralympics.
In Other News
All newborns in Illinois will soon undergo screenings for GAMT, a rare creatine deficiency disorder, after a family of advocates pushed for early intervention.
A 1939 letter from Albert Einstein to President Franklin D. Roosevelt is up for auction — and could sell for up to $6 million.
The International Space Station recently captured a spectacular 12-second timelapse of a sunrise from an astronaut’s point of view.
Corgis everywhere! Last weekend, California’s Pismo Beach hosted a party for corgis, complete with adorable costumes, races, and all the zoomies.
In case you missed it, Grammy Award-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar will headline the next Super Bowl halftime show.
Something We Love
Vivint Home Security It’s essential to feel safe in your own home, and Vivint makes that easy. The professionally installed security systems not only detect crime, but deter it as well with Vivint’s cutting-edge smart security cameras. With smart locks, motion sensors, and real-time alerts, you’re always in the loop. Plus, the mobile app is super simple to use, letting you check in anytime from anywhere.*
*Indicates a Nice News brand partnership or affiliate
Inspiring Story
“Trail to Zero”
Last week, a group of horses and their riders walked 20 miles along Lake Michigan in Chicago to raise awareness about the mental health struggles of veterans and service members. The distance was chosen mindfully, as 20 is the number of veterans who die by suicide each day — and the walk marks an effort to bring that number down to zero. In honor of World Suicide Prevention Day today, consider donating to the September Cause of the Month beneficiary, Stop Soldier Suicide.
Photo of the Day
Kieran Cleeves/PA Images via Getty Images
Believe it or not, this isn’t an archival photo — it’s from over the weekend. The Goodwood Revival, held in West Sussex, England, is the only historic motor race meeting that’s staged entirely in a period theme, and it’s clear that attendees and participants commit to that theme. Check out more photos.
The Best Cards for Balance Transfers, Courtesy of FinanceBuzz
Ready to take a break from high interest? If you have outstanding credit card debt, getting a new 0% intro APR credit card could help ease the pressure while you pay down your balances. The experts at FinanceBuzz have identified one of the top credit cards for balance transfers — perfect for anyone looking to pay down debt and not add to it.
