It’s no secret that the U.S. housing market is tough right now, especially for first-time buyers. But there are some spots across the country where homeownership is easier to achieve, according to a new ranking from Zillow. The company used four metrics — rent affordability, available inventory, ratio of affordable for-sale inventory to renter households, and the share of households ages 29-43 — to come up with a list of the 10 best markets for first-time homebuyersin 2024, and St. Louis came out on top. See the full list.
A recently published study found that the human brain is getting larger with time — research participants born in the 1970s had 6.6% larger brain volumes and nearly 15% larger brain surface areas compared to those born in the ’30s. And the authors think that the size boost could be a contributing factor in the decreasing incidence of Alzheimer’s disease. “Larger brain structures like those observed in our study may reflect improved brain development and improved brain health,” study lead Charles DeCarli said in a press release from the University of California, Davis. “A larger brain structure represents a larger brain reserve and may buffer the late-life effects of age-related brain diseases like Alzheimer’s and related dementias.” The scientists collected their data from MRIs conducted on more than 3,200 people between 1999 and 2019. The increased brain size they observed may lead to an increased brain reserve that could reduce the risk of age-related dementia. Currently, cases of the disease are rising in number alongside America’s aging population, but decreasing in terms of the incidence rate.
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The Everglades to Gulf Conservation Area became the latest addition to the National Wildlife Refuge System last month, spanning more than 4 million acres in Florida. The area “will provide crucialprotected wildlife corridors, enhance outdoor recreation access to the public, and bolster climate resilience in southwest Florida,” per the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Those corridors are home to more than 100 threatened or endangered species that will now enjoy increased protections under the law, including the Everglade snail kite, Florida panther, sand skink, and more. “This new conservation area is a result of the dedication and collaboration of members of the public, partners, tribes, and private landowners who are committed to conserving Florida’s natural heritage — diverse habitat, wildlife, and recreation,” said Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Shannon Estenoz. The announcement was a full circle moment for Florida, coming almost exactly 121 years after President Theodore Roosevelt designated the state’s Pelican Island as the first national wildlife refuge in an effort to protect nesting birds.
Culture
“Extraordinary” (and Secretly Decorated) UK Apartment Earns Protected Status
Ron Gittins rented the ground-floor apartment of a Victorian-style home in Birkenhead, England, in 1986, and spent the next three decades turning it into a true artistic masterpiece. The thing is, he never told anyone about it. His family members discovered his elaborate decor following his death in 2019, and then launched a campaign to get the “extraordinary” apartment designated as a protected historic landmark. Gittins’ niece, Jan Williams, led the charge, and her efforts paid off earlier this month: “Ron’s Place” wasgranted Grade II listing by England’s Department for Culture, Media, and Sport. “I believe Ron would be made up and very proud at all the attention he’s receiving, and thrilled his work is being recognized and appreciated. He only kept it secret because you’re not really supposed to turn your rented flat into a Roman villa complete with epic concrete fireplaces, are you?” Williams joked in a statement. See more photos and learn all about “outsider art.”
In Other News
Texas’ solar energy outputsurpassed coal in March, a milestone for the Lone Star State.
An original copy of the first comic book to feature Superman sold at auction for a record-breaking $6 million.
Wildlife cameras at a Chinese nature preservecaptured rare footage of a 4-month-old giant panda cub.
Something We Love
Linus Bikes Bike riding is one of our favorite “spring-has-sprung” activities, perfect for reinvigorating the mind and body as the weather warms up. Linus gets that. The brand designs bikes that are for more than just recreation — they also act as vehicles (literally and figuratively) for improving well-being, reducing carbon emissions, and creating community. We especially love the three-speed Dutchi 3i model, which comes in an array of colors and features a genuine leather saddle and grips.
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Inspiring Story
Run, Jerry, run
After 20 years and overcoming quite a few obstacles — including brain cancer — 73-year-old Jerry Korson completed his goal to run a half-marathon in every U.S. state. “I knew it would get to that point; it just took a lot longer than I ever thought,” Korson said.
Did you get to see the total solar eclipse yesterday? This bust of George Washington, located in Houlton, Maine, within the path of totality, sure did. Check out more photos from the once-in-a-lifetime event.
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