What would you give to be able to immerse yourself in the world of your favorite childhood book? It might only take a trip to North Kansas City, Missouri. There, a new children’s museum called The Rabbit hOle (no, that’s not a typo) is working toward a mission of “trying to get kids to really love reading, rather than being able to read,” co-creator Deb Pettit told NBC News. The uppercase “O” in the name represents the rabbit hole entrance, which brings visitors to 40 exhibits with life-size characters and scenes from books like No, David, I Am a Bunny, and Goodnight Moon. Explore the space.
Must Reads
Travel around the globe with a look through Vogue’s extensive archive of garden photos
You can hack your bookshelf (and never spend an eternity looking for a title again)
Science
There’s Actually a Science Behind Why Beer Tastes Better Chilled
An ice-cold beer can really hit the spot on a hot day, but no one wants a warm one. And it turns out there’s a science to why different alcohols taste better at different temperatures. Naturally, the recent study on this topic wasthought up over a few beers. Two years ago, co-authors Xiaotao Yang and Lei Jiang were enjoying drinks together and began thinking about their next project. “At the time, I was a scientific committee member of one of the biggest Chinese alcoholic beverage companies, and I had the idea to ask the question: ‘Why does Chinese baijiu have a very particular concentration of alcohol?’” Jiang said in a statement, referring to a popular type of liquor in the Asian country. So they set out to examine the ethanol structures in various alcohols, discovering that taste can vary widely based on temperature. In the case of 5% and 11% ABV beer, the chemical compound’s chain-like structures show a “distinct enhancement” when the liquid is cooled to about 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Cheers to that! And if beer’s not your thing, check out a list of Nice News’ favorite nonalcoholic beverages.
If you have outstanding credit card debt, getting a new 0% intro APR credit card could help you pay down your balances without racking up additional interest — a process known as a balance transfer. And FinanceBuzz can help you choose the right credit card for the job. The site’s credit card experts identified one of their top cards for balance transfers, perfect for anyone looking to pay down debt and not add to it.
Calling all students in grades three through 12: A nationwide contest is sending 75 winners on an adventure to see one of eight select historic and cultural sites across the country. Until May 17, students can enter to win America’s Field Trip by submitting art, videos, or essays in response to the prompt, “What does America mean to you?” It’s part of the upcoming celebration of America’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026. “Today’s young people are the leaders, innovators, and thinkers who will shape the next 250 years — and it’s important their voices are heard as we commemorate this historic milestone,” the website reads. First-place awardees and their designated chaperones will be provided with free travel and lodging to visit a select U.S. landmark, such as the Statue of Liberty, the Golden Gate Bridge, or the Library of Congress (you can see the full list of possibilities here). Second-place winners will receive a $500 cash award.
Humanity
91-Year-Old Donates $500,000 to Rural Fire Department
Sam Sloan has taken the concept of investing in one’s community to the next level. The 91-year-old recently donated $500,000 to his local fire station in Calhoun, a town of roughly 400 in Henry County, Missouri. “Small-town people know how to handle a few dollars,” Sloan told KMBC News. The Calhoun Volunteer Fire Department has been struggling with outdated equipment and limited resources, so Sloan’s donation is set to transform their capabilities. Before his gift, the firefighters had just $169 left in the budget. “Never in a million years would I ever expect anything like that for a rural fire department,” said Fire Chief Mark Hardin. Now, the department will be able to buy new fire trucks, equipment, and modern gear for all 28 volunteers. The current gear has been in dire need of replacement, dating back to the 1980s and ’90s. “I don’t know how to fix one of them things,” Sloan remarked. “But I know how to make a dollar and there’s a difference there.” Meet Sloan and explore the station.
In Other News
“We Are Grand Canyon”: Grand Canyon National Park released a short film highlighting the enduring relationship between the park and its 11 tribal communities. Watch it here.
A newly studied heart pump lets children awaiting heart transplants go home rather than staying in the hospital — and the device is the size of a battery.
Areyourhouseplants intelligent? Research points to complex behaviors that challenge traditional notions of agency and consciousness.
A baby orcawas spotted near Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia. It’s the first sighting in three years, bringing hope to researchers studying the species’ population.
This activistwho is autistic and nonspeaking found her voice through technology using the Proloquo2Go app, transforming her ability to communicate and connect with others.
Something We Love
Goldie Sourdough Starter Jar by Sourhouse If you’re a sourdough-baking enthusiast (or want to become one), Sourhouse’s Goldie starter jar is a must-have. The innovative device provides a warm, safe home for your sourdough starter, bringing it up to the “Goldilocks” temperature zone of 75-82 degrees Fahrenheit — not too hot, not too cold, but indeed just right for making a perfect, yeasty loaf.
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Inspiring Story
“Fight for freedom”
Twin sisters Jo and Joy Banner, inspired by their grandmother’s stories of their enslaved ancestors, purchased the historic Woodland Plantation in Louisiana to preserve Black history and combat environmental injustices in their community. The plantation was the site of the 1811 slave revolt, a significant but largely overlooked event in history — learn more here.
“Look ma, no eyes!” That’s what Bernard Sim captioned this adorable photo of pup Lola for his entry into the Comedy Pet Photography Awards. The shot earned a spot among the 30 finalists announced yesterday — see the rest of the hilarious pet pics.
FinanceBuzz Has the Scoop on Balance Transfers
Have you heard of balance transfers? They can be a helpful tool for anyone with credit card debt that wants to ease some of the pressure while paying down balances. And FinanceBuzz has the scoop on which cards are best for executing a balance transfer — learn more below.
