Nice News firmly believes that everyone deserves access to green spaces, especially given the physical and mental health benefits of nature. So with Earth Day coming up later this month, we’re raising money for the Trust for Public Land, an organization working to ensure widespread access to the outdoors “for generations to come.” The nonprofit builds parks and protects public land in the communities where they’re needed most — learn more and donate to the Trust via our April Cause of the Month fundraiser.
The next U.S. census is still more than five years away, but the government is currently working on how to make the count more accurate. Late last week, the Office of Management and Budget announced the first changes to how the country categorizes race and ethnicity in nearly 30 years. Adjustments include combining questions about race and ethnicity that were previously separate. This will allow people to pick multiple categories — for example, someone with a mixed-race background could choose “Asian,” “Black,” and “Hispanic.” The office also added the option to check “Middle Eastern or North African” as a category. These changes, which will affect the census as well as other government forms, could help inform research on public health, discrimination, and economic outcomes, Allison Plyer, the chief demographer of The Data Center in New Orleans, told the Associated Press. “You can’t underestimate the emotional impact this has on people,” added Meeta Anand, the senior director for Census & Data Equity at The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. “It’s how we conceive ourselves as a society. ... You are seeing a desire for people to want to self-identify and be reflected in data so they can tell their own stories.”
Together With RYSE
From “Shark Tank” to Smart Home Stardom
Venture capitalists know how difficult it is to spot promising early investment opportunities, and the story of Ring doorbells is the perfect example. Even the all-knowing Sharks from Shark Tank declined the offer to buy 10% of Ring for $700,000, and now the company has blown up, all thanks to retail distribution. Next, let’s turn our attention to RYSE: the brand set to follow a similar trajectory. The founders pitched on Canada’s version of Shark Tank, Dragons’ Den,received two offers, and now the smart shades technology is currently sold in over 100 Best Buy stores. Learn how you can follow the Dragons’ lead and become an early investor in RYSE below.
Please support our sponsors! They help us keep Nice News free. ♡
Science
NASA Unveils the Space Instruments Artemis III Will Bring to the Moon
NASA
NASA recently revealed some of the instruments astronauts will deploy on the moon during the Artemis III mission, set to be humans’ first return to the lunar surface since the Apollo 17 spaceflight in 1972. The tools will collect “valuable scientific data,” including information on how humans could sustain a long-term presence on the moon, which would inform future missions to Mars. The first instrument is the Lunar Environment Monitoring Station, an autonomous seismometer that will track moonquakes. The Lunar Effects on Agricultural Flora — or, aptly, LEAF — will look into how the environment affects space crops, and the Lunar Dielectric Analyzer will detect electric fields. “These three scientific instruments will be our first opportunity since Apollo to leverage the unique capabilities of human explorers to conduct transformative lunar science,” NASA’s Joel Kearns said in a statement. Artemis III is currently scheduled for liftoff no earlier than September 2026 — in the meantime, check out this inspiring NASA video about the mission.
Humanity
Scottish Schoolchildren Pick Pop Culture Names for New Port Cranes
Inverclyde Council/ Facebook
Craner Swift and U-Crane Bolt will soon adorn the skyline in Inverclyde, Scotland. The fun monikers for the area’s newest port cranes were chosen by two Scottish 10-year-olds who participated in a naming competition hosted by the Inverclyde Council and Peel Ports Clydeport, the company that owns the local Port of Greenock. Avaleigh Lang naturally chose Craner Swift because of her love for Taylor Swift, while Frances McFadden picked U-Crane Bolt as a nod to Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt. “I’m really pleased to win,” Avaleigh said in a statement, while Frances added, “U-Crane Bolt made people in my class laugh, so it’s great to hear it was chosen as a winner.” The cranes will be unveiled later this year, and Avaleigh and Frances will have their names added to a ceremonial plaque. “The names give a nod to the capabilities of our new cranes, so they were the standout choices and really raised a smile within our team, and we hope interest within the wider community too,” said port director Jim McSporran.
Lawmakers in Ontario, Canada, voted to allow the country’s First Nations languages to be spoken in the legislature — a “momentous change,” one Indigenous official said.
Driftaway Coffee and Chocolate Pairing Box Forget peanut butter and jelly — chocolate and coffee is the real culinary dynamic duo, and Driftaway knows it. The java purveyor’s coffee and chocolate pairing box includes three 2-ounce bags of coffee from around the world, three single-origin bars from Raaka Chocolate, and a tasting and pairing guide to help you explore the flavors and richness of your treats.
Recommendations are independently selected by our team but may result in a commission to Nice News which helps keep our content free.
Inspiring Story
Homecoming
Chuck’s Dairy Bar, a beloved diner and community hub in Rolling Fork, Mississippi, was destroyed in a tornado a year ago. Now, owner Tracy Harden, who continued to feed people following the natural disaster, has shared a first look at the progress made on her rebuilt restaurant. “To just see it coming together, it’s happiness. Not just for me, my family, but for all of my employees. We’re just all ready to be home,” she said.
Photo of the Day
Oregon Zoo
As you can see, this “pint-sized” Humboldt penguin hatchling is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. Unfortunately, only the zookeepers at the Oregon Zoo get that honor, but the rest of us can watch an adorable video of the fluffy youngster, which emerged from its shell last month.
Invest Smarter With RYSE
RYSE is poised to dominate the smart shades space, which is growing at an astonishing 55% annually. And you have the rare opportunity to invest in the tech startup. With the seal of approval from Canada’s version of Shark Tank, Dragons’ Den, and a recent launch in Best Buy stores, early RYSE investors have seen their shares grow over 20 times.
