Most of us (all of us?) would agree that goods from small businesses just feel more special — a bonus given that shopping small supports local economies and creates jobs. Yesterday kicked off National Small Business Week, honoring the over 36 million small businesses in the U.S. and acknowledging the contributions of their owners. To celebrate, the Nice News team pulled together 13 of our favorite items from smaller shops; some run by families, others by friends and independent makers — check it out.
Time for a Vacay? These Are the Best Beaches in the World
Mlenny—E+/Getty Images
If looking over the horizon with sand between your toes sounds pretty sweet as summer approaches, we have just the thing to help you plan your next vacation: the 2026 edition of the World’s 50 Best Beaches list. More than 1,000 travel professionals nominated their favorite beaches, which were then whittled down by the World’s 50 Best Beaches team based on eight criteria, including unique landscapes, easy-to-enter waters, and the “soundtrack of nature.” This year’s roundup reflected a particular appreciation for spots off the beaten path that offer beachgoers a little peace and quiet, perhaps to dive into a beach read or two. The Philippines’ Entalula Beach, pictured above, took the No. 1 spot. The team described the beach (accessible only by boat) as an “overlooked slice of heaven” and “one of those places you have to see to believe,” noting its limestone cliffs, soft white sand, and clear waters. Sandy shores in Greece, Australia, and Madagascar took the second, third, and fourth spots, respectively. See the full list.
Together With LMNT
What to Drink Between Your Morning Coffee and Dinner
Did you know the average person loses up to 12 cups of water a day just by living? And it’s not just water we lose; it’s electrolytes, too. LMNT makes zero-sugar electrolyte drinks with no artificial sweeteners, just the good stuff, so you can replenish what you need to keep your energy and focus running smoothly. The new 12-ounce Sparkling lineup is built for the in-between moments, like while running errands or during that afternoon slump. Choose from four crisp flavors: Pineapple Salt, Lemonade Salt, Black Cherry Salt, and Orange Salt. Each slim can delivers 500 milligrams of sodium, 100 milligrams of potassium, and 30 milligrams of magnesium. Snag a free sample pack with any purchase, exclusively for Nice News readers.
This “Smart” Movie Theater Doubles as a Science Lab
University of Bristol
When’s the last time a movie made your heart race? Palms sweat? Endorphins go through the roof from laughing so hard? That’s the data the “Smart Cinema” in England is keeping track of. The first-of-its-kind cinema located at the University of Bristol features heart rate monitors, EEG headsets, and infrared cameras to track viewers’ pulses, brain waves, body heat, skin responses, and eye movements. The goal is to capture real-time reactions so studios can learn what resonates with viewers — an alternative to audience surveys given after screenings. “Those methods have their value, but they always rely on memory,” Iain Gilchrist, a neuropsychology professor at the university, told The Times of London. “With this smart cinema technology and with these methods, you don’t have to take the risk of releasing something and hoping it works. You can actually get real audience insight, moment by moment, into how they’re responding and then make changes before release.” Rob Hifle, a director who screened his short film at the Smart Cinema, added in a statement: “It’s not just about refining the film; it’s also about connecting with viewers, understanding their reactions, and ensuring that our story resonates deeply. This experience will undoubtedly shape the final cut in ways I can’t yet imagine.”
Environment
Animals Get CT Scans at England Zoo in “Major Step Forward” for Their Health Care
Banham Zoo / SWNS
England’s Banham Zoo has massively upgraded its animal care. For the first time, it brought a specialist mobile CT scanner on-site, allowing zoo residents to undergo scans that give veterinarians a better understanding of their health. An Amur tiger named Mishka received a checkup with the scanner, as did fellow zoo residents Tana, a cheetah; Arlo, a two-toed sloth; Jim and Bob, two African black-footed penguins; Foster, a Rüppell’s griffon vulture; and Grub, a meerkat. “By bringing this technology to them, we’ve been able to reduce stress, learn more about their health, and continue giving every animal the very best care possible,” the zoo wrote in an Instagram post. See more pics of the tech in action.
In Other News
Home blood pressure checks could help women reduce their heart health risks after hypertensive pregnancies (read more)
Check out the world’s thinnest car, courtesy of a YouTuber who made the two-seater using lasers (read more)
Flavored vapes will be banned in Belgium starting in September 2028 to curb youth tobacco addiction (read more)
Kiwi birds are returning to New Zealand’s capital after vanishing a century ago, thanks to a citizen campaign (read more)
Japan Airlines is testing humanoid robots for baggage loading and cabin cleaning amid labor shortages (read more)
Inspiring Story
Giant hearts
For over 30 years, a group of nuns at a Spanish convent has given much-needed TLC to a rare bunny breed. The sisters started a conservation program to prevent Spanish giant rabbits — which can grow up to 20 pounds — from going extinct, managing daily care for dozens of the critters and selling treats to help support their care efforts. See the nuns with the giant rabbits.
Photo of the Day
Lintao Zhang/Getty Images
The World Aquatics Artistic Swimming World Cup 2026 just wrapped its third stop, in Xi’an, China — the Kazakhstan synchronized swimming team is pictured here competing on Friday. Later this month, the competition will head to Pontevedra, Spain, before the super finals in Toronto in June.
Meet LMNT’s Sparkling Electrolytes Lineup
LMNT’s new 12-ounce Sparkling lineup brings crisp, bubbly electrolytes to slim cans in four bright flavors. Crack one open after a long walk, sip between errands, or stash a few in the fridge for the afternoon slump. Any purchase comes with a free sample pack, exclusively for Nice News readers.
