Graduation season is in full swing — you might even have one to attend today. But while college and high school seniors tend to (deservedly) get most of the attention, we’re over here still giggling over these two viral videos of preschool graduates sharing what they want to be when they grow up. The little girls’ answers? “A pig who plays in the mud” and “a wicked witch.”
Must Reads
Speaking of witches, the Wicked: For Good trailer is out now — let the countdown to November begin!
Native Turtles Make a Slow and Steady Comeback at Yosemite National Park
Sidney Woodruff, UC Davis
It’s been a bullfrogs’ world at Yosemite National Park. The invasive species was introduced to the park in the 1950s, and due to the amphibians’ insatiable appetite for a wide variety of creatures, they’ve made it near impossible for native northwestern pond turtles to survive. On a mission to help the turtles make a comeback, researchers spent six years removing more than 16,000 bullfrogs, larvae, and egg masses from the park by scooping them up from the shore and water. The slow and steady effort has changed the park in more ways than one, as turtle hatchlings and juveniles have reemerged at last, along with several other native species that would have otherwise ended up in bullfrog bellies. The scene is “completely different,” Sidney Woodruff, lead author of a recent study about the conservation mission, told USA Today. She added: “We focused on the impact to turtles, but anecdotally, we’re out there and can see the change and response in the environment. It’s really exciting to see that, see what these sites should look like.”
Together With Timeplast
Meet the Genius Who Invented Plastic That Dissolves in Water
The world produces 450 million metric tons of plastic waste each year. Microplastics are seeping into our oceans and food. They even show up in our bodies. So you can imagine how revolutionary a new kind of plastic that completely dissolves in water would be. Thatʼs exactly what Timeplast created. The company patented a water-soluble, time-programmable plastic that vanishes without harming the environment. Major players are already partnering with Timeplast for its patented technology. Now, you can invest in Timeplast as it scales in its $1.3 trillion market. Become a Timeplast shareholder here.
This is a paid advertisement for Timeplast’s Regulation CF Offering. Please read the offering circular at invest.timeplast.com.
Health
Great-Grandma Was Given Breast Cancer Diagnosis at 100 — And Is Cancer-Free at 101
Endeavor Health
Layne Horwich’s breast cancer story starts like many others: She noticed a lump and went in for a mammogram, after which she learned she had Stage 1 cancer. But where her journey differs from most is that Horwich received her diagnosis at 100 years old. “I wanted it out,” Horwich told NBC 5, undeterred by her age. Thanks to her years of good health and active lifestyle, surgery was an option, so she underwent a successful lumpectomy and didn’t require chemotherapy or radiation. Less than one year later, Horwich is considered cancer-free and recently celebrated her 101st birthday. “It’s been a long road, and in general, I’ve been pretty lucky,” she said, noting she’s looking forward to spending more time with her three daughters, seven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Her oncologist, Catherine Pesce, explained that while many centenarians would probably forgo treatment options, Horwich’s story serves as a reminder that there’s no age limit to taking control of one’s health. “I hope women will see this story about her and learn it’s OK to continue being proactive about your health,” Pesce said. “In general, my advice is if I think you’re going to live another five years, keep getting mammograms annually.” If you needed a sign to schedule your next checkup, this is it!
Culture
A Glimmer of Hope for Asheville: Rare Blue Ghost Fireflies Boost Tourism
Roger W Downes Photography/Getty Images
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, daily living for those in Asheville, North Carolina, has been anything but easy. But one firefly species, known as the blue ghost, is bringing a much-needed tourism boost and a glimmer of hopeto the region. Every spring, the rare lightning bugs transform western North Carolina’s forests into sparkly wonderlands, drawing thousands of tourists to the Asheville area to see the magical phenomenon for themselves. And while there was concern about how the fireflies would weather the storm, the population seems to have held up. “It’s a huge morale boost to have people frequent our small businesses,” Nicole Will, of Asheville Wellness Tours, told the BBC. She added: “Almost anywhere you turn, you’re going to be supporting someone who has been through this traumatic period. And what we do all day, every day, is share [our community] and hope to connect people more deeply to Asheville and the region.” See the fireflies light up the forest.
Global Good
🏴 500,000 English children will be eligible for free school meals, a welcome “first step” in tackling child poverty (read more)
🇸🇾 In a sign of recovery, Syria’s stock exchange reopened this week after a half-year closure (read more)
🏴 Snowy summer? Scotland’s highest mountaintops are sprinkled with snow — see the serene scene (read more)
🇯🇵 Pollution breakthrough: Scientists in Japan developed a new plastic that dissolves in seawater (read more)
🇺🇬 Clay-based flooring is helping Ugandan families affordably upgrade the dirt surfaces in their homes (read more)
Inspiring Story
A stranger’s priceless gift
In 2003, Amy Connor went into labor 10 weeks before her due date and one of her twin babies needed a lifesaving blood transfusion. After reaching out to friends and family, 30 people came in to donate blood — and one was a match for the baby boy, who is now 22 years old and thriving. While Connor doesn’t know who saved her son James’ life, she has a message for them: “They are solely responsible for the fact that [James] lived, and the fact that he has grown up and that he will someday have a family. And I will never ever know who they are. I don’t think there are words to say thank you enough for something like that.”
Photo of the Day
Joe Giddens/PA Images via Getty Images
Today marks the 81st anniversary of D-Day, the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II. This sea of red poppies in Norfolk, England, bloomed just in time, with the flowers serving as a symbol of remembrance for those lost in battle. Learn how veterans across the U.S. are commemorating the Normandy landings today.
Nautilus: Science Stories You Can’t Get Anywhere Else
Feed your curiosity with Nautilus, a science newsletter for thinkers, seekers, and the endlessly curious. Each week, the free publication brings you beautifully written stories at the intersection of science, philosophy, and culture. Whether you’re a lifelong learner or just love a good mystery of the universe, Nautilus will challenge how you see the world — and maybe even yourself.
Please support our sponsors! They help us keep Nice News free. ♡
Up This Weekend
French Open Finals: Coco Gauff will go for her second Grand Slam win in the women’s finals tomorrow, while the men’s champion will be crowned Sunday
World Ocean Day:Find an event near you celebrating the June 8 “holiday,” which aims to inspire collective action for a healthy ocean and climate
Tony Awards: Broadway’s biggest night takes place Sunday, with Cynthia Erivo hosting at New York’s Radio City Music Hall — see who’s nominated
The Nice News merch collaboration with Because Weekend is all about celebrating optimism and making every day feel like the weekend. To help us spread that ethos beyond the inbox, shop our collection of T-shirts and sweatshirts here.
