As of 2021, there were more than 391,000 children and youth in the U.S. foster care system. Unfortunately, too many of those young people face abuse and neglect, and struggle with their mental health, physical health, and academic performance. Those are all signs of a broken system — and who better to fix a broken system than those who have been most affected by it? Think of Us is working to disrupt and rebuild child welfare in America by centering the lived experiences of foster kids, which makes it the perfect organization for Nice News to spotlight during National Foster Care Month in May. Learn more and consider donating here.
We’ve previously reported on the concept of “superagers,” or individuals over the age of 80 with the memory abilities of someone 20-30 years younger. But new research is continuing to surface on the mechanisms behind their exceptional memories. Emily Rogalski, who published one of the first superager studies in 2012, told The New York Times that a lot of the data around memory focuses on people with dementia and Alzheimer’s, but looking at superagers can be just as important. “If we’re constantly talking about what’s going wrong in aging, it’s not capturing the full spectrum of what’s happening in the older adult population,” she said. In a study published Monday, scientists built off of Rogalski’s previous findings, concluding that the brains of superagers have less atrophy and more brain volume in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex, two areas that are essential for memory, when compared to the average older adult. They were surprised to see that many other factors, like diet, sleep, and tobacco use, were consistent between the superagers in the study and the control group, which could indicate a genetic cause, neuroscience researcher Tessa Harrison said. While the experts continue working that out, check out some brain health tips from a neurologist.
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Culture
Disney Eatery Is the First Theme Park Restaurant to Earn a Michelin Star
Kent Phillips/Walt Disney World Resort via Getty Images
When you think of Michelin star restaurants, you likely imagine molecular gastronomy served in the trendiest neighborhood of a big dining city like New York or Paris (and maybe also The Bear). All that’s to say, roller coasters and costumed characters probably don’t come to mind — but maybe they should. Victoria & Albert’s, located at Walt Disney World’s Grand Floridian Resort, has become the first theme park-operated restaurant to earn a coveted Michelin star. Still, Victoria & Albert’s has more in common with other fine dining establishments than your average Disney food stand: There’s a strict dress code, a no-children-under-10 policy, and a $295 tasting menu (which doesn’t include the acclaimed wine pairing). “It’s an incredible honor to be recognized by Michelin for the innovative dining experience our team brings to life here at Victoria & Albert’s,” Chef de Cuisine Matthew Sowers said in a statement. “Everybody on our team earned this star, from our stewards to our culinarians to our pastry chefs, and we hope to inspire future generations of culinary professionals to follow their dreams.” See photos of the food and the interior.
Environment
29-Year-Old Honored for Working to Improve Air Quality in Her California Community
Goldman Environmental Prize
After years of grassroots campaigning, Andrea Vidaurre reached a milestone last spring: She successfully convinced the California Air Resources Board to adopt new regulations that curb trucking and rail emissions, thus improving air quality for residents. And this week, she was recognized for her work, becoming one of seven recipients of the 2024 Goldman Environmental Prize. Vidaurre grew up in California’s Inland Empire, which has some of the poorest air quality in the country, largely a result of diesel fuel emissions from the trucking industry. It wasn’t always that way though — in an interview with NBC News, the 29-year-old recalled happy memories of a childhood spent outside. “One day, you’re looking at a beautiful green field. The next year, you’re seeing giant concrete walls with trucks coming in and out all day, every day, spewing toxic diesel,” Vidaurre said. So she mobilized community members, collaborated with environmental groups and labor unions, and founded a nonprofit — the People’s Collective for Environmental Justice — to force state officials to take notice. And her victory last year was just the beginning. “This is going to transform the transportation sector,” Vidaurre said. “We’re not going to see it in a day, but in 20 years, we are going to have a completely different system. We’re going to have completely different neighborhoods.” Watch a video chronicling her story and her work.
In Other News
California now has one electric vehicle fast-charging station for every five gas stations, solidifying the state as a leader in the EV movement.
ICYMI: The 2024 Tony Award nominees are in — read the full list in preparation for next month’s show.
The Sports Bra, the trailblazing Portland, Oregon, bar that focuses on women’s sports, is planning to franchise thanks to a new investment.
Something We Love
Artfinder Do you have a blank wall in your home that you just can’t seem to find the perfect decor for? Try Artfinder.The site sells authentic, handcrafted art to suit a wide variety of styles and budgets and platforms independent creators from all over the world. With Artfinder, you buy directly from the artist, helping them make a living doing what they love.
Recommendations are independently selected by our team but may result in a commission to Nice News which helps keep our content free.
Inspiring Story
“I know what needs to be done”
In 2022, a video of Faye Taylor fending off a robbery outside her home in Oakland, California, went viral. Now, the 77-year-old great-grandmother is running for City Council.
Photo of the Day
NASA, ESA, CSA, K. Misselt (University of Arizona) and A. Abergel (IAS/University Paris-Saclay, CNRS)
Can you spot the animal in this space photo? It’s hard to tell here, but in some new close-up images shared by NASA, it’s obvious how the Horsehead Nebula got its name. The photos show the “horse’s mane” (aka the edge of the nebula) in unprecedented detail — check them out.
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Quote of the Day
“They say everything happens for a reason. I don’t know if that’s true, but I do know everything happens, and it’s up to you to maximize the reality of your situation.”
