Some of the most heartwarming examples of random acts of kindness are the little, day-brightening “Easter eggs” that strangers leave in public places for others to find, from whimsical unicorn figurines to Post-it note messages of encouragement. But this one might take the cake. Worry Worms are pocket-sized crocheted characters intended to provide relief from stress to those who find them — as was the case for a social media user who discovered one in a Michaels craft store in April. Learn how to crochet your own adorable Worry Worm to pass along here.
Featured Story
Bandle: The (Addictive) Daily Music Game That Could Dethrone Wordle
First there was Wordle, now there is Bandle. With a nod to the beloved word game in its title, the latter is a free app for music lovers that — while not yet as widespread as its predecessor — may be equally addictive. Following a similar structure as Wordle, Bandle has users try to guess a song in as few layers as possible. And it’s picking up steam across social media, with fans posting their attempts at solving each day’s puzzle. “I haven’t done any [marketing] at all whatsoever,” creator Johann Levy told NBC News. “I don’t have the budget for that anyway. It spread with word of mouth.”
With summer on the horizon, we have hydration on our minds, and that naturally brings us to LMNT. Electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium are essential for energy, as well as muscle and brain function. And LMNT has generous portions of them. The versatile electrolyte mix can help a wide range of people: fitness fanatics, hiking enthusiasts, busy parents on the go, and anyone else who wants to stay healthy and hydrated, especially amid warmer temperatures. It doesn’t hurt that LMNT’s various flavors make it easy to drink — use this link to get a free sample pack with any drink mix purchase.
Please support our sponsors! They help us keep Nice News free. ♡
This Week’s Top Stories
Culture
Inaugural Class Graduates From First Tribally Affiliated Med School
Oklahoma State University
It’s graduation season, which means that everyone from kindergarteners to doctoral students are donning caps and gowns. But one recent graduation in Oklahoma was extra special — and historic. The Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation is the first tribally affiliated medical school in the country, and it celebrated the graduation of its inaugural class of 46 students last month. “These students here are going to make a generational impact,” Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. told the students days before graduation, per PBS. “There is such a need in this state and in this region for physicians and this school was created out of a concern about the pipeline of doctors into our health system.” Hoskin was referring to the severe shortage of rural and Indigenous doctors in the U.S. — only 0.3% of active physicians are Native American, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. Approximately 20% of the OSU class is Native, hailing from 14 different tribes. “We knew we’d need to identify students who had a desire to serve these communities and also stay in these communities,” said Dean Natasha Bray. Hear from the recent graduates and read more about why the school is so important.
Environment
A Rare “Planet Parade” Is Right Around the Corner: Here’s What to Know
What a year it’s already been for celestial sightings. Between the total solar eclipse and the stunning aurora borealis displays, there have been many dazzling events reminding us to look up lately. And this week, another rare cosmic spectacle is taking place: a “planet parade.” Beginning tomorrow, Jupiter, Mercury, Uranus, Mars, Neptune, and Saturn (in that order) will line up in the sky. Per The Telegraph, an alignment of three or four planets is “fairly common,” but six planets aligning occurs less frequently. For those interested in catching the show, the alignment will be clearest around 20 minutes before sunrise on Monday morning, and binoculars or a telescope are recommended for optimal viewing, according to Newsweek. However, if you sleep through your alarm, the planetary parade will likely still be visible for a few more days. And although it isn’t expected to be as dramatic as other 2024 displays, we’re believers that any event that gets us out of bed to admire the heavens is a good one. Get all the details about the planet parade.
Health
Blood Test That Can Detect Colorectal Cancer Nears FDA Approval
Guardant Health
When you think of colorectal cancer screenings, a colonoscopy is likely the first thing that comes to mind. However, that could soon change, as a straightforward blood test that can detect the disease is getting closer to gaining approval by the Food and Drug Administration. Developed by Guardant Health, the screening method detected 83.1% of colorectal cancer cases in a clinical trial.And unlike other, more invasive tests, the procedure is done via a simple blood draw with no preparation on the patient end required. The majority of independent advisors at a recent FDA panel meeting concluded that the tool is safe and its benefits outweigh any risks, an important milestone at a time when colorectal cancer rates are rising among young people and early detection is essential. A decision on the tool is expected later this year — in the meantime, learn more about how it works.
Kevin Kwan is best known for his 2013 debut novel, Crazy Rich Asians, and its two follow-ups, but he’s also the author of another book series. Published May 21, Lies and Weddings is an “outrageous comedy of manners” and the second installment in Kwan’s newest trilogy. Set in Hawaii, Los Angeles, and England, it chronicles the inner workings of a wealthy family — including love, murder, and an affair — through Kwan’s trademark lens of social and cultural commentary.
Something We Love
Boy Smells Slow Burn Candle
We’re big fans of Boy Smells candles here at Nice News: Each member of the team owns at least one, and this is Assistant Editor Rebekah’s favorite. With a spicy, woody fragrance, the bestseller is a collaboration between the brand and Kacey Musgraves. “The ‘scentiment’ of Slow Burn is about pausing along the way to relax and enjoy exactly where you are right now,” the musician said. Listen to the song that inspired it.
We’re used to seeing news regarding Britain’s royal family splashed on our screens, but in 1953, televisions were still on their way to becoming household staples, and the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II was the first to bebroadcast live for millions to watch. The then-27-year-old had ascended to the throne over a year earlier following the death of her father, King George VI, and was officially crowned at Westminster Abbey on June 2. The BBC covered the monumental day with 11 hours of live programming. Watch highlights of the coronation, including rare color footage of the ceremony, and then check out 50 “little-known” facts about it.
Make Your Electrolytes Sparkle
In addition to LMNT’s hydrating drink mixes, the brand has introduced a new way to get your electrolytes with LMNT Sparkling. The bold, 16-ounce can of sparkling electrolyte water is now available in four flavors: Black Cherry Lime, Grapefruit Salt, Citrus Salt, and Watermelon Salt.
