Must Reads

• Dive into this love letter to public swimming pools
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• A lesson in nuance: How to move beyond seeing things as just "good" or "bad"

Science

There's Power in Feeling Hopeful, Study Finds

In a world that might often feel dominated by things that keep us up at night, holding room for hope can be easier said than done. But being hopeful doesn't just feel nice — it's key to bringing meaning to our lives, perhaps even more so than feelings of happiness and gratitude, recent research found.
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Analyzing six previous studies with more than 2,300 participants from myriad backgrounds, researchers at the University of Missouri studied a range of emotions, including amusement, contentment, excitement, and happiness. They found that hope goes beyond playing a role in goal-setting and motivation and stands out as "a vital emotional experience that enriches life's meaning," co-lead author Megan Edwards said in a press release.
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And having more meaning in life leads to other positive outcomes, explained fellow lead author Laura King: "Experiencing life as meaningful is crucial for just about every good thing you can imagine in a person's life. This cornerstone of psychological functioning is not a rare experience — it is available to people in their everyday lives and hope is one of the things that make life feel meaningful."
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While there's no one way to go about cultivating more hope, the university suggests paying close attention to the good moments — and when times are tough, remembering things can (and often do) change. Check out eight more ways to feel more hopeful, even during rough patches.​

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Environment

In a First, Orcas Were Spotted Using Kelp to Groom Each Other

Sometimes we all need a little help from our friends, and that holds true for orcas. For the first time, the fierce marine mammals were observed using seaweed to help groom each other, per a study published this week. Think: spa day, killer whale edition.
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Using a high-resolution drone, a team of researchers from the Center for Whale Research, Northeastern University, and the University of Exeter conducted aerial surveys to delve deeper into a critically endangered group of killer whales located in the Salish Sea. They found that the whales build their own grooming tools by breaking off the ends of bull kelp stalks and then rolling the seaweed against each other's bodies.
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"When you see the videos, the whales make it look so easy. But when you really think about it, using any kind of tool when you don't have hands, or any hand-like appendages, it's super crazy," co-author Rachel John told Popular Science. "They just use their teeth and the momentum of their body and awareness of where their body is in space and with their partner."
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The researchers noted that although the grooming behavior is a novelty to the scientific community, it seems fairly common for whales. "To me, this demonstrates not just the power of new observation methods but also how much we still have to learn about these animals," co-author Michael Weiss added in a statement.

Sports

"A Day of Joy": Kirsty Coventry Inaugurated as First Woman and First African IOC President

On Monday, Kirsty Coventry was officially inaugurated as the first woman and first African president of the International Olympic Committee. The 41-year-old Olympic swimming champion is also the youngest person to hold the position in over a century.
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"Today is a day of joy, the joy of passing the torch to a new generation," outgoing president Thomas Bach said during the handover ceremony at the IOC base in Switzerland, NBC Sports reported. The new role adds to Coventry's long list of accomplishments, as she's a seven-time Olympic medalist (including two gold medals), Zimbabwean politician, and mother of two.
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While she's already shattered glass ceilings, it's clear Coventry is just getting started. "We are guardians of the Olympic movement," she said in her address, per The Guardian. "And it's not just about a multi-sport event. It's a platform to inspire. It's a platform to change lives. And it's a platform to bring hope."

In Other News

1. Meet the teens who won coveted Jimmy Awards in recognition of their top-notch music theater talent (read more)
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2. For the first time since 2020, Ethiopians and Eritreans had the chance to reunite at a border reopening (read more)
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3. Shark Week is less than a month away: See what's slated for the 37th year (read more)
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4. Excavations in Virginia are shedding new light on one of the country's oldest schools for Black children (read more)
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5. A St. Louis-area doughnut shop has been crowned the best in America (read more)

Inspiring Story

Baskets of kindness

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Fourth grade teacher Dawn Ticarich is on a mission to make all her students feel special on their birthdays. So she started creating celebratory baskets filled with special gifts to remind them that "birthdays are a big deal." Ticarich added: "You're only a kid once and kids deserve that magic."

Photo of the Day

If you're reading this from the Midwest or East Coast, you're likely dealing with soaring temperatures from the summer's first heat wave (and maybe even fanning yourself right now). It's important to keep hydration top of mind, but splashing around at parks with water features, like the above scene in New York City, isn't a bad idea either. Here are some tips to stay safe in the heat.​

Final Hours to Invest in the Most Profitable Characters in History With Elf Labs

What happens when you combine over 100 character trademarks, patented AR technology, and a team with $6 billion in licensing deals? You get Elf Labs. The company building AI-powered 3D worlds where kids can interact in real-time with iconic characters like Cinderella and Snow White — right from their living rooms. Today, you still have the opportunity to invest in the Elf Labs vision. But act fast, the current round closes at midnight (and they're almost sold out).

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Odds & Ends

🌽 How did Dubuque, Iowa, become this summer's place to be?
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📦 A sweet farewell between a UPS driver and the pups he bonded with
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🆓 There's nothing better than free stuff*
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🍜 This new instant ramen flavor is bound to go viral

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*Indicates a Nice News brand partnership or affiliate

Quote of the Day

"If you feel you are in a black hole, don't give up. There's a way out."

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– STEPHEN HAWKING