Nice News Today

In honor of the Fourth of July, today's episode highlights the "wish walls" featuring unifying messages about Americans' hopes for the country's future. It'll also get into the new study that found a surprising link between power naps and those elusive "aha!" moments, the elementary schoolers who invented a sustainable robot that's cleaning up beaches, and the cities and states raising minimum wages.

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Must Reads

• Minnesota was named the best state for summer road trips — see the rest of the list​

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• Some last-minute side dish recipes for those planning barbecues today

Environment

America's National Parks Are Precious — And They Need Our Support More Than Ever

Did you know that there's a rare orchid species only found in one U.S. national park — Florida's Big Cypress National Preserve? Or that there's a group of dogs assisting with important archaeology work at Richmond National Battlefield Park in central Virginia? And, in the spirit of today's holiday, did you know that there are five national park features named for the Fourth of July and its history?
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We wouldn't either, if not for the National Parks Conservation Association. The nonprofit is doing essential and timely work, with a stated mission of "protecting and enhancing America's National Park System for present and future generations."
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That includes sharing important work being done in the parks and spotlighting the wildlife that call these spaces home. It also means fighting for the more than 430 National Park Service-managed sites in the country — whether on the ground, in the courtroom, or on Capitol Hill.
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It's no secret that right now is a fraught time for the country's park system: Massive staffing cuts have made it more difficult for the remaining park staff who protect, maintain, and operate the parks. These spaces need our support more than ever — and donating to NPCA through Nice News' fundraiser is just one way to do that. Check out four more things you can do for parks right now.

Together With Babbel

Use Your Summer to Build a Skill That Travels With You Through Life

Heading abroad or staying home this summer? Either way, learning a new language is one of the smartest ways to invest in yourself. And Babbel makes it easy, with fun, practical lessons designed by real language experts, not AI bots.
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All you need is 10 minutes a day, wherever you are — on the couch, on a flight, or in between meetings — to start speaking a new language in as little as three weeks. Plus, Nice News readers can get 60% off for Babbel's Fourth of July sale.

Humanity

Immersive NYC Exhibit Poses the Question: "What Does It Mean to Be an American?"

Especially fitting for today, a free exhibit in New York City is focusing on what it means to be an American. Through August, visitors can meander through an outdoor art installation called "The Path of Liberty: That Which Unites US." It features large-scale portraits of more than 50 Americans alongside audio clips of their voices, as they share thoughts on democracy, liberty, freedom, and unity.
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The unique exhibition, hosted by the Soloviev Foundation, spans nearly seven acres at Manhattan's Freedom Plaza and features people from all walks of life, from a World War II veteran to a farmer, astronaut, and more. One central theme emerged from the collective, per the exhibit's website: "Being American is not defined by birthplace, religion, or heritage, but by a shared commitment to freedom, equality, and the pursuit of a better future."
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And while that pursuit isn't without its challenges, the installation's message is that the future can be bright: "This exhibition is a celebration — of who we are, how far we've come, and the boundless potential of what we can achieve together." Explore the featured stories.​

Culture

Farming Is in North America's DNA, Study Finds

How far back does intensive farming go in North America? Farther than many experts thought, according to a recent paper focused on a densely forested area of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. There, archaeologists discovered what might be the largest intact remains of an ancient Native American agricultural site in the eastern U.S.
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The millennia-old site along the Menominee River is not only vast, but also holds evidence that Indigenous farming practices may have been largely underestimated. "Traditionally, intensive farming in former times has been thought to be mostly limited to societies that had centralized power, large populations, and a hierarchical structure, often with accumulated wealth," Madeleine McLeester, lead author of the report out of Dartmouth College, told The New York Times.
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That's why researchers were surprised to discover a large network of raised garden beds across 330 acres at the Sixty Islands site, which was home to what was assumed to be a smaller, egalitarian Indigenous community. The site is also far north and not known for its ideal growing conditions, especially during the colder months, making it all the more impressive that the farmers could have produced large surpluses of corn and potentially other crops, such as beans and squash.
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The study notes the farmers likely made the most of the setting by growing crops seasonally, modifying the landscape to suit their needs, and adjusting the soil to make fertilizer.

In Other News

1. If you're among the 72.2 million Americans traveling this weekend, check out AAA's traffic forecast (read more)
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2. How do fireworks work, anyway? Learn the science behind their bright colors (read more)
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3. America's small towns are its backbone — read about 15 you should consider visiting this year (read more)
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4. One of the country's first Black churches is being rebuilt on its original site in Colonial Williamsburg (read more)
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5. Today can be stressful for pets: Here are tips to keep furry companions calm and safe (read more)

Inspiring Story

What's your wish for the United States?

Ahead of the country's 250th birthday next year, an artist teamed up with the nonprofit Made By Us to create "wish wall" installations — both online and in-person in 30 different cities — where Americans can share their dreams for the country's future. "I hope people can take away the comfort of a shared vision," said Katie Costa, the artist behind the project. "You are not alone in imagining something better for our country and communities." Take a look at some of the unifying wishes — and submit one of your own.

Photo of the Day

Is that a firework? No, it's Halitrephes maasi. The deep-sea species is often called the firework jellyfish because of its resemblance to the sparkly spectacles. Watch a video of the creature in motion.​

Cornbread Hemp Is for Daily Wellness, Moments of Delight, and Everything in Between

Cornbread Hemp crafts all-natural, full-spectrum hemp products that address the full scope of Americans' wellness needs: relief when they need it, relaxation when they crave it, and revelry when the moment is right. From beverages and gummies to oils and topicals, Cornbread has something for everyone. New customers can save 25% on their first order with code WELL25.

Please support our sponsors! They help us keep Nice News free. ♡

Up This Weekend

1. FitzGerald's American Music Festival: This festival in Berwyn, Illinois, is a celebration of Americana music; the 2025 lineup includes Lee Fields and The Wallflowers
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2. Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks: Widely considered the nation's largest fireworks display, the show will take place near the Brooklyn Bridge tonight (but non-New Yorkers can watch from home)
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3. National Cherry Festival: The annual event in Traverse City, Michigan, is about all things cherry — think: pie eating, pit spitting, and the naming of a National Cherry Queen
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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.

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Odds & Ends

❓ If convo lulls at the BBQ, pull out these trivia questions
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✂️ Hosting kids? Check out patriotic crafts anyone can make
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💲 Some ways to pocket extra cash without getting a second job*
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🎶 A playlist fit for watching fireworks
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​*Indicates a Nice News brand partnership or affiliate

Quote of the Day

"Freedom is something that dies unless it's used."

– HUNTER S. THOMPSON