The summer solstice is here! In 2025, June 20 marks the official start of astronomical summer (though we'll forgive you if you've been calling it summer since Memorial Day). Be sure to soak up the extra sunlight today — it's the longest day of the year in terms of daylight hours in the Northern Hemisphere.
Watermelon Jack-O'-Lanterns and Spooky Pool Parties? Welcome to Summerween
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Summer is here — and so are the witches, ghosts, and ghouls. Yes, you read that right: Summerween is back in full swing this year, bringing all the same tricks and treats Halloween fans love, just a little early. The quirky holiday originated from a 2012 episode of Disney Channel's Gravity Falls, in which residents of the fictional town celebrate Halloween not once but twice a year. Since then, Summerween has taken on a life of its own, and those who celebrate tend to go all out. Think: watermelon jack-o'lanterns, skeleton-themed pool parties, and mummified hot dogs. Even retailers are getting in on the festivities — Michaels just launched its 2025 Summerween collection last week. "Our customers' passion for Halloween is unmatched, and the incredible enthusiasm for last year's collections made one thing clear: We had to go bigger and bolder than ever before," Chief Merchandising Officer Stacey Shively said in a press release. So if you see shelves stocked with spooky decor alongside pool party supplies, don't say we didn't warn you.
Together With Quince
Effortless Summer Style, From Sunrise to Sunset
Summer means chasing golden hour, embracing slower days, and roaming somewhere new. However you're spending the season, summer staples like dresses, skirts, swimsuits, and sandals are a must for your wardrobe. And Quince has all the essentials to keep you feeling cool and looking effortless all day long. From breezy maxis to playful minis, Quince dresses are made from airy fabrics like organic cotton gauze and European linen, so you can move through your day with ease. At night, swap the daytime dress for a silk skirt paired with an Italian leather sandal for an elevated look. Headed to the beach? The brand's luxe, flattering swimsuits are just the thing. With Quince, you'll always look great from sunup to sundown.
Copenhagen Is Building a Model Metropolis for the Climate Change Era
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How do you build a more climate-resilient future? If you ask Copenhagen, the answer includes rain tunnels, spongy parks, and islands. The Danish capital started thinking longer-term about the climate following a devastating storm in 2011, NPR reports. After recognizing the threats of increased rainfall, rising sea levels, and storm surges, the city has since taken a proactive approach, launching creative initiatives to revitalize the city from the ground up. The "Cloudburst Management Plan," adopted by officials in 2012, is a $1.3 billion program designed to implement 300 flood-mitigation projects over two decades, such as underground tunnels that will channel rainwater away from critical areas and into harbors instead. Other projects include a human-made island aimed at protecting the city from storm surges and "sponge parks," i.e. green spaces designed to absorb and storerainwater while also irrigating lawns, trees, and flowers. Explore more of the blueprint for life on a warming planet.
Culture
Dun-Dun, Dun-Dun: "Jaws" Swam Into Theaters 50 Years Ago Today
Bettmann Archive/Getty Images
Exactly 50 years ago today, Jaws hit the big screen — leaving moviegoers forever changed by the power of two notes and, of course, the terrifying concept that a human-eating great white shark could be lurking on the horizon at. any. moment. While many of us remember where we were the first time (and maybe the last time) we saw Steven Spielberg's horror blockbuster, there are a sea of ways to re-experience it a half-century later. Tonight, NBC is sharing a three-hour presentation of the original film, featuring an introduction from Spielberg himself. And if that still leaves you wanting more, there's a big screen re-release slated for Aug. 29. Now, if you consider yourself a serious Jaws "finatic," there's also a summer contest with your name on it. The winner gets a massive slate of prizes, including a Jaws tour for two on Martha's Vineyard — the place where it all began. Enter, if you dare, here. (P.S. Though the movie is quite convincing, getting bitten by a shark is highly unlikely.)
Global Good
🏴 London's V&A Museum will host the U.K.'s first exhibition dedicated to the life of Marie Antoinette (read more)
🇫🇮 The world's largest sand battery is officially active in Finland — learn how it works (read more)
🇬🇷 Archaeologists discovered rare artifacts in Greece that offer new insight into Homer's Odyssey (read more)
🇸🇬 In Singapore, water polo-playing grandmas aren't holding back, in and out of the pool (read more)
🇪🇸 Poodle reporting for duty! Nilo, a 2-year-old pup, joined a lifeguard rescue squad in Spain (read more)
Something We Love
In the Meadow Ceramic Mixing Bowls These floral bowls make me feel like I'm on The Great British Baking Show. They're even more delightful in person, and I love that they're dishwasher, microwave, and freezer safe. I want one in every color! – Marika Spitulski, Writer
Life Rolls On is a nonprofit dedicated to helping people with disabilities surf, skate, and fish — and one of its upcoming events on the Jersey Shore will feature an extra special adaptive surfboard. A group of seventh graders with disabilities helped decorate a board with colorful, beach-inspired designs. "When people look at it, they'll know that kids did it, what they put into it," said Luke Alvarez, the middle school teacher who spearheaded the project. "It just makes me feel so good, being able to get the kids involved in something that they otherwise wouldn't have been able to get involved with."
Photo of the Day
Li Hongbo/VCG via Getty Images
Tuesday was a historic (and very sparkly) night in Chongqing, China. A whopping 11,787 drones lit up the sky, taking the form of a massive flower in an effort to set the Guinness World Record for the largest aerial image formed by the most drones.
Complete Your Summer Looks With Quince Footwear
The right pair of shoes can elevate an outfit from good to great — and Quince footwear should be your go-to all summer long. From strappy Italian leather sandals to work-ready flats and loafers and elegant heels, there's something for everyone and every look.
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Up This Weekend
Midsummer: The summer solstice is observed in Sweden as Midsummer, a celebration that begins tonight ("Midsummer Eve") and runs through the weekend for many Swedes
B Kinder Day: Inspired by Billie Kinder, who died at age 12 in 2016, B Kinder Day on June 22 is about "connecting people, being inclusive, and being kind"
Seoul International Book Fair: Korea's largest book fair began Wednesday and runs through Sunday — this year, the annual event completely sold out before opening day
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