In some of the nicest news of 2025 so far, beloved Big Bear bald eagles Jackie and Shadow had two chicks successfully hatch and live this month. Now, the organization that runs the live cam of the duo's nest, Friends of Big Bear Valley, is seeking the public's help in naming the baby birds. Those interested can donate $5 for one name entry, $10 for three name entries, or $25 for 10 name entries. Once the entries close Friday, the nonprofit will generate a list of top names that Big Bear elementary schoolers will have the opportunity to vote on. We'll keep you posted on the winners!
Scientists Discovered a Thriving Arctic Ecosystem Never Before Seen by Humans
Alex Ingle / Schmidt Ocean Institute
When you're a scientist on an expedition and you notice a Chicago-sized iceberg breaking away nearby, you change plans to find out what's underneath it. That's exactly what a team from the Schmidt Ocean Institute did in Antarctica earlier this year, and they found a scene that's in sharp contrast to what we may imagine when we think of the notoriously inhospitable continent: a storybook-like, thriving ecosystem. "We thought we might see some life there, but it was really surprising to see the degree to which life was thriving in such a hostile environment," the expedition's co-chief scientist, Sasha Montelli, told Scientific American of the site, which lies over 750 feet deep in Bellingshausen Sea. "And it wasn't just existing there but had apparently been sustained for a very long time." Using an underwater robot called SuBastian, the team found vibrant anemones, sea spiders, icefish, octopuses, and sponges, as well as plenty of new species that will take years to describe. "Because the Bellingshausen Sea is not much explored in terms of deep-sea biodiversity, we expect many new species from the expedition," said another co-chief scientist, Patricia Esquete. "And in fact, we have already confirmed some, including snails, polychaete worms, crustaceans, and even fish." Dive into the bright and bustling ecosystem.
Together With Brad's Deals
Unlock Amazon Prime Perks You Didn't Know Existed
For most of us, free shipping and access to exclusive shows and movies is enough to join Amazon Prime. But are you taking full advantage of all Prime has to offer? You might be surprised to discover a membership provides under-the-radar benefits like free music and podcasts, access to lightning deals, and Whole Foods discounts. Whether you're already a Prime member or considering signing up, click below to read about 10 lesser-known Prime benefits you should be using, courtesy of Penny Hoarder's deal-finding experts.
"We Need Them All Over": Women's Sports Bars Set to Quadruple in the US This Year
Amanda Loman/Getty Images
Is 2025 the year of women's sports bars? At the start of this year, there were six watering holes in the U.S. dedicated to playing women's sports on the TVs — but that number is expected to quadruple within the coming months, NBC News reports. So far this year, 17 such venues have opened or plan to in the near future. The locations range from big cities like New York and San Francisco to smaller spots like Cleveland and Pittsburgh. The boom aligns with the recent uptick in interest in women's college and professional sports, and many of the new bar owners cite Portland, Oregon's Sports Bra as an inspiration. The bar, opened by Jenny Nguyen in 2022, is believed to be the first women's sports bar in the country and is known for its welcoming environment. Molly Huyck is seeking to re-create that inclusive feel with SET the Bar in Omaha, Nebraska, which opened last Friday, just in time for the first weekend of March Madness. "I'm super excited to have a sports bar that feels good and a place where everyone's welcome," Huyck told NBC. The more women's sports bars the merrier, added Annie Weaver, who opened The 99ers Sports Bar in Denver in December. "We need them all over the United States. They need to exist everywhere. Everybody deserves to have a space like this." Check out a map of the current and upcoming women's sports bars in the U.S.
Culture
Parisians Say "Oui" to Making 500 Streets Car-Free
Foto Olimpik/NurPhoto via Getty Images
The City of Light is about to become even more flâneur-friendly: On Sunday, Paris residents voted to close 500 city streets to cars, clearing paths for pedestrians, bikers, and green spaces. This decision coincides with data showing that vehicle traffic in the city has more than halved since the turn of the century, and that bike usage jumped 71% between the end of COVID-19 lockdowns and 2023. "For the past 25 years, we've gradually been reclaiming public space for pedestrian traffic, for gentle traffic, and with 'garden streets,' to create lungs within neighborhoods, the places where we live," Deputy Mayor Patrick Bloche told Reuters. The initiative, approved by 66% of voters, will eliminate 10,000 extra parking spots in Paris, the same number of spots that have been removed since 2020. The next step will be to consult the capital's 2 million residents to choose the car-free streets. In the meantime, we'll be dreaming about aimless strolls with a baguette in hand.
In Other News
New MLB season, new ballpark menus: See the lineup of dishes coming to your favorite stadiums (read more)
An ultrasound treatment has given freedom back to a man who lived with a hand tremor for three decades (read more)
Researchers unearthed the first Roman aqueduct found in Slovakia, and it features a dog's paw print (read more)
The James Webb Space Telescope released an image of a budding star forming amid a plume of gas and dust (read more)
A new Yelp-like app allows unhoused people to review shelters, food services, hotlines, and legal aid (read more)
Something We Love
Toad&Co's Taj Hemp Matching Set Toad&Co's Taj Hemp collection is linen's laid-back sister — and it's exactly what your wardrobe needs this spring. The Taj Hemp Wide Leg Pant and Taj Hemp Button Back Tank are wrinkle-resistant and breathable enough to travel from plane to beachside. The matching set is made from a unique hemp and TENCEL™ fabric blend, which has a softer-than-linen feel that flatters without feeling stuffy, and packs down small for any adventure that comes your way. Nice News readers can use code Toad_NICENEWS25 for $25 off orders of $150 or more.*
*Indicates a Nice News brand partnership or affiliate
Inspiring Story
Hard work pays off (literally)
Hats off to 17-year-old Mantavius "Lebron" Presley! The senior at Douglas County High School in Georgia was accepted into more than 60 colleges and earned over $1.1 million in scholarships. The aspiring anesthesiologist went above and beyond in school, and credits his single mother as the inspiration behind his determination: "She is my biggest cheerleader," he said. "Always on the sidelines, always letting me know that she's here for me, if I have any questions, if I need any advice, if I ever just need a shoulder to lean on, somebody to cry on."
Photo of the Day
KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP via Getty Images
Washington, D.C.'s cherry blossoms are still a few days away from peak bloom, according to the latest predictions, but the pink flowers are beginning to reach their full glory in other locations. The above shot is from Tokyo — explore more stunning cherry blossom photos from around the globe.
Smart Home Innovator RYSE Grew 200% Year-Over-Year
Ring and Nest transformed home security and climate control — now RYSE is revolutionizing window shades. With over $10 million in revenue, 127 Best Buy locations, and a Home Depot expansion planned this year, RYSE is a leader in the smart shade market. The company's public offering is currently live at $1.90/share — invest now before the next growth phase (and receive 25% in bonus shares).
*Indicates a Nice News brand partnership or affiliate
Quote of the Day
"Never be afraid to let someone know if they brightened the room they just walked into. Or if something they said inspired you to change. … Say it. Always say it."
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