Department of the Interior moves to change derogatory US land names
We recently wrote about a California ski resort’s choice to change its derogatory name. Now, more sites around the US, specifically federal lands, will also get name changes as Interior Secretary Deb Haaland has ordered the department’s Board on Geographic Names to remove derogatory and racist Read More...
Sleep therapy linked to reduced risk of depression
Insomnia is a major contributor to depression, and unfortunately, 30 to 50 percent of older adults complain of insomnia. A new study from UC Los Angeles explored the connection between sleep and depression risk and found that sleep training therapy is highly effective at reducing depression and Read More...
Happy Holidays: A gift list from The Optimist Daily
“True giving from the heart is an expression of love.” Cara Stein With the holiday season in full swing, it can be difficult to navigate gifting in a way that celebrates loved ones while upholding our environmental and ethical values. Choosing gifts that are thoughtful, sustainable, and Read More...
Monika the rescue dog is up and walking again thanks to four prosthetic limbs
Veterinarians recommended that Monika the Russian rescue dog be put down due to injuries to her four legs, but rescuers Marina Gapich and Alla Leonkina had hope for the pup, and after contacting prosthetic expert and vet Sergei Gorshkov, Monika is officially up and walking again with the help of Read More...
The formerly incarcerated find employment and community at Down North Pizza
Philadelphia's Down North Pizza is famous for its Detroit-style square pies and secret, smoky tomato sauce, but back in the kitchen, the restaurant is doing more than just churning out great pizza. It’s also offering employment opportunities for the formerly incarcerated. Philadelphia has Read More...
Go Cubs: The inspiring story of California’s undefeated deaf football team
The California School for the Deaf in Riverside had never won a division championship football game in its 68-year history, but that all changed this year when the team not only won a championship game but also went 11-0 for an undefeated season. The success of the Cubs’ varsity football team Read More...
8 Ways to use avocado oil in your skincare routine
Avocado oil is a great addition to your kitchen as it is a healthy fat full of vitamins and minerals, but did you know this versatile oil is also great for your skin? Today we share eight ways to use avocado oil in your skincare routine. Makeup remover A couple of drops of avocado oil on a cotton Read More...
New biodegradable glitter lets you sparkle guilt-free
As sparkly and magical as it is, glitter is actually a form of microplastic, and even products that claim to contain biodegradable glitter rarely actually are. This is a difficult issue to tackle because countries would need to reach an international consensus about regulating it, but fortunately, Read More...
Happy Thanksgiving from The Optimist Daily
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Community school model gaining traction in Los Angeles Unified School District
Following a teachers’ strike in 2019, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUDS) has approved funding to turn 30 schools into community schools to better meet the needs of teachers, students, and their families. According to LAUSD, “This approach evolves the school site into a hub for Read More...