The News Not Noise Letter: News That Doesn't Suck

Climate Action: Yesterday we told you about climate scientists worldwide who are pressuring nations to take more action on climate change. Today in the UK, climate activists blocked four bridges in London and blocked access to oil depots around the country. They’re demanding swifter action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Temperature Check: A bit of good climate news came out this week: we are on track to limit the global temperature increase to 2°C by 2100 if every nation meets their net-zero emission pledges made at the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference.

Florida Man… Does Something Great! Florida teen Jonathan Walker was accepted to 27 different colleges and offered $4 million in scholarships. In the words of NNN’s noise expert Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh, “Finally something good to report from Florida.”

Good Vibrations: Exhausted by the drama of the Oscars and the Golden Globes? Did you know that the Library of Congress also recognizes “culturally significant” contributions by US greats and without any known celebrity meltdowns. Their National Recording Registry annually inducts “25 recordings showcasing the range and diversity of American recorded sound heritage.” And they’ve announced their 2022 inductees. This year’s inductees are an unexpected mix, they include: “The Christmas Song” by Nat King Cole, “It’s a Small World” by the Disneyland Choir, “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen, “Livin’ La Vida Loca” by Ricky Martin, “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey, and full albums by A Tribe Called Quest and the Wu-Tang Clan. You can see the full list here.

Women’s Health: This week the WHO determined that just one dose of the HPV vaccine offers significant protection against cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women, and most cervical cancers are caused by HPV infection. This means the HPV vaccination can protect women, especially those with inconsistent access to healthcare.

Representation Matters: Studies show that K-12 students of color achieve more at schools with Black women principals. The less great news: black women are fewer than 7% of public school principals.

Moonshot: Now you can send your name around the moon. NASA is offering you an opportunity to add your name to the Artemis I launch by writing in to their website. It'll be included in a flash drive. Artemis I is the first unmanned test of the rocket which NASA says will land the first woman and first person of color on the moon.